The Cameron University Collegian: October 1, 2007

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

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Monday, October 1, 2007

Atheism or Faith?

News

By Jessica Lane Collegian Staff

Senior citizen prom offers night of fun and memories.

SEE PAGE 4

A&E

Whether or not there is a supernatural cause for the existence of the universe has been a question mankind has been asking for centuries. Cameron University faculty and students considered this question in a discussion, “Atheism or Faith: Does God Exist?” at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the McMahon Center at the Cameron University Village.

Dr. Paul Crandon, Assistant Communications professor and member of the Faculty in Residence program, organized the event. He introduced each speaker before they began the task of dissecting this alternately objective and subjective topic.

Dr. O’Tar Norwood is a member of Oklahoma Atheists and a world-renowned hair transplant surgeon. In 1975, he published a study on male pattern baldness that remains the standard today.

More than 50 of his articles have been published in medical journals.

Reverend Kirk Larkin is a pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawton. Larkin graduated from the Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., and Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo. Larkin was ordained as a Catholic Priest in June 2004.

Dr. Norwood said he uses the scientific method to reach his conclusions. He quoted astronomer and physicist, Carl Sagan, to present his thoughts on the subject: “Beliefs are convictions without evidence.”

Music professor’s work to be heard at state level.

SEE PAGE 9

Sports

And in this corner: Dr. O’Tar Norwood presents scientific evidence to refute the existence of God. Norwood is a surgeon, writer and member of Oklahoma Atheists.

Collegian Staff

SEE PAGE 6

Voices

Dr. Norwood referred to the Big Bang Theory. He said that the age of Earth has been determined to be 4.4 billion years old. Life began when the first protein molecule reproduced itself and DNA is a string of these proteins. In the beginning there was nothing. Black holes are an example of this “nothing” as well as a model for the big bang theory.

Dr. Norwood discussed a less known theory of Charles Darwin, “survival of the kindest.” He said that to survive, beings must work together. He used animals as an example, such as the altruism of elephants. “You don’t need a god to be kind to each other.”

Dr. Norwood quoted Richard Dawkins, author of “The God Delusion,” to explain problems with religion. “All religions have four things in common, they start with a supernatural event, they all Photos by Jim Horinek mistreat women, suppress sexual In this corner: Reverend Kirk Larkin draws from faith expression and they seem to be to support the existence of God. Larkin is a Pastor of Holy obsessed with virginity.”

Family Catholic Church in Lawton.

Larkin said that growing up he was not very involved in religion and was surprised randomly, therefore a supernatural being must have when another priest approached him to become a been involved in the process. priest himself. Larkin had been through two failed However, Larkin presented faith as his main engagements and other events in his life seemed to evidence. “These theories would not convince me dictate that that priesthood was his calling. without faith,” he said. He addressed the issue Larkin used philosophy to present his case. The that religious people are usually thought to rely on first theory was Aquinas’ cosmological evidence, religion to feel better about themselves. which asserts that everything in the universe has “I didn’t give up a profitable business, family, been moved and that the source of motion cannot friends and I certainly didn’t choose a life of celibacy stretch back into infinity and thus God must be the to feel better about myself. Maybe I’m a fool, but first mover. maybe it’s not so bad to be a fool with the greatest Larkin then presented Aquinas’ theory of the minds of our time.” uncaused cause, which states that every event is a Dr. Norwood responded in his rebuttal, “It’s hard cause of something else. Therefore, God must have to argue with people who have no facts. It’s easy to caused the universe to form. just make up another story.”

Next, Larkin used Aristotle’s potency and Larkin’s response was, “Dr. Norwood is a man of actuality theory. Larkin explained, “If the concept facts. I am too, but there has to be more.” of God exists in our mind, then it is possible that it After the speeches, there was a question and exists in reality.” He said this was because the source answer session. Despite their differing beliefs, Larkin of the concept must exist from the outside. and Dr. Norwood agreed on one thing: they weren’t Larkin then offered intelligent design, which says going to change anyone’s mind. that the universe is too complex to have happened

Faculty made up of many nationalities

By Elizabeth Yocham

Soccer kicks in at CU.

Volume 81 Issue 5

Cameron University offers the world to students.

Many of CU’s current faculty members are from overseas. They are representations of other countries and cultures different from our own.

Having such diversity on campus can greatly enhance the learning experience for students and increase exposure to different worldviews.

Dr. Abbas Johari, Dr. Abdulhamid Sukar and Dr. Hyunsoon Whang are just a few faculty members from different countries here on campus. Although they may be from completely different countries, cultures and backgrounds, they have one thing in common: They each have a unique story to tell that adds to the diversity at Cameron.

Twenty-seven years have passed since Abbas Johari first stepped off a plane and onto American soil. He intended to not only receive an education, but to excel in his studies and then return to his home country of Iran to help there.

SEE PROFESSORS Page 2

Korean Professor Dr. Hyunsoon Whang

Ethiopian Professor Dr. Abdulhamid Sukar

“My father was a college professor,” Whang said. “I knew he loved his work and I always thought it would be cool to do.”

“Back home, the professors we had were well-respected,” Sukar said. “There was a need for professors, especially for economic professors.”

Iranian Professor Dr. Abbas Johari

“From childhood I wanted to be a professor. There are a lot of blessings in it and you can change lives.”

CU welcomes new Women’s Hall Director

By Kareem Guiste Collegian Staff

Jena 6 raises questions about racial equality.

SEE PAGE 5

In just under a year, the Student Housing Department at Cameron has successfully increased their numbers by 10 percent, maxing out available student housing. Housing Director Casey Case said he is pleased with the numbers this semester.

“I am happy with the numbers at the start of the year,” he said. “Since we are growing, we must be doing something right. Our department’s intention was to fill Shepler Center and Cameron Village. Cameron Village is filled and is on a

waiting list, and we almost filled Shepler Center.”

Several variables have contributed to the increase in numbers as well as the retention of oncampus resident. The Housing Department has changed and increased programming for residents.

Case said that this was a vital part of retention.

“A lot of factors have influenced the increase in the numbers of residents this year,” Case said.

“It ranges from gas prices to more aggressive marketing to the addition of new and more programming.

“This year, we have focused on a change in programming as well as creating better campus living atmosphere for our residents, and we have

had a significant amount of returning residents who are pleased with the changes.”

This year, Shepler Center got a facelift with the goal of changing lives on campus. With several renovation works completed, Shepler Center was brightened with fresh coats of paint as well as new carpeting. In addition to those critical changes, all rooms where redone to give students a better sense of living. Case said that all these changes were timely and due.

SEE HOUSING Page 4

News

2

October 1, 2007

SCHOLARSHIPS: Assistance opportunities offer students easy tuition coverage

By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff College can be a difficult experience when it comes to finances.

Freshmen out of high school and even recurrent students can lose their comfort zones while dealing with responsibilities or money and may find it hard to juggle university payments.

One of the simple solutions to the money woes of students is financial aid or scholarships.

There are various types of scholarships at Cameron. For students who recently graduated from high school, the Admissions Department offers a number of scholarships based on high school involvement and grade point average.

Most of the freshmen scholarships are due by Feb. 1 prior to the next academic year.

Students must apply through the Admissions Office and must meet a set of requirements for each scholarship.

If a current student is looking for ways to apply for a scholarship, Scholarship Coordinator Angela Ezell explained that there are numerous ways to apply.

“There are three ways to apply for a scholarship,” Ezell said. “You can go to our website, you can contact your department or you can go to free searches online to find scholarships.”

Cameron students can find scholarships that meet their needs and apply for them instantly through the financial aid website, http://www.cameron. edu/financial_aid. In the future,

Photo by Jim Horinek

the online application will be the standard for all scholarships on campus.

The deadline for the general online scholarship application is usually March 1, but the date varies for each scholarship.

Students can also apply for scholarships in school departments.

The requirements for these scholarships are related to that department’s field of study, and most of the time, they require

something extra from the applicant. Most students are eligible.

Some of the departments that award scholarships are the music, communication, business, and theatre departments.

They give scholarships to students that participate in their department’s activities.

As students look for another online source for scholarships, Ezell says students must really be cautious not be fooled by some

companies.

“You have to be in it to win it,” she said.

“If you find companies “Don’t be intimidated by the number that charge of people applying for the scholarship you for fi lling you want. As long as you meet the an application, don’t proceed,” requirements you should apply.” she said. “Most of the times — Angela Ezell these companies Scholarship Coordinator are a scam to get your money.”

Another alternative for students “You have to be in it to win it,” is the Athletic Department, she said. “Don’t be intimidated by which has specific scholarships the number of people applying for for collegiate sports. But students the scholarship you want. As long must try out for positions on the as you meet the requirements you teams. should apply.”

According to Sonila Adbulla, Money can indeed be a problem a Finance senior who received in college, but knowing where to a scholarship from the Alumni go to find scholarships and how Association for both the fall and to apply can make the difference spring semesters, the scholarship between struggling financially in application process takes time and college and graduating debt-free patience.

“Getting the Alumni Association Scholarship is not very easy when comparing the number of students that apply with those that get an interview and actually receive the scholarship,” Abdulla said.

Ezell said that ultimately students should seek scholarships because there is free money out there and everybody has MCT Campus the chance and can be eligible to receive it.

PROFESSORS continued from page 1 Dr. Johari did. However, the first few months in America were difficult and full of challenges.

He said that speaking a new language, dealing with financial burdens, fighting home sickness and adjusting to differences in food were some of the most difficult challenges he faced in his first six months in America. However, the second six months were much better.

He attended school at Arizona State University where he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. He now is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology and Multimedia Design here at Cameron.

Johari said that being a professor and impacting people by being a professor is what he has always wanted to do.

“From childhood I wanted to be a professor,” Johari said. “There are a lot of blessings in it and you can change lives.”

Abdulhamid Sukar is a professor of economics in CU’s Business Department.

Originally from Ethiopia, Sukar first came to America 26 years ago.

Aspiring to be a professor, Sukar attended graduate school at West Texas State University where he completed a master’s degree in economics. He then earned a doctorate from Texas Tech University.

“Back home, the professors we had were well-respected,” Sukar said.

“There was a need for professors, especially for economic professors.”

Besides some financial struggles, Sukar faced few challenges throughout his education experience in America. According to Sukar, even financial struggles now seem small because at that time, tuition was only about $12 to $14 per credit hour.

Sukar came to CU in 1987 after hearing about an economics position from one of his professors. Sukar has been teaching economics here since then. He encourages students to have goals and to persevere not matter what.

A piano player at the age of four and a piano performer as a pre-teen, Hyunsoon Whang, CU professor of music, left her home in Seoul, Korea, for America to continue her study and pursuit of music.

Even though English classes are taught in Korea, initially, Whang said speaking English was a challenge. However, being completely immersed in the English language helped her learn faster.

School in America proved to be no problem for Whang. She studied at North Carolina School of the Arts, the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, The Juilliard School and at Indiana University School of Music, where she received her doctorate.

Now, Whang lives her dream. As a professor at Cameron University, she is able to live out her passion for playing the piano and to share that passion as she teaches her students.

“My father was a college professor,” Whang said. “I knew he loved his work and I always thought it would be cool to do.”

Whang advises students that it is most important to do something you love. After you decide what you love, set clear goals, be focused and in the mean time, don’t forget to have fun. There is much more to college than just learning.

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News

October 1, 2007

3

On the trail again Centennial cattle drive honors chisholm history

By Tami Mann Newswriting Student When most people hear the word “drive” they think of sitting in their vehicle and cruising down an open road. For a cowboy though, a “drive” can be a much different experience.

On Sept. 10, just south of Ryan, Okla., a group of cowboys saddled their horses and began driving 450 longhorn steers north to Caldwell, Kan. The Centennial Cattle Drive was one of the official projects of the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration, which was funded through a grant made possible by the Oklahoma Legislation.

The original trail was from Texas to Ellsworth, Kan., and would take 60 to 90 days to complete with about 3,000 cattle.

Although a week on the trail with only 450 cattle may not seem like a long time, these cowboys say that they felt every mile.

While the drovers prepared for the first leg of the 80-mile journey on horseback, it was not certain how many people would come to witness the historic drive.

Freddie Craig, a drover from Bray, said that the turnout was good.

Photos by Tami Mann

Let’s move them out: Mike Smith, Bray, drives a heard of cattle through an intersection during the Centennial Cattle Drive. The drive followed the route of the Chisholm Trail, which would last between 60 and 90 days.

“I thought it would be a big deal,” he said. “A few bystanders weren’t happy, but for the most part everyone was excited to see this unfold. People were lined up along the streets and the highways to see us.”

During the 1800s cattle were pushed through Texas and Oklahoma to Kansas on the Chisholm Trail.

The Old Photo by Tami Mann Chisholm Mooove over: A herd of longhorns take over a city Cow Trail street as they moved along the Chisholm Trail. There were 450 longhorns participating in the week-long drive. was only a couple of miles wide, while river crossings were only 50 to 100 yards wide. The landscape has changed and the modern

roadway has created some obstacles, like traffic, bridges, and asphalt, for the drovers.

Keith Prater, a drover from Bray said, “after walking on the asphalt, the horses’ shoes got slick and made it hard for them.”

The earlier trail also presented obstacles; according to the cowboys at the Centennial Cattle Drive, one of the biggest obstacles was water.

“In the 1800s they must have had to have a wagon that carried just water,” Prater said.

Dustin Tevebaugh, a drover from Comanche, said bodies of water often distracted the heard.

“It was hard keeping the cattle off of the ponds and water holes,” he said. “They wanted to stop, and the cowboys wanted to keep moving.”

The long drive created many sore cowboys.

“The one thing I learned was perspective and how far 75 to 80 miles on horseback was,” Prater said.

“Walking along the cattle was miserable, but when we were hustling

I wasn’t sore, stiff or tired. I felt great.”

For some drovers, living out of a bedroll was a new experience, but for Freddie Craig it was all too familiar.

“We used to go to the four corners and gather cattle for four days at a time,” he said. “I’ve spent many nights under the stars in a bedroll.”

Unlike those in the 1800s, cattle drovers today are on a timed schedule. The drivers on the Centennial Cattle Drive are expected to travel

through 20 towns before ending in Caldwell by Oct. 5.

“I’m not sure how long it would take 9 cowboys to make it from the Red River to Caldwell,” Craig said, “but I don’t know how they are going to make it there in 30 days. The cattle are tired and wore out.”

For the cowboys, it wasn’t the 20-mile days that were difficult; the lack of movement was more challenging.

“I’m used to sitting in the seat of a saddle,” Craig said. “As long as we kept moving I never got stiff or sore; it was when we slowed down or stopped that was hard.”

Although the cattle were tired, the horses were sore and the cowboys were exhausted, when the dinner bell rang each it night, everything was all right.

Chuck wagon cook Cratus C. Douthitt, who is from Henrietta, Texas, was the favorite among many of the cowboys.

“Cratus cooked some of the best meals I had even eaten in my life,” Prater said.

When reaching the campsites most of the cowboys would do everything they could to help get camp set up. While everyone was busy around the camp, the chuck wagon cooks were preparing dinner for the cowboys.

“The biggest obstacle is preparing meals within a timely manner,” Douthitt said. “I feel like I’m making history and it’s neat to be doing this everyday.”

President Ron Green, who is from Medford, Okla., said he was proud to be a part of this historic event.

“I am honored to have had the chance to work with these cowboys,” he said. “I could not have done it without them.”

The dust settled and the sun set as the heard disappeared to the north, just as it did generations ago. Each drover experienced the rich history of the Chisholm Trail and made some history of their own.

Photo by Tami Mann

News

4

October 1, 2007

PLUS scholars volunteer for senior citizen prom

By Elizabeth Yocham

a live band and the crowning of a prom king and queen. All of which Collegian Staff contributed to a fun and successful Cameron University Presidential night.

Leader University Scholars (PLUS) Nina Parks and her friends, prom danced the night away as they attendees, enjoyed a night of food, volunteered at friends and the Harvest fun.

Moon Senior “I thought “Events like this one are real Citizens’ the event was beneficial. It gets people to Prom, which nice,” Nina was held on socialize, exercise and [gives said. “Events Sept. 14, like this them] the opportunity to 2007. bring people The prom, know other people.” together sponsored and nurture

by Angels — Lennetta Davenport relationships.

Care Home Prom Coordinator I love to see Health, was people smiling an event and having a designed to good time.” get senior citizens in the community Off the dance floor however, four out of their homes and among their months of time and energy was placed peers. into planning and preparing for the “Events like this one are real prom. beneficial,” said Lennetta Davenport, According to Davenport, it prom coordinator. “It gets people to was the work and energy provided socialize, exercise and [gives them] by volunteers, such as the PLUS the opportunity to know other students, that brought the event people.” together and made it a grand success.

The prom offered exactly these “The PLUS volunteers helped opportunities for attendees. tremendously,” Davenport said. “We The program for the evening were expecting 300 people and we included dining, dancing, door prizes, knew we would need the extra help.”

PLUS volunteers arrived the afternoon of the prom to help decorate tables and the room said Rebecca Craft, a freshmen theatre major and PLUS volunteer.

She said the PLUS scholars assisted with registering people, ushering attendees in, serving food, distributing door prizes and with cleaning up.

“At the end of Photo by Elizabeth Yocham the night, I had Never too old to have fun: Senior citizens form a conga line at the Harvest Moon several people Senior Citizens’ Prom on Sept.

14.

PLUS scholars volunteered to set up tables and help approach me and hang up decorations. thank me for helping put the prom on,” Craft said. “They were all my time there that day.” must also give back,” Craft said. really pleased with it and had enjoyed According to Craft, volunteering “There’s also this great satisfaction their evening out. is important and beneficial to the at the end of a project that you feel “That night meant a lot to many community as well as volunteers. because you know that you’ve helped of the older citizens in Lawton, so I “I volunteer because I believe make someone’s day or improved the felt good about investing so much of that those who are willing to receive community in some way.”

HOUSING continued from page 1 “We are pleased that we could get these renovations done this year,” Case said. “No major changes have been made to these halls in a few years, so they were very much due.

We want to provide students with the most comfortable living environment possible.”

With the semester in full swing, Case mentioned the other additions made to the Housing department: a mini-lounge between North and South Shepler Towers, the reopening of the Moody Blue and a new Women’s Hall Director.

“Jennifer Head is our new Women’s Hall Director,” Case said. “She is not new to Student Housing, as she worked last year as our graduate assistant. I have full confidence that she can get the job done. She has already proven her value to our department, and I am very pleased that we were able to keep her in our department.”

Head, who was excited about the position, said that she is aware of the amount of the work that has to be done here, but she is up for the challenge.

“I have dealt somewhat with students as the past grad assistant when I worked with Casey, so I know what is needed,” she said. “I am

excited about the position, and I am just doing what needs to be done to ensure that the residents who I am in direct contact with are happy with the job that I was hired to do.”

Student Housing is not only focused on residents, but also their lives here and how comfortable it is. The department is involved with several daily tasks to ensure that the Housing Office, which falls under the Department of Student Services and headed by Jennifer Holland, deals with student issues.

Head said she is happy to be able to assist students and being young is an advantage in her position.

“Age has little to do with the job at hand, but I do think that it will serve as an advantage here,” she said.

“I can relate to the students’ issues and problems and be able to solve it because it was not too long ago that I was a student who lived in Shepler and the Village. Students go through a lot here, positives and negatives at times, and

having someone here on a daily basis to deal with their concerns is my main task.”

Head is also the main adviser to the Student Housing Association.

She said that she would like to encourage everyone to join the association, and have an active voice regarding Student Housing.

“This is where students who live on campus have a voice,” she said. “Here, they get a chance to suggest changes to dining, programming, living and a number of other of the services Housing has to offer. I want to see a large association, so

that I at least know students are as interested about their campus life, as we are in Student Housing.”

As Head settles into her new position as the Women’s Hall Director at Shepler, she seems adamant about ensuring job quality and making favorable impacts wherever she can.

“I want to ensure that I do my job right,” she said. “Being in this position

has given me a lot of responsibilities, some of which are maybe easy, others I will have to deal with at the time they occur. To say the least, I am very optimistic as the year unfolds.”

CU’s Student Housing is growing, and as each new face is added to the fold, students who choose to make Cameron their homes should look forward to a friendly and caring family at Student Housing.

Convocation 2007

Photo by Jim Horinek

Voices

October 1, 2007

5

“Jena 6” issue is not black and white Americans today might tell you that “racism is dead,” or it doesn’t exist anymore thanks to a compassionate and eloquent doctor that cured us of the affliction over 40 years ago. Somewhere in the last four decades, we all must have had lobotomies, as the words and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have disappeared from our collective consciousness.

Last week, hundreds of protesters gathered in Jena, La., and Alexandria, La., in

response to the arrest of six black youths who are accused of severely beating a white student. According to the Associated Press, the protesters assembled to argue that the “Jena 6” are being punished more severely because of the racial inequalities that are prevalent in the small town. 5 of the 6 are charged with attempted second-degree murder.

According to the AP: “Racial tensions in Jena were inflamed when nooses were hung on a tree at Jena High

MCT Campus

Far from home:

School more than a year ago.

They appeared after a black student expressed interest in sitting under a tree where whites usually congregated.”

Many media sources are claiming that the protest is similar to “The New Civil Rights Movement.”

While people protesting and paying attention is the first step in achieving a solution to the issues of prejudice and racism, I think we seriously need to ask ourselves why we failed in our first attempt?

While I do share the protesters’ position that the young men are victims of institutional racism, I do not particularly think that “The Jena 6” can be compared to likes of “The Greensboro Four” (the group of students that planned and executed the counter sit-ins during the 60s). “The Greensboro Four” broke laws that were unjust laws that denied them the rights that all whites could have. However, if the accused in Louisiana are guilty, that would mean they beat and bloodied another human being, which is not a legal right for anyone.

I do advocate that those found guilty should be punished, but I think that the “Jena 6” are victims of a racist justice system in Louisiana.

The AP reported that the victim of the beating, Justin Barker, “was knocked unconscious, his face badly swollen and bloodied, though he was able to attend a school function that night.”

I am guilty of making assumptions, but if Barker could go to “a school function” after the attack, those arrested shouldn’t have been charged with attempted

second-degree murder. Assault, yes.

Aggravated assault, probably. But not attempted murder.

In my opinion, the young men are in a society and system that experiences racial tension every day. People in Jena, including the court officials, are not color-blind, and unfortunately, because of this, six people will have to pay a much higher price for their horrible mistake.

What is even more outrageous than an unjust justice system is the degree of denial that people have regarding racial relations.

An anonymous resident of Jena said: “This isn’t a racist town. It never has been. We didn’t even have fistfights when schools were integrated.”

This is coming from a resident who lives in a town where highschool kids hang nooses from trees to send a message to black students. CNN.com reported that after the protests, Ku Klux Klan members in Alexandria drove past protesters with nooses hanging from their vehicles. The driver was 18 and his passenger was 16-yearsold. These are the young people in America, and while they may not be representative of the entire population, they prove that racism was not cured in the 1960s.

While the protests in Jena may not be exactly like the movements

Malinda Rust

International education doles lesson in social acceptance

The 28th International Festival came to downtown Lawton, bringing cultural diversity and lots of different traditions and foods to the community. But as I walked down the crowded streets of the festival, I asked myself, how much are we different anyway?

As an international student from Brazil, I always found the experiences I could share when I talked to my international friends to be fascinating. After all, the process of moving to another country is similar for a lot of us.

But during the international festival, I started questioning myself about the way I perceived Americans. It hit me that Americans are not so different from my international friends or me.

I can relate to my international friends, but I have

MCT Campus

also started to relate my lifeexperiences with Americans, finding at last, some common ground.

I have been living in the United States for over two years, and even though I still feel the culture shock sometimes, I can say we are basically made of the same desires: the will to be accepted and to find our place.

For Americans, it is easier to find a place to belong. It’s their country with their traditions and their culture. But international people can still find a place to belong and relate, like at the international festival.

When I came here, I knew that I would have to try hard to follow the culture and adapt to the local traditions, but with a lot of perseverance and patience, I overcame the first obstacles of a different culture.

Do not be fooled by the

excitement of moving to another country. Culture still differs and your decision to leave home is usually shocking. I just wish that I had put in more thought before I made the final decision to come to the United States.

It is not that I regret my choice, but some things inevitably change when you move to a foreign country. In my case, my sense of responsibility increased, while my sense of belonging unfortunately decreased. And no matter how hard I tried, I never got this feeling during my first year of college. Just ask any international student, and I’m sure they will agree.

But the process got smoother over time. I started liking my life here, and after I decided to embrace my new life in another culture, it was not so bad. It took time, but it was worth all of it.

I also think that this is a good opportunity. By studying and living

from the past, I think they provide some interesting indications of how we are battling with our chronic racism. The results indicate that we aren’t exactly “racially-healthy.”

Young people are beating each other, hanging nooses, and denying that a problem exists just because the nooses were empty this time.

To revive our communities, we have to take active roles, like the hundreds of people in Louisiana, to bring attention to these issues.

The doctor gave us our first dose of medicine, but if we just continue to deny treatments, racism will never die. Perhaps the only reason the first Civil Rights Movement failed is that we tricked ourselves into thinking that it succeeded.

in another country, I am expanding my horizons, broadening my perceptions of the world and giving myself the chance to experience different cultures, just like those at the international festival.

My point is that our cultures are all different, international people and Americans, but we are still the same inside and we believe in the same concepts.

In the end, everybody longs to be happy, feel loved and have a place to belong.

That is the main purpose of the international festival.

It gives people a place to belong, even though they are far away from home. Living in the United States does not mean you have to forget the place you came from.

As for me, I guess I’ll go back to Brazil once I finish everything I came to do here. But I will always remember the exchange of the Brazilian and American cultures, not as a shock, but as a life-changing experience. Because deep within, we are more related than we think.

Bira Vidal

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

News Writing Students Chris Allison, Dewan Bennett, Henry Evans, Diana Harger, Erik Hurley, Tamra Mann, Danielle Murphree, Valerie Pennington, Adrienne Reid, Lauren Roberts, John Robertson, Danielle Rogers, Clayton Wright

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

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Sports

6

October 1, 2007

CU students form soccer club

By Bennet Dewan Newswriting Student Soccer, or the world’s game, has captured the attention of the American public as well as the Cameron University faculty and student body.

With the arrival of David Beckham on American soil this summer to much fanfare, the media coverage of soccer in the U.S. has never been more intensive. While most of the media glitz surrounding David Beckham and his Los Angeles Galaxy is occurring in southern California, Cameron has quietly established its own soccer tradition.

On any given Friday night, weather permitting, members of the CU student body can be found on the Science Center lawn playing the game that they love: soccer. These impromptu matches that have been going on for the last two years were started by a group of international students who simply wanted to continue to participate in the sport that they had grown up watching and playing.

Soccer on Cameron’s campus was restricted to games held only once a week on a small stretch of grass surrounded by asphalt, yet it thrived, with participants increasing almost every week.

The games were not without problems. They were often halted due to the ball being kicked into the Science Complex parking lot or the street around the field.

The games held on the small field were seen as just a social activity until this summer when the CU Soccer Club, under the advisement of Maxwell Kwenda, CU Associate Professor and Ph.D., formed. The club members had a goal of creating a competitive field of teams out of the student body in order to play regularly scheduled games under international rules.

The founding members also proposed using the Cameron University Stadium so that games could occur under the big lights.

Club participants such as Hatuey Campbell, a senior electrical engineering major from Grenada and avid CU soccer player, saw the last proposal as a long shot.

Campbell said that members of the CU Soccer Club were surprised to return to school and find the stadium field chalked. For him and many others, this action has meant more than just an opportunity to score goals on a better field.

“It’s a dream come true,” Campbell said.

“It shows that the school is concerned about the feeling of their students and more so its international students,” he said.

“It also makes the students feel as though they have a voice here at CU.” Campbell added that Soccer unifies cultures and breaks down language barriers.

“It unifies the different nationalities,” he said. “On any given Friday, students from

Southeast Asia, South America, Europe, the West Indies, Africa, and the U.S. can be seen playing together on teams. Where else can you find that on Campus?”

The Soccer Club games have attracted the attention of some students who enjoy just watching the games and cheering for their fellow students. Dominique Honders, a sophomore majoring in marketing, is a fan of the CU Soccer Club.

“I love soccer,” she said “I really enjoy watching them play, I’m a fan. Soccer makes people of all different cultures feel welcome and comfortable.”

The success of the Cameron Soccer Club has raised the question whether the University could support a Division II soccer program. Campbell said he believes that Cameron could and someday will.

“The international students would be out in force,” he said.

Campbell only sees the popularity of soccer increasing in the near future.

“Our population could really get behind a team,” he said. “Soccer could be a great recruiting tool to try to and as well get new students.”

The students plan to launch the club in a big way, possibly on Oct. 13, 2007, as they will invite the Midwestern State University Caribbean Organization’s Soccer Club, to an invitational match at the CU Stadium.

photo by Bennet Dewan

Textbook form: Austin Andre (10) takes a shot on target,while defender (AIG) looks on. The Club will launch with a friendly, Oct.13.

Aggies hold at ITA Regional Championship

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director

photo courtesy Rafael Zurita

At full stretch: Daniel Pazos focuses on his return. The junior played with injury last week at Abilene.

The Cameron Aggie men’s and women’s tennis teams faced tough competition at the 2007 ITA Central Regional Tennis Championship in Abilene, Texas.

The Cameron Aggie men’s tennis had one go to semi-finals. The Cameron Aggie men’s tennis team made a strong showing this weekend in Abilene, however having only a few pass on to quarter and semi finals. Junior Saman Samii won his first match after two sets however lost his second match of the day.

On Saturday Samii faced the same fate when he won his first match of the day and lost his second leaving him 2 and 2 at the tournament.

Junior Daniel Pazos played hard this weekend with an injury.

Pazos played one match on Friday and one match on Saturday, losing both and sitting out after the injury.

Senior Nicolas Mascheron played a good game winning both of his matches Friday, and again winning both is games on Saturday. Mascheron moved onto playing another round on Saturday and coming up short making his tournament record 3-1 and keeping him out of the finals.

Jordi Mullor played good this weekend winning his match

Friday and moving on to Saturday to win two matches. This put Mullor in the quarterfinals, however he was knocked out of quarterfinals just short of being in semi finals.

Senior Ignacio Murgier put his A-game on this weekend winning all this matches on Friday.

Murgier moved on to winning 3 games on Saturday which put him in the quarterfinals spot on Sunday. Murgier was knocked out of the quarter finals after two sets.

The Cameron Aggie women’s tennnis played hard this weekend with sophomore Carolina Mueller losing both her matches on Friday and Saturday after two sets each.

Junior Sophia Rich put up a hard fight but ending up losing the match after three sets on Friday and losing again on Saturday after three sets for the match.

Senior Megan Deblonk played a rough game this weekend coming up short on Fridays match after two sets. Deblonk came back on Saturday and after a hard fought match lost again after two sets.

Junior Viviana Seca put up a rough fight both Friday and Saturday. Friday Seca went three sets however ended up losing the match. On Saturday Seca came out fighting strong again but came up short losing after three sets.

Bronchos drop Aggies 3-0 on the road

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Looking to win back-to-back matches for the first time since the beginning of September, the Aggie volleyball team (7-9, 2-2 LSC) traveled north to Edmond this afternoon to take on the rival Bronchos of Central Oklahoma (13-4, 2-0 LSC). Unfortunately, Cameron was swept in the match 3-0 (30-26, 30-12, 30-20) and now sits at .500 in Lone Star Conference play. The entire match lasted just 80 minutes.

“I thought UCO did an exceptional job of blocking and executing their gameplan; they were the better team today,” Head Coach John Haroun said. “We did a good job of reeling them in and fighting, but we came out flat in game two and never gained any momentum.”

Cameron was able to keep it close in game one, but was never able to take the lead and tied it just once. As a team the Aggies recorded a positive attack percentage in only the first game.

Their percentage in games two and three were both negative due to

them recording more attack errors than kills.

The Aggies also recorded just 2 blocks compared to UCO’s 11 blocks.

Junior middle blocker Whitney Long led the team with 7 kills. She attacked the net 23 times with 6 errors for a .043 attack percentage.

Long also recorded a defensive dig.

“The one piece of our game that was pretty good was our serve receiving,” Coach Haroun said. “Haley Hatch played really well in the back row and Laura (Ellerbrock) did a good job of

distributing the ball and finding the hitters.”

Hatch, a junior setter/libero, finished the match with a teamhigh 21 defensive digs. She also had a single kill on 3 attacks with no errors for an attack percentage of .333, also a team-high.

Ellerbrock, sophomore setter/ defensive specialist, led the team in assists with 22 and has fit nicely into the starting setter position this season. Against UCO she also totaled 3 defensive digs and 5 total attacks with no kills. Senior outside hitter Fernanda Queiroz

recorded 6 kills on 38 total attacks, with 7 errors, for a -.026 attack percentage. She also had 19 defensive digs and an assist.

“We can’t stop fighting,” Coach Haroun said. “We have to keep fighting and pushing and aren’t going to throw in the towel.”

The Aggies faced off against another LSC rival last Thursday night at 7:00pm when CU traveled to Wichita Falls to take on the Midwestern State Mustangs.

The match was also volleyball’s annual installment of “Rollin’ with the Aggies” for Cameron students.

Sports

October 1, 2007

7

A cry for support of our own: Go Aggies Although it is immaterial, it frightens me at times to see the number of supporters at the Aggie ymnasium screaming and cheering for the Aggie women’s volleyball team, as well as the Aggie men’s basketball team. It is almost always a packed house when these teams compete at center court.

Albeit the noise that exerts from within, there is, in contrast, a tinker of silence that flourishes from the other locations in and around campus for the other aggie squads This is not a cry for help, but a plea for fans to give equal support for the CU Aggies, who train tirelessly to give their best on court, at the diamond or even on the T. Yes, at times they are on the road, but there is no excuse for the lack of support for the women’s basketball team or any other team on campus. Like volleyball and men’s basketball, it would be nice for the women’s basketball team to have equal flair as they take the court at home game after home.

Yet, there is usually little more than 40 people cheering them on, and, sadly, most of the fans that are present are tied to the players with some sort of family relation or administrative obligation.

Teams need support. No matter how good a team may be, no matter how well their athletes may play and no matter how poor their results are, a team can only be better with a vast support.

At CU, undoubtedly, there is support for many activities on campus. Student Activities as well as the Athletics Administration

work tirelessly, but to no avail, to bring enough activities to the games and to pull out support.

Teams at CU do well; the women’s golf team were crowned the Lone Star Conference Champions last season, but who knew? I knew, of course, because I am obligated as sports editor.

But, I am also a die-hard supporter of all Cameron sports.

To be honest, I do not even think some athletes knew of the victory, what does that say in itself?

The saying goes, “charity begins at home,” Well maybe it is, since a large percentage of our athletes

Kareem Guiste

are not from Lawton. Still, I think athletes should support other athletes, not only the “popular” sporting discipline, if there is one, but every single one there is.

An athlete cannot work alone.

Yes, he or she may be in control at the time within their respective realms, but ideally, we expect that he or she needs that drive to play hard in the times of struggle.

Just a few months ago, The Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed to capacity with fans wishing to witness the crowning of a new tennis king. Could he have played with such flair and grace without such a welcoming of fans, surely not.

The CU tennis team plays at home a number of times during the season, but when I walk the hard court with my camera to capture images of athletes performing at their best, no one other than their few beloved friends comes to show their undying support. It is unfair.

This is not an attempt to create a rivalry, but clearly a cry to students

and colleagues in athletics to support its own department. At large schools, there is support at every sporting event.

Athletes support their own, but why not at Cameron? We scream for a better end to match, and we bow our heads at a loss, but we should all embrace our aggies as they raise their heads proudly to represent Cameron in a quest for success.

There is no other place than your own that will you be able to cheer and scream and have the advantage to intimidate the other team with huge crowds. We travel to OU several times a year to watch them play football, but I wonder, if Cameron was blessed with a football team, and one of our games conflicted with one of the games at OU, would we see a more pleasing crowd here than in Norman?

A strong family builds a strong home, and a strong home builds a strong community. Let us come out together and support those we call our own- the aggies.

Web casting highlights changes to goaggies.com

By Kyle Weatherly Collegian Staff Anyone who has visited Cameron University’s website over the past few weeks has probably noticed a totally re-vamped home page. What students might not know is that the new look of the front page is only one of several adjustments made to enhance the online viewing experience.

The athletics page, goaggies. cameron.edu, has featured team rosters, statistics, schedules and news for several years. Now they are taking it up a notch.

“For the first time in Cameron history and the website’s history, we are going to be web casting all of the home volleyball matches

and all of our home basketball doubleheaders,” said Cameron Sports Information Director Craig Martin. “Hopefully we’ll be able to move that to some of our road matches and provide access to every single one of our regular season contests for our Aggie fans.”

The new video feature is still in its early stages, keeping the setup pretty basic.

“We only have one camera right now,” Martin said. “For volleyball, I guess it’s traditional to tape it from the back corner so you can see the whole court, which might make the viewers a little sick watching the ball bounce back and forth, whereas for basketball we will just put it right at half-court

and actually have someone follow the action.”

Martin hopes to be to add to the set-up and make web casts even more interactive for the viewers.

“I think right now we are going to stick with one, but in the future I would like to add one that would always be on the scoreboard, and maybe have it as a smaller frame to allow the viewer at home to be able to follow it better.”

However, the ability to watch the games online isn’t the only way fans can interact with their favorite Cameron teams.

“Another way for our fans to be able to get a little more personal with our athletes is that each of our athletes are going to have their

own pages with pictures, stats, and bio information,” Martin said.

Besides the new additions, upgrades to some past features also help improve the interactive experience.

“We are having live stats again this year,” Martin said. “Last year we had them for basketball season, and this year we are having them for volleyball as well.”

Much like the video element, Martin hopes to keep expanding on the live stats feature.

“What I would like to do is put all of the logos up for all of the competing schools, and keep finetuning things to make it look like a real game cast like some of the bigger schools have,” he said.

With all of the new features,

Martin also hopes to add an archive for fans to stay up-to-date on their Aggie teams.

“We are trying to set up an archive for fans, that way if you miss a game and a week later you want to watch it, you can go back through and download it to your computer and watch it right then and there,” he said.

With all the added features, Martin feels that goaggies. cameron.edu stacks up with some of the better websites in the Lone Star Conference.

“We are one of the few in the conference still with a .edu, most of the schools have gone to a .com,” Martin said. “For still having a .edu I think we are one of the top sites in the conference.”

Coach Goodwin anticipates a fruitful season

By Kerry Shanks Newswritting Student The Cameron Women’s Golf Team has one returning starter this year, Renee Breeze. Anna Hathaway and Marrik Wooten are

Photo courtesy CU Online

First on Tee: Megan Whan is one of three freshmen this year.

both first year sophomores, and there are three freshmen this year: Megan Whan, Blaze Petty, and Tori Mcollom.

According to Women’s Golf Coach Rick Goodwin, the season has been good so far despite all of the new players.

“Each tournament has gotten better,” he said. “We have really been focusing on conditioning this year. Physical fatigue can lead to mental fatigue, so conditioning is key.”

The Women’s Golf Team is looking forward to the Texas A&M Tournament this fall. The team has five tournaments this fall, one of which will be hosted at Cameron. Goodwin expressed that his team has to be prepared for the endeavor of missing so much classwork.

“Being on any athletic team requires being taught time management,” Goodwin said.

The A&M Tourney will take place Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

Then, the women will play at the University of Central Oklahoma.

They will conclude the season Oct. 14-16 with a home tournament.

The women’s spring season begins in January. On Feb. 16 and 17 they will participate in the Tarlton Tournament in Grandbury, Texas. They will

be playing in the Lone Star Tournament on April 21 and 22, which requires NCAA certification for eligibility.

“Our expectations for the upcoming season is that we are going to get better, just like the

GOLF SCHEDULE

Mayfield opens doors for new intramural activities

By Kelley Burt Collegian Staff The time has come again for students and staff who do not belong to organized sports teams to play ball.

Every school year, several intramural sports and activities are offered at Cameron with no cost for the participants. Mo Mayfield, Intramural Director, encourages everyone to come out and play.

“The main goal is to give our students and staff a break from the daily grind,” Mayfield said. “It’s also a really great way to meet new people because a community college like Cameron brings all kinds of people from all over the world to our school. With intramurals we

have a way for different people with different degree programs to come together.”

Which indoor and outdoor sports or activities are offered depends on the time of the year.

“We have a little bit of something for everyone,” he said.

Some activities include volleyball, poker, dominos and bowling. The series began this fall with co-ed as well as men’s soccer teams playing on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

The length of each season is determined by how many teams are formed. Each team plays each other twice in a round robin-type tournament and bracketed to play for the collegiate championship.

The winning team will have their

names engraved on the school’s trophy.

Even though it isn’t necessary.

Mayfield encourages participants to have a team formed and ready to be added to the list of players.

“If there is someone who wants to play and doesn’t have a team put together I’m sure we can find place to add them,” he said. “If a spouse of one of our students or staff wants to play, they are welcome to come out as well.”

This year, he has concentrated on increasing the participation of women. One way that he has done this is by limiting the amount of contact the male members of co-ed basketball teams have with the ball.

“It used to be a requirement in games that women made contact

with the ball at least one in every four plays,” Mayfield said. “Now, we have changed things so that men will only be allowed to have contact one in four plays. This way there will be more women involvement.”

Bettina Cook, a Business junior, said: “It’s really great that Cameron has so many sports and activities available to students. It’s just unfortunate that I haven’t known about what is offered until this late in my degree program. But now that I know, I will definitely look into participating.”

Cook also plans to recruit friends to join her in participating in intramural sports. “Hopefully, I can get a bunch of the girls out to have some fun with me,” she said. “I know lots of people who

would be excited to play volleyball at the school if they knew it was available.”

Planned activities for the school year include: flag-football, basketball, golf, bowling, racquetball, tennis, wallyball, whiffleball, volleyball, dominos, poker and spades.

Mayfield said that in addition to the activities he has scheduled for this year, he is open to new ideas.

“I’m strongly considering adding cricket to the line-up,” he said. “As long as there is enough people interested, we could have any number of other activities available.”

The next sport available is flagfootball. The last day to sign up is Friday, Oct. 5.

Sports

8

October 1, 2007

Photo by Bennet Dewan

Composed: Moyosore Mohammed (above) keeps an eye on the ball in anticipation of a strike. Mohammed is a member of the soccer club here at Cameron University. His dream is to one day play for Real Madrid, a soccer club in Spain.

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Content and will: Whitney Long (above) spikes to gain a point. The Cameron Aggie Junior is a middle blocker for the women’s volley team.

Photo courtesy Rafael Zurita

Defiance at best: Jordi Mullor stretches to capacity to ensure a full return. Mullor, a senior, is on his last season representing the Cameron Aggies. Mullor intends to get into Financial Management and or Financial Economics as part of his long term career.

Far reach: Heather Doslich (Left) returns with a backhand at the CU tennis complex. Doslich, a sophmore, is a returner this year to the CU Aggies tennis team Photo courtesy Rafael Zurita

A&E

October 1, 2007

9

Professor to compose piece for conference

By Jessica Frazier Collegian Staff The Oklahoma Music Teachers Association (OMTA) selected Cameron Associate Professor of Music, Greg Hoepfner, Ph.D, as the commissioned composer for their annual conference. Dr. Hoepfner will write a 12-minute piece of music for the state conference, which will be held on May 30, 2008, at Oklahoma City University.

Dr. Hoepfner said he was honored to be selected for this award. He was nominated by the OTMA commission committee, which consists mostly of professors from various Oklahoma colleges.

After his nomination, Dr. Hoepfner submitted a portfolio of work, along with the other nominees.

“I submitted recordings and manuscripts of about four or five compositions I have done,” he said.

According to Dr. Hoepfner, it usually takes about one month to compose a piece from conception to completion. He is almost finished with the piece he is composing for the state conference, which is

written for the piano, trumpet, and clarinet. This piece has taken a little longer than usual because it is a 12-minute piece as opposed to popular art songs, which have a length of about three minutes.

“I am almost done with it,” he said, “but I am still cleaning up little things here and there,” Dr. Hoepfner decided to give the piece a Centennial theme based on the book “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Hoepfner’s daughter, who is currently completing graduate work at Oklahoma City University, helped inspire him because she is working on a project based on the book. Dr. Hoepfner asked her to send him some of her parts of the book, then based his piece on the themes of the book.

“It actually derived directly from lines and quotes in the book,” Dr. Hoepfner said.

The piece has three movements: The first movement is for the trumpet and piano, the second movement is for the clarinet and piano and the last is for all three instruments.

Dr. Hoepfner will not perform any part of the piece at the state

conference, but has asked some Cameron faculty to perform.

“It is nerve-wracking enough to be there when it’s being performed,” Dr. Hoepfner said.

“It’s a lot nicer to just sit back.”

After the conference in May, Hoepfner’s work will be submitted to the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) as the OMTA’s nominee for Distinguished Composer of the Year.

Dr. Hoepfner said he is very grateful for the faculty and staff in the music department. If Dr. Hoepfner is selected to have his composition performed at the national conference, the same Cameron faculty members will perform the piece.

“They have always encouraged and helped me,” Dr. Hoepfner said.

Photo by Jessica Frazier In addition to being selected Masterfully composed: Professor of Music Greg Hoepfner, Ph.D, as the commissioned composer works on the 12-minute piece of music he is composing for the OMTA for OMTA’s state conference, Dr. conference to be held on May 30, 2008, at Oklahoma City University.

Hoepfner was awarded honorable mention in 2003 for a composition he submitted to a Christmas carol methods courses, composition said. “They just happen to come writing contest in Canada. He has and voice. He is also in charge of along.” won several other awards and has musical theater productions at Dr. Hoepfner teaches several published many other pieces.

Cameron. classes at Cameron including “I don’t write for the prizes, he theory, elementary and secondary

Student’s horror flick wins praise

By Elizabeth Yocham Collegian Staff The red carpet has been unrolled for Cameron University student Lacy Trogdon.

Trogdon, a junior majoring in R/TV, and horror fi lm producer from Anadarko, is receiving much acclaim for her fi lm production, “Murder on Turnpike Road.”

Murder on Turnpike Road tells the story of two ladies who purchase a house to fi x up together only to find that they are not alone in the house.

Murder on Turnpike Road has received accolades from all around.

“It is phenomenal,” Dr. Matt Jenkins, Associate Professor of Communication, said. “Its really cool she’s got this kind of

Things to do at CU Oct. 2- Cameron Iron Chef: For more information, call PAC at 591.8086.

Oct. 2- Tuesday Pursuits and pizza: 9 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226.

Oct. 6 - Free lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226.

Oct. 7 - Cameron/Lawton Community Band: 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. For more information, call 581.2440.

To have campus event printed in “Things to do at CU” e-mail information to collegian@cameron.edu or call 581.2260.

Quote of the Week “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”

-Benjamin Franklin-

recognition.”

Out of the eight festivals that Trogdon submitted her short movie to it was accepted into five festivals which include: Trail Dance Film Festival, Bare Bones Film Festival, FirstGlance Philadelphia, Evil City Film Fest and Terror Film Festival.

In addition to these festivals Trogdon’s fi lm will be shown at the Midnight Terror Theater in Philadelphia for a special night of movies on Oct. 5.

According to Jenkins, the fi lm received a standing ovation at the 2007 Trail Dance Film Festival when it was nominated for best student production.

Adding to Trogdon’s list of achievements, her fi lm is one of eight fi lms selected from over 250 entries that will be exhibited at FirstGlance Film Festival’s 10th anniversary.

Success and achievement are wonderful but they do not come easy. Producing a short movie involves inspiration, multiple steps and hard work.

Trogdon first became interested in fi lm production as a child.

Watching horror movies like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” served as inspiration to further pursue fi lm production, especially horror fi lm production.

Besides inspiration, actual fi lm production requires much work and involves multiple steps.

Writing a script, finding a location, getting actors and props and shooting and editing are steps involved in producing a fi lm, Trogdon said.

Completing these steps requires both time and energy.

The shooting of “Murder on Turnpike Road” took about three days and the editing of the fi lm took about two weeks, Trogdon said.

Film production, although rewarding, has both good and bad parts.

“The best part is seeing my creation come to life,” Trogdon said. “The worst part is shooting in cold weather and having unexpected problems.”

In the end, the enjoyable experiences have outweighed the bad for Trogdon.

“I enjoy making horror movies,” Trogdon said. “I hope one day to become a mainstream female horror director.”

Graphic courtesy of Dr. Matt Jenkins

Comic collage MCT Campus

A&E

10

October 1, 2007

A day of culture CCM hosts coffeehouse, fellowship nights

By Brandi O’Daniel Collegian Staff

C

C

M

ameron ampus inistry (CCM) is providing CU students an escape from chaotic class schedules.

The organization offers students events to look forward to each month where they can enjoy free entertainment and have the opportunity to meet with other students on campus.

Each week the CCM hosts Tuesday Pursuits, which is a student-lead worship that was started 13 years ago. Every Tuesday starts off with free pizza and features guest speakers that go along with the theme for that week. Themes range from social justices, memorial services and most recently, the anniversary of Sept. 11.

The Rev. Patrick McPhearson, Minister and Director of the Cameron Campus Ministry, said, “We’ve looked at how moments in time shape who we are and how we respond in tragedies.”

CCM brings a different guest speaker with each new theme, which varies between students and preachers.

“Sometimes students lead devotion,” McPhearson said.

“Sometimes I do, and other times, pastors from other churches bring whatever they want to for the evening.”

According to Kim Jackson, a senior majoring in history, Tuesday Pursuits tends to have a varied crowd.

“The number of students each week ranges from 15 to 50, depending on classes and finals,” Jackson said.

CCM also hosts the monthly Coffee House that meets the last Thursday of every month. It is another student-led worship that features performers along with free coffee and smoothies.

While the Coffee House only began last year, it has already brought in large crowds.

“It’s open to everyone,” Jackson said. “Once we even had about 80 students here, so it gets a little crowded.”

The Coffee House books performers to play, but also has an open microphone to give students the opportunity to display their talents.

McPhearson said: “It’s an

CU art students visit museums Story and Photos A Sense of Place.

by David R. Bublitz Towers.

Collegian Staff Multiculturalism.

Hyperrealism.

On Sept. 21, students from CU’s Art Department were given the opportunity to become familiar with these concepts by experiencing art from around the globe. Led by Katherine LiontasWarren, students traveled to Ft. Worth, Texas, where they visited three museums,The Amon Carter, The Kimball and the Ft. Worth Modern.

Liontas-Warren said the motivation for the trip was to help give beginning art students a chance to experience art on a personal level.

“For many of our freshman art students, this art trip was their first experience visiting the Amon Carter Museum, the Kimball Museum, and the Modern Museum of Art,” she said. “All the permanent and showcasing exhibitions were very rewarding and informative to our art majors. They had the opportunity to view many masters and contemporary artists in many genres. It is imperative that our art majors have the experience to see works of art outside of Oklahoma.”

In addition, Liontas-Warren hoped the artwork would challenge her students to succeed.

“These exhibitions are learning tools for our students. They allow our students to view superior craftsmanship and execution of ideas by master and contemporary artists. The actual work of art becomes a reality to them. It sets goals, passion, dedication, motivation and an experience that cannot be felt in a picture book or on the Internet. The museums offer an insightful challenge for our young thinkers of today.”

Most students began at the Amon Carter Museum, which featured pieces on Precisionism and Charles Demuth’s paintings of Lancaster. Next, at the Kimball museum, amateur type of night. We have comedy, poetry, political statements and music.”

All CCM events are run by the Student Leadership Team (SLT), which meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday. Meetings, like all the events, are open to all students.

The SLT discusses and organizes all the CCM events from choosing the themes and speakers of Tuesday

Pursuits to booking bands for the Coffee House.

“The events are all lead by students,” Jackson said, “but Patrick oversees everything.”

According to recent Business graduate Ashley Burgamy, the CCM has a lot of fun events through the school year and is a great way to meet new people.

“Every Wednesday there was free lunch and every Thursday night there was praise and worship,” she said. “It was a great place to meet friends and hang out between classes.”

The events are not only designed to meet new people, but they are aimed at finding a time to reflect and talk about

students examined paintings from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Lastly, students gathered at the Modern Museum to view the work of Ron Mueck.

For many students, The Ron Mueck exhibit was the highlight of the trip. Mueck is an Australian sculptor who specializes in hyperrealism.

Laurie Ingalls, a graphic design freshman, said: “My favorite [sculpture] was one called ‘A Girl.’ The way it was put together made the subject look real, especially the hair. ‘The Wild Man’ looked like a homeless man pulled right off of the street.”

Mueck’s ability to apply so much detail to the human form was impressive to many of the visiting art students.

“I liked the Ron Mueck piece ‘Baby,’” said Michelle Everitt, an art department freshman. “I can’t imagine how someone could capture something so life-like.”

Students left Ft. Worth at 5 p.m., and they arrived back in Lawton at 9 p.m. Overall, the experience helped some students to become more familiar with their disciplines. In addition, many of the freshman art majors gained a greater sense of respect and admiration for the craft.

“I have a new appreciation for artists,” said Everitt.

new ideas.

McPhearson said, “It is a time of reflection that we need as people of faith to respond to God’s call.”

The student-led worship allows students to talk with other students and listen to speakers that can help them deal with the pressures and issues that they ware dealing with right now.

“I think that students’ lives are fi lled with change and there is growth taking place intellectually,” McPhearson said.

“It’s important to see how that growth goes with our spiritual and emotional development and challenge and look at the world in new and different ways. To question what we’ve been taught and discover things may not be what we thought.”

Both the Tuesday Pursuits and the Coffee House are studentled worships and are open to all students.

Tuesday Pursuits is held from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening, and the Coffee House is held from 8 to 11 p.m. the last Thursday evening of every month.

For questions about the CCM events visit their campus Web site at www.ccmcenter.org or call 581.2885.

iTunes top 10 downloaded songs “Crank That” Soulja Boy Tell’ Em “Stronger” Kanye West “1234” Feist “How Far We’ve Come” Matchbox Twenty “Bubbly” Colbie Caillat “Apologize” Timbaland “Rockstar” Nickelback “Ayo Technology” 50 Cent “Gimme More” Britney Spears “The Way I Are” Timbaland

October 1, 2007

A&E

11

Finish the fight A hero rises in third, final ‘Halo’ game “Halo 3” is second only to “Bioshock.” While there aren’t any startling fright moments, there is an aura throughout the game that makes you drop your jaw to the floor. Much of that is due to the massive scale of the game.

“Halo 3” doesn’t have the best graphics or the most details in every shot. What it does have is a combination of massive scale, excellent A.I., dozens of on-screen NPCs and an exciting story. This is the game of Photo by Jim Horinek the fall gaming season.

Living the high life: Three people waiting in line for ‘Halo 3’ play through the Did I mention there’s ‘Halo 2’ campaign to pass the time. Gamestop had over 400 preordered copies online four-person of ‘Halo 3’ sitting inside the store for the midnight launch. cooperative play? Many games have promised games in general. of the room can invite up co-op and have failed miserably.

There are thousands of to 15 other people and the “Halo 3” has seamless co-op that different ways to customize group can watch starts from the opening credits everything from any saved game on until the final cut-scene. The lag is the starting the host’s HDD. virtually non-existent, which is quite weapons to the Not only can an accomplishment considering the map’s gravity, they watch the sheer amount of on-screen chaos at and that’s not even game, but any given time during the game. counting Forge. they can also Most “Halo” fans will come for With the new Forge use a threethe campaign, but they’ll stay for the system, players can dimensional multiplayer. “Halo 2,” the flagship edit maps and place camera and move title for Xbox Live, revolutionized vehicles, weapons and any across the map to console first-person shooters. “Halo other object see every aspect 3” will do nothing that is in of the battle. short of set the game.

Be aware, a milestone While you can for console it’s not a no longer lie about traditional how many people map editor ambushed you when like we’ve seen you died. You can’t with PC games, say that other players Forge is something should have died when that has never been seen you missed For birthdays this week: You’re eager to try new things this year, in a gaming console them with but don’t go without preparation. Do the homework first, so you know what before. your sniper rifle. you’re getting into. It’s good to have a slight advantage.

The third component You can’t claim of “Halo 3’ s ” triad you were glitching To get the advantage, check the week’s rating: 10 is the easiest week, 0 the most challenging. of gaming fantasy when you tried to is the game-saving climb on top of the map. That’s Aries (March 21-April 19) This week is an 8. The hard part feature. Players can now utilize all gone now, thanks to the ability to is for you to keep from telling your friends how much you have. That isn’t the theater mode and watch the watch the saved games. necessary, however, and it isn’t wise. last 25 games they’ve played. This “Halo 3” has arrived with a includes campaign levels and all breath-taking campaign and excellent Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is a 6. Get something multiplayer matches. The host multiplayer set-up. Bungie Studios you’ve been needing for your work, before the money’s all spent. have outdone themselves. Let’s Story by Joshua Rouse finish the fight.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is an 8. You and the people you love most need an in-depth conversation. Discuss your Graphics Courtesy of Bungie Studios magnificent plans. If you don’t have any, make something up. Don’t tell anyone else.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is a 5. Take more time for family stories and sharing old souvenirs. If you don’t tell the kids what they are, how will they figure it out?

has come to a close with “Halo 3.”

We now know the end of the “Halo” story arc. We now know the conclusion of the war between the Covenant and humanity. We now know the fate of the Master Chief.

And what a grand finale it was to finish the fight.

“Halo 3” takes the best aspects of “Halo: Combat Evolved” and “Halo 2” and combines them for an excellent thrill-ride that doesn’t stop, even after the credits roll. Bungie Studios, the developer behind the “Halo” trilogy, poured its heart and soul into making a game that will be remembered for the ages by not only “Halo” fans, but also non-gamers alike.

The game is short by many standards. The campaign can be beaten in one sitting and clocks in about seven hours. But, unlike many games that add fetch quests and filler in to artificially lengthen the game, “Halo 3” is a Photo by Jim Horinek constant action fest and The early bird gets the worm: a feast for any person’s Michael Gridley, a Computer Science eyes. As soon as the disc is freshman, walks out of Gamestop with inserted in the tray, and the the first copy of ‘Halo 3.’ Gridley arrived music begins to play, you’re at 8:30 a.m., nearly two hours before sucked into another world. the store opened, and stood in line until The atmosphere of midnight on Sept. 25 to get his copy.

A hero need not speak. When he is gone, the world will speak for him.

To the “Halo” nation, there is only one hero. For six years, we have followed him in games, in novels and in comic books. We have watched him grow from a boy to a man and into a warrior. And now, his legacy

Weekly Horoscopes

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is an 8. It seems like you can get away with just about anything. This is a deception, however, as you’ll eventually learn if you try. Stick to the righteous path.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is a 6. You need a change of scene to refresh your enthusiasm. Take a drive or a helicopter ride, or go climb a mountain.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 10. You can see clearly now, but don’t tell the world about it. Take notes if you want to write it in your diary. Wait to see what’s next, before you go public.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is 6. Financial woes needn’t plague you. There should be enough for you to get what you really need and a few things you really want. Shop wisely, as usual.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is an 8. Don’t even bother to argue. The person who’s giving you grief doesn’t have a clue.

Provide facts and the matter is closed.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is a 5. The work’s annoying and it doesn’t pay all that well yet. Think of it as part of your education, which it is. You can also check out the want ads for a better job.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is an 8. You’re in love, and your imagination is filled with wonderful schemes. Don’t talk about them at work, however. The boss will not be amused.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is a 6. Everybody seems to want to tell you what to do. Tell them you’ll think it over and go back to your own agenda. After a while, they’ll leave you alone.

12

Variety

After a three-day display of entertainment and multiculturalism, the 28th Annual International Festival came to an end on Sept. 23. With a diverse number of cultural presentations, the festival brought various pieces of the world to Lawton, Okla.

The main attraction on the first day of the festival was the opening ceremony with the naturalization of 30 new American citizens. The naturalization ceremony took place near the Public Library in downtown Lawton.

Other attractions were the various types of food. The American Indian, Caribbean, German, Latin American, Filipino, Greek and many other groups shared their typical foods and seasonings with the curious population that wanted to try new and different things.

There were two stages with different performers.

The KUMAASI and the Red Dawn Blues Band showed the community different melodies and rhythms with music from Africa and from the American Indian culture.

On the other stage, the Lawton Karate Team, the Mexican Folkloric Dancers, the Kickers, the Family of the Islands and other groups entertained the community with typical dances and presentations throughout the festival.

Also, the population was able to purchase goods from different countries and local stores. Activities in the area helped the population to interact with other cultures and to exchange cultural experiences.

Major sponsors of the festival included: The City of Lawton, Lawton Arts and Humanities Council, Oklahoma Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, Friends of the Library and the McMahon Foundation.

October 1, 2007