the
Volume 119, Issue 05
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021
Deadline looms to report vaccinations
Football
Bronchos lose their third straight game in a row against North Western Missouri Bearcats. See Pg. 7
Although UCO has hosted several clinics, the percentage for reported vaccinated students remains at 34%. (The Vista/ Manuela Soldi)
Christopher Lomelin
Julius Jones
Contributing Writer
The fate of death-row inmate Julius Jones hangs in the balance. See Pg. 3
‘The Laramie Project’ The highly acclaimed show returns after being postponed in the spring due to the pandemic. See Pg. 4
Around Campus “Rent,” the musical, debuts this week, along with Jazz Ensemble concerts and Zac Lee & Friends. See Pg. 2
The University of Central Oklahoma’s ‘Move the Needle’ incentive to get students to register their vaccinations to receive extra days for the upcoming Fall Break continues to struggle to reach its first goal with the deadline set for Friday. The campaign has three goals: one extra day added to Fall Break when 50% of the student population has reported that they have been vaccinated, two extra days at 60%, and three
extra days at 70%. As of last Tuesday, only 34% of the student population self-reported that they have been vaccinated. To register their vaccination status, students must upload a picture or PDF of their own vaccination card as proof onto the campus “Move the Needle” campaign. The Vista sent out an unscientific survey and asked students around campus about their vaccination status and comfort with reporting it to the university. Most students, like business major Shuhei, who did not give a last name, noted that while being
fully vaccinated, the reason why they haven’t registered their vaccination online yet was due to not having the time to locate their vaccination card and upload it. “One time, I looked at the website and they asked me to upload the picture and at that time I didn’t have the card with me. So, maybe I will do that before the deadline on October 1st,” Shuhei said. Noorjawa Breh, who is majoring in Continued on Pg. 3
Are flu shots just as important as COVID-19 vaccines? Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
As the annual flu shot clinic at UCO combined with COVID-19 vaccines at last week’s clinics, some wonder if combining the vaccine drives will be the new normal. According to chief COVID officer for the University of Oklahoma Dale Bratzler, no one knows at this point. “You have probably seen a lot of press about the need for booster shots right now, but that remains controversial,” Bratzler said. Bratzler likely refers to the “booster shot debate” between the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Sept. 13, some scientists with the
FDA published a review stating that boosters are not necessary for the general public at this time. This conflicted with the CDC’s plan to roll out booster shots for all adults about eight months after their initial course of the vaccine. “I think we will certainly roll out booster shots for the elderly, those who have underlying illnesses that put them at risk of complications of COVID, healthcare workers who get exposed all of the time, and those who are immunosuppressed. But at this point, it is not clear in any way that a young healthy college student who is fully vaccinated needs to get a booster,” Bratzler said. The FDA already approved booster Continued on Pg. 3
Passport Health hosted a flu shot clinic that included COVID-19 vaccines. The future of vaccine clinics could mean the addition of COVID-19 booster shots, but no one knows for sure. (The Vista/ Manuela
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., UCO students, faculty, staff, and community members 12 years of age and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the building marked as the future home of the UCO School of Design. 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! Employer Resumé Reviews: From 1 to 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center 338, representatives from Love’s will provide students with professional resumé reviews. No appointment is necessary. UCO Jazz Ensembles III & II in Concert: This event starts at 7 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are free for students with a valid ID and $18 for all others. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. Singo with C.A.R.E.: Central Asso-
Sept. 28, 2021
ciation for Responsive Educators is hosting this free event at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Building, Room 306. Enjoy pizza, drinks, and singo. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine and Flu Shot Clinic: This clinic is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ACM@ UCO. ACM is located at 25 S. Oklahoma Ave. Suite 400 in Oklahoma City. Fall Career and Internship Fair: This fair is happening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms. Business professional attire is strongly recommended. Students should bring their student ID to expedite check-in and receive STLR credit. Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 Las Carnalas Celebration Conference: Empower Latina: UCO is hosting this event for the first time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Grand Ballroom. RENT: The Musical: The UCO Musical Theatre is performing this musical at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall Theatre. UCO Hockey: UCO’s hockey team plays the University of Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 with a UCO
Around Campus
ID and $7 for general admission. International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference: STLR is hosting this conference from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register to attend on UCORE. 6th Annual Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference: The National Organization for Women, The Women’s Research Center, and BGLTQ+ Student Center are hosting this conference until Saturday, Oct. 2. Register on UCORE. Free Lunch!: The Wesley Foundation at UCO is hosting free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for UCO students at Wesley House, located at 310 E. Hurd St. in Edmond. Friday, Oct. 1, 2021
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The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
UCO Football Game: UCO football plays Lincoln at 2 p.m. at Wantland Stadium in Edmond. Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021
RENT: The Musical: The UCO Musical Theatre is performing this musical at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall Theatre.
Front Pg. Teaser Photos, from top:
UCO Hockey: UCO’s hockey team plays the University of Colorado at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 with a UCO ID and $7 for general admission.
The Vista/Madalyn Nix The Vista/Sam Royka The Vista/Keely Sanchez Provided/Vista Archives
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903
Staff
Editor-in-Chief/Photographer
RENT: The Musical: The UCO Musical Theatre is performing this musical at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall Theatre.
RENT: The Musical: The UCO Musical Theatre is performing this musical at 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall Theatre.
VISTA
Madalyn Nix Ainsley Martinez Lyric Peterson Manuela Soldi Sam Royka Christopher Connor Jaden Ford Kourtney Hall Christopher Lomelin Samuel Riggs Keely Sanchez Kaleb Simmons Cynthia Faulkner
Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021
Las Bellas Artes del Resplandeciente Quezal: Art of Guatemala: The Melton Gallery is hosting this pop-up gallery exhibition and panel discussion from 10 a.m. to noon.
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
Zac Lee and Friends: This performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100.
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
The Vista encourages letters to the
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.
Vaccines/Execution
The Vista | 3
Sept. 28, 2021
Deadline looms to report vaccinations Continued from Pg. 1
nursing, said although they contracted COVID-19 in early 2020, they have since been vaccinated. They have already registered their vaccination online while hoping more students continue to get vaccinated. “I just encourage everybody to take it, that’s all,” Breh said. When asked if students know someone who has previously had COVID-19 who is still experiencing “long haul” symptoms even after recovering, nursing major Abigail Covington said that her senses of smell and taste are different than what they used to be even months after recovering from the virus. “I got [COVID-19] last October…I can remember how I used to like something and what I used to like about it,” Covington said when talking about drinks that no longer taste the same anymore, “Now I don’t like to drink pop anymore [or] anything carbonated.” When asked if there were ever any people who persuaded students not to get vaccinated, kinesiology major Monique Goudeau shared that at one point her parents weren’t sure she
should get the vaccination. “There was a little conflict with my parents at first. When it first came out, I wasn’t sure about it, and then later after a lot of people started getting [the vaccine] and seeing good results my mom said I should get the vaccine. My dad was still a little worried about it because he didn’t want me to get sick, but I ended up getting it and nothing happened to me so that persuaded him to go ahead and get the vaccine as well,” Goudeau said. “I wish everyone would take this seriously because [COVID-19] is very deadly,” Godeau said. Students such as Megan McCain, who is a double major in forensic science and psychology, wanted to reiterate that people shouldn’t let their guard down when dealing with this virus. “Just be careful, wear your mask when you’re inside and talking to people,” McCain said. The deadline to register vaccination cards for the campaign is Friday. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.cdc.gov.
The deadline to report your vaccination status is Friday. As of right now, the percentage of students who have reported is at 34%. (The Vista/ Manuela Soldi)
Flu clinics change with COVID-19 vaccine Continued from Pg. 1
Demonstrators support Julius Jones during his commutation hearing Sept. 13 in Oklahoma City. (Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman via AP)
Julius Jones execution set, fate now lies in Stitt's hands Samuel Riggs
Contributing Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA - The Court of Criminal Appeals has set Nov. 18 as the date of execution for death row inmate Julius Jones. Last week, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended 3 to 1 to commute Jones' sentence to life in prison for the 1999 shooting death of Edmond man Paul Howell. However, none of the commutations were as high profile as the Jones case, which has received national attention. Even after the pardon and parole
board’s 3-1 vote, Jones’ fate lies in the hands of Gov. Kevin Stitt. Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor released a statement late Monday regarding all execution dates set for death row inmates: "The family members and loved ones of victims whose lives were taken by these death row inmates have waited for 16 to 36 years for justice, due to the lengthy appeals. The pain of their losses never goes away. My job is to enforce Oklahoma law. I applaud the court for scheduling these dates."
shots for those over 65 and immunocompromised individuals. However, when it comes to the need for booster shots within the general population, Bratzler argues they are only necessary when configuring variants. “When you look at the population of people who are fully vaccinated with any one of the three currently available vaccines, rates of hospitalization, COVID complications and death are very low. Some people are having breakthrough infections, but most do not get too sick.” The CDC did adjust their rules as of Friday that adults of any age (18+) with underlying conditions should get the Pfizer booster shot. These conditions include among others those with chronic lung conditions, diabetes, obesity, smokers, heart conditions and pregnant people. The CDC stated it plans to address updates to the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines with “similar urgency” in the coming weeks. All three vaccines have been approved and authorized for use in the United States by the CDC to prevent COVID-19. Ultimately, booster shots are seemingly not needed if the population can achieve herd immunity. However, when the whole population is not vaccinated, it can lead to variants that reformulate the virus.
The CDC also changed their guidelines on receiving the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. According to Bratzler, taking both vaccines at the same time delivers “safe and efficient” results, however, they recommend that the vaccines be given in opposite arms. Still, the CDC reminds individuals to pay attention to the delivery schedule of vaccines, as they might not all be the same. “Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine: If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October,” the CDC website said. The addition of the COVID-19 vaccine to the UCO clinics also aims to “Move the Needle,” and increase the amount of students vaccinated on campus. Adrienne Nobles, vice president for communications and public affairs, as of last week said 34% of students have reported their vaccinations. On Wednesday, Passport Health will host another clinic at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Bricktown OKC. To report your vaccination status by Friday, visit https://www.uco.edu/move-theneedle-vaccine-campaign.
4 | The Vista
Theater Arts
Sept. 28, 2021
UCO gives new twist to ‘Laramie Project ’ Table reading presents intimate look into 1998 Shepard hate crime Keely Sanchez
Contributing Writer
UCO Theater Arts gave a stage reading to “The Laramie Project,” last week. The story comes after Mathew Shepard’s murder in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming. Shepard, 21, college student was beaten, tied to a fence and left to die which led to anti-hate crime legislation, according to AP. The project was set to debut at UCO last spring, however due to COVID-19, it was postponed to the current fall semester. “We tried to get the Laramie Project on its feet before COVID-19, but we kind of had to wait and bring it back. So we’re really excited to debut it for everyone at UCO,” Elaina Price, UCO assistant stage manager. It tells of the challenges that the town of Laramie faced in 1998 — continues to face — after Shepard was targeted for being gay, attacked and tied to a fence and left to die. Price said: “It’s a huge insight to the specifics of what happened during this tragic event. I think it’s really important for everyone to know about how this happened and what happened and I think it’ll continue to start conversations.” The student directors had two weeks to hold auditions, cast, and rehearse the show. “The actors are from all over,” Price said, “We have friends, people from outside majors, and people who don’t go to UCO to act in this performance. So it’s really a cool diverse cast.” Each director was allowed to select their character track and decide how to direct it for the unusual table read presentation. Director for the character track of Andy Paris, Kolbie Umphrey said pulling the show together
Directors Kolbie Umphrey (left), Ashlynn Stewart and Denver Miller introduce The Laramie Project. The table reading was postponed to COVID-19. (The Vista/Keely Sanchez)
last-minute brought its own challenges. “The biggest struggle was that we only got one legitimate rehearsal before our performance all together,” Umphrey said. “But getting to work with my actor individually helped me build a relationship with my actor and get to create the characters that I was looking for in my character track. Seeing how the actors have been able to come together so well has been pretty exciting to see.” The directors of the performance provided statements about the production, which were displayed on a board in the back of the room along with a memorial display for Matthew
Shepard. The display also provided information about the Matthew Shepard Foundation that was started by his parents after his death. Ashlynn Stewart, director of Barbara Pitts character track, said “This script alone is very inspirational. It’s a very important story that needs to be told.” Stewart said the stripped-down presentation let the underlying story come through. “I think performances like the Laramie Project, where it’s just a sit-down performance will get the message through about gay rights and hate crimes without a big production,” Stewart said. “I think it’s very interesting to be able to throw something together at
the last minute. We didn’t get a lot of time to rehearse, but we’re still able to bring art and performances without a huge rehearsal process.” “The Laramie Project” remains one of the most performed plays in America, according to AP. Other table readings are set to be brought back to UCO for future semesters. “This performance has been pretty successful in production,” Price said, “ We’re excited about it so I definitely think next fall and spring we will put on more staged table reads because it’s been a really interesting different aspect of theater that isn’t done very often.”
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The Vista | 5
Sept. 28, 2021
Media Ethics/Lecture
Conference to discuss hot topics in media, ethics Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
UCO will host the 2021 Media Ethic’s Conference covering topics related to today’s problems, including climate change, racial equity, misinformation, reporting on terrorism, and more, on Oct. 4. The “Reporting Truth Through Chaos: Do We Care?” Conference will be held in-person from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4 in the Mass Communications building in Room 120, and virtually on Facebook Live. UCO Media Ethics Conference invites the public to hear international, national, and local speakers address the complexities of media and the impact their work has on the community. It is being organized by students in the department’s Media Conference Leadership class, advised by endowed journalism ethics chair Joe Hight. “The conference gives the student body an opportunity to be engaged at a local, national and international level. Because our speaker lineup and panel discussions are so diverse, our audience will be able to explore real-world issues from all sides,” said Lyric Peterson, overall conference director. The conference will include sessions on self-care and journalists, a panel on reporting while being a person of color, a panel on misinformation, keynotes on reporting terrorism, breaking barriers as a woman in media and on climate change. Schedule 9 to 9:10 a.m.: Welcome to conference: UCO President Patti
Neuhold-Ravikumar. 9:10 to 9:50 a.m.: Self-Care: Is it Ethical for Journalists? Moderator: Desiree Hill, Ph.D. is a researcher, professor, former broadcast executive, and documentary filmmaker at the University of Central Oklahoma. Speaker: Elana Newman, Ph.D. is McFarlin Professor of Psychology at The University of Tulsa, Research Director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, and Co-Director of The University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice. 10 to 10:50 a.m.: Panel: Reporting While POC: What’s the Problem? Moderator: JaNae Williams is a reporter at The Oklahoman covering county government, homelessness, and general assignment beats. Panelists: Joyce Jackson is the founder, publisher, and editor of SHADES of Oklahoma magazine, a quarterly publication designed to spotlight the life, culture and history of Oklahoma African Americans. Amanda Siew is a News 9 producer and a UCO graduate, where she majored in professional media. Mireya Garcia is an award-winning journalist, member of the FOX 25 Investigates team, and anchors weekends on FOX 25. 11 to 11:45 a.m.: Keynote: Reporting Terrorism in Our New Age: What’s the Future? Speaker: Hannah Allam is a national security reporter focusing on extremism and domestic terrorism for The Washington Post.
11:50 to 12:10 a.m.: Quick lunch/graze snack bar, Room 121. 12:15 to 1 p.m.: Keynote: Breaking Barriers as a Women in Media: What Does It Take? Speaker: Oriini Kaipara is a New Zealand broadcaster, journalist and translator, and interpreter for te Reo Māori. In 2019 she was the first person to present mainstream television news with a moko kauae tā moko (tattoo). 1 to 1:50 p.m.: Panel: Misinformation: Prove Me Wrong! Moderator: Mark Hanebutt is a professor of journalism at UCO and an expert in media law. Panelists: Mark Stencel is co-director of the Reporters' Lab at Duke University, where he teaches journalism and tracks the growth of political fact-checking. Mike Ssegawa is a Journalist, Entrepreneur, Media Consultant, Community Leader in Uganda. He is also founder of Watchdog Uganda. 2 to 3 p.m.: Keynote: Climate Change: Is It Too Late? Speaker: John Sutter is a journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Salt Lake City, a CNN contributor and National Geographic Explorer. His work, which largely focuses on the climate crisis, has won the prestigious Livingston Award for Young Journalists, the IRE Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Peabody Award, among others.
Visiting professor: Synthetic rubber creation changed Amercian corporations Park, Maryland,” Berkhout said, citing the history of Akron, Ohio, as the “Rubber City.”
Sam Royka Staff Writer
After World War II, the Eisenhower administration provided government funding to give large corporations a boost toward developing synthetic rubber, said historian Daniel Berkhout. Berkhout, visiting professor of history at UCO, gave a STLR tagged presentation called “From Rubber Manufacturer to Research Company: B. F. Goodrich and the Post-World War II Military-Industrial Complex” with Phi Alpha Theta history honor society on Thursday in the Liberal Arts building. The presentation’s goal was to “understand the role of a major U.S. corporation in the emergence of a new geopolitical order in the wake of the Second World War,” the event description read. Berkhout said at the beginning of the presentation that he would draw on some of the research he had done for his dissertation, called “The Military-Industrial Complexes of WWII: Research Facility Expansion and
Berkhout said the business historians often face difficulties conducting research.
Daniel Berkhout’s title slide for his presentation featured President Dwight Eisenhower. Berkhout said the war in the Pacific created a shortage of natural rubber and caused the United States to encourage creating a synthetic product. (The Vista/Sam Royka)
Product Diversification at B.F. Goodrich and the Largest U.S. Industrial Manufacturers, 1941- 1960.” “I chose to write about the rubber industry for a couple of reasons,” Berkhout said. “First, I wanted to document how a large-scale U.S. industrial corporation contributed to the so-called "Arsenal of Democracy" during WW II, but I
also wanted to learn about the challenges that the company faced during both mobilization and demobilization. “Second, I narrowed my focus to B.F. Goodrich and the rubber industry because there were sources publicly available to tell that story at the University of Akron Archival Services and the National Archives in College
“The major challenge for business historians is finding primary sources that tell us how corporations actually work, and at the University of Akron, there are a wealth of documents detailing the strategic decisions made in the Research Division of B.F. Goodrich during and after WWII,” Berkhout said. At the end of the presentation, Brooke Brady, a student in the audience, said, “This has given me some thoughts on how to possibly go about a future dissertation.” Next semester, Berkhout is teaching several history courses, including HIST 1483 (History of the U.S. to 1877), HIST 1493 (History of the U.S. since 1877), and HIST 4873 (The United States since 1945). Berkhout’s dissertation may be found online.
6 | The Vista
Sept. 28, 2021
Education/Career
UCO strategic communications students create program to teach kids tolerance Kaleb Simmons Contributing Writer
A program designed by University of Central Oklahoma students to reach elementary students before they develop biases and stereotypical concepts received a $657,281 grant to distribute it to Oklahoma schools. “The Preducation concept was developed by a Strategic Communications campaigns class,” stated Sandra Martin, former Strategic Communications professor. The class’s project was a part of their senior capstone class, where students prepare a campaign for a national competition. When the class entered the competition, “The Directors at Edventure Partners notified us that our project fit the guidelines for a Dept. of Homeland Security/FEMA grant,” Martin stated. The students decided to pursue the grant even though most of them were graduating soon. There are five modules in the program. According The program covers topics such as prejudice and discrimination, ethnicity, culture, gender identity and disabilities in to Martin, the students did a lot of research to iden- an effort to stop biases before they ever start. (Provided/UCO) tify problem areas for young kids. sheets, games and interactive learning opportunities Grant is a part of the department’s effort to reduce “They selected the areas of: Prejudice & Discrim- designed to be age- and grade-appropriate.” violence in the United States. ination, Ethnicity, Culture, Gender Identity, and Teachers who participate in this program can go “The project has funding for roughly 200 classDisabilities,” Martin stated. through it at the pace that they feel is best for the rooms,” said Weldon, who has experience applying There are other anti-bullying programs in Okla- children. The program aims to introduce students to for grants. homa, but this program takes a different approach. these issues, by characterizing them through brightTeachers who choose to participate are incentivTyler Weldon, who helped write the grant request ly colored “monsters.” According to Weldon, each and develop Preducation, said, “The program fo- monster represents one of the problems that is ad- ized with $100 for each module completed along with another $500 for teachers who choose to take cuses on tolerance development.” dressed in the modules. Weldon, an associate professor in the College of The program is available statewide for first the program out into the school, as well. According Education and Professional Studies, said the pro- through fourth grade with no restriction on schools. to Weldon, the program also includes a generous gram is trying to disrupt the cycle of violence in Students who participate in the program are asked classroom supply package along with access to a Oklahoma. to do a pre- and post-examination to help gauge website that goes along with the programs. For information about the program or to get inAccording to a release from UCO regarding the what they have learned. grant, “Modules include information, videos, workAccording to Weldon, the Homeland Security volved, email preducation@uco.edu.
UCO to host Fall Career and Internship Fair
Kourtney Hall
Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Career Development Center will host its Fall Career and Internship Fair in the third floor ballrooms of the Nigh University Center 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The fair will host over 70 employers and graduate school programs from different industries such as health care, law enforcement, advertising, finance and education. Paycom, Love’s, Integris and OG&E are a few of the companies that will be present. The event is open to all students. “Set your expectation as meeting people and really creating that relationship that could lead to benefits down the road,” said Brent Vogel, director of the Career Development Center. “Employers want to talk to you just as much or maybe more
The fair assists students in gathering professional attire, learning about internship opportunities and career goals. (The Vista/ File)
than ever they want to talk to students right now.” Students can log on to Handshake with their UCO credentials at uco. joinhandshake.com to access more information on the companies that will take part in the fair. Students can also research which employers they want to connect with. Vogel says that students should be prepared with copies of their resume and wear professional attire.
The UCO community closet will be at the career fair to provide professional clothes for students. If students have more questions about professional dress, they can reach out to the Career Development Center at careers@uco.edu. Students can use Handshake to apply for jobs and make appointments to meet with career development specialists to learn interview tips and resume building. The Ca-
reer Development Center is located in Room 338 in the Nigh University Center and is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Career Development Center will also seek feedback on the career fair afterward. “We will be reaching out to students after the event with surveys to learn more about what their experiences were like. If the employers were worthwhile or if the employers matched their interests. That’s the chance for students to have a voice for future fairs,” Vogel said. After the fair, the Career Development Center’s next event will be an education roundtable on Oct. 18 for education majors. Local school districts will be invited to speak about employment owwpportunities for student teachers but will also present careers outside of teaching.
Sports
Sept. 28, 2021
The Vista | 7
Missouri Western sets up against UCO at the first home game of the season at Wantland Stadium. It is the only win of the season so far for the Bronchos. (The Vista/Madalyn Nix)
Bronchos shutout, lose third straight game Jaden Ford
Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma football team dropped their third straight game on Saturday, ending with negative rushing yards, after taking a road trip to play the Northwest Missouri Bearcats, losing 38-0. Central’s (1-3,1-3 MIAA) offensive struggles continued at Bearcat stadium. Many of the drives were shortlived considering the Bronchos only had 42 offensive plays to the Bearcats 81. On the first play of the game, sixthyear senior quarterback Keats Calhoon completed a 26-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Moore. The fiveplay drive came to an end quickly, resulting in a punt.
After a few first downs for the undefeated Bearcats, UCO defensive back Dylan Buchheit intercepted Northwest Missouri quarterback Mike Hohensee at the UCO 24, giving the Bronchos much needed momentum to start the game. On the following drive, UCO moved the ball for two first downs before Calhoon was sacked at third-and-20 by Northwest Missouri linebacker Jackson Barnes. At the start of the second quarter, the Bearcats moved the ball but had to settle for a field goal. Northwest Missouri kicker Cole Lammel missed a 33-yard field goal attempt leaving the game scoreless. The Bronchos ended up going three and out, putting the defense back on the field. With about 13 minutes left in the second quarter, neither offense was
happy about their performances. After a mediocre drive, the Bearcats attempted a field goal that resulted in another miss by Lammel. Central’s defense gave their offense plenty of chances to score, however, the Bronchos did not take advantage. The Bearcats started to figure it out— scoring on two straight drives — to go into halftime leading 14-0. Coming out of halftime the UCO offense continued to go three and out giving the Bearcats plenty of chances to score. After a field goal, Hohensee delivered a 21-yard touchdown pass to Northwest Missouri wide receiver Alec Tatum putting the Bearcats ahead 24-0. After the Bronchos following drive resulted in a punt, a 15-yard penalty of roughing the passer gave the Bear-
cats great field position who went ahead 31-0. Calhoon, who threw for 141 yards, took every snap in this very quiet offensive game. The Bronchos ended with -28 rushing yards and only 118 total yards of offense. In contrast, the Bearcat’s Hohensee threw for 251 yards and showed poise against the stout UCO defense, as they moved to 3-0. UCO linebacker Lamontre Huval led the way for the defense with seven tackles. Linebacker Jason Harris, defensive lineman Sesi Salt and defensive lineman Robert Fuentes each ended with a sack in the game. The Bronchos will be back in action to play the annual UCO Athletics Hall of Fame Game vs Lincoln at 2 p.m. at Wantland Stadium Saturday.
8 | The Vista
Sept. 28, 2021
Editorial/Review
OPINION
Consider getting COVID-19 booster shots
Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
On Sept. 22, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used as a single booster dose. These booster shots can be administered six months after the completion of the primary series; this means six months from the date of your second and final dose. Why does this matter? Right now in Oklahoma County, the age group with the most illness is people ages 18 to 35 years old. Young people are just as susceptible to COVID-19 as the older population. Individuals who are 65 and older, individuals who are 18 through 64 years old who are at high risk of severe COVID-19; and who are frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 qualify for these booster shots. People who qualify include first responders, teachers, daycare providers, manufacturing workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.
In a statement, the FDA said, “Today’s action demonstrates that science and the currently available data continue to guide the FDA’s decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines during this pandemic.” On Sept. 24, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky overruled an agency advisory panel’s recommendation that refused to endorse booster shots of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for frontline workers. This decision aligned CDC policy with the FDA’s endorsements. In a statement on Friday, Dr. Walensky said: “It is my job to recognize where our actions can have the greatest impact. At CDC, we are tasked with analyzing complex, often imperfect data to make concrete recommendations that optimize health. In a pandemic, even with uncertainty, we must take actions that we anticipate will do the greatest good.” I agree with Dr. Walensky’s logic. She did the right thing to include more people in this decision because it is important to include everyone who should qualify; To include those who
Hollie Maloney, a pharmacy technician, loads a syringe with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in Portland, Maine. The CDC recommends Pfizer booster shots against COVID-19 to adults with underlying health conditions. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
are constantly around big groups of people or those who are sick, it makes sense to give them an opportunity to receive another dose of protection against the everchanging COVID-19 variants developing. While the data shows that the two-dose vaccine still offers some protection, fully protects a
vaccinated person, it is still an option for those at severe risk who want an extra dose.. At this time, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are not eligible for booster administration. To schedule your COVD-19 vaccine appointment, visit www.vaxokc.com.
REVIEW
Eastwood fans will enjoy watching ‘Cry Macho’ Christopher Connor Contributing Writer
The film “Cry Macho” has elements of many different types of stories. The plot has elements of redemption, action, and a family drama. This film is enjoyable to watch — as much as any Clint Eastwood film. “Cry Macho” is a neo-Western set in the late 1970s. A Warner Bros. picture, “Cry Macho” is produced, directed by and stars Clint Eastwood. He plays ex-rodeo star Mike Milo, who no longer rides in the rodeo after he suffers a back-breaking injury. In “Cry Macho,” Mike is hired to retrieve his former boss Howard Polk’s son, Rafael “Rafo” Polk, from Howard’s ex-wife, Leta, and bring the boy across the Mexican border. Rafo’s mother doesn’t seem to care about the life of crime and cockfighting that she believes he is living. Rafo’s father does not care about him either, except to use Rafo as leverage against Leta. The film has Mike, Rafo and Rafo’s rooster, Macho, which means “strong,” on a trip from Mexico City to Texas. Mike and Rafo bond during their trip, giving Rafo someone he can look up to
and trust. Along the way, they are being chased by Leta’s current boyfriend, who is trying to force Rafo back to his mother’s home, even though the teen doesn’t want to go back. SPOILERS There are so many movies where parents, who, even divorced, care for their children, but this movie has both parents wanting their son for selfish reasons. Leta only wants her son, Rafo, to stay with her to spite her ex-husband, while Howard only wants his son because there is a lot of money tied up in a court case. Rafo learns to be a better man and better person from Eastwood’s character, instead of his own family. If viewers liked Eastwood’s character in “Million Dollar Baby” and “Gran Torino,” they will enjoy seeing him playing a father figure again. Eastwood’s action movies are probably bigger money makers than this movie will be, but it was very interesting to see a movie that heavily relied on personal relationships, beautiful scenery and a great musical score, especially if you like country music.
At age 90, Clint Eastwood shared the action scenes with a Rooster named Macho. (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
“Cry Macho” doesn’t rely too heavily on action, with Eastwood being 90-years-old at the time of the movie’s production in 2020, instead, the rooster, Macho, gets most of the action scenes. However, one moment was worth cheering for when Eastwood’s character defends Rafo. Eastwood fans should also appreciate when he changes out of his cowboy clothing to a Mexican jacket that is reminiscent of his iconic poncho. This movie is not like the Clint Eastwood movies of the past. Even though the movie is slow going in sections, it has a great message about the value of family, respect, and trust and a truly
Eduardo Minett, left, Natalia Traven and Clint Eastwood in a scene from “Cry Macho.” Traven plays the love interest to Eastwood’s character. (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
macho rooster. “Cry Macho” is currently available to watch in theaters or stream on HBO Max.