The Cameron University Collegian: September 17, 2007

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

Monday, September 17, 2007

News

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Volume 81 Issue 3

Evolution of an Aggie icon

By Amanda Herrera Collegian Staff

Constitution Day celebrates America and its cause.

SEE PAGE 2

A&E

It wasn’t long ago when Ole Kim came out of hiding and re-defined what it meant to be an Aggie.

The mysterious cowboy-turned-prospector has greatly evolved since the 1950s when the first graphic depiction of him was spotted on athletic jackets worn by students. As the university has grown and changed over the years, so has Ole Kim, sometimes making it hard to determine fact from legend.

Jamie Glover, Director of Community Relations, said the early Ole Kim graphics were of a cowboy similar to that of Pistol Pete, the Oklahoma State University mascot.

“At that point we were under the same board of regents as OSU, so it made a little bit of sense to have a similar logo,” she said.

The cowboy in the graphics was named in 1960 when the Cameron Collegian ran a contest called “Name That Cowboy.” A 1916 graduate named Beaumont Wallingsford Jolly from Carnegie won the contest. She submitted a story about a cowboy named Kim who worked at the ranch that bordered Cameron to the west. To verify her story she submitted a piece of Kim’s saddle blanket.

Glover said it’s hard to determine whether the story was fact, fiction or a combination of the two.

“In our research we haven’t found records of a well-known cowboy named Kim who worked on campus,” she said.

“But we can’t disprove it either.”

The Cameron Press Club created the first human Ole Kim mascot in 1964.

See KIM Page 3

Photos courtesy of Cameron Archives

According to the legend: Ole Kim represents the very best of CU. He is the military and the civilian, the cowboy and the prospector. He is the student who gains knowledge, and he is the faculty who shares it. He is dedicated, brave and willing to work hard. His spirit lives today in Cameron students and alumni.

The Collegian welcomes the “Life in Hell” cartoon.

WAVES welcomes Henson

SEE PAGE 9

By David L. Bublitz

Sports

Collegian Staff

Photo by David L. Bublitz

Cameron tennis opens with ace.

Voices

Veteran finds that history is repeating itself.

SEE PAGE 5

completing all paperwork necessary to certify enrollment and changes in enrollment for students eligible for VA benefits.

They serve as the crucial administrative link between our military veterans, the VA, and the post-secondary educational institutions that provide veterans with the educational opportunities needed to secure viable careers after serving the nation.

See HENSON Page 2

Writer brings stories to Cameron Campus changes

By Laura Batule Collegian Staff

SEE PAGE 7

Vicki Henson, Coordinator of Veteran Affairs at Cameron University, was elected president of the Western Association of Veteran Educational Specialists (WAVES) during the association’s July 2007 annual conference in Spokane, Washington.

According to a CU news release, Henson is an active member of WAVES, and she has served in numerous capacities within the association

before her election to the top spot.

“This is a tremendous honor,; one that I will always treasure,” Henson said. “Assisting veterans is my life’s work, and I will continue to strive toward improving the issues that impact our veterans.”

WAVES is a non-profit organization that is comprised of certifying officials from all 14 states served by the Muskogee V.A. Regional Processing office (RPO).

Certifying officials like Henson are responsible for

Renowned author and journalist Julie Salamon will be at the Cameron Library from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 18 in the Reading Room. Salamon will be talking informally about her experiences as a culture writer and critic for “The New York Times,” reporter and film critic for “The Wall Street Journal” and author of six novels. Her articles have appeared in “The New Yorker,” “Vanity Fair,” “Vogue,” “Harper’s Bazaar” and “The New Republic.”

Dory Thomas, circulation coordinator for the Lawton Public Library, was the link that brought Salamon from her home in Manhattan to Lawton.

“My son and daughter-in-law live in a condominium complex in Florida that is owned by Salamon’s mother, Lilly,” Thomas said. “My son got me in touch with Lilly and I asked if her daughter would be interested in coming to Lawton to speak to us. Julie called me personally and told me ‘any friend of her mother is a friend of mine.’”

Knowing what type of family Salamon comes from is critical to understanding why this worldrenowned journalist and author would travel more than 1,500 miles at the request of a once-removed friend of her mother.

Julie Salamon was born in 1953 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is the child of educated Jewish immigrants and holocaust survivors, Dr. Alexander Salamon and his wife Lilly. Dr. Salamon’s first wife and daughter were executed in gas chambers, and his second wife, Lilly, was a survivor of Auschwitz.

Raised in Seaman, Ohio, Salamon spoke of her hometown (population 800) in a 2003 interview with “Jewish Woman” magazine:

See WRITER Page 3

Photo courtesy of Ohioana Authors

reflect higher enrollment totals

By Brandi O’Daniel Collegian Staff

Cameron University is making changes throughout the campus while increasing its student enrollment.

Despite the loss of military units and their dependents, as well as the recent lack of high school graduates, there has been an increase in enrollment and students living on campus.

According to the Student Housing Statistics there are now 206 students living in the dorms, which is up from 186 students last year. Cameron Village has also increased residents in the apartments from 218 to 234 with several more on the wait list.

The increase in enrollment and on-campus living could partly be due to a younger crowd enrolling this past year.

See ENROLLMENT Page 4

News 2 Remembering the nation’s history

September 17, 2007

Panel discussion commemorates annual Constitution Day

By Kerry Myers Collegian Staff Cameron University will join colleges and universities across the nation to celebrate Constitution Day on Monday, Sept. 17.

Sponsored by the School of Liberal Arts, the Department of History and Government, and the Lawton Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Cameron University will commemorate Constitution Day with a panel discussion on the United States Constitution at 3:15 p.m. in the Sciences Complex Goodyear Room.

A number of distinguished leaders will discuss the meaning of the United States Constitution.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marian Opala is just one of the leaders that will be here to participate in the discussion. The author of numerous legal papers, Opala is an adjunct professor at three law schools including: the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University and the University of Tulsa. He often lectures at various national judicial and legal education programs.

Opala has been an Oklahoma commissioner in the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws since 1982. In December 1993, he was appointed as a public member of the Administrative Conference of the United States.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Judge David Lewis will

also participate in the discussion.

Lewis was appointed to the court in August 2005. Born in Ardmore, Judge Lewis graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in economics and business, and then went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma Law School in 1983.

He served as Assistant District Attorney at the Comanche County Courthouse in Lawton from 1987 to 1991. He served as President of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference in 2004 and is an Oklahoma Bar Foundation Fellow.

Oklahoma State Magistrate Shon Erwin and State Representative T.W. Shannon will also be here to participate in the discussion. T.W. Shannon is a sixth generation Oklahoman and a third generation Lawtonian.

Shannon is also an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, and he holds a B.A. in Communication from Cameron University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Melody Huckaby of Cameron University will be moderating the panel discussion.

Constitution Day celebrates a key point in U.S. history- Sept. 17, 1787, when the 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document that defi ned and separated powers of the federal government.

The holiday was first proposed

by Senator Robert C. Byrd as a way to remember the U.S. Constitution. Federal legislation

Graphic by Joshua Rouse

establishing the holiday passed in 2004, and all educational institutions receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education are required by law to hold an annual education program on the Constitution for

students.

Copies of the document and bookmarks will be available during the event, which will be followed by a reception. Constitution Day is free and open to the public. For more information on this event,

contact Tony Wohlers, Cameron University Assistant Professor of Political Science, at 581.2496.

For more information about Constitution Day celebrations across the nation visit http:// www.constitutioncenter.org/.

HENSON continued from page 1 According to Henson, WAVES helps certifying officials do their job by providing training and networking opportunities for their members, which in turn, provides better service to veterans.

“At our annual WAVES conference, we provide certifying officials with an opportunity for additional training,” Henson said. “As many as 400 certifying officials have attended our conferences in the past. The conference also allows us to network together by providing a forum to facilitate the interchange of ideas as well as develop friendships.”

Organizing and conducting the annual WAVES conference will be Henson’s primary responsibility as president.

According to Henson, the key to the success of the service provided to veterans in the Muskogee region stems from the positive working relationship that exists between all agencies connected to the veteran’s benefits approval process.

“The partnership between the VA, the state approving agencies, and the certifying officials work together to improve the services that veterans are receiving, because the bottom line is we want to provide quality service to our veterans,” Henson said.

The members of WAVES who attend the conference will benefit from a wide variety of training seminars. These training seminars re-enforce the primary job training certifying officials receive from the VA. “We have certifying officials who have different levels of job experience. At the conference they can receive additional job training,” Henson said. “If a certifying official has only been in the position for a year or less, it is an opportunity for them to get basic nuts and bolts training. However, if an official has been doing the job much longer they can receive advanced training.”

The WAVES conference not only provides training for certifying officials, but helps them stay current on hot-button topics that affect veterans as well.

“The conference also provides an opportunity to look at current issues,” Henson said. “For example, last year we had a speaker who talked to us about Post-traumatic-stress syndrome.”

The Waves conference also keeps certifying officials current on changing VA policies and regulations.

Henson will serve as the WAVES president for two years as well as continuing her duties as Coordinator of Veteran Affairs at CU, where she has served veterans for 22 years.

“I enjoy working at Cameron and working for the veterans,” Henson said. “It is a lot of fun, and I could not pick a more wonderful job to have over the years. The work that I do is profoundly rewarding, because we help veterans receive their educational benefits so they can change and improve their lives. That is a neat thing- to know that you are doing something that positively impacts veterans’ lives significantly.”

According to a CU press release, while the Muskogee RPO is only one of four national regional processing offices, the Muskogee RPO processes 40 percent of all educational benefit claims submitted in the United States. No doubt, much of the success and efficiency of the Muskogee region can be attributed to people like Vicki Henson and associations like WAVES.

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News

September 17, 2007

3

WRITER continued from page 1 “It was a beautiful place and the people were nice. It’s always been a dichotomy for me-between knowing that there was horrible evil in the world, that people could do unspeakable things, and having kind generous parents and living in a community where people really did watch out for one another.”

In 1975, Salamon graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in Boston. She went on to earn a second degree at the New York University

School of Law. Upon graduation in 1978, Salamon was hired as a journalist for “The Wall Street Journal,” where she was a movie critic and weekly columnist for 20 years.

Today, Salamon is a culture writer for “The New York Times.”

Salamon has written six books, including two fictional novels entitled: “White Lies (1987) and “The Christmas Tree” (1996), which was a New York Times best-seller.

“The Christmas Tree” is a poignant

story of Anna, a lonely orphan whose best friend was a beautiful Norwegian spruce tree. Years later, Anna, now Sister Anthony, is faced with the difficult decision of sacrificing her old friend so that Rockefeller Center will once again display the most beautiful and famous Christmas tree in the world.

Non-fiction works of Salamon’s include: “The Devil’s Candy: The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco” (1991), which is an unflattering

behind-the-scenes look of Hollywood film making gone awry. Brian DePalma allowed Salamon nearly unrestricted access to the movie set that starred Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks and Melanie Griffith, “Facing the Wind,” a narrative about the tragic killing of a family and the lives affected by it, “Net of Dreams,” a family memoir, and “Rambam’s Ladder: A Meditation on Generosity and Why it is Necessary to Give.”

Students are encouraged to take

time from their busy schedules to hear this notable author speak and discuss her life as a journalist.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to be able to hear a speaker of Julie Salamon’s caliber and talent,” Dr. Judy Neale, Ph.D., Coordinator for Community Outreach for the Cameron University Library said. “I hope that students and faculty members will come to the library and meet this remarkable woman.”

KIM continued from page 1 They created a paper-mache likeness of Kim that was to be part of a float for the homecoming parade. The float didn’t make it into the parade, but a freshman from Lawton donned the head with a black shirt, black pants and a western belt. She rode in the parade in the back of a truck with a sign that read, “Ole Kim Rides Again.” Later that day another Press Club member sported the head at a football game.

“That’s what started the tradition of Ole Kim being at different events on campus,” Glover said.

The human mascot has changed five times since that parade. Ole Kim’s dress has transformed in style and color and his height has changed as well. One thing that hasn’t changed is the

secrecy surrounding who wears the costume. The first Ole Kim tryouts began in 1969, and since then, two people are selected each year to portray the university mascot.

“They choose two because they have to be at so many engagements,” Glover said.

Recently, CU has started a new tradition of revealing who the mascot is at a pep rally in the spring.

“We have done that twice and look forward to doing it again,” she said.

The most notable Ole Kim change to date was the 2004 launch of the fifth Ole Kim mascot accompanied by the most current CU logo. The logo was the first to incorporate the name of the University as well as the word “Aggie.” It depicts Ole Kim as a prospector driving a pickaxe into the Wichita Mountains.

“All of these things bring out many traditional elements of the university,” Glover said. “Portraying him as a prospector best fits with Ole Kim’s history and primarily gives the institution its own identity.”

Glover said the changes had great impact on morale at the school.

“I think it was an almost instantaneous increase in university pride and spirit,” she said. “It brought back tradition, excitement and school loyalty. It’s probably one of the best things the university has ever done.”

Only time will tell how Ole Kim might change during CU’s next 100 years. Odds are he will likely remain a prospector as Glover said there are no plans to further evolve the logo and mascot. One thing is certain, despite Ole Kim’s evolution throughout time, he has always been and always will be a symbol of Aggie pride.

Photos courtesy of Cameron Archives

News

4

September 17, 2007

Music to Aggie ears Fulbright scholar brings lyrical language to Cameron

By Malinda Rust Collegian Staff The University of Colorado’s Web site claims that Hindi is “the language of songs.”

Students at Cameron this fall and spring will have an opportunity to study this “musical language” with Ashish Pathak, a Fulbright Scholar visiting from India.

Hindi, according to the University of Colorado’s Web site, is the primary language spoken by 100 million people in India and the secondary language for over 300 million others. Pathak said it is the second most widely spoken language in the world.

“There are different dialects in India,” Pathak said. “The north and west have different dialects. Khari Boli is the western dialect that is closest to the original language.”

Pathak said that most people in northern India speak Hindi, while others speak their own regional languages. Pathak is from the state of Uttarpradesh, which is in the northern, Hindi-speaking regions.

He teaches khari Hindi in his classes.

“This dialect forms the basis of standard Hindi,” Pathak said.

He explained that the language requires speakers to distinguish between “strong” and “weak” sounds to create words, which can be formed from any combination of 12 vowels and 36 consonants.

The language has a unique script that translates directly into spoken words, so if it is written incorrectly,

Photo by Malinda Rust

A taste of culture: Ashish Pathak teaches his class some basic components of the Hindi language.

Pathak is at Cameron for the year to bring the “musical” language of a new land. its verbal expression can possess an entirely different meaning.

“Students must memorize the chart [of letters and symbols] first,” Pathak said. “It is important to learn writing before learning the correct way to speak.”

Pathak promises that students in his classes can learn to write within one month, and he hopes they can write, read and understand some Hindi by the end of the semester.

“At first, students thought it was a boring language because they

were not familiar with the script,” Pathak said. “They thought it would be like learning English or French.”

Pathak said the students enrolled are more excited now because they have recently started reading and understanding Hindi words.

Currently, there are five students enrolled in the introductory course, but any students that are interested in learning Hindi are invited to attend class meetings.

“I just want to generate an interest [in Hindi],” Pathak said. “It is better to be enrolled if students want class credits, but anyone may sit in my class.”

The classes offered in the spring semester will be more advanced, but if enough students enroll, Pathak will offer another introductory course as well.

“At the next level, I will dictate paragraphs to students for them to write,” Pathak said. “I will also teach more precise words to

cafeteria and the Moody Blue is being re-decorated to give it a more social atmosphere. The benches are being removed and replaced with couches, chairs and plants.

“We want it to be comfortable and inviting to bring students out of their rooms,” Holland said. “We want them to build relationships because that’s what is really important.”

The way a school looks to prospective students can affect their opinion of the university and ultimately their choice of enrollment.

“Students are influenced by the way a campus looks,” Dr. Janda said.

“Everyone wants cutting edge and modern. We’re always finding ways to bring in more students.”

In addition to changes to physical facilities, Cameron also offers activities and programs to increase enrollment for traditional and nontraditional students.

The Housing Offices offer 40 different activities to students living on and off campus.

“The Housing Offices do a lot of activities for students,” Holland said.

While Cameron is targeting a younger generation of students, it also accommodates students who already have jobs and families.

Dr. Janda said: “Our students, on average, are older, work full-time and have families.

“We have different class formats, like night and weekend classes, for those just seeking a degree.”

increase their vocabulary power. I will show movies and ask what they are about, but I haven’t decided if I will include some authentic Indian literature.”

Pathak is teaching Hindi at Cameron because he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship, which is offered to students through the International Institute of Education. Pathak, who is originally from Bareilly, India, was given a stipend to travel to the United States and teach his native language for nine months. He also must enroll in two or three classes each semester he is here.

“I applied for the scholarship three times, and this last time I was accepted,” Pathak said. “April 8 [the day he was awarded the scholarship] was the greatest day of my life. The staff here has been very cooperative and respectful. I don’t want to go back.”

In addition to sharing authentic information about India in the United States, Pathak is also elated that he will bring back details of American culture.

“I get to show the real India here and the real U.S. when I go back,” Pathak said. “Maybe I can work to change any misconceptions people may have about the other. I just think that since I was given this opportunity, I should do something great.”

Hindi classes meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday in Nance Boyer 1066, and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Nance Boyer 2067.

For more information contact Pathak at 581.5548.

ENROLLMENT continued from page 1 Dr. Lance Janda, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, said, “We’ve tried really hard to recruit more traditional students and entice the best students we can get and have them stay in school once they get here.”

Some of the changes being made on campus include modernizing CU’s facilities. Computers are being added, new buildings are being built and the Centennial Gardens and parking lot are not far off.

Cameron Village, one of the campus’ newest and most successful additions, offers more updated living conditions for students.

This summer, the dorms were renovated to give a more modern look.

Jennifer Holland, Dean of Student Services, said: “We tiled the ceilings, laid new carpet, and painted the walls and doors to brighten it up. We are constantly making changes.”

Even the sitting area outside the

Scholarships have also been increased over the past year.

According to Dr. Janda, President Cindy Ross has more than doubled the amount of scholarships awarded to students.

“We want to offer programs people want and prices they can afford over a short period of time,” Dr. Janda said.

As enrollment continues to increase with both traditional and non-traditional students, CU continues to expand both physically and academically.

With the high enrollment rate and increased number of students living on campus, the university may be looking to increase the number of dorms and apartments available if the numbers continue to rise.

Voices

September 17, 2007

5

Veteran sees history repeating itself As I sat in my home and watched General Petraeus deliver his report card on the state of the war in Iraq on CSPAN, I felt a familiar feeling deep in my gut that I did not like.

When my unit was called up to fight in Iraq in November 2002, I remember standing in front of my battery and advising my soldiers that each one of us needed to know we are fighting for a reason we truly believed in.

When we breached the Kuwait/Iraq border five months later, the blood of all my soldiers mingled together. Sight unseen somehow; we all became brothers and sisters.

Most of us fight for the welfare of our families regardless of where the American public sends us to fight. However, American soldiers fight for one another when they join

a battle.

Looking back, while I encouraged my 97 soldiers to believe in our mission in Iraq, I felt conflicted. I believe the American people should have sent my unit to Afghanistan instead.

As the past four years have gone by, I am left with a profound belief: my Iraqi Freedom mission, which was given to me by the American people, was a gross misallocation of valuable military resources.

I see our worldwide war on terrorism as an honorable mission worthy of any risk to my life. I know that most soldiers feel the same way. But, I also believe that the fight in Iraq is a tangent from the war on terrorism that we should be fighting. The source of my belief is forged from simplicity.

The event that started the War

David Bublitz

on Terrorism was the attack on our homeland on Sept. 11. It follows that our objective should be focused on our attackers. The fact that we were not attacked by Iraq escaped the leadership elected by the American public. Sadly, that leadership did send my unit into Iraq rather than into the countries that contained the terrorist leadership who attacked us.

America now finds itself stuck in Iraq under the guise of trying to fix what we have broken. All the while, our soldiers become casualties, our treasury empties and our attackers taunt us.

In his report to congress, Petraeus stated that we are winning the military fight and that we will begin to send soldiers home beginning this month. Additionally, he said soldiers will continue to come home until the troop strength in Iraq is at pre-surge levels. By telling congress and America what they want to hear, Petraeus provided President Bush with a plausible reason to keep the bulk of our troops in Iraq

until the end of his term instead of refocusing our forces on those who attacked our homeland.

It is important to remember that Petraeus is a soldier, and soldiers do what they are ordered to do.

Petraeus was ordered to fight and win the military war in Iraq, and it appears he is doing just that. His report to congress was not sugarcoated, and Petraeus’ credibility is above reproach. But he too fights where the American people tell him to.

It would not be far-fetched to think that Petraeus’ military success in Iraq will be twisted to perpetuate a longer stay in Iraq and an additional divergence away from the true fight against terrorism via partisan political agendas. The current leadership in America seems to be stuck on hoping for a facade of victory on the backs and with the blood of our soldiers while the Iraqi government sits back and waits for America to hand them a neat, tidy democracy on a silver platter.

All Americans must own their

Where has all the asphalt gone?

Nothing sweet about this rocky road: The parking lot northeast of the University Theatre has seen better days. The area has become an eyesore and an unconventional speed bump. The hole in the lot is now 8 feet across, 20 feet wide and approximately 6 inches deep.

The depression often collects water making it difficult for drivers to see how deep it is.

part in this situation as well. When the push to go to war with Iraq was in full swing, the vast majority of Americans wanted us to go. President Bush’s approval ratings were sky high after we took Baghdad.

Now, over four years later, most Americans disapprove of President Bush’s handling of the war on terrorism. Most of the world views America’s digression into Iraq as a mistake they chose not to make.

Currently, Americans are waiting for our elected leadership to provide a way out of the Iraqi quagmire.

However, the present congress lacks the courage to force the President to redeploy our troops, and the president lacks the foresight of his father to keep our military focused on our main objective.

So, it is up to every American to provide both courage and foresight.

Because, at this point, it appears only a presidential election along with a congressional overhaul will get us out of Iraq and back on the trail of the terrorists who started this war.

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

Collegian Editorial Staff

The new comfort shoe recieves animosity

MC

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Love em’ or hate e’m:

By Jessica Milcetich MCT Campus When it comes to Crocs, those brightly colored, holey plastic shoes, people either love them or hate them with fiery passion. And one blog has taken up the battle to get them eliminated from the world. I Hate Crocs (www.ihatecrocs.com) is dedicated to pointing out just how ugly the shoes are and how they might be the biggest fashion faux pas a person can make. (Apparently brides have even worn them with their dresses on the big day. No lie, there are pictures on the blog.)

One of the most hilarious parts of the blog is when the writers, Kate and Vincenzo, post letters from Crocs-lovers: “Hi, my name is Belinda and I wear Crocs. I even put my children’s feet in Crocs. After seeing a picture of W in Crocs, I’m re-thinking my position. Especially since he was wearing socks. My older daughter is a fan of `socks ‘n’ Crocs,’ too, but I certainly don’t want her to grow up to be like George Bush!”

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

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

6

September 17, 2007

Soccer kicks-off intramural sports

By Kareem Guiste Collegian Staff With the newly renovated Cameron stadium available and the newly formed soccer club at CU, intramural soccer will definitely be something to look forward to this year, according to Mo Mayfield, Fitness Center Coordinator.

“This year we will have the soccer intramural games at the Cameron stadium,” Mayfield said. “We are always looking to make more improvements as it relates to intramural games, and therefore, we know that this will add incentive for more teams to be a part of the games this year.”

In past years, the soccer intramural games were held indoors at the Fitness Center, but this year, changes have been made to the program along with a change in location. The teams will be now be made up of any number of players above 11. This will allow for multiple substitutes, which gives everyone a chance to play. The teams, according to Mayfield, must wear proper attire, in order to maintain the discipline of the sport and safeguard athletes against injuries. The intramural soccer tournament will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday starting Sept. 12. The tournament will end Sept. 30. Patrons and players are asked to use the south entrance of the stadium, which is opposite from the Cameron CETES building.

Despite the Soccer Club’s inception this year it isn’t the only intramural sport getting extra attention this semester. Because

of the increase in the number of registered teams, as well as the new venue for play, Mayfield said that this semester, the stadium will also host Flag football.

Registration will be held Sept. 17 through Sept. 21 at the Fitness Center. The tournament will run Oct. 3-4.

“Despite the excitement about the soccer this year, we are also using the stadium for f lag football, which also gets a lot of participation,” Mayfield said. “I believe this year will be exciting for the intramural program.

Students are registering and they are inquiring about the program, so that is a good indication.”

To balance outdoor sports with indoor sports, the other two intramural activities for this semester are volleyball and bowling. Mayfield said he would like to see more female participation because it encourages interaction among the male and female students at Cameron.

“With a mix of students participating in these activities we expect more integration and more fun,” Mayfield said. “Yes, competition is important, but the intramural programs are set to create a fun-filled environment where both male and female students can compete and get to know new each other as well.”

With these intramural activities already on the way, the director of the fitness center is making an appeal to all students to participate in and support the games this year. For more information on these activities, contact Mo Mayfield at 581.5546.

Photo courtesy Mathiese Alexander

In peak form: Defender Centell St.Aimee keeps his opponents at bay as he maintains his defence while Percival Sayers and Olamide Moyosere look on. Soccer matches are played at the CU Stadium on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 p.m. through the month of November.

Federer becomes new king of the court

MCT Campus

Invinsible: Roger Federer celebrates his victory over Novak Djokovic in the men’s finals to capture his fourth consecutive win of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Sunday, Sept. 9 in New York. Now the king of the court, 14 is his target

By Charles Bricker MCT Campus Dressed entirely in black but once again painting rainbows with his magical racket, Roger Federer reached down to wherever champions keep their hole cards stored and rallied to win his 12th Grand Slam title Sunday, edging to within two of tying Pete Sampras’ record for major championships.

It was a perfect afternoon and early evening on which Federer played a lot of imperfect tennis, but at the end of this 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) 6-4 victory, he had taught young Novak Djokovic that no matter how good you’re playing and how poorly he’s striking the ball, you still have to close it out,

and that’s something the 20-yearold Serbian prodigy failed to do several times in this U.S. Open final.

Not only was Djokovic unable to hold late service breaks in the first two sets, he couldn’t convert seven set points, five in the opening set, and he showed no composure in either tiebreak.

Meanwhile, Federer shrugged off all his sketchy play in the big moments, showing Djokovic that tennis isn’t only a physical game but a mental one as well.

Yet through all the inexperience of playing his first-ever Grand Slam final, Djokovic had a point to make to Federer as well, that between him and 21-year-old Rafael Nadal, the next two major

titles required to tie Sampras, or a third to surpass him, won’t come easily, even at Wimbledon.

Federer is at the top of his game and, in fact, the overall quality of his performance has slipped a bit in 2007, while Djokovic and Nadal still have upside to tap into, and it doesn’t take great prescience to understand that confrontations among these three players will only get closer in 2008.

Federer won this title on his second match point when Djokovic, perhaps more out of frustration than wisdom, tried to hit a backhand drop shot off Federer’s service return. The ball was so short everyone in the stadium knew from the moment it came off his racket, like a marshmallow,

that it would have trouble even reaching the net.

“I’ve been upset, nervous, cold hands, shaking the last few days,” Federer admitted. “You never get used to it,” he said of the pressure of winning this historic 12th, which makes him the first man since Bill Tilden (1920-25) to win as many as four consecutive United States championships.

And he looked nervous and well off his game most of the opening set and much of the second in a match that greatly resembled Djokovic’s win over him in the Montreal final on Aug. 12.

“Same thing what happened to me,” said Federer. “I missed a few shots. They guy hit a few good shots. All of a sudden, back

into the set. This time around, I could do it. But I felt it was really getting tense. I wasn’t serving as well anymore and from the baseline he was afraid to hit the ball.”

Federer’s hands and reactions looked slow off Djokovic’s heavy serves, even on second service, and he never got more than two return points until he was fighting to break back to get into a first-set tiebreak.

With female star Maria Sharapova and actor/director Robert DeNiro accepting invitations to sit in his players box, Djokovic failed to put away any of his five set points. Then, from deuce, he stroked an easy crosscourt backhand long and doublefaulted into the net to let Federer back into the match.

That was the beginning of Djokovic’s tightness and inability to slam the door. He had been impeccable on serve and forceful off the ground, and now couldn’t find the court.

Again, in the second set, he was up a break at 4-3 with nothing to suggest he would once again get the yips, and then he blew off three unforced errors and lost at love.

Still, he had a chance to square the match at a set apiece when he was up 15-40 with Federer serving at 5-6. He couldn’t capitalize. Federer, who finally found his first serve midway through the second set, pounded a 126-mph ace to get to 30-40 and got back to deuce when Djokovic threw everything into a forehand down Federer’s forehand line. It was out by a half-inch.

Federer raced away with the second-set tiebreak, warded off three break points in the final set and gave the 23,000 attendants on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court a brief screaming, tensionreleasing celebration on court.

Sports

September 17, 2007

7

Photo by Ashley Wilkerson

A strong backhand: Men’s tennis Ignacio Murgier trains at the aggie tennis courts Thursday, Sept. 10, 2007. The team’s first tournament was at the Heart of America Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team will continue where it left of and possible get through to the end of the nationals competition this season despite last season’s sad end.

Newcomers shine from the start

By Ashley Wilkerson Newswriting Staff The Cameron Aggies men’s and women’s tennis teams opened their seasons with a smash. Lady Aggie Irene George walked away the winner of the ACU/Wal-Mart Invitational, which was held Sept.

8 and 9 in Abilene, Texas.

The tennis Teams are coached

by James Helvey, who is on his 15th season as head coach at Cameron. Helvey also works as an Instructor at Cameron University in the Health and Physical

Education Department.

Coach Helvey’s tennis teams are coming off a very solid 20062007 season despite their loss in the final round of the tournament.

The Aggie men’s team finished the season 21-7 after losing to the Wildcats of Abilene Christian University in the second round of the NCAA National Championship Tournament.

Despite that, Coach Helvey believes the team has what it takes to get into an even better situation this year.

“We just have to pick up where

we left off in May and keep that level going,” Coach Helvey said.

Right off the bat, the men’s tennis team kicked off its season on Sept. 13 and 14 at the Heart of America Tournament in Edmond. This year’s squad will return several key players, and the promise of a few new recruits will add more value to the already shining talents.

One of the new recruits for the men’s team is Jeff Sasser from Lawton. Sasser finished in sixth place at the year-end All-State Championship Tennis

Tournament in both his junior and senior seasons at Lawton High School. He qualified for the event each of his four years as a Wolverine, but only placed during his final two seasons. Sasser also qualified for the All-State team at the end of the season this year.

Along with coaching the Cameron Aggies, Helvey was named the National Chair for Division II Men’s Tennis. Being chosen for the position does not deter Coach Helvey from the task at hand, and is also something he will grab onto to add to his

portfolio.

“I will be busier,” Coach Helvey said, “but this is something I want to do and I am ready for it.”

As the season moves into full swing the men and women of the aggie tennis squads are definitely looking into the sun to keep their serve in. Of course it will not be easy to get success but there is no doubt that with Coach Helvey’s will and expertise along with his assistant staff, Coach Rafael Zurita and Coach Carolina VeraVera, there is more than hope for a better end than last year.

Golf teams finish ninth and 16th in opening round

By Craig Martin Sports information Director The Cameron men’s golf team finished ninth at the Abilene Christian University, Charles Coody-West Texas Intercollegiate golf tournament.

Playing on the Diamond Back golf course in Abilene, the Aggies finished rounds one and two with team scores of 291 and 304, respectively.

They finished the tournament with a total of 595 strokes. Texas Wesleyan University finished in first place out of the 18 teams.

The Aggies were making a strong standing in the first round after finishing in seventh place, but dropped to ninth place after the last round of the afternoon.

“The first day went fairly well but we hit some big numbers,” Head Coach Jerry Hrnciar said.

“Today we did that even more.”

Junior Peter Svajlen came out of the first round in 13th place overall

with a score of 71. Svajlen finished off the tournament in 28th with a second round total of 77 giving him a tournament total of 148.

Sophomore Michael Lee made an impact when he finished the second round in 13th place with second day score of 73, just one more than his first round score of 72. Lee finished with a total tournament total of 145 strokes.

“We did poorly on par fives, playing one (stroke) over yesterday and eight over today,” Coach Hrnciar said. “We are normally around ten under. This is definitely something we need to work on.”

Sophomore Brett Leavell wrapped up the tournament in 34th place overall. His scores of 72 in the first round and 78 in the second round gave him a two-day total of 150.

Senior Cane Shumaker finished the first day in 50th place with a 76. Although he shot an identical 76 in the second round, he made a slight move finishing the

tournament in 43rd place with 152 strokes.

Junior Cade Lewis finished day one in 60th with a score of 77. He ended the tournament in 76th place after shooting an 83 to finish.

The Cameron men’s golf team hosts the Cameron UniversityTerritory Classic at the The Territory Golf Course (Duncan, Oklahoma) next Monday and Tuesday. The Aggies were the champions of the Territory Classic last season.

The Cameron women’s golf team finished 16th overall in the Drury Regional Shootout Invitational Golf Tournament.

With Tarleton State University finishing first out the 18 schools there, the Aggies stayed in 16th throughout the tournament with individual players bringing up scores from yesterday.

“It rained after we left the tournament yesterday,” Head Coach Rick Goodwin said. “We played better today than yesterday,

even with the wet course.” Junior Renee Breeze jumped from 58th to 55th with her scores 86 on Monday and 85 today. Renee finished up the tournament with a total of 171.

Sophomore Marrik Wooten with scores of 84 Monday and 87 today went from 46th to 55th. Wooten finished off the tournament with a total of 171 tying for 55th with Junior Reene Breeze.

“This is real early and a really young team,” Coach Goodwin said.

“We will come back today and practice and condition all week.”

Sophomore Anna Hataway finished with a total score of 185. Hataway finished up the tournament in 82nd place with score 90 Monday and 95 today.

Freshman Blaze Petty made a strong comeback scoring 103 on Monday and a score 88 today.

Petty finished up the tournament with a total score 191 moving her from 92nd to 89th.

“Our players really went up and played hard today,” Coach Goodwin commented, “but we still have a long way to go.”

Freshman Megan Whan started out Monday with score 103 and finished today with 113. Whan with a total 216 moved from 92nd to 94th.

Freshman Tori McOllom who played as an individual made a strong showing bringing scores from 101 Monday to 95 today.

McCollom finished overall 91st with a score 196.

“We are coming back today,” Coach Goodwin said, “Only to leave again next week to play at North Eastern.”

The Cameron women’s golf team will be playing in the North Eastern State Women’s Classic next Sept.17 and Tuesday, Sept.

18th in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the Cobble Stone Creek Golf Course. The Aggies placed tenth out of 21 teams at this tournament last season.

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A&E

‘Heroes’ second season to rescue viewers from television Saving the world: Milo Ventimiglia, left, and Oka talk about their NBC show “Heroes” monotony Masi on the Today show.

MCT Campus

With season two scheduled to begin soon and a recent DVD box release of season one, “Heroes” promises to set a

By Bira Vidal higher bar for television entertainment.

Collegian Staff After the smashing first season, “Heroes” presents the unique story of 10 people around the world and their special powers, each saving the world one day at a time.

The best characteristic of the show is how it portrays the lives and struggles of extraordinary people trying to get by and save the world. This aspect of the show presents the superheroes’ world in a new perspective and changes the way viewers perceive it.

The first season begins when common people discover they can do exceptional things. The Tokyo office worker, Hiro Nakamura, can manipulate time through his own will power. On the other side of the world, a high school cheerleader, Claire Bennet, can regenerate from any kind of injury.

Along with Claire and Hiro, Niki Sanders learns that her alter-ego has a mind of its own and can lead her to superhuman strength and fighting skills. A young painter, Isaac Mendez, has the ability to paint the future. To complete the team, Peter Petrelli, a young dreamer, learns that he may be able to fly, and a Los Angeles police officer, Matt Parkman, presumes he can read people’s thoughts.

United by an Indian genetics professor, these heroes find their destinies wrapped together after Hiro sees a catastrophic event that will happen if nobody interferes.

Hiro manipulates time and transports himself to New York City in the future that faces imminent danger- a bomb will destroy the city.

Before going back to his time, Hiro acquires a comic book from a newsstand that describes what will happen to the city and how he can prevent it from happening.

Together, they are also responsible to save the world from Sylar, the villain on the show.

“Heroes” is a re-creation of the superheroes culture. It mixes comic books with superhero movies with a twist. “Heroes” shows the human side of exceptional people, which is often forgotten in other shows and movies about superheroes.

The comic industry is going through a revolution with “Heroes.” The show often refers to comic books and comic style. For example, the paintings of the future painted by Isaac are in comic books style, and each episode is referred as chapters of a comic book.

Also, ordinary people can relate the show to real life. Their struggles, their jobs, and their secrets show how hard it is to be a common human being, but it is a harder when you have special powers.

The second season of “Heroes” will premier Sept. 24 on NBC. The release date for the first completed season was Aug. 28.

September 17, 2007

Cameron students experience rock music from the big stage

By Amanda Herrera Collegian Staff Philip Kinslow and Jason Poudrier stared out at a sea of about 20,000 people. The two Ozzfest-goers were seeing the concert from rare perspectives, a view usually exclusive to rock stars as they entertain the masses.

The two Cameron University alumni had the experience of a lifetime Aug. 2 at the Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas, one they say they will remember forever.

Kinslow graduated with a degree in Business Administration in December 2006, and received his diploma as part of the May 2007 graduation ceremony. It was a dream-come-true for him, and his summer continued to get better when the rock music fan learned he would be attending Ozzfest 2007.

“I found out the band Lamb of God was one of the headliners for the concert and I knew I wanted to go,” he said. “Then I found out the tickets were free this year, and it was even better.”

Kinslow’s luck continued when he was informed the day before the show he and his friend, Poudrier, had backstage passes to see Lamb of God, one of his favorite bands.

Kinslow’s brother-in-law works for a cymbal company and pulled some strings to get the passes.

“I was pumped,” Kinslow said.

He had no idea just how unique his experience would be.

On the day of the show the two friends made their way through the crowds to a table occupied by the members of Lamb of God. “When we first saw them they were signing autographs,” he said. “When I got to the table, they were really cool and Chris Adler (the drummer for Lamb of God) asked us if we were going backstage later.”

Soon they found themselves behind the stage in a room hanging out with celebrities.

“It was real mellow,” Kinslow said. “He was really down-to-earth. He asked us if we wanted something to drink and gave us some waters.”

Photo by Amanda Herrera

Rock on: CU graduate Philip Kinslow demonstrates his best rock pose.

Kinslow recently attended Ozzfest.

After about 15 minutes of what Kinslow referred to as “small-talk,” Adler arranged for him and Poudrier to come onstage while the band performed their set for thousands of fans.

Minutes later, the band took the stage and began to play.

“For about the first two minutes I was kind of in shock,” Kinslow said. “We stayed onstage for about the first five songs. Then we went back to our seats, because we had really good seats, and I wanted to see them from there too.”

Poudrier, a CU senior majoring in English and Creative Writing said he was also in awe.

This was his first rock concert experience.

“I’m not much of a metal fan, but it gave me a whole new outlook on Lamb of God. They were so cool.”

He said as he and Kinslow were onstage, he looked out at the thousands of fans and realized just how unique their experience was.

“I told Philip I wondered how many of those fans wished they were us at that moment,” he said. “To watch Lamb of God onstage and see how intense they perform was the highlight of my summer.”

Kinslow admits his experience at Ozzfest 2007 may be hard to top, but he will still go to as many shows as he can.

“Rock music just does it for me,” he said.

September 17, 2007

A&E

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Beware of bare walls PAC to host annual poster sale

By Elizabeth Yocham Collegian Staff After today there won’t be a bare wall for miles, as PAC is hosting their annual poster sale event.

The sale will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today in the commons area of the Student Activities Building.

Photo courtesy of the Music Department At the sale students will be able to satisfy their artwork needs and The beat goes on: Dr. Jim Lambert conducts the Cameron/ desires.

Lawton Community Band during a rehearsal. The band’s first show is According to Ann Morris, PAC slated for Oct. 7. co-chair, students will be able to purchase a wide variety of posters.

Whether it be art, music, film, photography, vintage or humor the sale will have artwork to suit the taste of almost everyone.

“The sale will have everything from fine art prints of Picasso to

CU conductor prepares Cameron/Lawton Community Band for first semester concert

posters of Ren and Stimpy,” Morris said.

In addition to the huge selection of poster designs, posters of assorted shapes and sizes will be sold.

“Poster sizes range from postcard size to huge posters that cover the wall,” she said. “The sale also gives people the opportunity to purchase artwork at a much more affordable price.”

Students who participate in the sale will be helping others as proceeds from the event will be donated to the United Way. The poster sale is one of many events that PAC will host this semester. The organization is on campus and is in the business of planning and hosting events just for students.

“PAC is a liaison between

entertainers and students,” Morris said. “PAC plans most of the events on campus such as comedians, hypnotists, free food and dances.”

Being involved in attending and planning such events on campus can be beneficial to students.

“Attending events on campus will really enhance your college experience,” Morris said. “It will make your experience more memorable.”

Students interested in becoming more involved on campus can join PAC for their weekly meetings at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Building each Monday.

For more information about PAC events, please contact Ann Stafford at 581.2217.

By Ashley Wilkerson Collegian Staff The Cameron University Lawton Community Band is gearing up for their first performance of the year. The event begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Cameron Theatre.

The band will hold several rehearsals before the ceremony conducted

by CU Professor Dr. Jim Lambert.

Dr. Lambert has been the Director of Percussion Studies and Conductor of the Cameron University Percussion Ensemble since 1976. He is a native of Lampasa, Texas, and a graduate of Monahans High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University in 1973. His also has a Master of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned in 1975, and a Doctorates of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma, received in 1983.

The Cameron/Lawton Community Band is open to area musicians who have previous intermediate-level performance on a woodwind, brass or percussion instruments.

Rehearsals for the first concert began Sept. 9 and continue through Sept. 30.

The Cameron/Lawton Community Band has given more than 50 concerts during the past 17 years and averages more than 40 members in the band each semester. A wide variety of band literature will be featured including marches and standard band literature.

Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students and senior adults.

For more information, call the Cameron University Department of Music at 581.2440.

Things to do at CU Sept. 17 - Beyond the Wall Poster Sale: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Student Activities Building. For more information, call PAC at 591.8086.

Sept. 18 - Tuesday Pursuits and pizza: 8 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226.

Sept. 20 - Free lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. at Cameron Campus Ministries, 500 SW 27th. For more information, call 357.7226.

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

Quote of the Week “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”

-Benjamin Franklin-

Weekly Horoscopes For birthdays this week: You’ll be so much in love this year, you can hardly believe it. Home, with the family, will be your favorite destination. The old traditional virtues bring you great satisfaction.

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 7. Do a very good job for a very demanding boss.

Interestingly, it looks like the worker and boss are the same. Or at least you have a lot in common.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This week is an 8. Everything seems to fall into place, and not a moment too soon. You’d just about reached the end of your rope when reinforcements arrived.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) This week is a 6. You can find the money to get what you need, not everything you want. You should be used to this by now. Don’t make a big fuss about it.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) This week is an 8. You’ve been praying for the perfect person to come along. Be a little bit more specific. You could even run an ad.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This week is a 6. By the week you could be exhausted. It’s always wise to collect the goodies while you can, however. Do an excellent job, and gather great rewards.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This week is a 7. Conditions are good for romance and many other games. This could get expensive, though. To really enjoy yourself, you should know it’s not all about the money.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week is a 5. Fixing up your place doesn’t have to be expensive.

Use those valuable “antiques” you’ve been saving up in your attic or basement or down at the storage facility.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This week is an 8. You’re getting smarter, partially due to mistakes you’ve already made. You don’t always have to do it like that, however. Read the manual.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This week is a 6. The bad news is that you’ve forgotten a couple of important things. The good news is that they’ll be blatantly obvious. You can’t miss them this time.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This week is an 8. Your luck has just changed for the better. The road before you is clear. No stinking monsters will block your path.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This week is a 5. Behind-the-scenes manipulation isn’t exactly your style, but you can do it if you must. That’s the way to get what you want now, without further silly hassles.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is a 7. A friend comes to your rescue, and just in the nick of time. With this assistance, you can finally reach your goal. After that, it’s party time.

Variety

10

By: Ekayah Rosette Collegian Staff Have you ever been serenaded?

Romance often comes to mind when thinking of mariachi musicians.

This unique musical style, which originates from Mexico, came to campus Aug. 30 and 31 with a special guest two-day residence from one of Oklahoma’s finest mariachi bands. “Mariachi Orgullo de America,” who were described

by Music Department Professor Kirsten Underwood as a “group of virtuoso mariachi.” The event, which was sponsored by Cameron University’s Lectures and Concerts Committee and the CU Department of Music, included a student workshop and a concert.

Elizabeth Flinn stated on the

Virtuoso Mariachi Web site, “Mariachi bands are an indispensable part of special occasions in the Mexican-American culture and can be expected at baptisms, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and funerals.

Even on stage, mariachi connect with their audiences by drawing on the emotions that people associate with their most intimate experiences. It is a connection that transcends cultural differences, making mariachi a universal language.”

According to Jorge Hernandez, a member of “Mariachi Orgullo de America,” mariachi music originated in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Chiapas.

“Mariachi today is as rich with meaning, and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. For some people, the thought of a mariachi band brings images of suits decorated with silver worn by musicians serenading someone’s lover. To most Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, however, mariachi are the bearers of inspiring nostalgia and patriotism through songs of love, loss, pride and joy,” read the band’s Web site.

Roberto Ruiz, lead vocalist for “Mariachi Orgullo de America,” said. “These songs carry with them words that include and honor love, commitment, about marriage, and family pride and friendship.”

In the workshop, students were divided into three categories of concentration: violin, guitar, and trumpet. They were given a few hours to practice with the mariachi musicians in a one-on-one environment and each student was assigned a piece to practice. At the end of the workshop, the students reunited and played a musical piece together, harmonizing the combined

September 17, 2007

instruments and utilizing strategies that they learned.

Noel Vargas, a sophomore majoring in Engineering Design Technology, has been playing musical instruments since sixth grade and attended the trumpet workshop.

“The song we put together was a nice workout,” Vargas said. “I plan to keep practicing it mostly for fun.

When we all played together, it was pretty cool. It was fascinating to see so many people from so many backgrounds and ages playing together.”

Vargas hopes that the workshop and performance has piqued an interest in mariachi music, or music in general, among students.

Cameron music students were impressed by the band.

“Mariachi Orgullo de America,” is comprised of three violinists, one flute player, three guitarists, and one player of the vihuela. All were extremely talented and the vocalist captivated audience members with Spanish words and heartfelt meaning.”

Will Snider, a junior music major said: “I feel that the Mariachi concert offered a rich insight of the Mexican and Hispanic folk music traditions and culture to the Lawton/Ft. Sill community. Their vast repertoire showed the diversity of their rich heritage. It reminded me of several performing mariachi groups that I saw while on a vacation in Monterey, Mexico. Overall a wonderful performance and I would love to see them perform again in the future.”

Clint Williams, a junior Music Composition major, said: “I got a lot out of the concerts, especially the culture. Mariachi is more diverse than I thought, and I’m glad that I was able to learn more about it.

They are a very dedicated group of musicians that know what it takes to put on a great show and didn’t disappoint on Friday night.”

Photos by Ekayah Rosette Collage and graphics by: David R. Bublitz