THE CAMPUS January 24, 2018 – Volume 111 Issue 13
State of the STUDENTS
Randy Gipson-Black, Student Government Association president, gives a speech at the State of the Students on Friday. Gipson-Black also answered questions from students in attendance. He said SGA members are focused on continuing to represent the student body. There are seven open seats in Stu-
SGA officials discuss Blue Initiative, Senate
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tudent Government Association members are moving forward with a green initiative and looking for students to fill vacant Senate seats. Members of the executive board gave students an update about what they’ve accomplished and talked about upcoming events Friday at the State of the Students address and Q&A session in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Going blue SGA President Randy Gipson-Black discussed the Blue Initiative, a three-part plan to make the campus more environmentallyfriendly. The recycling bin pilot program in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall is the first part of the plan. “After rewriting and passing the bill last spring to ensure its longevity, we were able to get the bins ordered in the fall,” GipsonBlack said. “This pilot program has been initiated in Methodist Hall and will include two federal work study positions that will be in charge of just basically carting the recycled materials down to the paper and cardboard dumpster.” A survey will be distributed to students at the end of the semester to gauge the program’s popularity, Gipson-Black said. “That feedback and the data that facilities gives us on how much we recycle will be the determining factors in whether or not we decide to expand this program,” he said. The second part of the plan is to install more water bottle filler attachments to water fountains in residential halls and academic buildings. Gipson-Black said SGA members are waiting to hear back from facilities on when they can install the filters. “The final part of the Blue Initiative is for SGA to partner with the campus store and order water bottles to hand out to a number of students,” he said. “The goal of this purchase is to entice the
student body to use them with the water bottle fillers to avoid purchasing and throwing away bottled water.” Hallie Schmidt, vocal performance sophomore, said she was glad to hear about the various parts of the plan. “I think that is incredible and a huge step forward in our efforts to be a sustainable campus,” Schmidt said. “I hope the recycling bins can be extended to Cokes, as well.” Representing students Austin Gipson-Black, SGA vice president and Senate president, said there are seven vacant seats in Senate. There are two senior at large, two law student and two graduate student seats open, as well as a social sciences seat. The most important role of senators is being a direct representative of the student body, Austin said. “We understand that these are your tuition fee dollars that we work with. We always want to be sure we are using them for your best interest. We want to make sure you guys are getting the most benefit out of the things that we do,” he said. Austin said he’s excited for the semester. “Senate really looks forward to working with the executive branch in order to pass resolutions pertaining to the OCU strategic plan,” he said. Planning events Monica Hiller, Student Activities Council vice president, said she plans to form the Homecoming committee this semester. The committee is in charge of organizing and planning the various Homecoming events. “Anyone who wants to be on the Homecoming committee can be,” Hiller said. “We will be sending out those forms in the next few weeks.”
dent Senate. For more information about Senate or SGA in general, email ocusga@okcu.edu.
Miguel Rios Student Publications
Hiller said anyone interested in SAC in general can attend their meetings at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the Great Hall. She said SAC, which plans events like Free Movie Night, is all about making college more enjoyable. “We find the fun things that make your college experience the best that it can be,” she said. “When you look back on college in 15 or 20 years, I want you to think fondly of the things that you did here. SAC gets to be a part of that, and I’m so grateful.” Hiller said the event she’s most excited for is a visit from Daniel Franzese, the actor who portrayed “Damien” in Mean Girls. Franzese will do some stand-up comedy and host a Q&A session March 28. A time and place has not yet been announced. Moving forward Randy said they received reassuring feedback from the 336 students who filled out a survey about SGA. “We were able to take those results and deduce that we, as SGA, need to improve on making the student body aware of the services that SGA can offer them both on a personal level as well as on an organizational level,” he said. Randy said they will attempt to advertise their services through things like flyers, announcements and a stronger presence at activities fairs and Stars Week. “I’m very eager and hopeful of the coming months because I know the type of leadership that is within SGA, which is the type that is geared toward not only collaborating to create innovative policies and exciting events, but it also knows the importance of following through with those initiatives,” he said. By Miguel Rios, editor-in-chief
Professional development events planned for spring Zoe Travers
NEWS EDITOR
Students will have several opportunities for career advisement and professional preparation this semester. Career Services officials planned events designed to keep students engaged and prepare them for their futures. “I am all about making students ready to walk out the door,” said Amelia Hurt, director of Career Services. “I want to give them all the tools without making them feel overwhelmed, so we try to do it in a really comfortable environment.” A chance for networking Students will be able to interact with local employers at the career and internship fair. It will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. There will be about 30 local employers who students can network with and discuss potential job opportunities. The university photographer will offer free professional headshots at the event. Dressing for success Career Services began the “Suit Up” event last year with J.C. Penney. They will host the event again from 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at Penn Square Mall, 1901 Northwest Expressway. Students can shop for professional dress items and receive 70 percent off with an OCU ID. Pre-registration for the event will be posted soon, as well as gift card giveaways ranging from $25 to $200. Pre-registration is only required to be entered into the drawing for gift cards, but not to gain entry into the event. “It’s just a really fun shopping event to get prepared for interviews or your next job opportunity, or if you just like to dress really snazzy,” Hurt said. There were about 175 participants last year, including MacKenzie Reitz, dance management junior, who pre-registered for the event and received a $50 gift card. “I didn’t end up paying actual money, which was spectacular because, you know, college student budget,” Reitz said. Dining professionally Career Services officials also will host an etiquette dinner from 5:40-6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Great Hall to give students an opportunity to dine in a business setting. “It’s very practical,” Hurt said. “I’ve had students come back to me that have done it and then used it later at donor events or formal dinners, and they felt glad they had been introduced to that basic
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etiquette and weren’t as nervous.” The cost is one meal plan swipe or $6. Students must RSVP by emailing careerservices@okcu.edu. Finding opportunities Career Services officials also are starting a program which will give money to students participating in summer internships. Undergraduate students of all majors who meet eligibility requirements can apply to be a part of the program. Application information will be available Feb. 5 and it will be open for a month. Eligibility requirements have not yet been released. Hurt said students should start looking for internships now if they are interested because, to be eligible, students already must have an offer letter from an employer. The program is to give four or five students financial support to help pay for expenses during a low-paid or unpaid internship. Printing business cards Students also can print business cards with Career Services at a rate of $5 for 100 cards, a service that began in Fall 2017. Hurt said many students have taken advantage of it. “If you are looking for jobs, and you’re doing the things you’re supposed to be doing–you’re networking, you’re talking with people–you want to have the whole package. And you want to be able to present your information in a professional way,” she said. The business cards include name, college, major(s), minor(s), contact information, and social media handles. There is a limit of one order per student, per semester. Joining a network Students also can be a part of an alumni mentor network. Career Services partnered with the Office of Alumni Engagement to make this possible. The program, which began last semester, aims to connect young professionals with current students to give advice on jobs, internships and life in general. Hurt said about 15 mentors and five students are participating. “It’s just nice to have someone in your corner,” Hurt said. “Success is hard to do by yourself, and you have your faculty members, and you have us, but everyone could use one more person to give them a leg up.” Reaching out Reitz said she recommends students use the resources provided by Career Services officials. She said she’s pleased with the help she’s received with her resume and cover letter.
“It’s beautiful, and I’ve already gotten a phone interview,” Reitz said. “I’ve sent it in literally everywhere. I think I’ve applied to nine things, and I feel confident that it’s going to get me something.” Reitz said she’s always excited to tell Career Services employees about her offers and her professional experiences. “They really care about the student and that the student is having a good experience,” she said. “If I’m not confident, they figure out why and help me become more confident in whatever I’m working on.”
Go professional: Career and internship fair 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Great Hall
Suit Up event 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at the J.C. Penney in Penn Square Mall, 1901 Northwest Expressway
Etiquette dinner 5:40-6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Great Hall
Business cards 100 for $5 For more information on resources provided by Career Services, email careerservices@okcu.edu or call 405-208-5171.
Is He Dead?
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Recycling program shows promising change for community, environment Recycling bins were distributed last week to rooms on the first and second floors of Oklahoma United Methodist Hall. The process of obtaining the bins was more painful than it had to be, due to a veto and leadership transitions, but the bins are a great step toward making OCU more environmentally-friendly. See more on environmentally-friendly iniatives on Page 1. Alumnus Ken Williams and members of the Repurposing Club first presented a bill last year to put bins in every room of Methodist Hall. SGA President Nic Rhodes vetoed the bill in February 2017, suggesting a smaller pilot program. The Repurposing Club was left without a president after Williams graduated, so Young Democrats had to buy the bins
instead. They were purchased in September. Students with the bins should take advantage of this opportunity to recycle easily. Students don’t have to empty the bins themselves, so there is no excuse to throw away recyclables, at least until the bins are full. Since the bill was presented as a pilot program, the recycling effort could continue to grow. If students use the bins correctly and they are emptied routinely, the program could be expanded. Small bins in every room can become costly and timeconsuming to empty, so fewer, larger bins could offer a good alternative. More students could recycle if each floor of Methodist Hall contained larger recycling bins labeled for certain products. Though less conve-
“What do you think of the new recycling system?”
nient than personal bins, larger containers could further the effort to go green more quickly. A similar system of large recycling bins could work effectively on the floors of Walker Hall dormitory and the stairwells of Banning Hall dormitory. It might be harder to implement the system in Cokesbury Court Apartments due to the distance between rooms, but even a few more recycling options near the Cokesbury Clubhouse would help the effort. The Methodist Hall bins are a great start, but students need to use them properly and consider what further options are available to reduce OCU’s carbon footprint even more.
“I think recycling on campus is a great idea. I love having bins in our rooms now.”
“I think we need more progress, but I think it's a great start.”
Amanda Miller English junior
Barrett Cahalen dance junior
“I'm really excited about them!”
“I think it is a great idea, but I don't know if they will work well yet.”
Kevin Chissoe accounting junior
Johnny Richards film junior
“I think it's a great idea–I wish I could recycle more materials, though.”
“I think it’s a good start, but I’d like to recycle plastic, glass and aluminum."
Kristina Patterson film sophomore
Mariah Kalka dance sophomore
Columnist reflects on loved one’s passing Heaven Akmal died Jan. 14, 2018. I know that you may not recognize her name, but it’s a name that brings warmth to my heart. Akmal and I met about eight years ago. I was 13, and she was only 10. I was shy when I was younger and just getting started in a theater career. I was afraid of how people would judge me, and I didn’t want to be around anyone for fear of being disliked. Akmal was the first person to always force me to include myself. She was also the first person to grab my hand, pull me into a hug and
ask what was bothering me. I saw Akmal a few weeks ago at a New Year’s Eve party and was overjoyed to see her. Since I’ve been at OCU, it’s been tough to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Akmal didn’t seem to mind the distance, though, and acted as if no time had passed since the last time I saw her. She hugged me, smiled at me and reminded me that her heart was unendingly full of love. Her death was unexpected. No one could have seen it coming, and, for that reason, everyone who knew her is struggling to come to terms
Harrison Langford is an acting junior from Las Vegas, Nevada, who loves golden retrievers and the New York Giants.
with it. Anyone who knew Akmal would agree that she was a ball of light and sunshine. She was a big part of your life, no matter your relationship with her. I’m reminded how precious life is. I’m reminded that any moment could be our last, and, for that reason, it is absolutely
vital that we express our love and care for those who are important to us. As students, we spend a lot of time worrying about homework, deadlines, upcoming dates, etc. It’s easy, on a campus like OCU’s, to forget that the world keeps turning outside of our busy lives. We must take a few
moments to step back and reflect on what is important to us. I’ve written about it in the past, but I still encourage us to remember to enjoy the little things. Spring semester is a stressful time. It’s cold, professors who taught us previously have higher expectations of us and we’re already waiting for summer break. We need to take the time to enjoy our weekends or moments shared with friends and family. I cannot stress enough the importance of what it means to let yourself be human and not the workaholic machines that our college
schedules turn us into. This week, I have been sure to contact everyone around me that I care about and remind them that I’m always here to talk if they need anything, and that I love them. I will also spend much of my time reflecting on happy memories that I’ve been lucky enough to share with Akmal, as well as lessons that she’s taught me. “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others.” -L. Frank Baum
Experimental movie impresses, challenges viewer's taste Some controversy simmered in the movie industry last September, all due to one film that was simultaneously worshipped and detested, labeled as both the best and worst movie of 2017. mother! has been called a psychological horror film, and, though it possesses many of the qualities this genre is known for, the film feels like a patchwork of several different forms of storytelling, all quilted together into something unsettling. But, this style of narrative is familiar to those acquainted with the name Darren Aronofsky, who, aside from this movie,
demonstrated his surreal, unorthodox direction in films like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream. The basic storyline centers around a couple living inside a house that, shortly after burning down, was meticulously rebuilt by the unnamed wife of the household (Jennifer Lawrence). This and other kind gestures, however, are almost uniformly snubbed by her unnamed husband (Javier Bardem), a poet so preoccupied by his own writer’s block that he resorts to letting random and undesirable guests into their home, ignoring his wife’s objections. This escalates into some incredibly
mother! immediately narrows its audience, for better or for worse. Aronofsky knows well this movie is not for everyone and continues to ask more of the viewer in a panoply of ways. In between the staggeringly violent images, the catharsis of Lawrence’s character and the sheer level of visceral energy, mother! is a deeply upsetting experience, whether you like the movie or not. Some will see this as a fault, but I see it as a challenge and not without payoff. Without unveiling too much plot, sticking this movie out to the end will bring you to one of the most satisfying and, for a film this
experimental, surprisingly definite endings I have ever witnessed. The line between avantgarde and up-its-own-ass is by no means a new battlefield for psychological horror, and, though Aronofsky is already known for his mystifying style, I’m not sure any of his other works reach the same heights as this one. For those of you who are willing to walk that fine tightrope between epiphany and incoherence, mother! is a must–see. Warning: I had to take a break halfway through because I was so riveted by what was on the screen that my eyes started watering.
Activity Center Men’s wrestling dual against Wayland Baptist University at 7 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Activity Center Men’s basketball game against John Brown University at 4:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
at 8 p.m. in Black Box theater in Wanda L. Bass Music center
TheatreOCU presents: Is He Dead? at 8 p.m. in Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center
Frontier Brass Band concert at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
MONDAY Physical Therapy Info Session at 5 p.m. in Ann Lacy Admissions and Visitor Center
Chandler White is an English junior from Meeker, Oklahoma. He likes gothic horror and good hip-hop.
surreal and disturbing scenarios, so difficult to stomach, in fact, that they are impossible to fully describe in text. As I said, the film pulls elements from many classical storylines, including mythology, Gothic tales, Victorian romances, and, most prominently of all, the Bible. Though this may sound cluttered and overzealous, it actually comes together perfectly,
resulting in an interesting experience where all universal stories, modern and archaic, spiritual and realistic, fall into the one unending story of humanity. That being said, one can’t help but ask: what if audiences completely miss these allusions? Sure, there is a level of intelligence which is reasonable for a film to ask of a viewer. But, by doing this,
Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.
TODAY 5-on-5 basketball at 8 p.m. in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Bacone College at 7:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
Kappa Sigma Spring Rush informal night at 7 p.m. in the Kappa Sigma house
TheatreOCU presents: Is He Dead? at 8 p.m. in Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center
THURSDAY Women’s basketball game against Bacone College at 6 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center Men’s basketball game against
Free Movie Night at 8 p.m. at Harkins Bricktown, 150 E. Reno Ave. FIJI Spring Rush informal night at 7 p.m. in the Cokesbury Court Clubhouse
FRIDAY Final day to drop classes without a professor’s signature Distinguished Artists Series Presents: OKC Jazz Orchestra with Guest Artist Vince Dimartino at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center, kicking off the International Trumpet Guild conference Women’s wrestling dual against Wayland Baptist University at 5 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and
SATURDAY Women’s basketball game against John Brown University at 3 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and
January 24, 2018, Volume 111, Number 13
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Associate Community Manager: Harrison Langford Web Editor: Nicole Waltman Associate Web Editor: Emily Wollenberg Staff Writers: Rodney Smith Photographer: Hannah Rogers
SUNDAY TheatreOCU presents: Is He Dead?
TUESDAY OCULeads Etiquette Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda Mcdaniel University Center
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.
THE CAMPUS Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White News Editor: Zoe Travers Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri
TheatreOCU presents: Is He Dead? at 8 p.m. in Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center
5-on-5 Basketball at 8 p.m. in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center
The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-
Columnist: Caroline Hawthorne Film Critic: Mary McLain Videographer: Emily Haan Proofreader: Tyler Patton Circulation Director: Kalen Castor Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin
ters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.
The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2018. All rights reserved.
January 24, 2018
lifestyles
Hannah Rogers Student Publications
Come on and slam Sophomore Guard Torie Shanbour moves down the court at the women’s basketball game against Central Christian on Saturday in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The Stars won 94-53. Above: Senior Guard Jonathan Ellis moves across the court at the men’s basketball game Saturday. The Stars won 93-64. The Stars’ next home game is 6 p.m. Thursday for the women’s game and 7:45 p.m. for the men’s game against Bacone University in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. Elina Moon Student Publications
Students, faculty prepare for Undergraduate Research Day Nicole Waltman
WEB EDITOR
The Honors Program is hosting the 18th annual Undergraduate Research Day next month. Undergraduate Research Day will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Honors Hall on the first floor of Gold Star Memorial Building. Though the event is hosted by the Honors Program, it’s open to any and all undergraduate students at the university. “The day is an opportunity for students all across the university in various disciplines to demonstrate and present and highlight the work that they’ve performed over the past calendar year,” said Dr. Erik Heine, professor of music/assistant director of the Honors Program. “Any original work that was created in 2017 is eligible for submission.” Students can submit academic and artistic works. The three areas of submission are posters, presentations or performances. Depending on the type of submissions received, they will be broken down into
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further categories, Heine said. Faculty and staff members will act as judges during the event, and cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category. “This year will be my fourth time to present at OCU Undergraduate Research Day,” said Laura Jardine, biology senior. “Most of my submissions were independent ecological research projects I’ve either done at OCU or through summer jobs.” Jardine said she will present work concerning the state of permafrost. “I’ve presented on bird habitats, primate behavior, fire ecology, and bee physiology,” she said. “This year I’m going to be sharing my work on fires and permafrost thaw in the Arctic.” The poster portion of the event will last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the presentations will last from 1-4 p.m. and the performance portion will overlap from noon to 2 p.m. “The idea is that you don’t have to be static, you don’t have to be in one place for an entire session, you can move through and observe various things,” Heine said. “We want it to be a little more interactive.”
A submission form was distributed last Thursday via email. Students may fill out the form and return their submissions to Heine in person or they can email them at eheine@okcu.edu. Submissions close Friday. “If there are students that are considering submitting, I would strongly encourage them to submit,” Heine said. “If you’re on the fence and thinking, ‘well maybe I should, maybe I shouldn’t,’ go ahead and submit.” Jardine said she recognizes the benefit of events like this. “It’s a low-stakes opportunity for students to present research,” she said. “I got to present at OCU before starting to attend bigger conferences, and the experience really helped prepare me for presenting in situations that are more intense.”
Student Philanthropy Committee to host events on campus Emily Wollenberg
ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR
The Student Philanthropy Committee will host Sponsors Making a Change Week from Jan. 29 through Feb. 2. Sh a n n o n Mc Ke n r i c k , entertainment business senior and Stu Phil president, said the point of the committee and the event is to educate students about the importance of donors and donor money to the university. She also said this is the first time Stu Phil has ever hosted the event. Stu Phil will put gift tags all over campus so students can see what was provided by donor money, McKenrick said. “It will be a visual reminder of everything that donors do for the university,” she said. “Not just our big
donors, like when you see names on buildings, but even those people who donate $50. Well, that $50 helps make our campus look pretty.” McKenrick said the tags will stay up throughout the week. There also will be a social media scavenger hunt with clues to where the tags are. Students who post pictures and hashtag #OCUSMAC can win a prize. There also will be a speaker panel called “Voices in Philanthropy” about careers in fund raising, development and nonprofit in the corporate world. The panel will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. “That’s one field a lot of people don’t think of going into. They think, ‘oh, in nonprofit, I won’t make a lot of money, it’s not really lucrative,’ but that’s not always the
I think it’s really great that the Student Philanthropy Committee is raising awareness for donors. The donors do so much for our campus that normally goes unrecognized.
Carolann Stout acting sophomore
case,” McKenrick said. The panel will feature Kristin Holland, corporate giving officer of Boeing; Whitney Cross Moore, director of development at Oklahoma City Ballet; Robyn Hilger, executive director of El Sistema; Lindsay Dyer, executive director of United Way of Pottawatomie County, and Rachel Durham, development officer of Positive Tomorrows. Bob Spinks, director of OCU’s Nonprofit Leadership master’s program, will moder-
ate the panel. McKenrick also will conduct a presentation titled “Get the Scoop on Philanthropy” about donors in Oklahoma City. The presentation will be at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 1 in the Great Hall. Stu Phil will have a table set up outside the caf during lunch with information about the importance of philanthropy on college campuses and how students can get involved.
Carolann Stout, acting sophomore, said it’s important to have a week to recognize the people who contribute to the campus. “I think it’s really great that the Student Philanthropy Committee is raising awareness for donors. The donors do so much for our campus that normally goes unrecognized,” Stout said. McKenrick said Stu Phil also organizes the senior gift, an amount of money graduating seniors give back to the university as a thank you. “Some ideas we’ve had are scholarship funds, study abroad scholarship funds, campus beautification projects, and someone even suggested a campus art project, like we paint a whole side of a building dedicated to the class of 2018, which would be really cool,” she said. McKenrick said, during
SMAC week, seniors will receive a poll to vote where they want the money raised to go. At the end of the week, Stu Phil will reveal the winners of the poll. McKenrick said she hopes many people will attend SMAC week so they can learn more about the importance of donors to the campus. Last year, the university received $1,600 in donation from the senior class of 2017, which totaled more than $3,000 after a match from President Robert Henry. Students may email Mc Ke n r i c k a t t s m c k e n rick@my.okcu.edu for more information about the event or how to get involved with Stu Phil.
Film program hosts screening Caroline Hawthorne
STAFF WRITER
Showing school spirit
Hannah Rogers Student Publications
The Oklahoma City University Pep Dancers, a dance company within the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management, perform during halftime at Saturday’s men’s basketball game in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness Center. The pep dancers perform at all home basketball games.
January 24, 2018
The OCU Film Institute will continue its 36th year of international films, with the theme “Picturing Reconciliation.” The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson is the next film in the series and will be shown at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business. “It tells the story of the British rock guitarist, Wilko Johnson, who discovers he has pancreatic cancer and must come to terms with it,” said Dr. Tracy Floreani, director of the Center for Interper-
sonal Studies through Film and Literature. “It is full of homages to classic rock films but also has footage of Johnson’s final years of touring.” A discussion among the audience will follow the film. The lineup for the series is: - The Salesman on Feb. 18, - Boy on March 4, and - The Diving Bell and The Butterfly on March 18. “I highly recommend the film Boy,” Floreani said. “It’s extremely funny and explores indigenous culture.” Hannah Boyens, theater and performance sopho-
more, said she is interested in coming to the next film and is planning to continue exploring the series. “I love the theme and movies,” Boyens said. “It’s a great time to sit down and discuss art that I wouldn’t be able to see in other movie theaters that I go to.” Students with questions may contact Floreani at filmlit@okcu.edu or call 405-208-5707. For information on the programming, visit okcufilmlit.org.
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news
Marching for a cause Above: Adrianna DelPercio and Turner Carson, acting sophomores, show each other their signs at the Women's March. Carson attended the march in full drag. They made signs referencing things President Donald Trump has said in the past. The march started at 10:30 a.m. Saturday outside the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard. It marked the anniversary of the first Women’s March, which took place shortly after Trump’s inauguration. Right: Abby Bryan, acting sophomore, and Grace Nettrour, acting freshman, hold their signs as they walk in the Women’s March. Demonstration topics included transgender rights, indigenous people’s rights, gender equality, and standing against sexual harassment. Top right: Sierra Paul, theater education sophomore; Hannah Boyens, theater and performance sophomore; Erik Hamilton, acting sophomore; and Ashley Fountain, acting junior, show their school pride at the Women’s March. Elina Moon Student Publications
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Athletic officials seek opponents after St. Gregory's closes Chandler White
COPY EDITOR
Athletics officials are considering their options after the closing of an Oklahoman university. St. Gregory’s University, a private liberal arts school in Shawnee, Oklahoma, closed at the end of last semester due to financial issues. Athletics officials are now deciding whether to accept forfeits from the school or to seek new opponents for the games scheduled against St. Gregory’s athletic teams. “I’ve been here 15 years and this has never happened,” Athletic Director Jim Abbott said. “Normally, if there is a normal way to close a university, they would complete the academic year.” The sports most affected by St. Gregory’s closing are baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s basketball. Abbott said it was too late to find any other basketball opponents, so officials decided to accept forfeits for that sport, but they are searching for alternative opponents in baseball and softball. “As far as I can tell, softball is having lots of trouble trying to find anybody to play,” he said. “Baseball may have a better opportunity. We basically have until the end of the season to make a decision.” Officials are looking for opponents for three baseball games and four softball games, including games in the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament. SAC officials decided that forfeits from St. Gregory’s will
It was a great school. We had lots of great competitions over the years, and it's really devastating to see what they've had to go through.
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Jim Abbott athletic director
count as wins within OCU standings, but not in the tournament standings. Men’s and women’s basketball accepted forfeits for two games each, scheduled for Jan. 11 and Feb. 17. This means the university can consider those games wins, but they will not improve tournament standings. Abbott said it ultimately doesn’t matter because every other team will be in the same situation. “Even if you counted them as wins, everybody in the lead would have two wins, so it doesn’t really affect the standings,” he said. Baseball Coach Denney Crabaugh said scheduling new games is tough. “It’s gotten so insane, as far as scheduling is concerned, that I’m calling people for 2019, and they’re saying ‘We’re already
full,’” Crabaugh said. “To be able to sit there and find games in November, it’s just almost impossible.” Right Hand Pitcher Caleb Evans said there are difficulties with filling in conference games because they occur during the same time as the conferences of several other schools. “The biggest issue with St. Greg’s is that they were in our conference,” Evans said. “When you take away conference games, that’s a harder thing to fill in because it’s in the midst of everyone else’s conference season as well, so it’s going to be a tough thing to try to fill in, for sure.” The next softball game to be forfeited or filled with an alternative opponent will be at 5 p.m. March 29 in Ann Lacy Stadium. The vacant home game in baseball will be at 1 p.m. March 31 in Jim Wade Stadium. Abbott said he’s greatly disheartened by the closing of St. Gregory’s. “I have a lot of respect for the folks at St. Gregory’s,” he said. “It was a great school. We had lots of great competitions over the years, and it’s really devastating to see what they’ve had to go through. It is heartbreaking to see this happen.” Softball Coach Phil McSpadden was unavailable for comment Monday.
Renovations continue in Gold Star Memorial Building Sage Tokach
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Facilities officials continue to work on renovations in Gold Star Memorial Building. After students created a petition asking for improvements to the building last February, officials prioritized and began improvements. Gold Star houses classrooms, rehearsal spaces, faculty offices, and the Honors Hall. A few improvements were completed last year. Two classrooms on the south side of the basement were finished. The floor was also replaced in Studio A, a theater classroom in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center, as part of renovations for the School of Theatre. These improvements were in response to the petition’s January 24, 2018
request for new flooring to prevent injury and promote sanitation. Facilities officials also installed black curtains over the studio’s mirrors during winter break at the request of acting professors and students. Other improvements also began during winter break, including a new heating and air conditioning system and soundproofed classrooms. New heating and air conditioning units were installed in the third-floor classrooms of Gold Star. Facilities officials are still working on the unit on the north side of the basement. The improvements will help maintain a consistent building temperature. Sierra Paul, theater education sophomore, said the improvements make class and
The third floor is already done, and the basement is under construction now. I've gotten positive feedback from both teachers and students about the improvements.
Jeff Cochran
associate professor stage and production management
rehearsal easier. “The new classrooms in the basement will allow more spaces for students to rehearse in, and the soundproofing makes it a lot easier to concentrate, since we can’t hear the other classes,” Paul said. Jeff Cochran, associate professor of stage and production management and director of global initiatives, oversees the renovations and said there is no
completion date. “The third floor is already done, and the basement is under construction now,” Cochran said. “I’ve gotten positive feedback from both teachers and students about the improvements.” Maddy Donatelli, acting sophomore, said the new heating and air conditioning units seem to make the rooms feel more temperate, though their
appearance is unusual. “They look like teleportation devices,” Donatelli said. “I’m more comfortable, except for the worry that I might be sucked up at any moment.” Paul said she’s glad they got air conditioning. “It’s finally not boiling hot in Studio C, which is nice. I had two classes in there last semester, and it was rough,” she said. Soundproofing, another main request of the original petition, was completed in the third floor classrooms during the break. Soundproofing was done by building the walls up to the ceiling, closing a gap between classrooms. Vocal production, a class that normally takes place in the north side of the basement, has been moved to the third floor of Gold Star during construction. The class typically takes
place in the basement because it requires a private space for silent yoga and frequent loud vocal exercises. Dawson MacLeod, acting junior, said he is surprised by how well the soundproofing works. “Vocal prod and Chekhov are right next to each other on the third floor and we can’t hear anything,” MacLeod said. “I thought it would be a nightmare, but it’s actually not.” Editor’s Note: Harrison Langford, associate community manager, was one of two students who drafted the petition asking for improvements to the building. He was not involved in the writing of this story.
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