The Cameron University Collegian: May 5, 2008

COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y

Monday, May 5, 2008

News

Collegian Staff

SEE PAGE 4

A&E

Volume 82 Issue 13

Commencement speaker has right stuff

By John Robertson

Groundskeepers go above and beyond for campus beauty.

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Cameron University’s 2008 commencement ceremony will feature a special guest speaker this year that will talk to graduates about courage, commitment and what it takes to succeed.

Eileen Collins, a decorated astronaut and the first woman to command and pilot an American spacecraft, will be on hand to deliver an inspiring speech to Cameron’s graduates at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9.

Jana Gowan, a staff researcher and writer for CU’s Office of the President, said that Collins was chosen to be the guest speaker because Collins has not only accomplished incredible feats, but also because she has dealt with things that many college students can relate to.

“Her accomplishments are substantial and truly historic,” Gowan said. “Also, she, like many of our students, overcame the financial burden of paying for a college education to obtain her dream of a degree and a successful career.”

Collins, a retired USAF Colonel, graduated from Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma in 1979 before serving as an instructor there until 1982.

See COLLINS Page 2

Courtesy Photo

Three votes later, Kuhn elected as Vice President

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff

Crime, superheroes lead summer entertainment.

SEE PAGE 10

Photo by Jim Horinek

Seniors face tough post-college life

By Brandi O’Daniel Collegian Staff

Sports

Women’s golf shoots over par at recent tournament.

In a perfect world students would walk through the university doors knowing exactly what they wanted to do and land their ideal job after graduating.

In the real world students enter college with a vague idea of what they want to do, change majors several times and graduate only to go through many jobs in the course of their life before they find a job they like.

Students are finding that it is hard to go from living the life of a college student to becoming an

adult, finding a job and relying on themselves.

Recent Cameron graduate Jessica Frazier said that she is excited about graduating and leaving homework, exams and late nights of studying behind, yet having finding a job and growing up is a little intimidating.

“I am most concerned about becoming an adult,” Frazier said.

“I still feel like a kid even though I work full-time and have moved out of my parents’ house. I guess it’s the realization that I’m getting older and it’s time to take care of things on my own.”

While many students wish there was a road map leading them to their dream job and street signs directing them through life, it does not quite work that way.

Cameron students may not receive a how to guide along with their degree, but they can get assistance in finding jobs and creating portfolios, resumés and cover letters for students going straight into the work force.

See GRADUATION Page 2

CU breaks ground on McMahon Centennial Complex Staking a claim (Below): Ole’ Kim and students stake their claim in history as Cameron breaks ground on the McMahon Centennial Complex.

SEE PAGE 9

Voices

Summer offers time to self-educate.

SEE PAGE 7

Riding into history (Above): President Ross and junior Megan Mefford ride up to the celebration during the groundbreaking ceremony on April 25. The McMahon Centennial Complex is part of the Cameron Changing Lives Campaign.

Photos by Jim Horinek

The last month has been a turbulent time for the Student Government Association.

On April 1 and 2, students voted for executive officers. The race for Vice President was contested between Communication junior Megan Mefford and IDS junior Tobias Kuhn.

According to the original ballot count, Mefford received 155 votes and Kuhn received 156 votes. However, the interpretation of a clause in the election rules eventually lead to two reelections.

“There was basically a difference of opinion on how to read the parentheses behind the explanation of majority in the election rules,” Kuhn said. “It says 50 percent plus one vote.”

According to Matt Nies, a Political Science junior and SGA Supreme Court Chief Justice, the clause in the election rules is a broad legal definition for majority. He said the election committee incorrectly interpreted the clause.

See SGA Page 6

‘Lost’ provides toughest challenge in Emerson’s career

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff Maybe he’s the bad guy.

Maybe he isn’t.

One thing is for certain, Benjamin Linus is a man of mystery on the hit drama “Lost.”

And the man behind the character, Michael Emerson is a man of mystery as well. The big mystery of Emerson, in his words, is how he went from lighthearted roles to dark and sadistic characters “It’s a role [Linus] that I’m surprised by. I’ve spent most of my acting life on the live stage and never played those parts. I always considered myself the funny guy who’s not taken seriously,” he said. “Now I’m cast as these dark and dangerous characters on television, I don’t know how that happened. It’s the package looking different than the content. I picked up an ability to play different levels of intensity in the course of my work and that’s what’s been highlighted.

It’s mystified that I’m getting known for these parts.”

Before “Lost,” Emerson played William Hinks on the ABC legal-drama “The Practice,” which won him a Best Supporting Actor Emmy. His darkest role came in 2004 when he played Zep Hindle, a kidnapper, in “Saw.” Emerson credits those performances for getting him the role in “Lost” as the enigmatic leader of the “Others.”

See EMERSON Page 2

News

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May 5, 2008

Final semester for current finals schedule

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff Finals week is here and no doubt many students are studying every free minute they can.

Though, the hardest part of finals week could be fitting the actual tests into your schedule. Some Monday/Wednesday/Friday class final exams are being held on Tuesday or Thursday and some Tuesday/ Thursday class final exams are being held on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said this has been a problem for a long time. The finals schedule template has been used for more than six years. Each year, Dr. McArthur and a committee change the dates and the schedule is finalized before the class schedules are printed.

“We’ve stuck with this schedule for quite some time,” Dr. McArthur said. “For the fall semester, we’ve designed a new schedule that should fit more in line with students’ semester schedules.”

When designing the new schedules, Dr. McArthur took into account the time and day the classes traditionally met on. Final exam periods are two-hours-long compared to class periods, which range from 50 to 75 minutes. That adds its own challenge when changing the schedule, but Dr. McArthur is confident students will like the new schedule much more.

“If you have a day class, we’d like to have your final during the day. If you have a night class, we’d like you to have your final during the night,” he said. “Classes are usually held on two or three days during the week. So that frees up more days for us to schedule the finals.”

This schedule change will be the biggest change since the university switched to a four-day final exam schedule. Dr. McArthur said the change was made to a four-day schedule because of vacation days earlier in the semester.

“During the fall semester, students have an extra day during their Thanksgiving breaks. We have Wednesday allocated for a travel day

for students and there are no classes,” he said. “During the spring semester, Cameron recently started honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s a new holiday at Cameron and by taking that day off, we just add that onto the finals week.”

While the new schedule is more convenient for the majority of students on campus, the ultimate reason the schedule was changed was a major flaw in the original schedules. If students took a Monday/Wednesday night class and a Tuesday/Thursday night class, their final exams for both classes will be at the same time.

“The way the schedule is right now, we’re literally asking students to be in two places at one time,” Dr. McArthur said. “We’ve been trying to find a way to fix that and we feel like we’ve done that with the new schedule.”

The new final exam schedule will take effect during the fall semester.

Students should follow the schedule that is printed in the student handbook and on the Cameron University Web site. Students who have conflicting final exam schedules should speak to their professors. Dr. McArthur said many professors have already taken the initiative and have planned around the error, but students should check to be sure.

“We have tried to fix the schedule for future semesters and we hope it’ll be more student friendly than the way it is now,” Dr. McArthur said. “At least we won’t have conflicting finals schedules next year.”

MCT Campus

Spring 2008 Final Exam Schedule 16 Week Day Classes Tuesday, May 6 8 Daily*, MWF, MW 9:30 TR, T, R and 9 TR 11 Daily*, MWF, MW, F and 11:30 Daily* 1 Daily*, MWF, MW, M, F

8-10 10-12 1-3 3-5

Wednesday, May 7 8 TR 10 Daily*, MWF, MW, M 2 TR, T and 2:30 TR

8-10 10-12 1-3

Thursday, May 8 1:30 Daily*, TR 2 MWF, MW, M, W 3 Daily*, MW, MWF, M, R and 3:30 TR Any class not listed

8-10 10-12 1-3 3-5

Friday, May 9 9 Daily*, MWF, MW and 9:30 MWF 11 TR, T 12 Daily*, MWF, MW 12:30 TR, R, F

8-10 10-12 1-3 3-5

Finals for night classes should be held during finals week on the class end date.

Refer to academic calendar for specific class end dates.

Exams will be given in the regularly scheduled classroom unless notice is given for an alternative location. Distance education final exams will be taken at authorized testing centers. *Daily is defined to include classes meeting four days per week as well as those meeting five days per week. Courses which are primarily labs will take examinations during regular lab period unless the instructor arranges differently.

Abbreviations for days of the week: Monday = M, Tuesday = T, Wednesday = W, Thursday = R, Friday = F

COLLINS continued from page 1 From 1983 to 1989, Collins served in various roles, including an assistant professor of mathematics at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, an instructor pilot and an aircraft commander. In 1989, Collins attended the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California and was chosen to take part in the astronaut program in 1990.

Collins has logged an impressive 6,571 hours in 30 different kinds of aircraft and is the recipient of many of the Air Force’s highest honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, French Legion of Honor, the Free Spirit Award and the National Space Trophy.

In 1991, Collins began her career as an astronaut and was originally assigned to Orbiter engineering support but later worked in Mission Control as a spacecraft communicator. Later, Collins would serve as the Astronaut Office Spacecraft Systems Branch Chief, Chief Information Officer, Shuttle Branch Chief and Astronaut Safety Branch Chief.

Collins’ career includes highlights such as a participant of the first joint Russian-American Space Program mission, docking with the Russian Space Station, Mir, numerous scientific experiments in space and docking with the International Space Station. On the first mission to be commanded by a woman in 1999, Collins oversaw the deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, designed to conduct comprehensive studies of the universe and allow the observation of black holes, quasars, and exploding stars.

The speech Collins delivers for Commencement hopes to bring her experiences from her own career. As part of the first class of female astronauts and the first female commander of a mission, Collins will put her own observations and thoughts to work to deliver a speech about how to achieve goals and the traits needed to do so, even when what one desires hasn’t been accomplished before.

“She will discuss the leadership and personal qualities necessary for success,” Gowan said. “Drawing from her experience of becoming the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, her talk will be encouraging and inspiring.”

News

May 5, 2008

3

New Web site gives young voters voice in modern politics

By Jennifer Biles Newswriting Student The 20dc.com Web site is giving a voice to young political voters across the nation.

The founders are two current students and one recent graduate of Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Jesse Helfrich, 23; Stephen Jablonski, 22 and Frank Falotico, 21, make up the founding team. Jablonski is a web developer, Helfrich is a journalist and Falotico is the director of creative content.

They created the site in hopes of the upcoming election year being an election year to

remember for young voters. They wanted to create a new way for young voters to get involved.

“A lot of people think apathy keeps young people out of politics,” Helfrich said. “But more likely, it’s that we don’t have anything that appeals directly to us that we can call our own. Our hope is this site will change that.”

According to the 20dc Web site, young people today are the first generation to embrace the web as a potential tool of communication.

The site is intrinsically nonpartisan, but users can identify themselves on a left or right-winged basis, which is important to Kerry Shanks, a public relations senior.

“I like how it is nonpartisan, but there is still a Republican and a Democratic side,” she said.

The creators of 20dc say it is merely a new tool to be heard.

“This is the only place where we do not simply claim non-partisan, we give you both perspectives

20dc.com site is the Town Hall, side-by-side. 20dc.com a message board that spans is dedicated across every zip code, county to providing an equal and state in the union. This opportunity feature helps visitors to connect with others in their for all sides to surrounding area and also any given issue,” with people who as right or the Web site stated. left winged as them 20dc.com is The site is an opinionated area for citizens to create free to sign up. Once their own environment of registered, you are now a citizen of 20DC and have political jargon; however instant access to a variety of Graphic by Joshua credibility is wavered with this option. features presented in the site. Rouse Credibility is You are able to customize your profile with as little or much something that’s information as you want. important to Once a profile has been created Tonia Swain, a political online, you can choose where science you are on the political scale and specific colors identify you on major.

“It’s more of a the Web site. The site features personal opinion a two-column color design.

On the left, variants of liberal and not a credible citizens will define their forum fact,” Swain said.

Security is an important in shades of blue. On the right, variants of conservative citizens will issue for the 20dc.com staff. When visitors define their own forum in reds. become a citizen, One of the major features of the

their real name is not displayed on the account. In fact, visitors can control the amount of privacy their individual profiles have.

The political spectrum has yet to make a great impact on the Internet world and the 20dc.com company hopes this is its time to shine.

“It’s the right time for something like this,” Helfrich said. “It’s no great leap forward in technology, but it’s a powerful tool for communication and seems n ecessary for democracy in the Internet age.”

The modern art of the Cameron campus

Photos by David L. Bublitz

An artistic view: These pieces of art are featured in different locations around the Cameron campus. During the spring the Cameron campus offers a wonderful array of scenery. On top of these intriguing pieces of art, the campus also features a large variety of trees and flowers. As far as the campus grounds are concerned, students and faculty have much to look forward to in the future with the completion of the Bentley Gardens.

GRADUATION continued from page 1 Graduating seniors have many concerns when they leave college and head into the real world to look and apply for a job. According to Cathy Billings, Student Development Specialist, students visit her office for help all the time with a variety of different concerns that pertain to finding and securing a job.

Billings said: “When students graduate the reality of life hits them. It’s a crashing moment. I think for the most part Cameron students are prepared, but they are not quite sure where to go from here.”

The Student Development office sees students of all ranks, but as graduation nears, more and more

seniors have been looking to their office for help.

The Student Development Office has free books and DVD’s for student to check out that can help them study for graduate and medical school entrance exams.

The office also has Web site listings for students to visit where they can create and upload resumés, cover letters, and develop interview skills.

Web sites like optimalresume.com allow students to view and create several multipurpose resumés for different jobs and store them on online Web sites. Other Web sites such as optimalinterview.com and the Student Development and Career Service’s Web site have sample cover letters that also offer

students similar services all geared toward helping them to stand out in the eyes of future employers.

“Businesses contact this office that want to hire Cameron students,” Billings said. “I receive two, three, four job postings a day from all over. We have job postings from across the country and overseas.”

When it comes to looking for a job, Billings said that having an impressive resumé and great interview skills are essential for graduates to land a good job. You have to promote your skills and assets that you will bring to that job.

“The resumé gets you in the door, but you’re the one that gets the

job,” Billings said. “It’s important to sell yourself because if you don’t, the next person behind you will.

Interviews are no place to be shy.

When else can you brag about yourself?”

While the Career Services Office does have many useful tools for students, Billings also offers students advice when it comes to helping them with job opportunities and future career goals.

Billings said: “Remember when interviewing for a job, that you’re seeing if this is what you want.

You’re interviewing them as much as they are you. Look and explore other opportunities because you may have to have other jobs before you have the job you really want.”

Since there is no detailed road map or how to guide to point graduating students in the right direction, Student Development and Career Services can help alleviate some of the concerns that graduating seniors may have in their transition from college students to grown ups.

“When it comes to jobs, be realistic and keep an open mind,” Billings said. “It’s a process not a product.”

For more information about the services and tools offered by Student Development and Career Services contact Cathy Billings at 581.2209 or visit their Web site at www.cameron.edu/student_ development.

News

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May 5, 2008

Campus beauty becomes possible with groundskeeper dedication

By Alexis Del Ciello Collegian Staff The next time you smell freshly cut grass, see lovely f lowers lining the sidewalks or enjoy a relaxing moment on a campus bench without trash f lying and attaching itself to your leg, remember a special, but vital role our campus groundskeepers play in the beautification of the CU campus.

The job of a CU groundskeeper knows no season. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, hot, humid or cold, the day starts at 7 a.m. on a fair

weathered day, sooner if inclement conditions arise. The first order of business is policing the campus to make sure all trashcans are empty and ready to go and the campus is presented in the best possible light to faculty, staff, students and visitors.

“We start at 7 a.m. and the first order of business is that everyone goes out on a police call,” CU Grounds Foreman, John French said. “We go out and cover the campus pretty quickly emptying the castle bins, smokers and picking up the trash across campus. We try to have that done by 8 a.m. Then the groundskeepers will go to their assignments.”

With any typical day, there are regularly scheduled activities and then there are the ones that need to fit in based on the outside demand for personal time. With CU’s groundskeepers, there is no getting around this fact of life. Whether it is a baseball field dedication or the

groundbreaking for a new building on campus, CU’s groundskeepers stay one step ahead of the game.

“We have some special things that come up that we help with.

An example would be last week’s dedication at the baseball field,” French said. “The day before we went out and outlined the parking area with f lags, took the cookers out, extra trash cans and water tubs for the event that afternoon. And the next morning we were back out picking it up.”

French said, “There are sometimes a multitude of things that come up that you have to do and then you are back to doing what you started out with.”

Aside from taking the time to make sure additional items on their “to do” list are checked, CU groundskeepers have successfully planted most of this year’s order of 46,800 f lowers and plants before the upcoming Student Activities Complex groundbreaking.

“Our primary focus right now is getting our f lowers in and getting our beds ready for spring. Planting f lowers is pretty tedious. Think about 2600 f lats and 18 plants to each f lat.

We are about 95 percent done,” French said. “We are trying to get most done by the 25th for the groundbreaking of the student activities complex.”

In the coming weeks the

groundskeepers’ shop will be buzzing with the sound of machinery used to welcome spring.

“We will be cranking up some mowers, edgers and trimmers here next week, if not this week,” French said. “We have so much to do in f lowerbeds that it takes all of my guys to get it done. We have hired extra help this year to make our deadline.”

With the rigorous schedule of planting thousands of f lowers it would seem that stopping and smelling the f lowers would not be an option, but a kind word will do just the same.

“I think the guys take some pride in how the campus looks,” French said. “I think that when people say ‘it looks nice’ or ‘you’ve done a good job,’ I think they appreciate that.”

With any daily schedule humor must be found.

“It can be a bit challenging out there,” French said. “The wind is unrelenting, like last week.

You can’t get the trash picked up fast enough. I tell the guys ‘you need to pick up that fence line’ and they did it 30 minutes ago.

The weather in Oklahoma can be challenging sometimes.”

It is hard to think that preparing for spring and fall happen at the same time, but the groundskeepers are gearing up not only for spring groundbreakings, but fall landscaping. French said fall planting orders have to be submitted to their supplier by July 1.

Even with unrelenting weather and changes in schedules CU is the place to be.

French said, “All in all, Cameron is a real unique place to work and I certainly enjoy it here and I think most people do if they are honest about it.”

Computing, Technology Day a success for department

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff

o Ph to by s Jo hu aR ou se

Students turned out and showed their support for the first ever Computing & Technology Day. The full-day event, which was held on April 14, showcased the exciting and potential future of the Computing and Technology Department. With this year’s success, Katia Mayfield, a Management Information System instructor and event coordinator, said plans are already in motion for the 2009 technology day.

“We were really satisfied and especially surprised by the turnout,” Mayfield said. “It started at 8 a.m. and it was on a Monday, so we weren’t sure if it was going to work out or not. We’re still brainstorming and coming up with new ideas. ” Dr. Henry Neeman, an assistant professor from the University of Oklahoma, spoke for about 45 minutes on supercomputers. Dr. Pedro A. Diaz-Gomez, assistant professor of computing and technology, said 62 people attended his lecture.

“The majority of the people who attended were from the computing and technology department,” Dr. Gomez said. “Our goal was to show people from the whole community what we teach here. And there were some who came that weren’t necessarily technology majors.”

The Great Plains Robotics Team brought their robot project to the Technology Day and demonstrated the future of technology. The team was tasked with building a robot that could remove a ball from a platform, carry it around an oval course and then deposit it back on the platform.

“The robot was a big success for the technology day,” Mayfield said.

“There were 33 people inside the room with the robot watching and probably another seven to 10 people standing in the doorway looking in.”

The benefits of the Computing and Technology Day went beyond showcasing the department, Dr. Gomez said. The students who attended were able to learn about a lot of stuff in a more casual environment than in the classroom.

“All day, there were people interacting and students as well as faculty were learning a lot of things,” he said. “The whole feeling of the day was more relaxed and people enjoyed it.”

While Mayfield and Dr. Gomez both contributed to the Computing and Technology Day, neither would take full credit for the success. Dr. Gomez said the whole event was a teamwork process and that’s why it kicked off without any trouble.

“It was a terrific day and that’s thanks to everyone involved. Katia did a terrific job organizing the whole thing and getting the word out about it,” he said. “The success of of energy relies on synergy and we succeeded there.”

News

May 5, 2008

5

A convergent society New journalism class focuses on emerging philosophy

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff Communication technology is evolving by the day.

Dr. Christopher Keller, assistant professor of communication, believes media should follow suit.

He brought his philosophy to a new experimental class this semester called “Convergent Journalism.”

“Professor [Steve] Adams and I were sent to a convergent journalism workshop in South Carolina last summer called ‘Newsplex,’” Dr. Keller said. “They talked about online presence in the media and how practically applying it is more complicated than originally thought.”

While at “Newsplex,” Dr. Keller and Adams covered a fair-tax convention with a group of other university professors from across the country. They were tasked with filming the convention, writing a traditional news story and uploading everything to a Web site. Dr. Keller enjoyed “Newsplex” and learned a lot from his time there.

“Having this knowledge is necessary for a future job in journalism as well as many other career paths,” he said.

“Other

majors could take it and certainly learn a lot.”

The class is being offered again in the summer if enrollment will increase. Dr. Keller said there are only four people enrolled in the course, but he hopes more people will be interested. He’s filled out the paperwork to submit to the curriculum committee to add the class as part of the communication curriculum and plans to submit it at the end of the summer.

“It’s not an even an option not to teach it anymore, it’s a requirement,” he said. “If I don’t give my students the tools they need, I’m not doing my job. We have to address and think about the critical nature of what we’re doing as journalists. We have to study and contemplate the fact that our world is changing and we are struggling as a society to communicate.”

Clayton Wright, a radio/ television senior, enrolled in Dr. Keller’s Convergent Journalism class this semester.

He

Photo by Jim Horinek

originally enrolled in the class because he enjoyed Dr. Keller’s previous classes, but he said he has learned a lot over the course of the semester.

“When he talked about it in newswriting, he talked to us about the aspect of using video and that was the hook that really caught me,” Wright said. “Anything to do with video is always interesting to me. This class has been a great opportunity to get new skills and hone old ones.”

As part of the class, students were divided up into groups of five and were tasked with building a Web site centered on a specific topic. The groups had to write stories, film videos and upload everything to a Web site surrounding this topic. Wright said the group project helped prepare him for his summer, when he goes to work in Arkansas.

“I’m going to have three other people I’m working with and working in our class groups has been a good way to learn how to plan time and manage resources,” he said.

Wright wasn’t necessarily a believer in the “convergence”

philosophy originally. But, over the course of the semester, Dr. Keller’s teachings have helped him see the future of convergence in not only journalism but in modern life.

“I still wanted to believe we want to watch television on our televisions, listen to the radio on our radios and watch DVDs instead of downloading them from Netflix,” he said. “I’ve grown to see that, over time, it’s not just an option. It’s turning into a mandatory avenue that we have to harness.”

Wright interned at Liquid Church, which broadcasts the sermons over the Internet where people can stream them online or download them and listen at their own convenience.

“There are people that don’t want to step into a church,” he said. “They don’t want to have people staring at them. It’s too uncomfortable, it’s too awkward.

But at their house, they can watch it from anywhere.”

With the semester coming to a close, Dr. Keller is very satisfied with where the class has gone and how students have accepted the philosophy. He’s even learned a lot about convergence by teaching the class.

“It was very beneficial for the students and me. I learned as much as my students did. Because the technology changes so quickly, this is a great way to stay up on it. The best way to learn something is to teach convergence,” Dr. Keller said.

“I knew a lot about it, but being able to learn from my students is a great thing anyway. And then I was able to learn a lot of the tools that my students are using.”

There have been some hiccups

along the way, mainly dealing with technology. With an unlimited amount of money, any technology could be accessible. But Dr. Keller had to budget carefully and use the tools that were given to him.

“You can spend as much money as you want to throw at a problem like that. That was our biggest limitation this year. It was such a remarkably big class,” he said.

If the class is approved for the curriculum, Dr. Keller said he would make some minor changes.

The class originally began talking about the “convergence” philosophy, but he plans on jumping head-first into the technology at the beginning of the class next time. The class was made-up of a variety of different people including non-traditional students, which was a benefit to all.

“The great thing is with the other students in the class were able to work with people who were a little more fearful of the technology. Because of the group setting, everyone was able to work with one another and work with each other,” Dr. Keller said. “I even structured the course, so some of the radio/television students were able to team teach some of the video techniques they were educated in.”

Ultimately, the convergence class has helped Dr. Keller improve his teaching styles in other classes.

With what he has learned this semester, he feels he’s become a better professor and he hopes to share that with his students.

“The class has been wonderful to teach and I feel as if everyone has learned a lot,” Dr. Keller said. “A lot of the teaching philosophies will be used in my newswriting and news editing classes in the future.”

Habitat for Humanity gears up for ‘Project Restore’

By Kerry Shanks Collegian Staff The Lawton Habitat for Humanity Chapter is reaching out to more families in need this year and building bigger and better than ever.

This June, Habitat for Humanity will be building a house for 17 year old Anthony, who is disabled and lives with his single mother. As Anthony gets older, he gets heavier and it becomes more difficult for his mother to assist him in his daily activities.

Habitat for Humanity is asking for donations to install a ceiling track lift, which would assist Anthony in and out of the bathroom, his wheelchair, and other hard to access areas around the home.

Betsey Parks, the President of the Lawton Board of Realtors, stated that the Lawton Board of Realtors has been active in the Habitat for Humanity project for some time now.

“For three years we have spearheaded this event,” Parks said. “This year we have partnered up with Baptist Central Church for assistance with this project.”

The church members will be providing labor while the Board of Realtors will arrange financial sponsorship for the event.

The home that is being built for Anthony and his mother is a one of a kind Habitat home. This house is the first Habitat for Humanity house to be handicapped accessible, and it will also have a garage. In the past, the project has been called “The Blitz Build House” because the homes were built so quickly, but this year the project is titled “Project Restore.”

The new home will be built with help from other members of the community. Caddo Kiowa Vo-Tech will be laying the foundation for the home, construction is set to begin on a Monday in June and scheduled to be finished by Friday the same week. The location of the new home will be 1216 SW Georgia Ave. Although Anthony and his family are receiving a new home, the organization is still asking for contributions to purchase the track ceiling lift needed to make Anthony’s life much easier. The cost for the lift is $4500, which includes the motor and ceiling tracks. The labor necessary to install the lift will be donated.

If you would like to help Anthony and his family, please submit your donation to: Habitat for Humanity “Lift for Anthony” at P.O. Box 3744, Lawton, Okla., 73502.

Remember that even the smallest contribution can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.

News

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May 5, 2008

Parents, children see college careers in different light

By Jim Horinek Collegian Staff The majority of Cameron students have experienced being brought to school by one of their parents. Likewise, many parents of Cameron students have experienced dropping their children off at school. However, it’s much less common for the parent and the child to attend school together.

Due to its dynamic environment, Cameron has made this a reality for many students and their parents.

Specifically Amanda and Karen Herrera and Katie and Laura Batule. Karen Herrera, a Criminal Justice senior, is the mother of Amanda Herrera, a Communications senior. Laura Batule, an IDS senior, is the mother of Katie Batule, a Journalism senior.

Although it is a somewhat odd circumstance, the parent/child pairs really have no complaints about attending school together. Karen Herrera’s opinion on the subject is similar to that of both mother, daughter pairs.

“I find it very helpful having my daughter Amanda Herrera in school the same time as myself,” she said.

“She seems to have her finger on the pulse of pretty much everything at school, so when I need information all I have to ask her.”

When speaking about her experience having her mother at the same school, Katie Batule has gotten a new perspective of her mother.

“I have developed more respect for my mom. I see her out of her element, especially with computers and technology, but she works hard to learn it,” Katie Batule said.

One of the interesting aspects of going to school with a family member is the possibility of having class together.

“Katie and I have been together at Cameron for two years and have had five classes together,” Laura Batule

said. “Depending on the class, I have found myself being a mentor or tutor to Katie and sometimes, especially with computers, she has been a tremendous help to me.”

In Amanda Herrera’s opinion the whole experience has made her appreciate her mother and the person that she is.

“I think I’m prouder of her than I am of myself. For her to live life and raise a family and then go back to school to accomplish a life-long dream proves to me she’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met,” Amanda Herrera said.

Amanda’s mother had the same sentiments.

“We are already a very close family, but I would have to say that it has brought us closer together simply because we are both graduating this spring and we have an awful lot to talk about,” Karen Herrera said.

With its large non-traditional student base, Cameron is a prime location for parent/child education. Although the whole experience has been positive, Katie Batule has seen some interesting effects of having her mother in classes with her.

“You don’t have the freedom to make ‘dumb decisions.’

I can’t skip a class my mom is in with me or she would be blowing up my cell phone asking me where I was,” Katie Batule said.

The crowning moment of a college education is the final walk across the stage during graduation. In the case of these four Cameron students, the experience will be shared.

Although Katie and Laura Batule will not be graduating at the same time they will have shared the experience that led up to graduation.

In the case of Amanda and Karen Herrera the walk across the stage will come at the same time. Regardless of the situation it is apparent that Cameron has provided a quality education and life long memories for both of these parent/child duo.

English department searches for new creative writing professor, bids farewell to another

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff The English department is looking for a few good professors for the fall 2008 semester.

The department began searching for candidates this year.

Julie Hensley, assistant professor, said the search was tailored for a new creative writing professor.

“We were looking, specifically, for a candidate who published widely and was equipped to teach both fiction and non-fiction,” she said.

Hensley is the only full-time creative writing professor although, she said Dr. John Morris, Dr. Mike Davis and Jim Douglass regularly teach professional writing courses.

So there was a need for a second creative writing professor.

After the screening process, there were a handful of potential candidates who were interested in the position. Hensley felt the best way to evaluate them was through a teaching demonstration.

“Because workshopping is such an important part of a creative writing class, I felt strongly we needed to allow the candidates to

lead a workshop,” she said.

Hensley’s Nature’s Voice class was the natural choice because of its meeting time on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Letting a new professor take over such an integral part of the class wasn’t a problem for Hensley. She said the class is made up students who have MCT Campus previous experience in workshop and understand the exposure that happens during the discussions.

“If anything, I assumed the students would be pleased to get additional feedback and to be exposed to another writer’s aesthetic,” Hensley said.

With Hensley’s hands-on approach to the workshop process, it was hard for her to sit back and let another professor handle the class. Evaluating the candidates as they lead workshop has helped to narrow down the search.

“We had several great candidates and we have focused our energy on one,” Hensley said.

During the search for a second creative writing professor, Hensley was offered an assistant professor position at Eastern Kentucky University. She accepted the position because of a number of

reasons “I love my students and colleagues here at Cameron,” she said. “But I have long wanted to be part of the core faculty of an MFA program, and this position will give me that opportunity. This will also put me in closer proximity to my family in Virginia and Georgia.”

Hensley has enjoyed her time at Cameron since she arrived in 2005.

She feels the creative writing track has gained momentum over recent years. The English department has refined the curriculum and developed reading series and has gone through great lengths to recruit students.

“I have seen students read their work at the Scissortail Writer’s Festival, publish their work in journals and move on to graduate programs in creative writing,” Hensley said. “It has been very exciting.

Leaving Cameron for a new university presents new difficulties and challenges, but she said she’s ready to face them. Hensley said she’ll have to begin moving between classroom teaching and online teaching as well as learn the new curriculum.

“And, of course, there is the challenge implicit in leaving the people I have grown to love here,” she said.

Photos by Collegian staff

Like mother, like daughter: (Above) Karen and her daughter Amanda Herrera read together outside the Art building. (Below) Katie shows her mother, Laura Batule, how to lay out a LiveJournal page.

SGA continued from page 1 “They interpreted it as meaning that a candidate needs 50 percent of the vote and then an additional vote,” he said.

The election committee determined the best course of action was to have a re-election. Kuhn appealed the decision to the Supreme Court citing a misinterpretation of the majority clause in the election committee.

“They said you had to read the rule as everything exceeding 50 percent,” Kuhn said. “They didn’t make a direct decision on whether or not to have the re-election. The decision of the court, as they stated it, was that I won the original vote. But they left it up to the election committee to decide whether or not to have a re-election.”

According to Jim Horinek, a Communication sophomore and Supreme Court Justice, proper chain of command was not followed. In the election appeal process Kuhn should have appealed first to the election committee.

Instead, he appealed it directly to the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court justices could not, in good faith, make a ruling saying the re-election could not be held,” Horinek said.

“However, the Supreme Court “It serves as the voice did come to the decision that of our students. SGA if the re-election were held, it has passed a number of would be unconstitutional.”

The election committee went important resolutions that ahead with the re-election on have made a significant April 7 and 8. Kuhn appealed impact on our campus.” the decision to hold the reelection to the Supreme Court.

But, the court could not meet — Dr. Cindy Ross in time to hear the arguments President before the re-election was held.

The re-election held Megan Mefford as the winner.

“I didn’t campaign in the second election because I thought of it as unconstitutional,” Kuhn said. “The Supreme Court later met on behalf of my appeal, which I had filed before the re-election.”

Nies said the run-off was held because the election committee did heed the Supreme Court’s initial decision.

“The court found the re-election to be unconstitutional because Tobias Kuhn won the initial vote with 156 votes compared to 150 for Megan Mefford,” Nies said. “Mefford then asked for a recount of the initial vote.”

When the votes were recounted, six votes had to be thrown out because they were illegal. Nies said according to “Robert’s Rules of Order,” the votes were nullified, but were still counted toward the vote total.

“One vote for Tobias and five votes for Megan had to be thrown out.

There were 311 votes and Tobias received 155, which was around 48 percent. No one got 50 percent of the vote,” he said. “In the majority system, which is what we have, someone needs to have at least 50 percent of the vote.”

In light of the lack of majority, the election committee decreed a third election to ultimately decide who would be Vice President.

Zeak Naifeh, Director of Student Activities, said the final re-election was the only fair decision for both candidates.

“A second re-election would allow both candidates a level playing field that was not under any appeals or protests,” he said.

The final re-election was held on April 29 and 30 with Kuhn winning with 91 votes against 90 votes for Mefford. Kuhn was relieved to hear the outcome of the final election but holds no ill feelings toward his opponent.

“I’m convinced Megan would have done a great job as vice president,” he said. “I think she will play a significant role in next year’s SGA.” According to President Cindy Ross the efforts of the CU SGA are extremely important to Cameron University. President Ross said that she relies on the input and ideas she receives from SGA and considers them vital to campus.

“It serves as the voice of our students, SGA has passed a number of important resolutions that have made a significant impact on our campus,” she said.

Voices

May 5, 2008

7

Out with the semester, in with the future ast week I was in my room picking up a copy of “The DaVinci Code” and the Daughtry cd from the f loor and putting it in a big box marked “summer stuff.”

The transition between semesters is always hard for everybody. While some students are still trying to finish that paper that was due in March,

other students are planning ahead to the fall semester. The summer then becomes a perfect time to stop, rewind and see what can be improved for the next fall semester.

This summer will be the perfect time for Cameron. As construction blooms everywhere on campus, students returning in the fall can expect already gigantic changes to current facilities.

CETES is adding a new structure to the current building, and at the same time other buildings are coming from nothing to become great additions to Cameron such as the Business Building and the Student Activities Complex.

I stopped and started thinking about this approaching summer and everything that has happened to me so far in my college life.

As a freshman, I always thought that my senior year would take MCT Campus forever to come.

I know it was

a silly thought to have because everybody kept saying to me “it will pass really fast.”

Now I am a junior entering my senior year. It feels awkward to look back and realize that it has been three years at Cameron. But one thing that bothered me the most was not how the time has passed fast, but on the disposition of the professors to make it easier for you reaching the last semesters of your college career.

I truly believe the last semesters in college are the most difficult. Not because they carry a load of upper level classes, but because by now students are tired and burned out. I know that I speak for myself and not for every student on campus, but I think everyone agrees that reaching the last weeks before finals can be overwhelming.

Some students try to do their best during this period of the semester. Senior are ready to walk on May and junior are just ready for the summer. I am ready for the summer because for the first time in three years I will have the chance to go back home for the summer. Which brings me to another point, empathy from some professors.

I am departing in the beginning of May and I wanted to leave early so that I could start enjoying my summer. But there was a problem. I would have to take my finals a week earlier. And some professors just were not “cool” with it.

It is really understandable students. You really deserve an from the professors to be A+. reluctant to give a final earlier To the senior leaving this because of moral semester, I want to issues when say good job. Your students have the efforts so far were opportunity to not unnoticed. And share the content do not stress too of the final with much with the job other classmates. market, it will be But I also believe fine in the end. To that there is the juniors entering an exception their senior years, for everything, I want to say come especially if your on, finish it strong. student is going After all, we just back home after have to face one Bira Vidal three years. more year.

My whole point in this is, professors, try to understand THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY that we students feel already exhausted with the end of the semester approaching so fast. Some students slack, and Founded in 1926 probably it can count for a large veritas sempiterna amount of us, but a little empathy never killed anyone. It bugs students to study for that special class like there is no tomorrow.

We usually take a good load of classes and it is ludicrous for some professors to think that his or her class is the most important of the bunch. You can even think this way, but I bet that most students do not.

Lastly I really want to thank Editorial Board all the professors who try their Editor-in-Chief - Jessica Lane best to fit their students’ needs News Editor - Josh Rouse Assistant News Editor - Jim Horinek into their overbooked schedule.

A&E Editor - Amanda Herrera I found some professors to be Sports Editor - Kareem Guiste Variety Editor - Bira Vidal amazing when it came to helping

COLLEGIAN

Assistant Editor - David R. Bublitz Copy Editor - Laura Batule

Summer School

Newsroom Staff

Don’t abandon education at the first sign of sun Time has a way of filling itself.

This is especially visible in a society with recreational activities such as Internet surfing for hours and TiVo. It’s been said enough that these activities teach us what to think and that college teaches us how to think.

This summer, I encourage you to examine this concept a little closer.

In my opinion, education goes beyond classes and lectures.

It’s important in the absence of classes to continue to teach oneself and to make sure college teaches you how to think and not what to think.

If you’re away from the classroom scene this summer, take time to look around your brain space. Maybe a little renovation is in order?

Summer took on a new meaning for me when I was about fifteen years old. Suddenly, I decided that the public school system wasn’t teaching me enough of what was “important.”

At this point, I didn’t necessarily do well in school. They weren’t teaching me the things I was interested in and I was bored and, yes, lazy.

I read constantly and filled my notebooks more with doodles and crappy poems than notes for “Consumer Math,” the dumb kids’ class that I struggled to keep up with.

I never considered going to college. It was as if I thought that one day when writing in my notebook, a spaceship would appear and take me gently back to my own planet.

That summer that I was fifteen, I got anxious because the spaceship never came. I decided it was time to become educated and, in my naïve teenage world, worldly. That May, just before the high school let out for the summer, I cleared off one of my bookshelves. I selected a variety of books from my collection that covered philosophy, classic literature, some science, a blank journal, and other books that seemed important such as a first aid guide and The Art of War. I put the books in slapdash categories and set forth a regimen to learn more over the summer. In truth, I only got through half of that bookshelf during that summer of 1998. But something important happened.

The following fall, my sophomore year, I did a little better in school. A tiny spark of curiosity about the world had been rekindled.

So, why am I ranting about a summer that happened ten years ago?

What could college students possibly take away from this narcissistic, overly nostalgic story?

Probably nothing, but I would hope to convey that having time away from school is an opportunity to educate yourself. While my adventure was slightly misguided (I was after all guiding myself ) there is a distinct pleasure in self-

Jessica Lane

teaching.

During summer, abandoned hobbies and overly straightened bents can be hammered back to their crooked and more creative states. This is certainly not to say that college is an uncreative place. Quite the contrary, college is a place to hone your creativity, which is not limited to art, writing or music. Science, math and business are also areas that enhance creativity if viewed in the right light.

There’s no need to totally renovate your life or become f luent in five other languages.

While undergoing this kind of change can be rewarding, consider starting small.

If you’re taking the summer off to relax and refresh yourself for the upcoming fall semester or

after graduation to enjoy one last break. Whatever your reason for doing so—don’t feel guilty.

I took off last summer entirely except for a night class over writing for children and young adults. Moreover, that class was mostly for fun and it was only once a week. If you get to take off a summer without work or minimal work, enjoy your free time.

A favorite professor of mine put last summer’s guilt into perspective. He said that the meaning of life could be summed up in five letters: e-n-j-o-y. Enjoy yourselves this summer. Even if you aim low, such as truly enjoying the phases of the day or taking the time to smell the daisies instead of the roses, you will have accomplished much.

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Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

Newswriting Students Jenifer Biles, Donnale Mann

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports

8

May 5, 2008

CU cross country aims high in spring

By Ashley Wilkerson Collegian Staff In a sport that requires physical and mental endurance, the Aggie cross-country team proves it takes effort to cross the finish line.

With the season coming down the final stretch, the team of runners took part in the Kansas Jayhawk Relays last week at the University of Kansas. Although CU does not have an official NCAA track program, the Aggie crosscountry team competes in various track events to practice and gain experience against some of the nation’s elite runners. Senior, Josh Stewart explains that many people confuse cross-country with track.

“Cross-country is not exactly like track and field. Cross-country does not have a lot of individual events, it consist of one event that is 10 or 8-kilometers. 8K is about five miles while a 10K is about six miles,” said Stewart.

With one of the top recruiting classes in the country, the Cameron cross-country team is full of talent.

Josh Stewart is just one of the many talented runners on the team.

Hailing from Ada Oklahoma, Stewart is a transfer from East Central University (ECU). While running for the Tigers, Stewart was

named to the Lone Star Conference All-Conference team for three consecutive seasons. Stewart was also named to the NCAA’s South Central All-Region team in 2005.

“My ultimate goal is to make the conference again next year, to make it four years in a row” said Stewart.

Because Stewart is a transfer from another four year university, he is serving his residency, and will not be able to compete until the fall of 2008.

“I still get to practice and work out with the team, I just am not able to compete in any meets until next season” said Stewart.

Head Coach Matt Aguero is no stranger to the Lone Star Conference competition. Aguero was also a member of the men’s cross-country and track team at ECU from 1999-2003, earning All-Region and LSC All-Academic honors with the Tigers. He holds the ECU marathon record and was a three-time qualifier for the National Track and Field Championships.

During his high school career at Byng Oklahoma, Stewart was named to the Oklahoma High School All-State Team three times and was a two time state champion.

In his senior year, Stewart was the state runner-up in the two-mile

race. After high school, Stewart went on to compete at Cloud County Community College in Kansas, where he was named to the NCAA All American status in five events. He was also named conference champion in both the 5K indoor race and the steeplechase outdoor race.

Stewart came to Cameron in the fall of 2007 and will graduate in December with a degree in PE and Health. He says that after graduation he would like to coach cross-country and track at the college level. As for his future and cross-country, Stewart wants to continue training after college and would like to try and go pro.

The only event left on the Aggie cross-country spring schedule, is the Oklahoma Sooner Invite, in Norman Oklahoma. Stewart said that the team has improved a fair amount this year and he has high hopes for next year’s season.

“Next year will be a huge difference, we should definitely be in the top five in the nation,” said Stewart.

Cross-country fans can get the schedule, results and top times online at the Cameron University home page. The Aggies travel to Norman April 26th to finish up their season.

Eastern Washington University as associate head coach,” Webb said. “I was the head coach at a Division I junior college before that in Wyoming at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming.”

During his first week at CU Webb successfully completed the NCAA recruiting exam, allowing him to start recruiting for the Aggies.

“Recruiting is going well. We have to make a lot of contacts and hopefully bring some kids on campus before the school year is over so they can see it in action,” Webb said. “It is a beautiful campus and a beautiful place and we want to get people here. I understand the recruiting process

at every level and hopefully we have what it takes to win basketball games here.”

Coaching at all levels of collegiate sports has forwarded Webb the skill set to lead the Aggie team to greater heights in the upcoming season.

“The great thing is I have been blessed to coach at every level.

I was an assistant coach at a Division II men’s program, head coach at a Division I junior college and then associate and head coach at Division I schools,” Webb said. “Now I am a head coach at a Division II school.”

Before a busy schedule of recruiting new talent for the Aggies, Webb met with current

Photo by Ashley Wilkerson

A composed athlete: Josh Stewart stands for his team picture ahead of the spring season. The team is aiming at being in the top five next season with Stewart coming in to make an impact.

Webb to lead women’s basketball

By Alexis Del Ciello Collegian Staff If it is running marathons with his fiancé, on the field recruiting or living in an on-campus apartment until completely moving in to Lawton, Tom Webb, CU’s new Head Women’s Basketball coach, can tell you how a typical day goes in his life.

Cameron University welcomed Webb to the coaching staff on April 18.

Prior to his coming to CU, Webb served in assistant and head coach positions at two Division I schools.

“I was at a Division I school before Cameron and that was

team members and started skill drills and training.

“It was good to see their faces.

They seem really excited and want to learn. They are eager and have open ears,” Webb said.

“The biggest thing now is teaching and impressing on them commitment and dedication and explain to them what it takes to succeed.”

With preseason practices and the team’s focus on next year’s schedule, the Aggies are planning to make changes to improve their game.

“We are going to certainly change a couple of things. We are going to really play hard and get after it. I know there are three things for sure we can do right away,” Webb said. “We can defend. We can rebound and we can run the f loor. I think you are going to enjoy watching our kids play. They are going to be respectful, put points on the board and hopefully end the night very happy.”

Even with a hectic schedule of skills training and recruiting Webb chose to be an Aggie because of Cameron’s excellence as an institution and the exciting times seen in the future.

Webb said, “I believe Cameron, as an institution is excellent. Dr. Ross certainly explained that we were moving forward and I loved it. It is an exciting time here with

the movement we have in the community and on campus. It is an exciting time to be an Aggie.”

Behind any good player, there is a dedicated and successful leader—the coach. Webb strives to do just that by showing his commitment to the program so it is ref lected in his players.

“The biggest thing we have to do, as a coaching staff, is show them leadership by example,” Webb said. “I have to be the hardest working person on our team. I have to go out and get it done. When it is all said and done, at the end of the day the players have to see that.

They have to know that I am more committed than anyone else.

With basketball being his passion, showing commitment and being a leader will be no challenge for Webb facing a new start at CU this season.

“The thing I love about college athletics is that it teaches you discipline, hard work and commitment,” Webb said.

“The biggest and probably the most enjoyable part about athletics is that you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

Coach Tom Webb

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Ready to shoot: Jasmine Parr is in perfect form to take a shot at the rim at the Aggie Gymnasium last season. Parr will be one of many aggies returning to the women’s team to be lead by Coach Webb.

Sports

May 5, 2008

9

Aggie men win LSC Championship

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director For the seventh time in head coach Jerry Hrnciar’s career, the Cameron Aggie men’s golf team won a Lone Star Conference Championship. The Aggies were crowned the 2008 Champs today at the LSC’s postseason tournament after defeating the field of ten schools. CU won the event by an impressive eight strokes with an overall team score of 855 (288-284-283).

“The night before (the final round) I told the team that we had been knocking on the door all season, and now it was time to walk through. We knocked on the door, stumbled over the threshold, and then made it through,” Head Coach Jerry Hrnciar said. “We played by far the best we played all year from tee to green, although we still struggled with the putter.

The second round was really bad with the putter but we played so well that we were able to offset it and stay in the ballgame.”

All ten LSC men’s golf squads participated in the event, which was played at the WinStar Golf Club in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

CU secured an NCAA Division II Super Regional tournament berth today with the championship victory. Pinky Hartline of Texas A&M University-Commerce won the event with an overall score of 209 (69-69-71).

“All of the schools in the LSC have really beefed up their

programs recently,” Coach Hrnciar said. “In the past it has been just a few schools, but now there is a bunch more. It feels good from a coaching perspective to win the conference because it gives us a positive mindset. That’s going to make it a lot easier to prepare for our next one.”

Cameron’s top finisher was once again junior Peter Svajlen.

He finished in a tie for 2nd place overall, just a stroke behind TAMUC’s Hartline. Svajlen’s three-round score was 210 (72-6771). Overall Svajlen shot a -6 for the event. His second round score of 67 was the lowest of the entire second round, and CU’s lowest score of the tournament.

Senior Cane Shumaker also put in a top five finish after taking 4th place overall. Shumaker, the lone senior on this year’s squad, turned in a 212 (69-71-72). He was also one of two Aggies to finish under par for the event with a -4.

“This team gets along so well, and I know they will be trying extra hard to give Cane the opportunity to go out to a national championship in his senior season,” Coach Hrnciar said. “Cane is very focused and they are too. We always want to have a chance to win nationals; it’s not just getting there, you have to win it.”

Sophomores Michael Lee and Brett Leavell both finished in the top twenty-five of the fifty golfer field. Lee took 17th place with a score of 218 (73-73-72) while

Photo courtesy CU Online

Champions: The 2008 Lone Star Conference Men’s Golf Champions show off their trophies for the media at a photo shoot. The Cameron University team was headed this year by Coach Jerry Hrnciar.

Leavell recorded a 22nd place finish with a score of 220 (76-7668). Leavell’s third-round score of 68 was CU’s lowest score of the round.

Robbe Trout, another of CU’s sophomores, also had an unbelievable tournament and took home a 27th place finish. Trout was extremely consistent this week and recorded a three-round score of 222 (74-73-75).

The aforementioned NCAA

Division II Super Regionals will be played at the Golf Club at Circle C in Austin, Texas, from May 5-7. Live scoring will be available online courtesy of GolfStat.com. The Aggies won first place at last year’s Super Regional Championship in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

“We can’t afford too many mental mistakes or any bad putting at the Super Regionals because of the caliber of the

competition,” Coach Hrnciar said. “So many of top teams are there, and it is essentially the national championship with a few exceptions. We need to play pretty f lawless golf with a lot of intensity. We have played the course the last three years in tournaments and have had nine competitive rounds there. That should help us against some of the tougher schools from the southeast.”

Cameron takes 5th at LSC finale

Championship was cut just short.

Cameron was in 4th place overall after Monday’s first round, but finished the two-round event in 5th place out of eight total teams. Although they were unable to repeat as conference champions, the Aggies put in a great

on over the summer.” tournament.

Cameron’s top finisher was junior “It’s a learning process,” Head Renee Breeze who took home a 7th Coach Rick Goodwin said. “We were place finish. Breeze shot a 152 (77-75) defending LSC champions and then in the two-round event for a +8. lose five players from last year’s team.

Sophomore Marrik Wooten also We turned it around and now have something to build off of. Finishing no finished close to the top with a 158 higher than 5th place was our goal and (81-77) overall stroke total. She cut off four strokes between the two rounds we finished in the middle of the pack. and came in I was pleased “We’re still not anywhere a tie for 13th with how we played this near where we want or need place overWooten week.” to be, but our improvement all. recorded a +14 CU’s overall for the event. team score was gives us something to work “Renee was 652 (327-325). on over the summer.” so close to makCameron ing All-Tournatook home the — Rick Goodwin ment team and championship Women’s Golf Coach Marrik came at this same through in the event last year end,” Coach in only their Goodwin said. “The younger ones still third season as an official women’s have a lot to learn and a lot of work to golf squad. This year the Tarleton State TexAnns won the event with an do. They all need to get more competitive and have things to work on. It was overall team score of 602 (302-300).

Courtney Epps of Northeastern State a learning process this year with a young squad.”

University won the individual title The final three Aggies in competiwith a two-round score of 144 (75-69). tion all finished very close to each “We are so young and we’ve come other. Sophomore Anna Hataway and a long way,” Coach Goodwin said. freshmen Tori McCollum and Blaze “We’re still not anywhere near where Petty finished in 29th, 27th, and 34th we want or need to be, but our improvement gives us something to work place, respectively.

McCollom was the only member of the aforementioned threesome to reduce her stroke total between the rounds with a 169 (86-83). Hataway finished the event after turning in a 173 (83-90), while Petty shot a 180 (88-92).

“We played our best rounds at this tournament,” Coach Goodwin said. “The first day we shot our lowest of the semester and then beat that again on the second day. From that standpoint it has to be a success for us. It was also the first tournament all spring that we got some decent weather.”

Cameron’s 2007-2008 women’s golf season is now officially over, as CU was not ranked regionally and will not advance further in the postseason. The only ranking Cameron received this year was halfway through the season when GolfWeek magazine had CU ranked #30 in the nation.

“It’s going to be tougher next year; I’m going to be a bit more demanding of the team,” Coach Goodwin said.

“Academically we are doing well but this was a rebuilding year for us coming off the conference championship.

We didn’t get the job done this year; we need to be better and we need to work harder next year.”

I caliber prospect with a very solid swing,” Coach Hrnciar said. “He is very long and accurate off the tee, and he is a good short game player.

He is a protégé of one of my former players who is a golf swing teacher, and he comes highly recommended. I think he is the type of player that can be a starter for us from his freshman year on, which is something I normally don’t count on.”

Smith has been highly recruited and fielded offers from several Division I schools before choosing to play for Coach Hrnciar. During his senior season Smith compiled a 73.8 stroke average, after recording a 74 stroke average throughout his junior season.

For the last three seasons

Smith won the individual District Championship, and this year he led the MHS Trojans to the first team District Championship in school history. He was also named the Midlothian High School Golf Most Valuable Player (MVP) each of his four years at MHS, and was voted to the All-District First Team after each of the last three years.

“I’m very excited to bring him on board,” Coach Hrnciar said. “We have big shoes to fi ll for when Cane (Shumaker) completes his career at Cameron, and Garrett will help us do that. He is a good academic student and is one of the top players in the entire Dallas area.”

In his junior season Smith

recorded eight top-seven finishes, including five top-three finishes and two first-place victories. Last season he finished with five topseven finishes highlighted by four top-three finishes and one firstplace victory.

Smith is very gifted in the classroom as well. He was named to the Academic All-District team each of the last three years, and was named Academic All-Area and Academic All-State after his junior year.

Smith also competes on the Legends Junior Tour where he recorded three top-ten finishes this season.

“I feel fortunate to have someone of his ability sign with our

squad,” Coach Hrnciar said. “I think he is going to bring a good work ethic to the team. He is a hard worker with a huge upside. I could see him start from his freshman year on, and he has the potential to be one of five players on the National All-Freshman team.”

As mentioned previously, Smith will join the Aggie squad as a freshman on the 2008-2009 squad.

He will be a business major at Cameron University.

The Cameron men’s golf team is currently on their way to Thackerville, Oklahoma, to take part in the LSC Championships. The event will be played Monday (April 21) and Tuesday (April 22) at the WinStar Golf Club.

MCT Campus

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director At the WinStar Golf Club in Thackerville, Oklahoma, the Aggie women’s golf team’s bid for a second straight Lone Star Conference

Hrnciar adds DFW star to Aggie golf

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Although there are still a few weeks until the 2007-2008 collegiate athletic season comes to a close, Cameron head men’s golf coach Jerry Hrnciar is already getting ready for the 2008-2009 season. The nationally ranked Aggie men’s golf team is just days away from competing in the annual Lone Star Conference Championship tournament, and today Coach Hrnciar announced the signing of top recruit Garrett Smith. Smith, a senior at Midlothian (Texas) High School, will join the Aggies next season.

“Garret is a (NCAA) Division

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May 5, 2008

Summer fun without the sun

College break brings movies, games for all to enjoy

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff For the next two weeks, many of us are going to be biting our nails and pulling our hair out over impending finals.

But after finals are over and it finally sinks in that the semester has come to a close, what’s next? A tropical paradise get away? A day at the lake?

How about watching a man in an armored suit out-run F-22 raptors?

Or watch a legend return after more than 10 years for one last adventure.

How about participating in a bank robbery and high-speed chase through downtown Liberty City with a Russian cousin screaming in your ear as you try to evade the cops?

With the summer comes the summer movie season and this year appears no different. Like last year, Marvel is defining the start of the summer season. Instead of everyone’s favorite web-shooting-wall-crawler, “Iron Man” flew into theaters on May 2.

At this point in his tumultuous career, Robert Downey Jr. has found the perfect role. He gets to play himself: a rich, drunk, pompous playboy. For years, Tony Stark has been a snarky alcoholic everyone loves to hate in the Marvel comics universe and that persona will shine with Downey’s acting. A tight wrap is being kept on the plot, but expect a lot of explosions and Iron Man racing a pair of F-22s (Starscream, is that you?)

A week later, the Wachowski brothers speed back into theaters after the failures that were the “Matrix” sequels. This time, instead of fighting giant robots in the future, they’ll be racing the famous Mach 5 with a backdrop that will either give you a headache or send you on a trip.

“Speed Racer” promises to be the family-friendly action film of the year, something “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s

MCT Campus

The land of opportunity: Niko, the lead character of ‘Grand Theft Auto IV,’ takes a look at the Statue of Happiness in the new Liberty City. Rockstar’s ‘GTA IV’ is available on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

End” failed to do last year. “Lost” star Matthew Fox co-stars as “Racer X,” a mysterious rival who ultimately becomes an ally to save Speed Racer’s brother.

On May 22, the swashbuckling man in the hat is back. After more than a decade of waiting, Indiana Jones is dusting off his fedora, leather jacket and whip and is coming back one more time. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” brings back Marian Ravenwood (Karen Allen) from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and adds Shia LaBeouf (who is obviously trying to see how many blockbusters he can star in during his career) as a greaser teenager who may or may not be Indy’s son. Director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas are keeping quiet about the plot, but rumors say it involves aliens and Area 51.

Pixar is prepping for the take-off of their latest animated film, “Wall-E.” The sci-fi feature will not arrive at a planet near you until June 27, but the positive buzz is already beginning.

Set 700 years on the future, Wall-E is a robot who cleans up the trash everyday on the Earth. One day, he finds a space ship, which ultimately

takes off and sends him into space where he meets some out-of-thisworld visitors. No doubt Disney is planning a marketing blitz for this.

You might be tired of it before it even hits theaters.

MCT Campus

This summer will also see a slew of sequels to some great and not-so-great comic book movies. “The Incredible Hulk” smashes into theaters on June 13. Marvel calls it a sequel, I call it a reboot. No one knows what it’s called, but the cast from “Hulk” has been completely replaced. Eric Bana has been replaced by Edward Norton, Jennifer Connelly has been replaced

by Liv Tyler and Sam Neill has been replaced by John Hurt. The only good casting change was the villain, which is being played by General Thade himself, Tim Roth. “The Transporter” director Louis Leterrier has taken over the reigns from Ang Lee and promises something more than “emo Hulk.”

He also promises a 26minute final battle, so we’ll see how that goes.

It’s still too early to determine whether Heath Ledger’s final role will unseat Jack Nicholson’s iconic portrayal as “The Joker” as the best comic book portrayal of all time.

But fans will find out soon when “The Dark Knight” arrives on July 18. No other movie will get the Internet fan boys hyped as much as this will, so pray it’s good, otherwise

the Internet could possibly explode.

The entire cast, minus Liam Neeson and Katie Holmes, from “Batman Begins” returns along with new faces like Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal (who took over the role as Rachel Dawes). Expect this to be one of the over-hyped movies of the summer and for years to come.

If movies aren’t your genre, and you want something more interactive, check out “Grand Theft Auto IV,” which arrives in stores tonight at midnight. No doubt Florida attorney Jack Thompson is sharpening his blades and preparing to strike, but the latest in the highly controversial and successful open-world crime series will finally be in gamers’ consoles in a matter of hours.

We’ve been waiting since Peter Moore revealed the release date in 2006. After a significant delay from its Oct. 16, 2007 release date, gamers have been chomping at the bit to catch any glimpse of Rockstar’s latest adventure. Players will play as Niko, an eastern European immigrant who comes to America to start a new life.

Instead, he finds the same crime and corruption as he dealt with in the old country. Hey, it wouldn’t be a “GTA” game without it.

Rockstar has overhauled the stale formula from the last-generation games and has included a new multiplayer component. Up to 16 players can fight it out online in free-for-all death match, team death match and a host of other game types.

“Grand Theft Auto IV” promises to have one of the most extensively creative multiplayer components of any game made todate.

It looks to be a very packed summer with plenty of entertainment choices. No doubt, many choices will be full of fail, but there’s still something for everyone.

So when temperatures reach the triple digits or a year’s worth of rain in two months, you can always stay inside, dry and cool, and enjoy quality entertainment.

EMERSON continued from page 1 fly out there.”

When he was originally offered a part in “Lost,” Emerson thought it was only for a guest appearance.

No one told him he’d become a central character in a series-long story arc.

“No one said anything to me about where the Henry Gale character was going. As far as I knew, he was just as he said he was, just a balloonist,” Emerson said.

MCT Campus “The true nature of his character A master of manipulation: Ben Linus was revealed (Michael Emerson) shows John Locke a tape during to me as the a recent episode of ‘Lost.’ Emerson has been a star on the show since the second season and credits his same way it was revealed to the role with a performance from ‘The Practice.’ world.”

“This was a case where the role Emerson was came as an offer. The ‘Lost’ producers pretty excited when he got the call had seen the work I did on ‘The from the “Lost” producers asking if he Practice.’ Every professional actor wanted the role. He watched the show has a reel, which is a video disc of once in a while, but his wife was the your greatest hits and you use it as a real fan. marketing tool,” Emerson said. “It’s a “My wife is what you would call way to do auditions without having to a ‘Lostie.’ And now that I have the

role, she’s been real supportive of me,” Emerson said. “She also got the chance to play my mother at one point; that was a little awkward.”

“Lost” has become famous for pot swerves and red herrings throughout the show. Emerson’s character, Linus, has become the ultimate swerve.

From one week to the next, fans aren’t sure where his allegiance truly lies.

Emerson himself doesn’t even know, but he enjoys the cat-and-mouse game each week.

“It seems logical that an actor needs as much information as he can, but it’s freeing for me. I don’t need to know the ‘uber’ storyline or the large story arc around my character. I just show up and do my thing,” Emerson said. “The way the story is told is a kind of a contract of the imagination between the writers and viewers. It’s not always important to me. In a way it’s simpler than one may think. The character always has and always will be played in a neutral gear and played as ambiguously as possible. That’s how he has this mystery and is interesting.”

The freeing nature of the Linus character has helped Emerson a lot with the role. He trusts the show’s producers and writers to take Linus in the right direction, even if initially, he doesn’t understand it.

“I’ve always been satisfied with the way the character has been written.

They always come up with more

And Matthew Fox sure knows how interesting twists and turns in the to throw a life of my punch. It character hurts. Not than I could “No one said anything to me to mention ever come about where the Henry Gale the every up with,” Emerson said. character was going. As far as I day working knew, he was just as he said he conditions. It “I’m sort of does present hoping that he was, just a balloonist.” eventually is — Michael Emerson a physical challenge. It’s going to play “Lost” challenging to around with be working on the sympathy the other side system on the of the world from where your life is. series and we’re going to come to like That presents some issues.” them a little better. We’re going to be Despite the sandy beaches and able to come around to his point of crystal blue oceans of Hawaii, view Emerson said the islands present their “Lost” has become a completely own challenges for filming. different beast than anything else “It’s great and it’s a challenge at the Emerson has ever done throughout his career. All of his roles have been in same time. I can’t imagine ‘Lost’ being isolated spaces and the characters have shot anywhere other than on a Pacific island,” he said. “The place where we always been less complex. Emerson are at, is the look of the show. It’s a sort said “Lost” has thrown challenges at of no acting required kind of deal. We him he’d never expect. really are there on the island.”

“It’s not difficult in terms of Now that the show is back on the character, luckily. I seem to have an air for five more episodes, Emerson instinctive take on this character. I hopes people will continue to tune in sort of knew from the get go, the tone and watch it. He said there are plenty of the man. That’s been smooth,” of surprises to be had before the Emerson said. “But the role and the fourth season comes to a close in May. shooting of the series have presented “Ben is not the worst thing that has lots of challenges. I never dreamt happened on the island. The worst is I’d be in an action adventure show. coming and we may want Ben on our There’s way more running around in side,” Emerson said. the jungle and guns and crazy stuff.

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May 5, 2008

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Preserving history:

CU professor publishes two new works for children

By David R. Bublitz Collegian Staff Dr. George Stanley, Professor of African and Middle-Eastern Languages and Linguistics and author of youth literature, has published two new works.

“Frederick Douglas: Abolitionist Hero,” is scheduled to be released in July and “Davey Crockett” in August.

“Davey Crockett” is a true biography and part of the Sterling Biographies series,” said Dr. Stanley.

“The ‘Davey Crockett’ book is pure research, and all of Sterling’s biographies are real biographies with citations,” Dr. Stanley said. “It was a hard biography to do because there’s so much legend attached to him.”

Dr. Stanley is also working on a novel chronicling the life of Sitting Bull for the Sterling series. He said by comparison, Davy Crockett brought much more of a challenge.

“I just finished ‘Sitting Bull’ for the same company and ‘Sitting Bull’ was a breeze because everything he did was full of action, so I didn’t have to do as

much rewriting. There was a lot of rewriting with ‘Davey Crockett,’” Dr. Stanley said.

“Frederic Douglas: Abolitionist Hero” is part of Simon and Schuster’s Childhood of Famous Americans series. Dr. Stanley said that the Simon and Schuster series is a little bit different from the Sterling because, while he doesn’t make up any facts, he gets a little bit more freedom to create a story.

Dr. Stanley also said that he was excited to work on the Simon and Schuster series, simply because as a child, he loved to read the books in the series.

“They have been around since the 20’s and the 30’s, and I read and loved them when I was a kid, so I’ve done a number of them. It is a lot of fun doing something that you had read as a kid,” he said.

Dr. Stanley said that even as a child, his passion for the Simon and Schuster series extended beyond just the educational material.

“One time, when I was going to elementary school in Texas,” Dr. Stanley said, “I checked one out, and this librarian said, ‘Don’t you think you need to be reading at a higher level?’ It had nothing to do

with reading; I could read at a higher level, but I just loved the stories because they are mostly about American revolutionary heroes and the frontier.

I have often looked back and thought ‘I wish I could have looked into the future and said “well, yeah, but I’m going to write these one of these days, that’s why I’m reading them.”

Photo by David R. Bublitz Passion for Youth literature: Dr. George Stanley, Professor of African and Middle-Eastern reading and Languages and Linguistics writes in his office. Dr. Stanley has recently published two new learning has works of children’s literature. really been a driving force for Dr. Stanley to In addition to the books that Dr. to learn. It’s fun to write things write youth literature.

Stanley has being published this that you know kids are going to be “This is really when kids like to summer, he is working on works reading. I get e-mails all the time read. This is a wonderful period. involving Sitting Bull, Coretta from kids about my books. It’s I love writing for third, fourth, wonderful to think that something Scott King, and Billy the Kid. He’s and fifth grade, because they like also expecting to publish two more you wrote makes a young person learning, they’re not turned off by works, “Medical Mysteries” and “A excited about reading and it, and they don’t think it’s uncool History of Espionage.” learning.”

Volunteers wanted for local International Festival

By Jessica Lane Collegian Staff The end of the summer’s leisure or lack of planned leisure may leave students with a sense of anticlimax. Aside from a fun class or two, there’s not much to look forward to when September rolls around … or is there?

The Lawton International Festival is already looking for volunteers to help with booths and vendors, work as stagehands and a variety of other fun activities.

“We’re always seeking people to be involved and to come to the committee,” Arts and Humanities Administrator, Sharon Cheatwood said.

The three-day festival is an entertaining way to end the summer and to learn about different cultures.

The purpose of the festival is to highlight Lawton’s diversity,

which stems largely from Fort Sill and Cameron University having a healthy International Studies program. Cheatwood said that the festival provides a place for international and native residents to learn about and celebrate different cultures. The festival also aims to reduce the social isolation that international residents may feel at times.

The volunteering process is easy and relaxed. Cheatwood said that volunteers are welcome to walk up and join on any of the days of the festival.

This will be the Lawton International Festival’s 29th year. Cheatwood said that the festival hasn’t changed much in all the years it has been put into operation.

Cheatwood said that volunteering has been a long-time tradition for some families and many volunteers return year after year. Community involvement

Arts and Humanities Council at on Friday, 11-10 p.m. on Saturday remains to this day.

Volunteering for the festival 580.581.3470. and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday. The The Lawton International events will take place at Elmer gives back to the volunteers. They Thomas Park located at 3rd and often receive refreshment coupons, Festival will take place the weekend of Sept 26-28: 5-10 p.m. have something to add on their NW Ferris Ave. resume and have a good time.

The Lawton International Festival has recently moved from the library to Elmer ‘ Thomas Park. Cheatwood said she is looking forward to the expanded area that the festival will have at their Aries (March 21-April 19) Spend the summer disposal. concentrating on yourself. Get into physical and mental shape, and next year “We were really limited. will be one of your best. Don’t try to buy a dollar with fifty cents.

This is a great advantage for ourselves and the patrons,” Taurus (April 20-May 20) Whatever happened this Cheatwood said. semester will soon be a thing of the past. Good. You can start fresh next Various clubs at Cameron summer. Don’t spend too much time folding socks. will display booths. Setting up a booth is affordable and Gemini (May 21-June 21) It only takes a few minutes of some amenities are provided. your time to make someone’s day. Spend much of your summer trying to To ask questions about help others in need. You will see in the end, you’ve helped yourself as well. the festival, whether it be Beware of small animals. volunteering, setting up a booth, call The Lawton Cancer (June 22-July 22) A new career path is on the horizon. Welcome it, and everything will work out just the way you want it to. Don’t let fancy packages fool you. Investigate what’s on the inside of everything.

Sizzling

Summer Horoscopes

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Who says life’s not perfect, yours is this summer! Just keep a level head and try to relax, the rest will come to you. Make sure you water your plants.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Things are looking better and better for you, but don’t get too ahead of yourself. Keep everything in perspective. A loved one will need some cheering up from you this summer, and you’re just the one for the job.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) A road trip this summer could be just what you need to kick of a great season. It might be a good idea to stay away from purple umbrellas.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Sometimes people in your life can seem like they’re not listening. They are. Just lighten up on everyone around you, including yourself.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You don’t always get what you want, but when you’re not expecting it something extra special will occur this summer. Stay positive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You’re so close to accomplishing a life-long dream. Stay focused, it will come soon enough.

Keep in mind that everyone around you absorbs your positive energy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A surprise late in the summer will turn around an otherwise low-key season of sun. Pay special attention to your loved one, they might need extra attention this summer.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Keep the house clean because someone mysterious will pay you a surprise visit. When they do, is when your summer will begin to sizzle.

Variety

12

May 5, 2008

From the sky: Cameron University’s constant growth in the Lawton-Fort Sill community makes it a lighthouse of educational excellence in Southwest Oklahoma.

McMahon Centennial Complex groundbreaking marks new era at Cameron University

By Laura Batule Collegian Staff Cameron University students, faculty, administrators and the community heard the thundering hooves of horses as Ole Kim rode in on a covered wagon, leading a posse of Aggie Sooners who staked their claim on a parcel of land that will one day house the McMahon Centennial Complex (MCC).

The sunshine, gentle breeze and palpable excitement created the perfect backdrop as the past, present and future were celebrated by those who are committed to “Changing Lives” at Cameron University.

“When we launched the ambitious and historic Centennial ‘Changing Lives’ Campaign over two years ago, we announced

plans for a new student activities complex - a complex that would become the hub of student life,” President Cindy Ross said. “Today, we gather to break ground on the McMahon Centennial Complex – the MCC – which will transform the face and future of Cameron University.”

Emblazoned on the back of the gold T-shirts given to supporters present was “Meet me at the MCC.” This message will continue to invite those members of the community to the anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony for the completed complex in the fall of 2009.

Like those pioneer settlers who raced for the chance to change

their lives, the CU administration and planners have a vision to constantly improve the lives of the Cameron and Lawton-Fort Sill community.

“Dream with me,” President Ross said. “Imagine a two story, state-of-the-art building with pitched roof and majestic pillars.

Go inside with me and imagine an art gallery, a large food court, coffee shop, recreation area and campus bookstore. On the second floor, visualize an executive boardroom, offices for student activities and student government, plus student meeting rooms.

Imagine the 400-seat ballroom hosting a formal dinner or a casual business gathering, a student dance

or a wedding reception, the annual athletic banquet or the Phi Kappa Phi induction. Visualize with me two of the most distinguishing features of this beautiful building – a patio and the second floor balcony extending from the ballroom, both looking out onto the 2.6-acre Bentley Gardens and pond. Imagine the role that the MCC will play in Cameron achieving three ambitious goals: becoming the university of choice for students, offering those students the college experience of choice and becoming the location of choice for the community.”

Students were especially excited about the new complex and the gathering place it will provide

for those on campus. Megan Mefford, a sophomore majoring in Communication spoke to those present about the muchanticipated MCC. “The McMahon Centennial Complex will be a place for everyone who steps in its doors to make their own memories,” Mefford said. “We will all have a wonderful gathering place to celebrate memorable times in our lives. The Complex is full of opportunities, and I cannot wait to go and claim mine.”

The progress: Aerial view of the McMahon Centennial Complex construction site (above left). The site (above right) shows great improvement since the beginning of April.

Showing some support: Financial supporters and community attend the groundbreaking of the MCC.

Words for the future generation: President Cindy Ross speaks about the future of Cameron and its impact on the local community.

Celebrating with Ole Kim: Cameron students raise their Aggie flags and ground them on the future home of the MCC

Photos by Levi Pettijohn and Jim Horinek Photo Collage by Bira Vidal