THE CAMPUS
December 8, 2021 – Volume 115, Issue 15
JULIUS JONES CLEMENCY
Community rallies to support pardon plea
Jordan Iwuchukwu Black Student Association
Members of the OCU Black Student Association, above, lead a march to the chapel Nov. 18 to support a clemency plea for Julius Jones, who had been sentenced to death.
Carroll: ‘What does it mean to be in community?’ Anna Schmidt
NEWS ASSOCIATE
On Nov. 18, OCU students and faculty participated in a student-led demonstration in support of Julius Jones. At 12:45 p.m., students met in front of the OCU cafeteria to walk together across campus to attend the university chapel service at 1 p.m. Julius Jones was convicted for the murder of an Edmond man in 1999. Jones was granted clemency at noon on Thursday.
Julius Jones, who is now 41, was convicted in 1999 for the murder of a man from Edmond. Jones was scheduled to be executed at 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 18. At noon, an hour before the chapel service, it was announced that Governor Kevin Stitt had granted Jones clemency. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 for Jones’s sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment on Nov. 1. Governor Stitt waited until the day of the scheduled execution to
grant Jones clemency. Students planned the walk to the university chapel before the clemency decision was announced. The walk was led by members of the Black Student Association. The organizers invited all students to participate and asked students to wear black. After the chapel service ended, the Black Student Association planned to hold a demonstration at 2 p.m. Blake Uhlig Student Publications
CLEMENCY continues on 3
Dr. Talia Carroll, OCU vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, speaks in the Nov. 18 chapel service about the meaning of community and the need for understanding.
CAMPUS NEWS
University launches sanctioned Gold Star-signing tradition Blake Uhlig
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
An old university tradition has re-emerged with official university backing. Alumni and graduates will now be given an opportunity to sign the famous Gold Star. Megan Hornbeek, executive director of Alumni Engagement, organized the first official signing Nov. 6, during Homecoming. “Legend has it, students have been sneaking upstairs to sign the Gold Star building for decades, tracing back to the 1960s,” Hornbeek said. Alumni climbed to the seventh floor to sign their names. Accommodations were made in the form of a plaque for those unable to climb. “Moving forward, during graduation week, all new graduates will be invited to join the legacy of Stars who have established a strong foundation of which we can be proud,”
Hornbeek explained. At the signing, President Evans met with attendees, and watched them sign the star. Thirty individuals attended the event, including university leadership, student government, alumni, and members of the student foundation. The Gold Star building was originally constructed as a monument to recognize alumni that were killed in the second world war. “The signing of the Gold Star tradition honors the original memorial while creating an opportunity to recognize the grief, loss, and new beginnings that took place during the 2020 and 2021 graduation years,” Hornbeek said. Students who do not attend their graduation ceremony will be given an additional chance to sign the Gold Star building. However, graduates will not be allowed to wear their cap and gown to the seventh floor, officials said.
Ian Weston OCU Communications President Evans addresses attendees at the 2021 Reunion Giving Presidential Reception during Homecoming.
Student Sunrise Movement proposes OCU office of sustainability Blake Uhlig
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ten OCU students from the Sunrise Movement are leading a project to form an office of sustainability on the university campus. The office of sustainability would work to reduce the university’s environmental impact. Hundreds of OCU community
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members have signed their names in support. “An institution can’t in good faith claim to be preparing students for bright futures if it’s also knowingly fueling the destructing of those futures,” Nathan May said, one of the students behind the proposal. Catherine García, one of the students behind the
proposal, said the overarching goals of the office would be to understand the university’s environmental impact and to find ways to improve it. The proposal’s organizers stand behind a wide range of measures to reduce the university’s environmental footprint. One of the office’s objectives would be to increase
recycling, and to move the campus to 100% renewable energy. “It’s actually a pretty easy thing to do, and most schools around us are already running on 100% renewable energy,” García said. “The students hope the office would address food waste, compost, and energy efficiency.” According to May, OCU
PAGE 2: Sports
National cross country champion, runner-up reveal ‘secret’ to their running success.
Page 3: News
Campus community celebrates Native American Heritage Month with several events.
Page 4: Opinion
Our view: On Human Rights Day, we stand together.
Page 5: Arts
Reviewers express high praises for recent productions “Cabaret,” “House of Bernarda.”
students are in favor of creating an office of sustainability. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive.” May said. “Almost everyone we’ve talked to has been totally on board after just a few seconds of conversation.” At a student forum last spring, President Kenneth Evans said he would be in favor of the proposal.
“I’m less worried about the office of sustainability being established and more worried about how effective and fully funded it ends up being,” May said. García said she hopes the organization is led by a team of full-time staff members. “This way, the onus isn’t on students to get our campus to be sustainable,” she said.
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sports OCU BASKETBALL
‘Hoops! There it is!’
OCU Athletics Above, left, senior Abby Seltzer fights for a rebound at the Halo Classic Nov. 24. Right, senior Romario Spence works the boards against UMT Dallas Dec. 2.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
National champ, runner-up: ‘No secret: Dedication’ Samuel Usiade
BUSINESS MANAGER
Oklahoma City University men’s cross country team competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Nov. 19 at Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Wash. Cross country runner Zouhair Talbi, a junior, repeated as individual champion. Shimales Abebe, sophomore, took the national men’s runner-up title. OCU placed 10th in the competition. So, how did Talbi feel on the day of the competition? “Before I answer about how I felt on the day of the competition, I would like to point out that it was really our team’s goal from the start of the season to place our focus on the Nationals Race,” he said. “This way, we could make sure that we were in top shape by the day of the race. By placing my focus on the end goal during the season, I gained confidence for the Nationals Race before the day even arrived.” But - how did he feel? “When the gun went off, I felt really good from the start of the race and took the lead early in the race to push the pace,” Talbi answered. “Around the halfway point, I already had a good gap between the second pack and myself, which only gave me more confidence to
OCU Athletics OCU cross country junior Zouhair Talbi, right, finished ahead of the pack for the second year in the NAIA men’s cross country championships in Vancouver, Wash., Nov. 19. His teammate Shimales Abebe, sophomore, left, stuck close by for runner-up.
finish the race with.” What, and/or who, has motivated Talbi as an athlete at OCU? “I think the most considerable motivation has come from the support from my teammates and my coach,” he said. Talbi returned “from a successful season last year, where I had the chance to run the second-fastest 10-kilometer time in collegiate history and qualify for the Olympic games in Tokyo.” Further, he noted, “I was able to gain more respect for the sport that I am doing. This experience also gave me an increased motiva-
QUARTET Continued from 5
television. The same goes for ‘Poetic Justice’ and the album of 12 string quartets for the German company Music Sculptor.” Asked about co-composing with OCU alum Or Kribos, Knight said that their working relationship was very successful. “Shortly after our first collaboration, he and I talked about writing string quartets for commercial purposes,” Knight said. “Kribos and I work remarkably well together. Our musical vision and sensibilities are congruent, though we have varied skill sets.” The string quartet style of “Poetic Justice” was chosen so that the music could fit a wide range of commercial purposes. “The reason we decided to write for string quartet was the potential for a long ‘shelf life’. Unlike electronic and popular sounds and styles, the string quartet never really goes out of style—probably because it’s never really in style,” Knight said.
tion to dedicate my time to achieving my goals, which, in turn, inspired my teammates.” What is Talbi’s secret? How did he win this competition? “Now, I know you’re going to hate my answer to this question, but the secret is that there is no secret,” he said. “I train for hours on end. I run miles upon miles each week, building up to my major performances. “It takes real dedication to get to where I am today,” he added. “And, even though some people may believe that talent is the thing that takes you places, I believe that
According to Knight, composing this album was inspired by the classics, mainly by Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons,’ which has been used in movies, commercials, television shows, and advertisements. “Our goal was to create work inspired by the classics yet speak to a contemporary audience,” Knight said. Knight and Kribos wrote the quartets and formed a contractual deal with WCPM, then arranged for musicians in Hollywood to record the pieces. “We were not physically at the Los Angeles studio because of COVID, but were plugged in on Zoom and with Audio Movers [a technology that allowed us to hear exactly what the 5-time Grammy winning audio engineer was hearing]. The sessions were intense, yet thrilling,” he said. Knight will track who, where, and how the music is used commercially through ASCAP royalties. Tracks can be heard online, through the Warner Chappell Production Music website by searching for “Poetic Justice.”
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it takes time and consistency along with this talent to make it places.” What is Talbi looking forward to as an athlete? “The next stop for me will be the indoor track season, where I have to defend my national title in the 5000 meters,” he said. “I will try to break my previous national record here that I set during the 2021 indoor track season. “After this season, my time will come to an end here at OCU, as I am graduating in May,” Talbi said. “After graduation, my career will take a different direction as an athlete, and I will spend more time running and working towards bigger goals - such as the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.” Like Talbi, Shimales Abebe, the national runner-up, said he felt good about the race from the start. “Before the race day, we went to see the course and warm up for 30 minutes,” he said. “The terrain had hills, curves and was windy too. Most runners dislike such, but I just told myself that I need to do something great in this race. “On the day of the race, it was a raining a little bit, and I felt great and wanted to do my best. The race started well with Talbi and I doing some teamwork making sure we left the park behind us.” Shimales said he’s motivated just by being able to quickly find a place to run.
“Before I came to OCU, I lived in Los Angeles for a couple of years where if you wanted to go to practice, you have to drive for thirty minutes or even an hour. “In Oklahoma, you can drive for 10 minutes and you’d get a good place to run. My coach also tries to motivate in every possible way.” Like his champion teammate, Shimales says there’s no secret to success - just persistence. “There is no secret, it’s about hard work. “ If you practice hard, when you get to the race it will be easy for you. You don’t have to get so fast from the beginning; rather, you have to calculate your pace and maintain it so you do not get exhausted so quickly and fall behind. And, like Talbi, Shimales said he has even higher goals in mind. “I have a lot I want to achieve. My goal is to become a professional runner. The world championship is in 2022. I am not so sure I am ready for that but I will try my best to qualify. In 2024, I want to work hard to qualify for the Olympics. “It’s not easy to combine these with studies,” he concluded. “I will put in the hard work to achieve that. I also want to say thank you to OCU for bringing these great opportunities for us to run, my coach, teammates and friends for the motivation and support as well.”
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THE CAMPUS / mediaOCU.com To apply, email: editor@okcu.edu December 8, 2021
news
Campus community celebrates Native American Heritage Month William Peetoom
STAFF WRITER
Indian taco sales, Native law learning, and a Native American expo were all held on the Oklahoma City University campuses for Native American Heritage Month. November kicked off with homecoming week at OCU. The Native American Society president, Juliana Wahnee was a Native American Society (NAS) royalty nominee. The Indian taco sale was a major event at the beginning of Native American Heritage Month. The Indian taco sale is one of the main fundraising events for NAS. The group spends nights preparing, with these taco sales happening sporadically throughout the school year. The next event held during NAHM was at the law school,
where several panelists spoke on the McGirt decision. The McGirt decision was a Supreme Court ruling that states the Muscogee Nation’s reservation was never abolished. Professor Casey Ross, the University General Counsel for OCU, panelist for the event, and a member of the Cherokee nation, said “The event was a success! “The organizers … did a great job bringing together a group of folks from different vantage points to share perspectives. The event highlighted what the case stands for, and allowed participants to gain a better understanding of issues of criminal jurisdiction inside of Indian country.” Joseph Gutierrez senior game design and animation major and Vice President of the OCU Native American Society gave a land rec-
ognition statement at the interfaith chapel service. Gutierrez is a member of the Comanche and Kiowa tribes. “The land acknowledgement statements are important to me because they shine a light on the deep history of indigenous people – as well as letting everyone know that we haven’t forgotten the harsh and unforgiving laws and broken treaties. They let people know that we are still here and aren’t extinct like some might believe,” Gutierrez said. The Native American Society ended the month with an expo. The Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center was packed with tables full of Native vendors with blankets, shirts, bags, music, jewelry, and much more, with the sales totaling over $700. The NAS provided free Indian tacos for students and a raffle.
Laura-Sofia Granados Student Publications Kaycee Kernell and Jossue Medina pose in front of their jewelry table during the Native American Expo outside the caf on Nov. 30.
BSA leads Jones demonstration on campus Blake Uhlig
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A student-led demonstration regarding the execution of Julius Jones was held on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. The event was led by the OCU Black Student Association. SGA President Reid Powell announced the event on the university’s email server at 10:59 a.m. Powell attended the event as an audience member. “I don’t have specific notes. I don’t have a script, I just have a few words on my phone,” BreAuna Shaw, SGA secretary of diversity, equity and inclusion, said in an opening statement. She explained the events which had unfolded were too difficult for her to arrange in an organized format. “I really feel that for something like this, it is important to pause and have silence and space,” she said. On Nov. 18, hours before both the OCU demonstration and the scheduled execution, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2021-25 commuting ’s death sentence. “I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of the state of Oklahoma - Hereby commute the death sentence of Julius Darius Jones to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, on the conditions that he shall never again be eligible to apply for, be considered for, or receive any additional commutation, pardon or parole,” Stitt stated in Executive Order 2021-25. Shaw said Julius Jones was a 19-year-old OU student when he was convicted of killing businessman Paul Howell. In 2002, Jones was convicted of First-Degree Murder and sentenced to death. “It wasn’t until yesterday in the afternoon that me and a few other
students decided to come together to stand in solidarity. I think it’s important for something this heavy to be shared with the entire community,” stated Shaw. She said though she is expected to go about her day attending class and taking exams, she aims to remember that Julius Jones and the Jones family are still fighting for justice. She encouraged attendees to do their own research on the case of Julius Jones. “Today… less than four hours before 4 p.m., which was when Julius Jones was scheduled to be executed, we all received news that he has been commuted and will not be executed today at 4 p.m. but will serve life without parole. This is only the first step for Justice for Julius Jones,” said Shaw. The Julius Jones Coalition states “Julius has lived on death row for almost 20 years and is held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.” A Change.org petition to commute Jones’s sentence by the coalition has received 6.5 million signatures. “I spoke earlier on how hard this has been for me, personally. I know some people who know Julius, went to school with Julius, know someone in the Julius family,” Shaw said. “You may not know Julius personally, but you definitely know someone who does.” She then went on to explain her experience attending the demonstration the day prior, where she said she heard singing, participated in prayers, and listened to a speech by Jones’s mother. Shaw continued, “I remember hearing loud thumping noises as she was speaking and that was because as she was speaking, she was hitting the podium, she was very passionate. I am not sure how Governor Stitt could sleep last night but I can only imagine how many sleepless nights the Jones
family had.” Governor Stitt has previously bragged that Oklahoma is a beacon of freedom. “Welcome to the Great State of Oklahoma, where we believe in protecting and preserving individual freedoms,” Governor Stitt declares on the Oklahoma.gov webpage. Shaw held a moment of silence for two minutes to represent Jones being pardoned twice. “The truth is that Governor Stitt did the bare minimum and decided to choose life and now we’re off to the next steps. Right now, I feel hopeless, and I’m a bit puzzled on what took him so long,” she said. “I ask you really pay attention to our state. This is not just a Black issue, but an issue of Oklahoma and embarrassment to humankind.” “The same mistake continues to be made over and over again,” said SGA Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator Gladys Green. “[Jones was going to be] put down like an animal all the while screaming his innocence.” Green said she thinks often about the members of his family who have faced grief and sorrow. “I imagine my family, my brother, my father, and how I want a community to stand together.” Green went on to affirm that this is not the end. She said Governor Stitt is not the only person in power who will make the dire decision on someone’s life, someone’s family. “To be Black is to be constantly in a state of holding my breath and waiting for the ball to drop,” Green said. Shaw closed by saying, “I thank all of you for coming and continuing doing your research. Keep watch on what is happening to Julius Jones and his family. Julius Jones gets to live past 4 p.m. today, but the fight is not over.”
CLEMENCY
Continued from 1 Gladys Green, a member of the Black Student Association, said the tribute was crucial. “We think it is important we all come together in solidarity for Julius Jones and his family,” Green said. “The decision today gives us a sense of hope, but there is still work to be done. We are thankful for faculty and staff who have been supportive of this cause, and we are thankful for students who understand the impact of supporting this cause - for him and his family.” The walk began at 12:45 p.m. Students dressed in black carrying signs with messages of hope and support for Jones and his family linked arms to walk as a group. The group chanted and sang together as they walked downstairs in the student lounge, outside and up the steps leading to the sidewalk, and across campus to the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. Rev. Elizabeth Horton-Ware addressed the crowd, explaining that chapel services are planned months in advance, and can often change their tone based on new events. Following Rev. Horton-Ware’s opening remarks, Vice President of the OCU Native American Society Joseph Gutierrez stood and presented a land recognition declaration. The Land Recognition was followed by a Call to Community and response prayer, led by Elizabeth Gwartney. Next, OCU University Singers, directed by Tony Gonzales sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” After the musical arrangement, Catherine Hurd stood to present the Interfaith Reading - “The Master’s Tools” by Audre Lorde.
Dr. Talia Carroll, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was the interfaith speaker for the Chapel service. Carroll began by complimenting the choir and expressing her own emotions. Carroll entitled her speech “Let’s Not Miss Opportunities”. Carroll encouraged the audience to adopt a practice to handle the stress of many commitments and obligations. “You should not be a martyr for the world,” Carroll said. “You should be sleeping … eating. One person cannot do all the work and take all burdens on their shoulders to enact change without help.” According to Carroll, it is in the spirit of community and change that all people should hold space for those who are different or marginalized. “What does it mean to be in community with others? How do you define your communities? What can you be doing to promote diverse communities of belonging?” Carroll asked audience members. Dr. Carroll then instructed the crowd to make eye contact with someone. This acknowledgment across the room was repeated three separate times. After the activity, Dr. Carroll said: “This is community.” Dr. Carroll’s message was followed by an Interfaith Poetry Reading of Michele Bombardier’s Sequoiadendron Giganteum and OCU’s Highwomen sang a song of community. A message for Sharing Hope for our Interfaith Community was presented by Allie McMurry, Mikel Kendrick, Kohl James, and Jackie Guajardo. Reverend Horton-Ware then shared closing remarks, and the Chapel service concluded
COVID-19 positive cases up from last year Jones: ‘Last year, the university was in a more restrictive posture’ Anna Schmidt
NEWS ASSOCIATE
Comparing OCU’s COVID-19 case data from August–October 2020 to the same months in 2021 showed an increase in positive cases. Total positive cases for students, faculty members, and contractors for the 2020 time frame was 61. Compared to this, 2021 showed a total of 81 for the same statistic. The data for 2021 also reflected how many students and faculty members in this total of 81 positive COVID cases were fully vaccinated (no contractors contributed to the total for 2021). The statistic’s increase may seem incongruent with the OCU Alert Level staying green, which symbolizes a low alert, for this frame of 2021 months. Throughout the 2020 time frame, the alert level demonstrated more severe gradients, yet the objective number of cases was lower when compared to this year. Rod Jones of OCU Media Relations provided insight into these statistics and how considerations of alert level and campus protocols are impacted by December 8, 2021
positive case numbers. “The number of positive cases is not the only factor to consider when making a determination regarding health and safety protocol,” Jones said. The change in alert level reflected the overall campus concern for COVID-19 mitigation protocols and the risk posed by the virus to individuals. This year, in stark contrast to fall of 2020, vaccines are widely available to students. This contributes to the lower alert level, in spite of higher case counts. “Last year, the university was in a more restrictive posture related to health and safety protocols. Social distancing was implemented in all classroom settings as well as outside the classroom. Event restrictions were also in place. Remote learning and working options were also widely available,” Jones said. “This year, the university is operating at full or near full capacity, with few restrictions for events although additional safety protocols are in place, social distancing is recommended when practical.” Likely the largest factor in positive cases increasing was the return to more
standard campus activities this year, after a restrictive 2020. As students had the opportunity to attend more classes, events, and large gatherings in person, the risk of transmitting the virus increased. Additionally, Jones suggested that individuals who were fully vaccinated may have made more bold or risky decisions, opposed to prior decisions that would prevent the spread of a virus, feeling more confident because of their vaccinated status. The positive cases in 2021 demonstrate nearly half of the positive student cases were individuals who were fully vaccinated. Another contribution to the rise in cases was the Delta variant of the virus. “The Delta variant is also at play this year which is even more contagious than the original and alpha variant, even among the fully vaccinated,” Jones explained. Finally, one possible contribution to the higher case rates this year is the implementation of proactive residential testing. In Fall 2020, this was not occurring.
Blake Uhlig Student Publications This graphic shows the ratio of COVID-19 cases at OCU this fall semester through October to the cases over the same time period last year
Students who may have tested positive for COVID19 may not have experienced strong enough symptoms to be tested, or may have attributed symptoms to another cause. Some individuals experience no obvious symptoms
from the virus. Proactive testing has prevented positive cases from going unnoticed. This suggests the lower positive case count in 2020 may not have fully and completely reflected the data for the time 3
opinion IN OUR VIEW
Stand with us on Human Rights Day
Student Publications serves with the belief that human rights are universal Violations of human rights can be committed anywhere and against anyone. Everyone regardless of race, color, religion, and identity is entitled to these rights. We often view ‘western’ and ‘developed’ countries as bastions of these rights. While this is usually true for majority populations within a country. It is not always the same story for minorities. The United States has a history of disregarding the human rights of people within its borders and abroad. A person’s financial and social capital are not valuations of their worth. The borders between which one lives should not mean a person is entitled to any fewer of these basic rights. Neither does the distance of
the violation mean the person’s suffering is any less important. It is not right to tear down one group of people solely to build up another. The utter disregard for the human rights of individuals across the globe reflects the worst parts of humanity. The free press plays a key role in acknowledging violations of these rights. The press is the conduit of information to the public. It is the duty of the press to inform the public of violations of human rights. When the press places ratings before victims, it places profit before morals. On Human Rights Day, we stand together as one people, united in the hope that we will overcome these challenges.
Anette Barros-Torres Student Publications Members of the Black Student Association stood up for human rights at the Julius Jones demonstration Nov. 18.
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS
Windholz: ‘We do better when we have breaks’ The fall 2021 semester brought some return to normalcy after a year of Covid-19 mitigation on campus, which required significantly limited campus activities, and virtual classes and meetings. This semester, with most classes being held in person, rehearsals and performances taking place again, and campus activities such as in-person homecoming reinstated, some students are feeling a sense of burnout. Madison Noelle Chang, junior dance management major, said the re-institution of in-person homecoming, philanthropy weeks, and performances contributed to her feeling of burnout.
“I feel like the burnout comes from adjusting to the transition back to in-person learning and events,” Chang Schmidt said. “I’m glad we do have these opportunities, but going through this transition while still facing the impact of COVID-19 is something that we’re all learning to navigate again.” OCU Director of University Counseling Mindy Windholz defined burnout as “reaching a physical and or emotional point of exhaustion as a result of demands
and responsibilities that are no longer supported by previous coping skills.” According to Windholz, addressing burnout in oneself is important. “Ways to address burnout are first identifying that burnout is occurring,” Windholz said. “Being able to accept that things may be getting harder to do does not mean one is not capable of completing all the tasks, but rather that a break is in order.” When asked about advice for handling burnout, Windholz recommended speaking about these feelings with someone. “Finding a supportive friend, mentor, counselor, caregiver, etcetera
and receiving support and validation, as well as suggestions to help to prioritize tasks and figure out next steps can be beneficial,” Windholz said. In addition to the relief one can feel from speaking about these feelings, Windholz stressed the importance of taking breaks from activity in order to recharge. “Remember that being busy does not have to have moral connotations and that we [as humans] do better when we have breaks and can re-evaluate,” Windholz said. Windholz argues that a return to more campus normalcy has potentially lessened the sense of burnout in students by allowing
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS Q&A
University officials share holiday advice
Evans Q: What advice do you to share with students over the holidays?
Nelson Q: What advice do you to share with students over the holidays?
A: Everyone in the OCU community is looking forward to the holiday season. I hope that all of our students will study hard, do well on their finals, and then have a safe and enjoyable break. Be vigilant and continue to mask against COVID-19 and the flu. Maintain all the other practices we’ve used to mitigate illness like social distancing and washing hands. Get your COVID vaccine or booster and your flu vaccine as well. I hope you are able to celebrate with friends and loved ones and get a lot of rest during the long break. I intend to ring in the New Year with my own family while continuing to monitor my health and actions to keep everyone around me as safe as possible. If we do this, we can enter the spring semester and beyond knowing that we are keeping our community healthy and successful. I look forward to seeing you all in 2022. Kenneth Evans president Oklahoma City University
A: There are so many things to talk about when it comes to holiday safey. Students should enjoy the holidays, but they should also be careful to avoid problem-situations and pitfalls that could not only derail their holiday, but also their plans for the future. The biggest problem we see in law enforcement during the holidays is increased consumption of alcohol and recreational drug use. While these problems occur year-round, we often see an increase during the holiday season. Alcohol and drug use is not isolated to college and universities, but consumption is often higher among college and university age students. College is a time for young adults to explore life, to figure out who they are, and to determine their pathway in life. That new found freedom has long been associated with the use of alcohol and recreational drugs. The holidays often serve as an excuse for some to let their guard
THE CAMPUS
Photographers: Annie Bragg Laura-Sofia Granados
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Holiday tips
1. Avoid distracted driving with your cell phone. 2. Get a good night’s sleep before traveling on the roadways. Sleep driving is very similar to drunk driving. 3. Don’t place open flame candles near combustibles. 4. Avoid eating foods that have been sitting out for more than two hours.
Alcohol and drug abuse warnings
1. Don’t drive after drinking, smoking, or ingesting mind altering drugs or alcohol. 2. There is no way to sober up any faster than your body is able to do so after drinking alcohol or ingesting drugs. 3. Driving is not the only way you can be significantly injured while intoxicated. 4. Your chance of becoming a sexual assault victim increases greatly when you are intoxicated. 5. Hydrate with non-alcoholic beverages and eat food to slow the absorption of alcohol. 6. Recreational drugs, even medical marijuana, is not regulated. You never know what you’re getting. 7. There is no acceptable level of marijuana use allowed before driving. It’s all impaired driving. 8. Stay in the company of people and friends that you actually know and trust. Look out for each other. 9. Don’t be pressured into drinking or using drugs. 10. Nausea and vomiting is your body’s way of telling you you’ve had too much to drink. 11. Drugs and alcohol can cause you to forget about other dangers like Influenza (The Flu), Covid-19 and its many variants, Hepatitis, and STDs, Dexter Nelson police chief Oklahoma City University
A world full of human rights abuse! • Afghanistan: A crackdown on individual freedoms in Afghanistan limits free will. LIBERTY IS A HUMAN RIGHT • China: A tightly restricted press and highly censored social media limits access to information. INFORMATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT • Ethiopia: A blockade has sent hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans into famine. FOOD IS A HUMAN RIGHT • France: Islamophobia in France has led to an increase of hate crimes against Muslims. RELIGION IS A HUMAN RIGHT • Libya: Refugees traveling through Libya face detention and lethal force. ASYLUM IS A HUMAN RIGHT • Mauritania: Many Mauritanians and individuals trafficked from outside of the country are destined to a life of slavery. FREEDOM IS A HUMAN RIGHT • Myanmar: The genocide of the Rohingya people has displaced hundreds of thousands. LIFE IS A HUMAN RIGHT • Russia: The imprisonment and assassinations of opposition leaders poses a threat to free and fair elections. DEMOCRACY IS A HUMAN RIGHT Blake Uhlig mass communications senior
The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published by the Student Publications staff online at MediaOCU.com, and printed monthly during the academic year.
December 8, 2021 • Volume 115, Issue 15 Editor-in-Chief: Blake Uhlig Managing Editor: Anette Barrios-Torres Photo Editor: Mackenzie Shaw Broadcast Editor: Shelby O’Brien News Editor: Ava Karas News Associate: Anna Schmidt
down, take risks, and overindulge in the celebration. Alcohol and other drugs decrease inhibitions and judgement and can lead to reckless behavior with longterm consequences. My hope is that our students enjoy the holidays and avoid situations that could threaten their lives and their future success. As your Chief of Police, I meet and correspond with college, local university, and municipal police chiefs in the metropolitan area on a regular basis. Alcohol and recreational drug use is one of the biggest challenges we all face. Oklahoma City University’s ultimate goal is to prepare all learners to create, lead and to serve their communities. The human brain is not fully developed until approximately age 25. Continued use of alcohol and recreational drugs can unknowingly damage the most important tool that you have to accomplish your mission as an OCU graduate.
them to participate in their passions of performance. “Especially in the performance world, I believe students are feeling more invigorated by being in performance spaces with audiences again.,” Windholz said. She said taking time for relaxation and rest can help students make it through the last weeks of the semester, before a longer break can offer relief from school burnout. Madison Noelle Chang said she manages this feeling by “binging my favorite 80’s movies and lots of snacks!” Anna Shmidt dance management senior
Staff Writers: Elizabeth Heffernan William Peetoom Natalie Turner
The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to editor@okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Suite 121 of the Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition. The first copy of The Campus is free. Each additional copy costs 25 cents. All contents copyright © Oklahoma City University Student Publications, 2021. All rights reserved.
December 8, 2021
arts SCHOOL OF THEATRE
Home for the Holidays: Already sold out! Natalie Turner
STAFF WRITER
The American Spirit Dance Company presents “Home for the Holidays - A Gift of American Dance” Dec. 9-12 at the Kirkpatrick Fine Art Center. The show, directed by Jo Rowan, is an annual OCU tradition. Home for the Holidays is a festive celebration of American dance. All dance productions were done virtually last year; but this year, Home for the Holidays returns to a live audience. The American Spirit Dance Company is a part of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance. Rowan founded the company, and still directs it today. This year’s show features 130 dancers, ranging from freshman
to seniors. Dance numbers include Here Comes Santa Clause, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Man with a Bag, Magical Time of the Year, and Never Fall in Love with an Elf. The dancer’s costumes were designed by Rowan and Jessica Telfer. Professional seamstresses and student workers worked on their construction. The Oklahoman describes the show as a “dazzling array of everything from tap and jazz to ballet and Broadway, all displayed in a fast-paced, entertaining program.” All performances are already sold out, a day before opening night, due in part to distanced seating. The American Spirit Dance Company will present their Spring Show in March.
Student Publications file photo
American Spirit Dance Company performers from a previous year’s Home for the Holidays show strike a festive pose.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Professor, alumnus release string quartet album Anna Schmidt
NEWS ASSOCIATE
Poetic Justice Edward Knight & Or Kribos 2021, Warner Chappel
On Nov. 15, the album “Poetic Justice,” co-composed by music professor Dr. Edward Knight and alumnus Or Kribos was published by Warner Chappell Production Music (WCPM). The album features nine tracks of modern string quartet music.
According to Knight, the majority of his composition work prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was for live performances in the concert hall. When the pandemic halted live theater, Knight shifted his focus to commercial compositions. “Though live music was at a standstill, the commercial music field continued. So, I ventured into exciting new
possibilities in an ever-expanding media landscape,” Knight said. Since the start of the pandemic, Knight has composed several commercial works. These include Warner Music Entertainment Logo Music, RODEO FX Legacy Showreel music, an album of 10 String Quartet Arrangements of classic pop music. Knight also composed a 12-piece al-
bum entitled “Power Within,” published by the German company Music Sculptor. All of these compositional works were completed prior to the more recent album, “Poetic Justice.” All of Knight’s compositions are meant for commercial use, meaning that his music will be a staple of Warner Music Entertainment. “The Warner Music Enter-
tainment ‘logo music’ will be heard every time the WME logo is presented—on television, movie theatres, websites, and more,” Knight said. “The 10 string quartet arrangements of classic pop music [Warner Chappell Production Music] may be heard in film and on all media platforms, including QUARTET continues on 2
STAFF REVIEWS
Bernarda director: ‘This cast was incredible’ Ava Karas
NEWS EDITOR
The School of Theatre presented “The House of Bernarda Alba” Nov. 11-14. Written by Federico García Lorca, it is regarded as one of the greatest modern Spanish plays for its relevance and lyricism. The play chronicles widow Bernarda Alba and her five daughters who hold to a traditional eight-year mourning period, during which no one can leave the home. Only the young and vivacious Adela manages to sneak out and find a suitor. Laura Tapia, psychology and theatre and performance junior, directed “The House of Bernarda Alba.” “Working on this show
was an experience full of learning and discovery,” Tapia said. “It required a deep study of the text, because there is a lot of nuance to understanding the tragedy.” According to senior acting major, Lauren Smith, who played Adela, the process was intense. “This play is obviously very emotionally taxing,” Smith said. “We really had to take care of each other as a cast, and that enabled us to form deeper connections.” To alleviate the emotional toll, Tapia found several creative exercises to help the actors feel more comfortable. “We did meditation exercises where we learned to separate the character from the acting, and added some
flexibility to the calendar to loosen up the schedule,” Tapia said. “I also had some cookies at times, and even created a ‘PJs only’ rehearsal.” Tapia said though the subject matter is intense, the theme of feminism was presented in such a way that made it pertain to today. “Often with period pieces we don’t realize how relevant their themes still are,” Tapia said. “Showing such extremes really challenges that notion.” According to Smith, performing such a vigorous show allowed for growth and a greater understanding and appreciation for acting. “When I initially read the script, I didn’t like my character,” Smith said.
Hal Kohlman School o� Theat�e
The cast of “The House of Bernarda” enact one of the challenging scenes from the production.
“But I learned to understand her place in the show, and embrace the challenge.” “For me, the biggest thing I learned was asking for help, and listening to the actors and their needs in protecting and embodying their charac-
ter,” Tapia said. “This cast was incredible, and I’m so lucky I got the opportunity to direct them.” “The House of Bernarda” was a Stage II production. Unlike mainstage productions, Stage II productions
use small, intimate spaces and minimal props and scenery. Next season, Stage II will present “The Normal Heart,” “The Pillowman,” “An Enemy of the People” and “Six Years Old.”
Cabaret was both ‘bubbling and haunting’ Anette Barrios-Torres
MANAGING EDITOR
OCU School o� Theat�e
Cabaret featured Cooper Clack as Emcee and Oliva Fosson as Sally Bowles.
December 8, 2021
The weekend of Nov. 5 -7, OCU’s Wanda Bass School of Music presented one of Kander and Ebb’s most celebrated gems as the Fall spotlight production. “Cabaret” is set in pre-WWII Berlin and follows a troubled and charming nightclub girl, Sally Bowles, and Cliff Bradshaw, an all-American writer. They navigate around to the famous Kit Kat Club. Through its entirety, it is guided and narrated by electric and ominous Emcee, who takes the story through the transition to Nazi Germany at the final moment. Most of the show’s actors were double cast. Olivia Fosson and Abigail Brock shared the role of Sally. Austin Jones and Gabriel Carton shared the role of Cliff. The Emcees, both brilliant standouts in their own right, were played by Allie Millburn and Cooper Clack, and each led their own army of Kit Kat dancers – including Caroline Morath, Olivia Reiter and Simón Gomez-Villegas. One of my favorite parts of the show was the choice to cast both
versions of the Emcee with actors who were gender-queer. Allie Millburn absolutely dominated the stage with their hauntingly commanding presence and undeniably electric persona, mentioning in their bio how much it meant to be freed by a role like this one. By the same token, Cooper Clack dazzled with their artistic sense of dance and laser focused intentions throughout. The Kit Kat girls were a massive driving force through the entire show, lighting up the stage every time they sauntered on. Kassidy Weideman was a standout as Helga, taking up space as only she can, and always with a hint of cheeky humor. One surprising show-stopping number of the night was ‘Two Ladies,’ performed by the Emcee(s), Rosie(s) and Bobbi. Dazzling with Catherine García’s creative and saucy choreography, the number’s casts both brought the house down and provided some much needed comedic relief from the darkness that comes with a show like this one. Karen Miller, assistant director of opera and music theatre and director of Cabaret used her time
and vision with this piece to tell a story of humans, of warning and of possibilities, both good and evil. When I spoke to her during intermission, she said she noted how many people recount the happenings of Nazi occupation and WWII with intense wonder. Miller said her goal was to take this opportunity was to highlight the ‘how’ something as wild and charged as this happens, all while telling the story through deeply flawed, deeply human characters. The final and most stabbing moment of the show left every audience member completely silent. The last scenes demonstrates what it was like as the Nazi party grew in Germany, and as the Emcee sang, he grabbed the old German flag, ripped it down the middle and crumpled it. Once it was thought to be over, they revealed an American flag and placed their fingers over the top with an eyebrow raise that dared to ask ‘what this one was ripped, too?” The final light went out on this image. Thought provoking, bubbling and haunting all at once, OCU’s Cabaret was, above all, wonderful theatre. 5
life
Holidays with the Stars
Finals Week cannot dampen Stars holiday cheer ... for semester’s end brings glowing lights and festive sights!
Laura-Sofia Granados Student Publications
Above, left, nursing senior Luisa Torres and fellow students help themselves to a hot chocolate bar outside the caf Dec. 3. Above, a student shows off her own hot chocolate creation. At left, and above, volunteers and members of the Jewish Stars welcome students of all backgrounds to celebrate the end of Hannukah.
Mackenzie Shaw
Student Publications
Top, one of the blue “light trees” decorating OCU’s campus glows before the Gold Star. At left, even President Evans gets into the holiday spirit with these trees in his front yard shining a colorful light near campus. Above, the blue light of OCU’s holiday decorations brings a festive glow to campus.
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December 8, 2021