The University of Texas-Pan American is celebrating its 10th anniversary Sept. 26-Oct. 1 of educating Hispanic youth about the many opportunities available to them in the STEM careers. UTPA and U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) started the weeklong conference to encourage Hispanic students in the Rio Grande Valley to pursue STEM-related careers, since employees in those fields are in high demand.

Mariel Robles wants girls to know that engineering is not just about fixing or designing cars. It also is an industry that needs their input.

"We lack the female perspective in science and innovation," said Robles, a 2006 UTPA graduate who earned a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering. "Everything is designed by men for men."

Read more: HESTEC celebrates 10 years of innovation

South Texas College’s Theatre Department has returned with its second full season of productions for the Valley community.

“We are bringing a little bit of everything from suspense to drama, comedy and romance to the stage this year,” said Joel Jason Rodriquez, STC drama instructor. “All of our productions feature our very own STC theater students cast alongside community members, creating a unique mix of talent that will impress even the most discerning theater pallet.”

The season opens with Steven Dietz’s, “Dracula,” running Oct. 13-16. Neil Simon’s “Rumors” follows Dec. 1-4. In the spring, 2012, the department presents George S. Kauffman and Moss Hart’s “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” Feb. 23-26, and the season ends with the department’s Academic Co-Operative Studio Production of Don Zolidis’ “The Brothers’ Grim Spectaculathon,” May 3-6.

Read more: STC 2011-12 theater season opens Oct. 13-16

It’s a day to enjoy man’s best friend – Fido. “Dog Days of Summer Are Over” will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Mission Sports Complex, located on South Shary Rd at the Sharyland Plantation in Mission. This free admission event runs from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

If you have a dog, grab a leash and come on down and enter one or more of the contests. If not, just come on out and enjoy the fun. Registration to enter the competition will be held on-site from 8-10 a.m.

The lineup of events kicks off with a Dog Parade at 9:30 a.m. followed by a number of contests, including Small Dog Muttsquerade (costume contest for dogs under 35 lbs.), Large Dog Muttsquerade and Pairs Muttsquerade (two dogs in themed costumes). Other dog competitions will include Best Trick, Quickest Retrieval, Waggiest Tail, Spazziest Dog, Ugliest Dog and Pet Owner Look-alike contests. Prizes and trophies will be awarded the winners.

Read more: ‘Dog Days of Summer Are Over’ is Saturday

MCALLEN – The McAllen Artwalk will kick off its season tonight at 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown McAllen. The event ends at 10 p.m. and will be held the first Friday of every month through May.

Visitors will have the chance to browse sidewalk vendors and venues along Main Street showing and selling everything from paintings and handcrafted jewelry to music. Entertainment will be held at some venues, on the sidewalks and McAllen’s Music After Hours will be held at Archer Park.

Read more: McAllen Artwalk returns tonight