COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Monday, November 12, 2007
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
News
Non-traditional abuse, addiction By Kelley Burt Collegian Staff
SEE PAGE 4
A&E
Theatre Department puts on tragic comedy about cancer in “W;t.” SEE PAGE 7
Sports
Whether it’s an addiction to caffeine, cocaine or cough medicine, many negative consequences can occur. It took Kohl Jones, a Public Relations sophomore, less than one month in fall 2006 to become addicted to the caffeine in Hydroxycut, a common weight loss aide. When he stopped taking the drug at the end of his 30-day supply he had to be admitted to the emergency room for withdrawal symptoms. “I had blurred vision, was vomiting, had severe back pain, was restless and then I went blind and couldn’t see anything. It was all very scary,” Jones said. “The doctor told me that my symptoms were typical and caffeine withdrawal can be as intense as cocaine detoxification.” Jones learned each dose of Hydroxycut had as much caffeine as between four and five cups of coffee. The effect of the pills was worse due to the amount of soft drinks Jones drank on a daily basis. When he began taking the common, overthe-counter weight loss supplement, Jones did not know that it contained caffeine. “I was addicted to the thought of losing weight quickly,” he said. “I never imagined that I would become addicted to the pills.” Jones has completely recovered from his ordeal with no known side effects. His case is an example of a student not knowing he was taking a substance that he could became addicted to and then reaping the consequences. “Society doesn’t seem to view caffeine as a
Newswriting Student
SEE PAGE 8
Cameron to observe Statehood Day
In observance of the Oklahoma State Centennial, Cameron will be closed Friday, Nov. 16.
to become that severe. “Besides the educational success of our students, some of our biggest priorities at Cameron are their health and safely,” she said. “If students are having difficulties in their lives which interfere with their educational process, we encourage them to seek help, and we are certainly committed in trying to assist them in finding the help they need.”
See ADDICTION Page 2
Teachers from abroad make local impact By Chris Allison
Cameron inducts inaugural class into Athletics Hall of Fame.
big deal,” he said, “but it is.” David Keesling, Director of the Chemical Dependency Unit at Red River Hospital in Wichita Falls agrees with Jones. “In our field, caffeine and nicotine are not seen as major problems or traditional sources of severe addictive cases, but they should be,” he said. Keesling said many students knowingly consume stimulants like caffeine, ginseng and gingko biloba to help stay focused and energized for school. Many of these substances are found in popular energy drinks and can lead to addiction. “With the constant pressure on college students to perform well and juggle their academics with a social life and a part-time job,” he said, “it’s no wonder that energy drinks and places like Starbucks market to that demographic.” In addition to caffeine, many students use other means to help cope with pressure and stress. Keesling said they still turn to traditional drugs like marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens and barbiturates. The effects of multiple kinds of addiction and abuse are present in Keesling’s job every day. “Usage can become debilitating on multiple fronts,” he said. “I’ve seen students lose credit for entire semesters and lose full scholarships because of their drug and/or alcohol usage.” Dr. Jennifer Pruchnicki, Director of Student Development at Cameron, doesn’t want students’ problems
The Chinese government is funding programs that offer more and more opportunities for American students to take Mandarin Chinese courses, even in Oklahoma. Lawton’s Ding Xiaowei and Duncan’s Mao Yu are two of over 100 teachers in the United States (17 in Oklahoma) sponsored by the College Board and the Chinese central government agency Hanban, Mao Yu whose major task is to promote Chinese language and culture worldwide. The Oklahoma efforts are even making national news. On October 17, 2007, NBC’s Brian Williams featured Ding Xiaowei in a segment of the series “China Rising.” Before her Oklahoma days, Mrs. Ding taught English at Beijing Information Technology University for nine years before arriving in Lawton last January. “I think teaching Mandarin Chinese in the United States is a very good way to improve the mutual understanding between Chinese people and American people,” Mrs. Ding said. “If more and more American students can learn Chinese language and culture, they can understand China and Chinese people better.” Mrs. Ding pointed out that China is almost the biggest market for American businesses. American students are realizing that learning
Mandarin will provide them with opportunities in the future. Many also are interested in Asian culture, especially cartoons (anime) or the video games developed by Japan or produced in China. Since Chinese is offered as an AP course, it awards students a weighted grade. Mrs. Ding teaches in all three of Lawton’s high schools. Last year, more than 30 students took her course, and this year the number increased to more than 50. Coming to Oklahoma brought many changes for Mrs. Ding. She commented, “I really miss my family back in China. I have a daughter who turned five years on Nov. 2. Her nickname is Tian Tian, meaning ‘sweetie’ in Chinese. Her real name is Tian Xinyi.” Mrs. Ding elaborated on what her husband’s occupation is in China. Mrs. Ding’s husband is an IT engineer, responsible for the Internet of a Swiss and Swedish company in China, an international company dealing with everything including investment. Insight into Mrs. Ding’s family offers a glimpse into recent Chinese history. Her parents both were engineers when China underwent the Communist Cultural Revolution. Educated people were relocated so that they might be humbled. Her parents met at the fertilizer factory to which they both were assigned. One of her mother’s younger sisters has no education because schools were closed down during this time. Eventually the nation learned to value people of leadership again. Proof of this is that her
father served as the vice mayor of her hometown of two million people, and her mom worked in the foreign trade committee before they retired. They now spend much of their time educating little Tian Tian, who already reads Chinese fluently and is comfortable with multi-digit math problems. Every Chinese child is especially cherished since families are only allowed to have one. Mrs. Ding’s family spent time in the United States this past summer, traveling both to the east and west coast. They were amazed by all of the Ding Xiaowei cultural events in Lawton and the surrounding area. Mrs. Ding said she has come to love being in Oklahoma. “I enjoy the people, my host family, my students and my friends in Lawton,” she said. “When I exchange e-mails or phone calls with my group members in other parts of the United States, some of them are not as lucky as I am to make so many friends as I do because I do think Lawton is so diverse. Local people in Lawton are so open-minded and welcoming and willing to accept other cultures. People are so friendly here.” She recalls a day at the beginning of her stay in Lawton. Photos by Chris Allison
Lawton citizen saves the life of Seattle teen.
Volume 81 Issue 9
See TEACHERS Page 2
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News
November 12, 2007
Influenza Vaccination Week brings attention to annual bug dollars are spent on cold and flu medicine each year to combat the Collegian Staff virus. The flu virus is primarily spread Flu season has arrived. through personal contact with To combat the deadly bug, infected the Center persons. for Disease “The virus mutates readily. However, Control and Prevention is What works one year may not symptoms for the virus sponsoring work the next year so they can take up a National have to develop a different to a week Influenza strain based on how it has to occur, Vaccination so many Week from developed.” people may Nov. 26 until unknowingly Dec. 2. The Dr. Carla Guthridge transfer it event aims to encourage Associate Professor of before they everyone to Biological Sciences know they are affl icted. get his or Dr. Carla her annual Guthridge, vaccination. Associate Professor of the Between 5 and 20 percent Biological Sciences at Cameron, of the American population said that there are many symptoms contracts the flu virus each year, according to the CDC. Billions of of the virus. “Some of the symptoms include fever, aches, pains, nausea, vomiting and respiratory infections,” Dr. Guthridge said. While there is a shot to prevent the influenza virus, it only works for a year after it is administered. Therefore scientists must work to develop a new vaccine each year. The flu vaccine is a combination of three “inactivated”
By Brandi O’Daniel
or killed influenza viruses that are modified each year based on the types and strains of the virus of that particular year. Dr. Guthridge said: “The virus mutates readily. What works one year may not work the next year so they have to develop a different strain based on how it has developed.” Each January, flu experts make predictions based on scientific data that determine what strains of the virus will show up that year. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta receives samples of the virus from around the world, which aid them in producing the new flu vaccine for that year. The vaccine given to the general public, wards off the flu virus by producing antibodies in the body that fight off the virus. “Your immune system responds to anything foreign,” said Dr. Guthridge. “When the virus is in infected it looks foreign to the body and produces antibodies that target it. So when you get the virus the body already has the antibodies to fight the virus.” While the flu vaccine is very beneficial, according to the OU Health Care Clinic, there are some rare side effects. Some people may have a reaction to the shot if they are allergic to chicken eggs. Dr. Guthridge said: “A problem with the flu vaccine is that it is generated in eggs because it has to be taken from live cells. If you’re allergic to eggs, then that can cause a reaction to the vaccine.” With the exception of those that are allergic to the flu vaccine, doctors highly recommend
everyone get the vaccination. Those at greater risk of acquiring the flu are advised to get the vaccination each year. Women that are pregnant, all children between the ages of six months and five years and anyone over the age of 50 are encouraged to get the vaccine. Also, caregivers and those working in the health care field are advised to get the flu shot every year. The Center for Disease Control gives tips on their Web site to better protect against influenza, including: avoiding close contact with people that are sick, staying at home if you have the virus, washing your hands often, getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids.
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To get your yearly flu vaccination, contact the Comanche County Health Department at 248.5890. Other businesses in Lawton and the surrounding area will be offering regular flu shots throughout the season. For more health tips visit www. cdc.org
ADDICTION continued from page 1 In addition to the resources available to students who think they may have a problem, there are many options for friends and family who think their loved ones may have issues. Pruchnicki said intervention may be difficult, but it’s important to everyone involved. “When people we care about are suffering or struggling, it impacts all of us,” she said. “There are support groups for those who have a family member or a friend who is struggling.” Jones encourages his friends to seek help if they think they may have a problem with any substance addiction or abuse and supports others who are looking to help other loved ones. “Friends help each other out and it’s all about finding a better way to live and be happy,” he said. “The important part is to show people their options and how they could be outside of their current bad situation.”
TEACHERS continued from page 1 “I arrived here at the end of January of this year. Then in February there is a big festival, Valentine’s Day. At that time, I almost knew nobody. I frequently felt a lot of pressure. But on Valentine’s Day when I was teaching in my classroom, suddenly a lot of students came in and started singing a Valentine’s song to me, which was so sweet. I could feel the love and care. I no longer felt lonely.” The Chinese government is investing heavily in many projects that will bring Chinese teachers to America and American educators and students to China. This summer, Patti Cargill and Linda Dzialo, Lawton Public Schools administrators, joined hundreds of administrators from across the United States for a tour of China. In December, a Chinese principal will visit Lawton High School as part of a principal exchange and eventually will host LHS Prinicpal Rick Kitzrow in China. According to Carol Tao Lin, the College Board’s administrator in charge of Chinese studies, Hanban is in the process of planning summer camps in China for thousands of American students. According to the Hanban contract, those Chinese teachers sponsored to teach across the United States by the College Board and Hanban are paid a monthly stipend by the Chinese government. Oklahoma school districts are expected to furnish a host family, insurance and transportation. Most teachers are placed in high schools, but according to Liu Xiao Liu, who teaches at Truman Elementary School, the Norman Public School district offers elementary Chinese classes for every K-5 student attending Truman and Madison Elementary Schools. Another teacher besides Ding Xiaowei who was sent to Oklahoma by the College Board and Hanban is Mao Yu, a six-year teaching veteran of a Chongqing Middle School, who started her Duncan High School teaching in August. While at Stanford for her summer training, she interviewed a student and asked why he chose Chinese over the traditional foreign languages. He said, “I knew if I learned how to speak Mandarin Chinese, I could speak to 1.3 billion people. That would be fun.” Duncan has 33 students taking Mandarin. Ms. Mao said, “If the American students take Chinese, they will start to show an interest in China.” Long before Ding Xiaowei and Mao Yu began their Oklahoma teaching, Cameron University hosted its first Chinese teacher. In the fall of 2005, Cameron invited a Fulbright Scholar from China, He Ying, to teach at the university, and the program continued the next year with another Fulbright Scholar, Zhang Rongmei. This year a full-time faculty member, Ally Zhou, has been hired. Dr. Zhou, also a native speaker, grew up in Mainland China and received her B.A. in English from Central China Normal University, her M.Ed. from the University of Central Oklahoma and her Ph.D. in Second Language Education from the University of Toronto. She held a fellowship for a year and a half at the University of Alberta before joining the Cameron faculty. Cameron University is continuing its commitment to offer Mandarin Chinese.
November 12, 2007
News
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November 12, 2007
Bone marrow donation saves the life of teen By Jessica Lane Collegian Staff Casey Geist, a Captain at Fort Sill and currently an instructor for the basic officer leader course, has donated bone marrow and bone marrow stem cells through the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program. His recipient was a 14-yearold-boy named Jordan Keen who lives in Seattle. Neither Jordan or Casey knew this information when Casey was called to donate. When Casey went on active duty in 1999, he went through initial training and was moved to a station in Fort Polk. Around this time, he donated blood and volunteered to donate bone marrow and bone marrow stem cells in the future. In May of 2000, Casey received a phone call informing him that he had come up as a preliminary match. “Since then, I’ve donated bone marrow once and bone marrow stem cells once. So this was my second time to do it,” Casey said. His first donation was to an 80-year-old woman who had non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Casey was flown to Washington D.C. His wife, Jenny Geist, Public Relations senior at CU, soon joined him. “I was excited, I think, in a sense. He was in D.C. For six days. He went up on Sunday and I couldn’t go up until Wednesday so by the time I’d gotten there he’d already had three days of shots.” Casey was given a shot every day for five days that caused his bone marrow stem cells to come out of the bone and through his blood stream. The bone marrow stem cells were taken out through a process called apheresis, which is similar to the way platelets are removed. “For five days I got a shot in the arm and then the last day they stuck me and I had to lay down on a bed with a needle in both arms for about seven hours. After about the third day of getting the shots it kind of feels like
been blacked out. After a year and a half, Casey got a sheet asking if he would like to exchange information to find out who the recipient was. During the week of Thanksgiving last year, Jenny said, more thank-you notes from the Keen family started coming. “And it was just thank-you card, after thank-you card, after thank-you card from Mom, Dad, aunt, uncle, grandparents, brother, sister, just the whole family. You knew it was real, but after all that it was suddenly like, ‘wow, this truly touched, not only him, but a lot of people,’” Jenny recalled. Casey said that this started the lines of communication between the Keen and Geist family. In October of 2007, the Keen family flew Casey and Jenny to Seattle for a weekend so that Jordan could meet his donor. The Keen family had been saving up for two years to arrange the meeting. “We walked out of the airport and his mom recognized him from a picture I’d sent. They waved at us, she came over and gave me a big hug. He shook my hand and said ‘thank you’ and smiled real big. He said he’d been waiting a long time,” Casey said. Jenny said that her husband is humble and that Jordan’s mom had said Jordan was also. “His mother wanted to call Photo courtesy of the Keen family the news station Grateful smile: (Left to right) Jenny Geist, Jordan Keen and Casey Geist meet after being because we were connected due to bone marrow donation. Casey Geist’s bone marrow donation saved the coming out, life of Jordan Keen. but because he’s you fell off a roof and landed on your back,” he said. While Casey admitted that the process can be painful, he was quick to acknowledge what his recipient had to go through. “Then on his side, they gave him chemo until all the bone marrow in his body was killed off and then they put a little line in his vein and dropped the stem cells in through a tube,” Casey said. They started Jordan’s chemotherapy on the same morning that they started drawing Casey’s stem cells. As soon as Jordan’s chemotherapy was complete, they started transferring the stem cells an hour later. The bone marrow donation registry is anonymous, so donors don’t know whom they are donating to or where they are. Donors do know their age, gender, and what disease they have. “So at the time I knew he was a fourteen-year-old boy with leukemia,”
Casey said. Jordan’s family didn’t know who the donor was either. All they knew is that it was coming from the East coast. Jenny said of the experience, “We sat there knowing this was for a fourteen year old boy, knowing what his disease is, but not knowing where he’s from or where he’s located. So we sat there and we chatted for the seven hours he was immobile and for all we knew this kid could be in the same hospital, he could have been on a floor below us.” After Casey’s bone marrow stem cells had been abstracted, the line was cut off and escorts came to retrieve the bags of stem cells. The bags were signed for, put in a cooler, and the stem cells were on on their way across the country from Washington D.C. to Seattle. Six months later, Casey started getting thank-you letters, but the names and any identifying information had
really low key, they didn’t do it,” Jenny said. There was concern about how well the two would converse. Nevertheless, the two had a lot to talk about. Jordan and Casey shared a car ride in the back seat of Jordan’s mom’s car and shared their experiences. “He asked me how I got into it and how it happened. He told me his side. He told me some of his interests, how he’s real big into playing Halo and some different stories about his experiences with the Make a Wish Foundation and different hobbies he had,” Casey said. The Make a Wish Foundation had given Jordan a X-Box 360, a big TV and a sound system. There were a few Seattle Seahawk players involved in the foundation and they gave Jordan tickets to a couple of games. Another time he got to meet the coach and a few of the players from the Seattle Supersonics. Jordan also got to meet a lot of his favorite professional wake boarders and got an autographed wake board. “This whole process and meeting his family has convinced me to sign up to be a marrow donor,” Jenny said. She said that it’s easy to become a donor. The potential donor has his or her cheek swabbed four times. The tissue is then typed and the donor is put in the national registry. This process can be done for a $20 fee at the Oklahoma Blood Institute in Lawton, located at 211 SW “A” Ave. Those interested can also call the OBI at 253.6451.
Voices
November 12, 2007
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Remembering those who have served One in four homeless people are veterans. In 2006, 495,400 veterans were homeless at some point during the year. Chances are that person you pass on the street begging for change is a veteran. As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, statistics like these reflect a sad fact of our country. Some of our men and women enlist in the military and fight overseas only to come home to the cold, damp streets of the country’s cities. Many may give their lives for a country that doesn’t seem to care about their brothers and sisters in arms. The Veterans Affairs Department identified 1,500 homeless veterans are from the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2005, the Census Bureau estimated there were 744,313 homeless people living on the street. Out of that total, 194,254 were veterans. After World War II, our soldiers were welcomed with parades, confetti and celebration. They were
given G.I. Bills to buy their first homes with their families. They were treated like the heroes they were. Today, many of them are living on the street. We have to do more to help our soldiers. Many went because they felt they were compelled to. Many went because they thought it was the right thing to do. Many went because they wanted to. These wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taught us one thing, if nothing else: war is hell. For many veterans coming back to “normal life” is hell too. Veterans deserve every pat on the back they get. They deserve every handshake they’re offered. They deserve every benefit they receive. But we can do more. Veterans Day has become mixed up in the holiday season. Between commercial holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, some people lose sight of Nov. 11. Thanksgiving Day is a day to give thanks for all that we have received over the past year. Veterans Day is a day to give thanks for the veterans who have
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fought to defend our freedom from all enemies. In political unrest and unpopular wars like Vietnam and Iraq, the thankful mentality is sometimes lost. Some may take the anger they have for the decision makers and channel it toward the veterans who return home. Others are simply apathetic. We should shower our veterans with MCT Campus
praise and happiness, and many Americans do. It is important to keep in mind that even if one disagrees with the war, that we maintain respect for the veterans. In fact, many disagree with the war because of the soldiers. Ultimately, it falls upon the shoulders of the American public to do what’s right. For some, Veterans Day has become nothing more than a federal holiday without a meaning. Banks close, schools let out and life goes on like normal. Today, every day, honor the veterans. Their sacrifices should not fall upon deaf ears. They should be honored like the heroes they are.
Then and now ...
Return from break with a smoother ride
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief - Jessica Lane News Editor - Josh Rouse Assistant News Editor: Jim Horinek Copy Editor - Malinda Rust A&E Editor - Amanda Herrera Sports Editor - Kareem Guiste Variety Editor - Bira Vidal Assistant Editor - David R. Bublitz
Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kelley Burt Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - David L. Bublitz, Jessica Frazier, Kyle Weatherly, Kerry Meyers, Brandi O’Daniel, Jacob Russell, Ashley Wilkerson, Elizabeth Yocham, Laura Batule
Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller
Newswriting Students Chris Allison, Dewan Bennett, Henry Evans, Diana Harger, Erik Hurley, Tamra Mann, Valerie Pennington, Adrienne Reid, Lauren Roberts, John Robertson, Danielle Rogers, Clayton Wright
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
Photos by Collegian Staff
Easier on the wheels: Students returning from fall break were pleased to see the parking lot northeast of the University Theatre had been repaired, making the campus a little more enjoyable. Above: the repaired lot. Top right: the previously damaged area of the parking lot.
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.
A&E
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November 12, 2007
A call for manuscripts: English Department accepting nonfiction submissions By: Jessica Frazier Collegian Staff The Cameron University English Department is now accepting entries for the Leigh H. Holmes Creative Nonfiction Contest for the 2007-2008 academic year. Dr. Holmes taught in the English Department for 28 years before retiring from Cameron. As a result of his love for the University, he instituted this competition in 2003. Wendy Dunmeyer took home the prize money the first year, followed by Kim Stormer and Merry Bennett (2004), Barbara Adams (2005), Lauren Slate (2006), and Wilma Whittaker (2007). Whittaker won the contest for her work, “Exit 52.” According to Robert Johnson, a member of the Creative Writing faculty at Cameron, she wrote the piece about her family and their travels on Interstate 44. According to Johnson, the judges
look mostly at literary merit. “There are looking for a good, factual story,” Johnson said. “They want something that is engaging and smart.” Johnson said that a majority of the entries will be memoirs. The challenge for most writers is that “you care, but in creative nonfiction you have to make someone else care, as well.” The judges look for excellence in details like imagery, dialogue and language. He said he believes this is an important contest because creative nonfiction is an emerging genre. “In terms of the publishing world, this is the genre that is the most publishable right now,” he said. According to Johnson, the contest draws about 30-50 submissions each year. “I would love to be overwhelmed with entries, and since we have a panel of judges we can get a few more qualified people to help us
out,” Johnson said. All of the students enrolled in the creative nonfiction class are required to enter the contest. While most of the other submissions come from English majors, there have been entries from students outside of the department. Johnson said a Business student and an Education student already have contacted him about submitting work this year. “I don’t know if anyone from the sciences has ever submitted, but I would love it because you are going to get a different kind of story, a different kind of experience,” he said. “Getting diversity is always important, especially as a reader.” Several of the previous winners have been awarded for other works and have had their work published in respected journals. In 2004, Stormer also won a Sigma Tau Delta National Award for writing an essay. Sigma Tau Delta is the International
short story collection, you might English Honor Society. Whittaker get it published. You and Adams won the AWP Intro will probably have Journals Project, and Adams has published several poems. Her most to win a contest just recent submission will be published to get it published. in the journal, “Ruminate,” which If you a great novel or great idea and it should be available in the spring is well written you issue. Cameron English have a chance to get it Department faculty members published,” Johnson said. “But if you have a pretty are very proud to offer this good nonfiction idea and you do contest because everyone has a pretty good job writing it, there’s a story, and this contest reaches to those who do a better chance you are going to get it published because people are not consider themselves suckers for a true story.” writers. All Cameron students are “There aren’t many creative eligible to enter the contest. nonfiction Students wishing to enter the competition should submit three contests “blind” copies of their essays along compared to poetry or with a completed entry form to fiction. Susan Hill in Nance Boyer 2014. Graphic by: If you have David R. Bublitz The deadline for submissions is Dec. 10. For more information, great e-mail Mr. Robert Johnson at rjohnson@cameron.edu.
J.K.Rowling reveals wizard to be homosexual Danielle Rogers Newswriting Student Dumbledore is gay. On Friday, Oct. 19, at Carnegie Hall in New York City, J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, announced the beloved wizard Albus Dumbledore was in fact gay. Many fans,
including a few Cameron students, were caught by surprise at the announcement which came during an interview session with fans after a book reading. “What? Are you serious? How did that happen?” Radio/Television Major, Amanda Finch asked. A young fan asked if Dumbledore had ever fallen in love,
Things to do at CU Nov. 13 - Tuesday Pursuits and pizza: 9 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226. Nov. 15 - Free lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226. Nov. 15 - Espresso Yourself: 8 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226. Nov. 15 - C.O.R.E. Service - 9 p.m. at the Baptist Student Union, 2614 SW E. Ave. There will be a band and a speaker. For more information, call 357.7226. To have a campus event printed in “Things to do at CU” email information to collegian@cameron.edu or call 581.2260. Quote of the Week “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it” -Aristotle-
since he as such an advocate of the prevailing power of love. Rowling said, “My truthful answer to you… I always thought of Dumbledore as gay.” After the shock had subsided for Finch, she finally asked,” So, who was it that he had fallen in love with?” The one love which Dumbledore had possessed for another wizard was for Gellert Grindelwald. Grindelwald, in the Potter books, was a dark wizard much like Harry’s enemy Voldemort. He had moved across the street from Dumbledore when they were children and developed a friendship which lasted many years. “You cannot imagine how his ideas caught me, Harry, inflamed me,” Dumbledore told Harry about Grindelwald in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.
The friendship finally ended when Grindelwald made plans to dominate the world and rule it. Soon after this, Dumbledore had to kill Grindelwald to stop him from bringing devastation to the world, a task which took him five years to accomplish because of his “lingering affection or fear of exposure as his once best friend.” After the initial shock of the announcement at Carnegie Hall, fans stood in cheering acceptance and approval of the decision Rowling made to create a homosexual character. “Jo Rowling calling any Harry Potter character gay would make wonderful strides in tolerance toward homosexuality,” Melissa Anelli, fan site webmaster of theleaky-cauldron.org, stated. Anelli also went on to say by making someone so respected, kind and
talented gay it will reinforce the idea that gayness is not something to be ashamed of. Even though the announcement about Dumbledore came as a shock to many fans, the question had been asked on fan sites all over the internet because of his lack of close relationships with women and his secretive, dark past. “Falling in love can blind us to an extent. Dumbledore’s love was his great tragedy and he was horribly, terribly let down.” Rowling said. Now that the wizard if out of the closet, Rowling wishes she would have announced it years ago because of the reaction she received from fans. “If I would have known this would make you so happy, I would have announced it years ago.”
Cameron Choir Fall Concert
The Cameron University Choir will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the University Theatre. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children and free to Cameron students who present a valid CU ID. For more information call 581.2440.
Photos courtesy of the Music Department
A&E
November 12, 2007
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‘W;t’ to portray story of a woman’s battle with cancer Photo by Bira Vidal
objectionable to some audiences. and an additional performance is performance she has shaved her By Elizabeth Yocham scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. Cameron students may attend the head. performance for free with their The CU Studio Theatre is located She said that losing her hair is Collegian Staff Cameron IDs. Adult tickets are off the east end of the theatre worth it if just one person comes $12 and students, military and lobby. to the performance and becomes The Cameron University senior citizen tickets are $10. For Th e production is open to aware of the realities of cancer. Theatre Department will present more information call 581.2478. everyone, however caution is “Cancer is a real disease, and the theatrical production “W;t” advised as some scenes may seem people have to go through this on Nov. 15-19, in the CU Studio every day,” she said. “For Theatre. someone to come and decide “W;t,” a tragic comedy by they might need a check up Margaret Edson, intermingles because of the performance the harsh realities of experiencing would make it all worth it.” cancer with witty humor. Theatrical performances are The play follows English teacher for entertainment. However, Vivian Bearing from the time “W;t” will be much more than she is diagnosed with stage three that: The production will allow ovarian cancer to her death, said audiences to see cancer as the Dr. Fennema, CU Professor of ugly, horrible disease that it is. Theatre Arts and director of “W;t.” “‘W;t’ audiences can expect to “It sounds depressing,” Dr. see the bare truth of what cancer Fennema said, “but I chose this is like,” Hancock said. “There’s no sugar coating in this play.” Additionally, the production will present the audience with For birthdays this week: Your assignment for this year is to make an opportunity to more from what you have. You’re good at recycling naturally. Push it farther, gain understanding, and earn a nice profit. knowledge and a new appreciation for life. To get the advantage, check the week’s rating: 10 is the easiest week, 0 the most challenging. “In this particular play, we are offering Aries (March 21-April 19) This week is an 8. A farknowledge, not only reaching scheme finally falls into place, almost as if by magic. It isn’t, entertainment,” Fennema though. It’s due to your good preparation and careful planning. And a nice said. big chunk of last-minute good luck. The play will premier at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is a 7. Stay in close the CU Studio Theatre. communication with your partner, on purpose. Don’t make assumptions, It will also show at the Photo by Bira Vidal and be very clear in expressing what you need. Misunderstandings now are same time on Nov. 16 and A tragic comedy: Alyssa Hancock and Christopher Jefferson expensive. Nov. 17. “W;t” will also rehearse a scene in ‘W;t’. The play intermingles the harsh realities of show on Sunday at 2 p.m., experiencing cancer with humor. Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is a 7. Don’t share everything that pops into your head in public. Encourage others to talk instead, and you’ll be amazed. Later, in private, let loose. script because I felt it was an opportunity for those who don’t know what cancer is to understand it better.” In preparation for the production, 10 cast members, 12 crew members and many CU theatre faculty members have worked and are working tirelessly to produce an authentic and entertaining performance. According to Alyssa Hancock, who plays the lead role in “W;t,” research, memorizing lines and receiving instruction from medical professionals about medical procedures have all been a part of preparing for the show. Hancock has gone to extreme lengths to accurately portray and relate with her character: for the
Weekly Horoscopes
Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is an 8. The job is huge, but don’t be afraid. Break it into do-able chunks and get started. You have super powers. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is a 7. Listen even more than you talk. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. A person you care about can get rid of a bad habit. No more nagging is required. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is a 7. Don’t give them all the answers, make them figure it out for themselves. Part of your assignment is to get them motivated. Don’t leave them unattended for long. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 7. Don’t get so excited that you forget the bottom line. Shop for what you need but don’t overdo the whistles and bells. The extras could bust your budget. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is a 7. Go over your income carefully, including coupons and rebates. If you take advantage of what’s offered, you’ll have great abundance. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is an 8. For the next few weeks, you’ll learn how to keep secrets. This is not easy for you, but it’s a valuable skill to acquire. You can do it, with practice. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is a 7. You already know the answer to the question that’s got you bothered. You may not want it to be that way, but it’s best to face the truth. It’ll set you free. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is a 7. The committee is doing a pretty good job, but they can still use your input. Keep them from getting bogged down in details. Re-iterate the objective. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is a 7. A difficult situation turns out to be good, financially. You’ll have to take on more responsibility, but you can. It’ll be fun.
Sports
8
November 12, 2007
CU Hall of fame class announced
Photo by Bennet Dewan
Still standing strong: Four members of the Cameron inaugural Hall of Fame Class hold the CU Athletics banner proudly. (Left to right) Herb Jacobs, Bud Sahmaunt, Val Maples, Jackie Martin were four of the 10 inducted members to be present at the inaugural ceremony.
By Craig Martin Director of Sports Information In a ceremony last Wednesday evening, Cameron Athletic Director Jim Jackson announced the ten members of the inaugural class of the Cameron University Athletics Hall of Fame. Over 100 people attended the Gold Club/Hall of Fame event held at the Best Western in Lawton where the inductees were officially announced. “I was very pleased with the turnout, and the anticipation of the announcement from the people that were there,” Jackson said. “They were genuinely interested in who was going to be in the first class. I think the ten honorees are all deserving, as are many other people, and they are a quality group that spans a good range of years, programs, and different
aspects of the history of athletics at Cameron.” The ten inductees were unveiled to those in attendance via pictures, statistics, and stories of each honoree. The inaugural class of the Cameron University Athletics Hall of Fame is as follows: Jerry Davenport, men’s basketball: Davenport is the greatest scorer in Cameron’s history as a four-year institution. He is CU’s career scoring leader with 2,603 points in 102 games, for a 25.5 ppg average and he ranks first, second, third, and fifth in singleseason scoring. He also owns five of the top nine single game highs. His 27.7ppg average in 1971-72 is still a record. He was named to the 1974 NAIA All American team after helping Cameron reach the NAIA National Tournament in its first season of eligibility. James “Bimbo” Herron, men’s track and football: Herron was a threetime AllAmerican in track and field and was the NAIA National Decathlon Champion
in 1974, 1975, and finished second in 1976 despite a hamstring injury. He was a member of the football team in the 1973-75 seasons, with career numbers of 57 rushes for 162 yards, 76 receptions for 1,114 yards, and 7 touchdowns. His best numbers were in 1974 when he caught 24 passes for 504 yards and 4 touchdowns. The team advanced to the NAIA National Semi-finals in 1974, a year when he also led the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference in punt returns. Herb Jacobs, media: Jacobs was a writer for The Lawton Constitution from 1959-2002, and still contributes weekly pieces to the paper. He has given 42 years of full-time service, and has continued to write sports since the time of his retirement. Jacobs was the only inductee to be listed on multiple nominations. Val Maples, coach: Maples is widely considered the pioneer of women’s sports at Cameron, having coaches a number of sports. She started women’s basketball, volleyball, and softball at Cameron, and served as Dean of Women from 1957-1967. She spent 22 years in women’s athletics and was a faculty member in the Health and Physical Education Department for 31 years. A bench outside of Aggie Gym was dedicated in her honor
just a few weeks ago. Jackie Martin, men’s basketball, baseball, and football: Martin earned six letters while at Cameron. He was the starting quarterback, defensive end, punter, and extra point kicker on the football team and was also a gifted basketball guard who helped to lead the basketball team to a #1 national ranking in 1958. That team was the first ever to enter the National Junior College Tournament undefeated. In baseball Martin was a starting catcher in 1957 and starting right fielder in 1958. He was named Outstanding Freshman Athlete in 1957, Outstanding Sophomore Athlete in 1958, and voted Most Popular Football Player in 1958. Raymond “Red” Miller, coach: Miller was head men’s basketball coach from 1965-67 and from 1970-1977. His 1966 team won the Region II Championship and finished second at National Tournament. In 1967 the team won Region II and finished third at the National Tournament. In 1971 the team finished fourth in the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference and won the Southwestern All Sports Classic. Miller also won the SWASC in 1972 & 1973. His 1973 team won the Top of Texas Tournament and was the
Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Champion. He retired from coaching in 1977 and from teaching at Cameron in 1985. Brian Naber, coach: Naber was head football coach from 1984-1990. His team finished as Runner-up National Champions in 1987 when he was voted the District IX NAIA Coach of the Year. His team finished as National Champions in 1988 and he was the March of Dimes Oklahoma Sports Headliner Award in 1988. Ted Owens, coach: Owens was the head basketball coach from 1956-1960 where his basketball teams made it to the national tournament semi-finals three consecutive years with a record of 93-24. His team was ranked No. 1 in the nation in 1958 where they were the first undefeated team to enter the National Tournament. Owens also won the National Championship in Baseball in 1958. He also coached football at Cameron and was awarded an Endowed Lectureship in 2006. Bud Sahmaunt, men’s basketball: Sahmaunt earned an Associate of Science Degree in 1958 and was a member of the Student Senate. He was a two-year letterman in basketball and the JayCee’s Basketball Classic MVP. He also made the NJCAA National Basketball All-Tournament Team and was a second team NJCAA AllAmerican. Sahmaunt won the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 and became a member of the Cameron Centennial Commission in 2006. Orban “Speck” Sanders: Sanders played for Cameron his junior and senior years of high school and then two years for Cameron Junior College. He holds the Cameron record for the longest kickoff return of 110 yards and was elected to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1970. He played professional football and is arguably the best football player ever to grace the field at Cameron. Sanders was drafted by the Washington Redskins but opted to play for the New York Yankees football team of the AllAmerican Professional Football League. ESPN rated him as the best Sanders ever to play football, above the great Barry Sanders. The ten inductees will be honored at Cameron’s Homecoming/Alumni Weekend on February 22-23, 2008. There will be a Hall of Fame banquet on February 22, and nominations for next year’s class will open on February 24, 2008.
Sports
November 12, 2007
9
Leitzke looks forward to better season
Photo courtesy CU Online
An era to behold: Members of the 2007-2008 Cameron Aggie squad stand tall, with Coach Maury Leitzke and Assistant Coach Ryan McAdams. The team will have its first seven games on the road this season.
By Kyle Weatherly Collegian Staff The Maury Leitzke era got off to a good start a season ago as his first Aggie squad produced a 12-14 record with five of those
wins coming against top-25 competition. However, with a new season comes an almost entirely new team, and this season, Cameron’s men’s basketball lost all five starters, including twotime all conference player Matt
Reid. With so many spots to fill, Leitzke and Assistant Coach Ryan McAdams were busy finding the next Aggie Stars. “In division-two men’s basketball there is a cycle of a lot of transfers and you rebuild your
team every couple of years,” Coach Leitzke said. “And that’s the cycle we are in right now.” Cameron added guards Greg Morgan, Josh Brown, Dave Smith and Roosevelt Lovett to help run the show as well as forwards Leslie Malone, Chad Allan and Terrance Welch, who bring some much needed size in the middle. Leitzke hopes the new players can provide the instant impact he’s counting on. “We need eight or nine guys that can come in and do things right away,” Leitzke said. “And all those kids we are counting on to just come on in and do it.” With so many newcomers mixed in with returning players Greg Mercer, Maurice Cubit and Keaton Mullenix, it may take some time for this year’s Aggie squad to gel as a unit. “We have nine guys who aren’t used to me, aren’t used to Coach McAdams, aren’t used to each other more importantly,” Leitzke said. “They’ve really fit in well on campus, fit in well with our system, the kids are working really hard and I’m proud of where we’re at right now, but it’s going to take some time.” Because of a lack of size, last year’s team was often forced to
play four-guard sets and run up and down the f loor to stay competitive. With the added size and strength in the middle, this year’s team may play a slightly more conventional style. “We still want to get up and down when we have the opportunity to take advantage of transition situations, but when we don’t have it there we want to pull it out and really look to get a good shot at the basket and play an inside-out game,” Leitzke said. Cameron will be tested quickly, as they play exhibitions against two division-one opponents, including North Texas, a team who made it to the NCAA tournament a season ago. “It gives us an opportunity to go play against teams that are bigger, stronger and more athletic,” Leitzke said. “It really challenges our kids early, and sometimes we need those challenges early to understand this is how hard we have to play.” With the Lone Star Conference expected to be among the toughest in the nation once again, it should be exciting to see if this young group of Aggies, picked to finish sixth in the north, can continue their climb up the mountain.
Ags take 14th at Regionals By Craig Martin Sports Information Director In what turned out to be the final event on this year’s cross country schedule, the Cameron Aggies took part in the NCAA Division II Regional Championship this afternoon in Joplin, Mo. The Aggies finished in 14th place out of 16 schools with a total of 329 points. A total of 116 runners from 20 total schools took part in the ten-kilometer event. “I definitely believe this was a stepping stone for us, considering how young we are and how well we ran,” Head Coach Matt Aguero said. “We beat some conference schools on a really good, fast course. We got to go against some really good competition.” The event’s host, Missouri Southern State, won the event with an overall point total of 41. Abilene Christian’s Serge Gasore won the individual title with a time of 30:28.3. Gasore also won the Lone Star Conference Championship meet of two weeks ago. The remaining top ten finishers finished in the following order: 2nd Place – Julius Nyango – Abilene Christian – 30:33.8 3rd Place – Dustin Dixon – Missouri Southern – 31:02.0 4th Place – Philip Birgen – Abilene Christian – 31:07.5 5th Place – Tim Testa – Pitts-
burg State – 31:08.6 6th Place – Michael Pierce – Southwest Baptist – 31:21.7 7th Place – David Fuentes – St. Edward’s – 31:25.0 8th Place – Issac Garcia – Missouri Southern – 31:26.8 9th Place – Mujahid Hassaballa – Pittsburg State – 31:29.9 10th Place – Ryan Arthur – Missouri Southern – 31:30.6 Cameron’s top finisher once again was junior Mudasar Haidat who came in 14th place overall. His time of 31:52.2 was good enough to qualify him for the AllRegion team. It is the second year in a row that an Aggie made the All-Region team (David Chirchir). Haidat missed out on qualifying for the NCAA National meet by just a couple of places. “Mudasar ran an awesome race but barely missed out (on qualifying for Nationals),” Aguero said. “I’m very pleased with how everybody ran; we performed a lot better than we did at the conference meet.” The Aggies finished 7th at the LSC meet behind Eastern New Mexico University, among other schools. At today’s meet the Aggies finished better than the Greyhounds of ENMU. Additionally Haidat, who finished 6th at the LSC meet behind four ACU runners and a runner from Tarleton,
Photo courtesy CU Online
Fast legs: Members of the Cameron Aggie Cross Country team. The team will be competing in NCAA Championships on Nov. 17. today defeated the same Tarleton runner (Rey Hinojosa) and finished with the fi fth-best LSC time. The rest of the Aggie squad finished as follows: 53rd Place – Juan Ruiz – 33:32.2 75th Place – Casey Kreger – 34:26.6 91st Place – Mubashar Haidat – 35:11.3 96th Place – Jamin Jones
– 35:41.2 100th Place – Garrett Hofmann – 36:25.6 106th Place – Aaron Hibbits – 37:43.8 “Aaron Hibbits strained his hip during the race, but everybody else ran pretty well,” Coach Aguero said. “Juan ran an amazing race. He ran his eight-kilometer personal record in this race and just ran great.”
As mentioned previously, this was Cameron’s final meet on the 2007 cross country schedule. “I’m very pleased with season,” Coach Aguero said. “I think that our guys ran well and everybody, all the way from Mudasar to some walk-ons, ran personal bests. We continually improved throughout the season and that’s the main thing.”
November 17, 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship Joplin, Mo.
Variety
10
November 12, 2007
The
Teal
Ribbon
The green ribbon symbolizes those struck by ovarian cancer. The Ribbon is identified nationally for its green color and represents the awareness people should have about ovarian cancer. It supports the fight against cancer and serves as a tribute to those who did not make it. September was chosen as the National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Play W;t Shows the Reality of Ovarian Cancer
T
he Theatre Department opens up about the difficulties and realities of ovarian cancer on its second play of the season W;t. The play shows an English teacher diagnosed with ovarian cancer that fights back cancer without losing her strength. The play discusses about ovarian cancer, but also does not forget to add conscious to it. After all, it ultimately wants to inform the public about the realities of ovarian cancer. According to its author, Margaret Edson, W;t talks about love and knowledge through its main character Vivian Bearing. Vivian is a very knowledgeable person that has forgotten how to relate to people around her. The play is eye opening and heart warming about what is really important in life. The presentations will be at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 through 18 in the Studio Theatre. The presentation on the 19 will start at 2:00 p.m. Cameron students, faculty and staff can attend the play for free. For more information about purchasing tickets call the box office at 581.2478.
Facts about ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth cause of cancer death among women in the United States. • The ratio of ovarian cancer among women is 1 in every 58 women. • It is hard for doctors to diagnose ovarian cancer. • Only 19% of ovarian cancer is detected in an early stage. • Currently, there is no consistent test that detects ovarian cancer in an early stage. • Approximately 15,300 women will die because of ovarian cancer and about 20,180 women will be diagnosed with it this year according to the American Cancer Society. • Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that is rising the risk of cancer deaths among women every year, but it is still not well-known. Photos by Bira Vidal Photo Collage by Bira Vidal