Sept. 26 by MediaOCU

THE“CAMPUS

September 26, 2018 – Volume 112 Issue 5

Students caught violating clothing, tobacco policies Nicole Waltman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Some students recently were seen violating health code regulations in the caf. Dustin Barlow, acting junior, was asked to leave the caf on Sept. 12 because he was barefoot, a breach of these regulations. “You need to make sure you have shirts and shoes on because it’s a health code violation for us,” said Emily Anderson, director of dining services. “We could get in trouble for that, and we certainly don’t want that.” Barlow was swiped into the caf as usual and sat down to eat when Anderson asked him to step outside the caf with her. Anderson then explained that shoes are required in the caf and asked Barlow to leave. Barlow said he understood. He was allowed to finish his food and then left the caf. “I assumed that it wasn’t an issue because I was still swiped in at the register before entering,” he said. “If I was told I couldn’t come in because of shoes, I would’ve respected it. We have the no shoes, no shirt policy everywhere. I definitely will not walk in shirtless to the caf. Even if I want to, I won’t.” Barlow said he was unaware he was breaking a rule, and he’s been walking around campus barefoot for a semester and a half. “I always get looks and comments from everyone, dispersed among a variety of opinions, but I’ve always been swiped into the caf,” he said. Barlow said he understands the policy and respects it. Smoking on campus Students also said they’ve seen their peers vaping in areas like the caf and The Market at Alvin’s. Oaklin Davis, business graduate, said he has seen students vaping in both dining areas at different times. Nicole Waltman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“They have to be more considerate of the people on campus,” Rodgers said. “That’s why the rules are there—to make sure that people can be on a campus that’s safe and is not imposing on anyone else.”

That’s why the rules are there—to make sure that people can be on a campus that’s safe and is not imposing on anyone else. Jennifer Rodgers chief police

“I can only speculate that they do it in many other places,” he said. “I just happen to frequent dining areas more than any place on campus, so that’s when I witness it.” Vaping is included in the university’s tobacco policy and isn’t tolerated any more than tobacco, OCU Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers said. “I think there’s a misunderstanding,” Rodgers said. “There’s not really an intent on the student to break any kind of rule, but we have not probably made it as clear as it needs to be.” A tobacco policy violation is a $50 fine, which can be appealed. The violation also can be a matter of student conduct, meaning a student in violation would meet with Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, and Lily Bermudez, associate dean of students, to decide if the student is a repeat offender and potential further punishment. “Ultimately, could someone be expelled from school? Absolutely, if they have enough issues behind them, they could certainly be asked to leave,” Rodgers said. Students can find the exact policy at okcu.edu/students/ handbook/04-university-policies-procedures/w-tobacco-freecampus.

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Reporting issues Anderson said some of the most important things to remember in the caf are: − wear shirts and shoes, − no vaping/tobacco usage, − no throwing food, − no defacing of murals on the walls, − don’t stand on chairs or tables, − and report anything wrong that is seen. “A lot of it is just for health codes and, you know, safety,” Anderson said. “Our safety for everyone is our No. 1 priority.” If a student sees something inappropriate or wrong in the caf, they can report it to any caf or The Market at Alvin’s employee or to Anderson’s office next to the chef ’s table in the caf. “It’s being respectful of the space and respectful of others,” Anderson said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. And it goes back to, ‘if you see something, say something.’” If students have questions about caf policies, they may email Anderson at emily.anderson4@compass-usa.com or use the Dine On Campus app and click “contact,” which goes directly to Anderson. Rodgers said students can call OCUPD at 405-208-5001 or use the “Rave Guardian” app to anonymously report things they see, as well.

Marijuana prohibited on campus despite new Oklahoma law Jessica Vanek

WEB EDITOR

The use of medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma, but it remains against the rules at OCU. Oklahoma SQ 788 regarding the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative passed June 26. Oklahoma is the 30th state to pass the initiative. An email from Dr. Amy Ayres, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, was sent to students Sept. 13 regarding the school’s policy on medical marijuana. The email reads: “no person may possess or use marijuana, in any form, or be under the influence of marijuana on any university property or at any off-campus university event, even with a valid medical marijuana patient license.” The student handbook reads: “a positive test result for marijuana will not be used as the sole reason to refuse admission into the university if the applicant possesses a valid medical marijuana license issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.” The medical amnesty policy, which protects students seeking medical attention for alcohol or drug-related emergencies, is still

The top priority is , first and foremost, the safety of the students.

Jordan Tarter English/philosophy senior

in place with the recent legalization of medical marijuana, according to the email. The student handbook, code of conduct, and alcohol and other drugs policies were updated to reflect the new rule. An email was sent the following day asking students to participate in the annual anonymous research survey about alcohol and marijuana use on campus. The email quotes Jordan Tarter, English/ philosophy senior and Student Government Association president. “This survey is absolutely anonymous, and its purpose isn’t

to ‘catch’ anyone,” Tarter wrote. “In order to properly educate ourselves and ensure that OKCU is a safe place for us to learn and grow, we must first gain an understanding of the current situation pertaining to drug and alcohol use.” Another email was sent Sept. 21 to faculty and staff regarding medical marijuana policies in the workplace. Addison Saviers, religion sophomore, said her friends and family have the ability to self-medicate. “I really think medical marijuana is a great tool that individuals can use to fight chronic illnesses, even just anxiety and depression,” Saviers said. “Having the ability to self-medicate and know your own limits and be able to have the freedom to make yourself feel better is a great thing to have. It’s helped my friends and family a lot, and I can definitely see a difference in our relationships when they can self-medicate.” Students with questions about medical marijuana and use of alcohol on campus may call the OCUPD non-emergency phone at (405) 208-5001.

Student survey inspires new music assembly, curriculum changes Caroline Hawthorne

STAFF WRITER

The weekly music assembly curriculum has changed in response to a student survey. Wanda L. Bass School of Music officials sent a survey to music students in June and again in August asking for feedback about the music degree programs. There was high response about weekly music assembly. Mu s i c a s s e m b l i e s a re weekly mandatory student performances that take place 1 p.m. Tuesdays for all music students who aren’t seniors. “The surveys were a part of what we call our continuous improvement,” said Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the schools of music and theater. “We’ve made many curricular changes recently and always continue to make changes to improve our curriculum and co-curricular activities.” Curricular changes affect music theory, music history and music education. Parker said, originally, the music

M MEDIAOCU.com

education degree took nine semesters to complete, but it can now be completed in eight semesters. “We eliminated things, and, at the same time, we made it quite an innovative and distinctive program around the country,” Parker said. “Students are getting a much broader and deeper music education curriculum than most of their peers.” This academic year’s music assemblies will feature more workshops and Q&As focusing on the business side of music. The goal is to focus on the practical side of the business by bringing in more guests, Parker said. Alumni were brought in for last week’s music assembly to discuss how to handle being an artist after graduation. “We’re using that gathering time to discuss the business sides of things,” Parker said. “We always get the request to do more of that.” Current students were sent surveys through email in June and on Aug. 28. Alumni also

were contacted to give suggestions from a different point of view. Focus groups were conducted during the summer to include these alumni. Teddy Edgar, music theater/ vocal performance junior, said he requested music assemblies to be more inclusive. “I said that I wanted music assemblies to be more integrated and to incorporate all people in the music,” Edgar said. “We had one music assembly where alumni came in for a Q&A, and then they performed, and I want more stuff like that. I want more focus on music education or composition. Maybe once or twice a month they have a day where someone comes in, and the other days are performances.” Parker said he encourages students to plan their own music assemblies. “The parameters are going to be: program it, find a place for it, make it interesting, and find ways to attract the community to the event you are planning so you are now the impresario for the performance,” he said.

Hannah Rogers Student Publications Jeremiah Rupp, bass performance senior, and Landon Honolka, bass performance sophomore, play “Parade of Politically Prudent Pigs” at music assembly Sept. 18 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

The most recent workshop was on Yoga for Musicians, led by Dr. Kristen Queen, interim director of the school of music at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. “The response already from the students was fantastic,” Parker said. “It helps with stress and anxiety, and it helps keep your muscle toned as a per-

former, since every performer uses their body. We’re aiming for more things like that.” Edgar said he is happy the school is working to continue improving its curriculum and adding new activities for students. “Wanda L. Bass allows their students to sculpt their career under the right supervision and

instruction,” Edgar said. “I am so appreciative for the effort and support of the music school and owe all of my future success and endeavors to them.”

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opinion

University cleanliness policies benefit campus community OCU prides itself on being a clean and functional place for students to learn. Just because times are changing, however, doesn’t mean this standard of quality should be compromised. Since the creation of vaping and electronic cigarettes in 2004, they have become increasingly popular, especially among high school and undergraduate college students. Vaping is often used as a way to circumvent no-smoking policies because it’s not technically smoking, but vapes and e-cigs have almost all the same adverse effects as cigarettes. Some of them, like JUUL, contain even more nicotine than most cigarettes and 10 times as much as other e-cigs, according to Inc.com. Students need to understand this and respect places where smoking isn’t allowed, like on the OCU campus.

Marijuana recently became more accessible when voters approved SQ 788 in June, which legalized medical marijuana in Oklahoma. This is beneficial for those with medical conditions that require cannabis, but students still are expected to abide by university rules, even with a permit. Students are not permitted to smoke marijuana on campus and need to remember that the legalization of cannabis isn’t an excuse to have it anywhere on university property. See Page 1 for more on vaping, medical marijuana and other campus conduct issues. Students should also remember the smaller, lower-impact rules that are still in place for a reason, such as clothing policies. All university buildings have a “no shoes, no shirt, no service” policy, and students need to respect this rule if they want to be allowed in places on campus.

Talk Back “If you ran the @Ocu Polls Twitter account, what would you ask?”

OCU allows approved assistant animals on campus, but there are often issues with owners not cleaning up after their pets. University policy states that cleaning up after pets is mandatory for pet owners. This task may be slightly unpleasant for the pet owner, but if he or she doesn’t clean up after their pet, the result is markedly more unpleasant for all students. Failing to follow the rules that keep OCU a clean and orderly place to live affects the lives of other students and the life of the rulebreaker. If students want to keep OCU a healthy, functional place to study, then they need to understand and respect the policies that help it stay that way.

"What's your favorite sporting event to attend?"

"Do residents of Methodist Hall trust the structural integrity of the building?"

Chandler Hunt exercise and sport science sophomore

Mary McLain film senior

"If you had to sleep in any building on campus, aside from a dorm, which one?"

"Have you seen roaches in the Caf?"

Ana Pellar theater and performance sophomore

Simón Gomez music theater/composition sophomore

"What's your favorite event that the school does?"

"What's your favorite sports team to support?"

Sierra Paul theater and performance/ education junior

Erik Rangel economics and finance sophomore

‘Begotten’ provides immersive horror experience, little else Begotten is a movie, maybe. Begotten is a 1990 blackand-white horror film with a runtime of just 72 minutes that I could not find in a quality higher than 240p. The film was published straight to DVD in 2001, a whole 11 years after its creation, and film critics wrote love letters for its originality and defiance of viewer expectations. The film’s originality cannot be denied, though I see a strong visual inspiration from David Lynch’s Eraserhead (1977) and a conceptual precedent for films like mother! (2017). It has been described as “something you would see on the deep web,” and one of the few things critics can agree on is that it retells—and reimagines—the

biblical story of Genesis. So, with sketchy online access and a hungry horror stomach, I hit play. The movie, as many have said, is truly an experience one needs to have on their own, and who am I to take that from you? So, I’ll be brief. The movie opens up with “God Killing Himself ” who is in the act of, well, killing himself. His prolonged death eventually births “Mother Earth,” who, after a deeply disturbing sexual scene, gives birth to “Son of Earth – Flesh on Bone.” If you’re watching this movie, I hope you enjoy the way this character looks, because you’re about to watch this deformed, blistered man twitch and convulse for the majority of the

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

film as insane, violent, horrific rituals take place around him. These rites, as well as everything in the movie, are incredibly difficult to see since the whole movie is in low-resolution, high-contrast shots with exposure cranked up to 11. If that wasn’t enough, Director E. Elias Merhige ran the unshot film through sandpaper to scratch it to all hell before shooting the scenes. For this reason, the viewer has to pay

ridiculously close attention just to understand what’s going on in the movie, in both a visual and conceptual sense. When you can see what’s going on, though, you are in for a bumpy ride. The vibe this movie brings is nothing short of hardcore—so disturbing, in fact, that with all the violence and bewitched sexuality here, watching it makes you legitimately wonder whether someone died in the making.

On the other hand, the fact that it’s difficult for me to even imagine what the shooting process was like probably speaks to how immersive it is. The movie is edited more like a Marilyn Manson music video than a film, and, with its dialogue-less ambience of crickets, rain and rustling grass, the experience becomes weirdly mesmerizing the longer it goes on. But how long can it really go on? Being a film masochist, I’m all for unsettling images and deliberately discomforting the viewer, which is why I picked up Begotten in the first place. But, after a while, the viewer just checks out. You can only watch a body be mutilated so many times in so many

ways, and eventually the shock wears off, leaving the viewer in more of a deep trance state. This is a strong emotional effect, sure, but it also makes it nearly impossible to glean anything from the experience when you’ve been rendered half-braindead. I adore the vibe Begotten brings and the concept it shoots for, and I’ll probably love the movie just for that. But, objectively, there are so many better ways to do it— and so many films that do it better. The experience is an unforgettable one, but the only way I can recommend this movie is if you’re looking for just that— an experience. Not a movie, not an artwork, just a trip.

Supreme Court nominee under accusation of attempted rape D.C. has been in a state of disarray after a week of Democrats and Republicans battling over attempted sexual assault allegations against Brett M. Kavanaugh, Supreme Court Justice nominee. Since the beginning of the #MeToo movement, people have struggled to find the right way to deal with sexual assault allegations. The movement swept Hollywood, and directors, actors and producers alike were exposed by their accusers. What was refreshing about the #MeToo movement in Hollywood was that victims of sexual assault and harassment were, more often than not, believed and comforted.

D.C. is void of this movement. Politicians and President Donald Trump continue to prove that sexual assault and harassment allegations rarely and minimally affect men of power on Capitol Hill and in the White House. What is most disconcerting out of Washington is that Republicans like Sen. Mitch McConnell (R‒Kentucky) are dismissing the accusations of Christine Blasey Ford against Kavanaugh. While the Senate Judiciary Committee has agreed that a hearing will take place, it has become the narrative to dismiss Blasey’s allegations and say she is attempting to obstruct or delay President Trump’s nomination.

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

Politicizing an accusation like sexual assault is of utmost ignominy and disrespect to victims. Asking why Blasey is coming forward now, saying she’s been placed in this position by Democrats or dismissing her claims without hearing her testimony is disgraceful. Republicans also seem to forget that they blocked President Barack Obama’s Supreme

Court nomination in 2016. After Antonin Scalia’s death, President Obama made his nomination for the Supreme Court. Republicans, who had made it clear throughout the Obama presidency that they would do their best to slow him down, blocked the nominee for the remaining 310 days of his presidency. The only reasons Republi-

cans could give for the block was because the presidential election was about to occur. Now the president, a man with numerous sexual assault and harassment allegations of his own, has made his nomination. To accuse Democrats of blocking this nomination by using a tactic like this is abhorrent and callous. It is an insult to victims everywhere. Blasey agreed to testify Thursday, according to The New York Times. The Senate Judiciary Committee is unsure who will question her. The person questioning Blasey should be a woman of the opposing party. This seems to be the most fair. If a Republican were to question Blasey, the questions could

be as one-sided as America saw during the sexual harassment allegations of Clarence Thomas in 1985. It should be a woman for the same reasons—only another woman could understand what Blasey is going through and what she experienced in her claims. Blasey is about to put her personal life, her professional career, her family, and her friends on the line to be bombarded by questions from politicians and media. To make such an accusation about such a man of power is dangerous and is not for the weakminded or faint of heart. Her accusations must be heard and taken seriously.

Sophistry at 8 p.m. in Studio F in Goldstar Memorial Building

Film Discussion Group screens The Big Chill at 8 p.m. in Dawson Loeffler Science and Mathematics Center

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 Staff Council Professional Development Series from 3-4 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center Guest Artist: Alumnus Colin Anderson from Carousel on Broadway from noon to 1 p.m. in Wanda. L. Bass Music Center THURSDAY Chapel at 1 p.m. in the Bishop

W. Angie Smith Chapel FRIDAY OCU Opera Music Theatre Department presents Side Show from 8-11 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center 2018 Caring Across Cultures Conference: A Culture of Disaster hosted by Kramer School of Nursing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63rd St. SATURDAY OCU Opera Music Theatre Department presents Side Show from 8-11 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Men's and women's rowing in Head of the Oklahoma Regatta at 11 a.m. on the Oklahoma River

Wanda L. Bass School of Music presents All State Choir Preparation Workshop all day in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Atrium 2018 Room Decor Contest closes SUNDAY Men's and women's rowing in Head of the Oklahoma Regatta at 11 a.m. on the Oklahoma River OCU Out of the Box presents

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

MONDAY Physician Assistant Program Advising Session from 4-5:30 p.m. in Sarkey’s Science and Math Center.

Room Decor Contest winner announced TUESDAY O C U Wi n d P h i l h a r m o n i c Concer t from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts 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.

Sep. 26 2018, Volume 112, Issue 5

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

OCU Opera Music Theatre Department presents Side Show from 2-5 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

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.

September 26, 2018

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news

Business student receives grant to research Apache Wars Jessica Vanek

WEB EDITOR

A business student and an English professor will present research this academic year that they spent the summer collecting together. Dr. Regina Ann McManigell Grijalva, associate professor of English, and Anna Delony, business administration senior, were awarded a Creativity Activity Inquiry Research grant last year. The grant provides funds for a professor and student to fulfill a research project. Professors are awarded $3,000, and students are granted $2,000. A student

and professor team together and choose a topic they would like to research. After the research is collected, the professor publishes a paper on their findings, and the student gives a presentation. Students also are required to present their study on Undergraduate Research Day or to publish their work in The Stellar undergraduate research journal or The Scarab literary journal. The grant encourages “critical thinking, creativity and the ability to think holistically and across disciplines of study,” according to its website, okcu. edu/academics/research. To apply, a student must

It was an amazing experience for me to learn more about the research process and how to narrow down a broad topic into a researchable one. Anna Delony

business administration senior

submit a project summary, narrative, timeline, and budget to Dr. James Guzak, associate professor of management. The study can be on any topic. Delony and Grijalva chose to research the Apache Wars, which Grijalva already was researching before receiving

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the grant. “It was an amazing experience for me to learn more about the research process and how to narrow down a broad topic into a researchable one,” Delony said. Delony and Grijalva traveled to D.C. and New Mexico

during the summer to conduct research. They looked in the national archives for information about the Apache Wars. “The program gave me the chance to work with Anna in exploring a fascinating topic– the 1863 murder of Chiricahua Apache Chief Mangas Coloradas, which neither of us would have been able to do otherwise because the archival research took us to Washington, D.C. and Albuquerque, New Mexico,” Grijalva said. They examined microfilm and undated evidence about the wars. Delony’s research presentation date has not been set yet. She plans to attend the Honors

Great Plains Council conference hosted by the University of Texas-Tyler in April 2019. She also will participate in Undergraduate Research Day. “The opportunity to work closely with an OCU student such as Anna Delony is a privilege,” Grijalva said. “I would advise any student who is inspired by a professor to approach him or her about doing a summer research project.”

Hannah Rogers Student Publications

Stand for peace Zoe Dongas and Sarah Schulz, music theater sophomores, and Jordyn Younger, music theater/vocal performance sophomore, represent the Catholic Student Association at the Stars Stand for Peace event by singing “St. Francis’s Prayer for Peace” on Friday in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Above: Lisi Levy, acting sophomore, welcomes students to the second annual Stars Stand for Peace. Last year’s event was a response to the Charlottesville riots, a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. This year it was in honor of International World Peace Day.

Fall mainstage musical to educate audience about self-acceptance Dru Norton

STAFF WRITER

The first show of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music season will open this weekend. Side Show will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The musical is about the real-life story of the Hilton sisters, conjoined twins in the 1930s. The twins, “Daisy and Violet,” worked in a circus sideshow and were discovered by a talent scout, “Terry Connor” and a budding musi-

cian, “Buddy Foster.” Terry and Buddy wanted to help them advance their careers. “It’s about the twins’ lives as they start off as a sideshow attraction, then, through their own strength of character, move on to careers in Vaudeville, then in cinema,” said Dr. Matthew Mailman, professor of conducting. Choosing Side Show was not an easy process, said Dr. David Herendeen, professor of music and director of opera and music theater. “Picking the shows takes so much time,” Herendeen said. “We picked it by the style

The talent level of the students in the cast cannot be overstated. Very few schools in the country could put a production like this together in such a short time.

of show, building audition experience and also that it will entertain the public.” Herendeen and Mailman heard more than 300 auditions and cast 31 students. Ian Marcontell, music the-

Dr. Matthew Mailman

professor conducting

ater senior, plays “Terry.” “It’s going to be different from what OCU usually does, because we are portraying a sideshow, so there are a lot of interesting characters,” Marcontell said.

“There is a woman who has no arms and a man who sticks needles in himself. They’re considered freaks and are characters that aren’t played in usual theater. In that way, it is very different.” The audience should learn valuable lessons from the show, Herendeen said. “This show is a teaching tool that entertains and educates the audience,” he said. “It’s a message of accepting what you are, accepting what others are and not being afraid of what is different.” Students may call the ticket office at 405-208-5227 to pur-

chase tickets. Students also can show their student ID at the ticket office to get a 50 percent discount. “The talent level of the students in the cast cannot be overstated,” Mailman said. “Very few schools in the country could put a production like this together in such a short time.”

Design, production students travel country for internships Paul Dower

STAFF WRITER

Some design and production students returned to school late this semester from jobs in set and costume design. Celia Kasberg, design and production senior, took a summer position with Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, Colorado. “It was a nice break to get out of Oklahoma, and I’ve never been to Colorado before, so it was really nice,” Kasberg said. Kasberg worked various positions at the theater. “I had the opportunity to design my first show outside of school,” she said. “I also got to wardrobe supervise and be on the wardrobe crew for three of the mainstage shows, and I got to work as a stitcher in the costume shop.” Kasberg’s internship was through the entire summer and overlapped into the school year. “I left the weekend after school ended, so the first week in May,” she said. “And then I got back the week after school started.” Kasberg said she had to email her professors to tell them that she was going to be away for the first week of school. “I tried to get a head start on classes and read up on the syllabi and try to catch up on classes as much as possible,” she said. Jason Foreman, professor of scenic design and the head of design and production, said more than 20 design and production students took jobs and internships across the country this summer. “We really encourage them to go out and work in the summers, in professional jobs,” Foreman said. “Some of them get positions where they’re an intern, some of them get full positions, so they’re props artisan or a scenic painter or a stitcher.” Most student positions do not run into the school year, but some do, Foreman said. “Every now and then, we’ll make requests of faculty to permit students to miss some of the class on the first week of September 26, 2018

I think it’s a great opportunity for anybody who is trying to get into this career path to get professional, hands-on experience... Logan Jacisin

design and production senior

classes,” he said. Logan Jacisin, design and production senior, had a job with Music Theatre Wichita as a prop artisan. “It was a large amount of variety in the job. Every day I could have been working on something different,” he said. “I did a lot of carpentry. I was primarily their furniture builder. I also did a little bit of work with metal and some sewing work and some painting.” Jacisin said he enjoyed his time working there, even though the job was difficult at some points. “It was usually a lot of fun working there, even when the days got to be longer,” he said. “We were doing 12 hours a day of working with two hours off for food.” Jacisin said he was grateful for the program and that he enjoyed the opportunity. “I think it’s a great opportunity for anybody who is trying to get into this career path to get professional, hands-on experience and to put something on their resume,” Jacisin said. “And also, they’re just genuinely enjoyable ways to meet people with similar passions and to really hone your skills.”

Ethan Tate Student Publications

Feeling artistic Emma Difani, artist in residence at the school of visual arts, gives a demonstration on printmaking and shares her new work Sept. 20 in Norick Art Center. During her residency, Difani will aim to create a new body of work and have a series of talks for students.ww

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‘Playbill’ deems OCU one of ‘most represented’ on Broadway Emily Wollenberg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A national theater publication recognized OCU for alumni representation on Broadway. Playbill’s annual list of “The 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway” was published Sept. 10 and ranked OCU seventh, tied with Yale University. The article listed alumni who are in Broadway shows or have been cast in future shows, including: - Jacob Gutierrez and Paige Williams (Aladdin), - Wes Hart and Molly Rushing (Anastasia), - Colin Anderson (Carousel), - Alyssa Fox (Frozen), - Nathan Peck (Kinky Boots), - Kelli O’Hara (Kiss Me, Kate), - Heather Botts and Sasha Hutchings (My Fair Lady), - Jennifer Sanchez and Darius Wright (Pretty Woman: The Musical), - Lauralyn McClelland and Abby C. Smith (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical), - Barry Busby (Tootsie), -and Emily Mechler and Colby Q. Lindeman (Wicked). Nathan Peck graduated with a degree in dance performance from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in 1997. He has been dance captain and company member of Kinky Boots since it opened on Broadway in 2013. He also covers multiple ensemble parts in the show. Peck said seeing OCU on the list came as no surprise to him because it is already a recognizable name in the industry for its exceptional training. “I always know that if people went to Oklahoma City University, I can expect a level of talent, a great level of professionalism and people who are hardworking,” he said. After graduating, Peck moved to New York City to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. The move was daunting and scary, he said, but the education he received and the friendships he made at OCU made him feel confident in his abilities. Peck moved to New York with $1,500, two suitcases and two friends with whom he shared a sublet. He shared an air mattress with one of them for weeks. “It was definitely difficult, but, at the same time, if you’re passionate about what you want to do and really have your eye

You can work and work and work, and to just see the fruits of the labor coming before you is amazing.

Jacob Gutierrez music theater alumnus

on the prize, you just say, ‘OK, this is only temporary, this is not forever,’ and eventually things will start to click. And thankfully, they did,” Peck said. Peck has choreographed for Tony-award winner Annaleigh Ashford, as well as for Broadway Bares, an annual burlesque show fundraiser sponsored by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. He was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in 2016. Jo Rowan, chairman of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, called Peck to tell him about the award, he said. “I started crying. I was really honored that they would even think of me in that respect—to give me an award that represents excellence,” he said. Peck said he advises students pursuing careers in entertainment to save money, find a supportive community and stay true to oneself. “Stay focused on what you want and be yourself. It seems so trite, but it really is the truth. If you are persistent and determined and also, at the same time, confident that one day you will make it happen, then it’s just a matter of time and circumstance until things start to show up,” he said. “You just have to keep putting yourself out there.” Jacob Gutierrez graduated from the Wanda L. Bass School of Music in 2012 with a degree in music theater. He understudies several roles in Aladdin on Broadway, including the titular role. Gutierrez spent a summer working at Dallas Theater Center after graduation before moving to New York City that September. He booked the show White Christmas at a regional theater in NYC at his first audition. He was then cast as “Aladdin” for the Disney Cruise Line shows and toured for 10 months.

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“Aladdin the movie was one of my favorite movies as a kid,” Gutierrez said. “In many ways, it was a dream come true.” Gutierrez said working on the cruise line taught him about stamina, professionalism and knowing his limits. After leaving the cruise line, Gutierrez’s agent booked him with the touring company for Aladdin, which eventually led to him auditioning for the show on Broadway. “I told the director, ‘I have been waiting so long to do this for you. I have been waiting for years to do this for you,’” Gutierrez said. Gutierrez understudies “Prince Abdula,” “Omar” and “Aladdin” in the show. Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the music and theater schools, said he is proud of alumni who pursue their passions. He also said he doesn’t think their success is a coincidence. “OCU students have a reputation of long careers, and that’s because they didn’t learn to do one thing, but they learned a lot of skills and how to be flexible,” Parker said. “A big part of being hired is being a good human being too.” Parker said students should always keep learning after they leave OCU and cultivate their network after they graduate. “Nobody’s ready for a lifetime in any kind of school, no matter how good it is. We hope we are teaching students to seek more learning,” he said. “Be conscious with people, think before you speak, be kind with people.” Celina James, music theater junior, said, regardless of rankings, she is proud of the education the university provides to students. “What really matters is that our students are successful in whatever they do because of the training our university gives us,” she said. “The article just told us what we already knew. I’m really proud to be a star.” Gutierrez said students should stay focused on their passions and embrace the community of artists that surrounds them. “I’ve almost thrown in the towel a few times in the city—every single time I’ve said, ‘I can’t yet. I’ve worked so hard for this. I love this,’” he said. “You can work and work and work, and to just see the fruits of the labor coming before you is amazing.”

Scenic artist retires from OCU to start New Orleans film career Caroline Hawthorne

STAFF WRITER

The scene shop of Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center has one less artist this year. Debra Elizabeth Hicks, scenic charge artist, retired from OCU in May. Hicks worked with OCU for about 10 years as a scenic charge artist, scenic artist and scenic designer. She worked as faculty at OCU and received her Master of Public Administration in Technical Theatre from OCU in 1995. “After I graduated, I taught in Louisiana for three years, and then I came back here,” she said. “I did a bunch of different union work. I then worked in the Alley Theatre in Houston for about 10 years

and thought I was going to retire after that. Then they called me up and asked me if I wanted to come home.” Hicks has memories of working with Alumna Kristin Chenoweth. “She would come to strike in heels,” she said. “It’s because she was so used to dressing up for her lessons. We would just give her a broom. She was just lost, but she was a sweet girl.” Hicks said, after all this time, her favorite thing about OCU was the students. “The students have enlarged my life,” she said. “I have a hard time in social situations with people my age because I’m so used to being around people who are younger. You talk about different things. You’re interested in different things. I don’t feel I’m in a box. I’m not

Theater is such a collaborative effort. You have to have an ego big enough to believe you can do it, but also an ego small enough to collaborate. Debra Hicks scenic charge artist

crazy about the music, though.” Her post-retirement plans include heading to New Orleans to work in film. “I have an agent,” she said. “I’m planning on acting and doing extra work. My family is there, so that’s the best place for me to go. I’ve been on film sets. I know what’s going on, so they don’t have to teach me how to go and when to go.” Hicks said she plans to move

this month. She also recently spent three months in New Orleans recovering from back surgery. “I was learning how to walk again,” she said. “I came up in theater when there weren’t a lot of women, and it’s a different culture. You’re trying to outdo the men, and you’re trying to prove that you can lift as much as they can. Everyone I came up with now has their bodies shot

because they didn’t ask for help.” Hicks said she hopes to impart life lessons to OCU students. “I want them to remember me as ‘Mama Deb,’” she said. “I hope they learn to take care of themselves. Theater is such a collaborative effort. You have to have an ego big enough to believe that you can do it, but also an ego small enough to collaborate. You can’t have any fear.” Onnika Hanson, acting senior, worked in the scene shop with Hicks for two years and said she remembers her fondly. “ I l ove De b. Sh e w a s incredibly helpful,” Hanson said. “She taught me a lot about scene painting and was incredibly fun to work with.” Carleigh Wagner, design and production senior, said

Hicks played a large role in her artistic life. “I think Deb has made a huge impact in my life just as basically my adopted grandma,” Wagner said. “We take care of each other, and she has been the best mentor.” Wagner said Hicks helped her last summer when she worked with Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado. “She helped me get ready and always answered her phone the times I called this summer with the ‘Deb, I don’t know what I’m doing’ speech,” she said. “I could have never done it without what all Deb had taught me.”

‘@OcuPolls’ Twitter account created as outlet for feedback Jessica Vanek

WEB EDITOR

Students were given a new unofficial outlet this month to voice their concerns and opinions about the campus. @OcuPolls, an anonymous poll account on Twitter, was created Sept. 5. The account is not affiliated with OCU and is run by a student. It currently has 119 followers. Fifteen polls were created between Sept. 5-6. The topics range from opinions on extracurricular activities to those on Oklahoma politics. “I was prompted by an interest in polling numbers and a realization that OCU has no public feedback system internally,” the owner of the account said. The account allows students to vote on non-academic topics, such as dance school weigh-ins and sports games attendance. The account’s last tweet was at 3:15 p.m. Sept. 6. Though the account hasn’t tweeted since then, the owner said they intend to keep the account running. “Questions are asked when we have questions to ask, and so we don’t have a quota to fill or anything,” they said. Emma Grey, acting sophomore, said she has noticed @OcuPolls’s presence on Twitter.

Elina Moon Student Publications

the information that they are taking from these polls, or if they are purely just for entertainment and drama.” Luke Anderson, dance sophomore, said the account asks interesting questions. “There is a side of me that wishes it was a private account for only OCU students to see, along with other humorous Twitter accounts that are OCU-related but not OCU-affiliated, simply because it’s on a public platform and any of the tweets could be taken out of context by someone who doesn’t understand that,” he said. “That said, overall, I think it’s just another amusing Twitter account for OCU students to relate to.” The account’s polls vary in popularity. One received 237 votes on a tweet about the benefit of a dead week before finals. “We hope to improve the school with a little more selfawareness and give a larger voice to students,” the owner said.

The @OcuPolls twitter page was created at the beginning of the month and serves as a way for students to give feedback on campus issues.

“I think the @OcuPolls account is interesting and could potentially help bring a lot of awareness to some issues that are happening on campus,” Grey said. “However, I think they need to decide if they have an actual cause and plan to take action with

Campus Technology officials seek to hire more student employees Erik Hamilton

STAFF WRITER

C a m p u s Te c h n o l o g y Services officials are looking for more employees to increase efficiency. Campus tech handles technological issues including the recovery of online student accounts, fixing the Wi-Fi and the distribution of September 26, 2018

technological hardware. They assist students and professors during the day and evening. “ We h a v e a b o u t 2 0 employees that take care of everything on campus,” said Gerry Hunt, chief information officer of campus tech. “We’re not dangerously low. We’re not as high as we want to be.” Students have mixed responses on the effectiveness of campus tech and whether or

not they’re adequately staffed. “Judging by how things don’t get fixed, I would say they’re understaffed,” said Corinne Prudente, acting junior. “But there’s really no way of knowing for sure. I don’t like the lack of transparency. I just don’t find the level of service to be acceptable for how much we pay to go here.” Some students said they enjoy the services provided by

campus tech. “I like campus tech, for the most part,” said Matthew Lavery, acting sophomore. “But, at times, they’re difficult to get a hold of. I’ve had a couple of times where they’ve kind of ignored me.” Lavery said the campus tech staff is skilled and of adequate size. Hunt said he wants more employees, especially ones who

will work evenings and have a technical field of expertise. He also said technical knowledge isn’t necessary and employees just need to be hardworking and willing to learn. They are also adding more student employee positions. “We rely on student workers extensively,” Hunt said. “They’re important to us, just like our full-time positions.” Students can visit the career

services job site, myinterfase. com/okcu/Account/LogOn to apply. New users must register for an account with OCUWorks before gaining access to the application.