STARS CLASS of 2022
THE CAMPUS April 27, 2022 – Volume 115, Issue 30
Powwow, land acknowledgement reflect native roots Blake Uhlig
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma hosted a Spring Powwow in the Freede Wellness Center on April 16. This is an annual event that the OCU and UCO native societies were heavily involved in. This year’s powwow occurred while the university works on the implementation of an official land acknowledgment. President Kenneth Evans attended the powwow as a guest of honor and participated in the Gourd Dance. POWWOW continues on 7
Blake Uhlig Student Publications
HONORING HERITAGE Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma hosted the annual Spring Powwow April 16 in the Freede Wellness Center. Top, Grand Entry begins and is followed by an acknowledgement of the trial the Native community has faced. Above, OCU President Kenneth Evans participates in the Gourd Dance with Juliana Wahnee, OCU Native American Society president. Right, members of the OCU and UCO native student organizations participate in Grand Entry.
OCU Class of 2022 commencement set for May 7
Number of graduates increases over last year; campus leaders also to be honored Kelly Wiryen
NEWS EDITOR
On May 7, OCU will grant nearly 500 undergraduate degrees and 250 graduate degrees during the commencement ceremony. The undergraduate Class of 2022 will be celebrated at 11 a.m., and students are advised to line up for the processional no later than 10:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the graduate Class of 2022 will be celebrated at 3
p.m., and students should line up for the processional no later than 2:30 p.m. Both events will take place Luck at the Freede Wellness and Activity Center, located at NW 27th Street and Florida Avenue. The north doors at Freede will open at 9:45 a.m. for undergrad-
uate students, while for graduate students it will open at 1:45 p.m. The OCU School of Law will hold its Ma hooding and commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. May 15 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The undergraduate commencement speech will be given by
Adam Luck, CEO of City Care, while the graduate commencement speech will be given by James Ma, OCU’s fiStraughan nance professor and this year’s Outstanding Faculty Award winner. OCU’s Servant Leader Award this year goes to Dan Straughan, founding executive director of the
Homeless Alliance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this award will be presented at a later date. Kernell The Rev. Chebon Kernell, executive director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the Unit2022 continues on 7
Senior class gift will rehabilitate chapel’s stained glass, exterior, infrastructure Anna Schmidt
MANAGING EDITOR
The Bishop Angie W. Smith Chapel has been a prominent feature on the Oklahoma City University campus since its dedication in 1968. Designed by the architect Pietro Belluschi, the chapel features a unique design and has hosted many weddings, chapel services, and even the inaugurations of university presidents. One of the chapel’s most notable features in design is its stained glass. The stained
M MEDIAOCU.com
glass is often noted on many campus tours and is one of the most defining components of the chapel’s interior. Decades after its initial installation, the stained glass is now in need of repair, and the chapel is seeking funding for this project. The graduating seniors, Class of 2022 from OCU, are being asked to dedicate their senior gift to this stained glass campaign. Seniors are being asked to donate $20.22 to this campaign, and in return for doing so will be given a blue
and white tassel to wear at the graduation ceremony. “Over the years, pieces of glass have become loose, grime has accumulated, paint has begun to flake off around the glass, and the existing protective covering has worn down,” said Taylor Peterson, director of Annual Giving and Digital Entertainment for OCU. “Rehabilitation will consist of recementing the glass, repainting woodwork, installing an acrylic protective covering over the windows, as well as a protective cover-
ing over the decorative traceries around the glass, and adding heavy-duty aluminum divider bars to support weight distribution where needed.” Peterson explained that these planned repairs will “ensure the structural integrity [of the chapel].” Peterson also explained that in addition to repairs to stained glass areas, other repairs “will address the chapel exterior and include structural renovations. CHAPEL continues on 7
Pages 2-3: Seen
Reflect back on memorable events from the 2021-2022 school year in photos.
Page 4: Arts
Final Mainstage production “In the Heights” overflowed with talent, pride.
Page 6: Opinion
Revisit statements and opinions from members of the campus community.
Page 8: Sports
Golf, baseball, softball teams progress to end of season, set eyes on tournaments.
Sofia Granados Student Publications The OCU Class of 2022 Gift will include significant renovation of some of the chapel’s iconic stained glass windows, which have suffered some deterioration over the years, as seen in this photo Monday afternoon.
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campus seen
OCU In�ormation
Mackenzie Shaw
Student Publications
OCU Athletics Anna Schmidt Student Publications
|| August August
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|| November November
|| December December
|| January January
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|| May … … May
Blake Uhlig Student Publications
Oklahoma City University’s Class of 2025 arrived on campus with the pandemic still in full swing. Calendarwise, from the top: In August, students enjoyed the SGA Involvement Fair. In September, campus officials spoke on Constitution Day. Fall Frenzy kicked off several events sponsored by the Student Activities Council. In November, the campus community rallied to support a clemency plea for Julius Jones. A day later, junior Zouhair Talbi finished first for the second-straight year at the NAIA men’s cross-country championships.
SPRING 2022
Jordan Iwuchukwu Black Student Association
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OCU School o� Theat�e
Jayce Ross Student Publications
FALL 2021
|| March March
April 27, 2022
Sofia Granados Student Publications
The campus kicked off the new year with seniors like these film majors diving into their capstone projects, as the clock started ticking. In early February, icy winter weather caused closures and cancellations on two separate occasions. The School of Theatre’s March staging of ‘Enemy of the People’ found eerie parallels between 1882 and 2020. Finally, in what might become a hard act to top, the Easter Bunny dropped onto the Quad in his very own helicopter, loaded with goodies and good cheer for all. In May …
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arts SCHOOL OF MUSIC
OCU School o� Theat�e
The cast of “In The Heights” takes their final bow at their Sunday show on April 24. The show was the season closer for the School of Music Mainstage season and ran from April 22 to 24.
Mainstage ‘In The Heights’ full of joy, energy
Set brought NYC to OKC; costumes conveyed characters; cast was ‘in the moment’ Natalie Turner
ARTS EDITOR
The OCU School of Music closed their Mainstage season with “In The Heights” April 22 to 24. The production was directed by guest director Luis Salgado with music direction by Matthew Mailman. Music and lyrics for the show were composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and the script was written by Quiara Alegria Hudes. The show centers around a Washington Heights street occupied by a bodega owned by Usnavi (Iván Moreno), a car service owned by Kevin (Julian Abarra) and Camila (Liz Ramirez) Rosario, a unisex salon run by Daniela (Angeli Peña) and Carla (Cara Orlich), and the
home of Abuela Claudia (Abbi Stephenson). It takes place over the three hottest days of the year. The entire cast was so full of joy and energy. You could tell everyone was so happy to be there and was having an absolute blast. Each person onstage was engaged and completely in the moment. The set, designed by Jaime Dimas, featured a rotating centerpiece that served as Usnavi’s bodega and Claudia’s house stoop. The set also had Rosario’s car service on one side of the stage, with Daniela’s salon on the other. The windows suspended toward the back of the stage created a city landscape without taking up space or pulling attention from the front of the set.
There were four upper levels that the ensemble sometimes occupied. The set was dynamic and conveyed the chaos of a New York street without seeming cluttered, and it truly added a whole new atmosphere to the production. The lighting design, done by Jack Beckey, created the atmosphere of the heatwave by using red and orange lighting and that really brought the audience into that blistering setting. The firework sequence in the Act 1 finale, “Blackout,” was complex and incredibly impressive. The illusion of fireworks was perfectly crafted through the stage lights. The choreography was done by director Luis Salgado, who was a
dancer in the original Broadway production of “In The Heights.” The choreography perfectly fit with the hip-hop style of the music. Both ensemble dances and soloists were incredibly sharp and precise. Dance-heavy numbers like “In The Heights,” “The Club,” and many others, were mesmerizing and captivating. The costumes were relatively simple because of the modern setting, but the costumes fit each character and create a nice group image. The costume designer, Gabriela Bastidas, seemed to have a very clear understanding of the characters and setting and used costume design to convey that. Usnavi had an amazing stage presence and created a loveable
character that the audience could root for. He sang, rapped, and was effortlessly hilarious. His chemistry with other characters, especially his younger cousin Sonny (Eli Nash), was realistic and dynamic. Nina (Adamaris Lopez) and Vanessa (Anette Barrios-Torres) were both vocal and acting powerhouses who commanded the stage during their solos, “Breathe” and “It Won’t Be Long Now,” respectively. There really aren’t enough compliments to give this show. The production was a masterpiece from start to finish. The show was overflowing with talent and pride, and the hard work put into each aspect of the production paid off beautifully.
FILM DEPARTMENT
Film Department showcased 63 short films at first festival Alternative Cinema class criteria reviewed over 2,500 entries from 20 countries William Peetoom
STAFF WRITER
Elena Duque Pictured above is a still pulled from the film submission “Valdediós” by Elena Duque, 2019 (Spain), featured April 10 in OCU’s first Wide Open Experimental Film Festival. The event presented films representing 20 different countries.
The Oklahoma City University Film Department hosted a new film festival in OKC to showcase experimental films on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday April 20. Wide Open Experimental Film Festival took place at the Rodeo Cinema on Film Row, 701 W. Sheridan Ave. and featured 63 short films for 20 countries selected from over 2,500 submissions, all picked with criteria made by the OCU Alternative Cinema class. Billy Palumbo, visiting associate professor of film at OCU, said, “a lot of people ask me to define experimental film, but it’s so wide-ranging. We’ve got films that are technically innovative and with mind-blowing imagery, we’ve got films that are personal explorations of memory and emotion, we’ve got films that are politically-minded and inspiring—there’s a little bit of everything in WOEFF.” Palumbo explained that the festival was created by OCU film students in the Alternative Cinema course after an assignment over experimental film festivals sparked the idea to create their own. The Associate Professor and Chairman of the Film Department, Bryan
Cardinale-Powell, was quoted in the same press release. He spoke about the festival as an extension of the program’s curriculum. “At OCU we help students shape a personal perspective on filmmaking and film culture. Based on the films our students selected for this festival, it’s clear they understand that film is an expansive idea that includes much more than mainstream movies,” Cardinal-Powell, The press releases also included statements from OCU student Kat Shehan, a BFA Design and Production major, who said, “the two that resonated with me the most were ‘How I Choose to Spend the Remainder of my Birthing Years’ [dir. by Sarah Lasley] and ‘I sit and look out’ [dir. by Gábor Balázs]. They are both thought-provoking, personal, and powerful. And they are so different, too.” “We had a ton of really unique films, for example, one of the films submitted, ‘Fragile Dream’[dir. by Isabelle Hayeur], used a slow, shifting focus to show off the subtle beauty of nature, and then another film, ‘Cactus Raptus’ [dir. by Maxime Hot] took the opposite approach by replaying harsh zooms into a cactus,” Paul Dower a BFA film production major said.
OCU symphony orchestra, guest conductor perform season finale William Peetoom
STAFF WRITER
OCU symphony performs final concert of their season On April 14, the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra wrapped up their season with their final concert. They were directed by Jeffery Grogan and guest conductor Maestra Kalena Bovell. The first piece on the program was “Tragic Overture, Op. 81” by Johannes Brahms, a leading composer in the romantic period, and was conducted by guest conductor Kalena Bovell. Bovell is a maestra, speaker, and poet who works as Assistant Conductor to the Memphis Sym4
phony Orchestra and Conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra, and published a book titled, “Dear Soul…” in 2009. The second piece in the program was Amanda Harberg’s, “Concerto for Viola and Orchestra.” This included a solo by Dr. Betty Yuan, the current Viola Instructor at OCU. The concert ended with Dmitri Shostakovich’s, “Symphony No. 5 in D minor.” Shostakovich was a Russian composer who faced pressure from Stalin for much of his career. Jeffery Grogan, the conductor of the symphony said about the choices of music, “We chose the Brahms Tragic Overture when I contacted conductor Kalena Bovell about
guest conducting on this concert. “Kalena is taking the conducting world by storm having had her Proms debut in London last summer.” “The Oklahoma Flute Society invited a composer friend of mine to feature this past March, Amanda Harberg. “Knowing she was coming to town, I wanted to program one of her pieces and feature our fabulous viola professor, Dr. Betty Yuan,” Grogan said. “Possibly one of the most iconic pieces for orchestra, ‘Shostakovich Symphony No. 5’ resonates with so much of what’s going on in our students’ lives and in the world,” Grogan said.
OCU School o� Music OCU Symphony Orchestra conductor Jeffery Grogan takes a break from rehearsal with members of the ensemble. The group presented its final concert for the year April 14.
April 27, 2022
life Get to know: Incoming Student Government officers
Shaw: ‘I love how unique our campus is!’ Gonzales: ‘Everyone here is friendly!’ I planned on just being alone in my room when the results came LIFE EDITOR in, periodically checking my email BreAuna Shaw is the new SGA and doing other things. But my president. She is a junior marketing friends, my amazing supporters, major. wanted to be around me, so I had What made you want to run them over. When I saw the results, for SGA? I screamed and cried and then of Shaw I really enjoyed the work I was course, called my family and let doing for SGA as the secretary for diversity, them know. equity, and inclusion. In connecting with the I know it’s early still, but is public service students, I saw so much potential in SGA and as a career something that you’re interested its various resources for students. SGA’s pur- in? pose is to serve students, and I started to fall I’m really interested in working in higher in love with the organization for that reason. education. I love dealing with student issues, I’ve been involved with SGA since my fresh- and even resolving the hard things. I do plan man year, and I’ve enjoyed seeing SGA evolve on hopefully getting another degree. I’m and achieve such amazing things. I wanted to not sure what exactly in higher education or serve OCU in an even bigger way, which is student affairs I want to pursue. I just know why I decided to run for SGA President. As that I love working with other students and an R.A., I enjoyed being the liaison between want to experience and help student bodies students and faculty. Advocacy is my biggest at other universities. value, and I am excited to bring that to SGA Any movie or TV show recommendations? and find like-minded people to work with. I love “The Servant” on Apple TV. I What do you most look forward to in your think it’s a really interesting take on trauma term as SGA president? and overall a really good series to watch. I In general, I look forward to collabora- also love “We Crashed,” also on Apple TV, tion. In any personality test I take, collabo- which shows the life of an entrepreneur and ration always comes up in some way. Being a business idea gone wrong. I enjoy watching SGA President is unique because you get to reality TV as well. For all of the students who put together a team of people to serve the like to watch things like that, I recommend community. I am most excited to collaborate “Married to Medicine,” which features a with the executive and also with the senate group of women that are either doctors or and hope to encourage more students to the wives of doctors. It gives you a taste of reach out to their senators for more than just living in the world of medicine. Then also, grant funding if you want a feel-good show like a cartoon, I want to bring more fun events to I suggest “Steven Universe.” Now that we’re campus where students really feel like they older, we can see the plot and the deeper can build relationships through things like meaning, and that’s really special. the ice cream socials that we’ve done in the Pancakes or waffles? past. During this campaign process and Waffles, and let me tell you why: first of my time conducting DEI roundtables, I’ve all, I like to put a lot of syrup on things. I gotten to talk to so many students and hear don’t want what I’m eating to be soggy, I about the ideas that they have to improve enjoy a crunch. Some people, when walking campus, and what issues are important to about why they don’t like waffles as much, them. I’m so happy that I get the opportunity make the argument that when they spread the to facilitate change on a larger scale. butter, it gets stuck in the square…but that’s What is one of your favorite things about the best part! Also, in this city, we have a lot OCU? of great waffle places, like Waffle Champion. I love how unique our campus is. With Oklahoma City in general just has some great any student you talk to, you can tell that they breakfast places, like the Hatch if you like a are dedicated to a certain organization or variety for a nice price, or Cafe Kacao, if you cause. It’s hard for us to see now as students want a more unique breakfast. how committed and passionate we are. But What is your go-to comfort food? as we grow we will realize that we’ve done Anything that is pasta. As a college stua lot because of how small we are and how dent I’ve gotten into instant mac and cheese. many opportunities we have to do things. I Italian food is also my favorite. Pasta and really love that aspect of OCU, especially as carbs will always make you feel better if you someone who wanted to do so many different are having a bad day. things. The negative to that is our famous Who is your top Spotify artist right now? nickname, “over-committed university”, so Let me just start off by saying that no you have to figure out how to balance things matter who my top artist on Spotify is right out. But overall, I love how dedicated and now, Beyonce is the queen bee. Anyone who prepared my fellow students are. says otherwise is lying to themselves. Her What did you do when you found out music will be here for years and generations you won? to come. I like all different kinds of music. Ava Karas
Ava Karas
LIFE EDITOR
Amanda Gonzalez is the new SGA vice president. She is a junior marketing major. She is also an R.A. and is a member of the Phi Mu sorority.
to go to them with concerns that they may have.
What are some things that you value in our campus community?
There are many things! One thing I really value is feeling like I can be myself here. Personally my experience with the campus enviGonzalez ronment is that it is welcoming. I What made you run for SGA? Do you did have to put myself out there, but once I have any big projects in mind for the coming did, everyone was very inclusive. As a transfer year? I felt lonely. I complained that I didn’t have There are a lot of reasons why I wanted any friends, and then a few seconds later, I to run for SGA! One of the main ones was had friends! contributing my perspective as a transfer Everyone here is friendly and has stellar student. I transferred a year ago, and my ideas. Students want OCU to grow in some transfer process was a bit all over the place. I way or another, and want to see their universometimes felt there was a lack of communi- sity prosper and thrive. At larger universities, cation between me and administrators, and you don’t really see this level of involvement. I felt as though I was missing things that I The student bodies are more isolated. But would not have missed if I had come in as here at OCU, we are always looking towards a freshman. what’s next and how to enact change, and I One of the biggest things I would like to love that. do in my term is to seek advocacy for transWhat made you want to work with Shaw? fer and non-traditional students. It’s hard I love BreAuna! She is amazing. We’re for those kinds of students to get involved both marketing majors, so we met in classes. without being extroverted and going out of We became closer when we started working their way to attend things like Stars 101 and on a class project. I knew I liked her because involvement fairs. I would like to make things when I suggested a silly idea, that for a backeasier for transfer students to feel included in ground audience we use stuffed animals, she the campus community, whether it’s creating loved it. That was the turning point when we a club or creating a specific counselor or became friends I think. advisor to make their transition smoother. BreAuna is a go-getter, she does not sit What are some other things that you want down! She is selfless and does so much for to change on campus? everyone around her. BreAuna just truly Obviously, one of our largest issues is the wants to see the student body grow, and lack of sustainability and recycling programs, collaborate with everyone to create a better which students on campus are really advocat- campus. ing for. The situation is a lot more nuanced Now for the fun questions…any TV show and complicated than it seems. Oklahoma recommendations? City does not have its own recycling program. Not to be a typical teenager, but the Even if we as a university created one, there “Vampire Diaries” is so good! I’m currently would be no place to dispose of our waste. rewatching it for the fourth time. I also love We would like to create a campus com- “The Good Place.” Chidi is my favorite post, conserve energy better on campus– character. I love watching his moral debate especially since some lights stay on at night, and indecision about everything. balancing safety with conservation is a priority–as well as figure out ways to preserve our If you could only eat one meal for the rest campus water better. We want to collaborate of your life, what would it be? with the student body and other campus That’s a hard question! Do I get a choice organizations to improve sustainability the between breakfast, lunch and dinner? No? best that we can as it is one of the main issues Then, I would have to choose pasta. that we want to tackle. Another thing on our agenda is to expand What words would your friends use to the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion describe you? (DEI). As we were campaigning, a lot of stuI would say eccentric, energetic, optimisdents approached us to ask for more measures tic, silly, loud…oh wait! My friend is sitting regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. I next to me and is texting me some words. don’t think that DEI is something that stu- She says I’m loyal, motivated, and loving. Aw! dent organizations should have to seek out, nor should it fall to them. It’s a policy that What is your dream vacation? should be well established and integrated on Probably either New Zealand or Greece. our campus. We want to create more positions inside Your go-to song? the DEI office so that more of these policies Right now, I am really liking “Rain” by can be enacted and more people can feel free Ben Platt.
Get to know: Outgoing Student Publications editors Uhlig: ‘Get involved around campus!’ Ava Karas
LIFE EDITOR
Get to know Blake Uhlig, editorin-chief and graduating senior:
How long have you worked for Student Publications?
diversity, equity, and inclusion, those that give a voice to minorities, events, and experiences that may not otherwise be covered. Equity is absolutely vital. It is important for our university to value equity and represent our diverse student body.
Uhlig I started in the fall semester as a news staff writer. I was quickly promoted Do you have a teacher or mentor that to sports editor, and then to editor-in-chief. inspired you during your time at OCU? When Beth Adele joined the Mass ComWhat has been your favorite part of serv- munications Department, my time at OCU ing Student Publications? changed for the better. She had been an For me, serving Student Publications has incredible professor and advisor. It is hard to been an absolute honor. I’ve learned so much imagine my time here without her. about our university. As a commuter, I have not been involved What is your biggest piece of advice for in any other activities or organizations, so underclassmen and incoming students? fitting into OCU hasn’t been as simple of a I would advise them to get involved! Take process for me. a look at organizations and events around There is so much more to our university campus. I’ve noticed that information on certhan I initially thought; it is filled with so tain events tends to be released late, so you’ll many different organizations and interesting have to take time to dig … but it’s worth it. people that I am glad to have covered. Make opportunities for yourself to grow, expand, evolve, and take part in developing Why do you think Student Publications, our campus. as an organization, is important? My senior year would have been so boring Journalism is incredibly important to our if I hadn’t joined Student Publications! university. It gives students a voice and can also hold people accountable to finish projWhat are your plans for after graduation? ects and stay true to their promises. Would you like to continue working in the Most importantly, Student Publications media? keeps a record of what has occurred, spotI want to continue a career in media, yes. lights events and people, and serves as a After graduation, I plan on going to France historical record for all of these interesting to enroll in some intensive language courses. things that have happened [at our campus]. Along with exploring my French heritage, fluency in French will open many doors for What do you like writing about the most me in the field of journalism.
and why?
I like to write stories that are focused on
April 27, 2022
Schmidt: ‘Practice time management!’ Ava Karas
LIFE EDITOR
Do you have any core memories of OCU?
Every show I’ve been a part of has been a core memory for me, but the dance spring show performance my sophomore year before the COVID shutdown sticks out Anna Schmidt is a dance manin my memory. Schmidt agement senior and has served as the Everyone bonded together and managing editor for Student Publications for really made the show the best that it could be. the 2022 Spring semester. Get to know Anna Schmidt, Managing Editor and graduating senior:
She will be graduating in May. She has been involved in Alpha Phi, American Spirit Dance Company, Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers, and the Honors Program.
How long have you worked for Student Publications?
I’ve been working for StuPub since October. I started as assistant news editor, and now I am the managing editor.
What is your favorite thing about working for Student Publications?
I’ve really liked getting involved and learning more about campus in general. I have gotten more confident in my writing and research abilities, and overall, these skills have benefited me in academics.
What has been your favorite story to cover?
It was fascinating to cover the Julius Jones story. It was such a groundbreaking story, and it was powerful to watch all of the interactions around campus.
What is your biggest piece of advice for underclassmen and incoming students?
I would advise them to practice time management skills. On Sunday nights, plan every assignment that you have due in the week. Write assignments and tasks down in a planner you check regularly so that nothing slips through the cracks.
What would you say to people who are wanting to work for Student Publications next year?
It is definitely something where you can choose how much or how little you want to take on. Writing and editing this way are great skills to build. There is a supportive staff there to help guide you. Covering events at the music school and at the business school have helped me get more involved on campus, rather than just in my normal areas.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending Baylor Law School to pursue a career in law.
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opinion IN OUR VIEW
Graduating class leaves its mark at OCU We wish our seniors the best transitioning into their next stage in life The class of 2022 is leaving our campus and the former students will enter their next stage in life. There will be many challenges ahead and these remind us of the challenges they overcame and will be leaving behind. COVID-19 was an unexpected experience for the senior class. The undergraduate class of 2022 entered college oblivious to a threat that would ultimately undermine the OCU experience. The pandemic caused closures, and cancellations and forced the university to transition to remote and online learning. This new, unexpected experience caused anxiety, stress and confusion. The pandemic challenged the class of 2022 mentally, physically and financially. The class of 2022 persevered through numerous obstacles and is now passing the finish line. COVID-19 is something we will forever associate with our college lives. This is depressing but it is also something for which the graduating class can take pride.
The class of 2022 overcame the pandemic and made it one step further in life. OCU faculty and staff have been key to the success of the graduating class. They were forced to alter course and make way for the oncoming pandemic. Navigating through the pandemic has required skillful direction and has required all of us to learn and make sacrifices. We all owe gratitude to those who did the best they could to make the OCU experience the best it could be. The student body is a huge part of what makes OCU so unique. The 2022 graduating class will leave campus with their mark on the university and the Gold Star Building. The pandemic is not over and at this time it is impossible to know when things will return to normal. We hope that every graduate moves on into their next phase of life with the same determination they applied obtaining their degree at OCU.
Elizabeth Heffernan Student Publications
IN THEIR VIEW Soccer
It was amazing to kick the winning goal for the team. The first win of the season is really important to build confidence on the field. Last year I was in Italy due to the pandemic, the first semester I had online classes. Last semester was my first semester in the U.S., so everything was different than Italy, but I’m feeling really confident this semester because I know how everything works and I know everybody. Year by year I’m building experience. I think this year we have a great team and I think we can do better than last year. Tommoso Belli athlete OCU Soccer
History
Enron!
Justice
Safety
We don’t talk enough about the civil war enough in K-12. We acknowledged that Black men were human. We did not do this until after this bloody battle. We had 100 years of terrorism under the Klan. It took the civil rights movement [for this to end]. We do not teach that the city of OKC fought to keep us from integrating our schools. That’s 50 years ago. At 39th and Penn when I was 5 years old the first pride parade took place. As people walked as they came over the hill there was the KKK. For years the police would beat the holy hell out of queer people. James Cooper Councilman Ward 2, Oklahoma City
At the time if you were in the energy business, you couldn’t help but be in business with Enron, they were the big ones. In some ways, the play starts out feeling very much like a documentary piece of theater, but in grand theatrical fashion, some of these weirder concepts – particularly when these people, these men, who thought they could reshape the world to suit whatever vision they had. Even though we are not trying to excuse what these men did, we are still trying to make the audience understand what motivated them. Kris Kuss Director Enron!
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 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. I ask you [to] really pay attention to our state.
College is a time for young adults to explore life, figure out who they are, and to determine their pathway in life. That newfound 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 down, take risks, and overindulge in the celebration. 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.
BreAuna Shaw former president Black Student Association
Dexter Nelson Chief of Police OCU Police Department
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Culture
History
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Inauguration
Future
Being Latina is my absolute favorite part of myself. I love immersing myself in my culture and learning something new about it every day. However, as proud as I am, it was not always this way. There was a time when I questioned everything and wondered if I was Hispanic at all. People would read my biological last name, Bueno, and question it. “Your last name is Bueno? But you do not look Hispanic. Do you even know what that means?” they’d say. People would also ask me, “What part of Mexico is your family from?” Destyni Lietzke member Hispanic Student Association
One’s version of history is undeniably colored by one’s identities, experience, and values. Sometimes, history is even used as a tool to uphold oppressive systems or to justify unjust acts. Theatre history is no different. Rather than quickly covering what happened from one point of view, the course will critically examine how history is recorded, how historical narratives are created, and how the biases of the person recording the history impact the history that is recorded. This new curriculum will teach the “how” rather than the “what” of theatre history. Amy Osatinski Assistant professor School of Theatre
I think innately, my willingness to be humble, learn and be teachable has helped me; Zouhair, our Olympian runner on the team, just days before nationals privately gave me advice and helped me with my running form. We practiced together and we did strides, and we took turns running up and down the streets to strengthen me as a runner. He gave me advice about my shoulders and the power behind relaxing whilst running. I train effectively by following a simple rule. Consistency before intensity.
I’ve been driving without a driver’s license for about the last ten months. Now I have to pay attention to all the street signs and responsibilities of an invested president and I thank you very much for that. I’m often in the office over the holiday break and particularly over the cold seasons and most of you know that the buildings have HVAC systems set up to accommodate body heat. And when the bodies aren’t there the building is cold. There is a reason why it is. Not just because of the temperature setting but also because their spirit is not in the building. Kenneth Evans President Oklahoma City University
Our future is dependent on our past and if the university’s past has any bearing on its future, it will continue to grow and evolve as an institution. Our university has a diverse student body which is part of what makes our university so unique. We have students and professors from every corner of this earth. Exposure to these cultures and perspectives helps us in our personal development. As this school year ends, we remember why we are at this institution. We are here to learn and the things that we learn last into the future. Blake Uhlig Editor-in-Chief Student Publications
THE CAMPUS
Corrections & Clarifications
April 27, 2022 • Volume 115, Issue 30 Editor-in-Chief: Blake Uhlig Managing Editor: Anna Schmidt News Editor: Kelly Asheri Sports Editor: Elizabeth Heffernan Arts Editor: Natalie Turner Life Editor: Ava Karas Visual Editor: Laura-Sofia Granados
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Jaquavious Harris athlete Track & Field
Photographers: Annie Bragg Staff Writers: Tara Fritts William Peetoom Mamadou Yafa
Student Publications is committed to factual reporting. Corrections and clarifications can be sent to Editor@okcu.edu
The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. The Student Publications staff publishes online at MediaOCU.com, and in print each month during the academic year. 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, 2022. All rights reserved.
April 27, 2022
news
Sofia Granados Student Publications
STUDENT GOVERNMENT The 2022-2023 SGA administration was sworn in April 21 in the Great Hall. Elected officials were sworn in at the Inauguration Ceremony. Appointments were sworn in at the first senate meeting, which followed. Above, from the left, Amanda Gonzalez, vice president, and BreAuna Shaw, president, take the oath of office. At right, the new government officials celebrate after their first senate meeting.
SGA continues work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Shaw: ‘Continuous collaboration is how these measures will benefit our campus’ Blake Uhlig
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Roundtables are a Student Government Association series of events focused on improving the inclusivity of minorities at the university. The objective of the roundtables is for members of the student body to discuss topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion with SGA. At these roundtables, SGA collaborated with students to develop DEI initiatives.
The DEI Roundtables were started by former SGA President Reid Powell and former SGA DEI Secretary Patricia Ashford in the Spring of 2021. BreAuna Shaw served as the Secretary of DEI for the 20212022 semester and inherited the roundtable series. She is now the president of SGA. “Eight action items have been created from the DEI Roundtable conversations, but there are many other DEI efforts in progress with SGA,” stated Shaw while she was DEI secretary. “We must listen
and advocate for each other’s ideas. Continuous collaboration is how these measures will benefit our campus.” At the Nov. 10 roundtable, students discussed a list of action items that was presented. These included: DEI Communication, Make OCU Accessible, Eradicate Language Barriers, Land Acknowledgement, Community Fair, Reforming Auditions, BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) Theatre Representation, Secretary of Outreach & Engagement and High School Leadership
Conference. At the DEI roundtable on March 9, Shaw said she had meetings with senators from the schools of theatre and music. She said SGA was looking into ways to improve the audition process for out-of-state students and that senators have been discussing “their experiences as people of color in the School of Theatre and the School of Music.” “We will have more updates at the next roundtable, but we want to be sure that we do not skip steps and make sure that things are not
just in motion before we present them to you all. So, I just wanted to say that there will be a lot more updates at the next roundtable,” scheduled for April 13. Updates from that meeting were not available by presstime. Shaw says SGA will share updates on the initiatives with the student body in the future. On April 21, Shaw was inaugurated as the new Student Body President. Following Shaw’s inauguration, former SGA VP Brittany Wyatt was sworn in as SGA VP of DEI at the first senate meeting.
Annual ‘True Blue OCU Giving Day’ to raise funds Thursday Anna Schmidt
MANAGING EDITOR
Oklahoma City University is asking alumni, parents, students, and partners to donate on April 28 for the Annual True Blue OCU Giving Day. This year will mark the third-year anniversary of the True Blue
campaign. The OCU Fund supports students at OCU in various ways. The webpage explains that donations made to the OCU Fund will lead to “increasing student scholarships and services offered to the OCU community,” as well as “advancing programs and attracting world-class faculty.”
POWWOW Continued from 1
During the Gourd Dance, attendees were able to purchase merchandise from vendors and enter raffles. “The Gourd Dance is warming everyone up, especially the dancers and it is getting the drum[mers] and the singers [ready],” said Gutierrez. Juliana Wahnee, OCU Native American Society president, said that the powwow is a gathering for natives to dance and celebrate. “It also is making sure that OCU is being shown in a good light. People come from all over the state, all over the nation, people non-native and native. It is a time for everybody to come and appreciate the culture,” Wahnee said. The university provided financial support for the powwow. On March 24 the SGA Senate passed resolution 018-2122 unanimously which provided $3,250 to cover powwow expenses. The initial amount the Native American Society requested was $4,000. SGA worked with Presi-
2022
Continued from 1 ed Methodist Church, will be the guest speaker for the pre-ceremony baccalaureate service. The baccalaureate service of worship starts at 9 a.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel at OCU. There has been an increase in the number of graduates this year as compared to last, which had 429 undergraduates and 238 graduate students. As of now, the exact number of graduates this year stands at 464 undergraduates and 245 graduate students. April 27, 2022
True Blue OCU Giving Day will last for 24 hours, but donations can be made for this day now through the day of the event. Donations counted toward the OCU Fund will be used for scholarships and student resources, and if individuals want to donate specifically to certain scholarships, that option is
dent Evans to cover the remaining expenses. “The Powwow is important because it is really a gathering and a celebration of being native,” Gutierrez said. “It keeps us natives sort of connected to our culture, but it also allows us to share with the greater world, especially the western world that we are still here, we exist, and we are having a good time.” “There was a time in our history when we weren’t supposed to be here. They tried to wipe us out. But we look around tonight adorned in our beautiful outfits. I might say that it is an awesome feeling,” announced Randy Frazier, the Spring Powwow arena director. “There are a lot of empty chairs, a lot of relatives that went on into the spirit world that are no longer with us.” The SGA Senate passed Resolution No. 001 unanimously on Feb. 17. The resolution called for SGA to allocate the necessary funds to put a land acknowledgment plaque on campus. Former Senator Robert Gonzalez and Senator Penelope Hughes co-authored the resolution. “A land acknowledgment
Graduates who contribute to the Class of 2022 Senior Class Gift will be given blue and white tassels. Contributions can be made at www.okcu.edu/classgift. Graduates are encouraged to “Sign the Gold Star” in a bid to uphold newly official tradition and join OCU alumni who have come before. The Class of 2022 undergraduate alumni may “Sign the Gold Star” after the undergraduate commencement ceremony from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the Class of 2022 graduate alumni may “Sign the Gold Star” after the graduate commencement ceremony from
available. Donations intended to be counted toward the True Blue OCU Giving Day must be specified, in order to be counted in the total donation counts for the event. Such clarification may occur when donations are made through a secure online donation form, accessed here: www.
displayed in a high traffic area will allow for educational dialogue that promotes inclusivity to take place amongst the campus community,” the resolution states. “I think this resolution was important not only for our indigenous individuals on campus but also for the education of the land OCU is on,” said Hughes Robert Gonzalez says the Native American Society and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have been working together to create a land acknowledgment statement for the university. “Once an official acknowledgment has been decided upon in collaboration with NAS, the creation of [the] display will be initiated. NAS will continue to be consulted as the project moves forward,” Gonzalez said. Former SGA VP Brittany Wyatt and the new SGA secretary of DEI said the SGA is waiting for Dr. Talia Carroll to finalize the land acknowledgment before they can work on implementing the resolution. Wyatt said that she is overseeing this project with President BreAuna Shaw and former President Reid Powell. “We are hoping
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. According to a university press release, Adam Luck is the chief executive officer of City Care. James Ma is a tenured professor and the James Burwell Endowed Chair in Finance. Chebon Kernell has been an executive in the United Methodist church for the past decade. This year’s commencement ceremony will be in person, and tickets are not required. Face masks are recommended, as OCU follows CDC protocols. Attendees should notify the university at NotifyEOC@ okcu.edu if they test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of at-
okcu.edu/givingday. Gifts can also count for the day when made over the phone, by calling (405)-208-7000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Mailed checks can also be sent to the Oklahoma City University Office of Advancement, at PO Box 2780, OKC 73101. All mailed checks should list
this will be finished by the end of the semester, but we are unsure!” The School of Law already has a land acknowledgment statement on its website. This statement has many similarities to the statement shared by the Native American Society Nov. 8. It is unclear how closely these statements will resemble the official university acknowledgment. In an interview on April 18. Gutierrez said he had not yet been informed of the SGA resolution. After an explanation of the resolution, Gutierrez expressed his belief that this initiative was a step in the right direction. “I think [it is important] for every event that is [held] on native land or I guess prior native land, stolen [land] to acknowledge that this was native land and people used to live here and existed before they were removed. I guess you could call it a first step to making things right,” Gutierrez said. At the Nov. 8 chapel, Gutierrez read the following Land Recognition Acknowledgement: “We acknowledge that we create, lead and serve on the ancestral
CHAPEL
Continued from 1 Replacing the flat roof that covers most of the building is top priority after the chapel windows.” Total costs for these renovations will be approximately $659,000, according to estimates. An estimated $300,000 of that amount will be allocated to replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units in the sanctuary and lower level of the chapel. Peterson said, “The next priority will be to remove and replace the crumbling patio and west
“Giving Day” in the memo line in order to be counted in the day’s total amount raised. All donations made to the OCU Fund are fully tax-deductible. All True Blue OCU Giving Day donations are also considered one-time gifts, so no recurring donations will be expected from this event.
and unceded homelands of the Apache, Arapaho, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Osage, and Wichita tribal nations. “We acknowledge the forced removal, harmful federal policies, broken treaties, genocide and systems of oppression that have dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their lands that Oklahoma City University is now settled upon, and we have much honor and respect for the diverse and beautiful Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. “We recognize that the 39 sovereign tribal nations inhabiting what is now known as Oklahoma originate from all four corners of the North American continent. “We honor the land and the people who have stewarded this land for generations and those who continue to steward it to this day. “We recognize that Indigenous people everywhere are alive and flourishing members of society and of our local community. Furthermore, we commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we now inhabit for future generations.”
exterior stairs for an estimated $359,000.” Seniors have until May 3 to donate to this gift fund in order to receive the special tassel. “OCU plans to begin refurbishing the windows in summer 2022, so time is of the essence in gathering support to preserve this important piece of OCU’s heritage,” Peterson said. Seniors can make their gifts through a form online or by making a donation in person at the Office of University Advancement. Further information is available at (405) 208-5429. 7
sports OCU SPRING SPORTS
Stars ride 16-game winning streak into tourneys OCU Baseball hosts Sooner Athletic Conference, May 6-9; winner goes on to NAIA Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
OCU Athletics OCU senior Tanner Sparks delivers a pitch for the Stars at a recent baseball game. The Stars are currently 40-3.
The OCU baseball team is 40-3 this season with a win streak of 16. They’ve won 28 of their games at home, nine of their away games, and three in neutral territory. Their three losses were accumulated from two at home losses and one away loss. Their season started with a win on Feb. 1 against Tabor, Kansas. The season will stretch until May, either ending after the conference tournament from May 6 to May 9 in Oklahoma City, the NAIA Opening Round from May 16 to 19, or the NAIA World Series from May 27 to June 3 in Lewiston, Idaho. There are around 212 NAIA baseball teams in the league, and 45 of them advance to the NAIA National Opening Round. Thirty of the forty-five teams are automatic qualifiers based on whether the team is conference or regular-season champion or runner up. The other fifteen teams are determined by the NSC (NAIA Baseball National Selection Committee) and they are named at-large teams. The NSC is made up of representatives from each region, a representative from the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association Executive Committee, a member of the National Administrative Council, and three other members. As of April 6, OCU’s baseball team was ranked fifth in the NAIA. As of April 20, the team was ranked fourth in the league. The final ranking of the season will come out on May 9 as well as a post season ranking on June 6. OCU last made it to the NAIA opening round in 2018. The 2018 team also made it to the NAIA World Series. OCU’s 2005 team won the NAIA National Championship title. The team is set to play next at the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament from May 6 to May 9. The tournament will be held at Oklahoma City in the Jim Wade Stadium.
Softball Stars ranked NAIA No. 1, then No. 2
Now 39-4, riding an 11-game winning streak, team prepares for SAC tourney Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
Earlier this month, OCU’s softball team was ranked No. 1 nationally in the NAIA. They are currently ranked No. 2 in the NAIA behind the University of Mobile. However, the team is still ranked No. 1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The team is 39-4 this season with 21 home wins, five away game wins, and nine wins in neutral territory. They currently have a win streak of eleven, and they are scheduled to play next in the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament from May
5-8 at the Ann Lacy Stadium. Some of the team members say that reaching No. 1 in the nation feels like their hard work is finally paying off. “We worked hard in the fall to prepare for the spring season, and for me personally to learn all the specifics of playing at the college level” said Rally Radacy, a softball player and freshman from Lookeba, Okla. “I feel that the groundwork we put in during the preseason preparation is what got us to this point.” “It’s a great accomplishment,” said Amy Crabaugh, a softball player and junior from Edmond,
Okla. “ We’re all proud that our hard work has started to show itself in our game. But we know now that Radacy being number one has its challenges, we get everyone’s best game and have a big target on our backs. That being said we can’t take it easy. “We have to constantly work on our craft and make sure we do all the little things. To us, the little things, even cleaning and making sure our field is game-ready, is all a
part of the road to win a national championship. As long as we stay disciplined, we will keep winning,” Still, both Crabaugh Radacy and Crabaugh say that the key to the team’s success is their cooperation with each other. “The main thing about us is we try to always play as a team. We all get along so well, that when we get to play this game, we are just having fun,” Radacy said. “Our power tool this year has
OCU Athletics The OCU Men’s Golf team poses for a picture with their trophy from their recent Texas Intercollegiate win.
been team chemistry. All of us get along, and we spend just as much time off the field together as on the field. It’s something special to say that my best friends are my teammates. “We support each other and build each other up, and this positivity we’ve created is something that most teams don’t have. “We share the same mindset, we know what our goals are, and we’re together in this,” Crabaugh said. When asked if the ranking has changed anything about their team or their practices, both Radacy and Crabaugh said that it hasn’t impacted their team’s mindset.
OCU Athletics The OCU Women’s Golf team has won eight of their 10 tournaments this season, and host the NAIA in May.
Golf Stars wrap seasons, eye championships Elizabeth Heffernan
SPORTS EDITOR
OCU’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams are wrapping up their 20212022 season with the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships. Conference championships will be followed by the NAIA National Golf Championships in May. The men’s 2021-2022 golf season began on August 30 at the U.C. Ferguson Classic, where the Stars placed first out of 19 teams. 8
OCU’s Men’s Golf Team is the most successful golf team in the NAIA, with eleven NAIA national titles, the most recent in 2018. The NAIA men’s championships will be held at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois May 17-20. There are several ways that the men’s team might advance to the national tournament. Twenty men’s golf teams automatically qualify for nationals by winning or finishing runner-up in their respective conferences.
Then, there are six automatic individual qualifiers that proceed to the national tournament. Four of these six individuals must be an honoree of an all-tournament team from the previous year or be the individual winner of a conference tournament. The other two are chosen by the NAIA Men’s Golf Championship Committee. The women’s 2021-2022 golf season began Sept. 7 at the Southwestern Christian Invitational,
where the Stars placed first out of 14 teams. Since then, they have won six of nine more tournaments. NAIA championships for the women’s team will be held at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City May 24-27. OCU’s women’s golf team has automatically qualified for nationals because they are hosting nationals. There are also ten at-large team qualifiers. Twenty more women’s teams will automatically qualify for nationals
by winning or finishing runner-up in their respective conferences, as the men’s teams do. Seven automatic individual qualifiers also proceed to the national tournament along with one at-large individual. The individual at-large is determined by the NAIA Women’s Golf Championship Committee. The other seven individuals advance to nationals by becoming individual winners of their respective conference championships. April 27, 2022