The Cameron University Collegian: November 5, 2007

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

Monday, November 5, 2007

News

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Disabled student starts path for Ph.D

By Laura Batule Collegian Staff

P.R.I.D.E. honors diversity with vigil.

SEE PAGE 2

A&E

Concert Band features music from around the globe.

SEE PAGE 8

Sports

CU Women’s Basketball coach looking forward to new season.

SEE PAGE 6

Voices

Awareness of those with handicaps is important.

SEE PAGE 5

Volume 81 Issue 8

Sharon Fanning, a junior majoring in Psychology at Cameron, is determined not to let a spinal cord injury keep her from arriving at her ultimate academic destination: her Ph.D. Fanning, a non-traditional student, transferred to Cameron University this summer.

“I transferred to Cameron University with 72 credit hours from two universities,” she said. “I was very happy when I found out all my hours would transfer toward my Cameron undergraduate degree.”

Having special needs did not slow Fanning down. Once she was admitted at Cameron, her next stop was the Department of Student Services.

“They were very helpful,” Fanning said. “I have trouble hearing and need to sit up front during class. I also need a larger table so I am able to spread out my things. Since I cannot sit in my chair for long periods of time, I also needed an easy chair to transfer into. My doctor medically justified my requests, and Student Services complied with every one of them.”

Physical accommodations are not the only adaptations that CU is assists Fanning with. She is also provided technical support from Student Services.

“I asked for permission to use a recorder in class since I cannot take notes as quickly as others,” Fanning said.

“Not only was I given permission to use a recorder, but Student Services complied with my doctor’s request and has loaned me a recorder for the semester.”

When a financial setback threatened Fanning’s ability to continue with a required course, she again went to Student Services and requested assistance.

“I was taking algebra and my instructor sent me to the math lab,” she said.

“I was told I needed a special calculator that cost over $150. I could not afford it. I figured if I asked Student Services for help, the worst that would happen was they

tell me ‘no,’ but they didn’t. They told me they could loan me a calculator as long as I was enrolled in the course. My son bought me one and I returned the one I borrowed.”

However, navigating around Cameron presents some obstacles for Fanning, and she does not hesitate to bring issues to the attention of those Student Services: “I spoke with Photo by Laura Batule Life from a different point of view: Psychology Junior Sharon a vice president Fanning uses the handicap facilities across campus for her daily life. at Student Despite a severe spinal cord injury, Fanning plans to pursue a Ph.D. Services about the handicapped doors some suggestions as a way of compromising with that are not working.

He assured me that they would be fixed by the those students, staff and faculty who do smoke end of the week. He wrote everything down and outside the buildings.

“I would be satisfied if every building was was very nice. I did bring up the smoking issue on campus and asked why smoking is allowed handicapped accessible and if smoking was not allowed outside those handicapped doors,” at every building entrance.

It takes me longer to enter a Fanning said. “It would be great if one entrance to building and I don’t want to the Student Union was non-smoking, preferably have to smell the cigarette the front entrance, closest to the handicapped parking spaces. Students could smoke outside smoke.” the rear doors and non-smoking students could Fanning offered also enjoy sitting outside as well as entering the building without passing through a cloud of smoke.”

Fanning hopes to complete her undergraduate degree by the spring of 2009, then venture further up the academic ladder and eventually earn a Ph.D. “I’m a resource person,” Fanning said.

“Perhaps an advocacy type business is in my future.

I’d like to have my own business. I love fighting for the underdog, especially people who can’t help themselves. People are drawn to me and tell me their problems. I always drop what I am doing to help someone else. I studied to be a minister for the last two years, and I find I am drawn to people.”

See FANNING Page 2

Speech, debate team Information Technology department plans Microsoft Office program upgrade wins individual awards

By David L. Bublitz Collegian Staff A new day and a new Office means one thing for Cameron’s Information Technology Services: another busy season of computer upgrades is coming to campus. During the first half of the spring 2008 semester, ITS will begin to install Microsoft Office 2007 on all college-owned computer systems.

According to Debbie Goode, Cameron University’s Director of Information Technology Services, the switch from Office 2003 to Office 2007 should be completed in about four months for the majority of the computer systems on-campus.

“We anticipate the migration to begin February 2008 with a completion date of June 2008 for faculty and staff,” Goode said. “We want to use a systematic approach, as we have in the past, and install by department. However, there will be exceptions that we will

be working through with the migration.

We will hold off installation in the labs until we have the opportunity to be sure professors have course syllabi and textbooks in sync with the version of Office installed in the labs.”

While most software updates are routine and lowimpact for faculty, staff and students, the change to Office 2007 is as significant as a change from a PC to a Mac. Users of the new Office 2007 will see vast differences on their screens, and all users will have to upgrade their vocabulary to include terms like “fluent user interface” and “ribbon.”

According to Microsoft’s Office Web site, the Office 2007 version is simpler to use than earlier versions.

“When planning the release

of the 2007 Microsoft Office system we took on the challenge of making the core Microsoft Office applications easier to work with. Taking into account extensive usability data and recent advancements in hardware and software, the team has delivered the most significant update to the Microsoft Office user interface in more than a decade. The result of these efforts is the Microsoft Office fluent user interface — a user interface that makes it easier for people to get more out of Microsoft Office applications so they can deliver better results faster.”

See OFFICE Page 3

at dual tournaments

By Malinda Rust Collegian Staff The Cameron University Speech and Debate Team finished up two weekends of competition in Arkansas and Tulsa on Oct. 22.

Team members came home from the Pi Kappa Delta Bi-Province Tournament, which was held at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark., and the Tulsa Community College Tournament with numerous awards for their individual efforts.

Bethany Beck, Michael Faggett and Justin Barrick were asked to “showcase” their events: Beck showcased her informative speech about the “Life Straw,” Faggett showcased in extemporaneous speaking, and Barrick showcased in impromptu speaking.

According to Dan Schabot, Director of Forensics at CU, the Bi-Province Tournament is unlike other tournaments in the way that awards are given.

Instead of holding final rounds of competition and awarding placed finishes, top performers showcase their materials for a panel of judges and audience-members for critiques.

See DEBATE Page 4

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News

November 15, 2007

P.R.I.D.E. hosts vigil on National Coming Out Day

By Valerie Pennington Newswriting Student A group of 14 students from the People Respecting Individuality Diversity and Equality group gathered by candlelight on Thursday Oct. 11. The group met to commemorate a day of celebration and remembrance for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender community at CU and across the globe. National Coming Out Day was one of the major events that the P.R.I.D.E. group planned for the semester.

People of many sexual orientations, genders and ethnicities attended the vigil.

Rachel Dyer, sophomore Art major and GLBT ally joined the celebration.

“I feel this day signifies a time for everyone to be who they truly are on the inside,” she said. “It’s a day to share experiences and stories with new friends.”

Several of the students shared their coming out experiences

.

E . .D e I .

P.R Driv y o T

is all encompassing was an with the group. Susan Provost, encouragement to Dyer. sophomore Computer Science Major reminisced about the “I love P.R.I.D.E. because it is significance of the day. an organization that encourages you to be who you are. It’s also “National Coming Out Day means a lot to me. It was this day refreshing to be surrounded by others who share your beliefs eight years ago I finally accepted that I was gay and soon told my and find everyone equal to one close friends,” another,” she said. she said.

Jim The vigil “I do believe our culture Joplin, allowed people is learning to become more author of to share open-minded, in general, the original their stories constitution and helped about accepting people as and current the group they are.” become more adviser, said understanding, acceptance —Rachel Dyer is important said Dyer.

“I thought it Art major to most was wonderful people and that people felt having a place to open enough to go that is safe and open to an share their life experiences with us. I think it brings GLBT as well individual can be comforting and as supporters closer together, and allow a student to thrive in his or her academic career. it’s great to have people around “It’s more than just a group that you trust,” Dyer said.

The fact that there’s an of gay, lesbian, bisexual and organization on campus that trans-gendered students getting

together. It’s about all people, whether they be GLBT, straight, allies and friends who care about equality for all – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” he said.

The fact that Cameron University allowed a group to form on campus that openly accepted and encouraged a gaystraight alliance is proof that diversity is more accepted today than ever said both Dyer and Provost.

“I do believe our culture is learning to become more open-minded, in general, about accepting people as they are,” Dyer said.

Provost said, “I think things are easier now. A point was made at the vigil that me and those my age were able to come out as teens as opposed to having to wait until our twenties.”

Having groups like P.R.I.D.E visible on campus is encouraging to incoming students said Provost, who learned about the group during her freshman

orientation.

“I think the most important part of P.R.I.D.E is us being out and about on campus, showing that we are normal, well-adjusted people,” she said.

In years past P.R.I.D.E participated in community activities such as collecting and donating canned goods to a local food bank. The candlelight vigil was a form of a community activity to raise awareness and participate publicly in supporting individuality and diversity.

The semester may be quickly closing but the P.R.I.D.E group has two other activities planned that will benefit the Lawton and Cameron communities. There are plans to have a toy drive for a local children’s shelter as well as an information booth for National AIDS Awareness Day, Dec.1. The group hopes that these activities will help build credibility and show other students that there is a safe and welcoming place for them on campus.

FANNING continued from page 1 P.R.I.D.E will be holding a toy and fundraising drive for the J. Roy Dunning Childrens Shelter. There will be boxes for toy collection around campus throughout November.

There will be a booth set up to accept donations on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union.

On Nov. 15 there will be a bake sale located in Nance Boyer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All proceeds from the toy drive and donations will go directly to J. Roy Dunning Childrens Shelter.

Limited parking, adverse weather conditions and juggling books can make travel on a college campus difficult for any student, but for students in wheelchairs, it can be frustrating and oftentimes impossible.

However, the friendly atmosphere and cooperative attitude helps take the sting out of a difficult situation.

“People are so helpful. They open doors for me and offer to help me when I load my chair on the wheelchair lift on the back of my car,” Fanning said. “I have worn out the library staff asking so many questions.

They are very helpful and have taught and shown me so much.”

Watch for Fanning as she wheels around campus, overcoming physical adversities with a winning combination of a friendly smile and steely determination.

DEBATE continued from page 1 Students who place in the top 10 percent of competitors receive “superior” distinctions and those in the top 20 percent receive “excellent” awards.

“It’s about having competitive rounds and learning in the process,” Schabot said. “I think it is important for new team members to get experience early in the year.”

One new team member, Korynne Gonzales, who is a freshman from Indiana, was awarded the top novice, which is given to outstanding students who are new to the activity, and top superior for her after-dinner speech about why brand obsession is bad.

“When they announced that I was the top novice, I was in utter shock,” she said. “I thought that would be my only award, but two seconds later, they called my name for the top superior. I really didn’t expect anything that major.”

Beck received an excellent award for informative speaking, and Faggett received excellent awards in impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking. Barrick also was awarded the “excellent” distinction for impromptu speaking.

Other team members, Charles Kirby, a CU sophomore, and Jacob Pahcheka competed at the tournament in Arkansas.

After the Bi-Province Tournament, Beck, Faggett, Kirby and Barrick traveled to Tulsa to face off against competitors from 13 colleges in the region.

Faggett was awarded the top novice in every individual event he entered.

He placed first in persuasive speaking, second in impromptu speaking, fifth in informative speaking and sixth in extemporaneous speaking.

Schabot added that Michael has placed in the top six in every event he has entered this semester.

At the Tulsa tournament, Beck placed third in informative speaking, third in impromptu speaking, fifth in extemporaneous speaking and fifth in persuasive speaking. Kirby finished eighth overall in dramatic interpretation, and Barrick’s informative speech landed him in ninth place.

According to Beck, this last tournament helped her and Faggett qualify two events for the American Forensic Association’s National Individual Events Tournament, which will be held spring 2008, at the University of Texas at Austin.

According to the AFA Web site, students must place in the top six at three separate tournaments that have nine or more schools competing. Those three rankings must add up to a score that is less than or equal to eight.

“I qualified my inform already,” Beck said. “I have two legs in persuade, two in impromptu and one in extemp. That’s insane.”

While Faggett has not yet qualified for AFA in informative or extemporaneous speaking, he has qualified to compete in persuasive speaking.

“I’m dangerously close,” he said.

The team will compete next from Nov. 9 until Nov. 11 at the Big 12 Swing, which will be hosted by the University of Oklahoma and Texas Tech University in Norman, Okla.

COLLEGIAN The reliable source for campus news.

News

November 5, 2007

3

OFFICE continued from page 1 While negotiating Office 2007 requires users to acquaint themselves with new applications, Good said that there is a lot to like about the many new features including new tools for e-mail management.

“MS Outlook ‘07 offers some wow features, such as expanded search capabilities,” Good said. “My favorite feature of MS Outlook ’07 is the ToDo Bar with the tasks arranged on my screen to keep in front of me as a reminder. Items on your To-Do Bar can also be links to e-mails that open the e-mail for that task. Since I have been using this feature, I have found it to be invaluable.”

“Another cool feature of ‘MS Outlook ’07’ is the color coding of e-mail messages in your inbox. My inbox looks like a crayon box. I am a visual person and I find this is feature to be quite productive. When you run out of colors, you can use two colors, so the coding scheme can be quite extravagant. Microsoft has a list of ten new features for ‘MS Outlook 2007,’ but these are the ones I find productive in performing my job.”

According to Good, many users of Office 2007 will discover their own favorite new features on the programs they use the most, but

they also will need to know about some specific application changes to successfully navigate Office 2007.

“The most helpful need-to-know item concerns file saving,” she said.

“When users save a file in MSO ‘07, regardless what kind, they need to save as a ‘97-2003 file to avoid the ‘x’ being placed at the end of their file extension.”

Users who experience a problem with an Office 2007 application have numerous avenues of support available online and on campus.

“A quick Google search will turn up a wealth of tips, tricks, tutorials and FAQs,” Goode said. “Microsoft’s

Web site and many independent postings have excellent information.

Also, help within MSO ‘07 is more useful and contains more solutions to common problems and how-to questions than Office 2003. Useful tutorials, additional help and howto information can be accessed at Microsoft’s Office Web site at http:// office.microsoft.com. On-campus users can also receive help from the ITS helpline, which can be accessed on the Cameron University Web site.

For students who wish to purchase Office 2007 for their personal computer, Microsoft is offering students Office 2007 for

$60.

“Microsoft is offering an unbelievable deal for students to purchase MSO ‘07,’ Goode said.

“A senior software architect at Microsoft confirmed that the offer is a legitimate new program for college students. The URL is http://www. theultimatesteal.com/eligibility.asp.”

While the wide-ranging upgrades do change the way all Office programs are used, users will find that experience and a little support will keep the new day and the new office from becoming a new headache.

News

4

November 5, 2007

Pacheco moves on after 28 years

By Jim Horinek Collegian Staff After a 28-year career with Cameron University, Caryn Pacheco, Director of Financial Assistance, has stepped down and will be filling a position at the University of Oklahoma.

Pacheco got her start at Cameron in the spring of 1983.

As a senior in high school Pacheco visited Cameron several times in order to prepare for her upcoming freshman year. Little did Pacheco know that these initial visits to campus would lead to not only a degree but also a job and eventually a career.

“During the spring of my senior year, which was 1983, I was doing financial aid paperwork trying to get financial aid set up to help me pay for college that next fall,” said Pacheco. “I filled the paperwork out saying that I wanted to be a student worker.”

The application for student work that Pacheco completed led to the beginning of her career at Cameron.

“One of the financial assistance counselors, who was here at that time, said ‘Caryn I have been waiting for you’ and that she wanted to hire me as a student worker,” said Pacheco.

“She asked me when I could come to work and I said ‘well I have to graduate from high school first.’ I started the day after Memorial Day and have been working in the Financial Assistance Office ever since.”

Pacheco worked in the Financial Assistance Office, as a student worker, throughout her college career. Shortly after her graduation in May of 1987 she began work as a true Cameron faculty member.

“I basically was hired for a job opening in the front desk area.

Then after one month the workstudy coordinator quit and I took that job,” Pacheco said.

Very quickly after becoming the work study coordinator Pacheco received another promotion.

“The Assistant Financial Aid Director at that time retired and I became Assistant Director of Financial Assistance. This was in September, so between May and September I had three jobs,” Pacheco said.

Two years later, continuing the trend, Pacheco accepted the position of Director of Financial Assistance.

During her time at Cameron Pacheco witnessed and had a hand in many changes. According to Pacheco, technology has greatly changed the way that business is done in the Financial Assistance Office.

“I have seen a lot of changes in financial aide over the years, students used to have to fill out the little bubbles, like the ACT, in order to fill out their FAFSA. Now it’s to the point that students are basically going online with a pin number filling everything out.”

According to Pacheco, the electronic filing system for FAFSA

has cut the processing time from two to three months down to week.

As part of her personal goals Pacheco spent a lot of her time streamlining the financial assistance process for students. She accomplished this in several ways including decreasing the amount of paperwork required.

“I always strived to try to cut out as many steps as I could for the students.

One of which was to automatically credit the students with scholarships and grants versus them having to sign the award letter and bring it back in,” Pacheco said.

According to Pacheco the office that she has been a part of for 24 years has very rewarding Photo by Jim Horinek aspects.

Manning the helm: Former Director of Financial Assitance Caryn Pacheco “We have lots of (seated) has been a constant figure at Cameron for 28 years. Pacheco, who has students that come taken a position at OU, began her time in the Financial Assistance Office as a back and say that it student worker in 1983. is because of us that they graduated,” said Pacheco. “It is just that knowledge to leave because this is basically that without us they couldn’t my family. There are so many have been successful and it is just people here that mean so much awesome to know that you have to me,” said Pacheco. “But I look been able to help so many people at it as though I am not totally and make a difference in their lives.” leaving because I am going to still Pacheco’s last day at Cameron be around. Cameron is still in my was Oct. 26, however, she explained blood.” that she would miss Cameron, its According to Pacheco one faculty and its students. thing is for sure about her future.

“It is going to be very difficult That she will always be an Aggie.

Voices

November 5, 2007

5

Awareness is crucial for accessibility I was seated at a Cameron University library computer work station one afternoon when I heard the light hum of her power chair as she rolled over to the printer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw papers drop to the floor, and I got up to assist a fellow student who happened to be in a wheelchair. As I watched this woman struggle to retrieve the copies she had printed, I realized just how much I take my own ambulatory state for granted.

She had printed various documents, and wheeled over to retrieve them. Students (me included) go to the printer and look through printed documents and put those that are not theirs, on top of the printer. I thought those piles of paper belonged to students that were either functioning in a focused stream of conscientiousness or perhaps were not worried about their papers

becoming mixed up and inadvertently taken by another student. I never thought about limited mobility, resulting in a student economizing her efforts, so that her own physical strength was not unduly sapped. From her wheelchair, she was not able to casually look down on the papers on the printer, and instead had to pull down all the papers to her lap and sift through them. Two of the papers dropped on the ground, and it was at this point that I got up to help her retrieve them.

She thanked me and then moved back to her computer station. It was not one of the ‘reserved for handicapped’ stations marked 00, 01 and 02. Although there were at least five available open computer stations available, the three displaying handicapped symbols were occupied by other students who were not in

MCT Campus

wheelchairs or using crutches.

I found myself having one of those V-8 moments cleverly marketed in television commercials. My epiphany can be summarized in one word: awareness.

I thought I understood the world of those who depend on a wheelchair for mobility. I thought my heightened awareness was the result of raising my 24 year old son, J.P., who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental delays when he was seven months old. Until my son graduated from high school and moved to an assisted living center in New York, I was his primary caregiver. J.P. required my assistance with almost all daily tasks and I truly believed that I, of all people, could empathize with those wheelchair bound students at Cameron University. If I did not understand the difficulties those in wheelchairs encountered on a daily basis, how can those who have never assisted someone?

Again, the answer is awareness.

I have been a student at Cameron University for over one year and I can say without hesitation that Cameron students, faculty and staff are the most courteous and polite people I have ever met.

Holding doors, saying excuse me and simply smiling or saying hello are the rule at Cameron. I know those students sitting at the handicapped student stations would have jumped up and even apologized if aware that someone had a priority status and needed their station.

I introduced myself, shook hands with and met Sharon Fanning, a junior, majoring in psychology.

When I asked her if she

wanted me to ask them to please move to an open station, she smiled and said that in actuality, 31, 32 and 33 are located closer to the printer and more convenient for her.

The following week, I spoke to a library staff member about re-designating computers 31-33 as the handicapped stations. I was told they had recently been made aware of that same request, and the stations are going to be redesignated.

It was also pointed out to me that the reference desk is lower so that students in wheelchairs can speak to a librarian at eye level and not strain their necks looking up for assistance.

How do we improve the quality of life for those who rely on a wheelchair for mobility? We are surrounded by the modifications for those who have special needs.

Automatic doors at the main entrances of our buildings, a ramp down the inside of the pool, handicapped parking spaces, designated tables in the student union and library are only a few of the major modifications the administration has made to ease the burden of those students with special needs.

Not all modifications take a Herculean effort to lessen the obstacles of those who have limited height, speed and physical ability.

How do we figure it out?

We heighten our awareness. That evening in the library, I asked Sharon if she had any suggestions for minor modifications at Cameron that would make a major difference in her life as a student. She replied the ketchup packets in the student union were beyond her reach, on a shelf that was

Laura Batule

Shared responsibility in rising tuition Kansas City Star MCT Campus High tuition costs are forcing college students to work full-time jobs while taking classes, mortgage their futures with excessive loans, and defer their educations.

The College Board, which tracks fi nancial trends in colleges and universities, has provided numbers to confirm what students and families already understood: The cost of college is handily outpacing inflation.

Much less clear to consumers and public officials is why education costs are continuing to climb so rapidly. Schools need to do a better job of providing students, parents and the public with detailed accountings of how the institutions operate, and how tuition and tax dollars are spent.

The greatest increase last year was at public four-year colleges, where tuition and fees were up 6.6

percent over last year. At private colleges, the increase was 6.3 percent. In contrast, consumer prices increased less than 3 percent.

University administrators contend, with some merit, that the Consumer Price Index is a problematic yardstick for higher education, an employee-intensive enterprise that has been hit hard by increases in health-care and fuel costs. Yet they must remember that they are not alone in facing such increases.

Higher college costs also reflect elevated expectations of students and parents, who are telling administrations they want modern dormitories and luxurious gymnasiums, along with small class sizes.

Again, transparency is crucial. Administrators must let consumers know what additional amenities cost and how they are being

funded. Well-managed university endowments can also play a critical role in helping colleges provide affordable educations.

States and cities are increasingly looking to colleges and universities to solve social problems and act as economic engines. Competition for talented faculty and researchers is intense across the nation.

But talent is expensive, and so are modern laboratories and research facilities. States that

very high. I asked if she had brought it to the attention of the staff and she told me she had not, since they were usually busy checking out students, but that she should the next time she was there.

Feedback is a great way to heighten our awareness. End of semester student evaluations have a section allowing written comments and feedback. Hopefully, those students with suggestions will make them year round.

Feedback will heighten our awareness, allowing us to look at our everyday surroundings thorough the eyes of our fellow students at their eye level, and make necessary adjustments that will greatly impact the quality of all our lives.

expect their universities to remain competitive must maintain an adequate level of public support.

Colleges and governments have a joint responsibility to make higher education as affordable as possible to this generation of young adults. To fail in that role will have dire consequences not only for potential students but for the nation’s social and economic health.

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 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.

Sports

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November 5, 2007

Coach Hackerott excited about Aggie squad

By Kyle Weatherly Collegian Staff Last season was a tough one for first-year head women’s basketball coach Kevin Hackerott. After coming to Cameron from Pratt Junior College in Kansas, where his teams averaged 17 wins a year, his first Aggie squad finished with a 422 record. With the disappointing record and defections of a few key players during last season, Hackerott is looking forward to a clean start.

“This group, I’m real excited about, they’ve been working very hard in their offseason, with their weight-lifting and their running,” Hackerott said. “They’ve had really good attitudes which is the first step. Now that we’ve gotten a chance to get practicing, I really like the direction we’re going and I think we have a chance to do good things.”

The 2007-2008 Cameron Aggies will be highlighted by several newcomers who are looking to make an immediate impact. Among the new players are junior college transfers Jasmine Parr, Rayne Barnes, Keindra Scott, Latrice White and Kristi Taylor. Some of the younger additions are freshmen Constance Rundles, Whitney Null and Haley Dunn.

While this year’s team does feature a lot of new players, the Aggies have five returning players who saw action a year ago, including last year’s leading scorer Tiffany Williams.

“Well those five obviously had to live through that season last year, so I hope they have a burning desire to make sure that doesn’t happen, and so far they’ve provided really good leadership in that direction,” Hackerott said. “Tiffany is the second leading returning scorer in the north and I think maybe the third leading returning rebounder, so she is poised for a big year, but she needs some help.”

Also returning for the Aggies are forwards Sara Moore and Megan Atkins, along with guards Evelyn Taylor and Merrisa Martinuzzi.

While it’s still early, Martinuzzi thinks the other players are already fitting in nicely.

“It’s really surprising, we are gelling a lot better than last year, we gelled well last year, but this year is just a totally different feel and a totally different look,” Martinuzzi said. “We have a lot of different players who can play a lot of different positions so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Last season the Aggie players, who were recruited to play in former coach Dick Halterman’s half-court system, struggled to fit in with Hackerott’s fast-paced attack.

Now, with a year to recruit more players to fit his system, Hackerott feels this team has a chance to excel.

“This group, we’ve added some kids who like to score and have great confidence, which is something we needed, and we’re able to play a lot faster, which is the style I like to play,” he said. “So, it’s

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Up for grabs: New and old members of the Cameron Agggies women’s basketball squad show resilience in training. The team will soon take center court to begin the turnaround of last year’s slip up. Coach Hackerott says that this year the team has had a really good attitude. going to be a much more exciting year and I’m looking forward to it.”

With two exhibition games against Division-one opponents right off the bat, Cameron will have a great chance to see how they stack up with the nations best.

Women’s Basketball Schedule

November 2007 6

Tulsa University (exhibition) Tulsa, Okla.

10

Oral Roberts University (exhibition) Tulsa, Okla.

16-17 Emporia State Classic Emporia, Kansas 11/16 Emporia State 11/17 Missouri Western 23-24 Aggie Thanksgiving Classic Aggie Gym 11/23 - Emporia State 8:00pm 11/24 - Henderson State 4:00pm 29

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas

“The thing I like about it is that after that we aren’t going to see anything that is going to surprise us, we are going to be prepared to play national-caliber basketball,” Hackerott said. “That is our goal.

We don’t want to be just good

around here, we want people around the nation to know about us.”

Throughout the entire off-season, the Aggies, who were picked to finish last in the Lone Star North, have had to hear about how bad last season was. With an influx of new

talent to go a long with a solid core of returning players, Cameron is anxious to erase the memories from a year ago.

Sports

November 5, 2007

7

Aggies cheer on Temple

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director

C

ommunity service has always been a very important part of Cameron University athletics. Last year the Aggies set a goal of 2,500 total community service hours, and this year they are reaching for even more. Each of Cameron’s eleven athletic programs take part in as many community service activities as possible and tonight was no exception.

The Cameron Aggie cheerleaders traded in their black and gold for the red and white of the Temple Tigers. It was Temple (Oklahoma) High School’s annual homecoming football game, but they were without a cheerleading squad. School officials contacted Cameron head cheerleading coach Robin Martin and before long the Aggies were enlisted to cheer on the Tigers.

“When I presented the team with this opportunity they were really excited about it,” Coach Martin said. “Even when they found out it would take up their Friday night, they couldn’t wait to make the trip.”

In front of a very large crowd, the Aggies cheered the Tigers to a 60-14 victory over the Duke High School Tigers. The game was called in the third quarter due to the 45 point “mercy” rule, in which the game is ended early if one team is ahead by 45 or more points after halftime. Temple’s football program competes at the Class C level and plays eight-man football.

“The squad was really pumped to cheer at a football game, and for our first football game we did an exceptional job,” Coach Martin said. “We came

together as a team and really rose to the challenge. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

The Aggie cheerleading squad, along with Ole Kim, cheered throughout the game and entertained the crowd at halftime with one of their dance routines. Temple’s local elementary school and junior high school also cheered at the event.

“Temple was a great host tonight and we really look forward to sharing more athletic events with them in the future,” Coach Martin said. “We are very appreciative of the opportunity to cheer with them.”

The football game was not the first chance the Aggie cheerleading squad had to help out in the community; just last week they helped out and participated in the Moonlight Walk Against Drugs at Elmer Thomas Park. Also last week they helped out with the Pinky Promise Walk Against Cancer by leading the crowd in stretches and participating with the actual walk, also held at Elmer Thomas Park.

“This week has been a big challenge for us,” Coach Martin said. “Not only have we had to cheer at our normally scheduled athletic events, but we have had practices, attended classes, some of us have had to work, and we have still made time to give back to the community. The squad has really represented Cameron in a very positive way.”

The next event the Aggies cheered at was the volleyball match against West Texas A&M. The nationally ranked (#15) WTAMU Lady Buffs matched up with the Aggies at 2:00 p.m. at the Aggie Gym in the final home match of the 2007 season.

At the match the cheerleading squad hosted a Halloween costume contest with prizes for first,

Photo courtesy CU Online

The Lib: Cameron University cheerleading squad shows-off for the crowd at Temple, Okla. in support of Temple High last weekend.

Photo courtesy CU Online

Go Tigers: The CU cheerleading squad keeps the hype at center field. This is not the first time the team was called to assist in the community when they cheered at Temple’s High football game last weekend.

Johnson named player of the week

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Cameron freshman middle blocker Ruth Johnson was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week by the conference offices.

Did you hear that? That is the sound of West Texas A&M fans breathing a sigh of relief. This afternoon their Lady Buffs (277, 11-0 LSC), ranked #15 in the nation and #1 in the region, were given a run for their money against a hot Cameron Aggie (12-14, 5-5 LSC) volleyball team. In the match of the season, CU lost to WTAMU, 3-2, in an extremely close contest. The match lasted nearly three hours and was scored 33-35, 30-27, 33-31, 27-30, 9-15.

“I think we are a better team and it would have been nice to pull of the big upset,” Head Coach John Haroun said. “Our defense was just crazy. Digging 132 balls? I have never even heard of that.”

Cameron put together a very solid performance, one that almost felt like a victory afterwards… almost. The Aggies recorded some very impressive numbers, including

the aforementioned 132 defensive Lady Buffs faced off was in last digs. Cameron also attacked the year’s Lone Star Conference net 258 total times.

Championship match when Game one WTAMU was nearly came away awarded to with a 3-1 Cameron, victory (22as the 30, 35-33, Aggies were 19-30, 13-30) unsuccessful for the LSC on three title. match points.

Freshman CU came middle out strong in blocker Ruth games two Johnson and three and had an was on the outstanding verge of the game, posting victory. The a team-high Lady Buffs 20 kills. She tied it up attacked after game the net 60 four, and times with 9 Photo courtesy CU Online had simply errors for a Cheers: CU Aggies’ Ruth Johnson too much .183 attack all smiles. The CU blocker was given momentum percentage. in game five. accolades.

She also had “I think 3 defensive game two said a lot about the digs and a block-solo. character of our team,” Coach “Ruth didn’t play like a Haroun said. “We just dominated freshman today,” Coach Haroun the second game.” said. “I thought it was rather fitting The last time the Aggies and and kind of a passing of the baton.”

The ‘passing’ Coach Haroun was referring to was between Johnson and Cameron senior outside hitter Fernanda Queiroz. Queiroz, the team’s lone senior, played her final home match as an Aggie today capping off one of the greatest volleyball careers in CU history.

Queiroz finished the match with 15 kills on a team-high 83 attacks. She also totaled 8 assists, 2 service aces, 22 defensive digs, 2 block-solos, and 3 block-assists.

Prior to the match her teammates presented her with a bouquet of flowers for the team’s annual Senior Day ceremonies.

Sophomore right-side hitter Lindsay Paziuk also had a great game offensively with 16 kills on 43 total attacks with just 6 errors for a .233 attack percentage. Paziuk’s 3 assists, 27 defensive digs, 2 blocksolos, 2 block-assists, and teamhigh 3 service aces also contributed to the victory.

Leading the defense today was junior setter Haley Hatch who recorded 30 defensive digs. She also led the team with a .500 attack percentage after totaling a single kill on 2 attacks. Additionally she finished with 3 assists.

Sophomore setter Laura Ellerbrock led the team in assists with 57 today. She also recorded 4 kills on 12 attacks, 19 defensive digs, and a single service ace.

“This is definitely a match to build off of,” Coach Haroun said.

“Hopefully we can take care of business in our final two matches and get ready for the Lone Star Conference tournament.”

Cameron traveled to Abilene, Texas, last Thursday to take on the Wildcats of Abilene Christian.

They then take on the Rambelles of Angelo State University this Saturday, at 2:00 p.m., in the final regular season match of the season.

Prior to today’s match, the Aggies were in 6th place in the Lone Star Conference standings. The top eight teams in the conference make the LSC postseason championships tournament.

Depending on how the rest of today’s matches play out, Cameron should just have to win one of their final two matches to clinch postseason berth.

8

A&E

November 5, 2007

Photo by Brandi O’ Daniel

Practice makes perfect: Dr. Daniel Sheridan, Band Director and Assistant Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone, leads the Cameron Concert Band in a practice for their upcoming concert. The performance is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Cameron Concert Band to take audience ‘Home and Abroad’ Tuesday On Nov. 6, Cameron University’s Concert Band will

By Brandi O’ Daniel perform their Fall Concert for CU students and the local community.

Collegian Staff Dr. Daniel Sheridan, Band Director and Assistant Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone, is directing the ensemble for their first concert for the 2007 fall school year.

Dr. Sheridan, who has been working with CU’s Concert Band for the past four years, selected music for the program with a variety of styles from national and international composers.

“This semester’s concert is titled ‘Home and Abroad,’” Dr. Sheridan said. “It opens up with an American composer then into Jewish, English, French and Russian pieces and comes back to the U.S. with ‘Amazing Grace.’ Then, we close with Variations on a Korean Folk Song.”

Some of the pieces from the fall concert include music from well-known composers such as, W. Francis McBeth, Jan Van Der Roost and Frank Ticheli.

One of the pieces included in the fall concert is McBeth’s “Kadish,” which is an intense performance conveying the emotions and feelings for the dead in an ancient Jewish prayer.

Another piece featured in the concert is from Belgium composer, Roost who wrote “Suite Provencali,” which is a four-movement suite that is based on authentic folk tunes form the South French Province. Also, Ticheli, who created his own interpretation of “Amazing Grace,” reflects the powerful of the words in their performance.

Ticheli said, “I believe that music has the power to take us to a place that words alone cannot, and so my own feelings about ‘Amazing Grace’ reside in this setting itself.”

Each concert band performance features different themes as well as different composers for the semester that display the students’ range as performers and their ability to entertain audiences with a variation of music.

Sheridan said: “The music chosen just depends on what I think would sound good. I like to mix it up.”

Senior and Music major Tony Bertram has been a part of the ensemble for the past four years and said he likes Sheridan’s choice of music.

“He picks good music and makes the styles very different,” Bertram said. “The music always has cultural sounds.”

Bertram has been playing percussion for years, and in their upcoming concert, he said he especially enjoys the band’s closing song, “Variations on a Korean Folk Song,” because it allows him to play many percussion instruments, including the temple block that originated in Asia.

The 42-member band is primarily made up of CU students who auditioned for their positions in the ensemble.

Sheridan said: “We hold auditions that are open to everyone. We try to admit everyone who is interested and has attained a certain level of experience.”

Rehearsals for the fall concert began at the beginning of the semester, with students practicing three days a week with the entire ensemble in order to perfect each piece.

Students can also look forward to next semester’s Spring Concert, which will feature a collaboration with the 77th Army Band.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. onNov. 6 in the University Theatre. The event is open to everyone and is free for all Cameron students with a valid CU-ID. Adult tickets are $6 and $4 for seniors and military. For more information about the event please contact the music department at 581-2240.

Things to do at CU Nov. 6 - CU Concert Band Fall Concert: 7:30 p.m. at Cameron University Theatre. For ticket information, call 581.2440.

Nov. 6 - Tuesday Pursuits and pizza: 9 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226.

Nov. 8 - Free lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th.

For more information, call 357.7226.

Nov. 8 - 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.

Quote of the Week “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

-Chinese Proverb-

A&E

November 5, 2007

9

Cameron theatre students win awards

By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff The Theatre Department has reason to celebrate after 17 Cameron students brought home awards from the Oklahoma One State American College Theatre Festival, which was held on Oct. 1113 in Durant, Okla.

The Oklahoma One State American College Theatre Festival is a competition between theatre students from different universities around the state. The festival is the first level in a series of competitions that will eventually take students to the Kennedy Center Festival.

Students won awards in different categories, including play production and acting, after performing the first play of the season, “Scenes and Revelations.”

Jana Acevedo, a Theatre senior, received an award of excellence in costume design.

“It takes a lot of work to be able to win an award at the festival,” she said. “I think it shows how much effort and work I put into this play.”

The American College Theatre Festival started this year in Durant, Okla. Scott Richard Klein, professor and chair of the Theatre Department, stated that it will expand gradually until it reaches the national level.

“This starts at the state level,” he said. “Then from there the shows are selected to go to the Regional festival, which this year will be at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.”

Another student who received one of the awards was Theatre major Amanda Billings. Billings, who played Charlotte in “Scenes

and Revelations,” received an Irene Ryan nomination for her acting.

“This award really shows that one has an ability in acting,” Billings said. “This award is something that one could put on a resume and it shows that the actor puts a lot of work into their character.”

Christan Gillis and Bryan West also received Irene Ryan nominations for their acting.

These three students will go to the Regional Festival, which is scheduled to for the last week in February.

“The top two [students] from that region will definitely go on to the Kennedy Center in April,” Klein said. He added that the Regional competition would allow students to move to the national level.

Klein stated that the Kennedy Center would be a great opportunity for students to enhance their theatrical skills.

“The American College Theatre Festival is sponsored by the Kennedy Center out in Washington, D.C.,” Klein said.

“Each year schools from around the country compete for the right to go perform at the Kennedy Center in April.”

When it comes to the importance of festival to his students, Klein stated that the American College Theatre Festival expanded students’ perceptions about Theatre productions.

“I think it helps us in that we get to see other people’s work, and what other groups are doing from within the state and within the Region,” Klein said. “So, I think that is a big bonus for us as a

MCT Campus

program.”

The American College Theatre Festival not only taught Cameron students how to improve their

Weekly Horoscopes For birthdays this week: You’ll find out this year, if you don’t already know, that good intentions don’t always equal good business. Be responsible for your investments.

To get the advantage, check the week’s rating: 10 is the easiest week, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) This week is a 5. Make sure the details are accurate on an item you’re sending for. This advice also applies to things you’re sending away. Do yourself a favor and place your orders tomorrow.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is an 8. Again, you realize that you need to economize. Don’t despair, some of your best ideas come as a result of shortfalls. You’re a genius at making do.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is a 7. Conditions are changing for the better, as you may have noticed. Ignore past differences of opinion or turn them into fascinations. Yes, it can be done.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is an 8. Move a little bit slower now, and think more carefully. Imagine the results of your actions and increase your rate of success.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is a 6. You can avoid financial stress in a lot of ways. Make more money, do without or build what you want from scratch. Get the family involved.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is an 8. Reasoning doesn’t always work to win the argument. Sometimes it’s best to simply agree to disagree. Differences make life interesting, and you can still get along.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 6. A difficult situation is just about solved, partially thanks to you. You didn’t let a confrontation slow you down, you forged ahead. Charmingly, of course.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is an 8. You love to take care of others, but don’t fall for a silly scheme. If you’re going to invest in a charity, make sure you know how the money’s spent. Get on the Board of Directors.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is an 8. A difficult situation forces you to take a stand. Hopefully you know what you want and how you propose to achieve it. If not, make something up.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is a 6. Caution is advised. Don’t even try to do everything by yourself. Send your partner out to get what you need, or have it delivered.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is a 5. Once you’ve cleaned up the mess, you’ll feel a lot better, as usual. Then, allow yourself an outing to visit special friends.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is an 8. An older person is hard to convince, perhaps for a good reason. He or she may be looking ahead at something you can’t see.

theatre knowledge, but it also gave them the opportunity to enjoy the experience.

“It was a good time, and we

worked hard, but it was also more of a celebration of Theatre than I would say a competition, we like when it is like that,” Klein said.

BCM reaches out to students “To know Jesus and to make Him known, this is our purpose,” said Danny Toombs, Director of Cameron University’s Baptist Collegiate

By Elizabeth Yocham Ministry.

Collegian Staff The BCM is a student-led ministry that strives to achieve this purpose by attempting to discover and meet needs of students on campus.

“God made us physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual,” Toombs said. “We key in on the spiritual, but we also try to minister to the other areas as well.”

Ministering to and meeting student needs often takes various forms. However, the BCM primarily reaches out to Cameron students through its events.

Weekly events offered at the BCM include prayer and share, a time to share prayer concerns and pray, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.; noon day lunch, which is free food and fellowship, on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and worship, called CORE, every Thursday at 9 p.m.

Besides weekly events, other events are scheduled throughout the semester to meet student needs and give opportunities for fellowship and fun.

FOCUS week, an annual event at the BCM, will be taking place Nov. 2-8. During FOCUS week, free lunch, which will be served from 11: 15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will be followed by a brief devotion.

Evening worship services also will be held every night with music led by the Jason Tompkins Band and devotions given by Mike Keahbone.

According to Toombs, the week offers students the opportunity to seek God and re-focus on their life priority.

“Being a college student, there are a lot of things that demand attention,” Toombs said. “Our hope is that during FOCUS week we can set aside some time to focus on Jesus.”

Penny wars, a fund-raiser for BCM mission trips, will be taking place in conjunction with FOCUS week.

Throughout the week, the girls will be competing against the guys to raise money for missions. At the end of the week, depending on which side wins, a representation of guys or girls will receive a pie in the face.

In addition to regularly scheduled events, the BCM has other avenues through which students can become involved.

According to Toombs, the foundation of student involvement at BCM is organized around ministry teams.

“Each ministry team has a specific focus, for example we have ministry teams for evangelism, recreation, missions, international students and other areas,” he said. “The leaders of these teams work together with their team to plan events or projects for the semester.”

“The overall goal of the student-led ministry teams is to seek to involve students in ministering to the needs of other students,” Toombs said.

Variety

10

November 5, 2007

PAC Hosts Spook-tacular

Halloween Carnival for Community

D

ierent organizations gathered to help the Programming Activities Council on its annual Halloween Carnival at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 in the Cameron University Band Room.

Children ages 12 and under enjoyed the variety of activities set by the organizations. PAC welcomed everyone and gave bags to each child to collect candy on each booth. It was up to each club to ďŹ nd an activity for the children.

The very successful Halloween Carnival was once created to allow children trick-or-treat on a safer environment. Since then, the Carnival has provided that type of environment and lots of fun for both children and parents.

Photos by Bira Vidal Photo Collage by Bira Vidal