My fellow Scorpions, for my last President’s Corner, I would like to shamelessly utilize this forum to thank some of the people that had a major role in shaping the person I have become.

First and foremost, the two loves of my life, Crystal Olivo and Rose Marie Alvarez. 

Crystal is an angel on Earth and a ray of sunshine on the cloudiest day. The world is a better place simply because she is here and inspires me to always strive to be a better person. Her accomplishments here at UTB/TSC have been honored time and again, but her tireless exuberance and devotion to helping others surpasses any honors that could ever be bestowed. Although our paths will soon part, I will never forget you, Crystal, and you will forever be a role model for me.

Rose Marie is my confidant, my buddy and my cherished friend. Rose is tenacious as a bulldog, yet beautiful as a butterfly. Words can’t express what a special person you are to me, Rosy. I wish nothing but the best for you, Jorge and your daughter. 

Now for the professors and staff who have made a major impact on my personal development:

Professors Russell Adams and Angelika Soldan, who have inspired real thought and paranoia in me concerning the manipulation that forms the environment we live in. Seriously, I could have gone my whole life without the tidbits of knowledge they passed on. Professor Lauran Schmid, who has done everything in her power to ensure that my, at times, creative interpretation of generally accepted accounting principles doesn’t land me in federal prison; I promise I will consult a reputable CPA before getting funny with my taxes.

UTB/TSC President Juliet V. García (yes, she did teach a class), who taught me that, at times, an unrelated story conveys more information than simply getting straight to the point. Professor Steve Lovett, who taught me that getting straight to the point, at times, relays more information than an unrelated story.

 Professors Pablo Rhi-Perez and Manuel Alcocer, who unwittingly taught me the art of statistical manipulation, and Professor Edith Galy, who figuratively took a ruler to my knuckles for practicing the art. Professors Karen Betancourt and Mark Blakemore, who have exemplified that you don’t have to be a blood-sucking bottom feeder to be a lawyer. Professor Yong-Kang Wei, who came all the way from China to teach English and taught me there are 60 different ways to use a comma.

Professor Mimosa Stephenson, with whom I have not had the pleasure of having a class, but is simply a wonderful person that I can’t bring myself to roast.

And last but definitely not least, all of the staff and administration who have diligently taught me the pleasures of dealing with bureaucracy. Thank you, one and all.

Thank you, everyone, for making this the best experience it could be.

Sting the finals!

Matthew Kendall
President, Student Government Association