Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, February 19, 2024
Volume 110 Issue 3
Photos by Brittney Payette
Brittney Payette Managing Editor
From Feb. 9-11 in the Academic Commons and Nance Boyer, Cameron’s Forensics team hosted their Sweetheart Swing Speech and Debate tournament. Cameron’s Director of Forensics Katie Stringer and her speech and debate team did a lot to prepare for the tournament prior to its occurrence. “We’ve had to do a lot of things through the software in which we run tournaments, called Speechwire,” she said. “After preparing that, then you can go in and do things such as print your ballots for your judges, gather your judges, enter them in the system, prepare how you’re going to feed your judges and competitors.” Stringer said she felt really good about the tournament. “It’s going to be a wonderful experience,” she said. “We have, I believe, 12 schools currently coming and we have some big hitter schools that are very well known on the circuit coming all the way here to Oklahoma to come to this tournament, so that is a lovely experience.” Stringer said she really appreciated everyone who helped before, during and after the tournament. She also said she hopes that more people will give speech and debate a shot. “Even if they have no experience,” she said, “just come try it out. Come talk to us. Give us a chance to answer your questions and to get to know you and you to get to know us.” One member of Cameron’s speech and debate team is junior Political Science major Logan Edwards, who joined the team three years ago. “As soon as I heard about the program at Cameron, I decided to join,” he said. “I knew it was something that I could learn from and develop my speaking skills and public speaking confidence.” Edwards said the team has helped him immensely by giving him an overall confidence boost, especially when speaking extemporaneously and publicly. He said he has enjoyed a variety of experiences he has had while on the team. “(I enjoyed) getting to travel and spend time with the friends that I have on the team,” Edwards said. “And getting coached by Katie has also been a blessing.” One memorable tournament Edwards participated in took place last year. “I went to the state tournament,” he said. “ … it was
an awesome experience. I’m very excited for this year’s state tournament, and I feel like it was an experience that I’ll certainly remember in my post-undergrad life.” Freshman English Education major Liberty Drown said she has always been passionate about speech and debate. “I did it in high school for three years,” she said. “It’s just something I really enjoy to do … plus I’m a pretty confrontational person, so it’s pretty easy for me.” Drown said she has learned a lot from being a part of the Forensics team at Cameron. “I used to be a very insecure person,” she said. “Speech and debate kind of really, really helped me, like, you know, talk in front of people, be comfortable with who I am, basically just be unapologetically myself.” She said she used to be terrified of talking in front of others, but now she is able to do it like it is nothing. She said that Stringer has been really helpful in teaching her how to not only speak, but act as well. “I do poetry, so I’ve been learning how to go jump between characters,” she said. “Mine’s pretty serious, so I kind of have to learn how to be a bit more serious when I do my acting.” Drown said being a part of speech and debate allowed her to learn useful skills. “You learn how to talk in front of people,” she said. “You learn how to argue respectfully, and it’s something that … if you’re insecure with how you look, or how you’re perceived, I think it’s something you definitely need to join because it opens your eyes.” She said she appreciates the opportunities speech and debate provides. “We’re going to Arizona for nationals and, you know, I probably would have never been to Arizona if it wasn’t for nationals,” Drown said. “It’s something that helps you be comfortable with who you are.” Freshman Lanique Magee said she decided to join Cameron’s team because she previously participated in speech and debate in high
school. “I really like the environment that speech and debate creates,” she said. “The people, they’re really nice.” Sophomore Computer Science major Aaliyah Hopson said she wanted to join the debate team because one of her favorite movies “The Great Debater” inspired her. She said she has gained a variety of skills from being on the team. “I’ve learned so much … about how to research and I guess, the important things to pull out of research,” she said. “And, surprisingly, it’s helped me communicate with others better.” Hopson said she enjoys spending time with the other members of Cameron’s forensics team. “They’re so helpful,” she said. “This is my first time ever doing debate, so they’ve taught me a lot, and they’re so patient with me.” Hopson said they have spent time practicing for future tournaments. “We’ve done little mock tournaments in our room,” she said. “We did one about cats and whether they were angels or not. That was fun. And, we go over a lot of, you know, our events that we have to do, and she’s (Stringer) just getting us very prepared by breaking everything down, (and) by letting us know how we can prepare.” For more information about speech and debate, contact Stringer at kstringe@cameron.edu.
What’s Inside New Testing Coordinator
Palworld Review
Serving up some fun
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News
February 19, 2024
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MEET JARROD BROWN CU-DUNCAN’S NEW TESTING COORDINATOR
Scott Smith Staff Writer
The Duncan campus of Cameron University has a new testing facility and computer lab. Going into its second year of operation, you may see a lot of new equipment and changes throughout the building, but one fixture of the testing center has not changed: Jarrod Brown began his career as testing coordinator and tutor seven years ago in 2017. Brown is a two-time graduate of Cameron University. He earned his first Bachelor’s degree in multimedia design in 2012 and then returned to school and earned a second Bachelor’s degree in English creative writing in 2017. Brown said that there have been a lot of changes to the testing center since he began his career. One of the biggest changes is going from the original six computers in 2017 to the fourteen computers that now occupy the facility today. He said that should the need arise;
he also has the option to use any of the additional fourteen machines that are available in the computer lab located in the room adjacent to the testing facility. Brown said that while there have been no issues with the new technology so far, there is one thing that could operate a little better. “One issue that I don’t think that they foresaw was that the doors can be a little loud when they are being closed,” Brown said. “That echo can be a little jarring for students that are in the testing center, but otherwise, as far as technology, everything has been running really well.” Brown said, on average in a typical week, he sees ten to twelve students that take proctored exams. He said that all changes during midterm and finals weeks. Brown said he administered over 100 tests during finals week for the Fall semester and estimates that the testing center sees over 600 students during a typical semester. Brown said that while exams for
Cameron University classes make up the majority of the tests given at the facility, he also administers the ACT for high school students that are looking to attend CU. Brown also said that he gives exams for outside interests as well. “We get a lot of OSU math placement exams around the summertime,” Brown said. “I’ve Photos by also done some Scott Smith certifications for certain electrician schools and a few nursing exams.” Brown suggests that students who would like to take an exam at CUDuncan to call ahead and make an
appointment for a test, especially around finals week. Brown said that by making an appointment, he can be better prepared for when the student arrives and have items such as password information for the proctored exams available. He also said that if an appointment is made, he can call and remind the student of the exam in the event they do not show up on time for the test. Other that making an appointment for exams, Brown shared other advice that will make test taking a little easier. “Come a little bit early, remember your photo ID, and be sure to read the exam instructions carefully as far as if you are allowed notes or textbooks,” Brown said. “Sometimes students show up and think they are allowed notes when they are not. Always know what you can and can’t bring ahead of time.” Hours for the Cameron Duncan testing facility are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon. through Thurs. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fri. Appointments can be made by calling 580-581-5950. The Duncan Campus is located at 3100 West Bois D’Arc Ave in Duncan.
Blood Drive
Our Blood Institute hosts mobile blood drive at Cameron Photos by Amanda Purcer
Amanda Purcer Staff Writer
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 30, Our Blood Institute (OBI) hosted a mobile blood drive in the McCasland Ballroom, upstairs in the McMahon Centennial Complex. In January 2024, in a press release from OBI, President and CEO Dr. John Armitage said donors continue to ensure the local blood supply demand is met. “As we begin the New Year, we need to start off strong by getting units on the shelf if accidents or emergencies are to happen,” Armitage said. “We appreciate all our donors who continue to brave the cold and get out to donate blood during this time.” According to the staff at the blood drive, Cameron University has partnered with OBI for several years, and members of the non-profit are appreciative and proud to have this opportunity on campus. OBI staff screened over thirty potential donors, while successfully drawing from 29 people, an increase of six donations since the last drive hosted at Cameron last October. Increasing the number of successful donations at this drive was due in part
to the general goal of growing this partnership with Cameron University students, but also a medical necessity under the circumstances. Winter weather and extreme conditions in the Lawton – Ft. Sill area have contributed to the declining number of people donating blood across the state. Those conditions combined with a steady need for blood in all medical facilities in Oklahoma resulted in dangerously low amounts of viable blood on the shelves where it’s needed most. OBI is the sixth largest independent blood center in the nation, operating nine donor centers in Oklahoma, which provides more than ninety percent of the blood supply, to more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances. The drives at locations across the state are vital to their mission, and its donors like those who came out on Tuesday, who make the donor-to-patient lifeline stronger and safer. Students and staff along with members of the public came upstairs to Cameron to make a small sacrifice that has a huge impact. The entire process takes about forty minutes from the start of the health
screening, until a blood bag is full. Donors are monitored closely the entire time by attentive and caring healthcare professionals and encouraged to hangout after for a few more minutes to have a snack or drink. Students like English and Business major Victoria Garcia personally received flyers about the blood drive and made sure they came out to support. Others felt compelled to donate after receiving an email sent by Cameron Wellness Center Director Jennifer Rowland, reminding the University of the drive. Organizational Leadership graduate student Kinsey Black received that email and made sure to stop by and do her part. Black said she “wanted to help out,” especially knowing she is O Negative. Type O Negative blood is considered the universal donor since it can be used in transfusions for any blood type. As a result, O Negative blood is often the first to run low on shelves, so maintaining a significant supply is critical for medical needs across our state. OBI understands the significance of hosting mobile drives at local places like Cameron University
and tries to schedule one every three or four months on campus. Efforts are being made to start a committee of student volunteers to assist in coordinating and promoting future blood drives at Cameron. OBI Volunteer Coordinator Bridget Romero said that getting more local involvement is vital to the future of their mission. “We look forward to the opportunities for more successful drives among the growing student and staff population at Cameron,” Romero said. For more information about donating blood or future drives, go to OBI.org, or visit the Lawton center at 211 SW A Avenue.
February 19, 2024
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Voices
Amanda Purser Staff Writer
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. In light of the current emergency blood shortage across the state of Oklahoma, the recent blood drive that Cameron hosted with Our Blood Institute was more crucial than ever. It was great to see so many people participating in a cause that is so vital. Blood donation is a small sacrifice that can have a major impact on society. I personally made sure to donate blood during the event, as this cause is meaningful to me, for several reasons. I know firsthand the importance of having blood supply available for unexpected situations as I found myself in an emergency cesarean surgery during my first childbirth. More than thirteen years ago, I was in labor for the first time ever. I was 24 years old, excited, anxious and incredibly nervous for the changes to come in my life. After more than twenty-six hours of labor with minor complications, my doctor made the decision to take me back for a cesarean (or C-section). Thankfully my baby was successfully delivered, but the situation turned emergent within seconds of her leaving my abdomen. My exhausted body couldn’t function properly to stop the hemorrhaging from the operation, so my physician—thankfully a former combat surgeon— had to manage the situation before I bled out on the operating table. It wasn’t only his quick actions and medical experience that preserved my life that day. I credit the four units of blood I received during my transfusion as the true life-saving measure. Had that blood not been available to me, I would never have been able to hold my baby girl or gone on to have two more beautiful daughters in the years to come. My young life would have been lost to a preventable outcome, if I didn’t have that donor blood to replenish what I lost during my surgical procedure. My story is not unique. There are accidents, surgeries, medical treatments and traumas that occur every few seconds, which require blood or plasma to treat or remedy. Blood substitutes have been studied and researched since the early 1600’s, or arguably as long as humans have been capable of bleeding to death. To date, there is no viable substitute for blood, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and the National Institute of Health (NIH). The role of blood in the human body is so complex and serves a variety of functions rendering scientists unable to appropriately replicate the product. While some synthetic alternatives exist in medicine, their functions are designed to mimic only a singular part of the overall process. Thus, many
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. 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.
Courtesy Photo
artificial substitutes are needed to fully replace blood products for humans, which isn’t always feasible or effective. Time is of the essence during an emergency, so replacing a person’s lost or toxic blood is most efficient when done by another real human’s blood. Blood and plasma donations from eligible contributors are the best way to keep the ample supply needed on shelves around the country. There are some health benefits for donors as well, according to the American Red Cross. In addition to the humanitarian aspect, regularly donating blood can reduce hemoglobin and iron build up, which is linked to high blood pressure and
cardiovascular complications. Donors also get a free mini-physical during the health screening, to determine eligibility. If you have donated in the past or are a regular repeat donor, thank you for your sacrifice. Knowing that one donation can save up to three lives, and that there is no better medical alternative is reason for most people to roll up a sleeve and give a pint. Please consider reaching out to OBI to schedule your next donation today or find out more about what you can do to save a life. For more information, call Our Blood Institute at (580) 350-6100.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
Letters Policy
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.
Editorial Staff
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.
Managing Editor - Brittney Payette News Editor - Hannah Owens Voices Editor - Amelia Lozano A & E Editor - Kemar Noel Student Life Editor - Ciera Terry Sports Editor - Ramona Villegas Copy Editor - Kaley Muse
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Justin Liszeski Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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A&E
February 19, 2024
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“POKEMON WITH WEAPONS” WEAPONS” Courtesy Photo
Kemar Noel A&E Editor
Palworld is a fresh take on the creature collection and survival game genre that showcases the success you would get if you combined Pokemon with America. This game came to Steam in January and dominated the charts overnight with a rapidly increasing player base. Japanese indie developer PocketPair masterfully crafted Palworld and in less than a month has amassed an astounding 19 million player count in this short period of time. This isn’t the only game this indie company has produced, though the company has had its hand in a few indie projects prior like Craftopia and Overdungeon. While they are decently playable games, you could combine the numbers from them both and they still haven’t reached the height that Palworld has made in this short time frame. Palworld’s focus on survival proved to be the right way to take the game because of the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the fun players seem to have when creating new and intricate compounds. The building mechanics aren’t too complex either making
the game easily accessible to newer players who may be interested. The game starts with a very easily digestible explanation of the world and what the game is by showing players some of the different pals that can be collected in dungeons and the freedom given to players. Over time, the game becomes more fun with its progression system and minutes can easily turn into hours with how engrossed you can become with this game. The pals collected in the game not only help you with adventuring and dungeon clearing but also plays a major role in the building aspect of the game as well. The surprising number of pals that can be deployed to help construct your base is something that makes this game more fun since it takes out some of the fluff that you’d have to deal with in other survival games. The building aspect is something to give praise to because of the sheer amount of freedom given to be able to make some really amazing structures. Players are able to be creative and build a range of impressive and aesthetically pleasing compounds with their pals. The compounds players have made range from cottages to castles or even modernized structures and with a few more defining updates the truly ambitious architects
RIDE THE CYCLONE
in-game will be able to have a field day. While the game has an astounding amount of positive feedback, there have been some controversies because of the similarities this game has to the multibillion-dollar franchise “Pokemon.” The designs of the pals are very similar design to the designs of some fan-favorite Pokemon like Lucario, Piplup, Eevee, and more. The story is also very lacking and leans towards players making their own stories. Some areas can feel a bit bland due to the lack of points of interest and there are once again some minor bugs that need tweaking. This game is only in early access though and will only continue to evolve and become better over time, despite its controversies and its being called a “Pokemon clone,” fans seem to not care because of all the positives that can be highlighted throughout the game. There are too many games trying to bring the Among Us craze back that bring only momentary joy and happiness throughout the gameplay, but this game is different. Palworld doesn’t take itself seriously and allows players to have fun and do wacky things with the system given. I would highly recommend playing this game’s early access and rating this game a solid 8/10.
Photos by Kemar Noel
CU’s Art, Music and Theatre Arts department will be have their thespians take part in the play “Ride the Cyclone”. The production is set to place at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22-24 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 in the University A Theatre.
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Student Life
February 19, 2024
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What do you do to celebrate
Ask an Aggie
Black History Month?
“ I do what I do every day; I enjoy being myself as a black individual. I love putting people on to black classic movies that most non-black people haven’t seen.” - Mikel Weatherspoon
“I’ve always done some sort of research-based thing either that be for an essay or on a specific black history topic. I’m black, so every day is Black History Month.” - Devyne Hawkins
CU Succeed Workshop: Conducting Civil Converstation Ciera Terry Student Life
At 3:30 p.m., Feb. 15, the Office of Student Development hosted a CU Succeed workshop in the MCC Buddy Green room. The workshop focused on civil conversation. Director of the Early Settlement South West Program Sarah Head spoke about what civil conversation is all about. “Civil conversation is talking to another while being respectable, kind and loving,” she said. Being a mediator, Head often deals with conflict. She believes that having civil conversations is valuable and important to learn, especially for college students. “I think that students face a lot of conflict that people in general don’t see, and they don’t realize they’re facing things that need to be discussed, and most students don’t always have the tools to know how to have those conversations in the best way,” she said. During the workshop, Head presented a slideshow sharing the necessary tools and information about what it entails to have a civil conversion. The presentation included how to resolve conflict, what people should expect and what questions to ask before confronting the conflict with another person. Important questions such as “Is the conversation worth happening?” And determining if you are in the right mindset as well if it’s the best time for having the conversation. “Conflict is worldwide and unpreventable, which means we have to learn how to have a conversation that makes it beneficial to everyone,” Head said. In order to have a have a civil conversation, she encouraged students to come in to a conversation with the right attitude and tone of voice. “The only goal in a conflict conversation is to learn from eachother, so it’s good to have a form of
Photos By Ciera Terry
a truce at the end of it,” she said. Head ended the evening by giving the students the opportunity to ask questions and for advice. Director of the Office of Student Development, Jennifer Pruchnicki, said the CU Succeed workshop was an effort to educate CU students in how to handle conflict in their private and professional lives. “I think these workshops help students in their personal and professional growth. These are workshops that aren’t just valuable to them as a student but something we hope they use in life,” she
said. CU Succeed workshops can be incredibly valuable to CU students. “There might be a workshop that we have where students remember 10 years down the road some tips from today’s civil conversation and they are gonna have to utilize the skills that Sarah talked about today,” she said. The Students Development Center hosts CU succeed workshops every week, for more information please contact them at student_ development@cameron.edu.
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Sports
TENNIS: Ramona Villegas Sports Editor
The men’s tennis team at Cameron University is determined to achieve success this season by aiming to secure a regional and conference
championship. Known for their dedication and competitive spirit, the team members are no strangers to success. With a strong coaching staff and a roster of talented athletes, the men’s tennis team have consistently performed well. Josh Cobble has been the men’s and women’s tennis coach for the last seven years. “We’re here to win conference, regionals, then the national title,” Cobble said. This season, however, the team faces the challenge of integrating several new players into their lineup. While this may seem daunting, the team’s coaching staff has been working diligently to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize each player’s potential. “It’s a day-to-day process,” Cobble said. “We got a lot of new guys, so they’re trying to get some experience and kinda figure out what everything is like and what it’s about.” Cobble is laserfocused on keeping his players healthy, especially now that the season is in full swing. Cobble recognizes that injuries could derail what looks to be a promising campaign. Cobble said, “Being healthy, we are still working on getting there and trying to get better.” The coaching staff at
February 19, 2024
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Cameron University understands the importance of building a cohesive team dynamic. They have implemented rigorous training sessions and practice drills to help the players develop their skills and build strong chemistry on and off the court. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, the team can overcome any obstacles that may arise throughout the season. As senior Joao Duleba embarks on his final semester playing tennis for Cameron University, a wave of nostalgia and sentimentality is washing over the longtime Aggie. With his collegiate career winding down, he is excited to end his tennis collegiate career on a high note. Duleba said, “My main goal is to enjoy every match and enjoy the energy of the team and try my best and try to have a great season.” Due to their rigorous training regimen, the men’s tennis team also benefits from the resources and facilities provided by the university. The team’s commitment to academic excellence is evident. Cameron University prides itself on its student-athletes achievements on and off the court. The men’s tennis team maintains a high standard of academic performance, balancing their rigorous training schedule with their commitment to their studies. As the season progresses, the men’s tennis team will continue to work tirelessly to improve their skills and achieve their goals. With their determination, talent and the support of their coaching staff, they will make a substantial impact in their conference and regional competitions. Sidelined with injury, Kristian Kubick eagerly anticipates his return to the tennis court in the coming months. Despite his current setback, the fierce competitor aims to bolster the Aggies’ lineup when he receives medical clearance. Though frustrated, Kubick stays actively engaged with the team, eager to encourage his teammates however possible as he diligently rehabs toward a comeback. “Just to be a good example for my teammates and excel academically and in tennis, too,” Kubick said. For more information on this exceptional team, go to https://cameronaggies.com/sports/menstennis.
Photos by Ramona Villegas