The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, November 8, 2010

Volume 85 Issue 7

Informing Cameron Since 1926

Banquet showcases traditions

International students provide food, entertainment

By Manal Elhak Collegian Intern

The third annual International Student Scholarship Banquet, which showcased traditional cultural arts and cuisine from around the world, was hosted by the International Club on Oct. 16, The event gave community members, students, faculty and staff a chance to experience the wide range of cultures that international students bring to the university.

Audience members saw and heard traditional songs and dances and sampled an array of traditional foods provided by Cameron University’s Pan Express. The menu included Caribbean jerk chicken, baklava from Greece, cannoli from Italy, curry chicken and basmati rice from India, a pea and potato dish from Nepal, sauerbraten (a pot roast dish) and cooked red cabbage from Germany.

Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the importance of diversity.

“Diversity is one of our core values here at Cameron University,” he said. “There are 320 international students, representing 45 countries.”

Guest speaker Gabriel Vidal, a Cameron University alumnus from Brazil, shared stories about his first 48 hours in the United States, including difficulties with the language barrier and foreign foods.

“I didn’t know what a grapefruit was until I came to the U.S,” Vidal said. “I thought it was just a big orange. They don’t have grapefruits where I’m from.”

Around the world: International students showcase traditional songs and dances from their home countries. Cameron University’s Pan Express supplied an international cuisine for the guests.

Photos by Jim Horinek

See BANQUET Page 3

Language honor society hosts annual food drive

By Rebecca Craft Newswriting Student

For many people in the Lawton area, going with little or no food at all is an immediate reality. However, the members of Cameron language honors society, Phi Sigma Iota, are taking a stand in Lawton’s fight against hunger.

Phi Sigma Iota is hosting their annual fall canned food drive Nov. 1-19 to benefit the Lawton Food Bank. According to Phi Sigma Iota Vice President Jutta Carter, the language honors society has “Phi Sigma Iota has had a participated in food drives regularly in long tradition of helping the past.

“The canned food drive for the Lawton those in need. We believe Food Bank had already been established strongly in engaging with before I joined the organization,” Carter said. “I would think it simply has become the local community a tradition, in fact, a very valuable not just through foreign tradition. Hunger is not necessary, here language awareness but and today in this country. Even if one can through community afford only a can or boxed item of food, collectively, it will help.” service.”

In a report published in the Chronicle — Geraldine Brady of Philanthropy on Oct. 17, donations among top U.S. charities decreased by 11 President, Phi Sigma Iota percent in 2009. The decrease in giving leaves non-profit organizations searching for ways to provide their services on depleted resources. Food banks in Oklahoma are no exception.

“I believe there is an increased need for food,” Carter said. “One only has to read the newspapers or watch the local TV stations, to find out that the food banks and other helpful organizations are in greater need and busier than ever.”

See DRIVE Page 2

MCTCampus

Every little bit helps: CU language honor society Phi Sigma Iota hosts its annual food drive this month to collect donations for the Lawton Food Bank.

The drive runs until Nov. 19, and accepts non-perishable items, including selected toiletries. Donations are dropped off in the Language Learning Center in Nance Boyer.

News

A&E

Sports

Opinion

Wellness Center offers seminars to students.

Cameron professor publishes first novel.

Aggie golfers close out fall season.

SGA offers students a forum.

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DRIVE continued from page 1

News

November 8, 2010

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The increasing need for donations in turn requires greater involvement from the local community. Phi Sigma Iota president Geraldine Brady views the food drive as a chance for everyone to take part in helping the less fortunate.

“Food drives raise awareness of hunger in the community,” Brady said. “We collect food for people in need and play an essential role in the fight against hunger, and I am proud to be a part of it. Phi Sigma Iota has had a long tradition of helping those in need. We believe strongly in engaging with the local community not just through foreign language awareness but through community service.”

When viewing the needs in the community, Carter believes that giving to the less fortunate is not a difficult task.

“There is a story of a bird who had helped many others, but in the process lost all his feathers,” Carter said. “The other birds each gave him a feather of their own. In a short time, he was beautifully feathered again, and the other birds did not notice the absence of those individual feathers. I believe this could be MCTCampus applied to this situation also.”

Phi Sigma Iota has made it easier this semester for anyone who desires to make a donation.

“This semester, we also will be making donation pickups, in case a department or group on campus would like to collect food donations and then contact us,” Brady said. Each Wednesday until Nov. 19 is designated as a pick-up day for donations.

Non-perishable items such as canned fruit, vegetables or meat, soups, peanut butter, cereals or boxed dinners are among the goods accepted in the food drive. Brady also said that household products, such as toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, and soap are needed.

Anyone wishing to bring in their own donations should take them to room 2011 in the Language Learning Center on the second f loor of Nance Boyer. Those who would like to have their canned goods picked-up should contact Geraldine Brady at 581.2804 or Geraldine.brady@cameron.edu, or may contact Jutta Carter at 581.2565 or jcarter@cameron.edu.

Freedom to Learn benefits soldiers

By Ronald Phillips Newswriting Student

Solutions on page 3

Cameron University’s new Freedom to Learn program has given active duty soldiers a unique way to continue their education with fluctuating work shifts or frequent deployments, without ever having to set foot on campus.

The program provides active-duty soldiers with a laptop when enrolled in six credits or more online. Upon completion of their degree program, the soldier is authorized to keep the computer they were issued.

“This has been a great The goal of the Freedom opportunity for some of to Learn program is to our students, especially increase the number of graduates by catering to those who are deployed. students on the move.

It gives them something to Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic do on their down time.”

Affairs, would like more — Dr. John McArthur soldiers to complete their college degrees without the Vice President of constraints of leaving Fort Academic Affairs Sill.

“It’s more than just deployments,” Dr. McArthur said. “Fort Sill is becoming a larger training facility, so soldiers often do not stay in Lawton long enough to finish school. CU would like to see more students obtain degrees.”

According to Dr. McArthur, there are over 30 computers checked out to students who are taking part in the program this semester.

Funding for ‘Freedom to Learn,’ is made possible through the Oklahoma state budget, and is intended to help the progression of higher education.

Dr. McArthur said the future of ‘Freedom to Learn,’ depends on any changes CU may see fit to better the program.

“We are monitoring the usage,” Dr. McArthur said, “wondering if six hours may be too many or too few.”

There are currently over 90 classes on Blackboard, and 11 degree programs which are available completely online.

Dr. McArthur said the online classes give soldiers a chance to better their future on their own time.

“This has been a great opportunity for some of our students, especially for those who are deployed,” Dr. McArthur said. “It gives them something productive to do on their down time.”

Specialist Phillip Hale, a 21-year-old sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice, is a student soldier who has taken advantage of the program.

“It’s a wonderful thing that Cameron is doing for us,” Hale said. “They really are doing soldiers a favor. As a soldier, we put our lives on the line for our country, and Cameron is giving back to us by providing us the means to continue our education.”

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November 8, 2010

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BANQUET continued from page 1 Five student performances provided the night’s entertainment. Erica David and Antoine Ehouman from the Ivory Coast performed a traditional dance. Representing Nigeria, Bamidele Eleshin, Godsfavour Umoro, Tolullope Agebetunsin and Oluwatobi Olaomoju sang and played drums. Both Giselle Greenidge and BJ Payne performed Caribbean dances in separate performances. The final performance was a Nepalese dance by Silika Shakya, Rahul Khanal, Rajana Baral and Manish K.C. Although many distinct cultures were portrayed, the feeling of the evening was one of unity and community. Neila Ettienne, one of the evening’s masters of ceremony, commented on the commonality of our experiences despite our differing cultures.

“As you watch the performers, notice what they all have in common,” Ettienne said.

“Although we may be separated by countries, notice how similar our influences and styles are.”

The last event of the night was a silent auction with items donated by international students. An Indonesian mask made of Balinese woodcarving and a wood-carved figurine from the Ivory Coast, were among the popular items at the auction.

At the end of the banquet, the International Club raised over $3,000 for the international scholarship fund.

“The event went well overall,” International Club sponsor Marcella Gustafson said. “We had an increased interest by Lawton community members, and not just people connected with Cameron. I was very pleased with the students who were involved with the program; they did a wonderful job with everything.”

International superstars: International students perform songs and dances native to their home country.

Above: Bamidele Eleshin and Tolullope Agebetunsin perfrom a traditional Nigerian song. Right: Silikia Shakya, Rahul Khanal, Rajana Baral and Manish K.C. perform a Nepalese dance to end the night.

Photos by Jim Horinek

SWC offers variety of services

By Ishia Saltibus

deep breaths we calm our emotions, impulses and body functions.”

Newswriting Student He also presented on the Art of Happy Living as stepping stones in the journey towards leading On Oct. 7, Cameron University’s Student happier and healthier lives.

Wellness Center hosted the Mind, Body and “How happy we are going to be can affect the Spirit Connection event as part of Mental Health people around us. Our happiness is determined by Awareness Week.

50 percent genes, 10 percent by life situation and The event was attended by students and faculty 40 percent by intentional activities,” Dr. Krishna at the Center for Emerging Technology and said. “Happiness is not having what you want but Entrepreneurial Studies (CETES) conference wanting what you have. Happiness does not mean, room. we have to have lots of money, but it is the caring President and Chief Operating Officer of for each other, the togetherness.”

INTEGRIS Mental Health, Dr. Murali Krishna He also described another spoke at the event. way to achieve happiness: Dr. Krishna, a native of “The most important detach the energy that causes India, and psychiatrist in misery within the body. private practice for more than thing is to discover the “We must learn the 25 years, began his medical flow of experience. technique of withdrawing the career in hope of finding Learn to live in the energy from certain things solutions for his mother’s after we have process it or dealt illness. moment.” with it,” Dr. Krishna said.

After years of research, he — Dr. Murali Krishna “Detaching that energy from co-founded the James L. Hall, Jr. Center for Mind, Body President, COO that person, memory, event or activity that causes misery and Spirit, an educational INTEGRIS Mental Health within us will help us live a organization devoted to happier life.” improving health through In addition to seeking raising awareness of the healing happiness, Dr. Krishna also gave his take on the power of the connection between mind, body and important factor of sleep and the secrets of getting spirit. a good night sleep.

“The significant role in our life is to catch up “Many people suffer from lack of sleep or to what we need,” Dr. Krishna said. “Learning to insomnia. Sleep is an important factor and 85 quiet our mind, the body makes changes. If we allow the mind to think about a certain thing, then percent of people can sleep well by learning the the content of what we are thinking about and how signs behind sleeping,” Dr. Krishna said. “The long term sleep medication is if you don’t use it, you will long we are thinking about it, will determine what lose it. We could get better sleep by nourishing kind of body chemistry, hormones and healing the brain, relaxing, good nutrition, exercise, processes happen in the body.” environment and calming the mind and body by Dr. Krishna focused on the healing connection using the biological clock.” between the mind, body and spirit and how each Dr. Krishna imparted a final thought to finding one influences the other. His explanation to achieving a quiet and calm mind happiness.

“The most important thing is to discover the is the secret of deep breathing. flow of experience,” Dr. Krishna said. “Learn to “The secret to calm the body live in the moment.” and mind is deep breathing,” Students and faculty interested in Dr. Murali Dr. Krishna said. “Breathing is Krishna Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection may voluntarily control. By taking obtain information online at www.integrismentalheath.com.

Veterans Day Celebration In celebration of Veterans Day, Cameron University will provide a free lunch to veterans of the U.S. armed forces on Thursday, Nov. 11. Lunch will be available in the Shepler Cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Opinion

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November 8, 2010

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SGA offers students voice on CU campus

When the average student hears of the Student Government Association, or SGA as it is called, he or she immediately conjures an image of boring, nerdy kids making laws. In reality, it is the complete opposite. SGA

Teewhy Dojutelegan

Collegian Intern THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

is made up of an absolutely diverse group of students on campus. They range from the popular to the reserved.

This extremely diverse group of students gives SGA its uniqueness.

A college SGA is even more diverse in the sense that there is more freedom in college than in high school. Here, SGA is run mainly by the student body rather than by the faculty or staff of the school.

Most decisions are made by the executive officers with permission from the students.

The purpose of a Student Government Association is to represent the students of the school on issues that concern them locally, on their campus and community. They also help provide resources that students need to have a complete and fulfilling educational experience. SGA gives students the opportunity to get involved with decision making on their campuses hereby teaching

them leadership skills.

According to its Constitution, the CU SGA was created to “Represent, lead and Unify the student body; Aid the university in its larger purpose of education; make recommendations to the administration of the university concerning students issues and concerns; act as a means of preserving and attain the well-being of the university community; encourage enthusiastic school support.”

It has been doing well in upholding the purposes for its creation.

As a result, students have been allowed a voice to complain about whatever issues they have. Furthermore, steps have been taken to help solve most of the issues raised.

Yearly, many resolutions are passed that help improve the quality of living and learning for students at CU.

MCT Campus

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Michael Faggett Sports Editor - Amanda Cantu Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett, Kyle Luetters

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Alyssa Knerr, Dianne Riddles, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Circulation Manager - Clayton Gould Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan

Newswriting Students

Megan Bristow, Shaniqua Brown, Jarred Burk, Maria Cepeda Pilataxi, Ashley Del Ciello, Ippi Elliott, Ashleigh Fletcher, Chaney Gibson, Nicole Grzecki, Amanda Harris, Tiffany Martinez, Elijah Morlett, Ronald Phillips, Ishia Saltibus, Amber Spurlin, Brandon Thompson, Ricardo Thompson, Ricky Warren, Jeffrey Williams, Brittany Wolfe, Lana Ochilien

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.

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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.

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Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.

Our Views

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content.

Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

Arguments are heard every year about the SGA not being sympathetic enough to the plight of the students because many of those involved in decision making do not have personal relationships with regular students, and thus cannot identify the problems students really have. A simple

explanation to that is that every academic school in Cameron University has eight senators and so if a student is aggrieved or in need of a change, he or she merely needs to meet with one of the school’s senators and his or her voice has the chance of

being heard.

The processes involved in passing a resolution are not as easy as a lot of students think.

It certainly is not just writing a bill and expecting it to be part of the school doctrine. An author thinks of an issue that affects all the students, thinks about the possible solution to that problem and then writes legislation to that effect. From this point the bill is tabled.

A barrage of questions follow and this is the point where the author fails or succeeds in selling their idea to the members of the body. If the resolution passes it then goes to to the administration for possible approval.

Passing a resolution is an intense process. The joy of the process, is seeing that passed legislation is positively affecting the lives of students.

The Student Government is an integral part of every academic institution. It is the bridge that links the institution’s management and it’s students. Colleges in other parts of the world sometimes have student revolts and the institutions are forced to close down. The CU SGA keeps students in control and helps them to a better college experience.

Diversity Day leaves something to be desired toward recognizing CU diversity Cameron University, despite its size, carries many amenities that make it a great educational institution. Our campus’ wellversed faculty, improving infrastructure and other aspects helped Cameron grow both in quantity and quality.

One particular aspect is the diversity of CU’s population. I contend our campus, given the size and location, is one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the region.

Students from the Caribbean Islands, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Nepal, Japan and other countries spanning the globe continue to choose Cameron as their home for a post-secondary education.

Cameron does exhibit its diverse culture in numerous ways, the most predominant being Diversity Day. Usually one day in October is set aside for the various cultural organizations across campus to display multiple facets of each culture: food, art, music and history.

Overall, many fi nd this day of diversity to be an adequate display of recognition for Cameron’s diverse ethnic makeup.

I don’t.

The concept for such an event is defi nitely a great idea for our campus, but the monotone method by which it is operated needs a fresh approach.

Granted, the scheduling process for such an event appears intense and time-consuming; however, it is unfair and inane to think a culture can adequately express itself in the span of 45 minutes on a platform or in a pan of sweet and sour chicken.

MCT Campus With everything around campus growing and improving at the rate it is, we should conceptualize how to maintain and progress those amenities that helped us grow to the university we are today, a

vital one being our demographically diverse campus population.

Why not revive the time when Diversity Day was actually Diversity Week? Why not allow more time to each culture to not only express its styles of art, music, food and language, but to also educate our campus on the depth of diversity we possess?

We have the resources made readily and easily available to us. As mentioned, students from all over the world continue to come to Cameron for an educational experience, and when they come, they bring their cultural heritage with them. So, any perceived difficulty in fi nding the cultures and the talents within each culture is not an excuse for short-changing such an opportunity to enhance the learning atmosphere on campus.

We have the facilities. What better way to build the legacies of the McMahon Centennial Complex, the Bentley Gardens and future additions to campus than to house Diversity Week in them? Allow the organizations to use the rooms and space intently designed social purposes on campus.

We have the time. The Office of Student Development spends extensive time outlining the details for Diversity Day, to which I give them credit because there is a process of conceptualization that occurs. However, the same amount of time can be used to (ironically) expand our horizons and see how we can better serve justice to exemplifying the diversity we have on campus.

Let’s not forsake the opportunity we have to advertise one of our campuses’ crown jewels: cultural diversity. Since we are about every student, every story, let’s take the time to ensure the stories are told correctly.

Michael Faggett A&E Editor

A&E

November 8, 2010

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5

Jones garners first published novel

By Rachel Engel

think it was the best week in May I had ever had,” he said. “It’s just exhilarating in one way, to finally News Editor have your work recognized by others, and it also gives you a sense of accomplishment, like you After a decade full of revisions and patience, haven’t been working in a vacuum all these years.”

Director of Creative Writing and Assistant Dr. Jones is already working on his next novel Professor of English Dr. Hardy Jones published his and waits for approval for several others. first novel.

“I have a follow up novel to [“Every Bitter “Every Bitter Thing,” a coming of age story Thing”],” he said. “Same family, but a few years about a 12 year-old boy who deals with an abusive later, that’s under consideration at another press. father and molestation from a tutor at his taeI have a personal essay compilation that this kwon-doe class, began its journey with a single publisher is considering and I have a short story opening sentence: “Dad was always friends with collection that another publisher is considering.” butchers.”

Dr. Jones believes having a “I kicked that line around published novel under his belt for about three years,” Dr. Jones said. “Some of it is based “It’s just exhilarating in one goes a long way in convincing other publishers to consider his on experience, because it had way, to finally have your future works. originally started out as a work recognized by others, “It usually helps, because memoir. I ended up needing to compress and cut things out and it also gives you a sense when I submit work to other publishers, it gives me a little to make it more dramatic, so of accomplishment.” validity to my work,” he said.

I decided to call it a novel so it “It’s not just someone out of left would give me more freedom — Dr. Hardy Jones field submitting a book.” and license.”

Dr. Jones said his desire to After finishing the novel Director of Creative become a published novelist in 2000, Dr. Jones said the Writing really began during college. publishing process was a “When I started college, I vicious cycle of revision and was kind of bouncing around; resubmission. every major I looked into didn’t facilitate well with “It was a pretty long process as far as getting the business world, so I ended up picking English it accepted,” he said. “It was accepted in 2007, so just because I wanted to write,” he said. “It covered it was about a seven year process of submitting, all the different things I was interested in, like revising, submitting and revising some more.” literature, philosophy, history and sociology.”

Dr. Jones said after years of waiting, learning After deciding to major in English, the dream his work was accepted for publication was of becoming an author took shape. rewarding.

“I have always wanted to be a writer once I “It was great because when I got my job here, chose my undergraduate degree,” he said. “This has they called at the end of that week and said they been a decade or more in the making.” were going to accept my novel and publish it, so I

Courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs

“Every Bitter Thing”: Dr. Hardy Jones sees his first novel published. Dr. Jones said he has more novels waiting for publication.

“Paint the Town” connects campus and community

By Megan Bristow Newswriting Student

In cities with large universities such as Norman, OK, or College Station, TX, it is fairly obvious that the communities surrounding their respective universities possess a

great deal of school pride.

In order to promote similar school pride and community involvement in Lawton, Cameron’s Student Government Association (SGA) began work on a program to promote Cameron University to the businesses and organizations of CU’s surrounding area. The idea for the program, which became known as Paint the Town Black and Gold, was formed in Spring 2008 and implemented in Fall 2009.

Jennifer Holland, Vice President of Student Services and current overseer of the program, described how students began soliciting community involvement as

Courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs

a way to strengthen the visibility of the university throughout the area.

“A group of students felt strongly about getting our community more invested in our campus,” Holland said. “When you go to some college towns, you can tell it’s a college town; you drive into town and you know there is a university there. The students feel that it is important to approach our area businesses to ask them for their support.”

According to Holland, there are several ways for local businesses to show their support and become involved.

“You’ll notice that several of the local businesses display ‘Proud Supporter of Cameron University’ banners,” Holland said. “That is all we asked initially, but then we considered other options, such as flying a Cameron flag or offering discounts for students. Each business has individually decided how they want to support the university. Several have decided to offer discounts.”

Indira Williams, a Psychology junior, said that she would describe the Paint the Town Black and Gold program as businesses advertising the university.

“The businesses become partners with the school,” she said.

“The program is a way they can give back to the community by supporting the school.”

Williams also said that a business might gain new customers by supporting the university through Paint the Town Black and Gold.

Shameka Guiden, a Sociology freshman, said that she has a positive opinion of businesses that she knows support the university.

“It makes me think places are student-friendly,” Guiden said.

“I’m more likely to a business that supports the university, especially if it offers discounts. I’m always looking for ways to save money. I’d like to see all of the local businesses

support the school.”

Holland expressed the need for students to continue to get involved with the program as it continues to expand throughout the community.

“It’s something we’re going to have to keep working at,” she said.

“There are certainly places we have not been yet. We’d love for more students to get involved.”

Students can find a complete list of businesses involved with Paint the Town Black and Gold at www. cameron.edu/paintthetown.

Those who are interested in participating with the program should contact Jennifer Holland at 580.581.2244, or the Student Government Association at cusga@cameron.edu.

A few Paint the Town Participants

MCT Campus

BCM continues tradition of worship, serving students

By Lana Ochillien Newswriting Student

The Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), originally the Baptist Student Union (BSU), opened its doors 71 years ago.

According to Director Danny Toombs, the first meeting was held in November 1939. The organization started with Bible study, worship and mission trips all of which are still in the calendar of events. However, a new dimension has since been added to include international student assistance.

For Toombs, the BCM provides an opportunity to meet and minister to students from every walk of life. He said he considers himself blessed for the opportunity to be at the BCM, which Toombs said opened the perfect avenue to reach students.

“Our heart is to encourage students in their spirituality,” Toombs said. “Nobody is perfect, but each of us is on our own spiritual journey to become who God has called us to be.”

Toombs said that at the beginning of each semester, in collaboration with the

International Office, the BCM provides “welcome packages” for international students and help them find some of their necessities. These packages include blankets, pillows, snacks and other necessities which they can use during their first week while trying to settle.

The BCM also provides transportation to various places in Lawton including Wal-Mart, the post office and the airports in Lawton and Oklahoma City.

“My staff and I do all that we can to assist the international students when they come to Cameron,” Toombs said.

“We recognize some of their limitations and try to fill the gaps wherever we can.”

The BCM hosts three weekly events throughout the semester.

Centered on Reaching Everyone (CORE), previously held on Thursdays at 9 p.m., is now on Mondays at 9 p.m. to coincide with Cameron’s new schedule.

Free lunches are provided on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. catered by the various Baptist Churches in Lawton and surrounding cities.

Leadership meetings take place

on Thursdays at 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Stacy Woods, an International Languages senior, said that she has been involved with the BCM for the past four years and that she has loved every minute of her participation.

“Being involved with the BCM has helped me mature in so many ways,” Woods said. “I have grown spiritually and in my relationships. I know that I have made some lifelong friends from assisting people at the BCM.” Toombs said that the BCM also provides living quarters for some students. A male student who is conscientious and shows favorable qualities is chosen to live on the premises. In exchange for room and board, the student helps maintain the facilities by both cleaning the rooms in the building and cleaning up after each event.

“Presently, there are four students living at the BCM and they all carry out their tasks to our expectations,” Toombs said.

“They go above and beyond to assist the international students whenever their schedules permit.”

For more information about

the BCM, or participating in their activities, copies of the calendar of events is located at

the BCM located at 2614 SW E Ave, across from Cameron Village.

Sports

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November 8, 2010

www.aggiecentral.com

Aggie golfers close out fall season

By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor

The Aggie golf teams have played in their last tournaments of the fall season.

The women finished their season at the Cameron-hosted Intercollegiate Tournament, which was held on Oct. 25-26 at The Territory in Duncan.

Although CU had the home course advantage, the women had a disappointing performance with a 14th place finish.

The Aggies were forced to deal with tough conditions on the opening day, facing extreme wind.

Sophomore Kylee Johnson and senior Megan Whan handled the adverse conditions best, shooting a 78 and 81 respectively.

Women’s golf coach Rick Goodwin said he was pleased with how well Johnson and Whan dealt with the wind, but thinks the women have the talent to have put forth a better performance. Goodwin also said the coaching of the team’s Graduate Assistant Marrick Wooten was essential in the tournament.

“I’m very disappointed with our finish,” Goodwin said.

“We’re better than that, and I’m prepared to take part of the blame. As the tournament’s host, I didn’t have time to coach like

I would have preferred. I don’t know what I would have done without Marrick.”

Most of the Aggie women were able to improve their scores on the second day of play, when the wind was no longer a factor.

Johnson shot a 73, which allowed her to finish the event in a tie for seventh. Freshman Aleesha Holden had the most marked improvement, shaving 11 strokes off her first day’s score and firing a 78.

Goodwin was encouraged by both of the women’s second day rounds.

“Kylee has really carried the team on her back this season.

She had a really strong finish and has a lot to build on,” Goodwin said. “Aleesha played well on the second day too. She shot a career low, and that’s really going to pump her up for the spring.”

Looking toward the spring, Goodwin said his team needs to work on their short game in order to be more competitive.

“Putting, putting, putting – we need to improve our putting,” Goodwin said. “Anytime we had an opportunity, it slipped through our fingers. If we can make our putts, we can play well.”

The CU men also closed out their season Oct. 25-26. The men last competed in the St. Mary’s Invitational, which was held in San Antonio at the Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Course.

Photos by Amanda Cantu

Tee time at The Territory: Sophomore Kylee Johnson looks on after teeing off. Johnson has led the Aggie women’s golf team in top finishes this season and is looking to have a promising spring.

The men, like the women, had an unusually substandard performance, placing ninth.

Men’s golf coach Jerry Hrnciar was frustrated with his team’s showing.

“I don’t know what happened.

Our practice round was so good, but the next morning it all went south. Everyone just went into into a slump, and I couldn’t seem to do anything to help,” Hrnciar said.

Senior Jason Timmis managed to set himself apart from the team by placing seventh and cranking out three great rounds of golf. On the first day of play, Timmis shot 71 and 72, and came back the next day to shoot a 75, which was just three over par.

Hrnciar said his was delighted with how Timmis played the course.

“Jason played very well. He once again showed that he is one

of the best players in the region,” Hrnciar said.

Hrnciar acknowledged that the men’s disappointing finish will have a bearing on the conference and regional rankings, which will make their postseason goals for the spring more difficult to achieve.

“We have a challenge ahead of us in the spring,“ Hrnciar said.

“But, we have the talent. We just have some work to do.”

Seasoned seniors: Jason Timmis (left) drives a shot from the fairway, while Megan Whan (above) reads the green.

Timmis and Whan, the only senior golfers, brought leadership and experience to their teams this season.

Cameron runners look to post-season

By Amanda Cantu Sports Editor

The Cameron cross country team’s regular season came to a close when they competed in the East Central University (ECU) Tiger Chase on Oct. 23 in Ada. The CU men finished the race in fourth place and with three runners in the top 30.

Cameron’s Julius Korir lead the team with a second place finish in a time of 26:09.5, which was only 20 seconds behind the race’s top finisher.

The other Aggies placing in the top 30 were senior Juan Ruiz (27:44.8) and sophomore Moses Kipkosgei (28:14.2).

Cross country coach Matt Aguero said he was happy with Korir’s performance.

“Julius ran pretty well,” Aguero said. “I think he could have taken first place, but he made a strategic error by letting the guy who won get too far in front of him. Hopefully, he can get him at Conference and Regionals.”

The CU runners also competed well in the Arkansas Chile Pepper Festival Invitational on Oct. 16 in Fayetteville.

The Black and Gold placed 22nd out of 50 teams, beating out many Division I schools who participated in the race.

Korir again lead the team, finishing 45th overall in a career

Photo by Bennett Dewan

Chasing the championship: Junior Julius Korir races towards the finish line. Korir has had an outstanding season.

CU cross country coach Matt Aguero believes Korir has a chance to repeat as an All-American.

best time of 30:58, which was the seventh best finish for a Division II runner.

Junior Brian Mulwo finished in 32:11 and was the nextfastest Aggie runner. Senior Mohamed Khelalfa round out Cameron’s top three in a time of 32:15, also a career best.

Aguero was pleased with the way his team handled the race.

“The guys looked good at Chile Pepper,” Aguero said.

“Mohamed did a great job; he ran really well and set a personal record. Julius did well too; he ran 20 seconds faster there than he did last year.”

Though Aguero was delighted with Korir’s finish, he said it was a bit unexpected.

“I was a little surprised by Julius’s performance since he had been having some knee problems,” Aguero said. “His training wasn’t where it was last year at this time, but he hasn’t had any more knee problems.

His performances in practice are coming along and his mileage is where it should be.”

Based on what he has seen so far, Aguero believes Korir has the ability to repeat his AllAmerican performance of last year.

“I think Julius has the potential to be an All-American again,” Aguero said. “The hardest part will be qualifying for Nationals; as long as he can do that, he can easily get that All-American performance.

With his talent and hard work, he can do it.”

In addition to Korir’s stellar performances, Aguero is also happy with how seniors Ruiz and Khelalfa have competed this season.

“Juan is doing great. He’s having the best season he’s ever had in the four years he has been here,” Aguero said.

“Mohamed is doing great as well. He was All-Conference last year, and we’re hoping for that again this year, as well as having him named All-Region at the Regional Championships.

He was in the top 30 there last year, so it would be great if he can finish in the top 15 this year, and we need him to be there so we can meet our goals.”

The cross country team took part in the Lone Star Conference Championships on Nov. 6 in Abilene. Before the race, Aguero said his team had a chance to take home the title.

“Conference and Regionals are wide open. Abilene has won it 18 years straight; this year’s conference will be held at their home course, which gives them a little advantage. But, there are four or five teams who have a shot to win the Conference title, and I think we’re in that mix,” Aguero said. “If we keep training hard, we will be successful. We always perform better at the end of the year, so I think our best performances are still ahead of us.”

Sports

November 8, 2010

www.aggiecentral.com

7

Returners bring leadership to team

By Michael Faggett A&E Editor

After roughly a few weeks of starting practice for the upcoming season, head men’s basketball coach Wade Alexander still preaches the same message to his team since he took over in 2008: care of the ball, defense and rebound.

The strategy is the same for Cameron’s men’s basketball, but the roster is changed. Seven players returned from last season’s 10-16 team.

Among the returners is guard

Milt Garner, who led the team in scoring last season by averaging 15 points per game. Guards Niko Vukadinovic and Jonathan Patino return as well, along with forwards Nate Murray, Terry Dawson, Trevor Smith and Vinicius Telo, who returns from a season-ending injury.

Alexander said the returning players have been key in helping the newcomers adjust to both the team’s system and his expectations.

“Leadership is probably the best thing we’ve got right now,” Alexander said. “The returners

prepare the newcomers for what we are doing in these practice sessions.”

Guards Craig Foster, Desmond Henrey, Denzell Newsome, Thomas Razor, Ronald Shaw and forward Josh Davis make up the recruiting class Alexander signed during the off-season. Among the newcomers, Alexander said guard Thomas Razor has played well in scrimmages and in practice.

“Razor scored well and shot a high percentage in our first scrimmage,” he said.

Alexander also said Foster, a Lawton native, has adjusted well at point guard.

“Craig has played well at the toughest position,” he said.

With the newcomers and seven returners, Dawson and Murray are the only seniors on the roster. Alexander said with the numerous underclassmen on the roster, he expects the team to endure some struggles early in the season.

“We are a very young team,” Alexander said. “We may have growing pains early, but we want to play our best in January and later in the season.”

Some of these growing pains include finding the rotation for the team. Garner, Murray and Vukadinovic started games last season for Alexander, but with a new roster, Alexander said he is looking for the best lineup for the team.

“We are trying to find the right combo,” he said. “We want our starters to hustle, play defense and dive for loose balls. Once we get there, we will be all right.”

With a practically new roster and going without a conference win last season, the Lone Star Conference picked the Aggies to finish sixth in the North Division.

Photos by Bennett Dewan

Back to basics: Milt Garner (left) and Niko Vukadinovic (above) compete in a game last season. Both men are among the team’s returners and bring leadership to this year’s young squad.

Nov. 12 at home against Texas According to Alexander, the A&M-International. rankings are a motivating factor Alexander said he looks for for the team. the team to play hard in the first “Other talent doesn’t scare us; other teams out-hustling us scares matchup of the season.

“I look for the team to come us,” he said. “We want our players out and compete,” he said. to play hard and be physical. We “The win-loss column is not as want to be the team that has important right now as hustling the talent and outhustles our and getting after it. We’re ready opponents.” to play.”

The Aggies’s first game is on

Women’s basketball prepares for season

By Alyssa Knerr Collegian Staff

The Aggie women’s basketball team began their season with an exhibition game against the University of

Tulsa on Nov. 6. Cameron will play another exhibition at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 against OU in Norman.

Coach Tom Webb, who is in his third season with CU, knows that the start of this

season will be more difficult than previous years.

“We play the University of Oklahoma as an exhibition game. They may have the best point guard in the nation with Danielle Robinson, so it will be very interesting,” Webb said. “We have a tournament on the 13th at home, and then we go for Colorado. Adams State won their regional tournament in their league, which will be a good game, so the early tests will be very difficult.”

This season, the Black and Gold girls have nine returners, totaling 15 players, but have lost a few due to injuries. Even with this setback, the girls still work as a team.

“What’s new for the team this year is that we have returners. Since I have been here we have not had a group of returners. They understand our drills, our system, what we are doing and our expectations,” Webb said. “We are also more athletic. We will play faster and be more up-tempo; it should be a good situation.”

Webb said that the team has built on what the girls accomplished last year, and their main focus will be climbing their way to the top.

“We have really enjoyed coaching them because they are so tough,” he said. “They have been very, very resilient and have practiced hard toward one common goal: to be the most competitive and successful at any given moment. They seem to be finally at the point where they understand they have to pay the price to be successful.”

Even though the girls are competitive and show their toughness on the f loor, Webb knows the team has to be even more thick-skinned this year.

Photo by Bennett Dewan

Getting some air: Sophomore Alexis Williams goes for a lay-up in a game last season. Women’s basketball coach Tom Webb said the women have built on last season’s accomplishments to become a stronger and more competitive team.

“Our league is so good that we have to be tough and better at defensive transition and rebounds,” Webb said.

“You can’t be successful in this league if you are not mentally and physically tough.”

Another side of toughness is also shown to the coaches because of certain characteristics these students are expected to face off the court.

“I think with the evolution of the student athlete

entitlement, our young ladies do a great job of handling pressure, but there are many people who expect a lot,” Webb said. “What I mean by that is based off of a parable: ‘Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.’ I would say the biggest challenge is, in a sense, teaching the team how to fish.

If we do that, they are going to go on from here and be successful in life.”

8

Variety

November 8, 2010

www.aggiecentral.com

Trophies in hand: First-runner-up Nicole Diggs lights up with a smile with her trophies in hand.

Queen of the ceremony: Neila Ettienne was crowned the Queen of the first Miss Spirit Awards Pageant. She was also the winner of the swimwear and Cameron creative wear.

By Rashmi Thapaliya Variety Editor

The Cameron Spirit: Second-runner-up Giselle Greenidge walks up on the stage during Cameron Creative Wear Segment.

On the stage: Third-runner-up Chene Adams (left) in business wear and Andrea Johnson (right) in swimwear strut the runway.

The first ever Miss Spirits Awards Pageant was held on Oct. 30 at CU Theatre. The Pageant was presented by joint collaboration of SOCA and the CU International Club. Competing in the event were nine Cameron females.

The participants in the pageant were Shanice Biggins, Giselle Greenidge, Cindy Senobre, Brianda Rake, Chene Adams, Andrea Johnson, Mariana Jimenez, Nicole Diggs and Neila Ettinne. At the beginning of the program, the participants introduced themselves.

Then the Mistress of the Ceremony, Merita Mitchell, who was also the director and coordinator of the program, introduced the panel of judges to the audience. The judges for the competition were Misael Santiago, Tammy Whitehead, Dr. Justin Walton, Bea Lipford and Matt Aguero.

The first segment of the competition was the swimwear/beachwear competition where the contestants presented themselves in the swimwear or beachwear of their choice. Next was the CU creative wear segment. In this portion of the competition the participants showed off Aggie colors in a creative way. After that, Batik Kaftan designs were presented by the guest models, the CU students. Batik Kaftan is worn in the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. The contestants then took the stage in business wear competition.

The final segment was the eveningwear segment where the participants presented themselves in evening gowns. Guest artist Chaira Flanders from Cameron entertained the audience with her song before the special awards and announcement of the winner.

The title of Queen was awarded to Neila Ettienne, who was also the winner of the swimwear and CU creative wear segments. The first runner up was Nicole Diggs. She was also the winner of the business wear and evening wear segments. The second runner up was Giselle Greenidge and the third runner up was Chene Adams. Miss Spirit 2010 Neila Ettienne, Senior majoring in Theatre Arts and International Language said that she was very happy to be the winner.

“I am ecstatic. I just wanted to have fun and this has encouraged me to go for Miss Black CU next year,” Ettienne said.

Dr. Walton, one of the judges of the pageant, said it was a wonderful event and that maybe next year a talent competition could be added.

Santiago, one of the other judges, said that the participants did a great job and were very creative. The judges remarked that it would be nice to see the competition open to men in the future.

According to Mitchell, the competition was all about the team spirit.

“This competition is all about team spirit, Cameron spirit, togetherness, dedication, CU spirit and anything we attempt to do in our life,” Mitchell said.

Photos by Jessica Goodman and Miss Spirit Awards Pageant