Everything Nac

Area elementary students explored fire trucks and ambulances, interacted with snakes and tarantulas, and built gliders out of straws and notecards during Stephen F. Austin State University’s Little STEM Jacks.

Hosted by the STEM Research and Learning Center, the program provided an immersive learning experience for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Students rotated between classrooms, learning physics, biology and nursing concepts.

“With its hands-on learning approach, each student who attends Little STEM Jacks is able to interact with STEM professionals to learn more about different disciplines within STEM and potential career options,” said Adrienne Aul, STEM Research and Learning Center programs coordinator.

Suddenlink by Altice is the official partner of Little STEM Jacks.

“I am so thankful Suddenlink was able to play a small role in helping students experience the incredible STEM opportunities at SFA,” said Curt Allison, community specialist with Suddenlink. “It was really exciting to see the young students excited about STEM.”

To learn more about the STEM Research and Learning Center, visit sfasu.edu/stem.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University alumnus George Bedar, chief information officer for LA Fitness International, will share practical lessons learned working in the STEM industry at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in the Cole STEM Building, Room 401.

Bedar will describe many personal experiences and observations he has made over the course of his career.

“The goal of the presentation is to encourage the audience to consider these lessons now and in the future to help them apply them in their own way to be better leaders,” Bedar said.

He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in computer science from SFA. Serving in his current role with LA Fitness for 14 years, he leverages technology to improve efficiency and accuracy of business processes, simplify administrative activities, increase membership skills, enhance member experience and reduce operating costs.

“My experience and education at the university as a graduate student undoubtedly enabled a gratifying career in technology leadership,” Bedar said. “I hope, in some humble way, that I can return the favor by sharing some of my experiences with other students.”

The presentation is free and open to the public.

For more information about SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics, visit sfasu.edu/cosm.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host Noche de Gala in celebration of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

“Noche de Gala is a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month event that focuses on celebrating the diverse identities that exist within the Latinx community,” said Andrea Flores, OMA student ambassador.

This year’s keynote speaker is Cassandra Alicia, founder of the popular online Latina feminist social media page @Xicanisma. She will discuss the indigenous Latinx community.

Alicia, an El Paso resident, said she started Xicanisma in 2014 to disrupt oppressive narratives through critical analysis and humor. She wanted a place for Chicanas and Latinas to express their views and opinions online and create a community, though she said it has now grown into a place to highlight the struggles of all marginalized groups. Since its creation, the page has expanded across Instagram and Facebook, gathering more than 205,000 followers.

In addition to managing Xicanisma, Alicia is a community organizer and outspoken advocate for Latinx rights. She also is the cohost of the Bitter Brown Femmes podcast, which offers critiques and commentary regarding social justice, pop culture and Latinx issues.

Noche de Gala attendees also will have the opportunity to learn more about the diverse Latinx culture by listening to Latinx music and watching performers, as well as viewing a Latinx art gallery and tasting Afro-Latinx-inspired cuisine.

Tickets are available online through the OMA Marketplace at bit.ly/2KO3PqD or in person at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Admission is $2 for students with a canned good or $3 without, $10 for faculty and staff members, and $15 for community members.

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/oma.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.