April 24 by MediaOCU

THE CAMPUS April 24, 2019 – Volume 112 Issue 26

A YEAR OF

Breaking Barriers Shattering the glass ceiling President Martha Burger speaks at her inauguration Nov. 1 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Burger took office July 1 as OCU’s 18th university president and first female president. She is about to complete her first academic year in office. Burger is often seen around campus at sporting events, performances and universitywide activities. Burger hosted a diversity and inclusion student listening session on Feb. 6 and a financial matters student listening session on March 1. During her time as university president, Burger has worked to further online learning, diversity and inclusion, fundraising, and the core values of the university. Elina Moon Student Publications

Editor-in-chief reflects on year, growth Wow! Summertime is upon us, folks! This academic year has absolutely flown by. Your parents and professors aren’t joking when they say that each year of college goes by more and more quickly. This point in the semester can be scary for some seniors embarking on their next adventure, exciting for the juniors who are about to become seniors and simply blasé for those returning next year. Regardless of the many feelings and emotions across campus, pride is one I encourage everyone to feel. We attend a university that has its issues, just like any other campus across the nation. Regardless, leaving is bittersweet, whether it be for the summer or forever. That, my friends, means your time here has not been a waste. It’s a blessing to miss something that feels like home. I will quote my trusty pal “Winnie the Pooh” here when I write: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?” The campus has been a “home away from home” for me the past four years, and I find preparing to forever leave the university difficult. The people on campus make my goodbye the most difficult, especially the family I have found in the nest we call “the Newsroom” (also known as the place the editors secretly live). I began working for Student Publications as a sophomore, where I served as a staff writer for one semester, was promoted to web editor and served as the editor-in-chief for this academic year. My time on staff has brought some of my greatest challenges and resulted in my most significant growth as a journalist, leader and person. While it has never been an easy feat to be EIC, it has been one of the most precious experiences of my college career. My predecessor Miguel Rios was a wonderful example of what an EIC

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should be, and I drew a lot of my inspiration from his leadership. For that, I’m grateful, and I felt confident even through my fear. My time on the editorial board has brought me some of my best friends and most admirable mentors. The many hours we spend together during pagination and the editing process in the Newsroom without killing each other is a testament to the Nicole Waltman deep bond we have. The collaboration editor-in-chief and loyalty that flows through this group emeritus of people is unstoppable. To my dear editors, Emily W., Chandler, Elina, Emily J., Paul, and Jessica, (and I guess Harrison too, even though he graduated early), I cannot thank you enough for having my back in any situation and showing me nothing but respect. I have laughed my hardest and smiled my widest in your presence. I never hesitated to be myself and always knew I would be accepted. You all know that this has been the hardest year of my personal life, and you stepped up and showed me true friendship, while still maintaining professionalism and passion for this news entity we all adore. Thank you a million times over. To the future editorial board, thank you for proving yourselves already. I have full faith in your ability to succeed. To the staff, thank you for your dedication to Student Publications, your ed board, each other, and, most importantly, the campus community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and your futures are bright.

page 3 A&E

Sports

By Editor-in-chief Nicole Waltman

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Elina Moon Student Publications

OCU a�chives

Setting records

To our adviser, Kenna Griffin, thank you for keeping us motivated and never letting us down. I could write a book about all of the things I’ve learned from you, and I know I’m not the only one. I will never take your passion and dedication to your job and this publication for granted. You’ve shared some of my most important journalistic life lessons with me, and I will miss your mentorship greatly, but, in all honesty, I know it will never go away. I’ll probably call you yelling after I get my first job. To our readers, thank you for supporting the truth in our reporting and the goal that we have for The Campus. You’re the reason we keep going, and I hope you continue your support. To the students and officials I’ve had the pleasure to interview and work with, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to speak with me and give Student Publications insight. You helped us in more ways than you know. Lastly, to the critics, thank you for taking the time to read our content and engage with the things you disagreed with. You helped us become better journalists and learn how to deal with opposition in new ways. Your criticism, whether constructive or not, motivated us to improve and believe wholeheartedly in what we stand for, which is seeking truth. Even the nasty comments and rumors pushed this staff for the better. I will never forget or regret my time with Student Publications. This job, that isn’t acknowledged by many, will always be what I’m most proud of. Now, on to the next adventure, y’all.

Empowering women

Lifestyles

Hope Melton Student Publications

Celebrating tradition

Coach Brian Harvey coaches players at a game on Nov. 13, 2006. Harvey set

The cast of The Wolves takes a group photo. The production was one of many

Dr. Amy Oden, religion professor at Saint Paul School of Theology, speaks at

the record this year for most men’s and women’s soccer wins in NAIA history

all-female plays produced by TheatreOCU this year. It was performed Jan. 31

the 50th anniversary celebration of Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel on Nov. 8.

at 799 wins. The soccer field was renamed to honor him.

to Feb. 3 in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

Ad Astra women’s chorus and the symphony orchestra performed.

M MEDIAOCU.com

Rebranding SGA

The Jewish Stars

Like us on Facebook at MediaOCU

Get details about Student Government Association’s new brand Learn about the Jewish Stars’ response to racist vandalism

Summer Storage

Read about housing officials providing storage for students

breaking barriers in sports Reaching milestones Bo Overton, head coach of women’s basketball, watches as Junior Center Taylor Sylvester shoots a free throw at the Feb. 21 basketball game against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. Overton reached a milestone in January of winning 100 games at the university. The team ended their season with an overall record of 33-5 after finishing as runnerup in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I women’s basketball tournament championship. It was the team’s second national title game appearance in three years. The men’s basketball team won the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament March 2 in a game against John Brown University. Hope Melton Student Publications

Serving up a win Freshman Defensive Specialist Isabel Harwell serves the ball at a game Sept. 11 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The team won first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament for the third consecutive year in a Nov. 10 game against Elina Moon Student Publications

Blocking it

Texas Wesleyan University. The Stars won by one point. Santiago Restrepo, head volleyball coach, is leaving the university to coach at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkan-

Junior Forward Keilah Ayum goes for the ball at the Sept. 1 soccer game against Our Lady of the Lake Uni-

sas. He led the team to the National Association

versity at Stars Field. Brian Harvey, head men’s and women’s soccer coach, scored the most wins in National

of Intercollegiate Athletics championships this

Association of Intercollegiate Athletics soccer history at 799 wins. Harvey began coaching at OCU in 1986 and

year. Athletic Director Jim Abbott will start a

is said to have brought soccer to Oklahoma. The Stars’ soccer field will be renamed “Brian Harvey Field” in

national search for his replacement.

honor of Harvey in time for the soccer season in August. The women’s soccer team finished this season with an overall record of 11-3-2. The men’s soccer team ended with an overall record of 11-5-0.

Carolann Stout Student Publications

Winning championships The men’s cross country team won their fourth national title Nov. 16 at Seminole Valley Park. Their other national titles are from 2013, 2014 and 2015. Head Coach Matt Aguero won National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coach of the year. The men’s and women’s cross country teams both won the Sooner Athletic Conference championship Nov. 6. Cou�tesy o� OCUspo�ts.com

Cou�tesy o� OCUspo�ts.com

Setting records Senior Runner Aminat Olowara set an OCU record and earned the top time in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics this season in the 5,000-meter race Cou�tesy o� OCUspo�ts.com

at the Mt. San Antonio College Relays on Friday at Murdock Stadium at El Camino University in Torrance, California. Her time was 15 minutes and 48.48 seconds, beating the second-best NAIA time this year by 54 seconds and the OCU record by 12 seconds.

Putting to victory

Olowara, Senior Runner Sheridan Hoyer and Junior Runners Anysia Romain and Delaney Mayo won the women’s distance medley relay title in the NAIA women’s indoor

The women’s golf team won the Sooner Athletic Conference on Saturday at Lincoln Park Golf Course. The win marks the team’s 16th SAC

track and field championships. The competition was March 2 at the Sanford-Jackrabbit

title and seventh league championship in eight years. The team will compete for their ninth national title at the National Association of

Athletic Complex at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. The win

Intercollegiate Athletics championships May 14-17. The men’s golf team competed in the SAC championship tournament Monday and

was the third national crown in OCU history for the women’s track and field team.

Tuesday. The results were not ready at presstime.

THE CAMPUS

The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published Wednesday during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and exam periods.

April 24, 2019, Volume 112, Issue 26

Editor-in-chief emeritus: Nicole Waltman Editor-in-chief: Emily Wollenberg Associate Editor: Dru Norton Copy Editor emeritus: Chandler White Copy Editor: Paul Dower Photo Editor emeritus: Elina Moon

Photo Editor: Clara Foster Community Manager: Jessica Vanek Web Editor: Luke Barrett Staff Writers: MaKayla Baxter, Erik Hamilton, Francesca Iacovacci, Hope Melton Columnists: Caroline Hawthorne, Amanda Miller Photographers: Carolann Stout,

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Kylie Sullivan, Hope Melton Videographer: Emily Haan Ad Director emeritus: Emily Jones Ad Director: Maddie Bowes Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

ters 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 stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

April 24, 2019

breaking barriers in a&e

Celebrating achievements Onnika Hanson, acting senior, performs as “Henrietta Leavitt” in TheatreOCU’s Stage II production of Silent Sky. The play is about the life of Henrietta Leavitt, an early-20th century astronomer at Harvard College Observatory. The production included a primarily female cast with one male actor. It was directed by Guest Director Lindsay Rae Taylor. The play highlighted the discrimination women face in the workplace. Leavitt wasn’t allowed to insert any of her own ideas into her work when she first began at the observatory, but she eventually ended up making important astronomical discoveries and establishing a scientific law. Elina Moon Student Publications

Challenging gender norms

Elina Moon Student Publications

Mallory Scheidel, acting junior, portrays “Cassius” in TheatreOCU’s adaptation of Julius Caesar, directed by D. Lance Marsh. Many of the roles traditionally written for male performers were genderbent, including “Casca” and “Decius Brutus,” among others. The classic Shakespeare play was set in 1960s America, creating an allegorical message about war, love and politics. The performances were Oct. 25-28 in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

Carolann Stout Student Publications Clara Foster Student Publications

Telling important stories

Connecting music with dance

Tessa McQueen, vocal performance senior, and Joe Caskey, vocal performance sophomore, play “Susannah” and

Emily Schmukal and Karlee Vriezma, dance freshmen, and Brittany Dugas, dance sophomore, perform at “P21: 5! 6!

“Blitch” in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music’s production of Susannah. The opera is about a woman from Tennessee

7! 8!,” a collaboration show between Project 21, a student-run music composition organization, and the Ann Lacy

who faces false accusations of impropriety from church members. The story examines issues such as sexual assault

School of American Dance and Entertainment. The performance was Feb. 12 in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts

and victim blaming. It had performances Nov. 16-18 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

Center. It combined music compositions by Project 21 members and choreography by dance students.

Kylie Sullivan Student Publications Kylie Sullivan Student Publications

Creating understanding

Inspiring women Taylor Thomas, vocal performance junior, performs in Wanda L. Bass School of Music’s production of Cendrillon. In

Sydnee Lasseigne, acting freshman, and Ana Pellar, theater and performance sophomore, perform in the Shadow

the opera, the role of the prince is played by a female. In this French retelling, “Cinderella” has a bigger impact on her

Collective’s production of Straightening Up: A Gay Farce, written by Olive Kay, theater and performance sophomore.

destiny than in other interpretations of the story. “It’s almost a little bit of a flip on the underdog female being saved by

The show had performances on March 29 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The

the prince. In this case, Cinderella saves the prince at the end,” said Karen Miller, assistant director of opera and music

production was part of the 2019 Playwright’s Festival.

theater. It was performed Feb. 22-24 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

April 24, 2019

breaking barriers in lifestyles

Nicole Laine Waltman

Making allies Turner Carson, acting junior, portrays “Liza with a D” at the Spectrum Glow Dance Party March 22 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Spectrum is OCU’s LGBTQ+ advocacy group. The organization became more active on campus this year, with events like a celebration of National Coming Out Day and a World AIDS Day vigil. Other LGBTQ+ inclusive events included Sister Bingo and HalloQueens: A Spooky Drag Show. Kylie Sullivan Student Publications

Coley, We are so proud of all you've accomplished during your college career. You have tackled each feat with strength, enthusiasm, and grace. We know that this is just the beginning of a long life of success for you, and always remember that we'll be here every step of the way. We love you to the moon and back! Love, Mom, Dad, and Cader

April 24, 2019

Hope Melton Student Publications

Encouraging dialogue President Martha Burger speaks with students at a listening session about diversity and inclusion on campus. The session was Feb. 6 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Students addressed topics such as inclusive casting in theater and music shows, discrimination in the classroom and a need for more representation in leadership and administrative roles at the university.