The Cameron University Collegian: February 6, 2012

Monday, February 6, 2012

Feature

Volume 86 Issue 14

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Lawton Police Department release crime statistics

Pet Therapy Therapy dog Lilly offers students a chance to relax in the Shepler Center.

Page 3

Baseball Aggie Baseball begins their season against East Central University.

Page 7

A&E

Vocal Recital Two vocal music majors perform in their junior and senior recitals.

Page 5

Sports

Basketball Men’s and Women’s teams play to recover from the losses of previous games.

Page 6

Sports

Crossroads

Photo by Amanda Goemmer

By Amanda Goemmer Newswriting Student

The numbers are out, and crime rates have increased in Lawton, Oklahoma.

The Lawton Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies, divide crime into two categories, violent and non-violent. Violent crimes include: homicide, sexual assault, robbery and physical assault. Non-violent crimes include: burglary, larceny and auto theft.

According to the LPD’s crime statistics which are published on the department’s website, non-violent crime increased by 4.06 percent in 2011. According to Comanche County Sheriff Kenny Stradley, the economy is to partially to blame for the increase in non-violent crime.

“Anytime the economy is bad, crime goes up,” Sheriff Stradley said.

Violent crime rates decreased by 0.84 percent, and the rates for the overall number of rapes that were recorded in 2011 decreased by 5.0 percent. Even though statistics for the number of sexual assaults that occurred in 2011 went down, it is still very important that people are aware of rape and its effects on an individual. Sheriff Stradley emphasized that rape is a serious issue.

“Rape is a very serious matter,” Sheriff Stradley said, “someone who does that to another person needs to be dealt with seriously.”

There is help here in Lawton for those who have become victims of sexual assault. According to Leah Stout, the program director of New Directions, a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault shelter based in Lawton, the number of sexual assaults that were reported in 2011 could be significantly higher than officials are aware of.

“I think it’s more prevalent than we know,” Stout said, “A lot of times people don’t want to report [sexual assault and rape] because they don’t want the spotlight to shine on them.”

New Directions is a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and it is certified through the District Attorney General’s office. The shelter is also a member of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

“Our goal is to provide shelter and assistance for domestic violence and sexual assault victims so that they can become empowered and independent,” Stout said.

See CRIME Page 2

Charity The local Salvation Army aims to help the surrounding community.

Page 8

News

New Students The International Club welcomes new foreign freshmen to Cameron University.

Page 2

Local group strives to change community

By Tiffany Martinez Staff Writer

With the recent rise in crime rates, residents of Lawton have begun a movement in an effort to bring awareness to the community.

25-year-old, Brandon Ramirez created the movement, “Stop the Hate in Lawton,” after receiving the news that a close friend of his had been shot and killed. The news, he said, inspired him to take a stand.

“It was shortly after Christmas,” Ramirez said. “I was fed up, I was angry.

I was tired of seeing such a great loss of lives in this city.”

Ramirez said he learned there were others who had, like him, lost someone close in a violent manner.

“I vented about it on Facebook, and realized other people felt the same way,” Ramirez said.

It was then that Ramirez joined forces with a friend, Amanda Saltiel, to begin what would become a city-wide movement.

Saltiel played her part in the group to ensure a safe town for her son.

“I have a 2-year-old son,” Saltiel said. “I want to make this a better place for him. I don’t want him to be afraid to walk down the street, or be afraid to go places in this town. I just want Lawton to be a safer place for our children.”

“Stop the Hate in Lawton” is now in the process of becoming a non-profit organization. President Ramirez, and Vice President Saltiel lead the fight in an effort to establish a more secure environment for Lawtonians.

“We want to bring the crime rate in our town down and we want to bring a better sense of community to Lawton,” Saltiel said.

Through social media and word of mouth, “Stop the Hate in Lawton” is making a statement around not only

Lawton, but the entire state of Oklahoma.

Ramirez is pleased with the group’s spread.

“We’ve been interviewed on different radio stations, featured in newscasts and magazines,” Ramirez said. “I think people are finally beginning to realize that something needs to be done.”

Annette Wiseman-Vaughan, treasurer of “Stop the Hate in Lawton,” was instantly moved Ramirez’s efforts.

“When I saw Brandon and what he was trying to do I thought it was great,” Wiseman-Vaughan said. “And I knew that he would need help, he would need a team.”

According to Wiseman-Vaughan, the officers and board of representatives for “Stop the Hate in Lawton” were recently decided upon.

“We have liaisons to be able to target various areas of Lawton at one time.

We have a military liaison, a civic group liaison, a neighborhood liaison, and a liaison for Lawton Public Schools,” Wiseman-Vaughan said. “This is a brand new group, so we are just getting the ball rolling, but all of us have come together because we believe in our community and we care about our town.”

Ramirez is set on making the group work, despite the difficulties of establishing a new organization.

“The first couple meetings our often the toughest for new groups starting out,” Ramirez said. “But we are growing quickly and we are here to make a change.

We aren’t going anywhere.”

Future plans for “Stop the Hate in Lawton” include establishing a youth mentorship, organizing community parties, and educating people on crime prevention. Group meetings are open to the public and held every fourth Thursday and Saturday of the month at the Lawton Public Library. Additional information can be found at www. stopthehateinlawton.com.

Photo by Tiffany Martinez

Doing their part: Stop the Hate in Lawton members attend a planning meeting to address community issues. The group has been working to play a role in decreasing the crime rate in Lawton.

Photo by Tiffany Martinez

Stopping hate: The organization’s logo is on a shirt to promote their cause. The group wants to change the future for the Lawton/Fort Sill area.

News 2 Wellness Center offers help to PTSD sufferers February 6, 2012

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Provides professional counselling to students

By Angela Goode Staff Writer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects many people. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that stems from traumatic circumstance. War is not PSTD’s sole cause, though, and some students at Cameron feel the effects of the disorder.

For these students who may feel like they need some help, the Student Wellness Center is there to help. The Student Wellness Center (SWC) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers its services to students in crisis.

Deanice Shegog, Director of the Student Wellness Center, said that the Center offers specialized or group counseling.

“We provide individual counseling services that include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and a variety of other therapy techniques to assist those who suffer from PTSD,” she said.

“We also offer education groups.

We are interested in beginning a support group for those who have family members who suffer from PTSD; however we have not had enough interest in a group yet.”

Shegog said that the Wellness Center not only helps those with PTSD, but with any kind of psychology disorders and for those with PTSD they will work to decrease the severity of the symptoms.

“We strive to ensure that a

War’s mental scars linger: The chart shows the number of Iraq/Afghan veterans living with PTSD. At Cameron, students suffering from PTSD can receive professional help.

student who is suffering from flashbacks or panic attacks receive services as soon as they come through our front door,” she said. “Our office staff is trained in helping to decrease the severity of these symptoms in the event a counselor is not immediately available.”

Shegog feels the services provided for students are a great benefit.

“I believe that our services enable students to begin to heal from their trauma,” she said.

“We also assist students in learning how to live with their condition. These steps allow students to be more successful as students and in their personal lives.”

While the center is only able to provide help to students, according to Shegog, family members are more than welcome to come along.

“We are only allowed to see students. However, we can provide counseling services for the family members if they attend with the student,” she said. “We are more than happy to meet with a student who has a family member suffering from PTSD.” Shegog said that students do not have to suffer alone, and that all services rendered are not placed on any academic transcripts.

“The services provided at the SWC are confidential and are not reflected on any academic records,” she said. “The staff at the SWC genuinely cares about our students and strives to offer the best quality of care possible.”

The SWC services are professional and, according to Shegog, made in conjunction with local professions in the area.

“The services that we provide are professional and up to date with the services that are provided in the community,” she said. “In fact, we have a certified EMDR specialist and Clinical Hypnotherapist,

Photo courtesy of MCT campus

There is help: Frank Di Piano, a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps suffers from PTSD. The Wellness Center provides counselling to students suffering from PTSD. two certifications that are not possessed by very many professionals in the community.”

The center is considering adding a support group, and is looking for enough student interest in order to initiate the program.

Shegog also said students should not feel ashamed to ask for help, for the SWC is there to help regardless of the problems.

“Please do not be afraid, embarrassed, or ashamed to ask

for help,” she said. “Traumatic experiences are abnormal circumstances in one’s life; the symptoms of PTSD are normal reactions to these circumstances.

If you have PTSD, don’t wait to get help. It is available today, it’s free, and it is confidential.”

Students are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center at 580.581.6725 for more information about the program.

CRIME continued from page 1 Services at the shelter are free of charge, everything from examinations to counseling is available, and everything is voluntary.

Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence aren’t required to file a police report, but if they choose to do so, an advocate from the center is available to go with them if they feel that they need advice or support.

“Nothing we do costs money,” Stout said, “and we also help male victims.”

New Directions assisted over 1,200 victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in 2011. According to Stout, the organization certainly has a positive affect in the life of a victim. Stout noted that one of the most important things that the shelter offers victims of sexual assault and domestic violence is peace of mind.

“Knowing that they have somewhere to go at any moment, that the victim and their children would have somewhere safe to sleep for the night.”

A crisis hotline is also available 24/7 for those who may need help or advice and it can be reached by calling 580.357.6141.

Cameron University releases its own crime report yearly, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. According to the statistics listed in the 2011 report, only one case of sexual assault has been reported in the past four years. However the report also states that charges were not actually filed in that particular case. The report also outlines CU’s policy on sexual assault. According to the report, if a complaint is filed through the university against a student or faculty member, an investigation would ensue that could lead to the expulsion or termination of the accused party.

According to John DeBoard, the Director of the Office of Public Safety, officers strive to keep students and faculty members safe by patrolling the campus around the clock.

“We’re here 24 hours a day 365 days a year,” DeBoard said.

There are also several other services that are currently available to protect students and those who may be visiting the campus, including 13 emergency call boxes which are scattered throughout the campus, an escort service, and in the event that a student or faculty member is on campus after dark and makes a request to the Office of Public Safety, they can receive transportation to their vehicle or housing area. CU’s Office of Public Safety has also provided a list of suggestions on the campus’s main website for students to refer to that may help to reduce their risk of becoming the victim of a crime, along with more information regarding the above services.

According to Melissa Fritts, a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor working exclusively with the New Directions shelter, it is important that anyone who has been sexually assaulted seek counseling immediately, and she advises that the effects of sexual assault should not be underestimated.

“Sexual assault is traumatic, it can be compared to PTSD. Some victims feel angry, helpless and afraid. They are hyper-vigilant,” Fritts said, “certain sounds or smells can trigger a flashback of the assault.”

Fritts also emphasized that sexual assault rarely has anything to do with sex.

“Most cases of sexual assault have nothing to do with sex,” Fritts said, “it’s about having power and control over another individual.”

While some victims may begin to internalize and feel guilt after suffering through an attack, Stout offers them reassurance.

“They didn’t do anything wrong, and there is always someone there to help,” Stout said.

Fritts noted the importance of peers in a recovering victims life.

“Support, understanding and acceptance from family and friends is very important,” Fritts said.

If any student or community member becomes a victim of sexual assault, or if they would like to get more information and possibly learn about the many volunteer opportunities available with New Directions, please call 580.250.1123.

3

News

February 6, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Lilly, Therapy Dog, helps alleviate students’ stress on Campus

By Dianne Riddles Crossroads Editor

Some students may know that Cameron University Director of Student Support Services Doreen Thomas and her therapy dog Lilly provide stress relief for people from all lifestyles throughout the Lawton and Fort Sill communities.

However, few people know how Lilly came to be a regular source of comfort for so many.

According to Thomas, she got involved four years ago with the Oklahoma Great Pyrenees Rescue in Eastern Oklahoma.

She was the rescue coordinator for Western Oklahoma and helped the organization until the original founders retired one year ago, at which time Thomas took over. The Great Pyrenees of Oklahoma is now under the National Great Pyrenees Rescue and is a non-profit, 501c3 organization.

Thomas said that in April of 2009, she noticed a Great Pyrenees three days in a row in the same place under a bridge.

She said that the dog looked very thin and hungry, it had ticks and a matted coat and it looked as if nobody had taken care of it in quite some time.

“On the third day, I thought to myself, ‘Okay, this dog has been dumped by somebody and I’ve got to see what I can do to help,’” Thomas said.

According to Thomas, she was able to coax the large dog

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

The stress buster: Lilly helps students reduce stress. The Great Pyrenees has attended events such as the CU Health Fair. into her vehicle and took it home where she kept it tied out in the yard until she could get to know it better.

Thomas said that she had never seen a dog that seemed to be so down.

“She was so sad and depressed that she just laid around and whined for several days,” she said. “She wouldn’t even eat for two or three days until she figured out that she was safe and in a place where she belonged.”

Thomas said that she took the dog to the veterinarian for a health check and found that

the large, sad dog just needed food, grooming and someone who cared. Once she realized that nobody was going to claim the dog, Thomas named her Lilly and welcomed her into her home.

Thomas said that she had always had an interest in the Therapy Dogs Program, so she did some research and learned more about Therapy Dogs International in conjunction with the Red Cross.

According to Thomas, a Therapy Dog candidate must be at least 1-year-old, must pass a

basic obedience course and then must pass The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. After mastering these skills, the dog must pass the American Red Cross’ Therapy Dog Certification, which is a series of 15 tests designed to assure that the dog is capable of working around medical equipment, and the sights and sounds that are generally associated with schools, nursing homes and hospitals.

Thomas said that when Lilly successfully completed the tests and earned her Certification as

Crossword

International club welcomes new students

Across Photo by Demilade Adenuga

Bond through diversity: Giselle Greenidge and Demilade Adenuga are part of CU’s diverse international student population. The International Club recently welcomed new students to the school.

By Lizzy Owoyemi Staff Writer

Cameron University International Club organized a welcome meeting for freshmen on Jan. 27 at the Shepler Ballroom. This meeting was organized to make new international students feel relaxed after two weeks of resumption.

According to Marcella Gustafson, student adviser in charge of recruiting international students to CU, the meeting is a way of welcoming and getting to know new and transfer international students.

The welcome meeting is held every semester, excluding summer.

“The welcome meeting is held every semester to welcome new and transfer international students to CU,” Gustafson said. “It is a way of making these students feel a sense of belonging and interact with some of the old international students.”

The International Club is not limited to just international students, but it is also opened to anyone who is interested in learning more about diversity. To be an active member, students have to pay a due of $5 every semester.

According to Gustafson, the motto of the club explains what it is all about: that the club appreciates and believes in diversity. Culture is one major thing these international students have in common.

“There are a total of 318 international students from 49 different countries,” Gustafson said. “The motto of the club is, ‘Encourage and Achieve Great Appreciation of Different Cultures.”

Through various presentations from other countries, some members of the International Club have been exposed to other country’s culture.

Ibrahim Karamoko, president of the International Club, who is from Gagnoa in Cote d’Ivoire, said that he was exposed to other cultures through the International Club.

“Thanks to the International Club and various presentations from other countries, I have come to appreciate others culture and they have learned mine,” he said. “I can say that been exposed to what others believe in is an educative and learning process.”

According to Karamoko, the club organizes various activities every semester. Students go for

community service, get involved during Diversity Day and participate in fashion shows and international festivals.

“My involvement in some of these activities has given me a sense of responsibility,” he said.

“It has also made me open to people, unlike my first semester.”

Geno Vazquez, a Information Technology major and transfer student said that as the president of the International Club in his former school, he was used to meeting new people, but he joined CU’s club because he was interested in meeting more international students like him.

“The international students in my former school were a small group compared to the ones at CU,” Vazquez said. “I joined this club so I could meet new international students.”

One of the advantages of clubs like the International Club is networking. During the meeting, students got to know about each other through different games that were played.

The International Club has been able to encourage diversity among students. Students are encouraged to contact the international office on the second floor of North Shepler or call 580.581.2838.

a Therapy Dog, she started to work helping people, aiding in the relief of stress, anxiety and depression.

Thomas said that she tries to have Lilly on campus as much as possible, generally three or four days per week. Some events, though, such as the CU Health Fair or Disability Awareness Day, where many people approach and pet Lilly is by in a short time, makes Lilly extremely tired.

“Sometimes she just needs a day off to rest,” Thomas said.

According to Thomas, people generally have misconceptions about working dogs. Thomas said that although a person should ask before approaching any dog, Lilly is not a service dog such as a sight or alert dog, so it is okay to walk up and pet her.

Thomas said that Lilly’s size intimidates some people, as she is over 100 pounds, but she also said that Lilly would not hurt anyone.

According to Thomas, Lilly has acquired nicknames with regard to her ability to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

“She has been called, ‘Lilly, The Stress Buster’ and ‘The Four-Footed Furry Therapist,’” she said.

Thomas encouraged students, faculty and staff to stop by 431 N. Shepler or to call Student Support Services at 580.581.2352 to find out when Lilly is on campus and available for visits.

73 “Ignore that editing change”

1 Fashionable 5 __ Blanc, the Alps’ highest peak 9 Wintry mess 14 Prolonged unconsciousness 15 Confess openly 16 Like horror film music 17 Practice boxing 18 Luke Skywalker, e.g.

19 Postal service symbol 20 DUCK 23 The NFL’s Cowboys 25 Energy 26 Snake’s warning 27 “Can __ honest with you?”

28 2011 World Series champs, on scoreboards 30 Rogue 32 Ring loudly 34 “Othello” villain 37 Fits of anger 41 CRANE 44 Actor Davis 45 __-poly 46 Yours, to Yves 47 Presidents’ Day mo.

49 “__-haw!”

51 Any nonzero number divided by itself 52 Arafat’s org. until 2004 55 Remove, with “off” 58 “Key Largo” 54-Down winner Claire 60 QUAIL 63 Not shortened, as a film 64 Suit to __ 65 “Joy of Cooking” writer Rombauer 68 Stiller’s comedy partner 69 iPhone message 70 Cowardly film beast played by 29 Down 71 Swashbuckler Flynn 72 Brother of Cain and Abel

Down

1 IV amounts 2 “__ on Pop”: Dr. Seuss 3 “Lay it on me!”

4 Christmas song 5 Like the Grand Canyon 6 Higher than 7 All-nighter pill 8 Bale binder 9 Reel from a blow to the head 10 Wife of Jacob 11 Involuntary impulses 12 Eliot’s “__ Marner” 13 Obeys 21 Used to be 22 Upper-left PC key 23 Tippler, for short 24 Helps with a heist 29 Actor Bert (see 70-Across) 31 Carvey or Delany 33 Explorer Ericson 35 Moo __ gai pan 36 The “O” in SRO 38 “Time to move on” 39 Money-saving, in product names 40 Downhill racer 42 Abstain from alcohol 43 Canines metaphorically exchanged for something desired 48 Prohibit 50 Goof 52 Nom de __: pen name 53 Solitary man 54 Hollywood award 56 Grecian urn poet 57 Cosmetics giant Lauder 59 Lesser of two __ 61 French franc successor 62 Deli counter call 66 One of the Stooges 67 Picnic undesirable

Solutions on Page 5

4

Voices

February 6 , 2012

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Nostalgia slows down new ideas

By Tyler Boydston Staff Writer

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Elijah Morlett Asst. Managing Editor - Aaron Gill News Editor - Teewhy Dojutelegan Crossroads Editor - Dianne Riddles A&E Editor - James Meeks Sports Editor - Matt Berberea Copy Editor - Alex Rosa-Figueroa Aggie Central Editors - Aaron Gill, Mitch Watson Archivist - Mitch Watson

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Megan Bell, Tyler Boydston, Kelsey Carter, Fern Cepeda, Leah Ellis, Rachel Engel, Angela Goode, Jessica Goodman, Sarah Holloway, Tiffany Martinez, Lizzy Owoyemi, Miranda Raines Interns - Sarah Brewer, Colin DuRant Circulation Manager - Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Elijah Morlett Photographer - Kelsey Carter

Newswriting Students

Valera Ainsworth, Adrian Alexander, Amanda Goemmer

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.

A recent advertisement that premiered on YouTube featured Matthew Broderick in the style of his character from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The ad pulled in over four million views in its first four days. The video, which was only 10 seconds long, was a teaser for an even longer ad that premiered the following Monday and featured many nods to the 1986 film that it was based on.

While, admittedly, I loved the video, it made me realize that the overwhelming love of nostalgia that we have as a culture is getting out of hand.

One of pop culture’s more recent trends, I’ve noticed, is the use of name recognition and nostalgia to bring in viewers.

A string of commercially successful films that are either sequels or remakes brings about the question of originality in Hollywood. Several movie series that have long since died have been brought back with sequels featuring an aging cast, many of them making more than their budgets back.

While I am not saying that all of these movies are bad by any means – though some of them are particularly painful to watch – I am beginning to wonder just how we have found ourselves continually looking back to the past instead of looking forward in terms of new stories. It scares me that originality seems to be dying as more sequels, prequels, adaptations, re-boots and remakes are being made each year.

Why is it that we find so many of these being made, though? It’s really quite a simple answer: we keep spending money on them.

According to boxofficemojo.com, nearly all of the top ten highestgrossing films domestically in 2011 was a sequel; the sole exception to the sequel dominion

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Larger than life: A giant Smurf overlooks a mall to promote the movie. Remakes and sequels of old ideas, like the Smurfs, may be stopping the flow of new and original ideas. was “The Smurfs,” an adaptation of the cartoon from the 1980s, proving yet again that nostalgia sells.

Perhaps the saddest thing about nostalgia is that some members of my generation – myself included – have an undeserved sense of nostalgia about things that have happened within the past year. Shows like VH1’s “I Love the 90s” and “Best Week Ever” have presented us with nostalgic looks back at events from previous decades and weeks, fueling the fires of nostalgia that some of us already have.

Nostalgia does not only pertain to films, though, as it can also revolve around someone looking back at his or her life events.

Other things that may have added to that nostalgia factor are the extra events being tacked on to high school graduations.

The week before I graduated high school in 2009, we had an event featuring baby pictures and a look back at years gone by. In general, though, several of the students took the last week or two to reflect on the entirety of their public school careers.

What is the problem with all of this, though? After all, nostalgia in small doses can be a good thing. It can be a reminder of good times and it can bring a smile to someone’s face; the downside to nostalgia, though, is that it can make things a lot worse without moderation.

When people focus solely on the past, then they have no time to look forward to their futures.

This, in turn, presents a larger problem. When we are spend all of our time looking back, when do we get a chance to live in the moment of the present? When do we enjoy the time that we have?

When do we strive toward the

goals of our future? Do we even have goals to strive for?

That said, I urge those who read this to start focusing more on the future. Though we can learn lessons from our past, I urge you to not spend too much time dwelling on the past and to instead live in the moment.

Enjoy the present. Stop talking about how much the “Star Wars” prequels ruined your childhood.

Stop talking about how much better your life was in high school and start to realize how good your life is now. Stop worrying about comparing everything to the past and start living in the here and now.

Of course, I’m currently typing this and re-watching the “Ferris Bueller” ad on YouTube for probably the eighth time in an hour, so I may need to practice taking my own advice and not be so nostalgic.

Living lives through technology

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, by 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 “Aggie Voices” 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.

By Lizzy Owoyemi Staff Writer

Technology has improved the way people communicate, store and quickly pass information to almost anywhere around the world. There is no doubt that technology has improved the way people communicate and has even made education more interesting.

The invention of mobile devices such as cell phones makes communication with people easier at any time of the day. Even though technology is gradually making face-to-face communication less desirable, it has played a role in giving people an opportunity to express themselves. Some people talk more when they are on phone, but keep quite when engaging in face-to-face communication. It might sound weird, but phone technology gives some people an avenue to communicate better.

Text messaging is one of the fastest way people get hold of friends and families these days, unlike the days when all people had were landlines. I keep imagining how frustrating it was then when you called a friend’s home for an urgent discussion and all you get is the voicemail. Now I feel relieved at the invention of smartphones — like the Blackberry — which make it

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Modern living: iPods are put on display at an Apple press conference. Apple’s products, along with all kinds of current technolgy, have shaped the way people live their lives. easier and faster for me to get important information from as far as United Kingdom without having to dial a number.

With the computer as a part of our daily lives, we can now store, organize and even manage huge amounts of data. In my opinion, the computer has become one of man’s best friends. Yes, they can eat up much of our time, but they are there to help make our workload in the office, and even at school, lighter. Can you imagine storing your important information or documents in a huge pile of files instead of a thumb drive?

Today, the internet has become the most working communication platform and the largest means of sending information. Is it not amazing that I can travel to other states in the United States and still take classes at Cameron? It’s possible, thanks to technology and online classes.

In schools today, students and even instructors go around with their iPads, Kindles, smartphones and so on. Although these devices look fashionable, they have changed education. Students have become more efficient in typing because they do not have to take notes with a pen and paper.

Microsoft word has become the paper and the keyboard produces the ink.

As a student studying in another part of the world, I do not have to wait for telegrams or letters from my friends and family to know how they are doing. I talk to my family everyday and I wonder how it would feel if I do not hear their voices just for a day.

That is disaster knocking on the door but thanks to technology; I do not have to wait that long to hear my mother’s sweet stories on how funny my father can be. I still feel so connected, even with the distance.

Come to think of it, there would be no social networks like Facebook, MySpace and so on if there were no technology.

These social networks have given this generation a more

global perspective. People share thoughts, give opinions, reconnect with old friends and even learn about other culture from these social networks. I remember getting a friend request on Facebook from my childhood friend. This did not just bring back memories, it made our friendship stronger.

One fault I have about technology is that people have become so addicted to it. It can be a form of distraction in class, at home and even on the road. Rather than listen to an instructor in class, a student may pay attention to the next post on Facebook or a text message.

Just like being media literate, we also need to know how and when to use these devices so we would not be controlled or become too addicted to them.

5

A&E

February 6, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

CU Duncan previews Art Exhibit

By Tyler Boydston Staff Writer

Artists at Cameron University have recently gotten the chance to show off their drawings, paintings and sculptures. Their works were seen at the annual art exhibit, which took place at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Simmons Center in Duncan.

The exhibit, which showcased CU Art students’ works, is a way for students to show their artistic ability to the public.

Junior Graphic Art major Roseanna Hamilton had two pieces on display at the exhibit this year, one of the two being a painting.

“My painting is called ‘Becky’,” Hamilton said. “She was one of the models in our

photo by Tyler Boydston

3 Roses: One of two pieces presented by Roseanna Hammilton, Each face represents a part of her heritage.

class. I asked if I could put it in the show this year. It was my final in Figure Drawing. I would say I spent over twenty hours on it.”

Hamilton’s other piece that she entered in the exhibit was a model by the name of “3 Roses.”

“The assignment was a persona,” Hamilton said.

“This represents my heritage.

I have one mask to represent the Hispanic, one to represent Indian and one for my AfricanAmerican heritage.”

According to Hamilton, there are some specific criteria that the professors in charge of picking the art are looking for.

“We’re allowed to submit several pieces for the exhibit,” she said. “Our professors look for professionalism, creativity and imagination.”

Hamilton’s favorite part of the exhibit was showing what she had learned through her art.

“I really enjoy being able to show the gifts and talents that I’ve received from Cameron University,” she said. “It’s very exciting to show my friends

and family the different transformations in my art.”

Another student who put his work in the exhibit was senior Graphic Design major Corey Longest, who submitted his charcoal drawing of a skeletal study to the event.

“The main history behind the piece is that in my Figure Drawing class we did a study over skeletons,” Longest said.

“We had the composition set up in the studio. It was an actual skeleton with a plaster cast and a cloth. I used a charcoal medium to show the composition of the skeleton.”

According to Longest, the exhibit is Cameron’s way of showing to the public the strength of the Art department.

“My favorite part is just seeing everyone’s work getting out there and being visible to the public,” Longest said. “It feels good to have everyone see it, to remind everyone that we have a really strong Art department out at Cameron.”

Junior Graphic Design major Fatima Rivera also submitted

a collection of five paintings to the exhibit. According to Rivera, each of her five paintings was about an instrument she plays: the bassoon.

“Behind all of these is my bassoon,” Rivera said. “No one gets to look at what a bassoon really, truly looks like, so I wanted to do close-ups of it. I just love the mechanics of what the bassoon really looks like.”

Rivera said that the process for the five paintings took the entirety of a semester, beginning with the introduction of painting and ending with seven bassoon paintings.

“There are supposed to be seven paintings, but two are missing,” Rivera said. “. We had to have one done for each week.

Before we actually got to paint an item, we had to do color wheels and six color plates.”

According to Rivera, the best part of the paintings was learning the art form.

“It was so much fun to learn color and painting,” Rivera said.

“This is my first actual painting.

I really liked it.”

Practice makes perfect at recital

By Miranda Raines

performed by either an instrumentalist or vocalist.

Staff Writer Performing in a recital is part of the graduation requirements,” The vocalists and Delgado said. “The recital is instrumentalists of Cameron University’s Music Department, a program of music, and for Cameron the junior recital after years of study and has to be 30 minutes of music practice, perform in a recital without any pauses or breaks, for to demonstrate what they have a senior recital it is increased to learned.

45 minutes.”

A recital is part of the Having a Bachelor of Music graduation requirements for in Performance requires both the Music Department, and the a junior and senior recital, and amount of work and discipline a Bachelor of Music Education behind the performance is requires only a senior recital. something to be recognized.

Getting a recital just right is From singing in foreign an intense process, according to languages to memorizing pieces, Delgado. From selecting music, vocalists and instrumentalists to learning different languages, prepare themselves for years it takes time and effort to get to before a recital performance 22-year-old Melissa Delgado, the big night.

“For the recital, you pick out a junior Vocal Performance the entire repertoire, and the major, completed her junior dictation must be written out recital on Jan. 24, along with in the foreign languages before senior recital performer you attend a recital hearing. This Anjelika Ramsdell. Delgado hearing is where you perform clarified what qualifies a recital performance at both a senior and in front of the entire voice faculty,” she said. “If they believe a junior standing. you are prepared, you are then “A recital is a solo concert

approved to schedule a recital performance.”

Vocalist students perform several sections in foreign languages. Delgado said that learning the languages is a difficult part of the process.

“When you are first learning the language, it is difficult.

The dictation is the part that is hardest, harder than remembering the melody or tune of the piece even,” Delgado said.

Preparation for performance starts before and continues well after the students are approved for a recital.

Senior percussion major Kimberly Garza performed in her recital on the evening of Jan. 14.

23-year-old Garza explained that starting practice as early as possible is helpful with memorization, and the best advice for future performers.

“Start preparing the pieces for a recital as early as possible, even a year or so before,” she said. “I am an instrumentalist, so you do not have to have your pieces entirely memorizes, but if

photo by Miranda Raines

The Big Night: After years of voice lessons and practice, Melissa Delgado performs at the junior and senior recital. you prepare enough they should almost be memorized. And leading up to the performance remember to practice, practice, practice.”

Despite all of the time and practice that goes into preparing, performers still have keep the nerves from getting to them and let the recital be the time they show what it is they love, Garza said.

“It is only normal to be nervous, but if you love to

perform the recital experience is the best,” she said. “I personally suffer from slight stage fright, but I reassure myself that I am as prepared as I possibly can be.”

Garza also gave advice for the student performers, emphasizing the need to remember what’s important on that big night.

“For those who have performed, or are going to, just remember: your recital is your time to shine,” she said.

Pool party brings early summer photo by James Meeks

Summer comes early: CU students had fun in the pool and socialized during the Winter Pool Party in the “We Hate Winter” semester theme.

By James Meeks A&E Editor

Cameron University continued their “We Hate Winter” theme for the semester with a Winter Pool Party on Jan. 26.

The event, which the Programming Activities Council (PAC) sponsored, consisted of students socializing, dancing, lounging by the CU Fitness Center pool and, of course, swimming.

Steve Sassaman, Student Activities Specialist, oversaw and planned the event with fellow PAC members. Sassaman explained the event was held to get the students’ mind off the cold and to bring some of the summer cheer out.

“Our welcome week theme this year was to beat the winter chill, so I thought why don’t we do a pool party this semester,” Sassaman said.

According to Sassaman, the event was originally going to be during Welcome Week, but decided to hold the event later in the semester.

“We try to hold an event every week,” Sassaman said.

Sassaman said he is to not be a fan of cold weather, so the indoor pool was set to a warmer temperature for swimmers to stay warm as if it were a nice hot summer day.

This year’s winter, however, has been a surprising one. Temperatures have remained somewhat warm ranging from the 60s to as high as the 70s. With the weather being not as cold as expected, Sassaman explained that the pool party served as more of a relief from the warm weather.

“It hasn’t been super cold, so the water is warm to give you that fun beach time feel,” he said.

Sidney McCormack, an active member in PAC, was one of the student workers overseeing the operations during the pool party making sure party goers were having a good time. She explained the event’s relaxing and relieving nature.

“Nobody likes the winter time and you want to feel like you’re in the summer again,” she said.

McCormack also explained that the event had been planned for two weeks and made sure that everything was ready and set up during the day of the event.

“We got the snacks, drink and we made sure that we got a lifeguard,” she said. “We made sure everything

was taken care of.”

PAC’s next event will be “Game Night” at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9 in the McMahon Centennial Center Ballroom.

6

Sports

February 6, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Aggies third in LSC standings

By Megan Bell Sports Writer

The Aggies fought hard this past week to regain their status in the Lone Star Conference.

The Cameron Men’s basketball team flew solo as they played the Bacone Warriors Monday, Jan. 23, in the Aggie Gym without their girls’ team. The Aggies earned their place back in the winner’s bracket after crushing the Warriors 85-47.

Cameron stole a 14-1 lead right off the bat, forcing Bacone to step up their game or get left behind. The Aggies headed into the locker room at half time holding almost twice the score of the Warriors, 35-18.

As the second half began, the Black and Gold refused to take it easy on the Warriors. The Aggies were on point with their fast breaks, executing them with precision. Midway through the second half, the Black and Gold extended their lead to more than 30 points. Men’s Head Coach Wade Alexander was very pleased with the smart plays his team implemented.

“We just wanted to play hard and do the things we are supposed to do…

We did that tonight,” Coach Alexander said. “We have not been doing that the last couple of games. We had an 8-game winning streak going; we would like to get another 8-game, or more, going.”

Cameron battled Tarleton State, ranked fourth in the nation, Wednesday, Jan. 25, on the Aggies’ home court. The Black and Gold went into the game focused on proving themselves against one of the best teams in the country.

“When you play a team like that, it is going to be the team that plays perfect that will win. We played almost perfect,” Coach Alexander said.

The Aggies battled the Tarleton Texans in an effort to cause an upset in the conference and show that they are a force with which to be reckoned.

Unfortunately, the Black and Gold fell

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Driving the lane: Senior guard, Milton Garner goes strong to the hoop Jan. 25 against Tarleton State at the Aggie Gym. Garner led the Aggies with 23 points, but it was not enough as CU fell 62-65. to the Texans in the final two minutes of the game, leaving the scoreboard to read 65-62.

Tarleton was the first to score at the beginning of the game, but the Aggies refused to let the Texans take much of a lead. For every basket their opponents scored, the Black and Gold came back with a basket of their own.

In the second half of the game, the Texans showed why they are nationally ranked, stealing a lead and driving the score to a 12 point lead with 11 minutes left in the game. The Aggies were able to fight back and close the lead in the final minutes. Coach Alexander was satisfied with the effort put forth by his team.

“One area we improved that we have

been working on was rebounding. We did a lot better job of rebounding and did not turn the ball over very much,” he said.

“But we did not defend nearly as well as we needed to.

“They (Tarleton) also just jumped up and made some shots. They have the ability to work the clock to 10 seconds or so, take a shot and make it. That makes a team tired, trying to defend that.”

The Cameron Aggies hit the road Saturday, Jan. 28, to play Texas A&M Commerce on their home court. The Black and Gold fought to regain their place in the winner’s bracket.

The Aggies fought with all their might to triumph over Texas A&M Commerce, but struggled on executing their plays, losing to the Lions 76-69.

Coach Alexander was disappointed in the performance of his team and their inability to follow through with their game plans.

“We have struggled the last couple of games on executing,” he said. “It really showed tonight. It is coming down to teams that have to win to get into the playoffs.

“They are must-win games, so we are getting everyone’s best. We need to come out and listen better and execute better or it is going to be a rough stretch of games.”

The first half of the game proved rough for the Aggies as both teams traded baskets. The Lions stole the first lead, but the Black and Gold fought back and gained a one point lead over Texas A&M Commerce as they headed into the locker rooms at half time.

The Aggies stuck close with the Lions throughout the second half, but when the 11-minute mark hit, the Lions took off, leaving the Black and Gold in the dust.

The loss keeps the Cameron men’s team in third place; however, they are now tied with West Texas A&M and Incarnate Word, both teams who lost to the Aggies earlier in the season.

For additional information regarding Aggies basketball, visit www. cameronaggies.com.

Lady Aggies roll through Texas

Shoot the J: Senior guard Nicole Pendarvis goes up for a jumper Jan. 25 in front of a Tarleton State defender at the Aggie Gym. Despite the effort, the Lady Aggies were unable to beat the Texanns with a final score of 49-68.

By Megan Bell Sports Writer

The Lady Aggies fought hard this past week to try and reclaim their seat atop the Lone Star Conference after losing both games the previous week.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Black and Gold took on Tarleton State in the Aggie Gym. The Aggies were determined to show that they could compete with one of the best teams in the nation.

The Lady Aggies faced the Texanns with a purpose, to come out victorious. The Black and Gold kept the score close as they attempted to upset the conference leaders and beat the infamous Texanns; however, the Aggies lost their focus in the last ten minutes of the game, losing to Tarleton 68-49.

“We just lost it with 10 minutes to go (in the game),” said Head Coach Tom Webb. “We gave up some plays in transition, and some other stuff … but that was the ball game. They are a good team. There is a reason they are undefeated in the league.”

Tarleton started out the game testing the waters, then attacking as they found their footing. Cameron struggled, but as usual, battled through adversity refusing to give up. The Texans went into the locker room at half time with a five point lead.

The Texanns took ownership of the second half. They gave the Aggies many opportunities to snatch a lead and close the distance on the scoreboard, but the Black and Gold failed to capitalize. Coach Webb said the Lady Aggies got crushed on the glass, but he is continuing to stay positive throughout the conference.

“The biggest thing is to get better, stay upbeat and keep fighting,” he said.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Lady Aggies headed out to the home gym of Texas A&M Commerce. The Black and Gold focused on regaining their confidence, as well as their position in the winner’s bracket.

The Lady Aggies had their hard work pay off as they defeated the Lions 63-51.

Cameron grabbed an early lead by playing tough defense and consistent offense. The Black and Gold held the Lions to 10 points the entire first half, proving why the Lady Aggies hold the 11th ranked defense in the nation.

The Lions tried to come back in the second half and steal a win, but were unable to compete with the Black and Gold’s persistent offense.

Coach Webb was content with the win.

“We will take it,” he said. “In the first half, we executed really well, but we did not rebound well. Sometimes these games are hard to come out with urgency in the second half, and we did not, but tonight it was okay.”

The win makes this the Lady Aggies’ first winning season since the 2005-2006 team that finished 15-13.

Coach Webb said that he is proud of how far his women’s team has come in the conference, as well as the season. He said that the team heavily relies on their point guard, senior Nicole Pendarvis, and that he is very proud of how she has held the team throughout the season.

“The last couple weeks have been hard,” Coach Webb explains.

“With Nicole (Pendarvis) at point, she really has to lead us and bring us together and fight. She does a good job at communicating and understanding what we (the coaches) want. She will be the key down the stretch.”

7

Sports

February 6, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Aggies sweep opening day

By Aaron Gill

Asst. Managing Editor

The Cameron Aggies Baseball team has taken off on a great start after opening day at McCord Field against East Central University.

The men played a doubleheader, which was slated to be two 7-inning games due to the field not having lights.

The first of the two games was but singles for the Aggies, who would go on to win the game in extra innings by a score of 6-5.

Coach Todd Holland said he was glad his team won, but that there were things the team needed to work on, one being the amount of errors that occurred throughout the game.

“Josh Dawson committed two of those (errors), and one was a routing double play ball that let some runs in,” Holland said, “but that’s part of early season baseball.”

The Aggies took an early lead in game one, plating three runners in the first inning.

ECU retaliated in the second inning by scoring one run, and again in the third with one more run.

ECU returned fire on the Aggies, plating three runners in the top of the fourth to bring the score to 3-5 Tigers. The Aggies found momentum in the bottom of the fourth, as both senior Taylor Lyons and sophomore Kaleb Brawner crossed the plate to tie the game.

The Aggies would go on to battle defensively against the Tigers until the game reached the bottom of the ninth, where junior Kevin Waukau would score off an error at third base

after reaching on a walk earlier in the inning.

Game two was a different story for the Aggies as they went down in order in the bottom of the first, after ECU scored one run off four hits, no errors and left one on base.

The Aggies found a spark in the second inning. The team came out, bats hot, with a single up the middle from junior Nick Smith, followed by a double to left field by senior Benshell Garcia. Smith advanced to third, and would score on Kevin Waukau’s single hit to the left side, also advancing Garcia to third. Waukau would advance to second and once again to third on an infield error that would score Garcia.

Sophomore Brad Blumer would single up the middle to score Waukau. Next up to the plate was junior Tyler Cox, who would single to right, advancing Blumer to second. Blumer and Cox would both advance on Taylor Lyons’ sacrifice bunt.

Junior Kevin Lum, next at bat, would pop up a sacrifice fly to left field, which would score Blumer for the last run of the inning.

Coach Holland was impressed with how the Aggies pulled things together to get things going in that second inning.

“It takes a while, sometimes, to get on a pitcher, and finally we got on to him,” he said.

Coach Holland explained that in order for the Aggies to keep up the momentum and keep winning games, they are going to have to be fundamentally sound.

“There are a lot more things in order for this team to win,”

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Now batting: Preseason All-American infielder Josh Dawson connects for a single up the middle to drive in a run Feb. 1 against ECU at McCord Field. The Aggies went on to take both games of the doubleheader to start the season 2-0 with final scores of 6-5 and 10-7. he said. “They are going to have do better on a lot of things.”

Holland went on to say that his Aggies are going to have to figure out certain aspects of their game in order to stay in the winning standpoint.

“They are going to have to do their bunts right, as well as run bunt coverage,” Holland said. “We cannot afford to give

up runs and errors, so coverage is going to be our nemesis right now.”

The Aggies scored six more times, once in the third, three times in the forth, and twice in the fifth, before the game was called due to lack of light on the field.

The Aggies once again had three errors in game two, once

in the third, once in the fourth and again in the fifth.

The Aggies will play their next home game on Tuesday Feb. 7 at McCord Field against Southwestern Oklahoma State, and will be on the road until Feb. 25, when they will once again play at McCord field against University of ArkansasFort Smith.

Softball team prepares for road From CU Sports Information Fall came and went, winter failed to show and now spring is on the cusp, which to Cameron’s head softball coach Beth Watson means it’s time to play some ball.

This season, the Aggies will look to improve upon last season’s 24-29-1 record, as well as its 7-10 conference record and Coach Watson could not be more excited.

“I can’t wait,” Watson said.

“We go on the road and play in some tournaments early, and that will give us an opportunity to find our dynamic with 11 new kids.”

The softball team will open the season on the

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

road, participating in three tournaments. Starting the season for a month on the road is no small task, and Watson said she sees the opportunity and risk ahead of the team.

“This is going into my fourth

season and we’ve qualified for the conference tournament two out of the last three years, including last season,” she said. “That’s always our goal, to qualify for the tournament.”

The main attraction on the road trip is the Desert Stinger.

On February 10, the Aggies will fly to Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in the tournament, but according to Watson, the team is just feeling blessed for the opportunity.

“I’m excited; the kids are excited,” the coach said. “We have some athletes that have never flown, and three or four that have never been out of surrounding states. Plus, a tournament like this is a nice recruiting perk.”

Speaking on conference

play, Watson said it will have a different feel this season, with Cameron being the only Oklahoma school left in the conference. This season will provide the Aggies with opportunities to play on fields the team has previously never played on, including at Angelo State, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Eastern New Mexico.

“When you travel to new places, it provides a different feel to the team,” the coach said. “It will be exciting for us.”

While the traveling will be fun, the competition will be fierce. The Lone Star Conference is home to three of the top programs in the nation — Angelo State, West Texas A&M and Midwestern.

“It’s highly competitive,”

Watson said. “The talent level of some of those Texas schools is very high. You have to come ready to play.”

Helping Watson this season will be her staff, composed of Kelly Lentz, a graduate assistant who will work with outfielders; Cheryl Raesz, a volunteer assistant also in charge of outfielders; and Casey Clark, student manager.

“They have all done an outstanding job,” she said.

“They are all familiar with the program, the players and out day-to-day grind.”

The team will opens the season at 10 a.m. Friday against the University of Texas-Permian Basin in the opening game of the St. Mary’s Tournament.

Its second game will be against Rollins College, a team Watson said will be its greatest test right off the bat.

“They only lost four games last season,” she said. “It will be tough; a nice litmus test. They missed the College World Series by the slimmest of margins last season.”

Conference play begins on March 2, as the Aggies travel to San Angelo, Texas to take on Angelo State. Cameron’s first home games will be a doubleheader against Truman State beginning at 2 p.m. on March 5.

8

Crossroads

February 6, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Lawton Salvation Army meets needs of community

By Dianne Riddles Crossroads Editor

Many people know about the Salvation Army’s charitable work through their interaction with the bell ringers who work throughout the Christmas season at the mall and in front of various stores around town; however, many people do not realize what other community services the Salvation Army provides.

The Lawton Salvation Army is a 501c3 charitable organization and is under the direction of Captains Ernest and Debra Hull.

According to Capt. Debra Hull, she and her husband have been officers for 11 years and have served in Altus, Ardmore and Pine Bluff, Ark., before their appointment to Lawton two years ago.

“Christmas is our big fundraising time for the entire year, and we always hope that what

we raise during Christmas will last most of the year,” she said.

“We did do well this Christmas, and God blessed us and we made our goal; we had really good bell ringers.”

Hull said that Lawton provides continuing challenges with many community service opportunities available to anyone who wants to help.

“There are many ways to donate time, energy, money or whatever a person might have to donate,” Hull said. “Anyone who is interested can help serve meals at the soup kitchen where we feed hot meals every day of the week from 6 to 6:45 p.m.”

According to Hull, at the beginning of the month, there may be only a few to feed but, for example, by the end of this January, the kitchen fed 60 people at one meal.

Hull also said that opportunities are available at either of the two Salvation Army Thrift Stores for those

wanting to help.

“Anybody can help and we can always use more help with sorting and moving furniture at the stores, which are open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Hull said. “Additionally, anyone having furniture to donate can call us and we will send a truck to pick it up.”

The Salvation Army also responds to disasters such as the wildfires that burned at Medicine Park and Fort Sill last summer.

“We responded to a couple of fires with the canteen last summer, which required a lot of resources,” Hull said. “We need people to help by volunteering with the canteen, and those people should come in ahead of time, because it does require some training.”

According to Hull, sponsoring a child in the Adopt a Child program is another much needed way to help. The Salvation Army Boys and Girls

Club of Lawton Fort Sill offers children the tools they need to succeed, while providing a safe nurturing environment in which to learn. The Adopt a Child sponsorship program encourages individuals and corporations to consider adopting a child for a year.

The funds raised give access at reduced or no charges to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be a part of The Boys and Girls Club program. The sponsorship program also sends children to summer camp for a week, and sends children to a day camp Monday-Friday each week during the summer months.

Hull wants the Lawton community to know that there is always need and the Salvation Army is always here to try to meet those needs.

“The Lawton community has been really good to the Salvation Army and we want to thank the people here and

at Fort Sill for their help and support,” Hull said. “We just want to work with the community and let them know that the Salvation Army is here to help.”

According to Nathan Newell, the business manager, the Salvation Army is expanding service to Duncan.

A Salvation Army Service Unit, located at 715 Willow Ave. will be serving Stephens County. Appointments will be scheduled once or twice a week based upon need. Some services offered are assistance with utility bills, prescriptions and motel vouchers. Anyone seeking assistance in Stephens County may call 580.251.9646.

Those wishing to donate furniture in Lawton may call 580.355.0399 to schedule a pick-up.

The Lawton Salvation Army is located at 1306 SW E. Anyone seeking information may call 580.355.1802.

Photo by James Meeks

Photo courtesy Salvation Army

Photo courtesy Salvation Army

Lawton children enjoying The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club activities: Partially due to the generosity of Lawton businesses, corporations and individual monetary donations, several Lawton children enjoy the after-school program all day during the summer as well as after school during the school year. These services have been available to many Lawton children through the Adopt a Child campaign for the last 2 years.

February is a month for learning about diversity

By Sarah Holloway Staff Writer

As the month of February dawned, so did Black History Month, the month that celebrates and highlights the African-American community and heritage.

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson started a week long celebration in honor of the African-American culture. This week-long celebration was known as Negro History Week. Woodson’s goal when creating Negro History Week was to educate the American

people on the African-American culture and background, and it has since evolved into a month long celebration of heritage and culture that is known as Black History Month.

The opportunity to learn about a different culture is important, as it allows people to broaden their horizons about cultures that may be unfamiliar to them.

Tyler Brumbalow, sophomore English major, believes that it is important to learn about different cultures and familiarize himself with people he may not otherwise get the opportunity to learn about.

Photo courtesy MCT Campus

February is Black History Month: Many celebrated African-American people who have contributed so much to African-American culture are celebrated this month. Many historical figures have contributed much to the diversity and the richness of the present day African-American culture.

“I think Black History Month is an important part of the year,” he said. “It gives students, especially those in public schools, a chance to familiarize themselves with important African-American individuals that have done extraordinary things.”

One group on the CU campus has the objective of celebrating the African-American culture: the Ebony Society.

During Black History Month, the Ebony Society hosts the Miss Black CU pageant, according to Nate Todd, Coordinator of Prospective Student Services and member of the Ebony Society.

The Miss Black CU pageant was held on Saturday, February 4th in the Cameron University Theatre.

This year six contestants competed for the title of Miss Black CU. Although it is not held in February, CU participates in the national Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This event highlights the work of Civil Rights leader Dr. King, who worked to ensure that his fellow African-American people have the same rights as people of other ethnicities. CU students worked together to help the community by volunteering at various places around the Lawton area in honor of Dr. King.

Though there are two events on the CU campus that collectively celebrate a prominent person in the African-American community and the community as a whole, Brumbalow believes that there should be more events on campus that celebrate the AfricanAmerican culture as well as other cultures.

“The African-American culture, along with all of the others, should be celebrated and spread as a unique and enlightening experience,” he said. “Events like Black History Month celebrate the different cultures, help expand a person’s view and help to culturally round out students.”

Black History Month is a time of celebration for the African-American community. It gives the culture the opportunity to shine. It also gives people of other cultures and backgrounds the chance to broaden their horizons and learn more about this diverse community.