COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Monday, February 28, 2005
News
Nearing the end of your education and wondering what to do next? The Collegian explores options for life after college. PLEASE SEE PAGE 4
A&E
Reviewer gives The Music’s new CD, ‘Welcome to the North’ high marks, while noting U.S. listeners ‘need improvement.’ PLEASE SEE PAGE 6
Sports
Aggies win; Ladies lose at home against Northeastern State, Feb. 19.
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
Funds provide for preservation of library items By Scott Pratt Staff Writer The Cameron University Library received additional funding this spring. The library was awarded a $5,000 grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The grant, written by Dr. Sherry Young, director of library services, is already in place. The grant money is being used to buy new supplies and to house materials in the university archives, put a UV protective film on the second floor windows of the library, and hold an emergency preparedness workshop for library staff. Cameron is one of 127 institutions that received grant money from the NEH. The NEH is an organization that helps preserve humanities materials that are of significant educational, historical and cultural importance. Bruce Cole, chairman of the NEH, said, “Throughout the United States, many collections of written materials, films, audio, and video recordings, and material artifacts are threatened with physical deterioration as they are in our libraries, museums and archives.” The protection of the library materials has been of concern to Young since her arrival at Cameron. The upstairs stacks are now protected only by old curtains, which are falling apart and do not provide the level of UV protection that books and other materials need, she said. She also noticed that materi-
als in the archives and stacks needed housing improvement. The reading room windows on the lower level have already received a protective tint to help block light and UV rays from entering and damaging tapestries and paintings that hang on the walls. University Archives Librarian Jeanne Gaunce has been instrumental in ensuring the proper materials are available to help preserve the archival collection. Buying special envelopes, folders, lint-free gloves and other materials and supplies ensures that the acid in paper and photographs will not ruin the materials over time. Gaunce explained that materials housed in an acidic environment change color and deteriorate over a period, thus losing much of their original condition. The grant allowed for the allocation of special boxes and envelopes to house news clippings, scrapbooks and other paper materials. “We needed more storage materials to make the collections we have archively safe,” Gaunce said. A new addition to the archives is the very first diploma issued by Cameron. The diploma dates back to 1912. The recipient was Minnie CookVanhoozer, whose great-niece and CU alumna, JoNan Avery, donated the diploma to CU. It will be housed in the new materials to keep it protected.
Please see FUNDS, page 3
PLEASE SEE PAGE 7
Photo by Scott Pratt
Voices
Volume 78 Issue 19
Archival collection: A sampling of materials in the university archives includes a home economics book, a photograph of former CU Professor Valree Wynn, issues of The Wichita dating back to 1914 and the first degree given by Cameron.
Photo by Anna Politano
Exercise in art: Ginger Ross and Krystal Deak, students at the Southwest Institute of Martial Arts, warm up during an evening Kung Fu class.
Kung Fu class finds grace in movement By Lauren Slate Staff Writer According to David Scott, master instructor and owner of the Southwest Institute of Martial Arts, there are 400 recognized styles of Kung Fu. But before Scott convinced CU administrators that the physical education department should offer Tai Chi and Kung Fu, there was not even one style available to Cameron students, and only Korean martial arts appeared in the Cameron catalog. For most students, the difference between Chinese and Korean martial arts is probably undetectable. Revealing the benefits of Chinese martial arts is one of the reasons Scott said he wanted to teach something other than Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Offered in the spring at CU, Scott’s Intro to Kung Fu class is taught at the Southwest Institute of Martial Arts, located across from Central Mall. The Institute offers adult and children’s classes in traditional Kung Fu, modern or contemporary Wu-Shu, the national sport of China, and Tai Chi Ch’uan. I have had the opportunity to try both the Intro to Kung Fu class offered at Cameron and the traditional Kung Fu class offered at the Southwest Institute of Martial Arts. In Scott’s traditional Kung Fu adult class the students practice different forms with weapons. Some of the weapons used and displayed on the wall are the spear, broadsword, steel-whip chain, Heaven and Earth sword and the horse cutter, designed to cut the legs off of horses in order to get to the rider. The weapons
are made out of either steel or aluminum and some are even in children’s sizes. Kung Fu can be such a beautiful art form when someone is out on the mat alone, immersed in a world of peace and concentration, “dancing” across the mat with control and grace. Masters of Kung Fu make the most difficult physical moves look simple. The many unique Chinese weapons they use only add to the impact of their performances. In addition to Kung Fu, Tai Chi is offered at Cameron University in the fall. Alicia Adams, theatre freshman, took Tai Chi last semester. Adams said she learned a lot about her mind and body in the class. “I learned how to breathe, stretch, concentrate on the movements of my body and some basic self defense,” Adams said. “It was a stress release which always felt good after a heavy day. “ Kung Fu class is my stress release, as well, but it is also very challenging. Some of the challenges are perfecting the horse, three-legged horse, dragon, cat and crane stances. Then there are the various kicks, sequences and forms to learn. A few examples are the roundhouse, inside and outside crescents and sweep sequence. In class, students can watch themselves in the mirror to make sure that their bodies are positioned correctly. It is much better to be in the proper position and kick low, than to give a
Please see KUNG FU, page 8
Volunteers offer career classes for Scouts By Jennifer Hardy Staff Writer
The Collegian Editorial Board speaks out on students’ rights to freedom of speech in the classroom. PLEASE SEE PAGE 2
Office: Nance Boyer 2060 Phone: 580•581•2261 E-mail us at : collegian@cameron.edu First Copy Free - $.25 for each additional copy Contents © The Collegian 2004
Being a Boy Scout during his teen years, and watching his two sons follow in his footsteps, there were no second thoughts for Gale Hagee when it came to continuing his contributions to the Boy Scouts. Hagee is an associate professor in the agriculture department at CU. He is also the district Boy Scout vice-chairman of programs and codirector of the Boy Scout merit badge “CampO-Ree” with Charles Fuqua of the Great Plains Technology Center. Camp-O-Ree was founded in 1995 by retired CU professor Mary Rubin. It is a non-profit camp where Boy Scout troops from Lawton and the surrounding areas come to take classes about career awareness. “Mary Rubin came to me with the idea in 1995,” Hagee said, “and ever since then we’ve been successful with it.” In 2003, Cameron teamed up with the Great Plains Technology Center to expand the camp.
“There are classes offered for the scouts to ex“However, throughout the years the camp has plore different occupations,” Hagee said, “such grown and now our typical enrollment numbers as law, photography, journalism and lifesaving.” are between 150 to 200 scouts.” Hagee said they are looking for volunteers Hagee said the three basic yet important aspects that are taught to scouts are citizento help out with the camp. CU professors and ship development, character develstudents are encouraged to get inopment and physical fitness. volved. There are plenty of classes to choose from if there is an There are courses offered in interest in helping out. Some all three fields. Once these classes are of the classes include: art, successfully completed, aviation, communications, each scout will receive computers, electronics, a merit badge. A merit fishing, golf, metal work badge is required in and swimming, just to the rank advancement name a few. This year the camp will program. Scouts must be held on Saturday, March successfully attain certain badges to move up in 5 and Saturday, April 2. the rankings. Those interested in helping out Over the years, enrollment should contact Gale Hagee by e-mail at galeh@cameron.edu or call has increased for Camp-O-Ree. “The first few years the enroll581.2263. Photo by Sarah Warren ment was small for us,” Hagee said.
Voices
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February 28, 2005
Editorial Board stands for freedom of speech
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One of the greatest benefits of a college education is the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion of the issues of the day. To place restrictions on that opportunity is to deprive students of a component essential to the development of the critical thinking skills necessary to successfully negotiate today’s complex society. We may not agree with what is said, but how are we to grow as individuals if we choose to silence those with whom we disagree? How are we to grow as a society? On Feb. 13, The Oklahoman carried a story by Ty McMahan regarding the expulsion of Durant native Scott McConnell from a New York college. McConnell, an education graduate student at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, was expelled because he wrote the following sentence in an assignment: “I also feel that corporal punishment has a place in the classroom and should be implemented when needed.” The comment was written in response to a question asking for his opinion on the use of corporal punishment in the classroom. According to McConnell, he received an “A’ for the assignment, but when the department chairman, Cathy Leogrande, read it she determined that his “personal beliefs regarding teaching and learning” were not in keeping with the college’s program goals. She informed him by letter that he was no longer enrolled for the upcoming spring semester. Was McConnell’s expulsion a violation of his freedom of speech? According to a statement provided by Leogrande to The Oklahoman, she wrote that ‘”we have an obligation as an institution to act in a manner that is consistent with the College’s mission….” Had she stopped at that point, there would have been no basis for discussion; as a private school, Le Moyne College is well within its rights to accept or reject those applicants or students who fail to meet the standards of the College. Unlike public institutions, private colleges are not directly compelled by law to allow unfettered freedom of speech (http://www. speechcodes.org/issues.php.) However, Leogrande chose to push on,
concluding her statement with the following: “…and that upholds New York Sate law and education requirements.” Le Moyne College is one of 28 colleges and universities in the nation affiliated with the Jesuit community. According to the “ The Communal Reflection on the Jesuit Mission in Higher Education: A Way of Proceeding” (http://www.jesuit.org): “ The Jesuit university or college must be a place of intellectual honesty, pluralism, and mutual respect where inquiry and open discussion characterize the environment of teaching, research, and professional development.” We e-mailed the president of Le Moyne College, asking what law in New York prohibited McConnell from writing that he saw no harm in corporal punishment. We were also interested in how the Jesuit community at Le Moyne had applied the principles of “intellectual honesty, pluralism, and mutual respect” to McConnell’s case. To date, we have received no response. Is McConnell’s case isolated? Googling the Internet, we came upon the Web site for the Foundation for Individual rights in Education (http:// www.thefire.org.) Did you know that Texas Tech and West Virginia University have designated “free speech zones”? What does that make the rest of campus, including the classroom? Unfree speech zones? It is chilling to think that those who wish to engage in free speech are assigned to designated areas, somewhat like smokers. Is someone afraid free speech may be infectious? As an editorial board, we are divided on the topic of corporal punishment in the classroom. But we are in total and unequivocal agreement on the importance of the preservation of free speech on the college campus. To paraphrase the famous words attributed to the philosopher Voltaire: “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” —The Editorial Board
‘Pre-diabetes’ stage can be reversed KRT Newswire “I don’t have diabetes,” a woman in my office told me. “My doctor says it’s just borderline.” In truth, there is no such thing as “borderline” diabetes. (It’s kind of like being “borderline” pregnant.) There is, however, a condition called “pre-diabetes” that describes blood glucose (sugar) levels not high enough to be classified as diabetes but not low enough to be called normal. According to criteria established by the American Diabetes Association, if you have a “fasting blood glucose” lab result between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter, you have “pre-diabetes.” What’s the big deal? Ignore “pre-diabetes” and you will probably go on to develop full-blown type 2 diabetes for which there is no cure. Make some lifestyle changes while you are still in the “pre-diabetes” stage and you have a very good chance to reverse it. Solid research has identified five behavior changes that can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes: — If you are overweight, lose at least 5 percent of your current weight. That’s just five pounds for every 100 pounds you weigh. Even a modest weight loss helps to prevent diabetes. — Cut the fat ... to less than 30 percent of your total calories. Figure how many calories you eat each day and divide that number by 30 to get your “daily fat goal” (in grams). For example, if you eat 1,500 calories a day, your daily fat goal is less than 50 grams. (You can check out fat grams on food labels.) — Eat less saturated fat — no more than 10 percent of your total daily calories. Saturated fat is listed on food labels. An ounce of cheese, for example, contains about 6 grams of saturated fat. — Eat more dietary fiber ... 25 to 30 grams a day. Since fiber is only found in plant foods, this is a sneaky way to get more fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grain foods into your diet. For instance, a cup of cooked beans contains 15 grams of dietary fiber. A cup of noodles contains 1 or 2 grams. — Exercise 150 minutes or more each week. That’s at least 30 minutes a day five days a week. The American Diabetes Association calls diabetes “one of the most costly and burdensome diseases of our time.” Now we can do something to stop it before it happens. — Barbara Quinn, Monterey County Herald
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board Managing Editor - Anna Politano News Editor - Lisa Snider Copy Editor - Kathleen Kelly A&E Editor - Angela Sanders Sports Editor - Joshua Rouse Features Editor - Angela Gradoz Graphic Artist - Leah Hicks Newsroom Staff Business Manager - Rosana Navas Cartoonists - Thomas Pruitt David Brandsetter Financial Officer - Susan Hill Photographer - Scott Pratt Webmaster - Ian Mitchell Faculty Adviser Christopher Keller
Daniel Graziani Political Sci. freshman “Although abstinence is not popular, itʼs the way to go.”
Jenny Jackson Business junior “My recommendation is abstinence, but education is still needed..”
Protection comes first: Writer argues sex education is a must When it comes to sex education, what should young people be taught? Is abstinence the answer? Or is safe sex education the right choice? Or should sex education be left up to the parents? There is an argument these days over what should be taught in our public schools. I say instead of arguing over which idea is better, combine efforts and provide options to students. Sex isn’t so “hush hush” as it used to be back in the day. With more young teenagers engaging in sexual intercourse, and many young girls and boys becoming Sarah Warren parents before graduating, sex education should be part of the curriculum. However, parents should have the option of teaching their children at home. In the classroom, instructors should provide students with both abstinence sex education and safe sex education. I have to differ with those arguing for abstinence only education in schools. By providing only abstinence education to students you are ignoring the fact that there are students who have already taken part in intercourse or have gotten pretty close. So why not teach them protection? Protection against STD’s and protection against pregnancy are crucial. Teach them the facts, but also teach them about the consequences and the emotional impact sex has on one’s life. Providing them with information and safe sex practices doesn’t mean you are giving them permission to go out and have sex. It means you are providing them with knowledge that can help them. I am a believer in waiting until marriage, and I am all for teaching abstinence, but proof that sex is occurring can be seen everywhere. By providing students with this type of education there could be a decrease in teen pregnancies and the spread of STD’s. Especially now, with AIDS running rampant in the world, young people need to be aware of the dangers of having unprotected sex, but know that practicing abstinence is their best bet. Students should be taught about abstinence and safe sex, and know that when it comes down to it they have the choice to say no, as well as the knowledge necessary to practice safe sex. Sarah is a journalism sophomore from Lawton. She is also a staff writer for The Collegian. Send comments to collegian@cameron.edu
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
Do you believe sex education is important?
Staff Writers Laura Brady, Christina Frye, Jennifer Hardy, Dawn Holt, Kari Lewis, Justin Liszeski, Ian Mitchell, Petulah Olibert, Scott Pratt, Sonya Ray, Lauren Slate, Sarah Warren About Us The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas. 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 via mail or e-mail/ collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060.
Paulo Araujo Computer Science junior “Yes. People need to be aware of the danger of their actions.”
Marianne Reeves Marketing junior “Itʼs important because people donʼt get information from their families.”
Thatianne Moreira Political Sci. sophomore “I believe on abstinence. You will never make a mistake this way.”
Regina Warren Criminal Justice senior “I believe every child should have sex education.” 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.
February 28, 2005
News
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Students walking in May must observe guidelines By Angela Gradoz Features Editor As commencement draws closer, undergraduates are encouraged to complete the graduation application by April 4 in North Shepler Room 205. In order for students to fill out the application they must bring a degree check signed by their academic advisor. According to Registrar Linda Phillips, students eligible to participate in commencement are those who completed graduation requirements in December 2004 and those who plan to complete requirements in Spring, Summer or Fall 2005. “We always have students with deficiencies,” Phillips said. “A lack of upper division courses is one of the main problems.” Students should expect to receive diplomas by mail within four to six weeks after the end of the semester, or students may check CamSIS to verify that all requirements were met about a week after finals. According to Phillips, the graduation application ensures students’ names appear in the commencement ceremony program and
on the diploma correctly. A $15 graduation application fee is also required but may be paid by the end of the semester. The fee covers graduation expense, diploma and commencement program printing and diploma covers. In addition, students who opted to withhold directory information when they enrolled at Cameron must authorize release of student directory information if they want their names printed in the newspaper or commencement program. Students must check yes on the graduation application form. “If students have a hold on their student information, their names will not be released to the newspaper or printed in the commencement program, according to FERPA regulations,” Phillips said. Student directory information includes name, address, telephone number, e-mail, date of birth, place of birth, current enrollment status, dates of attendance and graduation, and degrees and awards earned. For more information regarding the graduation application, contact Linda Phillips at 581.2231 or Renee Roach at 581.2351.
Go out in style: Necessities for graduation can be purchased in the Bookstore. Items include caps and gowns and their accessories, diploma frames and announcements.
Photo by Scott Pratt
FUNDS Continued from page 1 materials to keep it protected. The archives room already has UV protection on the lights, blocking some of the harmful rays. The Archives house much of Cameron’s history by keeping everything from first issues of The Cameron Collegian and the Wichita to film roles of basketball and football games on record. Environmental monitoring equipment will also be installed in the archives area to monitor temperature and humidity. This equipment will guard against heat damage to photographs, film and other sensitive materials. Protecting those collections is the primary main focus for Young and Gaunce. For this reason, part of the grant was used to hold a workshop for library staff on how to deal with fire or water damage to collection materials. All of the work stemming from the grant should be completed by May according to Young. Film will be on the windows, archives will be up to date, and the library will be a more material friendly environment, she said.
Campus Round-up Go, Aggies! The men and women’s basketball teams will face Tarleton State on Feb. 26 at the Aggie Gym. The Lady Aggies will hit the court at 2 p.m. and the Aggies will start at 4 p.m.
President Ross invites students to share ideas CU students are welcome to share thoughts and ideas with President Ross in her office. Open Door meetings are scheduled for Mar.10 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and April 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 581.2201 to reserve a time.
Need a little free entertainment? CU’s speech team will showcase speeches and interpretation events at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Communication Room 114, as they prepare for competition at Nationals.
Student reports lost purse A purse was lost last Wednesday outside the Student Union containing important documents and keys. If found, please return it to the Public Safety office in Room 100, South Shepler.
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What’s next?
Career Expo provides links for job seekers
Students get help with the job market By Petulah Olibert
By Ian Mitchell Staff Writer Red River Career Expo 2005 was held at the Great Plains Coliseum on Sheridan Road between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. last Thursday. Cameron University, Fort Sill ACAP, Sheppard Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base, Vernon Regional Junior College and Wayland Baptist University jointly sponsored the very well attended event. The expo featured 86 employers from Lawton and throughout the United States. There were a wide variety of industries represented ranging from software engineering to law enforcement. These employers sought an even wider range of employees from unskilled to highly skilled workers. Fastenal, the industrial and construction supplier, has branches in the U.S., including Lawton, and in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Singapore and the Dominican Republic. According to Pat Jolif, district sales manager, the company was primarily seeking persons for various customer service and sales positions who are interested in integrating with the organization in Western Oklahoma and being part of a growing company. Locally, parttime and internship positions are available as well. “Here in Lawton I’m looking primarily for part-time people,” Jolif said. “I would also like to develop an internship program with Cameron University or another school in the region to include all facets of run-
ning a Fastenal branch.” Jolif said he was very pleased with the responses of potential employees at the job fair, citing the diversity of the group. Terri Wyatt, a special agent in the recruiting department, represented the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). She said the DEA is the lead law enforcement agency as far as working on drug cases nationally and worldwide with over 200 offices within the continental United States and 85 foreign offices. Wyatt said she was at the Expo to recruit for specific positions. “I am here to recruit for the special agent position which is an armed federal law-enforcement position,” she said. “Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 36, have a 4 year college degree, particularly in accounting or finance, with a minimum 2.85 GPA, three years of professional work experience, minimum drug use, good physical condition and U.S. citizenship.” Wyatt also said that she was quite pleased with the flow of applicants from the very start of the job fair. Marie Cheek, of Telos-OK’s human resources department, said Telos-OK has a partnership with Cameron University and many of their employees are CU graduates. The company primarily performs life-cycle systems and software engineering services for Fort Sill and has been in the Lawton/Fort Sill area for over 25 years. According to Cheek, the company was seeking
Staff Writer
employees with computer science backgrounds as about 85 percent of their workers are employed in technical areas. Specifically, they required programmers, software engineers and system engineers. Cheek said the early response was not very good but she was still a bit optimistic. “This is primarily not a large technical job fair,” she said. “But there’s a lot of people here and it’s still early.” Manuel Rios, an officer based at Fort Sill, was among the many job seekers. According to him, he was searching for a job in a quite different industry. “I’m looking for a management position in the food service industry,” he said. Rios said he was able to find some opportunities at the Expo. “There are a few companies here like Braums and others that I’ve been interested in,” he said. CU mathematics and engineering design major and international student Clement Williams was also at the fair. He said he was in search of employment in his field. He also found some employers who interested him. “I’ve seen some that I like including Northrop Grumman and CSC,”
he said. According to Williams, although there were a wide range of jobs and industries at the fair, his status as a foreign student precluded him from many. “There were quite a few jobs that required security clearance,” he said, “and with my status I’m not likely to get it.” CU electronics engineering technology major Joseph Batiste has been to other Red River Career Expos and thinks this one has provided him with more opportunities than the others. “This is my third time at the Red River Expo and there seems to be more booths with companies in my field and a lot of people attending,” he said. “It’s better for me than in previous years.” Additional information on Red River Career Expo 2005 can be found on their Web site, http://www.cameron.edu/redriverexpo.
It’s that time again: graduation inches closer, yet many are stymied in knowing what the next move will be. Will a job be available? Should further studies be pursued? Or should the prospective graduate sit idly by, waiting for life to take its course? In an effort to ease the difficulties that come along with graduation and finding jobs suited to one’s qualifications, and to facilitate graduates’ entry into the world of work, Cameron University offers the career services’ department. Career services is a branch of Cameron University’s Office of Student Development which administers a number of programs to facilitate student learning and the transition into university life. Along with career advice, the office of student development provides disabled student services, which includes classroom accommodations for students with disabilities. The multicultural services programs committee acts as a resource for the various multicultural organizations on campus and sponsors multicultural activities as well. The office also deals with judicial affairs, mainly concerning student conduct, and offers personal counseling and scholarships such as the Presidential Leaders University Scholars (PLUS). Director of Student Development Jennifer Holland said that career services are a major component of the student development office. “Our job is to help students be prepared for the job market,” Holland said. “We ensure that students have the tools needed to find jobs. By his or her senior year, a student should have an idea of what area they want to go into.” Holland said career services helps students find resources and also presents them with job opportunities. There is also a job-posting book listing job announcements that come into the student development office and several Web sites that include a variety of jobs.
Alumni relations: keeping in touch, measuring success By Dawn Holt Staff Writer Have you ever wondered who keeps track of the graduates once they graduate and how they can stay involved in their alma mater? The Alumni Relations Office is the liaison between Cameron University and the Cameron University Alumni Association (CUAA). CUAA is considered the link between the Cameron graduate, friends and university that allows the members to keep in touch with CU. “Our number one goal is to track alumni after they leave so we can communicate and maintain contact in order to know the status of our alumni and their success,” Sandy Joyner, director of alumni relations, said. CUAA holds an annual alumni weekend every fall to help maintain the communication. Last year’s alumni weekend had over 200 alumni participate in the various events, and yet there are 1,100 active alumni in the association. During the alumni weekend, the CUAA had a special presentation honoring the alumni of 50 years ago with a Golden Associate Medallion. Other awards given are the Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Faculty Hall of fame. One award that will be added this year is the outstanding Young Alumnus Award. This award will be given to an alumnus who graduated 10 years or less ago. “CUAA saw a need for this award,” Joyner said. “The younger alumni were not able to compete with the older alumni who had been prominent in the community for a longer period.” Member of the association also receive graduate membership discounts and benefits in local and national areas. The member receives discounts at 5-car rental business’ and at eight choice hotels around the United States. In the Lawton area graduates can receive discounts at Sohl Paint and Decorating, Wolf Creek Liquor and Wines and Lawton Teachers Federal Credit Union. Members of the CUAA are able to check out books at the Cameron Library, receive 10 percent off imprinted CU gift items at the CU Bookstore, discounts off athletic and fine arts events and a personal membership card with a window decal. As a member of CUAA, the graduate will receive the
Cameron Magazine twice a year, which obtains information about alumni, notification of special events and CU news. The magazine is published through the Government and Community Relations in conjunction with the Alumni Relations Office. Although alumni receive discounts and benefits if they are members of CUAA, they are also help support the university. According to Joyner, the alumni association provides scholarships to deserving junior and senior level students at CU and in return hope encourages involvement in the association after graduation. Since 1990, CUAA has presented $30,500 in scholarships including four $1,000 dollar scholarships for the current school year. The members help nominate the distinguished Alumni awards and the Faculty Hall of Fame Awards. CUAA is also active in helping with special campus projects. They provided $20,000 towards the 2004 renovation of the Student Activities Building and have helped with numerous projects and activities to benefit students, alumni, and CU according to Joyner. The Alumni Relations Office is selling CU alumni merchandise such as T-shirts, golf shirts, sweatshirts and diploma frames. According to Joyner, alumni wanted CU alumni shirts and other merchandise, but had no way of getting the merchandise unless they visited the campus. The Alumni Relations office proceeded to put the items on the Web site so alumni can view merchandise, purchase and have the items shipped to their address for free. Overall CUAA benefits both the campus and the alumni. Joyner said, “Most important is the intangibles worth of the membership, the reflection of your loyalty and support for Cameron.”
Photo by Scott Pratt
Measuring sucess: Sandy Joyner, director of alumni relations, presents Henry Herzig with a life membership certificate. Herzig is an alumni graduate from 1976 and is currently the district manager of Waddell & Reed Fincancial Services. Herzig was one of the top Waddell & Reed financial advisors in the nation.
“The department also compiles distribution lists that we mail out to students about the available job openings, but for one to access that information, he has to come into our offices and let us know he is looking for a job,” Holland said. On average, the office gets five or six job announcements per day, but most jobs don’t stay open for long, so students need to be diligent and follow up on jobs, Holland said. “Our office also boasts computerized assessment programs. A student has to answer a series of questions and [provide] information about themselves, and the program pinpoints his or her interests,” she said. “I usually encourage students to get the computerized assessment done before their senior year. That way, they can pinpoint their areas of interest and direct their studies accordingly.” Although the career services department facilitates one’s potential entry into the job market, finding a job in an already glutted job market is no walk in the park. According to Holland, the job search process may sometimes take as long as six months. Consequently, she urges students to decide beforehand their areas of interest and to apply for jobs as early as possible so that upon graduation, securing a job will not be an interminable and tedious process. Luckily, the career services department makes job searching even easier by walking students through each step of the process. “First we have to ensure that each student who comes in has a proper resume,” Holland said. “This is the most important tool in finding a job. A resume has to be a snapshot of your skills and experience — not your life story. I think that is one of the mistakes that students make.” Another tool needed is a letter of application, or a cover letter, that states the student’s interests. In addition, it is important that a student has references and that he or she has been granted permission to use that person as a reference, Holland said. The buck doesn’t stop there. The career services officers also help students with their interviewing skills by conducting mock interviews. “We have had several mock interviews with different students. We hold the notion that if a student sending out resumes receives calls, but does not get a position, then he probably needs to work on his interviewing skills,” Holland said. “If he sends out resumes but receives no return calls, then he needs to work on his resume. So when a student comes in to seek help, we ensure they have these tools — the resume, cover letter and references and that they have also worked on their interview skills.” In addition to ironing out the bumps in a student’s approach to the job market, the career services department provides students hands on contact with a number
of companies and employers. Cameron University’s annual career expo is one more product of the career services department, implemented to further ease the entry of graduates into the workforce. The career expo is held every February and alternates between the communities of Lawton and Wichita Falls. This is the eighth year Cameron has undertaken to host the job fair, affording students numerous opportunities to meet with potential employers. Holland urges students to take advantage of the expo, because it aids students in perfecting their self-marketing abilities. “Even if a student isn’t quite ready for the workforce, I would urge them to take advantage of those types of opportunities because it helps you get comfortable when introducing and marketing yourself,” she said. “A student is his own marketing tool when trying to find a job and the career expo helps one become comfortable with that process.” At every job fair, students are offered the opportunity to have on-site interviews, and Holland advises them to be properly attired and prepared. Holland says that lately, the career services office is pleased with the progress it has made and the help given to students. Despite a few initial setbacks the office is now back on track and as busy as ever. “I think many students are not fully aware of the career services department because we had been closed for a year and then short staffed for some time,” she said. “We now have a full time staff. As a result, we are able to do more for the students who come in seeking our help. It is always a pleasure to work with the students, and we are constantly seeking avenues which will improve the services we provide.”
AmeriCorps volunteer gains experience By Ian Mitchell Staff Writer Recent Cameron graduate Cherisa Standridge is benefiting in many ways as an AmeriCorps volunteer. According to their Web site, AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. There are two programs that are managed nationally: AmeriCorps*VISTA, which stands for Volunteers in Service to America and AmeriCorps*NCCC, the National Civilian Community Corps. Standridge is currently assigned a position as a case manager with homeless veterans in Phoenix, Arizona, serving a 1,700-hour term. According to her, in addition to her community service, she is gaining experience that helps to build up her resume and references. Standridge said that AmeriCorps has specific reward scales for volunteers. “I am earning an education award of just under $5,000,” she said. “Research AmeriCorps on the Internet, and you find that it pays volunteers a stipend over a 10-month period for 1,700 hours of service and then awards over $4,700 to a qualified school or lender of the volunteer’s choice.” According to Standridge, she first learned about AmeriCorps through information provided by CU’s Financial Assistance Office. “I learned of this opportunity from the financial aide exit counseling assigned to me by Cameron’s financial aid department on CamSIS,” she said. “The counseling mentioned that one way to earn money to pay off student loans is to volunteer with AmeriCorps.” Standridge said she immediately logged on to their Web site and applied for all the available positions. However Standridge still went ahead and began her graduate program in behavioral science at Cameron last summer. It was during this time she began receiving responses. “I started to get e-mails, interviews, and offers with AmeriCorps directors from all over the United States,” she said. According to Standridge, she decided that pursuing her service with AmeriCorps was a more intriguing prospect at that point. “I got excited about serving, gaining experience and earning an education award,” she said. “It was the experience
I felt I could not do without.” Standridge feels that education and experience are essential when placing an individual at an advantage in today’s competitive job market and when choosing the appropriate graduate program. She said she began accumulating experience in her field long before joining AmeriCorps. “As a junior, I began volunteering around the profession I was interested in, and as a senior I took an entry level position in a related field, so I was ready to step it up a notch with AmeriCorps. I found an AmeriCorps director who gave me the opportunity to grow,” she said. “Thanks to AmeriCorps, I have the experience I need to choose the right graduate program and get the job I want.” As such, Standridge considers her decision to join AmeriCorps a positive one even though she sometimes misses her home. “Even though I do get homesick, I will never regret my decision to volunteer in AmeriCorps,” she said. Standridge said a full time volunteer term usually runs from September to July and, as a rule, selection begins in the summer and lasts through August. According to the AmeriCorps Web site, the deadline for joining AmeriCorps*NCCC this year is March 15. No deadline was posted for AmeriCorps*VISTA. Enrollment for AmeriCorps is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent resident aliens. Therefore, international students are ineligible to apply. Applicants must be at least 17-yearsold. However, some programs require that an applicant must be 18. Detailed information on AmeriCorps is available on their Web site, http://www.americops.org.
A&E
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February 28, 2005
Reeves returns to battle good, evil By Josh Rouse Sports Editor Hell hath no fury like Keanu Reeves at the box office. His latest thriller, “Constantine,” became a big hit with moviegoers over the President’s Day holiday weekend, grossing $33.6 million in its first four days. The fires of Hell were somewhat diminished by Will Smith’s romantic-comedy, “Hitch,” which held its number one spot with $36 million. The family dog comedy “Because of Winn-Dixie” grossed $13 million followed by the grotesque “Son of the Mask” with $9 million. Clint Eastwood’s Oscar hopeful “Million Dollar Baby” grossed an additional $8 million, bringing up the top five for the weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. Based on the Detective Comics (DC) series, “Hellblazer,” “Constantine” follows the enigmatic John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) as he travels a line between Heaven and Hell, Good and Evil. He tries to win back his place in heaven, after he commits suicide as a teenager. Now, Constantine smokes 30 cigarettes
Courtesy Photo
a day, drinks hard liquor and lives in isolation above a bowling alley. He is aided by a well-meaning, and very annoying, protégé Chaz (Shia LaBeouf). Chaz, who owes his life to Constantine, chauffeurs Constantine in his beat-up taxicab. Chaz aspires to be like Constantine, but comes up short. Constantine is caught in a bet between God and Satan over the souls of humanity. Each force
sends “half-breeds” (half human, half angel/demon) to influence humanity to one side or another. However, they cannot directly interfere or it would break the “rules” set in place. This time around, Constantine is caught up in a plot to bring the son of Satan into the earthly plane. Detective Angela Dodson’s (Rachel Weisz) twin sister jumps off the top of a hospital. While
‘The Music’ ignored in U.S. By Justin Liszeski Staff Writer Released without much publicity in the U.S. at the end of 2004, The Music’s sophomore album, “Welcome to the North” is packed with intense instrumentals and intriguing vocals. Providing an experience unlike that of the typical American group, “Welcome to the North” follows the band’s return to their hometown of Leeds, England, after touring the world in support of their first album. With 11 songs and a running time of 55 minutes, the beats, rhythms, rifts and vocals are varied enough to ensure boredom does not set in. The Music manages to find a balance between Future Leaders of The World’s political bluntness, Eddie Vedder’s (Pearl Jam) excessive vocals and Anthony Kiedis’ of the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bizarre concepts and sentence constructs. The Music comes across as a jam band that managed to find a singer. Rob Harvey performs his role well, dances and comes up with lyrics that strike a chord with those willing to listen. Stuart
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Coleman slaps his bass around so well that he draws attention away from any other sound. He would probably dominate the album if not for drummer Phil Jordan’s steady rhythms. The guitar, played by Adam Nutter, often takes the lead, tending to drown out Harvey’s vocals, but that is not anything to complain about because the sound is so different and creates a great layer for Harvey to place his singing over. Tracks like “Welcome to the North,” “Guide,” “Bleed From Within” and “Breakin” are powered by Harvey’s vocals while “Open Your Mind”, and solid playing carries “Into the Night” along. But like any exceptional band, consistent listening will result in other aspects of the songs taking center stage. Focus may be placed upon one facet or a combination of facets, whether it is the drums, the guitar or lyrics. Some might be tempted to place The Music into the pop category after hearing a few songs, especially “Breakin” and “I Need Love,” since they have a fair amount of crooning and high-pitched vocals. Songs like “Cessation,” “Freedom Fighters”
and “One Way In, No Way Out” dispel any illusions about the band’s pop appeal, though. Their pure rock relies on instruments to gain attention. Sadly, much like their debut album, “Take The Long Road and Walk It,” “Welcome to the North” does not get heavy rotation on MTV. The band does not get the recognition in the U.S. it deserves, and thus only plays meager venues in the country’s smaller cities. Their latest single “Breakin” rarely gets any play here when compared with other artists such as Razorlight and the Zutons. In fact, on MTV’s “Subterranean,” which just happens to be one of the few programs on any music television channel worth watching, I’ve seen the video only a few times. The limited amount of radio play is not as important as TV airtime, but it is not helping the band. “Welcome to the North” is an album anyone who enjoys rock should have, particularly those tired of the monotonous crap that plagues mainstream music. Overall Grade: A
everybody around thinks it is a suicide, Angela believes it was murder because her sister was a devout Catholic. She approaches Constantine about the apparent suicide and asks for his help. Constantine joins reluctantly when a half-breed named Balthazar kills two of his friends. Keanu Reeves is no stranger to blockbusters. He is most notable for the sci-fi masterpiece, “The Matrix” and its two sequels. His first big break was in the slacker comedy “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” about two losers in high school who travel through time. It spawned a sequel in 1991, “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Adventure.” Reeves first big blockbuster was the 1994 action vehicle, “Speed,” about a bus armed with a bomb by a madman (Dennis Hopper). In 1999 Reeves starred in the relatively unknown “The Matrix.” After it became a box office spectacle, the directing Wachowski brothers made two sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions in 2003.” Both became blockbusters and cemented Reeves’ position in Hollywood history. Rachel Weisz has dealt with the
paranormal and demonic entities before. Weisz starred in the 1999 remake “The Mummy” and its sequel “The Mummy Returns.” She also starred along side Keanu Reeves in the action fest, “Chain Reaction.” Weisz was in the 2003 John Grisham thriller, “Runaway Jury” and has the upcoming movie, “The Fountain.” Fans of “The Matrix” series will see similarities between “The Matrix” and “Constantine.” Keanu Reeves’ Constantine is similar to the technological superhero, Neo. The graphics are far better in “Constantine.” The main difference is the lack of horrendous bullet time imaging. While “Constantine” carried the R rating, it had few cuss words and was far from bloody. Most teenagers would be able to watch it with no problem. There are many references to Satan and demonic images. Constantine takes itself more serious than the 2004 hit, “Hellboy.” The movie is more violent and has a darker aspect. “Constantine” will not beat the summer movies but is a good look at the 2005 season ahead. Overall Grade: B
Anger management
Photo by Aaron Gilbee
Take that: Johnny Walker entertains his guests. Walker came to Cameron last Tuesday for PAC’s comedy night.
February 28, 2005
Sports
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Lady Aggie Softball team strikes out at annual Central Arkansas Spring Clash
Aggies baseball swept by Abilene Christian
By Christina Frye
CU Sports Information
Staff Writer The Lady Aggies softball team traveled to Conway, Ark., Feb. 18-19 to participate in the Central Arkansas Spring Clash. CU played a set of double-headers throughout the two days at the Farris Complex Fields. In their first game, CU tried to take out the Delta State Statesmen, but it was a tough battle and the Aggies were outscored 3-6. In the second game, CU played against Central Arkansas. The Aggies managed no errors in the game, but knocked down only two hits against the UCA Bears pitcher. The game ended 0-3. On Feb. 19, CU pulled their second double-header, with the Aggies picking up the pace and rallying some hits against the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders. Unfortunately, the effort did not add enough points to the scoreboard, and the game ended with a final score of 2-3. The last game of the double-header for the Aggies in the Spring Clash ended with a loss against Arkansas-Monticello. Although the Aggies have seen some tough games this season, the team’s stats have improved. The Aggies got in some good hits in their game against DSU; they stole some bases, and had 17 assists. CU’s pitching effort, which tallied five strikeouts, was helpful in the game against the SAU Muleriders. In order for the Aggies to knock down more wins, Dewayne Hartman, a member of the CU coaching staff said, “We need to get back to the fundamentals of softball. If we focus on the little things, then the big things will take care of themselves.”
Cameron’s baseball team scored eight runs in each game of a Sunday doubleheader at Abilene Christian. But the Wildcats produced 25 total hits on the day, completing a four-game series sweep of the Aggies with wins of 14-8 and 11-8. Cameron had 19 hits on the day, but committed seven errors to fall to 3-4 on the season. Lawton native Trey Chambers led the Aggies at the plate Sunday, going 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and 2 RBI. Sunday’s first contest went back-and-forth before Abilene Christian took control with a fiverun sixth inning. Already ahead 9-7, ACU got RBIs on a walk and a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded and capitalized on one Aggie error in the inning to extend its lead to 14-7. Cameron took brief leads of 4-3 in the fourth inning and 7-6 in the fifth, but each time the Wildcats answered in the bottom half of the inning to regain the lead. Game 2 proved to be similar to the first. This time the Aggies jumped out to a 6-1 advantage and led 7-3 before ACU erupted for eight runs on just three hits in the bottom of the sixth. Cameron committed two errors in the frame and Aggie pitchers combined for two walks and three wild pitches before ACU’s Brenan Herrera smashed a two-run homer to cap the rally.
Photo by Christina Frye
Follow the Aggies spring sports at http://goaggies. cameron.edu
Practice makes perfect: Outfielder Kristal Maxwell practices after a rained out game. Kristal is an interdisciplinary studies freshman from Bray, Okla.
Aggie basketball wins second game By Sonya Ray Staff Writer Cameron University men and women basketball teams hosted Northeastern State on Feb. 19. The Lady Aggies played a tight game, but unfortunately fell short to Northeastern State, which dropped them to 5-5 in the Lone Star Conference North Division play. According to the CU official basketball box score, the Lady Aggies had two players in double digits: Brittany Cooksey and Jonetta Brown, both with 14 points. The Lady Aggies shot 30.9 percent from the field and 92.8 percent from the free throw line. The Lady Reds started off strong, and led by five within the first three minutes of the half. CU tried to trim away at Northeastern’s lead when they came within one, 13-14 with 9:06 left to play. By the end of the half, the Lady Reds retained the lead by two, 19-21. The Lady Reds had three players with double digits: Jenna Miller with 14 and Cara Busson and Rikki Hall with 12. They shot 37.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free throw line. At the beginning of the second half, Melissa Steen provided a jumper to tie the score, 21-21. The Lady Reds continued to tack onto their lead. A free throw shot by Cara Busson gave the Lady Reds an eight point advantage over the Aggies with 0:48 left to play. The Lady Aggies rallied to pull within four of the Lady Reds, losing within the final half, 47-51. The CU men pulled out a win against Northeastern State. According to the game box score statistics, the Aggies trailed in the early minutes of the first half when
Photo by Rusty Riddle Sports Photography of Lawton
Going for the score: Aggie guard Eric Moore charges against Abilene Christian Guard David Baxter in a recent game against Abilene Christian University. The Aggies won against ACU 105-93. the Reds held a seven-point led. The Reds continued to dominate the first half leading by as much as twelve within the half. The Aggies rallied to pull the lead down to seven and entered the second half at 29-36. The Reds had two players in double figures: Shad Rome came in with 24 points and Marcus Hines had 10. The Reds shot 46.2 percent from the field and 58.8 percent from the free throw line. The second half was an up and
down battle for the Aggies, but Cameron rallied to gain the lead within the final two minutes. Free throws by three key players helped to create a five-point lead giving Cameron the win, 69-64. Arthur Trousdell led the players with 20 points. Eric Moore came through with 15 and Justin Harris came in with 14. The Aggies shot 40.4 from the field and 84.4 from the free throw line. Cameron moved to 2-8 in the LSC North division play.
The Back Page
8 www.cameron.edu/collegian
KUNG FU Continued from page 1
ACROSS 1 Excited 5 Word before media or transit 9 Roam stealthily 14 Theater box 15 Stove chamber 16 Sri Lanka cash 17 Dieter’s activity? 20 Chafing dish fuel 21 Chi-town paper 22 Begley and Meese 23 Chicken products 25 Jason of the NFL 27 Recipe amt. 30 Love god 32 Teem 36 Upon 38 Toward shelter 40 Of the moon 41 Dieter’s passion? 44 Elia or Lainie 45 Act boldly 46 Summers on the Somme 47 Wading birds 49 Short-term worker 51 Tee preceder 52 Ted or Connie 54 Enameled metalware 56 Battery size 59 Small lake 61 Newly hatched insects 65 Dieter’s magic goal? 68 Very angry 69 Wallach and Whitney 70 Job safety org.
71 Used a keyboard 72 Breathy utterance 73 Golf shop buy DOWN Priests’ robes Large blob Monster Literary category 5 Initial design 6 Part of GPA 7 Offshoot group 8 Trap 9 Likely but uncertain 10 Capek play 11 Mayberry boy 12 Garden pest 13 Fewer 18 “Picnic” playwright 19 Pirsig book 24 Unbroken 26 Computer critter? 27 Flat-head nails 28 Ermine in a light coat 29 Big name in investment swindles 31 French legislature 33 Form a bond 34 Nostrils 35 Apparel 37 Sacred hymn 39 Leggy bird 42 Yet to be used 43 Raze 48 Old English bard 50 Outline 53 Leg joints 55 Lysergic acid source 56 Mine entrance 57 Well 1 2 3 4
ventilated 58 In an NYC minute 60 Salvador the surrealist 62 Ornamental
63 64 66 67
jar Pain Schedule figs. Downed a sub Fit out
February 28, 2005
sense of accomplishment or progress. Although sparring is a very physical aspect of martial arts, Kung Fu is about using the opponent’s force to your advantage. Scott taught me how to move with my opponent’s force instead of pitting force against force. The true martial artist will use just the amount of force necessary to win in a fight, rather than the amount he or she is capable of placing on an opponent. In my opinion, Kung Fu requires the use of the mind more than the body and perhaps that is why it is so challenging. As Scott and Schoolcraft said, “Kung Fu-big elephant. Take small bites.”
high but incorrect kick, Scott said. Height comes with increased strength and flexibility. Techniques in basic self-defense and how to throw punches and kicks are also taught. I have taken kickboxing at Cameron, so I thought I had that covered, but I did not do any kicks or punches in the correct Kung Fu style. I drew my arm back every time I threw a punch, which would reveal my move to my opponent and slow the punch down. Scott attempted to correct the habit by making us close our eyes and imagine something quick like a snake darting in to bite; our fists had to reach the punching bag before the snake released its venom. Some improvement was made but Scott reminded us that it takes practice. Seth Schoolcraft, assistant instructor, agreed that the only way to get better at martial arts is to practice and spar with someone better than you. “You get beaten, but you continue to get up again and again,” he said. Maybe that is why in Chinese culture the “black belt” became the highest in rank; a student beginning training would wear a white sash that, after much sparring (called san shou), finally turned black. In China, there are traditionally only three sashes. According to Scott, the first is for the one who sweeps the floor, the student wears the second, and the Master wears the third and highest. In the United States, Photo by Anna Politano Americans have creA kickin’ good time: Rick Jones, a student of the Southwest Inated a system of levels stitute of Martial Arts, warms up for Kung Fu class with some kicking of sashes to earn for a exercises.