Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, April 24, 2017
Vicky Smith Staff Writer
The uncertain Oklahoma weather did not stop family, friends and students from rallying together at Relay for Life of Comanche County to support cancer survivors and patients. People of all ages participated in games, stopped by food vendors and walked a track from
6-10:30 p.m. on April 21 at the Aggie Rec Center. Teresa Fletcher, one of the event coordinators, serves as the CDI director at Southwestern Medical Center and has been a nurse for about 25 years. The purpose of Relay for Life, Fletcher said, is to walk alongside cancer survivors and patients, as well as their family members. “We want to honor them for all the hard work
that they’ve done trying to get up every day and fight this illness,” Fletcher said. “Every day is a challenge, whether they’re a survivor, they’re in remission or they’re in the active phase. Once you’ve had that diagnosis of cancer, it’s something you face every single day.” Working in the healthcare field, Fletcher regularly witnesses doctors who have to tell patients
Volume 96 Issue 10
they have cancer. “It’s very difficult when you come across that diagnosis, and you have to look into patients’ eyes and tell them that they have that one word that no one wants to hear,” she said. “All you can do is be supportive of your patients and hold their hands.” Relay for Life also remains a time to comfort those whose loved ones have passed on, Fletcher said. “Cancer is so demeaning. It’s so harsh for everyone, whether it be the patient, the family or the friends,” she said. “Unfortunately, it hits personally also, with my mother passing away with lung cancer and then my sister passing away with leukemia.” Six months ago, 38 Relay for Life teams comprised of people from across Comanche County began publicizing the event and raising funds for the
RELAY FOR LIFE Every day is a challenge, whether they’re a survivor, they’re in remission or they’re in the active phase.
American Cancer Society. Last year, Fletcher said, the teams and participants in Relay for Life of Comanche County raised $105,00 for the American Cancer Society, which provides resources for cancer patients and contribute funds to cancer research. “Whenever this disease hits, you lose your hair, you lose your weight, and you lose your eyebrows,” she said. “Your whole body image changes. (The American Cancer Society tells patients) how to get their wigs, how to put their makeup on and how to do certain normal, day-to-day life events that we do that we take for granted.” Feltcher said the society also connects patients with oncologists who provide the necessary treatments at their hospitals and clinics. The Relay for Life team members strive to support cancer patients and research at the state and federal levels. Currently, Fletcher and team members are pushing for a state ruling on indoor tanning devices. The ruling would prohibit anyone under age
18, regardless of a guardian’s consent, to use an indoor tanning device. “We’ve got kids that are 13 years old that are tanning,” Fletcher said, “and now they’re in their 40s or 50s, and they have melanoma. Cases like that are all over.” Fletcher and team members are also writing letters to congress people, requesting that they do not advocate for the reduction of federal funds toward healthcare research. Fletcher believes everyone in the Lawton-Fort Sill community should work with passion to successfully combat cancer. “Cancer’s out there, and it’s going to, one day or another, affect you,” she said, “whether it be in your family, yourself, friends or someone that you know.” “You will be involved with it,” Fletcher said, “so please … give whatever you can for the cause.” To learn more about the risk factors for cancer, visit cancer.org. For more information about Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org or call (580)595-9231.
- Teresa Fletcher, Relay for Life Event Coordinator
Photo courtesy of Teresa Fletcher
What’s inside Fighting back against assault Page 3
Film Geek host to release third short film
Baseball splits shortened series
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News
April 24, 2017
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Smith, Abbott: Hall of Fame 2017 Cheyenne Cole
he said. “It’s constantly shown that if people enjoy employs this open-door policy succeed is one of the most United States Department of changing and morphing. It themselves, they tend to learn at his office, providing his rewarding aspects of the job. Defense at Fort Sill, familiar A&E Editor plays to all of my interests.” more.” students with the opportunity “I love to be able to say, territory for Smith, a retired @cheyenneccole He recently served as the In addition, Abbott for one-on-one meetings and ‘That’s my student,’” he said. Commissioned Officer of the The Cameron University costume designer for the sponsors Alpha Psi Omega extra help. “I had a little hand in that U.S. Army. Alumni Association inducted Department of Art, Music (the National Theatre Honor Smith said this method [their success]. They [the Smith said the course two new members to the and Theatre Art’s production Society) and the CU Society is important because he’s students] had a lot of hand in provides great experience for CU Faculty Hall of Fame on of “South Pacific” but often for Creative Anachronism not only at Cameron to that [their success] because the students enrolled in the April 11. supervises students who (CUSCA), the medieval and give a grade but to impart I’m just a facilitator. They’re course. The association recognized want first-hand experience renaissance club, and serves knowledge to students who the real reason that they’re “It is a hugely important Associate Professor of Art, designing a play. on the Lawton Arts and should absorb as much from there. It was their drive – thing for them to put on their Music and Theatre Arts Eric According to Abbott, Humanities Council. him as possible. their determination to get résumé,” he said. “It really Abbott and Instructor of his teaching methods are The individual who “If we can’t make somewhere.” is, and it’s always exciting to Computing and Technology informed by reading and nominated Smith cited something work Recently, Smith’s watch them work.” David Smith for their discussing with his colleagues the instructor’s willingness [individually],” he said, “we’ll interdisciplinary capstone Current and retired dedication to students and how to better get students to to help his students and work on it together until we course in which students CU staff are eligible for the community. take an interest in class. accommodating open-door get it to work.” develop software for local the Faculty Hall of Fame. According to Abbott’s “I try to make the class policy. After 16 years of teaching clients received attention Submissions are accepted nominator, Abbott’s sincere fun and interesting,” he To ensure students grasp at CU, Smith finds that in the community. This year-round at www.cameron. concern for every student is said, “because studies have lesson material, Smith watching former students semester, the client is the edu/facultyhalloffame. what made him an eligible candidate for the Hall of Photo courtesy of Public Affairs Fame. Abbott, now in his eighth year of teaching at CU, said he found his passion for the theatre arts, particularly costume and makeup design, early in life. During his graduate school assistantship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, teaching became a passion for Abbott when he realized how fulfilling it was to share his passion with others. “I’m sharing something I love with other people who love it and want to know it,” he said. “That’s the cool thing about college – people want to be there.” As a professor, Abbott said he likes the fact that his job is not static. It gives him the opportunity to fulfill various roles, including teacher, Hall of famers: On April 11, the Alumni Association inducted two new faculty members into its Faculty Hall of Fame. Alumni Association supervisor, costume, makeup representatives Judge Emmit Tayloe (far left) and Rhonda Mahaffey (far right) stand next to instructor of Computing and Technology David or scenic designer and more. Smith (inside left) and associate professor of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts Eric Abbott (inner right) around the Faculty Hall of Fame plaque. “My job is never the same,”
High school FFA Interscholastics held at CU Haley Berry
student here in the judges Photo by Haley Berry 1973 through are looking Staff Writer 1977,” Fischer for in their said. “It’s been field while Cameron University hosted a statewide providing competition for high school Future Farmers going on at least forty to them with of America (FFA) participants, known as fifty years, and experience Interscholastics, at 8 a.m. on April 12. probably 15 to of working Over 500 students had the chance to under apply their knowledge in several agriculture 20 years before that.” pressure. career development events and competed Fischer Senior for a chance to call themselves the best in added that agriculture the district. Cameron major The competitions included livestock Interscholastics Future farmers: CU hosted a statewide competition Carley judging, land judging, entomology, food for high school FFA members in event such as livestock Rains said helps prepare science and agriculture communications. the participants judging, food science and agriculture communications. months of Professor of Agriculture and Biological for the State planning Sciences and event coordinator Dr. Leon Interscholastic Meet held at the end of the and preparation went into organizing the Fischer said this event is a long-standing month in Stillwater, Oklahoma. event. She and other agriculture students tradition that brings back memories for He also said the competition gives the took that time to ensure Interscholastics ran him year after year. as smoothly as possible. “I remember doing it when I was a college students the opportunity to find out what
“It’s great to have all these people around to see our campus,” said Rains. “But this is nothing that is just planned overnight. We want everyone to have a wonderful experience here which is why we worked so hard to put all these events together.” Dr. Fischer said the competition would not be where it is today if it was not for Rains and her peers’ efforts. “We couldn’t do this contest without the help of the agricultural students at Cameron University,” Dr. Fischer. “That includes those that are in our newly reformed department and those that are still in the same ag program we’ve had for years. Without those students, these contests don’t happen.” For competition results, visit the Department of Agriculture and Biological Sciences’ home page on the Cameron University website.
Sextortion roundtable: the Internet and sexual assault Photo by Christopher Reif
Social media presence: On April 10 in the Shepler Ballroom, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Student Development and Student Housing hosted their Sextortion roundtable to discuss the underlying environment of social media that involves blackmail with sexual images and info.
Alexsis Page
The It’s On Us official website states that the program strives to Staff Writer recognize various types of sexual At 3:30 p.m. on April 10 in assault, to identify where these the Shepler Ballroom, Student incidents may occur, to intervene Development and Student when needed and to create an Housing hosted a Sextortion environment for prevention and roundtable for an open discussion survivors support. on sexual assault. Director of Student Housing The workshop was part of Katie Hubbard and Inclusion Cameron’s participation in the It’s and Student Success Coordinator On Us campaign during April, Olivia Polynice organized which is Sexual Assault Awareness the event and invited several Month. guest speakers from the Sexual
Harassment Assault Response Program (S.H.A.R.P) at Fort Sill. Sextortion is a recently-coined term that occurred as a result of an increase in online interaction. It happens when a person uses sexual images or information as a form of cyber blackmail to extort a person in exchange for sexual favors, money or other valuables. According to Hubbard, sextortion has a certain meaning for students in the context of sexual assault awareness.
“It’s essentially talking about via social media,” Hubbard said, “the Internet and how we in society tend to extort one another through sexual relationships, graphic pictures, or, you know, anything that goes online.” Polynice added it is important for students to have this information because they are close to going out in the real world. “Our students here are the next generation,” Polynice said, “so as much as we can do right now in such a formulaic time in students’ lives to change the culture, it starts here.” The roundtable started with panelists discussing the many cases of sextortion they have witnessed or heard about during their time with S.H.A.R.P. After that, they moved on to the reasons why men and women fall victim to the blackmail that comes with sextortion. Panelists mentioned that many college students are affected by sextortion even though most are unaware it is happening to them. For men, blackmail can affect their careers. For women, it
can lead to their bodies being shown around to the public and sometimes family members. Students were able to ask questions as they arose while the panelist returned the favor by asking about the best way to give information to college students. The panelists encouraged everyone to take action in ending sextortion. There were a number of other events throughout April in conjunction to the campaign. This year is the first that Cameron had events to spread the campaign’s message. Organizers hope it will not be the last. According to Polynice, the way for the campaign to be successful is if everyone gets involved. “It takes us as a campus,” Polynice said, “as students, faculty and staff to really change the culture on our campus.” To Hubbard, the campaign unites everyone to make a change for the future of Cameron. “It’s on all of us,” Hubbard said, “to do whatever we can to make sure that this does not happen on our campus.”
Student Life
April 24, 2017
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Column: practicing awareness unnecessary burdens fall on victims of sexual assault. It’s something that needs to change – something that has needed to change for years. The best places to spur this paradigm shift are college campuses. After all, many universities have suffered from glaring indifferences to victims of violence. This piece doesn’t just focus on Baylor University, whose staff have had a track record of ignoring assault victims’ claims. It doesn’t just focus on Duke, who made more efforts to care for their lacrosse players than the woman they allegedly assaulted. It focuses on places like Cal-Berkeley, who did only the bare minimum to help native Oregonian and Cal student Emily Lorenzen after her sexual assault from members of a university athletic club. After pressure from the Lorenzen family, the administration stopped recognizing the organization as an official bulletin boards entity on campus. But that’s Jacob Jardel and tables, there about all they did. Managing Editor are numerous Officials did not discipline @JJardel_Writing posters the student accused of raping officials have done their best That said, only 20 percent Content warning: This piece encouraging students to take Lorenzen. There was no to keep the university and its of female students who the It’s On Us pledge to prevent students safe. addresses topics of rape, sexual discipline for the students experienced rape or assault sexual assault. assault and related forms of who concealed the truth. The But the fact of the matter report it (compared to 32 Some people may see sexual violence. school’s professional committee is that there is still a sweeping percent of non-students). the signs and question their Take a walk between prevalence of assaults on college Think back to the first piece declined to consider student purpose. After all, website the MCC and the Science conduct charges because of campuses, even if reports do of this series, examining the Complex. Along the sidewalks, Your Local Security named not reflect as such. nuances of rape culture. Think a lack of evidence (despite Cameron the safest college there are small signs defining According to the Rape, back to the story of Emily Doe, not inviting Lorenzen to the campus in Oklahoma. Surely, consent and signifying what Incest and Abuse National the victim of the Brock Turner meeting). these things don’t happen here. Network (RAINN), 23 common actions do not Emily’s father Henry, then assault case. Think about the We don’t need to worry about constitute it. president of the Oregon State percent of undergraduate flak she and other victims have the threat of assault. Take a walk into the Board of Higher Education, women, 5.4 percent of received when they reported This assertion could not be undergraduate men and 21 Wellness Center lobby. On said Berkeley offered shallow their assaults. Think of the further from the truth. the glass wall next to the protection to his daughter. percent of non-binary students undue shame they risked That is not to say that corkboard, there are signs “They wanted to protect the have experienced some form putting on themselves and their sexual assaults and rapes are elaborating on rape, rape of sexual assault or rape on families, even though they were university more than have a running rampant at Cameron culture and consent. process that worked well both campus. Among all graduate victims of heinous acts. – or in general, for that matter. and undergraduate students, Take a walk around for the victim and the accused,” No matter the location, campus as a whole. On various Faculty, staff and public safety this number is 11.2 percent. he said in an interview with no matter the context, these Photo by Jacob Jardel
Sexual Assault Awareness Series
Fighting back: self-defense Zayna Haliburton
get up, get away [and] runaway. [Getting] up off the ground is Staff Writer basically your goal with sexual Members of the Cameron assault self-defense.” community attended a Kalas said environmental self-defence class at 5 p.m. and spatial awareness are key on April 11 in the CETES aspects to self-defense. Conference Center as part “Even in other scenarios of the scehdule of events in where there is just people recognition of Sexual Assault coming in and entering your Awareness Month. space,” she said, “you want to Reserve Judge Advocate stay aware and stay ready to go officer and Civilian Attorney if somebody does get too close Captain Michelle Kalas led and try to attack you.” the class, teaching students Kalas added that parking and faculty how to defend lots are the number one areas themselves in dangerous where women are likely to situations. be abducted. Also, women Kalas said she teaches who run with a ponytail are Krav Maga, a combative common targets because their system developed in the hair makes for an easier grab. Israeli defense forces, and also Kalas said there are other trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. preventative measures one can She said there are a take to prevent such assaults. variety of potential assault “The number one thing that scenarios individuals can find I would recommend is [to] get themselves in. Although there your keys out before you leave is no surefire way to predict, the store or wherever you’re there are basic principles to coming from,” she said, “and try to use. have your keys in your hand “Try to get to a better ready to go.” position so you can use some Kalas said this tactic self-defense techniques,” prevents women from Kalas said. “We did work our fumbling in their bags. positioning to try to be able to The keys can also serve as a Photo by Christopher Reif
weapon. She added keeping purses zipped and enclosed allows one to use it as a weapon. Kalas said not bending over into a trunk to put groceries away is another good precaution to take. “That’s just another moment when someone will try to come and attack,” Kalas said. “It’s very easy when you’re bent reaching into the back of your trunk to push someone into the trunk.” Kalas said to wear hair in a bun or down loosely with a headband while running. Having a buddy can also help. Freshman Sarah Slaybaugh said the class was very informative. “I liked that the exercises, and the drills we did were simple,” she said. “You can apply it if you actually got attacked. I thought it was very useful.” Women interested in improving self-defense skills can take part in afree one-hour course at 1 p.m. on Saturdays at Dreadnought Brazilian Jiu Jitsu located at 1912 NW Lawton Ave.
InvestigateWest. Unfortunately, Emily Lorenzen is not the only victim of indifferent college responses. Though not as highly publicized, her story is one of few that reached the light of day, even in an age where Title IX theoretically streamlines the process of reporting and responding to sexual assault cases. But there is some hope. Even though many individuals in the White House may not feel Title IX needs continued support, many schools have provided ample resources to their departments that help enforce the rule. According to Colorado Title IX lawyer John Clune, many places have happily complied. “They understand what they’re supposed to do, and they’re doing a good job with it,” he said in a “New York Times” interview. “They’re not going to go backwards at this point no matter who is running the Department of Education.” But there is still work to do. As long as victims fear reporting their stories, there will still be work to do. Campaigns like It’s On Us are a start, but we need to continue this conversation long beyond April, far beyond seminars and pop-up events. We need to speak up and be better bystanders. We need to help victims. We need to teach people that rape is bad and mean it instead of giving students a slap on the wrist. We need to stop this toxic and passive indifference. If you or someone you know is or has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, call (800) 656-4673 or visit All calls are free and confidential.
Photo by Jacob Jardel
Delta Mu Delta inducts honorees Jacob Jardel
source of honor to take seriously among new and current inductees alike. Managing Editor “Wear your Delta Mu Delta membership @JJardel_Writing with pride,” Huffman said. “Wear your Cameron University education with pride.” The Delta Mu Delta (DMD) business She left the group with one piece of honors society inducted its newest members advice. during a ceremony at 5 p.m. on April 15 in “I want you to keep going forward,” the Ross Hall Auditorium. she said. “I want you to keep challenging The current board of officers, business yourself.” faculty and other guests gathered to Afterward, DMD member Michelle welcome this year’s class of candidates. The ceremony started with remarks from Polynice and society Student Government Representative Raquel Flores helped induct adviser Dr. Pamela Rodgers mentioning both Huffman and instructor Robert how the purposes of DMD are to promote McDaniel as honorary members of the scholarship in business education and to honors society. recognize students who make strides in Vice President Chelsey Harper and scholastic achievement in business. Treasurer Yvonne Moore then provided the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Lisa Huffman then audience with more about the society itself. President Trisha Vernon-Cole led the addresed the audience, speaking about what induction of new members before Dr. it meant for the new inductees to be there Aubree Walton and Rogers conferred that night. certificates and honor cords to new “You have a proven track record,” she members during the roll call. said. “You can work hard, and you can The two advisers then installed the next excel.” She emphasized that this recognition is a year’s incoming officers.
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Voices
April 24, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Beyond the yellow brick road Jardel and the acceptance of inevitable finality
Photos courtesy of Kaley Patterson
On March 20, hosts from YouTube multichannel network SourceFed announced its eponymous show and spinoffs “SourceFed Nerd” and “People Be Like” were going off air by the end of the week. On March 24, past and present cast and crew from all shows collaborated for the final episode, a sixhour livestream on the flagship channel to send the channel off the way it lived: ridiculously, hilariously and overall caringly. On March 25, I felt the weight of finality on my chest as I watched SourceFed and its members’ social media feeds packed with photos and videos from the last hurrah, reminding me just how quick, inevitable and bittersweet endings truly are. After all, there is an intrinsic link between SourceFed and my time at Cameron. SourceFed started in 2012 as a branch of YouTube mogul Philip DeFranco’s eponymous show as part of YouTube’s original content initiative. Hosts Joe Bereta, Elliott Morgan and Lee Newton covered news from statistics on gay couples raising families to the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI with great comic delivery and enthusiasm for what they were doing. It was an effort that made many Day One subscribers proud — or at least me. That same year, I was about to hit my stride at
Cameron. I was in a good It was still good, but relationship. I was going to it wasn’t the same. Some London that March. I was viewers welcomed the hosts about to start preparing for and the change, even if it was graduate school. a bit different. For others, the Then life happened. The change was too much. relationship ended by the I was in the middle. end of summer. I failed to get When I started graduate into any school at of my top Cameron, I choice grad thought it was schools. going to be a It felt like smooth sail to things a degree and were going marriage and downhill family therapy fast with a licensure, depression even amid my I thought extracurriculars. I had a It would be handle on. difficult, but it By would be smooth. the time Lo and senior year behold, though, started, I life stopped by to had no idea change things up. Jacob Jardel where I Leadership Managing Editor was going positions in clubs, @JJardel_Writing with life. personal strife in The first few months of my romantic life and familial “SourceFed” were great, misfortunes of various with the hosts creating a degrees kept the waters burgeoning product that rough. I was near capsizing, balanced entertainment and and I had know idea what to news. As the company started do. expanding, there were more Frankly, there were hosts and, with it, more failed moments when I had no idea experiments with shows. The who I was. programming wasn’t bad. It Right before the network’s just didn’t have the reception cancellation, the show had of the original content. finally gotten back into a After Newton, Bereta programming groove. They and Morgan left for other had their daily updates on endeavors, the show took a the odd and the nerdy. The more comedic turn, especially weekends had a variety of fun with the addition of newer diversions. In between, they hosts like Mike Falzone, had specials for big events like Steven Suptic, Ava Gordy and ComicCon and “SourceFed Candace Carazales. Nerd” reaching the 1 million
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subscriber mark. It was like everything was finally getting into that smooth path they had at one point. It was as if everything was back on track. Then, it got cancelled. It took me two and a half years into grad school to figure out what I wanted to do with Life After Cameron. I had my plan to get into a PhD program, go there and thrive in academia after gaining experience at Cameron. By the time my penultimate semester arrived, I was ready. Then I failed to get into any schools for a PhD. It came as more of a shock to those around me, honestly. But there are still days I get sad, angry or downright disappointed that I couldn’t get in. I know there are perfectly valid reasons it happened, but it’s still so disheartening. Thankfully, I got back into the swing of things and planned ahead. Now, I have a second plan. Ironically enough, I also feel settled into my various roles on campus. It only took me a dozen weeks into my final semester. I still have yet to watch SourceFed’s final episode, and not just because it’s so long. But there is something else that has kept me from watching: finality In eight years at Cameron University, I have seen so much change. Everything had a final moment. Everyone had a final moment. Now, it’s my turn, and I have no idea how to react.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
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Editorial Staff
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “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.
Managing Editors - Joel Frambes and Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Cheyenne Cole Student Life Editor - Christopher Reif Copy Editors - Stacie Larsen and Joel Frambes Assistant Editors - Stacie Larsen and Payton Williams Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
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.
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Robert King, Justin Reff, Vicky Smith Markel Turrell, Jonathan Vann, Payton Williams Photographer - Christopher Reif Advertising Manager - Jacob Jardel Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
Newsroom Staff
The theme song of my last year has been Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The lyrical meaning of the song involves leaving a life of grandeur for a simpler existence. But that theme isn’t what makes this song a descriptor of this last year. For me, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” turned from a derision of high society to a morose picture of moving on from somewhere they’ve been for so long. It’s someone leaving somewhere because time can’t keep someone planted in the same penthouse. It’s someone leaving to start the hard work again — going back to their plough, to use song terminology. It’s someone leaving while dealing with the Future in real time, something I have dealt with for the last year. In eight years at Cameron, I’ve made great friends. I’ve met amazing faculty and staff who have helped me well beyond classroom matters. I’ve had experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. Cameron has become home, its people my family. As with anybody leaving that kind of support behind, I find myself as frightened as I am excited. It is one of the toughest things I’ve done in my life so far. But in the process of getting through this experience, I’ve learned something. Sit down, kids. I’m going to learn you one last thing.
The people you meet here, just like the people I’ve met here, stick around with you forever. It may be one experience. It may be a lifetime of help. But nothing can take those memories, those individuals away from you. They’re with you forever. And I have to remind myself of that whenever finality hits me again. I can be thankful and still move on. I can think fondly and still think forward. I can be happy, sad and ready to go at the same time. So it’s ending, but it doesn’t mean it’s over. It just means it mattered enough to stay. Thank you for everything, Cameron-type peoples past and present. I love all your faces. And, as always, best wishes, and don’t forget to be awesome.
Graphic by Joel Frambes
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 aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
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A&E
April 24, 2017
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Page to debut final short film Zayna Haliburton Staff Writer
Senior journalism and media production major Alexsis Page is wrapping up her third short film titled “Stay Breathing,” which is set to premiere at 7 p.m. on April 25 in the Academic Commons TV Studio. For the Film Geek host, the thriller is a departure from her previous two comedic works. According to Page, she got parts of the idea for the film from the movie “Don’t Breathe” and wrote her script over winter break. Page said her story explores a complex male character as he experiences an internal struggle. “On the outside,” Page said, “he looks like a regular person, but on the inside he has his own struggles that he’s dealing with.” Page said the hardest part about putting the film together was listening to her instinct. “Within filming a couple days, I decided to add another character and change some of the scripts,” she said. “I am a good film maker, and I need to go with what is right.” These instincts helped Page when she submitted her first film, “Typical Tuesday,” into the Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, where she earned nominations in the Student Comedy and O.K. Soil Film categories. She said she wants to submit “Stay Breathing” into film festivals as well. “I feel like dramas have a little bit better chance of getting in,” Page said. “Things that make you laugh are kind of subjective to the person, so it kind of depends on what you think comedy is.” Junior journalism and media production major and Film Geek Director Kerry Schoonaert worked behind the camera to ensure that Page got the shots she needed for the movie.
Photo by Zayna Haliburton
Last hurrah: Senior journalism and media production major Alexsis Page reviews “Smurfs: The Lost Village” on her final episode as the host of Film Geek. Her final student film “Stay Breathing” premieres at 7 p.m. on April 25 in the CU TV studio. Schoonaert said she is excited to see the final production once it is complete. “There’s different elements that are having to be done for the movie to come together,” she said. “There’s different editing techniques being done, so it’s going to be interesting to see what is different from her comedies to this more serious film.” Page said the best part about creating the
film was the way everyone came together to get the job done. “I had a lot of people that were willing to try different things,” Page said. “I even had actors who are in the film who aren’t typical actors and they were all game for whatever was going to come.” Page said she plans to continue making films after graduation. “Films are my passion,” Page said. “So I do
hope to one day continue to work in the film industry.” Page added that a support system is a key factor in the success of aspiring filmmakers. “Even if you’re not sure about your vision,” Page said, “it’s nice to have people there to help you out and do what they can to make a good product. “Also prepare as much beforehand because things don’t always go as planned.”
Throwback review: A ‘Monster’ success Alexsis Page Staff Writer
Patty Jenkins took the film industry by storm with her feature film directorial and screenwriting debut, “Monster” (2003). The film is based on the true story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron), who was a former prostitute convicted of murdering six men and executed in Florida in 2002. Jenkin’s story telling techniques give off an independent vibe which works in her favor with the tone. In the film, there are two distinct storylines that have their own tone. The first explores the relationship between Aileen and Selby (Christina Ricci) while the second is Aileen’s lifestyle change, from prostitute to serial killer. Both storylines intertwine, which makes for a unique storytelling experience. Jenkins pairs romantic scenes in which the characters are exploring their sexuality with violent scenes of prostitution and sexual assault. Early in the film, a montage reveals Aileen entering a vehicle and leaving, a scene that may be shocking to someone that’s never observed Aileen’s line of work before. But for the character, she is going through the motions of her everyday routine. The lighting is natural, and the empty background music, composed of obscure and unbalanced string and piano melodies, does not evoke emotion. This use of music is effective as it reflects the distance prostitutes have from their line of work and society itself. Many montages later, we finally get a first-hand look at how Aileen gets paid. She enters a vehicle and inside is Vincent Corey (Lee Tergesen), the first victim in Aileen’s killing spree. Their conversation implies that this is not their first time in such an interaction. Surprisingly, Vincent attacks Aileen, momentarily knocking her unconscious. The scene fades back in with her consciousness, and we realize Aileen is being sexually
assaulted at the same time she does. The title “Monster” sums up the theme of the film: once Until that moment, audiences don’t have a connection to you commit a monstrous act, it will continue to take over Aileen; she is just a rude, rough-around-the-edges prostitute. your life, eventually leading to all around destruction. That assault turns Aileen into a victim in the audiences’ eyes. Overall, the film will keep your attention, especially From that moment on, we vividly start to see the monster knowing that it’s all based on true events. inside Aileen grow from prey to predator. Rating: 9/10 stars In “Monster,” Jenkins does a great job of building up the uncomfortable feeling you get after watching a scene where Tribune News Service Aileen commits murder and goes home to her lover. I know, personally, I found myself struggling with wanting Aileen to become a better person after surviving a tragic event and waiting for her to be caught and punished for the horrible acts she committed. Others might not have the same internal struggle as I did, but I guarantee you’ll have an opinion by the end of the film. Both the directing and acting styles cannot be imitated. Before this film, Theron was known for “Mighty Joe Young” (1998) and “Reindeer Games.” (2000). An ensemble of men overshadowed Theron, who played a leading lady but without a pivotal role in the plot. When I discovered that Theron portrayed the lead in “Monster,” I thought her star image would be a distraction. Knowing Theron only from recent films like “A Million Ways to Die in the West” (2014), I was not sure if she could pull off the intense role of a serial killer. I am glad to say I was wrong. Theron is unrecognizable with her appearance reflecting the long lasting effects of the harsh lifestyle Aileen lived. With a body weight representative of an average woman, she dresses in ragged clothes, has no eyebrows and her hair is unkempt and frizzy. The character’s appearance along with her precise mannerisms, body language and speaking patterns contribute to the excellent portrayal. Theron acts lost, enraged and unstable all in one scene, sometimes even one line. Her unique transformation will convince you that she A monstrous performance: In 2004, Charlize deserved her Best Actress Academy Award. Theron won an Academy Award for portraying serial My one criticism is, if the film began during Aileen’s childhood, we’d get a better understanding of how she came to killer Aileen Wuornos. Director and screenwriter Patty Jenkins began her film career with “Monster.” be prostitute and maybe what caused her downward spiral.
Photos by Cheyenne Cole
A bittersweet goodbye: (Left photo) Talk show host Savanna Sanders departs to pursue a master’s degree at Central Michigan University. (Right photo) Sports show host Haley Berry (left) will pursue a second degree in agriculture at CU, while co-anchor Jonathan Good plans a move away from Lawton.
Saying goodbye: Senior CUTV hosts give final sign-offs
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s r e y a l P r e s w a x e o T t s P e st W April 24, 2017
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Photos by Krista Pylant Graphic by Stacie Larsen
Hitting the diamond: Cody Knight (cutout) takes a cut at a ball. Knight homered two times in Cameron’s series split against West Texas A&M on April 15 at McCord Field. The four-game series was cut in half after weather conditions led to the cancelation of the first doubleheader of the series against the nationally-ranked Buffs. But the Aggies won game one of the Friday twinbill in walkoff fashion after Cody Bower’s tworun home run put the Aggies ahead 6-5. However, the Black and Gold could not keep up their winning ways, losing 7-4 to West Texas despite Andrew Garza’s strong pitching performance on the day. Cameron will face off against Tartleton State for a four-game series on April 2830 that could go a long way toward the Aggies’ postseason push.
By Markel Turrell The Cameron baseball team split a pair of games against No. 16 West Texas A&M on April 15 at McCord Field. After rain led to the cancellation of Friday’s scheduled doubleheader, the Aggies played a crucial twinbill.
at bay, holding CU scoreless for the next two innings. The Buffs gained a run back in the fifth on a Vallance single to right field, scoring Chad Brown for a 5-2 lead. The Aggies started their comeback in the sixth. With two runners on in Game 1 the bottom of the frame, Cole The Aggies started off slow in Williams doubled in two runs, scoring Leno Ramirez and the opener. Bronson Pulgados to cut their After neither team scored in deficit to 5-4. the first, West Texas A&M had In the seventh inning, the Black a big second inning behind five and Gold did what they have done walks from Cameron pitchers. After the Buffs scored the first all year: finish a comeback for run of the game on a walk, Adam another crucial win. Shortstop Micah Kaaukai Adkins hit a two-RBI single to singled through the left side to left field scoring Jimmy Cubillos start things off. Then two batters and Aaron Vallance. later, Cody Bower got a hold of a Luis Amaro continued the scoring with a single to right field 3-2 pitch to hit a walkoff twoscoring Nick Canas for a 4-0 lead. run blast to left field, giving the Aggies for a 6-5 victory. The Aggies climbed back Knight, Williams and Bower into a game in the third with had two RBI each in the victory. first baseman Cody Knight’s The CU bullpen came through long two-run homer to left field. in the clutch. Gaige Vines But standout pitcher Marshall Kasowski held the Black and Gold relieved starter John Millan and
pitched a strong 2.2 innings with a strikeout. Blake Welch contributed a perfect 2.2 innings with two strikeouts.
the infield. Bower was out at first, but he drove in Kaaukai to cut the lead to one. McGarry moved up to third on the play. The Aggies were unable to tie Game 2 the game, as the next two batters would strike out. Cameron started off the The Buffs put the game out scoring early with a quick two of reach in the ninth on Adam runs in the first inning. Bower continued his strong hitting with Adkins’s two-run homer to help West Texas take the game 7-4. a single up the middle, scoring The Aggies stayed in the game Kaaukai. Knight added to the Aggie lead behind Andrew Garza’s strong pitching performance. He pitched with an RBI single to left field to a strong 3.1 innings with four score Tom McGarry. strikeouts while only allowing two WTAMU got a run back in the next inning on a Chad Brown earned runs. Garza said that he felt good on double. In the fourth, the Buffs took the 3-2 lead on a passed ball the mound while he was out there. “I was really loose and knew and an RBI groundout. [my teammates] were ready to West Texas A&M extended give it their all behind me,” he their lead to 5-2 on John Baiada’s sixth inning double to center field. said, “and that helped me feel comfortable out there.” But in the bottom of the frame, He said he wanted to use this Knight put the Aggies within a momentum to have a stronger run on a solo homer to left field. outing next time. Bower had another RBI “I felt I could have done some opportunity in the eighth when things a little better out there he hit the ball up the middle, but that could have helped us in that Vallance’s diving stop kept it in
second game,” he said. “All I can do now is improve on those mistakes I had and keep getting better.” He said the split against a nationally-ranked West Texas team gave the team some needed confidence heading into the postseason. “That game was big for us,” Garza said. “They’re a good team in conference and taking one from them only helps get a step closer to our goal of making the tournament.” After the doubleheader, the Aggies move to 24-15 on the year and 5-7 in Lone Star Conference play. West Texas A&M improves to 27-9 on the year and 8-2 in conference. The Aggies will be out of play until they face Tarleton State for a four-game series on April 28-30 in Stephenville. A strong showing will be crucial for Cameron’s NCAA tournament hopes. For more information on Cameron baseball and other Aggie sports, visit CameronAggies.com.