[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE PAISANO 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
anniversary of the Paisano, the student newspaper at the University of 
Texas at San Antonio, UTSA. The Paisano is the oldest independent 
student newspaper in the State of Texas. In January 1981, the first 
issues of the Paisano were distributed to the UTSA community. A quarter 
of a century later, the Paisano often publishes 7,000 to 10,000 issues 
a week for the downtown and 1604 campuses.
  Because UTSA is a young school, student enterprises like the Paisano 
were important in creating a sense of community. Other schools have 
longer histories but few have more school pride. Students know that the 
Paisano is their forum to celebrate their college years and examine 
their community and world.
  Put simply, students run the paper. They write the stories, sell the 
advertising, and create budgets for the paper. But they receive neither 
college credit nor compensation from the university for their efforts. 
Yet, the invaluable experience of running a business has compensated 
them far more than a paycheck ever could.
  Through the Paisano Educational Trust, dedicated students, faculty, 
and staff publish the Paisano. All overhead for the paper's 
publication, including rent, equipment, utilities, and printing costs 
are funded through advertising revenues. Countless hours of student 
work have kept this paper operating.
  Many of the former student staff now serve San Antonio and south 
Texas in numerous capacities. They are school teachers, writers, 
journalists, editors, accountants, lawyers, website creators, hotel 
managers, and environmental researchers. Over these last 25 years, they 
have helped transform San Antonio into the vibrant city poised for 
greater things on the verge of the 21st century.
  The Founders knew that a free press was essential to democracy as a 
medium for free expression. The Paisano allows students to voice their 
concerns and to articulate their disparate experiences. This newspaper 
has provided a forum for students to participate in the give-and-take 
exchange of ideas vital to an academic institution and our society.
  As UTSA continues its transformation into a flagship university, I 
expect that the Paisano will continue to reflect the richness and 
diversity of the student body and South Texas. Today, I celebrate their 
first 25 years and wish them many more.

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