Oct. 10 by MediaOCU

THE CAMPUS October 10, 2018 – Volume 112 Issue 7

University president puts OCU art in Wilson House Emily Wollenberg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The university president displays art from OCU artists in her new home, Wilson House. President Martha Burger moved into Wilson House, the house owned by the university for the president, Sept. 1. Burger became OCU’s president in July. The house is located on Blackwelder Avenue between the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and the Ann Lacy Admissions and Visitor Center. It was built in 1975 by Architect George Seminoff. Florence Wilson, alumnus and trustee, donated the money to fund the house’s construction. The house has undergone few renovations since the ’70s, Burger said. Some of the furniture was already in the house when she moved in, and some she brought from her previous home. Many furniture pieces are antiques, passed down through her family. The two-story house has a master bedroom, three guest bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a secondary living room area, a dining area, and a study. One of the guest bedrooms is named the “Sandra Day O’Connor Suite” after the Supreme Court justice who served on the court from 1981 to 2006. Former President Robert Henry had close relationships with many Supreme Court justices, and Burger said O’Connor stayed in the suite when the Henrys lived in the house. The Henrys lived in Wilson House for six out of the eight years of Henry’s presidency. Burger said the house was vacant, except for some of the Henry’s furniture, for two years until she moved in. Burger had two rooms in the house repainted and re-carpeted. “The facilities staff here at OCU did all of that work,” she said. “I am forever grateful for them.” The dark wood and furniture in the living room is tied together by an oil painting Burger bought while traveling in Morocco with the Henrys and Dr. Mohamed Daadaoui, professor of political science. She filled the house with art from her travels across the world and artists from OCU. She has a display case in the living room with mementos from Prague, Russia, Tanzania, Morocco, Israel, Mexico, Antarctica, and more. The living room can comfortably seat about 20 people, Burger said. The house can seat about 50 for dinner. “I haven’t had to do that yet,” she said. “But I can’t wait to.” Burger hosted a faculty and staff open house from 4-6 p.m. Friday. The event celebrated Burger’s 100th day in office. Between the living room and the master bedroom is a baby grand piano illuminated by skylights and an almost 10-foot-tall graphic painting created by Roger Lee White, former chairman of the School of Visual Arts in the 1960s. A tall, three-legged sculpture and a blue, geometric piece by Morgan Robinson, artist in residence for the School of Visual Arts, stand guard in front of the piano. Allegra Knight, visual arts junior, said she appreciates that Burger is displaying art from OCU artists. “I think any chance people get, they should purchase from artists they know. It’s good to encourage young artists and have

“

Elina Moon Student Publications

President Martha Burger features art from the School of Visual Arts in Wilson House, the university-owned house for the president. Morgan Robinson, artist in residence for the School of Visual Arts, created the two sculptures, and Roger Lee White, former chairman of the School of Visual Arts, created the painting. Burger said the painting is her favorite piece of art in the house.

I was worried if I could ever make this place feel like home to me. When I saw this, I knew this was perfect. This was going to make it feel like home. Martha Burger university president

their work displayed," Knight said. Burger said she looked through the archives from the School of Visual Arts with Heather Lunsford, the school’s director, and chose the pieces she wanted. One of White’s paintings caught her eye immediately and made everything in the house come together, Burger said. “I was worried if I could ever make this place feel like home to me. When I saw this, I knew this was perfect. This was going to make it feel like home,” she said. Wilson House is a great place to display art from the school, said Burt Harbison, visual arts professor. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve always liked to have art there. For one thing, I know it’s secure and it’s seen,” he said. “The different presidents who have had art there have tried to show it off as much as possible.” Opposite the piano hangs a painting Burger painted herself.

Elina Moon Student Publications President Martha Burger gave Student Publications a tour of Wilson House, the university-owned house for the president. The house contains artifacts and mementos from Burger’s travels and antique furniture pieces, as well as paintings and sculptures from the School of Visual Arts. Burger painted the center painting decorated with multi-colored circles pictured above. The work has peace signs painted on it, which Burger said is her favorite symbol.

“I got a roller and masking tape to get the squares right, so this is, ‘an accountant tries to paint.’ I didn’t get much past circles,” she said. One her favorite pieces of art in the house is a vibrant portrait of a Cuban woman, Burger said. She purchased the portrait from a street art vendor while visiting Cuba. “I just love her. She’s got spunk, you can just tell,” she said. Past the Cuban portrait is the study, filled floor to ceiling with shelves displaying relics from Burger’s travels. Sparkling blown glass in vivid colors decorate the room. Burger said much of the glass artwork was gifted to her from Oklahoma State University, her alma mater, as recognition for her accomplishments and contributions to the school through the years. “They always give you orange glass,” she said. “I thought, ‘I just love the glass, but I want other colors besides orange,’ so I’ve actually bought blue glass for OCU.” Burger said she spends most of her time in a smaller living area, which has a television, comfortable seating, her desk with a Mac computer, and a small breakfast table. The upstairs area has two guest bedrooms that feature many more family heirlooms, antiques and pieces of art. Burger said she hopes to add an additional piece to the house from one of the female art professors. “I asked for two pieces to be framed that were done by a woman who taught in our art department in the early 1900s,” she said. “She had to be one of the first female art professors in the country.” Displaying the artist’s work in her house would mean a lot to her, Burger said. “Being the first female president, I really want to display women’s art,” she said. When asked by the university trustees if she intended to live in Wilson House when she became president of OCU, Burger happily accepted. “It is absolutely the right thing to do,” she said. “There’s so many things that I need to be here for in the evenings. If you’re home 10 miles away, you’re less likely to come back.” After the past few months living in the house, Burger said she loves the space and wants to let others enjoy it as well. “I hope to have student events here,” she said. “This is the university’s house.”

Campus police discuss removing or repairing blue emergency phones Caroline Hawthorne

STAFF WRITER

Campus police are discussing whether to remove or repair the blue emergency phone booths scattered around campus. The phones are located throughout campus to provide students with a way to access OCUPD immediately. They also provide a speaker for announcements to be made throughout campus in case of an emergency. Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers said the discussion began after a meeting with the Crisis Management Committee where someone suggested removing the blue phones. “I kind of like them,” Rodgers said. “Apparently several of them need to be replaced. Most campuses I’ve been on have the blue phones because they make a good effort to show that we are available in different ways.” About 20 blue phones are placed strategically around campus. Rodgers said four of them are broken. “Some of it is as minimal as the blue light overhead doesn’t work,” she said. The blue phones are only used about once a month, Rodgers said.

M MEDIAOCU.com

Elina Moon Student Publications There are various blue emergency phone booths on campus as a way to contact OCUPD, including one outside Meinders School of Business.

Part of the reason why the blue phones may be taken down is because of the campus app, Rave Guardian, she said. The app was created this year for testing and can contact the OCUPD more easily, as well as provide a safety timer. The student assigns a guardian, such as a parent or friend, and sets a timer to get to their location. If the alarm is not turned off when time runs out, the campus police are notified. “If you were leaving the library, for example, at 10 p.m., and expect to be back at your dorm in 15 minutes, you let the guardian

know the time. If you do not turn off the alarm by then, your guardian is notified, as well as the OCUPD,” Rodgers said. “I have seen an increase in using this to call the OCU police. Students have been sending us more tips.” Budget will be a factor in whether or not the blue phones will be replaced. Rodgers said the department gets $40,000 a fiscal year for changes in safety. This year’s money is going into signs and new cameras. “I think replacing the blue phones is in the budget,” she said. “We do have some more to play with, and it will probably go into the phones or lighting. I see where we need to go. It just may take another three to four years.” Rodgers said she plans on sending out a survey to the campus to see what students think about the issue. Sammi Bronow, economics senior, said she dislikes the blue phones and prefers the app. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable using a blue telephone,” she said. “I feel more comfortable using the guardian app.”

Crazy Kazoo Lady

Wilson House Tour

Like us on Facebook at MediaOCU

Get advice by emailing chawthorne@okcu.edu Watch a video of Student Publications receiving a tour of President Martha Burger's home

Gross Me Out

See a gallery of pictures from the play Uncommon Women and Others

opinion Editors encourage students to focus on emotional health Mental health and wellness are pressing social issues with different stigmas and stipulations. Living in the 21st century, one would expect mental health to be a respected subject like any other scientific topic. But the nation’s stance on mental health is more divided than ever, and it is imperative that we begin a conversation that needs to be had. Oklahoma recently was ranked as the 46th happiest state, with a 47 in the area of ‘emotional and physical wellbeing’ by WalletHub.com. See Page 3 for more on mental health in Oklahoma. In a world filled with terror and political turmoil, it is essential to recognize the severity and complexity of mental illness. Be it anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc., each disorder deserves to be treated with the delicacy and importance of any other disease or ailment.

Some think mental illness is merely a plea for attention, or they doubt that mental illness is even a real sickness, but what you cannot see still exists. This ideal is essential in seeing mental illness as a real issue and not just a “stage” or “rough spot.” Although many students aren’t from Oklahoma, it’s still a place they call home. The startlingly low ranking of Oklahoma should concern all students, whether they are personally affected by mental illness or not. Utilizing available resources on campus and in the community is vital in the improvement of emotional and mental wellbeing. OCU has free counseling services that offer support to students for as long as necessary. The University Counseling Center is located on the north side of the first floor of Walker Hall dormitory. Students interested in scheduling an appointment may call 405-208-7901.

Talk Back “What would make Oklahoma a happier state?”

It also is beneficial to find a community or friend group that allows you to express your feelings. Having someone to talk to about personal issues can be a way to work through problems or practice healthy coping techniques. Having a material outlet is also a way to tackle mental illness and stressors. Whether it’s art, sports, reading, or watching your favorite show, giving your brain time to focus on something less daunting offers relief in times of emotional disarray. Having to persevere through such troubling times, all while attempting to pass classes in college, is almost too much to handle. Recognizing that mental illness is a real issue and learning how to positively deal with it is the first step toward becoming a happier person and creating a happier Oklahoma.

"I would rehire/ change our Oklahoma legislation." Paris Thomas studio art freshman

"I would turn the abandoned buildings and malls into indoor gardens." Caden Caldwell studio art freshman

"Investing more in education"

"Supporting local businesses"

Madison Waller religion sophomore

Maddie Riggin music theater junior

"Better funding for schools, mental health care and other social services"

"No turnpike tolls"

Natalie Gregg education junior

Libby White music business senior

Columnist reflects on fleeting love of Halloween festivities Halloween is my third favorite holiday behind Christmas and Thanksgiving. I suppose that’s to be expected, though. The only holidays left after Christmas and Thanksgiving are the ones where a deranged bunny leaves colored eggs full of change or expired candy in your backyard, or the day of love when couples post pictures on Instagram and single people roll their eyes and tweet about how strong and independent they are. There are more holidays that I celebrate, but I’d say those are my main five. They’re my main five because those are all the

holidays that allow me to get free stuff from my parents. Free toys on Dec. 25, a free meal on the third Thursday in November, free candy and dress-up clothes on Oct. 31, free candy out of plastic eggs on deranged bunny day, and free looks of disapproval when I conversate with my mom about my love life on that infamous Feb. 14. But I can’t really celebrate Halloween anymore. Sure, decorating and giving candy to children is fun. Attending parties and watching scary movies is loads of fun also. But that’s all just white noise to me on Halloween. I want to walk to

Harrison Langford is an acting senior from Las Vegas who loves golden retrievers and the New York Giants.

strangers’ houses unaccompanied to get free candy that may have razor blades in it. Okay, that last part was far-fetched, but I was always told as a child to look out for razor blades in my Halloween candy. Seriously, why did you scare us like that, parents?

Why is there an age limit on trick-or-treating? It’s just unfair. Would it really be that weird if I, a 21-year-old, 6-foot-3-inches, 210-pound man, showed up on your doorstep dressed as “Spider-Man” asking for free sweets? If that’s weird to parents, then I guess the Baby Boom-

ers were wrong about who the snowflakes are. The other reason Halloween is my third favorite is because it’s basically Christmas already. Many stores already are lining up their sleigh bells, fake snow and overly-priced fake trees that look awful. I can go to WalMart and have my Halloween spirit ruined by these stores trying to make a quick buck off people who want to save before the season changes. The most wonderful time of the year! The Nightmare Before Christmas is another pastime I enjoy on Halloween. I know it’s more of a Christmas movie, but then

I’m watching a movie about Halloween on Christmas. I don’t want my Christmas morning to start with a stopmotion, 9-foot-tall skeleton with so-so vocals and horrible taste in choreography. So, on Halloween, I watch that movie and just get more excited for Christmas. Halloween isn’t all that bad, though. It has its redeeming qualities, like telling teenagers who dress up and ring your doorbell expecting candy to go away or you’re calling the cops. It all just comes down to how into the Halloween spirit you are.

‘Venom’ provides decent experience, fails higher expectations The recipe is as follows: a failed 2007 Spider-Man movie, an actor from a successful 2012 Batman movie and the everconstant approach of Disney to buy up all of Sony’s movie rights. The result is a new Venom movie. For the layman, “Venom” is a supervillain from the SpiderMan franchise who is the biological product of a reporter and an amorphous alien parasite. In most plots, “SpiderMan” bonds with the parasitic “symbiote,” which takes the form of a strength-multiplying black suit, and proceeds to severely piss off reporter “Eddie Brock.” Spider-Man eventually repents and sheds the suit, which Eddie then uses to take revenge on Spidey, joining

with the discarded symbiote to become the large, black, muscly monster that is “Venom.” But, when Sony, a company still unaffiliated with Disney’s gargantuan Marvel Cinematic Universe, announced an all-original Venom film with no Spider-Man involved, this turned the tables. Eddie’s still a reporter, the symbiote is still an alien, but the dynamic has shifted from villain to antihero. As a result, even though there’s quick action, scientific labs and an incredibly rare chemical— what my father calls “unobtainium”—Venom has a hard time feeling like a real superhero film. But, what the hey, Venom is an antihero. Maybe his movie shouldn’t feel like a superhero film, especially since his

Chandler White is an English senior from Meeker, Oklahoma. He likes gothic horror and good hip-hop.

non-hero status shows clearly throughout the movie. Tom Hardy plays Eddie as an antihero personality before he even becomes Venom, and his acting is just one of many impressive performances from the whole cast. Of the two live-action Venom portrayals, Hardy beats baby-faced Topher Grace 10 times over, partially because, unlike Grace in Spider-Man 3 (2007), Hardy’s face and

Venom’s face share screentime equally without the actor’s paycheck disrupting the balance. Where Eddie and Venom meet, however, is where the movie truly lost me. To understand their relationship, one first has to remember that the symbiote is an alien. It has no sentiment, no emotions and it only speaks English because that’s the language wired in Eddie’s brain. So, when

you’ve got an alien parasite using American colloquialisms, calling Eddie a “pussy” and asking him permission to eat people, it’s hard to take the movie or its titular character seriously. If this was Deadpool and comedy was the cornerstone of the entire plot, it would be okay, but the emotional levels Venom tries to achieve simply don’t match with the comic relief. This is not the only hangup on Venom’s character. The movie takes almost an hour just to amp up to his first appearance, an appearance that, like innumerable moments in the film, the viewer’s probably already seen in a trailer. When Venom finally appears, the viewer sadly discovers that, even though Hardy portrayed a

perfectly menacing “Bane” in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), he is either unable or unwilling to give Venom the same treatment. The Jekyll and Hyde comedy duo is satisfying as a second-best, but because it shows no apparent understanding of the metaphorical or psychological punch that made Venom cool since his 1988 debut, I can’t help but feel disappointed. I don’t think Venom deserves to be completely overlooked as a legitimate Marvel movie or to be given 30 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The action’s good, the acting’s great and it’s not a terrible Venom movie overall. But this is not the movie I wanted for my favorite Marvel character of all time.

2-4 p.m. at the intramural sports field

TUESDAY Fall break-no classes

MONDAY Fall break-no classes

Women's Golf in the NAIA Championship Fall Preview at Lincoln Park Golf Course, 4001 N.E. Grand Blvd. in Oklahoma City

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 Staff council meeting from 10-11 a.m. in Dulaney-Browne Library

Lounge in Gold Star Memorial Building

Life from 5-8 p.m. in Norick Art Center

Weekly chapel service from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

Autumn Choral Concert Featuring Ad Astra and University Chorale from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

FRIDAY Student Choreography Show at 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Weekly Play Club meeting from 7-9 p.m. in the Honors

Artist Talk Series: Morgan Robinson Committing to a Creative

Deadline for December 2018 graduates to apply for diploma

SATURDAY Dining Services Voice to Vision Survey via outlook email closes SUNDAY Oklahoma Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Concert at 2 p.m. at 21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main Street in Oklahoma City Intramural Flag Football from

THE CAMPUS

Staff Writers: Callie Dewees, Erik Hamilton, Paul Dower, Amanda Miller, Dru Norton, Sarah Muscarella, Hope Melton Columnist: Caroline Hawthorne Photographers: Carolann Stout, Hannah Rogers, Kylie Sullivan, Ethan Tate, Hope Melton

Women's soccer vs. Wayland Baptist at 5 p.m. at Stars Field

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.

Oct. 10, 2018, Volume 112, Issue 7

Editor-in-chief: Nicole Waltman Associate Editor: Emily Wollenberg Copy Editor: Chandler White Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Harrison Langford Web Editor: Jessica Vanek

Women's golf in the NAIA Championship Fall Preview at Lincoln Park Golf Course, 4001 N.E. Grand Blvd. in Oklahoma City

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Videographer: Emily Haan Ad Director: Emily Jones 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.

October 10, 2018

“

news

Oklahoma ranked fifth saddest state in U.S. Sarah Muscarella

STAFF WRITER

Oklahoma was ranked fifth saddest on a finance website’s list of happiest states. Wallet Hub, a site that offers free credit scores and full credit reports, scored each of the 50 United States based on emotional and physical well-being, work environment and community, then totaled the scores to rank the states from happiest to least happy. Oklahoma ranks number 46. The state scored lowest in emotional and physical wellbeing, which measured factors like suicide rate, sports participation rate, life expectancy, and number of maltreated adults. Only three states ranked lower than Oklahoma in this category. Oklahoma ranked 35 in work environment, which measured number of work and

commute hours, unemployment rates and job satisfaction. Community and environment measured leisure time, volunteer rate and divorce rate. The state scored lowest in this category at 33. “Oklahoma ranks very low or high, depending on how you’re doing it, in things like suicide and divorce,” OCU Counselor Jackie Ledbetter said. “So, if you figure that in, then ranking low in terms of joy makes sense.” Students have expressed discontent about conditions in Oklahoma City, especially the area around OCU. “There’s so much homelessness I know around the city that is just visible and you can tell there are people who are not as fortunate and likely not as happy,” said Sydnee Lasseigne, acting freshman. Oklahoma also provides considerably low funding for

We want to meet the students where they’re at. We’re not pushing agendas, and we’re not here to diagnose.

Mindy Windholz director university counseling

mental health, said Mindy Windholz, director of university counseling. “Oklahoma is 47th in the nation for the amount of money that is spent on mental healthcare. Per capita, we spend $53 per individual here in the state of Oklahoma for mental healthcare,” Windholz said. “The national average is $121.” Officials offer unlimited free counseling sessions to faculty, staff and students at the University Counseling Center,

located on the north side of Walker Hall dormitory. Windholz said University Counseling always welcomes any student, regardless of their mental state. “We want to meet the students where they’re at. We’re not pushing agendas, and we’re not here to diagnose,” she said. Students may call Counseling Services at 405-208-7901 or email the counselors at mbwindholz@okcu.edu or jrledbetter@okcu.edu.

free is to be prepared, so start studying in small bite-sizes, I would say, on a regular so that you’re not at the very end cramming,” Ledbetter said. Supporting fellow students who are struggling establishes connection and could help them deal with stress or other issues, Ledbetter said. “Making that human contact is invaluable. Sometimes you can’t take people’s troubles away. Sometimes it’s enough to know that someone is empathizing with you or that you’re not alone. That goes a long way,” Ledbetter said.

Aside from counseling, Windholz said there are preventative measures students can take to avoid stress during exams. “To help reduce anxiety and to help you to feel more aware and awake, sleep is the No. 1 thing, and being mindful about getting rid of your electronics before you fall asleep,” Windholz said. Windholz said eating healthy and reducing caffeine intake also reduces stress. “Not to completely go cold turkey, because caffeine side effects are real, like headaches, crankiness, but maybe you don’t need your third Red Bull of the day. Maybe you don’t need coffee after seven at night,” Windholz said. Along with resting well, sensible studying benefits a student’s mental state, Ledbetter said. “The best way to be stress-

West Nile virus, seasonal illnesses pose danger to student health Hope Melton

STAFF WRITER

Cold and flu season is starting on campus. In addition to the typical seasonal illnesses, health care providers across the state also were advised by the Oklahoma State Department of Health to watch for West Nile virus. West Nile is a mosquito-transmitted illness that typically spreads from July through October. The Oklahoma Health Alert Network system emailed an alert to health care providers Sept. 18 about reported West Nile cases in the state. The alert suggested that, while the number of reports this year has been low, having six reported cases since Aug. 15, health care providers should still consider West Nile a possible diagnoses if a patient exhibits specific symptoms. The most common symptoms of West Nile include headache, weakness and a rash. West Nile can also lead to meningitis and paralysis in less than 1 percent of cases.

Although West Nile is a concern in Oklahoma, Megan Dernaika, part-time nurse practitioner at the Campus Health Clinic, said she is unaware of any West Nile cases on campus. Students are susceptible to many other illnesses beyond West Nile. Any students who suspect they may be sick should avoid going to class, Dernaika said. “Good rule of thumb with illnesses, if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, fever accompanied by chills and body aches, multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a 24–hour period, contact your professor about missing class,” Dernaika said. “The risk of transmission is increased when these symptoms are present, and your classmates will not appreciate you sharing the wealth.” Campus Health officials also offer advanced assessment and treatment of illness, health and wellness education, vaccine administration, as well as referrals for more advanced care in the community. Dernaika said students should watch for emails about the clinic’s flu shot availability this season.

Playing the classics Miguel Moreno, violin performance sophomore, and Andrés Caveda, violin performance freshman, perform at the Symphony Orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The concert featured pieces including Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Kylie Sullivan Student Publications

Basketball alumna inducted into Hall of Fame Amanda Miller

STAFF WRITER

An alumna was the 13th OCU student and the first OCU basketball player inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. The NAIA is a governing body of college athletic programs that hosts tournaments and provides scholarships for student athletes. Its Hall of Fame includes players from divisions of all sports, as well as faculty representatives and administrators. Kesha Watson played for the OCU women’s basketball team from August 2000 until her graduation in 2004. She was NAIA Division 1 women’s basketball Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. She is also a member of the OCU Athletic Hall of Fame. “I want to thank my teammates, the community that supported us day in and day out and the coaches that helped me along the way,” Watson said. While Watson was on the team, the OCU women’s basketball team played in four consecutive national championships. Watson said it was an amazing accomplishment. “It was very exciting. You knew that, going in, your October 10, 2018

expectations were high because of the players before you that laid that foundation,” Watson said. After college, Watson joined the Lubbock Hawks, a women’s basketball team that plays internationally. With this team, Watson traveled to Germany, Iceland and Slovakia. Watson traveled with her team for five years and said she learned a lot of lessons while abroad. “It made you humble in a sense, not that you were cocky before then,” Watson said. “It makes you appreciate the little things, like your family and friends. Things that Americans take for granted.” Watson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She said it was a challenge to balance academics and athletics as a student athlete. “It teaches you how to balance, how to organize. It helps me today, being a coach,” Watson said. Watson assistant coaches at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, and has for the last five years. At first, she did not plan to coach basketball, but the inspiration of a former coach encouraged her to get back into the sport, she said. Watson’s former coach told her to “give back to what was given to you.” Watson said coaching basketball has kept her inspired

and invested in the game. She said her favorite part is getting to know the team. “The best part is seeing the growth of the players and how the game has evolved,” Watson said. Watson’s induction to the NAIA Hall of Fame was recognized nationwide. “It does encourage us,” said Michaela Kay, senior point guard for the women’s basketball team. “For us to see a player that played in the same gym and for the same school now go down in history as a legend, it gives us hope that one day it could be us or one of our teammates.” Kay said her current teammates and coaches give the program a family feel. “This basketball program is truly a family,” Kay said. “We work hard and make sure that we put ourselves in a position to be successful.” Watson said she thinks of OCU as a “home away from home.” “I really, really love that small university feel. You’re a name, not a number. That’s why I chose OCU. Everybody is for everybody, whether you’re a student athlete or not.” Watson said.

But some students said the campus clinic is not doing enough to address illness across campus. “Every time my friends go to get a flu shot, nobody’s available,” said Kelly Pan, nursing senior. “Sometimes my roommate goes to the campus clinic when she’s sick, and they say that there’s no health care providers available to help.” Joe Wathika, economics senior, said the Campus Health Clinic staff is helpful to students. “The lady at the front is so cool. She always makes you feel so welcome,” he said. “I’ve always had a good experience with her.” The Campus Health Clinic may be reached by calling (405) 208-5090, and the clinic is located in Kramer West.

IT TAKES

6OF PREP HOURS TO MAKE A 30 SECOND

SANDWICH FREAK YEAH

™

VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU 3

“

news

Three freshmen win campus room decor contest Callie Dewees

STAFF WRITER

Three freshmen won this year’s room decorating contest. The contest, hosted by housing officials, was open from Sept. 17-29. Winners were announced Oct. 3. The contest was created last year. Students posted pictures of their decorated dorms on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #myokcuroom. This year’s contest was done the same way. Avery Bruce, acting freshman won first; Mackenzie Farrell, dance freshman, won second, and Noah Morgan, music theater freshman, won third. Each was awarded a prize by housing officials. Room decor contests are common at different universities, said Casey Kreger, director of housing and residence life. “Students live on campus. It’s their home away from home. And some students really put a lot of effort into their spaces,” he said. “It’s something cool and fun that students can do on their own as individuals.” This year’s prizes were a Chromecast Ultra, a JBL Flip 4 speaker and Apple AirPods. Winners were given the option to choose their prize in order of who won the higher place. Contest submissions were reviewed and voted on by housing staff, including Kreger, both resident directors, the assistant director, and an administrative assistant. Dorms were judged on four criteria: cleanliness, use of color, creativity, and space utilization. Bruce said she wanted to make her dorm as homey as possible. “It’s a very new experience, and I didn’t want it to be boring and feel like I’m at camp,” Bruce said. “I got a lot of warm blankets, I brought a lot of the stuff that I decorated my own room with and lots of plants. I did a lot of DIY stuff. I printed out a crazy

The way you decorate your room can play a major factor in your happiness. It's like taking a piece of home with you. Avery Bruce

acting freshman

“

amount of pictures.” The contest is structured so anyone can win, no matter how much money they were able to spend on their decorations, Kreger said. He said the contest gives every student the opportunity to showcase their space and win prizes while being fair to everyone. Bruce said her room makes her feel closer to home. “I was proud of my dorm,” Bruce said. “The way you decorate your room can play a major factor in your happiness. It’s like taking a piece of home with you.” Morgan said he was excited to have his room recognized. “It was such an awesome experience to have won,” he said. “I think it’s a vital component of living on your own to have a space where you can relax and de-stress from the day.”

Submitted

Share your style Avery Bruce, acting freshman, shows off her room in Walker Hall dormitory for the second annual room decorating contest. Students posted pictures of their dorms on social media with the hashtag #myokcuroom to be considered for the contest. Bruce won first place.

School of Theater to present first mainstage show of the year Paul Dower

One of the things I like about it is that it’s not a black or white play—it's a gray play.

STAFF WRITER

The first mainstage show of this year’s School of Theater season is Julius Caesar. The performances will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 25-27 and 2 p.m. Oct. 27-28 at Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The show is a historical play by William Shakespeare about the assassination of Julius Caesar, a Roman dictator, in 44 B.C., and the political ramifications of that decision. Lance Marsh, professor of acting and head of performance, is the director. “I think one of the things this show is about is being careful with the decisions that you make because they have wider ramifications oftentimes than the ones that you foresee,” Marsh said. “One of the things that I like about it is that it’s not a black or white play—it’s a gray play. I think Shakespeare is really ambivalent about the actions of these characters and is much more interested in stirring a conversation.” The show will be set in a 1963 setting to parallel the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Marsh said he chose this time period to liken the popularity of Caesar with Kennedy. “Shakespeare’s plays are timeless, but they also can sometimes resonate better if you put them into a very specific place,” Marsh said. “One thing that jumped out at me pretty quickly was that Caesar is an incredibly popular leader. Everyone knows Caesar.

Lance Marsh professor acting

Then I started asking, ‘well, who was the first American president that Americans really knew?’ The first president that all Americans knew in a sort of moment-to-moment kind of living way was John F. Kennedy.” Blayne Childers, acting junior and “Marcus Brutus” in the play, said rehearsals have been going smoothly due to the work ethic of the cast. “Everyone’s been working hard and putting in a great effort—It’s Shakespeare, it’s not easy,” he said. Micah Gilley, acting senior and “Decius Brutus,” said she is excited for the show. “I’m having a blast right now,” she said. “I’ve never been in a mainstage myself, so I really was excited that my first one was going to be a Shakespeare.” Madison Carey, acting senior and “Casca,” said the rehearsal

process focuses heavily on analyzing Shakespeare’s writing. “We spent the first week just reading the script through a few times and going line by line, ‘what does this mean, what are you saying,’” Carey said. “Lance would be like, ‘come in, look up all your words, know exactly what you’re saying,’ and then when you’re reading it, he’ll be like, ‘what are you saying?’ So you’ve got to be able to translate it to our time.” The production strays from traditional casting choices, with many male roles gender bent to have women play them instead. Such roles include “Cassius” and “Casca.” Carey said Shakespeare’s work is a good opportunity for gender bending because the characters are relatable and adaptable to anyone’s experience. “It has been really awesome,” she said. “It’s kind of hard to imagine some of these roles weren’t originally intended to be played by women in the first place.” Tickets can be purchased in advance at okcu.edu/main/tickets or through the ticket office in the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. Editor’s note: Associate Editor Emily Wollenberg is a performer in the production. She did not participate in the writing or editing of this story.

“

Hannah Rogers Student Publications

Cooking up a good show

Gabrielle Browdy, acting junior, and Jack Supan, music theater/guitar performance freshman, lead the ensemble in Shine in OCU Stripped’s production of The Spitfire Grill. The show had performances Friday and Saturday in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Above: Shelby Parker, theater and performance freshman, and the cast of The

Spitfire Grill perform Shoot the Moon. The next Stripped musical has not yet been announced, but it will be directed by Teresa Franks, music theater senior.

Student organizes new crafting club to encourage personal projects Dru Norton

STAFF WRITER

A student started a crafting club for those looking to express their artistic skills. Sierra Paul, theater and performance/education junior, started the club at the beginning of the academic year. “I’ve always wanted to get into embroidery, so this summer I bought a kit. I really enjoyed it, so it got me thinking,” Paul said. “I knew some of my other friends do crafty things like knitting and crocheting, so I thought, ‘I should start a club and make some new friends that also like to do old lady stuff.’” The crafting club is a space for people to work on personal projects and be surrounded by others who like to do the same kind of thing, she said. “Everyone does their own kind of discipline. There’s knitting, crocheting, painting, we’ve even had people come and build model airplanes,” she said. “We’re really open to anything.” The club does not receive funding from OCU, Paul said. “I didn’t ask for any funding because I didn’t want the school to have to fund stuff that I want to make for people’s gifts or to sell,” she said. “It’s just not ethical, in my opinion.” The club meets from 6-7 p.m. every Monday in Tom and October 10, 2018

I thought, 'I should start a club and make some new friends that also like to do old lady stuff.'

Sierra Paul

theater and performance/education junior

Brenda McDaniel University Center. All students bring their own supplies, and those painting are required to bring newspaper to put on the table. “We aren’t really a tutorial group, but if someone brings a starter kit, I’m sure people will be willing to help them, but it’s not really the purpose of the club,” she said. Paul said the club is casual, and anyone is welcome to join. “It’s basically an outlet for crafty people to get together and do what they love,” she said. “We have a lot of fun.” Paul said the mission statement for the club is, “The OCU Crafting Club is open to all students of any crafting ability and strives to provide a fun, low-key environment for crafters to work

on personal projects and make new friends in a casual setting.” Lysa Engle, film senior, said joining the club has been productive. “That gives me a structured time to do any and all crafts I have, like sorority stuff or stuff for my film capstone,” she said. “It’s been super fun so far.” Matthew Lavery, acting sophomore, said the crafting club provides students with time aside from busy schedules to do crafts. “It was a goal of mine to start some small crafting project, but I could never find the time. So far, I have been having a blast going and working on little projects each time,” Lavery said. “It gives me a sense of grounding this week.” Marty Gibson, art junior, helped Paul start the club. She said she hopes more people will attend meetings. “So far, it’s been great, but I think we definitely need more people showing up to meetings,” Gibson said. “It’s super informal and really just a time to focus on making personal stuff.” Students may email Sierra Paul at sjpaul@my.okcu.edu or message the “OCU Crafters” Facebook page for more information about the club.