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Regents tour new residence hall during special meeting by Lynda Bryant Work, News Editor Members of the South Plains College Board of Regents took a tour of the new residential facility during a special meeting held on Dec. 1. Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of South Plains College, pointed out the progress on the building as they walked through the kitchens, living spaces, and front lobby. He said the foyer area still needs work, but it will be ready for the Open House that is scheduled for Jan. 5. “The furniture should begin arriving Dec. 12 through Dec. 16,” said Dr. Sharp. “Rooms should be put together by Dec. 16 and be set and ready to go by the Christmas break.” Jim McCutchin, owner of McCutchin Construction in Levelland, added that work on both wings is progressing. The rooms are ready for furniture, and the foyer will be completed shortly, with carpet and the large windows being installed. “We will certainly be through by Dec. 24 or Dec. 25,” said McCutchin. Cathy Mitchell, vice president for student affairs, said there are approximately 50 students wanting to move into the 102-bed hall. She added that once the currently-enrolled students have made a decision to move in or not, it will then open up to incoming students. “We have taken some students over to see the new facility,” said Mitchell. “They walk away ready to move in. Students will be allowed to move into the new residential facility on Jan. 9. Other dorms will be open on Jan. 10.” Dr. Sharp said that each Board member received a letter from Nathan Tubb and from his son, Dr. Terry Tubb, expressing their appreciation for naming the new residential facility “Tubb Hall.” Mike Box, chairman of the Board, said that Tubb “was surprised and deeply honored” when he received the news. The Open House and official dedication for “Tubb Hall” will be held on Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. at the new building on the SPC campus. Dr. Sharp also reported on the plans to begin renovating the older residential buildings , as well as on the progress on the Allied Health Building at Gentry Square. “Once students move into Tubb Hall, furniture will be moved out of the older facility,” said Dr. Sharp. “At that time, repairs and renovations will begin. We plan to get as much done as possible. If we can help students live on campus, we will.” “They are sheet rocking the building,” said Dr Sharp. “The front of the building has not been sealed yet, but they will be doing this shortly.” In other business, the Board discussed the “Goods-in-Transit” exemption (the local option to tax). Dan Hook, a Levelland attorney, explained that during the 2011 special session, the state legislature acted to limit the exemption to goods that are stored in a public warehouse owned by someone other than the owner of the goods. The law no longer exempts goods that are in a location for assembly, manufacturing, fabrication or processing. He went on to say that for school districts and other taxing units, action had to be taken by resolution. “The resolution does not affect South Plains College significantly,” said Hook. “Nothing is on the roll to tax at this time, though there may be in the future.” The Board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. Other resolutions brought to the Board for consideration were on the resale of property. Dr. Sharp said there were two properties that the city had received bids on, He said the property located at 218 Pecan Street had a bid of $2,000, and the other at 1422 Adams Street received an offer of $500. The Board voted to accept both bids on those properties. Dr. Sharp also reported that the annual Christmas tree lighting went very well. “We had a great crowd at the tree lighting,” said Dr. Sharp. “We had a lot of families and kids attend, and everyone had a great time.” |
Renfro crowned Miss Caprock 2012 by Brittani Hammock, Staff Writer To be crowned Miss Caprock is an honored tradition at South Plains College. There were 19 young women representing campus clubs, student organizations and residence halls in the 54th annual Miss Caprock pageant. The pageant was held on Nov. 18, and all the seats were taken in the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio in the Creative Arts Building as people waited to see who would be crowned Miss Caprock 2012. Contestants had to be active members of the club or organization that they were representing, not be on academic or social probation previously or currently, have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 and be a full-time student. Julie Gerstenberger, mistress of ceremonies, started the pageant off by letting the girls introduce themselves as they showed off their after- five wear. While the girls went back to the dressing room to change into their evening wear, Gerstenberger introduced the audience to the escorts for the girls, Brent Partain and Jacob Perez. The contestants stunned in their evening gowns as they walked across the stage while Gerstenberger shared their plans for college, what they want for their future after college, and one of their favorite quotes. After evening wear, the judges deliberated to determine the top five contestants. During the intermission, the crowed was captivated by the voice of Whitney Quick as she sang a few songs. The judges returned to announce the top five and ask the finalists a randomly-drawn interview question to determine the winner. When the tough interviews were over and the judges calculated scores, Gerstenberger introduced Miss Caprock 2011, Victoria Van Zandt, a sophomore pre-veterinary major from Whiteface. Finally, after a long pause, the results were announced. The fourth runner up was Gabriela Avila, 20, who represented the Press Club, followed by third runner- up Jennifer Hall, 18, who represented the Cosmetology Center, and second runner-up Berenise Gonzalez, 20, who represented the Hispanic Student Organization. Out of the two girls remaining, Brittany Benton, 18, who represented North Sue Hall, and Savannah Renfro, 20, who represented South Sue Hall, one would be first runner-up and receive a $300 scholarship and the other would receive a $500 scholarship and be crowned Miss Caprock 2012. The crowd cheered as Renfro was crowned Miss Caprock 2012. Renfro stunned in a yellow polka-dot gown as she was given her sash and crown. Born on Oct. 8, 1991 to Earl and Louise Mary of O’Fallen, Mo., Renfro, graduated from Whiteface High School and aspires to attend Eastern New Mexico University to study early childhood education. In the future, Renfro said that she hopes to become a pre- kindergarten teacher. She adds that her dream in life is to have a steady teaching job and to stay close to her family. Renfro says she was asked to participate in the pageant and was excited to compete for the scholarship. “It was a lot of fun, and I worked really hard for it, so I’m glad I got it!” Renfro says. She says that she hopes to, “represent South Plains College and Miss Caprock, and go around to schools and high schools to tell them about SPC and what we offer.” She continues, “I used to live in Levelland, and I didn’t know half of the stuff that was offered at SPC, and I live right in Whiteface.” She says that she wants to share more about the Activity Center, all the intramural sports that are offered and about the rodeo team. Though she is not a member of the college’s rodeo team, Renfro says, “Rodeo is kind of my thing. I barrel race, and I love it!” The pageant had many memorable moments, but Renfro says her favorite memory was “getting to know everyone, because you think everyone is one way and they turn out to be a completely different way.” She adds, “I liked the girls a lot.” Renfro admitted to being nervous about the interview question because of the large crowd and the pressure. “I’m not a very good crowd person,” she says, “so when I got an easy question I was really excited.” Renfro’s favorite quote from 1 Corinthians 10:13 is encouraging and will help her with her reign of Miss Caprock. “God is faithful. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. But with your testing, you’re also provided a way out, so that you will be able to endure it.” |