TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, April 11, 2011
Volume 85 Issue 16
Informing Cameron Since 1926
Students elect new SGA officers By Elijah Morlett Staff Writer
Photo by Elijah Morlett
On April 6, Cameron University Student Activities announced the results of the elections for the Student Government Association, which represents the student body directly to the executive board of Cameron University’s administration. Junior Cody Gardner, a Communication major, has been reelected as the SGA president. Gardner will be sworn in for her second straight term later this month. “I am excited that I get to represent Cameron again and anxious to see what the next year has in store,” Gardner said. According to Gardner, the objectives of SGA next year are to grow as an organization and to introduce more legislation to help Cameron. “We want to recognize the issues that the students and Cameron University are facing and make sure they are addressed in some form of formal consideration,” Gardner said. Junior Stephanie Belter, a Sports Fitness Management major, will be next year’s vice president. She has served as an appointed officer in SGA during this past year. “My expectations for next year are to improve our numbers in SGA,” Belter said. “I would like to get more clubs involved in student government.”
See OFFICERS Page 2
Exercising the right: Cameron Student Government Association members Jasmin Worthy and Jordan Lindsey man a booth in the McMahon Centenial Complex while students vote for next year’s leaders.
P.R.I.D.E members plan first Harvey Milk march By Ashleigh Fletcher Staff Writer
The Cameron University organization People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality, more commonly known as P.R.I.D.E., is gearing up to host the communities first ever Harvey Milk March for Hope. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California and was shortly after assassinated by another public official. This event is widely recognized and annual marches take place across the nation in his honor. Admissions Coordinator and P.R.I.D.E. Faculty Advisor, Jennifer Castricone, offered details about CU’s first ever Harvey Milk march. “The Harvey Milk March for Hope is an event that takes place every year at different locations across the nation,” Castricone said. “This year, because of the timing of the national event, we will be holding our march early and combining it with the National Day of Silence, a day dedicated to those in foreign countries punished or put to death for their homosexuality,” Castricone said. The group will be mixing aspects of both The National Day of Silence and The Harvey Milk March For Hope. Everyone in attendance is asked
to follow tradition for the day of silence by wearing a white T-shirt for the march. According to Castricone, prior to the event, the group will be making signs at their regular meeting in preparation for the march. “P.R.I.D.E. will be making banners and signs at the meeting before the march and openly welcoming anyone who wants to help,” Castricone said. Castricone credited the birth of this event to one student, Christine Sanches. “This event was planned and organized by CU student Christine Sanches,” she said. “Christine came up with the idea, it is her baby.” Castricone explained that the Event will start with a march and will end with a short presentation and candlelight vigil. “We will march down to the Bentley Gardens gazebo in front of North Shepler and there we will have a short presentation in which the Harvey Milk Speech for Hope will be read and recognition will be given to the National Day of Silence,” she said. “We will also pass out candles and at the end of our presentation encourage everyone to walk back to their cars with their candles lit.”
See MARCH Page 2
MCTCampus
A march for hope: Cameron P.R.I.D.E. members plan to hold the first Harvey Milk March for Hope on April 15, in honor of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.
CU students take top honors at state competition By Collegian Staff Members of the Collegian staff, and contributors to AggieCentral.com — Cameron’s convergence news site — earned several awards at the Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association competition on March 31. The Cameron Collegian received an Award of Excellence for the overall design of the newspaper, as well as an Award of Merit for Front Page Design, and an Honorable Mention for Interior Page Design. AggieCentral.com also received an Award of Merit in the Online Newspapers Category. Michael Faggett, Sports Editor for the Collegian, won first place in Multimedia Storytelling for his work on CUTV, and Rachel Engel, Collegian News Editor, earned a second place award in Editorial Writing. “I take pride in this award because Cameron was named best in this category,” Faggett said. “It’s one
thing to win, but another to win first in a category. It shows we are able to do quality work comparable to larger universities in the state.” Dr. Christopher Keller, adviser to the Cameron Collegian and AggieCentral, said he was very pleased with the continued efforts of CU’s journalism students. “I could not be more proud of the student editors and reporters I have the opportunity to work with each day,” Dr. Keller said. “Their professionalism and ethic is the driving force behind our publication’s excellence. This is the Cameron Collegian’s 11th consecutive year to earn Award of Excellence honors at OCMA. Each semester these students build upon an extraordinary tradition of campus journalism. This year, with the awards given to AggieCentral.com, they have shown they can compete in not only print but on the digital stage as well.
News
A&E
Sports
Opinion
Students take advantage of new advising center.
CU students participate in Race for the Cure.
New volleyball coach comes to Cameron.
Remembering Momma.
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News
April 11, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
10 year accreditation approved By Amanda Cantu
are many more.” He said that the process for accreditation is a long and elaborate one, one for which Staff Writer Cameron began planning in 2006. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has formally notified Cameron University of its One way in which the university prepared for the review was by assembling a 226-page continued accreditation status. self-study entitled Cameron University: Solid Foundation. Quality Choices. Excellence for the Members of the HLC visited the campus for four days in November. At the end Second Century. of February, the members recommended an unconditional affirmation of Cameron’s The study describes how Cameron meets the requirements for accreditation, including an accreditation with no reports or interim visits. illustration of how the university fulfills 21 criteria for accreditation mandated by the HLC as The HLC reviews accreditation every 10 years and Cameron has been continuously well as how Cameron has addressed concerns the HLC raised 10 years ago. accredited as a four-year university since 1973. However, this accreditation report is the finest While Vice President McArthur admitted the process was daunting, he also in the university’s history. acknowledged that it was very rewarding. Dr. John McArthur, Vice President for Academic Affairs, was enthusiastic about “This has really been at the forefront of my mind for at least two years. It was very stressful, Cameron’s status and grateful to those who but we received so much support, and I am thankful for that. The helped make the accreditation possible. support from the alumni, business leaders, key constituents and “This is a great accomplishment for Cameron the entire community was fantastic,” he said. and is recognition of what all the students, Though the HLC made no criticisms of Cameron, they did faculty and staff have done for the last 10 years,” make some recommendations for consideration. Vice President McArthur said. “I am thankful One suggestion was that the university continues its program for everyone who helped with this process, review process. The process ensures that student needs are being especially Dr. Margery Kingsley, Dr. Gary met and the right programs are being offered. Buckley, Benson Warren, Dr. Mike Dunn, Dr. It was proposed that Cameron continue to monitor enrollment Graphic courtesy of Public Affairs Courtney Glazer and Dr. Karla Oty, but there management as well by making sure the school is doing everything it can to provide financial aid to students. The HLC also recommended that the university improve retention and graduation rates through the assessment of student learning, particularly regarding general education. Additionally, it was suggested that Cameron provide added training for employees and consider making changes to the advisement process, a change that has already been made with the opening of the Advisement Center in North Shepler. With the reaffirmation of accreditation, Vice President McArthur said the university is now looking ahead to what is next for Cameron. “Now, we will look at the considerations. For my part, I will immediately address things regarding academic affairs, like improved retention and general education assessment,” he said. Overall, Vice President McArthur said the accreditation process was a great experience that has only positive ramifications for the university. “The whole point is to make Cameron a better place and to make sure a Cameron degree means something,” he said.
MARCH continued from page 1 Castricone stresses that this event and organization is open to the community and not in any way limited to only CU students and faculty. “This is a community event and organization. We welcome members of the community with open arms and encourage any and all to participate,” she said The march will take place at 6 p.m. on April 15 and will start at the corner of Gore Blvd. and University Drive in front of the Cameron sign. Step off will be at 6:03 p.m. The event is open to the public and parking will be available in the Howell Hall parking lot. Castricone said she hopes of making this an annual event and mentioned it being one of the first gay pride events to hit the streets of Lawton for some time. “We are hoping to make this an annual community event,” Castricone said.“This will be the closest to a Lawton gay pride event that this city has seen in many years.” For information on P.R.I.D.E. or the Harvey Milk March for Hope contact Jennifer Castricone at 581-2236 or by email at jcasricone@cameron.edu.
OFFICERS continued from page 1
Solutions on page 3
Junior Barkley Kirk, an Accounting major, will take the role of treasurer . Kirk has previously held a Senator position for the School of Business and was a member of the Finance Committee. “One of my goals as the new SGA treasurer is simply to maintain the standard of excellence exhibited in the past,” Kirk said. “I want to make sure we fully utilize our resources. “I’ve enjoyed being involved in SGA in the past look forward to an opportunity to become more involved,” he said. SGA is a student-run organization consisting of a Supreme Court, representatives from student organizations, eight elected senators from the various academic schools at Cameron, committees, appointed officers and elected officers. The purpose of SGA is to hear concerns of the student body through the students within the organization. Members of SGA write legislation that is voted on through parliamentary procedure. Legislative resolutions that are passed within the organization are forwarded to President Cindy Ross for further evaluation and implication of the resolutions. “Cameron SGA has always been a great student organization in the past, and I know next year will be no exception,” Kirk said. “We have some excellent advisors leading the organization, enabling us to collectively accomplish some very neat things.” Past resolutions that have affected students include the Paint the Town Black & Gold campaign, the campus Tobacco – Free Initiative and the addition of more sidewalks on campus.
News
April 11, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
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Academic Commons planned
Plans to renovate former student union underway By Rebecca Craft Staff Writer
Cameron announced its plans to transform the Davis Student Union into the Academic Commons in a live news broadcast Friday, April 1. The Davis Student Union, which was originally constructed in the early ‘60s, previously housed the food court, student bookstore, and game room. Each of these spaces has been relocated to the McMahon Centennial Complex, leaving much of the old student union empty. The plans for the Academic Commons utilizes much of the existing space to create new office spaces, academic labs, and a new home for the journalism and digital media areas within the Communications Department. “We currently have our editing facilities in one building with our video and audio,” Communications Professor Dr. Matt Jenkins said. “We have the television studio in another, and we have the journalism and newspaper in a third building. They’re kind of stuck in the corners and out of the way kinds of places. This new building brings them all together in a kind of a showcase.” The Academic Commons is intended to house a new television studio for CUTV, AggieCentral.com, the Collegian, and the audio and video labs. “It’s very exciting,” Jenkins said. “It’s going to be nice. I’m very thrilled and honored that the administration sees the value in what we’re doing and wishes to encourage us to go to the next level to continue doing great things by providing us this new and wonderful space.” With each of these spaces closer together, Cameron is also looking at potentially creating an option in convergence journalism for those wanting to pursue a degree in digital media. “The news industry is looking to hire people who are able to write for multiple news mediums,” Journalism Professor Dr. Chris Keller said. “The technology that we use changes how we report information, and it’s important that we help our students acquire the skills they need in order to be able to report for print, web, or broadcast.” The Academic Commons will not only be a home for the journalism and RTV studios, but it will also contain a new student computer lab, a branch of IT support, a tutoring lab, and office spaces for adjunct professors. “Currently, there is nowhere for an adjunct to have office space unless a department has provided one for them,” Dr. Jenkins said. “The university is trying to provide a space where they can come and hold office hours and prep for their classes. There’s also going to be a testing center in addition to the computer lab that’s going to be open. There will be a computer help desk for the students.” The Greek life rooms and classrooms that are already present on the southern side of the old student union will remain in their same places, along with the patio area along the southwest side. The renovations to the Davis Student Union are estimated to be about $4.2 million, according to Friday’s news broadcast. The fundraising campaign seeks to raise $2 million in donations for the Academic Commons. To date, $1.375 million has already been given with contributions from the McMahon Foundation, $1 million; the Cameron University Foundation, $250,000; the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, $100,000; and the Walton Family Foundation with $25,000.
Photos by Kelsey Carter
From rags to riches: The former Davis Student Union will be transformed into the new Academic Commons, with renovations set to begin this summer. Plans for the structure include new office spaces, academic labs, and a converged media center for print and broadcast journalists. “These four foundations have taken a lead role in demonstrating their support for this project as evidenced by their generous grants,” President Cindy Ross said. “We are extremely appreciative of their leadership in this campaign as they alone have helped us to surpass the halfway point of our campaign at this early date.” The renovations for the Academic Commons will begin this July and are expected to be fully completed in July 2012.
New advising center crucial during enrollment By Tahira Carter Staff Writer
Photo by Kelsey Carter
Designed to help: Cameron student Heidi Cleveland visits the Advising Center for computer access. Multiple desks and computers are located in the Advising Center for the benefit and use of Cameron students.
Cameron University’s Academic Advisement Center (AAC) was in full swing on March 25 with the beginning of Senior Enrollment Days. Enrollment for classes is as old as the university itself but Cameron has refined this service in an effort to make the process more efficient and student friendly with the new AAC. “It’s not so much that it’s a new service as much as it is a more complete service,” Director J.R. Larson said. “Whereas before you might go to an academic department and talk to someone who advises specifically or you might meet with a faculty member, we’ve changed it a little bit so that all new students can come to one place.” The students also benefit from the expertise of the advisors at Cameron’s AAC because of their hands-on experience with the degree and course material. “Some of our advisors are faculty. So, students are not just getting a sort of administrative expertise but rather people who know the curriculum. They
develop it, they teach it and you might see that person in your class. This really helps build the relationship,” Larson said. Specific advisors have also been assigned to different areas of study. Advising Specialist Debbie Crossland is one of the four advisors on staff at the AAC. “I’m the allied health advisor and I take on science, math and technology,” Crossland said. “Velton Flowers has the School of Business, Terri Gentry has the School of Liberal Arts and Lorinda Rogers has education and psychology.” The advisers spend roughly one hour with every student during which time they introduce the students to AggieAccess, show the students how to search for classes online and attempt to tailor the semester’s classes in a manner that best suits the student’s personal lifestyle. “Some people work better in the morning or the afternoon and some people will only want to come to school two days a week,” Larson said. “Once we have got the framework, we look to see if you want to take classes just at Cameron here in Lawton,
would you like to go to Duncan or are you interested in Fort Sill. This breaks it down and makes it easier for the student to pick the schedule that fits them. We are able to be much more personal.” Arranging the schedules of hundreds of students can be a hectic task if it is not handled systematically. The advisors understand that good advising takes time and encourage students to make appointments before coming into the office to ensure that they are attended to in a timely manner and all their needs are met. Despite the AAC being new to campus, students have been eager to make use of the new offices. “Traffic has been pretty high. Each advisor probably sees about 12 appointments a day and that would not include walkins. We’ve had a lot of walk-in traffic,” Larson said. “Sometimes students have last minute things that they need to deal with so we do have a person available for walk-in students, but this may require a small wait.” The AAC is located in Room 113 on the ground floor of North Shepler.
CU seeks nominations of high school teachers for award CU Public Affairs Was there a special high school teacher who had a positive impact on your life? Cameron University is seeking nominations for the Inspiring Minds-Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes outstanding Oklahoma high school teachers and counselors who have had a significant impact on the life of a current CU student. Award winners will receive a $500 stipend, and the winner’s high school will receive a $500 donation in recognition of the award. Please take this opportunity to recognize a high school teacher or counselor who has been influential in your life. Nominations must come from currently enrolled Cameron students. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011. A nomination form can be obtained in the Office of Public Affairs (Administration Building, Room 150), at CU-Duncan or online at www.cameron.edu/inspiring_minds. Any high school teacher or counselor in the state of Oklahoma is eligible for the award. Up to three awards may be presented. The nominating student cannot be related to the nominee. Janet Williams in the Office of Public Affairs will be happy to assist with the preparation of nominations. She can be reached at 581-2611 or janwilli@cameron.edu.
Opinion
4
April 11, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
Remembering my mother’s sacrifices
Dianne Riddles
Copy Editor THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Megan Bristow Sports Editor - Michael Faggett Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Cantu, Ashleigh Fletcher, Amber Spurlin, Raven Weiss, Brittany Wolfe, Tahira Carter, Brandon Thompson, Elijah Morlett, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Photographer - Kelsey Carter Circulation Managers - Thomas Smith, Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Christopher Keller
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.
Letters Policy
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, I am reminded of my mother’s love for her children and how much she wanted better for us in our lives. Momma passed away almost 14 years ago but to this day, I can feel her love flowing through me in my darkest times. My mother was not a saint but she has always been and forever will be the wind beneath my wings. Momma raised my brother, my sister and I, for the most part, by her own means. She did not have a formal education above high school, but she managed to get an entry-level position with a local radiologist who trained her as an x-ray technician. Momma took great pride in her work and never complained. And, thankfully, because she worked for a local doctor, when my brother, my sister, or I would get sick, our doctor would treat us as a professional courtesy and not charge my mother. My grandmother lived in an apartment behind our house and was always there for my brother, my sister and me while Momma did what she could to support us. Granny had a sewing machine and she made magical wonders with it. Every Easter, she took great pride in making all three of us children a new outfit for Sunday school and Momma would buy us a new pair of shoes and a hat that matched. I can still hear the laughter and squeals of delight as my sister and I would spin in front of the mirror and look at our reflections. This was usually the only time that we would get something new to wear, because either the rest of our clothes were hand-medowns that were given to us by people who had children older than us or they were bought at the Salvation Army or Goodwill store. Granny always made sure that our clothes were always clean and in good repair. Christmas was a wonderful time for us. We did not get the expensive toys and gifts like our classmates and friends received, but we were always thrilled on Christmas morning just the same. Momma always made it a very special and happy time for us. She would always see to it that each of us children had at least one
very special gift that we really wanted. Growing up, we never did without anything that was important. We never went without a meal. The meal that we had might not have been exactly what we would have liked, but we always had plenty to eat. We always lived in the same house and it was always home throughout our childhood. In the winter, when it was very cold, ice would form on the inside of the windows, but we stayed warm with a full tummy and a comfortable bed in which to sleep. I look back on my childhood with such fondness and yet it is so sad, because I know in my heart how deeply Momma hurt for her children to have more. She was a very strong woman and she would never let us see her heartache. Unknown to her, sometimes in the deep of the night, I could hear her weep, ever so faintly. I knew that she would have been hurt if she knew that I had heard her cry. So, many times I pretended to get up to go to the bathroom and then I would just climb into bed with her, cuddle up, and tell her how much I loved her. What more could I have possibly needed? I had all the love that one child could have. The thing that makes me sad is that my wonderful mother only saw what she was unable to give. She never realized that she gave us more than anyone could have ever asked. She never realized that she gave us the greatest gift of all. She gave us a legacy of unwavering love that would sustain us through all of life’s difficulties and the ability to pass that on to our children. She gave us the eternal gift of love in our hearts that will live on throughout all circumstances and time.
Easter Sunday
A Country Divided I once read a narrative about a young Asian boy and his grandfather. The details are a little fuzzy to me, but the thing I do remember was the last sentence of the story. The story closed by saying, “I give you America.” This simple statement has stuck with me over the course of the past few years and made me question what this place I call home is all about. At one time, this country was a place where small towns flourished, children played in the streets, people knew their neighbors, dreams were born and above all, people respected the flag and what it stood for. The American dream was alive in every child as they walked to school in the morning or sat down to dinner at night. This intangible dream has made the United States what it is today and for many, this dream has seemed to fade away. The America I give you today is divided more than ever by politics, race, gender and religion. Everything today seems to be left or right, liberal or conservative, racist or sexist and democrat or republican. What happened to just being an American? We are reminded daily of our differences whether it be on television or in the newspapers. Politicians seem to be more concerned about getting re-elected than solving our problems. I Staff ask myself constantly, “Why are we arguing all the time?” Is this not the same country where perhaps the greatest plan for government ever written was penned? Is this not the country that put a man on the moon? Are we no longer the land of the free and home of the brave? There is no doubt in my mind we are still that country, but I realize now, much like in 1861, we stand on the brink of civil war. The division we are experiencing now has put brother against brother and American against American once again. It seems we
are standing toe to toe with one another waiting for the other to blink. Something or someone is eventually going to have to give in. I say it is time we put aside our differences and once again become the country my grandfather talks about. It is time we make this a place where people come together to settle differences, a place where public officials are respected and a place where peace and freedom are valued. The America I see is not as divided as many think. The American spirit is alive and well and I know this because I have seen it. I saw it on the Fourth of July in the eyes of a young boy while fireworks lit up the sky. I saw it last year at a college graduation as a girl ran across the stage with her family’s first college diploma. I saw it when my grandpa had to wipe away a tear from his eye as he told me about his experiences on the shores of Okinawa, and I saw the American Spirit in full stride on Sept. 11, 2001. The American Spirit is still alive in every one of us, and we can make a difference. Merle Haggard summarizes the philosophy that I think every American should adopt in a country song. The songs lyrics say, “If you’re running down my country man, you’re walking on the fighting side of me.” As Americans, we Writer should feel a sense of pride for our country and be willing to follow the leaders we have elected. From now on, I think every American should make a stand for what is right whether it be considered conservative or liberal. If we want to progress as a country this willingness to break political bonds is imperative. The America I envision is not divided by politics or race. It is instead united by our love for freedom and strengthened by our differences. I hope to someday look at my family and proudly say, “I give you America.”
Brandon Thompson
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A&E
April 11, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
CU swings the axe at cancer By Amber Spurlin Staff Writer
Cameron University students, faculty, staff and alumni are training hard to “Axe Out Cancer” by raising funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. According to Deanice Shegog, Director of the Student Wellness Center, Race for the Cure is a series of races specifically designed to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation. She said they decided to create a team and join the race as a result of President Cindy Ross’ Plan 2013. “President Ross’ Plan 2013 is about making the campus healthier,” Shegog said. “One of the ways to do that is to pick something that has a cause. Race for the Cure has a cause and it can help people get healthy. That’s why we picked it.” Shegog said they decided to get involved in a national cause due to the diversity of CU’s student body and community. She said that Cameron students come from all over the United States and should feel like they are making an impact in their own communities. “We chose a national foundation because our students come from everywhere,” Shegog said. “We decided that in order
Photo by Amber Spurlin
Power of Pink: Robin Eichenauer, Krystal McCorgary, Deanice Shegog, and Lendi Clodselter (left to right) sport the special Aggie ‘Race for the Cure’ T-shirts. CU students and faculty have already begun preparing for the November race, which is to be held in San Antonio. to encourage them to make a difference in their own community, or to use that as a slogan, we have to give nationally.” Fitness Coordinator Lendi Clodfelter said CU’s team would participate in several Race for the Cure events in the fall including a 5K in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Wichita Falls, Texas, and a half to full marathon in San Antonio, Texas. According to Clodfelter, CU students, faculty, staff and alumni
can join the team for $10, which includes a free T-shirt, as long as they raise about $500 before the first race. Clodfelter noted that team members would be able to raise funds in a variety of ways including soliciting donations from members of the community and participating in-group fundraising events including T-shirt and water bottle sales. Shegog said that the water bottles would be sold in the
McMahon Centennial Complex over a span of a few days for $5. “We agreed on $5 because Sodexo is going to give students their first drink for free, then give them discounted re-fills throughout the event,” Shegog said. “It will run into the fall semester and, if they drink a lot of tea or soft drinks, they’ll more than make back their $5.” According to Shegog, even those who never run can join CU’s team. She explained that they
have training programs to build endurance in team members so that by the time they go to the San Antonio race the first weekend in November, members should be fully able to run the half or full marathon. “It’s a training program so if a person has never run a day in their life they could, ideally, be running the half marathon by November,” Shegog said. “The goal is to get them up to a 5K, which is a 10 to 12 week program, to a 10K and then to a half marathon.” Along with participating in races hosted by other communities, Clodfelter explained that they would be sponsoring a 5K/10K race here in Lawton entitled “Axe Out Cancer”. She went on to say that the race would be held at 10 a.m. on June 18 at Elmer Thomas Park. She hopes that the CU and Lawton/Fort Sill community will participate. “As part of the journey to make a difference, we have put together a sanctioned 5K/10K race to be held in June on a certified course; 100 percent of the funds raised during the race will be donated to the Foundation,” Clodfelter said. “We strongly encourage the Cameron community and Lawton community to participate in this race as we help Axe Out Cancer.”
Hero By Megan Bristow
Creative
Writing
Corner
A&E Editor
The Cameron Collegian would like to start featuring creative writing penned by CU students. To submit your work for a chance at publication, email your piece to collegian@ cameron.edu and reference creative writing in the subject line. Be sure to include your name.
Alone in the desert The soldier stood his ground Enemy forces charged him With knife and sword they came He slowly drew his gun Unintimidated they still came. He cocked the rif le, Ready to shoot, But still they charged. He knew he had not a chance. Still he fired a few shots. A few men fell, But he could not get them all. Alas, it was too late. For a sword reached his heart. The enemy charged on Leaving the hero to die. Hours later, a general passed by Seeing the soldier on the ground, He loaded him on his horse, And rode back to the camp. They searched the soldier for a name, But none was found. Not a soul knew him. Soldiers made ready the soil That would be his grave. Asleep in the casket, he lay Unaware of the Medal of Honor beside him. He was laid in the ground, Paid their respects and left the site. They packed up camp and moved ahead Leaving behind the unknown hero Who for them had given his all.
Photo by Megan Bristow
Tomb for the Nameless: This Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located in Arlington, VA, at Arlington National Cemetery is just one of the ways that America has honored the soldiers that have not been able to be identified. Many spectators visit this particular monument to see the stately changing of the guard.
Sports
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April 11, 2011
www.aggiecentral.com
Baseball makes run at LSC title By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer
The Cameron University baseball team’s success on the field has earned the men a 2011 overall record on the season and a 13-8 conference record (at time of publication). The squad faced the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas in its most recent home series and took two of the three games played. The Aggies clenched the first game of the series in a close 3-2 score line. The Javelinas grabbed the first run of contest, but by the sixth inning CU was up 2-1, thanks to two hits off the bat of second baseman Josh Dawson. An RBI by Joe Halley would bring in the Aggies third and final run of the game. James Rhodes was brought in to close out the contest in
the seventh inning for the Black and Gold. The pitching ace gave up one run, but still earned the victory and his fourth save of the year. Assistant baseball coach Kyle Moody said that Rhodes as been a steady force for the team. “Rhodes can fill any role we need. Whether it’s starting, long relief or closing – he can do it all. He has been in every one of those positions and has filled them all well,” Moody said. In the following game, CU was unable to come up with the win, falling to Texas A&M-Kingsville 11-6. The Aggies gave up 15 hits and made a few too many fielding errors, which helped give the Javelinas the win. In the final game of the series, the bats really got hot. Cameron run ruled their opponents in a 20-9 thrashing.
Sweet swing: Outfielder Chase Larsson sends one over the wall. Larsson has hit well all season, earning numerous accolades including National Hitter of the Week for NCAA Division II and LSC Hitter of the Week. Larsson also set the NCAA Division II record for most consecutive games hitting a home run. He went nine straight games with hitting a home run.
Though all the men had stellar performances at the plate, Andy Garcia was really the story of the game. Garcia had five hits on five at bats, tying the school record for most hits in a game. The first baseman also drove in a gamehigh six runs. It was Garcia’s three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning that allowed the Aggies to earn an 11 run lead over the Javelinas, thus enacting the run rule. Chase Larsson and Kenny Held also had impressive at bats. Larsson scored five runs and had three RBIs on four hits, two of which were home runs. Like Larsson, Held picked up four hits. Additionally, the right fielder had five RBIs, a number that was second only to Garcia’s six. Larsson and Held currently lead the nation in home runs, and the former was named National Hitter of the Week for NCAA Division II by the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association earlier in the season. Moody said he was happy the squad was able to pick up the win and acknowledged that batting has been a big factor of the team’s success – not only behind the plate but also on top of the mound. “Our batting is getting better with the hot weather,” Moody said. “The batting is helping our pitching. It gives the pitching staff confidence when they know our hitters will get runs for them.” Overall, the assistant coach said he was pleased with how the season has progressed. “Every season has ups and downs and obviously there are some games that I think we should have won that we didn’t. But, I’m happy with
Photos courtesy of CU Athletics
Down the stretch: Pitcher Logan Grimes has played in limited action this season due to injury. The pitching staff, however, has pitched well without its returning starter and senior. our record for the for the most part, and I think we’re a good team,” he said. The men faced conference rival East Central in Ada over the weekend. Before the match-up, Moody admitted that he had confidence in CU’s ability to come home with a victory.
“We’ll be playing on the road, which is difficult, but I think we have a good chance to win,” he said. The next home series for the Aggies will be April 15 and 16, when the men square off against Southeastern Oklahoma State. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Softball battles for spot in conference tournament By Michael Faggett Sports Editor
Time tends to bring about change, especially for the Aggies softball team. The team started the season losing seven of its first eight games of the season, but now they stand in second place of the Lone Star Conference North Division. The team has gone 19-11-1 since its dreadful start, and, according to head coach Beth Watson, the team has played well against regionally ranked opponents. “We’ve played some really good games in the last ten games,” Watson said. “We put some competitive games together, and that was a huge confidence builder for us.” Part of the team’s growing confidence came from its play during the LSC Crossover tournament. The Aggies went 4-2 at the tournament, defeating nationally ranked West Texas A&M and going toe-to-toe with Angelo State,
which was ranked second in the country. Watson also credited the team’s growing confidence and recent success to the play of the defense, particularly the improved play of the infield. “Jessica Orr has played well at shortstop,” Watson said. “Drew [Wright] has made spectacular plays at third, Amanda [Karth] has stepped in for us at first, and Meca [Chambers] has been solid at second. So, I feel comfortable with those four positions.” In addition to the infield’s improved defense, the team has also seen consistent play at the mound from pitchers Carrie Harvey and Kelsey Hebert. Harvey, through 24 starts, has a 13-9 record. More importantly, the junior from Burkburnett has a 2.05 earned run average and is among the nation’s leaders in strikeouts with 230. Harvey has thrown eight shutouts this season, has 19 complete games in over 180
Photos Courtesy of CU Athletics
Making contact: Jessica Orr, Amanda Karth and others have seen better results at the plate in recent games. Head coach Beth Watson said she is glad to see various players step up at this point of the season since most teams have scouted the Aggies extensively.
innings pitched, and has only thrown 47 strikeouts, which makes her strikeout-walk ratio near five-to-one. “Carrie has had an amazing year,” said Watson. “Wins and losses don’t always ref lect that, but it is ref lected in her ERA and her shutouts. Nobody wants to win more than her, and she and the catchers have done well with pitch selection.” The Aggies, while improved defensively, have had better overall success at the plate offensively. At the start of the season, center fielder Lesli Martini and Wright were swinging hot bats but have since cooled off. Recently the Aggies have seen Karth, catcher Shelby Meadows, Hebert, Chambers, and others pick up more hits and drive in more runs. “We’ve finally been able to take advantage of some mistakes and are seeing the ball better at the plate,” Watson said. “More people are stepping up, and I think that’s important this time of the year because teams get scouting reports. They understand the middle of our lineup is where they want to avoid, so it’s really good that some different people are getting better at bats.” Watson said she credits the team’s traveling schedule in helping the team play well during this stretch of the season. “I’m fine with the decision to travel the way we did,” Watson said. “When we first hit the losing stretch I was concerned, but it has prepared us for this point of the season.” With the team’s improved defense and readiness from road traveling, Watson said she feels the team can play well in
Photos Courtesy of CU Athletics
Defense wins championships: Third baseman Drew Wright has played well defensively at her position this season. The sophomore holds a fielding percentage of .961 at the time of publication. According to head coach Beth Watson, Wright has been on of the leaders for the team’s infield defense. the conference tournament. “Last year the cross over tournament was rained out,” Watson said. “So those six games have really prepared us for the conference tournament. I feel good knowing if the right Cameron Aggie team comes to play, we can beat anybody. Granted, we only have two seniors, we are still very talented. It’s just a matter of confidence.” The Aggies will be able to improve on their confidence and on their standings in the division. The squad still has
Midwestern State (first in the division) and Southeastern (tied for second with Cameron) on the schedule. Watson said those games left on the schedule give the Aggies a chance to ensure a good seed in the tournament. “We have a great opportunity to take care of what we need to,” Watson said. “We need to come out on top of these series in order to secure our spot. If we take care of those games, we put ourselves in good position for the tournament.”
Sports
April 11, 2011
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Tabbert takes over CU volleyball Cameron hires 11th coach in volleyball’s 48-year history By Brandon Thompson Staff Writer
Cameron University has added a new face to the athletic department. Douglas Tabbert has been announced as the head CU women’s volleyball coach. Last year, the CU women finished the season with a 9-18 record. The addition of Tabbert
symbolizes a new beginning for the tradition rich Aggie volleyball team. Tabbert is a Kansas native with a plethora of experience in coaching women’s volleyball. Tabbert was the assistant coach at the University of Nebraska in Kearney for the last four years. Tabbert has brought many years of experience from a
Photo by Jessica Goodman
All for one: The Aggies volleyball team heads into fall 2011 returning the crux of its roster. With only two seniors, Valerie Ogle and Amber Schroer, graduating, new head coach Doug Tabbert will have a solid returning group to work with next season.
variety of places to CU. Prior to his last job, Tabbert was the head coach at universities in South Dakota, Nebraska and North Carolina. His extensive knowledge in coaching volleyball appears to be just what the Aggie women need to push them over the top. Tabbert said that he is excited about the opportunity to coach at Cameron and is looking forward to the upcoming season. “There is good tradition here, so that is very encouraging,” Tabbert said. Upon arriving at CU, Tabbert plunged right into the off-season process of recruiting players and starting spring practices. “I just jumped into it as soon as I got here and tried to make up some ground,” Tabbert said. Recruiting this late could cause a potential hang-up in the progress of the team, but Tabbert said that he has already had some productive visits from potential recruits. “I think realistically we could have a recruiting class of four or five players for the fall,” Tabbert said. Along with the prospect of adding some new players to the roster, Tabbert has been pleased with the work of his current team in spring practices. According to Tabbert, the lady Aggies have a lot of potential and are buying into his style of play. “I hope we can make some significant progress quickly and I think we have the potential to do that,” Tabbert said. “I think we are working hard and our players are investing a lot in what we are trying to get them to do.” Tabbert noted that his team has not focused on goals for next season yet, but instead have
Photo Courtesy of Kyle Neaves
Under new management: CU Atheltic Director Jim Jackson announces the hire of Doug Tabbert as Cameron’s head coach in volleyball. Tabbert said he looks for the team to make some progress quickly and sees potential in the team’s current roster. honed in on raising expectations. Tabbert said that it was important for his team to realize what he expects of them before they start setting goals for next fall. Tabbert also said that he is excited about the ultracompetitive nature of the Lone Star Conference. According to Tabbert, some of the teams in the conference are powerhouses in women’s volleyball.
“It’s a very solid conference, it will be no picnic,” Tabbert said. As the end of the school year approaches Tabbert is looking ahead to what the fall might have in store for his new team. The potential of current players and the possibility of new recruits could make for an exciting fall for the Aggies. “We have the potential to do some good things in the fall,” Tabbert said.
Cameron staff, alum skate for good cause By Lisa Smith
Special Comtributor
Since the revival of women’s roller derby in the early 2000s, teams have begun appearing all over the world. The 580 Rollergirls of Lawton has become part of the growing number of teams and is Lawton’s first women’s flat track derby league. Rollergirls team member Kelly “Violent Beaureguard” Rimmer said there are some misconceptions about the sport. “Derby is still sometimes viewed as wrestling on skates when it’s not. It hasn’t been since the ‘80s,” Rimmer said. The most frequently asked
questions about this growing sport are: What is modern derby and why is it so popular? How do the members and community benefit? And, where can I check out our local Rollergirls or get involved? Flat track derby can be played on any flat skate-able surface on quad-skates. No in-line skates are allowed unless you are a referee. Each skater must be equipped with a helmet, a mouth guard, elbow and kneepads and wrist guards. Every item of safety gear is a must because despite all safety measures people are still going to get hurt during this full contact sport. There are 5 women from each team at one time on the track, consisting of 8 blockers and 2
jammers. Only the jammers can score points by lapping the other team and it is the responsibility of the blockers to lay the hurt down to help their own jammer through the pack or to stop the other team’s jammer. The team with the most points at the end of the bout wins. Roller derby is a highly competitive contact sport, but for the Rollergirls it is not just about practices and bouts. As Rollergirls team member Chantelle “Sweet Destruction” Baltierra said, it is also about what the team can give back to the community. “The fact is it’s not just skating around and knocking girls down, although that’s fun too,” Baltierra said. “We want to help and be a part of our community.” The 580 Rollergirls have participated in several community service events. During the Christmas holidays, team members gathered non-perishable food items for the Lawton Food Bank. Recently, team members also collected money for the March of Dimes. The league also contributes to the Marie Detty Youth and Family Service Center by donating money raised by hosting silent auctions and by donating clothes and other needed items. For many, derby is a place where people from all walks of life can join together and feel accepted. Rollergirl and Cameron employee Dyan “Valkrye Rebel” Wright said that her favorite part of roller derby is the camaraderie. “Camaraderie between team members. We aren’t just a team, we are family,” Wright said. When asked about the team, most members will agree that it is more than just a team. “These amazing women have become my extended family and friends.
Photo By Dianne Riddles
Head to head: Chantelle “Sweet Destruction” Baltierra and Meghan “187” Boling face off at a practice session. Cameron student Lisa Smith and other staff and alum participate on the team. In addition to competing, the 580 Rollergirls of Lawton also participates in numerous community service projects. They will host their first home roller derby on April 30. However, derby isn’t all just bumps, bruises, and laughter. It takes a lot of time away from everyday life and, according to Cameron alum Stephanie Heinen, requires a full commitment to the sport. “The hardest part of participating in derby is time spent away from my family,” Heinen said. “I think mothers who work, have gone back to school, or spend a lot of time doing something they love, experience it. I know derby has made me a stronger woman; the benefits far outweighs the cost, and that helps me get through it,” Currently the 580 Rollergirls are preparing for Lawton’s first ever roller derby bout, April Rain Brings the Pain,
which takes place at 7 p.m., April 30, at the Great Plains Coliseum. For more information or if interested in being part of a fast paced and rapidly growing sport, visit the website at www.580rollergirls.com or visit the team members at the mall kiosk on April 16.
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Variety
Set up: Seniors get ready for the Art Exhibition by setting up their works. The Art Exhibition was held at the Museum of Great Plains in Lawton.
April 11, 2011
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Exhibition: The visitors take a close look at the pieces during the show. The exhibition showcased the various drawings, paintings, prints, digital art, and graphic design works by the seniors.
Preparation: Carol Cunningham prepares for the senior art exhibition. Her artwork ‘Let them eat cake’ (right) was featured at the exhibition.
By Manal Elhak Collegian Staff
Cameron University’s senior art exhibition kicked off with an opening reception from 6 pmw-9pm on Saturday, April 2 . The exhibition was held at the Museum of the Great Plains 601 NW Ferris Ave. in Lawton. The exhibition featured artwork by nine CU student artists Carol Cunningham, April Hatfield, Nicholas Nicholls, Tracie Tuck-Davis, Anne Northam, Rebecca Dierickx-Taylor, Deadra Kolker, Rosalia Jaume and Cortel “BJ” Payne. Drawings, paintings, prints, digital art and graphic design works were featured. Cameron’s senior art majors worked diligently to produce works of art with their own signature style and content. Senior exhibitions are required of graduating art majors and are intended to represent the culmination of four years of study and offer a glimpse of the directions the artists may explore with their work following graduation. Here is a glimpse at a few of the graduating seniors. nd
1) Name: Carol Cunningham Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art with an emphasis in painting After Graduation Plans: Master of Fine Arts studio art program at Texas Tech University. This summer I plan to contact Illustration agencies. My ultimate goal after Texas Tech is to write and illustrate children’s books. What is your best memory of the art curriculum here at Cameron? I have really enjoyed the field trips we have gone on, but my favorite by far has been the trip to the Dallas Kimbell Art Museum. Throughout the bus ride, our professors would sing karaoke and we stopped by Dairy Queen to get ice cream. It was a fun trip! 2) Name: Rebecca Dierickx-Taylor Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture design with concentration in painting After Graduation Plans: Pursue a career as a working artist, creating artwork in different media for galleries and juried exhibitions. Entering the job market now, what is your assessment of how well Cameron has prepared you for the job market? I enjoy spending one on one time with my instructors. The instructors have given me the skills and knowledge needed to create my art. Not only are they my instructors, but also each instructor has become my mentor and friend. They are always very supportive and have helped me see the business side of art. 3) Name: Anne Northam Major: Bachelor of Fine Arts with concentration in painting After Graduation Plans: Graduate School at Texas Woman’s University What is your best memory of the art curriculum here at Cameron? My favorite memory has been Kathy and Monica singing to Neil Diamond on our way back from the Dallas Kimbell Art Museum. Entering the job market now, what is your assessment of how well Cameron has prepared you for the job market? Cameron has prepared me very well for the job market. The instructors have taught me how to prepare a portfolio and have also really prepared me for the art shows. They have been very supportive. 4) Name: Cortel “BJ” Payne Major: Bachelor of Arts and minor in management After Graduation Plans: Graduate School at Cameron to pursue Masters in Psychology What is your best memory of the art curriculum here at Cameron? I have really enjoyed working with Kathy and the art students. They all have very bubbly and outgoing personalities. They have encouraged me to push myself beyond my own boundaries and appreciate my artwork.
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