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news
Student inspired by own illness to create national organization Kyle Wallace SENIOR STAFF WRITER
One student has turned her illness into an opportunity to educate and inspire others. Amanda Kronhaus, acting freshman, was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in Spring 2013 during her sophomore year of high school. As a result, Kronhaus founded Project Neck Check in November 2014. Prior to her diagnosis, she had trouble managing her weight and suffered
from depression, but wasn’t sure why. “You have a lot of symptoms including hair loss, weight gain, and your moods can be very dramatic,” Kronhaus said. “I struggled with depression and people just thought I had something wrong with me, but it’s a physical disorder that has varying effects on your entire body.” H a s h i m o t o’s T h y r o i d itis is an autoimmune disease in which thyroid tissue is attacked by the body’s immune system. As a result, the tissue dies and there is a
I struggled with depression and people just thought I had something wrong with me.
decrease in the production of hormones. The thyroid is a butterflyshaped gland in the front of the neck responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. Initially, no doctors tested
Amanda Kronhaus acting freshman
her thyroid, Kronhaus said. It wasn’t until she went to a different doctor that she discovered there were problems with her thyroid. Kronhaus started Project Neck Check as a result of her experience to advocate
for treatment and awareness of thyroid issues. “I was misdiagnosed with a lot of different things,” Kronhaus said. “One of the reasons I wanted to start Project Neck Check is because a lot of doctors do not think to check for thyroid disorders.” Project Neck Check is Kronhaus’s platform when she competes in pageants. Kronhaus has competed in pageants since she was 8 years old. She said she hopes to raise awareness for thyroid disease and inspire others suffering with thyroid problems.
“ I t ’s s o m u c h m o r e common than people think, and I just really want to raise awareness for it,” Kronhaus said. Pr o j e c t Ne c k C h e c k became an official non-profit organization in October. The next step for the organization is to develop a board of directors and begin promoting it, Kronhaus said. “I think it’s great that she could turn her passion into a real organization,” said Phillip Oliver, entertainment business junior.
Chalking policy changes to maintain campus appearance Alex German STAFF WRITER
Ali Wonderly Student Publications
Moving forward
Junior Defender Syrina Lopez kicks the ball down field during the Stars’ first playoff game Saturday at Stars Field. The Stars defeated Southwestern Assemblies of God, (Texas), 1-0, moving on to the semifinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. The team Played John Brown (Ark.) on Tuesday.
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A new university policy changes the way student organizations can use chalk around campus. The policy requires that LaVetra Ray, assistant director of student activities, approve all chalking. Chalk is only allowed on sidewalks and may not be within 30 feet of any building entrances. Organizations who break this policy are subject to a $200 fine and the organization is required to clean the area with power washers provided by facilities. Chalking allows organizations to announce events. It is common during sorority “Big/ Little” week for sororities to welcome new members using messages written in chalk around campus. Chalking is prohibited on all other surfaces, including building exteriors, furniture, patio cobblestones, and out-
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If your organization wants to chalk, fill out the form on OrgSync and chalk on.
side of dormitories, according to the policy. The policy is a compromise between allowing students to chalk and maintaining the cleanliness of the campus, said Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “While we encourage and appreciate that students take advantage of this means to communicate events and activities, we also need to keep in mind the housekeeping and appearance of our campus facilities,” she said. Shannon Beshears, dance
Shannon Beshears president Phi Mu sorority
performance junior and president of Phi Mu sorority, said she recognizes the need for the rule change and is not deterred. “There are a few rules that this campus has struggled with following, such as organizations are not allowed to chalk underneath an awning,” Beshears said. “There are a few rules to keep our campus looking great. If your organization wants to chalk, fill out the form on OrgSync and chalk on.”
Officials discuss canceling cable to improve Wi-Fi Elina Moon STAFF WRITER
Officials are considering disconnecting cable to dorm rooms to improve Wi-Fi. The idea to disconnect the cable was proposed earlier this year after officials became aware many students don’t use cable in their rooms. Housing is working with student relations to determine if this would benefit students. Kevin Culbertson, coordinator of housing operations, said he wants to figure out the
best use of resources. There aren’t enough wireless routers and a large enough bandwidth to accommodate the students using campus Wi-Fi. “Disconnecting the cable would allow the funds previously put toward cable installation and usage to be diverted toward the Wi-Fi issue,” Culbertson said. “This would allow for new infrastructure upgrades, more wireless ports, and faster internet speed.” Culbertson could not give the exact price the university pays for cable services to
Disconnecting the cable would allow the funds previously put toward cable installation and usage to be diverted toward the Wi-Fi issue.
Cox Communications, but the number is six figures, he said. Cable is set up so it is connected to each individual dorm room and lobby area. One compromise option is to keep cable
Kevin Culbertson coordinator housing operations
in the lobby, but disconnect it from dorm rooms. Another scenario officials are considering is to give residents the option of having cable. Students who chose to have cable
would pay for it on their own. This model is used in University Manor, Culbertson said. Prior to this year, Wi-Fi and cable weren’t offered as an amenity, but this year residents were offered Wi-Fi. There have been no complaints so far. Officials from telecommunications, IT, housing, and student affairs will collaborate to make a decision. Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said she is preparing a student survey so residents of dorms will have input in the
situation. Students seem to agree that cable should be cut, officials said. “Most students who have expressed their opinions so far are in support of disconnecting the cable,” Culbertson said. One student expressed concern about losing cable. “I don’t want them to disconnect the cable, I watch Project Runway on there,” said McAlyn Forbes, vocal performance freshman.
Wesley Center collects donations for foster children Miguel Rios SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The Wesley Center teamed up with Circle of Care to provide Christmas presents to 12 foster children. Circle of Care is a United Methodist organization whose mission is to help children and families in need assure a healthy future, according to its website, circleofcare.org. “They have given us 12 children to take care of and our goal is to get $100 per child to give them $100 worth of Christmas gifts for the year,” said Olivia Coil, youth ministry senior. “It’s also bringing awareness that foster children are a part of our community.” Last year about 230,000 children exited foster care in the U.S., about 20,000 less than those who entered into it, according to data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. “I donated to Circle of Care because I’m in Ris4Thursday and I know the struggles that foster kids go through,” said
People should donate because it helps them to believe that they have made a difference in the world bigger than themselves. Even donating a penny, it makes a difference.
Olivia Coil
youth ministry senior
Tomorrow Denton, cell and molecular biology sophomore. “I had foster brothers growing up and they would always get free Christmas presents from the agency, and they would be super happy. I just wanted to contribute to that happiness.” People can donate money or new items from a list the children created, Coil said. Items on the list include Play-Dough, books, LEGOs, camping gear and Barbie dolls. The complete list can be found at their table outside the caf in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
“People should donate because it helps them to believe that they have made a difference in the world bigger than themselves,” Coil said. “Even donating a penny, it makes a difference. That one penny can change a child’s life by making them realize that someone cares enough to donate.” The Wesley Center will also host a silent auction from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 upstairs in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. “People can come and bid on lots of different items that we’ll have available,” Coil said. “So they can give money that way and get something in return.” Items for auction come from the Belle Isle Brewery, Rocktown Climbing Gym, Riversport Adventure, and Starbucks. To make a donation, visit the Wesley Center’s table between 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 18 outside the caf. For more information on how to help the Wesley Center and Circle of Care, students, faculty and staff may email Coil at ogcoil@my.okcu.edu.
Facilities workers prepare safety procedures for icy weather Oaklin Davis STAFF WRITER
Facilities workers are preparing for icy weather to keep students safe as winter approaches. Facilities added one snowplow and three golf cart plows to the two trucks and one bobcat already used for clearing ice from sidewalks and roads. Facilities will use fertilizer November 11, 2015
instead of ice melt this year, as it is cheaper and equally effective, said Mark Clouse, director of facilities. Facilities already stored the estimated amount that will be needed this winter. Officials focus pretreatment on high trafficked areas and steps. High priority places include the dormitories, caf and library entrances. Then they focus on clearing all entrances
to buildings and walkways across campus. Clouse said he advises students to use the ice-free paths to prevent injuries. “Our biggest problem is students don’t use the cleared sidewalks,” he said. Staff members may stay overnight on the couches in their offices or arrive to campus early to avoid dangerous driving conditions and ensure workers are
available during bad weather situations. Facilities maintain that student safety can be maximized given preparation time and the measures already taken. “When we know it’s coming, we do a good job preparing,” Clouse said. “If all our guys can make it to work, we do well.” Students can take precautionary measures to avoid injury and inconvenience. Some students
advise to watch the weather and plan driving trips before ice storms hit. “Be weather aware,” said Tris Patton, music theater sophomore. “Get what you’ll need early and stock up. Avoid shady spots behind buildings and metal sidewalk doors.” If the decision to cancel school is made, it will be announced through Blue Alert, the campus text and email service.
The decision is made by a collective effort with influence from OCU’s risk management, facilities and police department, as well as surrounding universities and the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla., according to okcu.edu. Visit MediaOCU.com to read more about how the decision to close school is made.
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