“ THE CAMPUS
February 17, 2016 – Volume 110 Issue 17
Damaged dorm exit signs cost university, students Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Vandalism has cost the university up to $350 this semester to replace emergency exit signs. Five exit signs in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall were damaged this semester. Facilities staff fixed each sign immediately. No cameras show the vandalism, so no student was caught or punished. “If the exit signs aren’t functioning properly and an inspector comes, we could get a building code violation,” said Kevin Culbertson, coordinator of housing operations. “By forcing facilities to fix the
signs instead of other housing requests, they are only hurting themselves and delaying their own work orders.” The vandalism is potentially dangerous. If the building loses power, only functional signs will provide emergency lights. Some signs were pulled out of place enough to expose hazardous wires or break ceiling brackets, causing metal or ceiling tiles to fall to the ground. “When one of the exit lights was damaged, it actually shorted and showered sparks,” said Tim Rhodes, facilities staff member. “Sometimes students just knock the faceplate off, as a souvenir or something. That’s
The damage hurts more than just a sign. Students are only endangering themselves and causing trouble for the university. Kevin Culbertson coordinator of housing operations
not extremely dangerous, but we still have to replace the light.” In the eight and a half years of his OCU employment, about 200 exit signs have been replaced, Rhodes said. Of those, 60 were completely removed and destroyed. Each sign costs $30-$35,
depending on the type of sign and battery pack. With the cost of an hour of labor added, each sign cost $60-$70 after installation. If brackets or ceiling tiles are damaged, carpenters must get involved further raising the cost. “Last year, we didn’t have this issue. The year before, we did,
and it’s cycling back I guess,” Culbertson said. “It’s such a nuisance. What is their fetish with these exit signs?” Residence life staff expressed annoyance as well. “Housing gets a bad rep, but we really do everything we can to make this a good place to live,” said Alex Sutherland, Oklahoma United Methodist Hall resident assistant. “Don’t ruin it for everyone else. It’s not cool when people intentionally damage things and blame it on us.” One Methodist Hall resident said he wants housing staff to catch the culprits. “I honestly have trouble finding the exits when they’re down,”
said Jordan Dorsey, acting freshman. “These dirty bandits need to be reprimanded.” Students caught vandalizing will be reported and forced to pay for the damage caused. Large scale damage to exit signs is occurring only in Methodist Hall. “The damage hurts more than just a sign,” Culbertson said. “Students are only endangering themselves and causing trouble for the university.”
Chemistry professor wins outstanding faculty award Emily Wiley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ali Wonderly Student Publications
Congrats champs Junior Natalia Hinojo celebrates with Coach Archie Randall after winning the Women’s College Wrestling Association National Championship Finals on Feb. 13 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The Stars placed second overall, with three women earning individual National Champion titles. Freshman Becka Leathers and Junior Cody Pfau also went home with national titles.
The outstanding faculty member award went to a professor with a not-so-common teaching style. Stephen Prilliman, chemistry professor and department chairman, received this year’s Oklahoma City University Outstanding Faculty Award. The award is given to faculty who exhibit outstanding performance in all areas of teaching. Prilliman uses the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning method of teaching where students work in small groups rather than listen to lecture. “My whole philosophy behind teaching is that I want students to grow as scientists,” Prilliman said. “The real practice of science is always the struggle to understand what you are observing, so I try to give students the opportunity to have the struggle. But I am never far so they can ask questions. “The best part about teaching this way is the direct interactions that I get to have with students. It allows me to really
see those ‘a-ha’ moments that happen for students. That’s always exciting.” Kyle Copp, cell and molecular biology freshman, said Stephen he is glad PrilliPrilliman man is his teacher during his first year. “Dr. Prilliman is, first and foremost, just like a friend to all of us,” Copp said. “You can go in there and talk to him anytime. He knows the material and how to teach it to where it is exciting and not boring like most people would think science is.” Prilliman earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Rice University in Houston. He then earned his Ph.D. from University of California-Berkley. He helped start Harding Charter Preparatory High School, 3333 N. Shartel Ave., in 2003 where he taught for six years before joining the OCU community in 2009. In his free time, Prilliman said he likes to play with his children Jude, 6, and Elosie, 4, read mystery novels and study
astronomy. “I spend a lot of time being ‘Dad,’ which I love,” Prilliman said. “They like getting the telescope out. We spend a lot of time at the zoo and the science museum.” Some of his favorite books are Sherlock Holmes and Lord of the Rings. Faculty and students nominate professors for the outstanding faculty award. Finalist then are interviewed by previous recipients. “It’s a little intimidating because the room is full of the university’s best scholars and professors and they are just grilling you with questions,” Prilliman said. “But to be chosen by that group is pretty special. We have a lot of very talented faculty at OCU in so many different ways.” Prilliman will give the speech during the graduate commencement May 7. See Page 3 to read more about graduation.
Remembering Cody Shafer Students traveled Monday to say goodbye to a fellow classmate and friend. Services for Cody Shafer, a cell and molecular biology sophomore and member of the men’s rowing team, were Monday at Floral Haven funeral home in Broken Arrow, Okla. University officials also plan to host a memorial service on campus for Shafer. The details of the on-campus service were not finalized at presstime. Shafer was born Nov. 3, 1995 in Tulsa, Okla., to Terry and Elizabeth Shafer. He was the younger brother to Tarabeth Shafer. He died Feb. 11 in Tulsa. Shafer attended Union Public Schools, graduating from there in 2014. He was an accomplished athlete. In his younger years he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, swimming, and soccer, and eventually found his niche in football. Shafer played football until he suffered a back injury
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in 2010 and was told he could no longer play. That’s when Shafer began swimming again and eventually started Cody Shafer rowing. As a rower, Shafer went to nationals, was a nationally-ranked youth rower and attended OCU on a rowing scholarship. Shafer was named to the Fall 2014 Athletic Director’s list for academic achievement. Aside from rowing, Shafer enjoyed traveling, playing Air Soft, bicycling, long boarding, building with LEGOs, building Sims cities, and playing video games with his friends. He is survived by his parents and sister, maternal grandmother, Heidi Choney; Aunt Debbie and James Howard of Ardmore, Okla.; Aunt Jan Sartor of Tulsa, Okla.; Uncle Mark Choney and Janna Choney of Ponca City,
Okla.; Uncle Chris Choney of Ponca City, and many cousins: Jimmie Kennedy, Ashley, Brian, and Jeremy Simmons, Eagle Choney, Markyla Choney, Marc Anthony Choney, Christopher Choney, Gracie Choney, and Audrey Choney. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Ola Shafer; his maternal grandfather, Errol Choney, and his wife, Jolene Choney. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tulsa Youth Rowing Association to help re-build their boat house after a fire last month, to the Suicide Prevention Foundation, or To Write Love On Her Arms, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicide. Visit floralhaven.com to send flowers or a memorial gift to the family.
Donovan Lawson Student Publications
Serenade me Stephen Lashley, finance and administration junior, performs as the singer Ed Sheeran during Lambda Chi Alpha’s Hearts for Hunger event Feb. 11 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Each brother performed a talent, then the audience could bid on them. The highest bidder received either a date or a designated act of service. The event raised $1,650 for Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy, Feeding America.
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opinion
Talk Back
Editors urge students to respect university property We can agree we pay a lot of money to OCU and we don’t want the university to waste it. But there is one thing students can do to prevent officials from being forced to waste our money. The university has spent about $350 in the month since Winter Break fixing e x i t s i g n s i n Ok l a h o m a United Methodist Hall. The signs aren’t falling on their own, they have help from students. See Page 1 for more on vandalism in Methodist. Tim Rhodes, facilities staff member, estimates in his eight years at OCU 200 exit signs have been replaced. At up to $35 a pop that is $7,000 just in exit signs, not including labor. Sure the university some-
times spends money on silly things, such as watering sidewalks and orange and pink golf carts, but forcing the officials to spend money on more exist signs is on us as students. Many students complain about the quality of housing. Why would you do something to make your housing situation worse? Broken exit signs look trashy and make Methodist appear even more run down. More important than appearances, damaged exit signs cause a safety risk. Damaged signs will not point out the nearest exit in cause of an emergency and damaged wiring in signs could become a fire risk. Damaged exit signs are a building code violation,
“Who do you hope is the speaker at graduation?”
so they must be repaired as soon as possible after they are discovered. Facilities workers could spend that time fixing other problems in buildings. There is more to this than the damage caused. Vandalism of any kind shows a lack of respect and a disregard for others. Your actions affect more than yourself. Sure, you want to feel cool about how tall you are by slapping an exit sign, but what good does that accomplish? The exit signs are the university’s property, not the students. We wouldn’t want someone destroying our property, so stop vandalizing the university’s. It seems like common sense to us.
“I just want someone who will make it short, nice and sweet.”
“Rachael Ray”
Kaitlin Pontikes finance/economics senior
Lincoln Korver acting sophomore
“Stephen Wrentmoore”
“Someone intelligent”
Alysson Johnson acting senior
Joe Pierce business accounting junior
“In honor of Courtney Beyer, Oprah.”
Isaiah Williams acting junior
“Kelli O’Hara”
Michelle Tewksbury design & production senior
Editor comments on Cokesbury security !
A recent theft raises the festering concern of security in Cokesbury Court apartments. A student’s phone was stolen Feb. 9 by a man who requested to use the phone and ran off with it, according to an email sent to the campus community by the OCU Police Department. Several laundry thefts were reported last semester in the Cokesbury laundry
room. There also were two reported intruders in Cokesbur y, including a woman who harassed a student in the laundry room. University officials try to keep Cokesbury secure by fixing the gate at the front entrance and gaps in the fence. Even so, there is a pedestrian gate on the Southeast corner of the fence that never locks and the front gates are often open.
John Hiller is a religion senior from Ringling, Okla. He enjoys running, spending time with his fiance, Hannah, and sarcasm.
Even with the numerous ! reports of laundry theft, there have been no attempts to secure the laundr y room. Instead, signs posted on the door and walls of the laundry
room warn students to not leave laundry unattended. A student should not have to sit on a washer to ensure his laundry isn’t stolen. The fence offers residents
the illusion of security. Cameras also were installed in the laundry room, but this has not stopped the laundry thefts. The Cokesbury laundry room is the only laundry facility on campus without a locked door. Anyone can enter the laundry room at any time. In other dorms, students must gain access to the building by using their student ID cards. Officials should install a
card reader on the Cokesbury laundry room door. This would allow only residents to enter the laundry room. Locking the door is a better solution than warning signs. Card swipe access to the Cokesbury laundry room will not necessarily stop all laundry theft, some of which is likely done by students, but it will limit who can enter the room and improve student safety.
Newsroom Making a Murderer scratches ‘nation’s newest, biggest itch’ Digitally signed by Newsroom DN: cn=Newsroom, o, ou, email=ehwiley@my.okcu.edu, c=US Date: 2016.01.09 13:22:47 -06'00'
A good documentary is only as good as its subject matter. Be it a person or an event, the best documentaries highlight an aspect of real life that most audiences haven’t seen before. It’s as if they scratch an itch that we didn’t know was there before. Ever since the release of Netflix’s series Making a Murderer, the nation’s newest and biggest itch is finding out the truth about Steven Avery. Created and directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, Making a Murderer
follows Manitowoc County’s Avery during a fascinating 10-year period. After being convicted in 1985 of sexual assault and spending 18 years in prison, Avery is exonerated when it is proven he was wrongfully convicted. That story is horrifying with accusations that the police department allegedly pursued their case against Avery while ignoring another possible suspect. The story comes to a happy resolution at the end of the first episode, with Avery finally home from prison.
them unfold in front of you is an incredible rush. The storytelling and pace of many of the episodes fills the viewer with excitement, making them a breeze to watch. The flow suffers somewhat next one becomes impossible. when the series starts shiftThe filmmakers lucked ing to the courtroom, as the Digitally signed by Newsroom out. Since DN: theycn=Newsroom, already were o, ou, emotional and sometimes email=ehwiley@my.okcu.edu, doing a profile on Avery, they heart-wrenching interviews were there c=US during an insane are replaced by courtroom Date: 2016.01.09 13:22:47 -06'00' investigations. The moments proceedings. This is a minor they are able to capture are complaint however, the trial fresh, raw and real. These has its own unbelievable moments could never be accu- moments. This series will turn many rately replicated, so seeing
Danielle Petersen is a music theater senior from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing the violin, playing with her cat and watching films.
But the story isn’t over. Thanks to one of the best cliffhanger endings to an episode, the audience learns that this entire ordeal was only the beginning for Avery. This sets a precedent for the remainder of the series, as each episode ends in such a way that waiting until later to watch the
Newsroom
viewers into amateur private investigators, doing what they can to find the truth about Avery. The show sticks with you long after you’ve watched it, and it should. It doesn’t keep you at a distance with irrefutable facts and narration. You’re put right in the middle of the action, seeing things as they happen and forming your own opinion. Give this itch a good scratch. Watch Making a Murderer before someone spoils it for you.
Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.
THURSDAY Chapel with John Hiller, religion senior, as speaker at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Women’s basketball vs. Bacone at 6 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Men’s basketball vs. Bacone at 8 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center FRIDAY Analyze This: Discover Psychology at OCU at 1 p.m. in Ann Lacy Admission and Visitor Building
rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center
rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center
SATURDAY Baseball vs. McPherson (Kan.) at 10 a.m. in Jim Wade Stadium
Women’s basketball vs. USAO at 3 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Men’s basketball vs. USAO at 5 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Hope Risher’s senior clarinet recital at 2 p.m. in the small
Andrew Carillo’s junior brass recital at 4 p.m. in the small
The Magic Flute at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirk-
The Magic Flute at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
patrick Fine Arts Center SUNDAY Baseball vs. Hastings (Neb.) at 10 a.m. in Jim Wade Stadium About Elly film screening at 2 p.m. in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business
Columnist encourages students to consider living alone I’ve lived on my own for almost a year, but I am starting to wonder if it is time for me to return to having roommates. People ask me all the time how I like living alone and whether or not they should try it. But it’s not a question that I can easily answer. Everyone is different. Although there are times I get lonely, I enjoy living in a single apartment. I learned to cook and clean for myself. I
am no longer scared to drive to the store by myself, and it gave me the chance to hold myself accountable and become responsible for getting myself to class, completing my homework and becoming a self-sufficient adult. When I first decided to move to a single in Cokesbury Court Apartments, I was certain that I didn’t want to live with anyone. I wanted my own space to play my keyboard, watch TV at any hour, throw clothes all over my floor,
Tatum Nelson is a mass communications/religion sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. She enjoys spending time with her sister and eating tacos. !
and run around naked without anyone judging me. Freshman year I lived in a triple in Walker Hall dormitory. I hated the small space. The room looked trashed every time
one article of clothing was on the floor. I needed my space. But at the same time, I loved living with my roommate. She kept me sane and took care of me, which I definitely needed. But
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Photographers: Anna Andersen, Lauren Berlingeri, Donovan Lawson, Andrew Robling Staff Writers: Alex German, Prisca Lynch, Elina Moon, Tatum Nelson, Taylor Rey Columnists: Tatum Nelson, Madelyn Parker
friends and then go back to a quiet room where no one could bug me. There are benefits and drawbacks to living alone. Everyone has different needs and wants that should be considered when debating who to live with. For me, living alone has given me the freedom to mature in my own space. I think everyone should consider living alone once in college.
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.
February 17, 2016, Volume 110, Number 17
Editor-in-Chief: Emily Wiley Web Editor: Maleyia Vaughn Lifestyles Editor: Sage Tokach Multimedia Editor: Miguel Rios Photo Editor: Ali Wonderly Copy Editor: John Hiller Community Managers: Sara Coleman, Lauren Berlingeri
after sharing one bathroom with four other women, I decided to live alone the next year. I learned a lot about myself living alone. I really enjoy the freedom, but I learned I could easily become a hermit if I wasn’t careful. I had to work to be social when previously it just happened naturally. Planning dinners with friends, joining athletics and doing more with my sorority helped. I could spend time with
The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone
Film Critic: Danielle Petersen number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to Circulation Director: edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without exAllie Glazner planation. Digitally signed by Newsroom Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin
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DN: cn=Newsroom, o, ou, or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciokcu.edu email=ehwiley@my.okcu.edu, ences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition. c=US Date: 2016.01.09 13:22:47 -06'00'
The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2016. All rights reserved.
February 17, 2016
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news
Commencement application deadline approaches Miguel Rios MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Students who plan to graduate in May need to apply for commencement. The deadline to apply for your diploma and for your name to appear in the commencement program is Feb. 26. “You can always apply for graduation, but we have a deadline to turn in your application to get your name in the commencement program,” said Pam Bobier, assistant director of academic services. Some people find out they can graduate in May after the deadline passes. They still can apply to walk, but their name may not appear in the com-
mencement program, she said. There is a separate form for these students to fill out in addition to the first application. Students may pick up a copy of the application in the campus bookstore in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. They need to fill out the information, have it signed by an adviser and take it to the registrar’s office in Clara E. Jones Administration building. Students also can order caps, gowns, rings and announcements in the bookstore, Bobier said. “It’ll take at least four weeks, maybe a little longer, to get your cap and gown,” Bobier said. The Baccalaureate service will begin at 9 a.m. May 7 in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.
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Enjoy your time at OCU while you still have it. I know you’re excited and ready to graduate, but you will miss it once you’re out and wish you would have had more time there. Andy Underkoffler alumnus
Undergraduate commencement will begin at 11 a.m. and the graduate commencement will begin at 3 p.m. Both ceremonies will be May 7 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The undergraduate speaker has not been finalized. One student doesn’t think the speaker matters. “Honestly I just want to graduate. Who cares who speaks,”
said Erick Meza, business finance senior. Dr. Stephen Prilliman, recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, will be the graduate commencement speaker, said Kent Buchanan, interim provost. See Page 1 to read more about Prilliman’s award. “Get there early,” Buchanan said. “There’s a lot of interaction with your colleagues in the hallway and it gets rambunctious
and loud. Show up on time and enjoy the process. And be prepared to take pictures.” Tickets aren’t required for the ceremonies, but seating is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. “Enjoy your time at OCU while you still have it,” Alumnus Andy Underkoffler said. “I know you’re excited and ready to graduate, but you will miss it once you’re out and wish that you would have had more time there.” The Senior Sendoff Dinner to welcome graduating seniors into the Alumni Association will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 5 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Seniors may each bring one guest. Each additional ticket
is $15. To R.S.V.P. to the dinner, call alumni relations at 405-208-5077. To make a donation to the 2016 Senior Class Gift, call Carrie Sauer, assistant director of annual giving, at 405-208-5873. Graduating students who contribute $20 or more will have the opportunity to send a message of thanks to their OCU mentor, receive a special tassel for graduation and be recognized at Senior Sendoff, according to okcu.edu.
Bilingual opera tells story of magical romance fairy tale Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER
A beautiful princess is trapped by a powerful ruler, a brave prince along with his goofy sidekick take on a great journey and a wicked queen tries to lure the hero into evil in the Bass School of Music’s next opera, The Magic Flute. The Magic Flute was composed by Mozart in 1791. It is a fairy tale following two young lovers, “Tamino” and “Pamina.” The story begins with “Tamino” who falls instantly in love with the princess “Pamina” upon seeing her picture, however her mother, “The Queen of the Night,” tells him that he can only marry her if he rescues her from the evil ruler, “Sarastro,” who has captured her. “Tamino” sets out to save the princess. Once he finds her, he has to prove his love for her by enduring a series of daunting tasks. “Being a part of The Magic Flute has been a dream come true,” said Sarah Kuhlman, vocal performance junior. “It’s a pleasure getting to create this new world with these talented
Being a part of The Magic Flute has been a dream come true. It’s a pleasure getting to create this new world with these talented people. Sarah Kuhlman vocal performance junior
people.” Kuhlman is playing “Pamina” in the show. Unlike other operas, The Magic Flute alternates between songs and spoken dialogue, like a modern musical. Though the original opera is in German, OCU’s production speaks dialogue in English and songs in German. “The Magic Flute has entertained audiences for centuries with funny, wild and crazy comic characters,” Director Dr. Karen Miller said. Productions often cut certain dialogue or scenes from the show, but OCU’s production will keep them. “There’s all kinds of misogynistic dialogue like ‘man needs to rule the world’ or ‘don’t trust
women’ that’s glossed over so not to be offensive,” Miller said. “My point of view is that the central story is between these two young lovers trying to enter the world as partners, they have to make a choice between believing the Queen or “Sarastro” or making their own choice.” The Magic Flute will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Tickets are available in the Box Office in the Ann Lacy School of Dance. Tickets are $12-25. Donovan Lawson Student Publications
Wake up Cynthia Bedford, dance management junior, and Shelby McCarver, acting freshman, give out free coffee during the “Cup of Joe with A-Chi-O” event Feb. 9 in the lobby in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. The women, along with other members of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, handed out hot drinks to students, faculty and staff as they came into the building to make themselves known to the campus community.
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Oscar-nominated actress to visit for masterclass Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER
Actress Mary McDonnell and her husband Randle Mell will host a masterclass and two Q&A sessions on campus. McDonnell is a two-time Oscar-nominated actress k n ow n f o r h e r w o rk i n Dances with Wolves, Donnie Darko, Battlestar Galacti-
ca, and is the lead in Major Crimes on TNT. Mell is an actor who was classically trained at Juillard in New York City. He has been on television as well as Broadway. McDonnell and Mell will host three events on Friday. Mell will have a private masterclass with junior theater and music theater students from 10 a.m. to noon. McDon-
n e l l and Mell will host a joint Q&A at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Mary Center. McDonnell “ The masterclass guests have their big name status for a reason,
so I love getting the opportunity to learn from those who have, to some capacity, achieved what I aspire to do,” said Franziska Harms, acting sophomore. The Department of Mov i n g Im a g e A r t s a n d School of Theater are cohosting the screening of the film Sneakers at 7 p.m. in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business.
McDonnell stars in Sneakers alongside Robert Redford and Dan Aykroyd, according to the Internet Movie Database, imdb.com. Fritz Kiersch, chairman of Moving Image Arts, will host a Q&A with McDonnell after the film screening. “It’s an incredible opportunity to meet a genuine Hollywood A-lister,” said Brian Parsons, associate dean of the
School of Theater. “She’s one of the most respected actresses of her generation. I don’t know why somebody wouldn’t want to go. It’s not normal to get someone at OCU of this stature.”
Students to preach during university chapel services Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER
Who needs a Valentine?
Lauren Berlingeri Student Publications
Joanna Whipple, political science/philosophy freshman, gets a plate of Valentine’s-themed sweets and treats provided by the housing office on Feb. 12 in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall. Students could help themselves to cake, cupcakes, chocolate and other treats. Residence hall officials host events and provide food for special occasions each semester.
February 17, 2016
Students will share their experiences during a special series of chapel services during Lent. Lent is the season of spiritual preparation that precedes Easter. Beginning last week with Ash Wednesday, Lent is 40 days plus six Sundays. During the 40 days, Christians are encouraged to engage in practices like fasting and prayer as a way of remembering Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness and as a way to spiritually prepare for the celebration of Easter. Religion seniors preach in chapel services each spring. The theme this year for Lent is “Reflections from the Road to the Cross.” “The theme has two meanings,” said the Rev. Dr.
The theme has two meanings. The first being the story of Jesus’s life and ministry leading up to the cross. The second allows for more of the seniors’ reflections as their time at OCU comes to an end.
Rev. Dr. Charles Neff
vice president for university-church relations
Charles Neff, vice president for university-church relations. “The first meaning being the story of Jesus’s life and ministry leading up to the cross. The second allows for more of the seniors’ reflections as their time at OCU comes to an end.” John Hiller, Hannah Lampi and Taylor Barnett, religion seniors, and Phil Younts, Michael Horn and Olivia Coil, youth ministry seniors, will each preach in one service, beginning Thursday. “I am so excited that I get the chance to preach in
chapel,” Barnett said. “OCU has given me so much and to be able to honor that with my life and through my words is the only way to express my gratitude.” Chapel services are at 1 p.m. Thursdays in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. For more information, call Neff at 405-208-5060. Editor’s note: Copy Editor John Hiller will preach at Thursday’s Lent chapel service.
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news
Students form teams, prepare for Relay For Life Alex German STAFF WRITER
Relay For Life teams are forming to raise money for cancer research. The 12-hour fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society. The event is scheduled April 8-9. “Money raised will go to programs that provide wigs to cancer patients and programs concerned with increasing cancer patients’ quality of life,” said Zack Travers, chairman of the Relay For Life committee. The American Cancer Society spends funds on cancer research and lobbies to support a legislative agenda to end cancer, such as fighting a bill that would allow children to use tanning beds without parental permission. Relay For Life began in Tacoma, Wash., with Dr. Gordy Klatt. The surgeon wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office, so he circled a university track for 24 hours. Friends and family began donating $25 each to walk with him. He ended up raising $27,000, according to the American Cancer Society’s website, cancer.org. In 1986, Klatt organized a community wide 24-Hour Run Against Cancer that raised more than $33,000. The idea caught on, and the American
Money raised will go to programs that provide wigs for cancer patients and programs concerned with increasing cancer patients’ quality of life.
Zack Travers Relay For Life chairman
Cancer Society began to host the 12-hour relay annually, naming it Relay For Life. Currently, more than four million people in 20 countries participate each year at events across the nation, according to American Cancer Society’s website. So far, there are 11 teams signed up, but the goal for this year is 25 new and returning teams, Travers said. Teams can be from Greek or student organizations, clubs, schools, or independent groups. “Teams provide accountability for fundraising goals and attendance at the event, along with making it more fun,” Travers said. Teams fundraise all year in preparation for the event. Teams can begin fundraising as soon as they form. Last year, 173 people signed up at OCU’s relay, forming 17 teams. The event raised $21,288. The event lasted from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., four hours shorter than usual to promote involvement and minimize exhaustion.
The relay will return to its traditional 12-hour time frame this year, lasting from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. During the relay, organizations will set up booths selling baked goods and activities to raise more money. Last year, booths featured pillow fights, fortune telling and water balloon tossing. All events and entertainment will be announced during kick off week, said Emily Diaz, cochairwoman of the Relay For Life committee. “Come out. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Diaz said. To create a team, go to the Relay For Life of OCU Facebook page. Editor’s note: Photo Editor Ali Wonderly is a co-chairwoman of the Relay For Life committee. Contributing: Lifestyles Editor Sage Tokach
Elina Moon Student Publications
Learn from a master Lindsie VanWinkle gives notes to Celia Tedde, music theater/vocal performance freshman, at the Acting the Audition masterclass on Feb. 9 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. VanWinkle is an Oklahoma native who received a bachelor’s degree in musical theater from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She lives in New York with her husband, actor Scott Guthrie who is an OCU alumnus and Oklahoma native.
Student organization to oversee staged readings Tatum Nelson STAFF WRITER
The School of Theater no longer oversees OCUEdge. Out of the Box, a student-led group through the School of Theater, took over the program. Matt Redmond, acting senior and senior artistic director for Out of the Box, started the transition. “We are so excited to add Edges to our season because they’re an incredible aspect of the School of Theater,” he said. Edge shows are staged readings, meaning the actors on stage hold scripts as they perform. Directors can choose to add costumes, set pieces and props, but the performance remains fairly minimal.
Each show in the season is a play submitted by a student and directed by that student. Out of the Box took over the program to have complete student control and allow faculty to focus on mainstage and Stage II seasons. There are three Edge shows each semester. The first Edge, a play called Bad Panda, was performed Feb. 7. It was directed by Brade Bradshaw, acting junior. “The audience at Bad Panda this last weekend was incredible, and I think they really enjoyed the show,” said Amanda Miller, acting freshman. “It’s a really interesting story and Brade did a great job showcasing the comedic moments as well as the heartfelt ones.” There will be two more plays this semester. The Women of Lockerbie, directed by Zoe Settle, acting sophomore, will
be March 6. Grand Central Station, directed by Biz Young, theater performance junior, will be April 17. All Edge shows are at 8 p.m. Sundays on the fourth floor of Clara E. Jones Administration building. The shows are free to attend. “These shows are a favorite with a lot of theater students because they’re free, but also because they create a really fun atmosphere,” Miller said. Redmond said the plays chosen are ones that would not be performed as a fully staged production. “Edges allow students to experience a play that may be new or a bit edgy in content,” Miller said.
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Andrew Robling Student Publications
Handling death
Ian McGee and Trevor Strahan, acting seniors, discuss the recent shooting of a businessman during a dress rehearsal for TheatreOCU Stage II’s production of Book of Days on Feb. 9 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. Right: Zack Payne, acting junior, prays with Ian McGee, acting senior, during a scene from Book of Days, directed by Travis Huddleston, acting junior. Book of Days tells the story of a small community in Missouri faced with a violent death. Performances ran Feb. 11-14. The next Stage II production is The Liar on Feb. 25-28 in the Black Box Theater.
Broadway star, alumna to perform at fundraiser for theater Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER
Alumna and Tony Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O’Hara will perform at a fundraiser hosted by OCU for the Meyers Theater for Young Audiences. The MTYA was founded 10 years ago to expose local children to live theater and create specialized educational performances that will teach school-age children about American history and topics on contemporary issues. OCU will host a gala with dinner and a performance by O’Hara at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63rd St. Proceeds from the gala will go toward the creations of an endowment to support MTYA. Sandy and Stewart Meyers introduced OCU to MTYA after bringing the Kennedy Center’s Touring Theatre for Young Audiences performances to Oklahoma City. That program was discontinued in 2012, but Sandy Meyers has sought to carry forward the work of the Kennedy Center’s touring proFebruary 17, 2016
Chamber Choir was given tickets to attend the event, and I am so excited to go. Kelli is just such a beautiful performer and an inspiration to me and so many other sopranos. Nicole Choate music theater senior
gram to engage school children in live, values-based theatrical performances. The Meyers have worked with OCU to offer spring semester productions focused on young audiences since February 2013, according to a press release. OCU wants to continue developing a relationship with MTYA and eventually form an endowment. The money will go toward resources to create and sustain theater outlets for young people and new works. “This is going to be a really spectacular evening and event.
I encourage anyone who can go to attend,” said Lora Malone, director of development and external relations. O’Hara was nominated for a Tony Award for her performances in The Light in the Piazza, Nice Work if You Can Get It, and South Pacific, and most recently won for her performance in The King and I. She also was awarded an honorary doctorate from OCU in November. Visit MediaOCU.com to read more about O’Hara receiving the honorary doctorate. “Chamber Choir was given tickets to attend the event, and I am so excited to go,” said Nicole Choate, music theater senior. “Kelli is just such a beautiful performer and an inspiration to me and so many other sopranos.” Guests are asked to arrive in cocktail attire. Tickets are $200 each and are available to anyone who wants to attend. Tickets are available online at secure.okcu.edu/onlinegiving/meyers/.
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