Calling all creatives

The Southwest Borderlands/ Mexican American Studies Program is holding a T-shirt designing competition. 

“[The program] is an interdisciplinary program that combines two focus areas. First, it explores the complexities of borderland spaces, including the distinctive political, economic, labor, cultural, music, food and linguistic practices in border zones. The program focuses on the U.S.-Mexico border, and specifically on the South Texas region, but it also thinks about what makes borderland spaces and exchanges so unique on a larger conceptual level,” Dr. Liliana Rodriguez, co-coordinator of the SWBS/MAS Program, said. 

The t-shirt designing competition is open through May 1, which is the last day for students to submit a design. 

“We are asking students to visit our website to learn more about the program so that they can get a better sense of what they should include in their design…basically anything that encompasses and captures the main elements of our program, anything that pertains to the borderlands and Mexican American Studies is welcomed,” Dr. Christine Reiser-Robbins, co- coordinator of the SWBS/MAS Program, said.

The winning design will be used for the program’s website and the winning student artist will get credit and be able to add it to their resumes. 

“I love to draw and I think I will probably give it a go and see if I can come up with a design. I think it will be fun,” sophomore Velen Leonor said. 

Dr. Rodriguez and Robbins are most excited to see the talent that TAMUK students have to show off.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the creative talent of our students, but more importantly, we are excited to see students engage with this program as they seek resources and opportunities to better inform their understanding of what a Southwest Borderlands/Mexican American Studies minor can do for you,” Rodriguez said.  

Students can submit their designs at SWBSMAS@tamuk.edu

There are more upcoming SWBS/MAS events that students should be on the lookout for. 

“In addition, we welcome students to participate in our upcoming student showcase, a collaboration between TAMU-K, TAMU-CC and Del Mar College,” Rodriguez said.  “We also have an upcoming four-part lecture series in honor of National Women’s History Month beginning the 25th of March.”

For more information about the SWBS/MAS program you can visit https://www.tamuk.edu/artsci/departments/psyc/minors/swbs.html .