The Cameron University Collegian: January 31, 2011

TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, January 31, 2011

Volume 85 Issue 12

Informing Cameron Since 1926

Students utilize Wellness Center

By Megan Bristow A&E Editor

Last semester, Cameron University introduced the Student Wellness Center as a service center for students seeking mental or medical assistance. The SWC was inspired by the ideas of the Vice President of Student Services, Jennifer Holland.

As of 1998, the campus had been performing related services with a counseling center. However, the need for expansion was recognized, and the SWC was born.

Deanice Shegog, a former counselor in Cameron’s counseling center, was named director of the newly opened center. Under her leadership, the SWC has not only continued to provide health services, but has also expanded the list of services offered and the providers available. The newest member to the team is Sheila Hodge-Windover, a licensed marriage and family Therapist and a Cameron University graduate.

Beginning in January,

Photo by Rachel Engel

Body, mind and soul: The Student Wellness Center, located in South Shelpler, has provided health care and counseling for over 260 Cameron students.

Hodge-Windover, originally from the island of St. Kitts,

began work at the SWC. Previously, she gained

additional experience by working at Multi-Counseling,

Inc. as a counselor. HodgeWindover says she feels honored to have the opportunity now to serve on the counseling team at the SWC. “It’s been wonderful. I cannot find the words to explain how excited I have been to have the opportunity to serve here at Cameron University,” Hodge-Windover said. “I feel obligated and motivated to seek out any opportunity I can get to come and work here because Cameron gave me a very good education. I gained a lot here and I am anxious to share that with others.”

Hodge-Windover is not the only one that is excited to expand the services at the SWC by adding another counselor. Shegog also expresses her enthusiasm for the extra help in the office.

“I’m so happy she’s here,” Shegog said. “I’m excited to

See WELLNESS Page 2

CU Bookstore textbook rental program flourishes

By Raven Weiss Staff Writer

College tuition is on the rise all over the country, which normally results in a rise in the price of textbooks as well.

Some students buy directly from the Cameron University Bookstore while others use discount bookstores, and some buy books from online sellers.

During one afternoon at the McMahon Centennial Complex in January, several students were asked how they purchased their textbooks last semester and most students said that they rented. The next most popular answer was that students checked their books out of the library. Buying textbooks online from discount sellers and borrowing books from fellow classmates were the next most popular answers, while buying from eFollett or the CU Bookstore ranked last in the poll.

While some students have issues with the rental system, CU Bookstore Manager Aaron Martin says that the rental system has exceeded his expectations and continues to f lourish.

“When we began textbook rentals this past fall, the goal was to have 25 percent of our titles eligible for rent to our students. In partnership with our faculty, we have exceeded our goal by achieving 33 percent of our titles being eligible. Over 275 titles can be rented from the campus bookstore.

Routinely, spring semesters are smaller than fall semesters; however, we have already seen a 3 percent increase in students who elected to rent their textbooks versus

News

A&E

Honors Program moves to Cameron Exchange.

CU professor premiers film at movie festival.

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purchasing them from the fall to the spring semester.” Martin said.

While 33 percent is a significant amount, it was not significant enough for one student. Senior Jason Elbert said that because not all of his books were available to rent, he chose to buy elsewhere.

“I rented last semester, but this semester I bought them through a discount seller because not all of my books were available to rent and the other store was a lot cheaper,” Elbert said.

Junior Jarred Burk said that he had not utilized the option to rent yet, but would consider it.

“If the price was right I would definitely rent my textbooks. I usually buy them through a discount seller online or at a store because new books are very expensive. Used books saved me a lot so I bought all of my books used,” Burk said.

Former CU student Nicole Grzecki said that in her last semester of school she did take advantage of being able to rent, but there was one drawback.

“My very last semester of school we had the option to rent so I did and it saved me a lot of money. I didn’t have that little bit of extra cash at the end of the semester that I looked forward to though,” Grzecki said.

Martin says that with the rental system in place it helps the students save money immediately, and that most of the risk is removed from the student.

“Textbook rentals are a wonderful option for students because it saves

See RENTALS Page 2

Sports

Opinion

Aggie baseball and softball Lack of artistic license teams prepare for season. prohibits play production.

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 3

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News

January 31, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

WELLNESS continued from page 1 to add the marriage and family component. I think it’s a very good fit. I have my area of focus, and she has her area of focus.

They complement each other. Sheila is very intelligent; she’s very driven, and she has a lot of ideas that will help us build a better program.”

At the end of the fall semester, the SWC had seen over 200 students for medical conditions and had over 60 students actively enrolled in counseling services. The SWC was established to provide quality health care and counseling. In the future, the SWC would like to increase not only the number of students served, but also the types of services offered as well as the hours during which medical help is available.

For example, hypnosis and tobacco cessation programs were recently added to the list of services offered at the SWC. Shegog hopes to extend the services to include drug and alcohol counseling, additional medical services, and possibly even dental services in the future.

Shegog recounts the Aggie Biggest Loser Competition as the greatest experience she has had since the SWC opened and she hopes to offer the event again in the fall.

“Seeing the success that the participants had and being a part of that was amazing. We have to coordinate some things but I’m hoping to do it again in the fall,” Shegog said.

The SWC has already begun aiding students this semester and plans to better the students’ experience are continually being made.

RENTALS continued from page 1 money immediately. Another plus to text rentals at the campus bookstore is that the rentals are refundable, just the same as purchases. A huge advantage to students renting the texts are that they don’t have to be concerned about the book only being used during a certain semester, or if the publisher takes the book to a new edition - all risk to the student is removed,” Martin said.

Students seemed to agree that price is definitely the determining factor when deciding whether to buy, rent or borrow their textbooks.

Big changes for Honors Program

By Brittany Wolfe Staff Writer

Solutions on page 5

Since the 1990’s Cameron University has had an Honors Program for academically gifted students.

The program was originally created by Dean Von Underwood; today, Dr. Vivian Thomlinson, Professor of English in the School of Liberal Arts, directs it.

“The program was created to pull together a group of academically gifted students who wanted to have exchange and interface with other equally interested and ambitious students,” Dr. Thomlinson said.

Originally housed in a temporary honors complex in Howell Hall, as of October 2010, the program has been moved to the former Student Activities Building in which is now called the Cameron Exchange. Since Cameron is growing, the Honors Program needed a bigger space for the students.

“We hope by moving to the Cameron Exchange it will increase the visibility of the Honors Program since it is now centrally located on campus,” Dr. Thomlinson said.

Dr. Thomlinson hopes moving the program to the Cameron Exchange will increase the interaction between current honor students and all faculty and staff who are part of the honors program or part of other honor societies on campus.

“I would like the Cameron Exchange to eventually become a hub for all honor societies of the various departments on campus and for them to be able to interact with each other,” Dr. Thomlinson said.

The Cameron Exchange has a variety of things that honor students can utilize between classes.

There are computers and there is a seating area for the students to kick back and relax while studying or doing homework. There is also a conference room for meetings.

“The building was completely redecorated and the space was reconfigured for the Honors Program and a space for the student enrollment specialist Mandy Husak. Also the Faculty Senate meetings are being held in the Cameron Exchange,” Dr. Thomlinson said.

Dr. Thomlinson would like all students to know that the Honors Program is not just for students coming right out of high school, but also for current students who are academically gifted.

“Not just students who are first time freshmen invited in from high school, but anyone who is an ongoing student at Cameron University who have realized they have created some success behind their academics, can join the Honors Program,” Dr. Thomlinson said.

Opinion

January 31, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

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Artistic license needed for exposure Taylor Brunwald Copy Editor

Depictions of teenage sexuality in the arts have been a recent concern nationally and locally.

MTV’s translation of the British drama “Skins” is steadily drawing ire as the show treads THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

the line between a risqué portrayal of out-of-control teenagers and child pornography, showing underage actors in compromising scenes involving drug use and sexual situations.

Schick and Subway are two companies that have pulled their advertising supporting the program due to its content.

The original selection for the first spring performance by Cameron’s Theatre Department, “Equus,” tells the story of a mentally disturbed teenager, Alan, who sees a psychiatrist in a mental hospital after having blinded six horses in a stable.

Key scenes include graphic sexual simulation, nudity, perversion of religious imagery and worship as perceived by a mental patient and violence.

Despite popular belief, censorship was not the sole cause behind the play’s cancellation.

Dr. David Fennema, Professor of Theatre Arts, explained that those scenes considered too explicit could

have been interpreted differently in Cameron’s production.

“It was my intent, as well as the intent of the Theatre Department, that the scenes where actors would have to strip would have those actors in their underwear,” Dr. Fennema said.

On the day that the first auditions were to take place, the Theatre Department received a letter from Samuel French, Inc., the copyright holders of the play.

“We were told that the play must be performed as written or we could face a lawsuit for copyright violation,” Dr. Fennema said. “Under the recommendation of the administration, we decided it was not worth the hassle to carry on with ‘Equus.’”

Dr. Fennema believed that the play could be performed without nudity. It is obvious that the copyright holders did not share the sentiment.

The concept of “Chekhov’s gun” means not including unnecessary elements.

Editorial Staff

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

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Cantu, Ashleigh Fletcher, Amber Spurlin, Raven Weiss, Brittany Wolfe, Tahira Carter, Brandon Thompson, Elijah Morlett, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Circulation Managers - Thomas Smith, Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan

Dr. Christopher Keller

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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.

consequences. The potentially offensive content in “Equus” stems from psychological confusion, resulting in the institutionalization of the main character and later a personal crisis within his psychiatrist.

MTV likely produced “Skins” without regard to specific locations but to a generalized demographic. The network will undoubtedly make the necessary amendments to its program to avoid potential child pornography lawsuits and the program will continue, readily available to anyone in the country with access to cable television or the Internet.

Samuel French’s strict adherence to the original source material for “Equus,” and not allowing for artistic license, has left a challenging story inaccessible to a community who otherwise may have never been able to see it.

The faithfulness to the author’s intentions is a horse that refused to be beaten.

Choice to co-habitate takes thought

Faculty Adviser

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.

Maintaining artistic integrity is an admirable aspiration, but it is interesting that a theatrical performance ripe for analysis and discussion was determined to not be open to local mores in order for the story to be shared.

Near the end of December, Dr. Fennema found and obtained approval for “The Winslow Boy,” which replaced “Equus” as the first play for the spring semester.

“We only had five weeks to prepare,” he said. “Nothing from ‘Equus’ could be adapted for ‘The Winslow Boy’ because of the radical differences between the two plays. This challenge has made for a good educational experience for our students to go against the clock, but it puts pressure and stress on them too.”

Both “Skins” and “Equus” depict teenagers in explicit, uncomfortable situations for their respective audiences to interpret.

“Skins” involves minors consenting in adult activities with little to no regard for understood

Teewhy

Staff Writer Cohabitation is an arrangement whereby two people decide to live together on a long term or permanent basis in an emotionally or

sexually intimate relationship.

The term is most frequently applied to couples who are not married. This usually happens for a number of reasons. They include but are not limited to: establishing financial security, avoiding income taxes, same sex marriages or just a philosophical opposition to the institution of marriage. Whatever reason it is, certain people are opposed to cohabitation. They cite religious or moral laws that forbid cohabitation and give many reasons why it should not be accepted. The US Census bureau noted that over 12 million unmarried partners live together in roughly 6 million households

“American Community Survey: 2005-2007.”

We should all realize that cohabitation does not have the life-long “till-death-do-us-part” clause, which scares a lot of people from marriage. Abusive relationships and issues that might lead to marital conflicts can be more easily avoided when the couple does not have as strict a tie such as marriage. Getting out of the relationship becomes more possible when the stigma of divorce is not involved.

It is normal for people to be cautious in the first few stages of dating or even marriage. The more time couples spend getting to know each other, the better their chances of lasting are.

“Can I accept the fact that he snores so loud?”

Can I stand her overactive imagination?”

These are a few questions that may be asked.

Cohabitation helps to show spouses another side of their partners.

Getting into a marriage

without knowing all those subtle things about a partner is a big cause of separation and divorces.

While the advantages of cohabitation might seem really appealing, the other side of the issue should also be considered.

It has more implications than is credited to it. One important implication is that the longer a cohabitating couple stays together the less likely it is for them to get married. Many times, the couple becomes very comfortable with living together with no marriage “strings” attached, splitting the bills, and having shared responsibilities at home.

Since walking out of the relationship is much easier than in marriage, cohabitation is often times short-lived. Break ups are possibly more prevalent because the most trivial issues might be a basis for separation.

Asset sharing and dependency is also a contentious issue in cohabitation. This is because without an agreement on how to share their assets in the event of a split-up, there will be lots of problems.

Many religions and cultures also frown on cohabitation.

In India, cohabitation just got legalized but there is still a wide spread resentment to cohabiting couples as it is seen as socially and morally improper. In many other cultures, cohabiting couples are seen as sinners who engage in premarital sex.

Therefore the community they live in can come to ostracize them.

No matter what side of the coin this issue is seen from, the point is that there are both positives and negatives to cohabitation. The problem is that most people tend to be judgmental and inconsiderate to the feelings and plans of other people. Others tend to look at one side of an issue because it seems easy. Cohabitating is an issue that should be considered in-depth before involvement.

The choice is yours to make.

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A&E

January 31, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

Film Festival draws CU students

By Rebecca Craft Staff Writer

Though it may not be home to Tribeca, Sundance, or the Cannes film festival, Duncan, Okla., drew in hundreds of movie lovers from various places over the weekend. The Trail Dance Film Festival celebrated its fifth year in showcasing the talents of independent filmmakers from all over the globe.

Trail Dance is an event that stemmed from the imagination of former Cameron student Anthony Foreman through his love for making movies.

“As a child, I was very interested in filmmaking,” Foreman said. “I was taught, in part by my father, and in part by watching how-to television about how stop-motion animation was done. I spent many days and nights filming short animations.”

According to Foreman, his passion for filmmaking did not end as he entered college.

“In August of 2005, I sat down with the director of the Duncan Convention and Visitors Bureau, a design client, and we discussed the need for new events and tourism opportunities,” Foreman said. “By this time in my life, I was a full time college student at Cameron University majoring in Communications. My love and interest in Courtesy photo filmmaking and the Cast and crew: Communications professor Dr. Matt Jenkins stands with actor Ron Jeremy recent discussions and some of the cast of his latest movie, “Beaches, Buns and Bikinis,” which premiered at the in class about film Trail Dance Festival this year. festivals planted the motivational seed.”

Trail Dance has “It was just like making a short one, but with many more details,” Dr. Jenkins been listed twice within MovieMaker said. “Really, no two films are ever going to come about the same way for a truly magazine as a festival “Worth independent producer like me. The way this one worked was that we had a the Entry Fee” and as one of the skeleton of a script, and then someone stepped forward and said ‘If you get Ron “Coolest Film Festivals.” With those Jeremy to star in this film, I’ll put up the money.’” credentials, Trail Dance ensured Dr. Jenkins said that the movie was made to mimic a 1960’s beach f lick, but that moviemakers screening their they also gave it a more modern twist. productions would receive a valuable experience in return. Communications “If you were ever to watch an old beach film, you’d see that they’re campy, professor and independent film maker Dr. Matt Jenkins considers Trail Dance fun, light hearted, non-serious kind of movies,” Dr. Jenkins said. “We did that. to be an excellent challenge and a chance for student film makers at Cameron to That’s exactly what we wanted to do, but with a 21st century twist. It’s kind of get their first tastes of the film festival experience. like beach party meets Superbad.”

“Trail Dance is a great festival for several reasons, one including Cameron According to Dr. Jenkins, the best action that a young filmmaker looking University students,” Dr. Jenkins said. “It provides an opportunity to showcase to enter into film festivals like Trail Dance can do is to focus on developing a their work in a professional setting. Just because they enter the festival doesn’t script. mean their work automatically gets accepted. It still goes through the same “The creativity takes place on paper,” Dr. Jenkins said. “Take your time to rigorous judging. As a filmmaker, it’s an exciting opportunity to go somewhere develop your script. Really go through it and work out what shots you want. If and have your work showcased.” you have an awesome story, people will overlook the fact that you don’t have the This year, a few students from Cameron were chosen to showcase their short most expensive camera, that you didn’t have the most famous actors in there, films in the festival along with Dr. Jenkins latest film, ‘Beaches, Buns and or that you didn’t have the best location. Use that time. Take the time to really Bikinis.’ Jenkins has had other movies premiers at Trail Dance in the past, but develop your ideas, f lesh the out, and, then, you won’t spend as much time this movie was Dr. Jenkins’ first experience in producing a feature length film. shooting. The creativity is what takes the time.”

Theatre Department to perform ‘Winslow Boy’

By Ashleigh Fletcher Staff Writer

The Cameron University Theatre Department is gearing up for their production of the English play ‘Winslow Boy’.

Dr. David Fennema, director of ‘Winslow Boy’, explained the play to be a tragic comedy and briefly described the plot. “‘Winslow Boy’ is an English play set in London and based on an entire family’s struggle to prove 13-year-old Ronnie Winslow’s innocence after he is accused of theft and expelled from the Naval Academy,” Dr. Fennema said.

“The play follows the Winslow family’s personal and financial ups and downs during their two year battle with the military court system.”

Dr. Fennema volunteered a deeper look into the play and compared the issues of ‘Winslow Boy’ to the problems of the current times.

“I believe ‘Winslow Boy’ is a statement of today,” he said. “People are suffering the same kinds of problems, the route may be slightly different, but the problems the same” One member of the cast also believed the play to reflect our modern age.

Jay Diaz, Theatre major and CU junior, shared his insight over the subject as well.

“This play is a look into the past’s justice system, but also mirrors the many unjust

happenings of today,” Diaz said.

Dr. Fennema did not dismiss the fact that this play is of a rather serious subject matter, and maintained full trust in his cast.

“This play is of a serious subject matter, “I believe ‘Winslow Boy’ but we are working with a very experienced cast, and they can handle it,” Dr.Fennema is a statement of today. said.

People are suffering the Dr. Fennema and his cast of 11 are all same kind of problems, work and little play when it comes to the department’s latest project. the route may be “We rehearse Monday through Friday and slightly different, but the the entire cast works together on set, design problems are the same.” and costumes,” he said.

The cast of ‘Winslow Boy’ is looking forward to the next weeks of preparation, and are eager to perform.

— Dr. David Fennema Brandi Goldsmith, Theatre major and CU ‘Winslow Boy’ director junior, spoke for herself and the entire cast when expressing her production anticipation.

“This play is very suspenseful and unpredictable and we are all really excited to be a part of it,” Brandi said.

Jay Diaz explained that although most of the cast have performed before, each time is still new and exciting.

“Acting is never routine, each performance is different and each brings its own excitement,” Diaz said.

The play will run from Feb. 17 – Feb. 20, and tickets can be purchased at the CU Box Office or reserved by calling 581.2478.

Photo by Ashleigh Fletcher

To be or not to be: Two Theatre Deparment students practice lines for the upcoming production of ‘Winslow Boy.’ Directed by Dr. David Fennema, the play will run from Feb. 17Feb. 20.

Sports

January 31, 2011

www.aggiecentral.com

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Baseball gears up for another season

By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer

The start of Aggie baseball season is just a few days away as the Black and Gold open spring play Friday, Feb. 4.

The team finished the 2010 season with a 2919 record and had multiple players receive AllConference and All-Region honors.

After losing seven players at the end of last year, nine men have been added to the Cameron squad. In addition to the newcomers, the team boasts seven returning players, most of whom are members of the pitching staff.

Baseball coach Todd Holland said the team is working hard every day to prepare for what is to come in the spring.

“Right now, we are intersquading in practice.

Things are going pretty well. It’s nice to get back on the field and to see some live pitching,” Holland said.

Some of the newcomers Holland is looking forward to seeing compete include Kenny Held and Chase Larson. Held is a 6-foot-3 senior utility player from Tucson while Larson, a Vancouver native, will serve as a left-handed outfielder.

“Kenny is just a really, really good baseball player, and Chase has all the talent in the world, so hopefully they will do well,” Holland said.

As the majority of the newcomers to the squad are position players, most of the field positions are spoken for, but according to Holland, there are slots that the men are still fighting to fill.

“Everyone is still vying for short stop and second base,” Holland said. “Those positions are not nailed down yet.”

After losing outstanding hitter Alex Lyons at the end of last season, Holland indicated that some of the men will have to step up to fill the hole in the line-up that Lyons left. The baseball coach is hoping that Lyons’ younger brother Taylor, who is new to the team this year, is just what the squad is looking for.

“Taylor will play where Alex played,” Holland

said. “Taylor is more athletic than Alex, so he has a big up side, but he just has to tie it together.”

Holland is also looking to some of the team’s returners to intensify their batting this season.

He said he sees promise in Joe Halley and Nate Valdez. Last season, the pair of senior infielders posted batting averages of .253 and .429 respectively.

“Joe needs to step up this year and Nate, who hit pretty well last season, can hopefully repeat if not improve his numbers,” Holland said.

In terms of pitching, Holland said he is still unsure about what his staff has in store.

“I don’t really know who the starters will be yet, but, barring any injuries, we will find out soon,” Holland said.

Holland acknowledged that some pitchers are showing great form, but a few are already hurting.

“Ricky [Cramer] is back this season and is looking good. James Rhodes, who is a new guy, is also looking really good,” Holland said. “But, [Jerry] A’Hearn is banged up and Logan [Grimes] is a little tender right now.”

This spring, Holland said that he is looking to the team’s returners to take their game to the next level, and he hopes that they now have had enough experience playing in the conference to do that.

“The guys from last year who had subpar years just have to have a better year,” Holland said. “I’ve learned from past teams that guys who play just one year in our conference learn a lot. Now, they know what to expect and hopefully have learned enough from the prior year to know what they have to do to win in the league.”

Holland said that he and the team have already set goals for the upcoming season.

“We want to win Conference. If we do that hopefully we can make a run in Regionals, and once we’re in Regionals, there’s no telling what can happen,” Holland said. “We just have to be hot at the right time.

Photo by Bennett Dewan

Throwing the Heat: Infielder Nate Valdez is one of numerous returning players from last season’s 29-win team. According to head coach Todd Holland, the team looks poised to make a serious run at the Lone Star Conference title this season. The Aggies begins its season Feb. 4 on the road against conference rival Tarleton State.

The Aggies’ first home game is Feb. 11.

Softball preps for regular season

By Brandon Thompson Staff Writer

While Cameron’s basketball teams are grinding out their seasons on the hardwood, the CU women’s

softball team is gearing up for the spring. Head women’s softball coach Beth Watson is optimistic about the future of her team.

According to coach Watson, her optimism stems

Photo By Bennett Dewan

from the girls determined work ethic, strong chemistry, a tough offseason work-out routine and a bright recruiting class.

Watson said that she is proud of the way the lady Aggies have worked during the offseason and feels that this could lead the Aggies to a successful year.

“I have a really great core group of kids coming back,” Watson said. “I am really pleased with their attitude and effort in trying to get better.”

Watson also said that her workouts focused on getting the team stronger and faster.

Watson claimed that strength and speed are vital to the success of this team.

The Aggie women’s daily schedule is not one for the weak at heart. Watson said that the CU women have stayed in shape through running sprints, jogging long distance, hopping up bleachers and participating in a rigorous abs work-out.

The tough offseason schedule and some new faces have heightened the expectations of the CU softball team.

“We filled some holes,” Watson said, “and now it is about getting some innings

under their belt.”

The CU women not only look to win some ball games this year, but Watson said that her Aggies are ready to play for a championship.

“We had a goals session last week, and the girls are ready to compete for a championship,” Watson said. “I think what they have done everyday putting in the time, working hard, having a great attitude and their team chemistry gives them an opportunity to win a championship.”

Attitude and work ethic is not the only thing the Aggie women have going for them this season. The women have strength in several crucial areas, which should allow them to be competitive in every game.

“Pitching is everything and I feel confident with our pitching staff,” Watson said. “We have three quality pitchers.”

Along with the Aggies sturdy pitching core, they are accompanied by some explosive power in their bats.

The Aggies pitching coupled with a reliable offense should set the tone for the season.

Watson said that the Aggies have solid hitting throughout the lineup and

some good power hitters that should enable them to put runs on the board.

The Aggies are a young team, but Watson said that her hitters had gained valuable experience last season and should be able to pick up where they left off.

The lady Aggies have no easy task in front of them. The schedule facing the women is sure to be full of curve balls.

According to Watson, this year’s schedule is challenging due to the high level of play in the Lone Star Conference.

“I think it is very tough,” Watson said. “There are top 20 teams scattered throughout the schedule.”

The toughness of the schedule could prove to help the Aggies once conference play begins and they make their move at a title.

“Our preseason tournaments are going to set us up nicely for the conference season,” Watson said.

The softball team begins its season on the road against Lone Star Conference opponent Tarleton State. The doubleheader starts at 1 p.m., Feb. 1, in Stephenville.

The Aggies’ first home game will be in March prior to spring break.

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Variety

“It is interesting to know how people think differently which adds to the excitement of being a part of the club. The club adds to the diversity on campus.”

“Being a part of the club I have met a lot of people from different countries and have developed friendships with them. This club also represents the diverse community at Cameron.”

Antoine Ehouman

Giselle Greenidge

“Being the president of the club is an opportunity for me to share my culture and also learn about other cultures. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community.”

“Through this club the international students come together and work together while sharing their culture and learning about each other.”

Neila Ettienne

January 31, 2011

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Marcella Gustafson

Tasun Prakun

“The goal of International club is to encourage the greater appreciation of different cultures. I enjoy being a part of the club and working with international students.”

On a trip: Members of the International club visited Sam Noble Oklahoma museum, OU campus, and Sooner Mall during the trip to Norman last fall.

Community Service: As a part of the community service International Club takes part in a activities like clothes drive to be donated to the Goodwill.

International festival: International club booth represented Cameron at the International festival held at Elmer Thomas Park.

Leaving the home country to achieve higher education is a tough decision to make. Once students say goodbye to their family, friends and the motherland in search of a better future in a different country they have many challenges to face. In the journey of getting a university degree, international students have to adjust to the new place and its culture, food, weather and people.

International students at Cameron also have new challenges to face every day as college students away from their home.

However, it makes them feel good to know that they have a club that they can be a part of. International Club at Cameron is a common forum for the students who are abroad to pursue higher education. The club has a diverse group of members who represent about 45 countries.

International student coordinator, Marcella Gustafson said that there are about 340 international students at Cameron this year.

Gustafson is also the advisor of the International Club. Gustafson said that she is happy to be a part of the club.

“I enjoy being a part of the club where I get a chance to know the students on social level,” Gustafson said.

International Club hosts and takes part in various activities throughout the year. International student scholarship banquet is one of the popular events hosted by International Club every year.

The goal of the banquet is to raise money for providing scholarship to an outstanding international student. Four students have been awarded the scholarship so far. The scholarship amount is $1000.

The club also participates in events like Diversity Day, International Festival, community services and others.

The board members of the club are President, Antoine Ehouman from Ivory Coast; Vice-president, Neila Ettienne from Grenada; Secretary, Giselle Greenidge from Grenada; Public Relations Officer, Kerry Severin from Dominica; Student Government Representative, Tasun Prakun from Thailand; and Treasurer, Nitesh Verma from Nepal. The advisors for the club are Gustafson; Anton Wohlers, Associate Professor & Director of Academic Research at History and Government; and Wensheng Wang, Associate Professor at Library.

Scholarship winner: International scholarship winner 2010 Nitesh Verma with the advisors of the club Marcella Gustafson and Wenseng Wang. Verma was awarded $1000 scholarship. So far, four international students have been awarded the scholarship.

Welcome meeting: Returning and new international students participated in a welcome meeting of the International Club held on Jan. 21. During the meeting the students got an opportunity to know each other and also participate in recreational and interactive games.

Page Design by Rashmi Thapaliya Photos Courtesy of International Club