the
Volume 119, Issue 10
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021
Transformative Learning stays
INSIDE
President Neuhold-Ravikumar said the university remains “deeply committed” to mission statement Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
Women’s Basketball
A special preview of women’s basketball and this season’s outlook. See Pg. 7
Movie Review
‘Eternals’ brings new narratives to the Marvel Universe. See Pg. 8
UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar responded to the University of Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Association of University Professor’s letter about their concern over the possible elimination of Transformative Learning from the university’s mission statement. On Oct. 27, Marc Goulding, president of the AAUP’s UCO Chapter, wrote a letter addressed to UCO President Neuhold-Ravikumar. “We write to voice our strong opposition to your plan to remove Transformative Learning from UCO’s mission,” Goulding said. “We wonder what has prompted this move away from a program that has been integral to the univer-
sity’s academic mission for years.” Goulding explained the importance of Transformative Learning at UCO and that “to remove Transformative Learning from the University’s mission is to remove much of what makes this university a successful and distinctive institution of higher learning, and threatens to give students one less reason to choose UCO over other colleges and universities.” On Oct. 28, Neuhold-Ravikumar responded to this letter with one of her own. The president said she received their letter “voicing opposition to the removal of the phrase Continued on Pg. 3
AAUP expressed their concerns to the President on Oct. 27 about the potential disolvement of STLR. (The Vista/ Madalyn Nix)
Online enrollment increases at UCO Joseph Haddock Contributing Writer
Ice Skating Two local ice skating rinks in Edmond and Oklahoma City will open for the season on Friday. See Pg. 6
Around Campus It’s getting cold, but don’t fret. Muslim Student Association hosts Hot Chocolate Social tomorrow. See Pg. 2
Online enrollment increased by 27% this fall due to the efforts of UCO President Patti Nuehold-Ravikumar, as interest in fully online classes persists . Neuhold-Ravikumar has been putting in efforts to grow “more fully online programs designed and taught by UCO’s talented faculty,” according to the university website. Fully online learning is where students use D2L to complete their classes. D2L is an online portal where homework and assignments are posted for students to access. An example of a fully online learning program is the new master of arts in
strategic communications graduate degree, which was announced in a university press release Oct. 26. This
the “Connected Campus.” “UCO continues to see growth in online learning enrollment,” said Bucky
Since fall 2019, UCO has seen a 66% increase in fully online enrollment. Since Fall 2020, there has been a 27% increase in online enrollment. (The Vista/ Cici Simon)
program and others like it are a part of what UCO calls
Dodd, Ph.D., assistant vice president for education
strategy and innovation at UCO. Dodd said that since fall 2019, UCO has seen a 66% increase in fully online enrollment. This number coincides with the start of the pandemic, but since fall 2020, there has been a 27% increase in online enrollment up to the current semester. During the pandemic, UCO had switched over to “asynchronous online courses” and “live virtual class meetings.” There is still an interest in fully online classes at UCO, which are termed “asynchronous” due to the fact there is no specific class time for meeting. Live virtual class Continued on Pg. 3
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11. FACS: Dawn Lindblade/KaDee Bramlett: Mish Mash: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 to enter. Healthy Hooves Hut: From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clock Tower, get your questions answered about COVID-19, vaccination, and speak with a case manager about needs like housing, food, health insurance, and more. Hot Chocolate Social: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blue Tent by Broncho Lake, the Muslim Student Association is serving hot chocolate with toppings. Learn more about the association and meet the officers.
Nov. 9, 2021
Global Street Fest at Ayers Kitchen: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ayers Kitchen will be creating an authentic experience by bringing global flavors to delicious street foods. ISC Lunch and Learn - Mental Health: The International Student Council is hosting this event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center 312. Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11. One Cup of Sin: an Evening of Operatic Wickedness: UCO Opera will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for UCO students with a valid student ID. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 to 11 a.m. in Lot 11.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11.
Hockey game: UCO’s hockey team plays McKendree at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $7 and $5 for anyone with a UCO ID.
Around Campus
One Cup of Sin: an Evening of Operatic Wickedness: UCO Opera will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for UCO students with a valid student ID.
VISTA
Staff
Madalyn Nix Ainsley Martinez Lyric Peterson Sam Royka Graycee Hubbard Sierra Perkins Manuela Soldi Christopher Conner Logan Gassett Aaron Gelvin Bradie Gray Joseph Haddock Keely Sanchez Kaleb Simmons Courtney Stanbrough George Lang
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nance: System maintenance will be conducted from 5 a.m. through noon. Multiple services may be unavailable during this timeframe. Monday, Nov. 15, 2021
Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 Hockey game: UCO’s hockey team plays McKendree at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $7 and $5 for anyone with a UCO ID.
Chamber Swingers concert: This
One Cup of Sin: an Evening of Operatic Wickedness: UCO Opera will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for UCO students with a valid student ID.
Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tick-
Valery Kuleshov Piano Recital: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre, located in room 120 of the Center for Transformative Learning building. This event is free and open to the public. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lot 11.
To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.
the
Information Technology - Mainte-
performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in ets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11.
Front Pg. Teaser Photos, from top: Provided/Broncho Sports Marvel/via AP The Vista/Graycee Hubbard The Vista/Madalyn Nix
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
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editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO:
Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.
STLR/ Enrollment
The Vista | 3
Nov. 9, 2021
Transformative Learning is here to stay
“Your accusation of a plan of this sort without consultation with the faculty community and the boldness with which you position your argument as fact are unwarranted,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. (The Vista/ Madalyn Nix) Continued from Pg. 1
‘transformative learning’ from UCO’s mission statement.” “Your accusation of a plan of this sort without consultation with the faculty community and the boldness with which you position your argument as fact are unwarranted,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. “Considering the work we have done to bridge communication with the AAUP and to build positive relation-
ships with your members and leaders, I am disappointed by your misguided attempt to offer me an education on the value of transformative learning.” “Your assumption that I don’t understand the concept on which I lead is inappropriate and not appreciated,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. Neuhold-Ravikumar finished the letter stating “the university remains deeply committed to transformative learning as will continue to be reflected in our mission statement.”
Neuhold-Ravikumar said she is pleased that their commitments match. Transformative Learning provides students with transformative experiences across six core areas: Discipline Knowledge, Global and Cultural Competencies, Health & Wellness, Leadership, Research, Creative, and Scholarly Activities, and Service Learning & Civic Engagement. The Student Transformative Learning Record gives students an oppor-
tunity to track their growth in these key areas that help them stand out to employers and higher education institutions. The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning is located on the second floor of the Center for Transformative Learning building.
Pandemic causes an increase in online enrollment Continued from Pg. 1
meetings are a hybrid of in-person students and others over video conference. These courses go through certain requirements before they are administered. “Each course that is taught as a scheduled online course is evaluated by faculty for course design quality and the faculty member teaching the course is required to complete a certification program,” said Dodd. Dodd also said that this is a pro-
cedure used throughout the university. “We’re seeing continued interest particularly in fully online programs as well as blended learning options which incorporate both online and in-person experiences,” said Dodd. He said about the overall trend in education that, “the experience of learning during a pandemic created a demand to engage in online learning experiences more “We’re seeing continued interest particularly in fully online programs as well as blendand will certainly shape innova- ed learning options which incorporate both online and in-person experiences,” said Dodd. (Provided/ Pixabay) tion moving forward.”
4 | The Vista
NextGen/Kick-Off
Nov. 9, 2021
NextGen Talks covers equity and inclusion Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
UCO hosted NextGen Talks last Thursday with 11 speakers discussing various topics on equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Enacting Equity, Illuminating Inclusion,” can be difficult to encompass fully, but with two 90-minute sessions, and speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertises, the event ended up highlighting many groups who grapple with these issues. The conference aims to “provide an educational opportunity to recognize, understand, and develop deeper understanding on equity and inclusion,” according to their website, and is geared towards future student leaders. Assistant professor Alyssa Provencio began the session discussing racism and police brutality, particularly its modern implications. “When George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis in May of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, it was during a time when we were experiencing unprecedented worldwide loss,” Provencio said. “People were outraged.” However while this grief felt new for some, for others—particularly in Black communities— this “sadness at a life that ended too early felt all too familiar,” Provencio said. The summer of 2020 brought the issues of racism and equity to the main stage: some calling it the second civil rights movement. Provencio disagrees with this assertion, and said she believes this is a linear fight that “did not begin May of 2020.” The influx of social media activism and racial justice statements by organizations and companies need to be
James Cooper discussed his journey of becoming councilman and the importance of young people in these positions. (Provided/ UCO Media Livestream)
met with authentic activism, Provencio said. She emphasized constructive means of activism. “Use accessible language,” Provencio said. “Think about all the implications of your practices; reflect on the work of those who came before you. If you are a leader, be prepared to change and listen to the stories of others and believe them.” Other speakers included Darrell Davis, the first Black mayor elected in Edmond, and President of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City Iman Enchassi— who talked about his experience as an immigrant and Muslim. “When you start dialoguing with people from other faiths you realize there is no other. It’s only us,” Enchassi said. Oklahoma City Ward 2 Councilman James Cooper then discussed his journey of becoming councilman, and the importance of young people in these
positions. In the beginning of his speech, he told a story about losing an election to an incumbent Republican as a “progressive Democrat.” When asked why he decided to tell this story, he said “UCO students making up the majority of those present” made him feel like his message needed to be said. “My message is always the same about creating better environments for our students and investing in our neighborhoods and infrastructure,” Cooper said. “I just felt staring at the faces in the crowd, it was important to remind young people what we’re capable of, particularly during a historic global pandemic, where it can feel really discouraging and despairing right now.” On stage with an espresso in hand, he shared stories of his work in public transportation—and its crucial role in the metro community. “Until MAPS in the early ‘90s, until the OKC bombing, we created a city
where we were all disconnected from each other. There were no gathering places. So many of us would go home after work and that was the end of seeing each other,” Cooper said. “And the last 25 years has been a movement away from that and a movement toward community spaces, connection. “And that is our very mental health… It’s public transit. It’s about walkability, bike lanes, it’s about how do we connect people from their front door to these gathering spaces?” he said. He said students looking for leadership roles should learn “that we were always creating art about ourselves,” and look toward history for the answers. “That’s the only way to figure it out, then we can start seeing that these things were not self-evident from the beginning, but that there are moments that we can turn to and start unpacking,” Cooper said.
Julius Jones receives second clemency recommendation Sam Royka Staff reporter
Julius Jones’ Nov. 1 clemency hearing ended with the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommending clemency with a vote of 3-1, mirroring their vote from September. This recommendation does not alone affect Jones’ scheduled execution date on Nov 18. While the Board waits on a final decision from Governor Stitt, calls to Stitt’s office continue to roll in as “phone zap” initiatives increase across Oklahoma with the goal of keeping Jones alive. “I believe the pardon and parole board has made the
right choice twice now and the Governor should approve their recommendation. Reasonable doubt is an understatement when it comes to this case. Governor Stitt’s own appointees that he chose to represent him voted in favor of commutation for Julius – not once but twice now. He appointed those individuals for a reason and should trust in their decision,” said Angela Little, an advocate for Jones assisting Cece Jones Davis, the campaign director for the Justice for Julius movement. “The board’s vote speaks for itself,” said Tom Bates, executive director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Pa-
role Board. Bates did not have any other comments. Jones and three others on death row including John Grant were removed from a lawsuit after they indicated on a court document that they would not propose alternative methods for their executions, and Grant’s execution took place only three days after. Before Grant, Oklahoma had been on a six-year break from executions beginning in 2015 after the botched executions of Clayton Lockett, which took 43 minutes in 2014, and Charles F. Warner, which took 18 minutes after he was administered the wrong drug.
At the end of last month, Grant was executed by the State of Oklahoma for the murder of a prison guard 23 years prior. Grant had been in adult prison since the age of 17 when he was arrested for armed robbery. During his execution, he convulsed and vomited after receiving the first drug in the three-part series typical of lethal injection. The first drug, midazolam, is used as a sedative but Grant was vomiting, convulsing, and swearing after receiving it, according to media witnesses. He was officially declared unconscious at 4:15 p.m. and dead at 4:21 p.m. Gov. Stitt has not yet made a public decision.
Protestors march in support of Julius Jones. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
Study abroad/Opera
The Vista | 5
Nov. 9, 2021
Annual study tour postponed, COVID-19 remains concern for student's safety abroad Logan Gassett
to the two professors making plans for the next step in expanding their trips.
UCO’s annual travel photography and video trip has been postponed until the summer of 2023 because of COVID-19 concerns while abroad. Mass communication professors Jessie Miller and Mark Zimmerman were planning a study tour to Spain, France, and Italy for the summer of 2022 but decided to postpone because of uncertainties about COVID-19 in the future. “It’s a different world now with that out there. I’m hoping that by waiting another year that maybe we’ll be at a place where we don’t have to worry about that,” said Miller. With COVID-19 outside of the United States, it is difficult for the directors to prepare for the unexpected and keep students safe, safety is a priority as they begin preparations for the next trip. The idea of a photography focused trip began after Miller participated in a travel writing study tour to Italy directed by professor Mark Hanebutt. This led
Miller said his goal is to guarantee that the students will have an environment that is rich with history and culture in which to capture photos and videos in.
Contributing Writer
A meeting to discuss further safety plans and possible vaccinations requirements will take place closer to the date of the trip. Students who are interested in the next study tour do not need to be mass communication students and no prerequisites are required. There will be an additional fee to the class tuition to cover certain expenses while traveling, but Miller said there are scholarships available to aid in this trip.
Students stand in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Provided/Jesse Miller)
To sign up or find out more information regarding the travel photography and video trip and scholarships available, email professor Jessie Miller at jmiller95@uco.edu.
UCO Opera reinvent, pushing modern limits of genre Courtney Stanbrough Contributing Writer
The UCO Opera will perform its annual Fall production of “One Cup of Sin: An Evening of Operatic Wickedness” at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday through Saturday at the Jazz Lab. This musical performance reimagines scenes from traditional operas as if they were performed in a coffee shop. Each scene will depict one of the seven deadly sins followed by an anchor performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Coffee Cantata,” a story of a father and his daughter’s addiction. The pieces will be performed by vocalists from the UCO School of Vocal Arts and Musical Theatre divisions along with a small orchestra of six instruments. The performers are both undergraduate and graduate students led by several directors, one being Interim Director Rob Glaubitz. It is typical for opera performances to revolve around the seven deadly sins, Glaubitz said. “We wanted to highlight that wickedness in this performance, especially since we set the whole show in a coffee shop and caffeine addiction is usually thought of as a vice,” Glaubitz said. Aware of the common opinions of the art, the UCO School of Music and practicing professionals are dedicated to reinventing the opera genre, according to Glaubitz. “Many people think that opera is old fashioned or traditional or even a dead art, but that’s not true at all,” Glaubitz said, “Opera professionals are reinventing what opera is every year with exciting results.” Glaubitz says “One Cup of Sin” seperates its selffro traditional opera by creating modern sets, such as a coffee shop. Modern operas are becoming more frequent all over the world, but specifically in America, where the performance often explores societal issues, according to Glaubitz.
UCO Opera prepare for annual debut of its reivention of modern day opera. (Provided/UCO School of Music)
“The best way to preserve that tradition is to do exactly what we’re doing, reinvent and reinvigorate traditional opera for modern audiences and write relevant new operas that touch on today’s issues,” Glaubitz said. UCO senior Alyssa Ridgeway says it’s the modern twist that makes the performances intriguing. “I’ve actually never been to any of the opera concerts, but they sound really interesting,” Ridgeway said. “Especially if they make it more modern, I’m sure it’s a lot of fun.” Glaubitz said he hopes students considering studying music at UCO are not discouraged by the fear of lack of employment. “I have never regretted my decision to study music instead of some other career. Besides doing something I love as a job; I have never had any problem finding a job in music and neither do our graduates.” According to the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project, music performance majors are the most likely to work as artists, 82% of which have worked
as professional artists. “Employers love music majors because we challenge students to think critically and work collaboratively from the first day of classes,” Glaubitz said. “Music is a challenging degree program, but it’s well worth the effort.” The UCO School of Music has 300 students studying various instruments and musical arts presenting dozens of performances on and off campus each year. Tickets for “One Cup of Sin” can be purchased online at centralconnection.org/wickedopera or at the door. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for non-UCO with a student ID and free to UCO students with ID. The department expects 100-150 attendees for each performance. Attendees can also order Hideaway Pizza to be brought to their seats during the performance.
6 | The Vista
Nov. 9, 2021
Heritage/ Skating
UCO kicks-off Native American Heritage Month Keely Sanchez
Contributing Writer
UCO’s Native American Student Association hosted this year’s Native American heritage month kickoff event in the Nigh University Center on Wednesday. This year, UCO was able to provide a different approach to Native American Heritage Month. According to the UCO website, “In the fall of 2020, the Committee on Diversity, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity Round Table, Native American Student Association, and Native American Faculty and Staff Association in collaboration with our Indigenous community partners proposed to the university leadership team the adoption and establishment of a university-wide land acknowledgement policy.” Gigi Jones, coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said, “At this year’s event, UCO unveiled a land acknowledgment policy, which is a space that will be given during campuswide events to acknowledge that the land we are on was previously occupied by idigenous people.”
The new UCO land acknowledgement policy states: “The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes that we gather on land entrusted to the care and protection of the Caddo and Wichita peoples. These lands are part of the wider state of Oklahoma which is shared by the 39 sovereign Indigenous Nations including the Kiowa, Comanche, Osage, Apache and Fort Sill Apache Nations, and is associated with the forced relocation of Nations through the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The university was built in Unassigned Land within seized portions of Indian Territory taken from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations by the federal government in 1866. Beginning in 1889, this land was distributed through several Land Runs intended to confine and erase Indigenous peoples from this territory. We acknowledge the historical events that have and continue to affect Indigenous people of this land. We pledge to honor and respect Indigenous knowledges and worldviews as we sustain a meaningful relationship
with the Sovereign Nations.” Traditionally at UCO, Native American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of indigenous and native people through performances and speakers, however, this year UCO decided to also include Native American vendors for the first time. Danielle Bishop, owner of Native American Blankets And More, said “When I was younger I really didn’t get to know my Native American culture, and I believe a lot of people do the same, so I’m here to bring awareness through my company that it’s okay to be proud of your heritage.” In addition to blankets, Bishop sells jewelry with a lot of traditional use of turquoise. Shelby Mata, Miss Native American USA 2020, spoke at the event. “I came today because it is important that we share our history and culture as Native Americans,” Mata said. “We are each from unique tribes and we got to see several tribes perform on stage with the OKC dance troop. There’s several tribes and cultures that get to
be shared and we should be proud of that.” President of the Native American Student Association, Mickie Vanhoy, said “We are an organization for our campus community that supports the scholarship attached to NASA. The scholarship will be represented on the university portal in January and is open to those NASA members who are active in their organization.” The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s Native Roots program was in attendance as a vendor, educating attendees on the importance of reducing the amount of Native American youth use of alcohol and marijuana through cultural activities. Activities include teaching youth beadwork, dances and ceremony traditions. NASA is a student led organization on campus whose goal is to celebrate, advocate, and educate in regards to Indigenous culture. For more information about upcoming events for the remainder of Native American heritage month, visit Instagram @UCONASA or the Office of Diversity and Inclusion @UCOODI or UCO website.
d
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Ice skating returns on Friday in time for holidays Sam Royka Staff Reporter
Two local ice skating rinks in Edmond and Oklahoma City will open for the season on Friday. This year will be the Myriad Gardens’ rink’s 10th season, Leslie Spears, director of marketing and communications for the Gardens, said in a press release. There will be “seasonal food and beverage offerings” available at the Oklahoma City rink, Spears said. The Myriad Gardens’ 5,500 square
foot indoor rink holds admission at $14 per person which includes the price of rental skates. The outdoor rink at Mitch Park also has $14 general admission but a reduced rate of $10 for children under 5. The rink in Edmond is located in Mitch Park next to the silo. Masks are encouraged at both locations. Mitch Park’s rink closes on Jan. 3, 2022, while the Myriad’s rink will stay open until Jan. 30. These closing dates are right before the Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to begin in Bei-
jing on Feb. 4, 2022. Hours are posted on both websites and both rinks will have special hours for the holidays as well. For less expensive admission to the Myriad Gardens’ Rink, students may consider purchasing a garden membership. The student membership is $20 for a year, and members get free skate rentals as well as a discounted entrance rate of $10 to the ice skating rink. Also included is free admission for one adult to the Crystal Conservatory, which is closed until Fall 2022 for renovations.
In addition to these, the Blazers Ice Centre is another public ice skating rink that is open year-round, located at the junction of I-35 and I-240. “Learn to skate” classes are offered here as well. Admission is $12 “with or without skates” according to the Blazers website. More information can be found at https://downtownindecember.com/ devon-ice-rink/, mondicerink.com/.
https://www.ed-
Sports
Nov. 9, 2021
The Vista | 7
NCAA denies the Cowboys’ ban appeal Bradie Gray
Contributing Writer
The NCAA denied Oklahoma State University’s appeal on Wednesday to have its 2022 postseason ban removed, making it the only team to receive one. The ban itself is from a 2017 nationwide FBI investigation launched by the NCAA to uncover corruption in the sport. OSU was found to have committed a Level I violation, meaning a “violation that seriously undermines or threatens the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model.” Lamont Evans, a coach under then-head coach Brad Underwood, was found to have accepted around $20,000 in bribes from low-level talent agencies to influence players already on OSU to sign with them after their college careers. The FBI found that Evans was acting alone and the university had no knowledge of the ploy, and one player on the team had received a $300 bribe which was self-reported by the school and paid back. Evans would immediately be fired by OSU, and he would later plead guilty to the scheme in 2019 and be sentenced to three months in prison. As punishment for the
The Cowboys hosted the UCO Bronchos last Friday, winning 76-68. (Provided/OSU Athletics)
bama despite finding out a coach, assistant Kobie Baker, was found to have committed the exact same infraction as Evans for a total bribery of nearly $15,000. Furthermore, the University of Southern California’s basketball team had an assistant, Tony Bland, who was part of a similar bribery scheme with financial advisors. Three players who received benefits would later be removed from the team, but USC never had any ban put in place. The NCAA never released a statement as to why OSU was the only team listed to receive a ban. OSU head men’s basketball coach Mike Boynton commented on the ruling in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “I’m disappointed, disgusted, appalled, frustrated -- but somewhere in Indianapolis there’s a group of people celebrating. They won. Our players don’t deserve and shouldn’t have to deal with this. It’s no wonder that nobody trusts [the NCAA]. They don’t have to come and do this, and answer questions, and talk to kids, and talk to parents.” The OSU men’s basketball team opened their season last Friday where they won against the UCO Bronchos 76-68.
school, the NCAA ruled in 2020 that OSU would have some recruiting restrictions put in place and most notably a postseason ban for 2021. Oklahoma State appealed the ban which allowed them to play in that postseason, but Wednesday’s ruling now places the ban on the upcoming postseason. However, in the FBI investiga-
tion, multiple other universities were found to have committed nearly identical offenses, but did not receive a postseason ban. Lamont Evans was an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina before his time at OSU, and he was a member of the same scandal there, but South Carolina was never given a postseason ban. Neither did the University of Ala-
by 8 points. After the Marauders, the Bronchos begin a six-game road trip, beginning on Nov. 16 at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, according to their schedule at bronchosports.com. The Broncho’s look to avenge their loss in the ‘19-20 season to Southern Nazarene, where the game went to double overtime. The team hopes to cap off their season at the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s tournament in the beginning of March. The team reached the quarterfinals last year where they lost by two points to Emporia State. The Bronchos had played them two times earlier in the year, where they won one game and lost one game.
Freshman guard Taylor Dement scored 16 points against the Missouri Western Griffons on Feb. 24. The Bronchos won 83-75. (Provided/Broncho Sports)
Women’s basketball aims to beat last season’s record Kaleb Simmons Contributing Writer
UCO’s women’s basketball team starts their season off at home on Friday. The game will be played at Hamilton Field House, and they will be facing off against Northwestern Oklahoma State. The Bronchos are looking to beat their record of 14-9 from last season. They were 14-8 in conference play in the 2020-21 basketball season. The 16-person team includes eight freshmen. Out of the remaining eight, there is only one senior and two juniors. On Saturday, the Bronchos will play at home against the University of Mary. The Marauders are based out of Bismarck, North Dakota. The last time the team faced them was in the ‘19-20 basketball season, where the Bronchos won
8 | The Vista
Nov. 9, 2021
Movie Review/Economics
REVIEW
‘Eternals’ launches new MCU franchise Christopher Conner Contributing Writer
“Eternals” is the newest superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 26th entry in the franchise, this film focuses on a race of characters from the Marvel Universe called the Eternals, who are around 7,000 years old. The film focuses on the Eternals coming together after suffering a great tragedy to fight against the Deviants, who were thought to be destroyed centuries ago. The film was meant to be the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s fourth phase, planned to be released in November 2020, but the pandemic delayed the release of the movie. The relationship between Sersi (Gemma Chan) and Ikaris (Richard Madden), who have been in love for centuries, is another focus of the film -- along with other members of the Eternals’ race, and what they have been up to since they defeated the Deviants centuries earlier. They have been released from their mission and are living their own lives by the order of Ajak (Salma Hayek), the leader of the Eternals sent to earth by the Celestials, who are God-like beings. Sersi informs her boyfriend Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) that they were ordered not to interfere in any events that didn’t include Deviants. The film frequently jumps between the past and the present day of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showing the importance of the Eternals in this universe,
Kumail Nanjiani plays Kingo in Marvel’s “Eternals.” The movie came out last Friday. (Marvel/via AP)
and changing the Marvel Cinematic Universe forever.
SPOILERS
The film shows the Eternals coming back together after a Deviant, a monster the Eternals have spent centuries destroying, had survived and tried to kill both Sersi and Sprite, only to be saved by Ikaris. During the battle, the Deviant was able to heal itself. When going to tell Ajak about the Deviants, they learn that Ajak was killed by the same Deviant that attacked them in
London, and that creature absorbed Ajak’s power of healing. Sersi was then chosen by Ajak to lead the Eternals on Earth. Sersi, Ikaris and Sprite then gather the Eternals on Earth to destroy the rest of the Deviants that they thought they destroyed centuries earlier. The film is enjoyable, while a little long and some characters aren’t developed the way they deserve to be. The cast, which also includes Kumail Nanjiani and Harry Styles, gives enjoyable performances and moviegoers
can expect great computer generated images, and the amazing visuals that Marvel Studios is well known for. As always, there is an end credit scene in which Dane Whitman goes to his family’s house to pick up the Ebony Blade, a weapon belonging to his family, and a voice asks him if he is ready. This scene confirms that the Ebony Blade and Dane Whitman will have a major role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I look forward to seeing how the Eternals story unfolds in future installments.
Economics 101 course offers beer by the numbers Oklahoma Council on Economic Education will pour out information at CREW Workspace Aaron Gelvin
Contributing Writer
The Oklahoma Council on Economic Education will host an economics education course at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the CREW Workspace and Event Center in Oklahoma City to show attendees how the economy affects everyone. “Economics By The Pint” will feature beer provided by COOP Ale Works, koozies provided by Tinker Federal Credit Union, snacks provided by The Snack Plate, live music by The Flannels, and trivia. T-shirts will be available for purchase. It will be held at half capacity to provide plenty of room for activities. Dr. Travis Roach, professor and
chair of the UCO economics department, will be speaking at the event. Anyone can attend. The event is one of many that OCEE puts on every year to help students and others learn more about the world of economics and interpret things like an economist. Tickets are $30. A ticket and a T-shirt will cost $45. If you can’t attend the event but want to purchase a t-shirt and koozie, the price is $25. All ticket sales are considered donations, tax deductible, and will support OCEE’s mission of improving economic education and financial literacy in Oklahoma. Tickets can be purchased at econisok.org.
Beer, koozies, live music, and T-shirts will be provided at this event. (Provided/Pixabay)