Collegian T he Cameron University
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Reentry Investment and Student Education
Monday, April 26, 2021
Volume 104 Issue 5
Photo by Brittney Payette
R.I.S.E Sisterhood and fellowship Brittney Payette Student Life Editor
From 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. and from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., the Reentry Investment and Student Education (R.I.S.E) program took place on April 8, in the McCasland Ballroom. R.I.S.E stands for Re-entry Investment and Student Education. The program started thanks to Christie Luthor, and she is currently serving as the executive director. She described R.I.S.E as her passion and her life’s work. Luthor established the first cosmetology school in a women’s prison in Oklahoma in 2017. Luthor served an incarceration sentence for four years, four months, four weeks and one day, and when she got out, she decided that she needed to do something to help other women who were going through a similar experience. She said that she experienced a broken justice system firsthand during her incarceration. “I saw a need while I was in prison,” Luthor said. “I felt called to take care of that and to start pursuing the opportunity to have a school for the women.” Women leaving prison often had dealt with a lifetime of abuse, had few resources, and many did not have hirable skillsets. Without the necessary skills, support, and resources, many of the women ended up falling back into their old lifestyles and habits that had gotten them incarcerated before. This is especially a problem in Oklahoma because there are more women imprisoned in Oklahoma than anywhere else in the world. Around 151 to 152 women per every 100,000 women in Oklahoma are imprisoned, which is about twice the
national average. In Oklahoma, the incarceration rate for women is twice the national average. The amount of education programs in Oklahoma for incarcerated women are significantly lower than those for men. “You have to give someone a reason not to return back to prison,” Luthor said. “If it’s a revolving door, you have to ask, ‘what needs to change?’” Luthor checks on her students even after they are released and have graduated. R.I.S.E partners with salons, transitional homes, nonprofits, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in order to provide resources for the women to help them when they are released. R.I.S.E offers the women a free vocational education program that is valued at 20,000 dollars. They have the lowest license and exam fees for cosmetology in the nation, and they have a 100 percent state board exam pass rate. They are tested at the prison, which is something that also had never happened before. The program currently has a
zero-recidivism rate (meaning that after they are released, the women in the program have not been rearrested). Additionally, R.I.S.E helps students find job opportunities. “Graduates begin working within three days of being released,” Luthor said. “and we also provide secure housing, clothing, general lifeskills, recovery support and mentorship.” Maria Moore was released two days prior to the R.I.S.E event at Cameron University. She is going to be the first person in the program’s new transition house. Moore said that she felt compelled to come to the event and to tell everyone there what the programs has done for her. “I wanted to get my story out there,” Moore said. “I wanted to let them know what the R.I.S.E program means to me and what all it’s done in my life.” Moore said that she turned to drugs to cope with the death of her daughter. She received a thirty-year sentence for a nonviolent drug charge. After her arrest, she thought that she had lost the chance to make her
“This program has healed me from the inside out. I look forward to being a law abiding citizen.”
- Maria Moore R.I.S.E Grad
childhood dream of becoming a cosmetologist come true. However, while in prison, she applied to the R.I.S.E program in 2019. “This program has healed me from the inside out,” Moore said. “I look forward to being an independent, law abiding citizen.” Tondalao Hall did not have a GED before prison and was a working Mom dealing with an abusive relationship. Before she was incarcerated, she styled her friends’ hair sometimes, but she did not think that she would be able to get her cosmetology license one day. Hall said that she was very thankful for all the program has done for her. “It wasn’t just about hair and nails that I got out of the R.I.S.E program,” Hall said. “It was about restoration, just me becoming a better woman.” Jessica Millwee, another graduate of the program, said she learned during incarceration that opportunities in prison are limited. Millwee did every class that she was able to, enrolling in college and maintaining a 4.0 GPA while in prison. “The sisterhood and the fellowship of that program runs deep,” Millwee said. “I learned so much, and I finally could say that I have something that’s mine. I earned it, and I get to build from it.” Millwee also said her success did not come without struggles. “Remember that the things that you take for granted, other people are praying for.” Millwee said. For more information, or to donate to the R.I.S.E program, Visit their website at https://www. riseprograminc.com/.
What’s Inside What to do this Summer
Exhibiting Beauty: Art Competition
ROTC Cadet Training
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News
April 26, 2021
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Photos by Cam Alsbrook
LIBRARY RENOVATION
Literary Overhaul: The Cameron Library is working on installing new features to the building, such as collaboration spaces, an atrium and a café. The temporary entrance for the Library is located on its west side.
Events up ahead:
April 26: Last “Collegian” issue of Spring 2021 April 29: Retiree Recognition Dinner May 7-8: Commencement, Commissioning and Graduate Candidate Photo Op May 10: End of year pizza party
April 26, 2021
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Voices
Smell the roses:
Photo by Alison Malawey
Things to do over the summer Makenna Hill Staff Writer
Painting is another hobby that allows you to express your creativity. If you just know you should avoid starting with a blank canvas you could try something like paint-by-numbers or finger painting. The goal is just to have fun in doing something creative and having that feeling of accomplishment in the end. Gardening is also a fun hobby. This is a term I would define as caring for plants. You could do a more traditional garden with flowers and shrubs or something in the realm of growing your own food. This could include things such as vegetables and spices. I would also consider taking care of houseplants as a form of gardening. There are so many different options when considering overall maintenance for each plant. Also, spring is the perfect time to find plants in stores. So, if that is something that interests you should take advantage of the timing! Take up cooking/baking. I consider these to be in the same category because you are preparing food to eat. I personally prefer baking because I love all the different kinds of sweet pastries. With that being said, you can take on this hobby by finding recipes on the internet, taking a cooking class, or just making your own food creations. Plus, you can eat some of the (hopefully delicious) food
that you make! Develop a new skill. You could learn about a different culture by reading literature, researching traditions, holidays, and even the weather from a certain area. In the future, you might even be able to use that information for a research paper. You could work on a skill like typing. For example, I can type at a normal speed, but I hit the delete button as much as I do the letter buttons on my keyboard. I could practice my typing on websites and some even have typing games. My point is that learning a new skill or information doesn’t have to be boring. Relax. The past year has brought on many new stresses: the pandemic, presidential election, civil unrest, etc. It’s important to take the time to take care of you. Netflix and chill. Take a bath. Shop. Whatever it is you do, make sure to stay healthy both mentally and physically. Overall, I recommend that you take at least one of these ideas to implement into your life this summer. I promise you won’t regret it. You might find a lifelong hobby or gain a new experience on which you can reminisce. It is good to try something new. Life is short, so make the most of it by trying new things and enjoying life a little more!
The end of the semester is upon us. What are your plans for this summer? Will you take summer classes, participate in an internship, or maybe get a summer job? Personally, I think that it is a great idea to do something to better yourself this summer. That could include taking a vacation (everyone is in need of a break), starting a hobby that you have always wanted to try, studying a topic that interests you, or practicing a skill. The possibilities are endless! Think about how choosing to improve yourself in some way can benefit you in the future. Take a vacation. You can be as creative as you would like with this term. For example, you could go on a road trip with friends for a weekend. I actually did this a few weeks ago. We explored new towns, took lots of pictures, ate new foods and drinks, and explored various local attractions. One place that we went to was the Museum of Illusions in Dallas, Texas. The nice thing about the Museum of Illusions was that they offer a student discount to those with a student ID. Go camping. This can push you to try something new if you are not an outdoor person. Also, life is really put into a more simplistic perspective because you have to be creative in how you prepare food and do other normal everyday activities. Other places that you could potentially go to are the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge or the Great Plains State Park. You can also plan a kind of vacation in your own home. This could be to have a movie marathon in your living room or try new baking recipes that sound delicious to you. Try a new hobby. Some hobbies include drawing, photography, reading, painting, gardening, exercising and cooking. For drawing, you could look up tutorial videos on how to draw different things. You could also take a formal art class or you could just experiment by drawing what inspires you. For photography, you can just take pictures on your phone. The camera quality on phones is pretty great these days, so you don’t have to spend money on a camera. This idea can also take away the pressure of feeling like you need to take professional photos. Reading is an easy hobby to start. I mean, Photo by Makenna Hill you already have the reading part down if you’re reading this right now. The next step is Spring in action! According to NBC, studies show that indoor plants improve concentration and to find a genre you like, an author, or a book productivity, reduce stress levels and boost your mood. Getting into house plants is a great hobby with list if you are not sure what you want to read. long-lasting improvements for your everyday life. About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Letters Policy
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.
Editorial Staff
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.
Managing Editor - Cam Alsbrook A&E Editor - Alison Malawey Voices Editor - Alison Malawey Student Life Editor - Brittney Payette Sports Editor - Jimm Alley Copy Editor - Brittney Payette
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Makenna Hill, Shianne Taylor Financial Officer - Susan Hill Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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A&E
April 26, 2021
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Second Annual Student Art
Photos by Cam Alsbrook
Competition and Exhibition Cam Alsbrook and Alison Malawey
On April 8, the Department of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts hosted an opening night for their Second Annual Student Art Competition and Exhibition event, with Elizabeth Yarosz-Ash serving as Juror. The exhibition, set to show until May 7, shows the works of various students of the department and the culmination of effort in varietal drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture media. The artworks featured in the exhibition demonstrate the use of color strategies to accentuate and/or deepen the level of content in a work. Duncan Fine Arts sophomore Alyssa Cox, who won first place in the twodimensional art category for the event for her piece, “A Stroll Through Paradise,” said that she chose to enter the pastel into the competition due to it being the largest drawing she created. “It allowed me to work in a lot of details and expressive uses of line and color that are difficult to convey on a smaller surface,” Cox said. “I liked the richness of the colors I used and felt that the size of the piece allowed them to catch people’s eye. This was also probably one of the most unique pieces I’ve ever done. “It was among the first drawings I had done with a live model, and I was
challenged with capturing some of the likenesses it needed to have to portray her. In the end, all of the elements I chose to integrate into the piece worked together really well.” Cox also said she was happy she entered the piece, despite the work being new territory for her during the time of making “A Stroll Through Paradise.” Art Freshman Kanney Do, who won first place in the two-dimensional art category for their charcoal work titled “David,” said their favorite part of making the piece – which was an assignment for their class – was the learning experience. “Everything I did in that piece was brand new to me,” Do said, “and because of that experience, I was able to make two more charcoal pieces that are much better in my opinion.” Do said they feel relieved and satisfied after completing work, as they tend not to finish drawings they start. “It felt good to be done with one piece, and it made me excited to start another,” Do said, “mostly because it could only get better from there.” Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts Professor Edna McMillan said that the emotional experience of creating art can vary from artist to artist. “Many artists enjoy the process of making art through the manipulation of various art media,” McMillan said. “Those who work expressively with drawing media or paint media, may enjoy
the mark-making and broken brushstrokes that can be applied with great energy and emotion in the act of drawing or painting. This mark making can be very cathartic and healing to some artists. “Other artists enjoy the methodical process involved in the manipulation of graphite, Conté, pastel, or charcoal through the use of modeling and chiaroscuro to create three dimensional illusions on a two-dimensional surface. Others may find great emotional pleasure in the manipulation of soft, malleable materials such as clay or wax, to create three-dimensional art forms through sculptural processes such as modeling, carving, casting or assemblage.” Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts Professor Monika Linehan said artists should remember that the creation of art is a difficult process. Linehan also said that artworks can be personal confessions of the artists’ concerns and feelings made public to viewers. “An artist has to develop a thick skin and realize that not everyone will understand, appreciate or even like their artworks,” Linehan said. “The most important thing for an artist is to remain true to their vision. Don’t compromise your ideas and creativity for a specific audience or for a sale. There will be times when ideas flow freely and every artwork the artist creates is successful. “However, there will be other times when the artist is faced with a creative
block or when they need to perfect a new style or technique. My advice is to never give up, work through the difficult times, produce some really bad artwork, but don’t stop creating. Learn from the mistakes. Eventually, your creativity will flow anew – perhaps leading you in an entirely unexpected and exciting direction. Your skills will also be more masterful from having worked through the experimental pieces.” Linehan also said that, when observing works of art, viewers need to remain open-minded, and avoid dismissing works – evaluate them. “When viewing an artwork, the viewer should experience it on multiple levels,” Linehan said. “First, explore the subject matter and the emotions it conjures up – both good and bad. Can the viewer relate to the subject? Does it bring back memories? The viewer should contemplate the style in which the work was created.” Linehan said that reading the title of works, reading the artist statement and discussing works with the artist can give insight into the artist’ intended concept. Adjunct Professor Glen Henry said that his students’ work and passion for art makes him proud. “The impact of student artworks on me personally is immeasurable,” Henry said. “Their creativity is wonderful. As their creativity coach, I am humbled by their passion.”
For the love of color: (Above) “Endless Dreams” by Kourtney Rice. Mixed media: clay, tulle and ribbon. (Left) “Chemonia” by Michele Pierce. Oil on canvas. Michele Pierce received an honorable mention award for her watercolor, “Lurker,” not pictured. (Right) “Los Elementos” by Kourtney Rice. Mixed media: clay, wood, beads, plastic and acrylic. Kourtney Rice received first place in the Three Dimensional Art category for her glass mosaic, “Frozen in June,” not pictured, as well as the Award of Exceptionalism.
Photo by Alison Malawey
Shianne Taylor Staff Writer
Do you feel like college is almost over, and you still do not have a plan of what to do next? Maybe, you are in your first year and are still undecided. If so, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), might be a program that can help. CU’s ROTC program works as a minor where students/cadets can learn more about the Army. It prepares individuals for whichever route they choose next-- active duty, reserves, or national guard. The program is available for all students regardless of what degree they are seeking or what their major is. ROTC sets people up for success after college, but when someone signs up for the ROTC program here at Cameron University or joins the Military Science department, they do not have any obligation to the Army right away. ROTC’s Program Recruiter and retired military officer Jeff Klosterman, experienced the program for himself when he was in college. Klosterman said that what is important is that you want to be in the program. “MSI and MSII classes are a try before you buy,” Klosterman said. “This allows for students to gain
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Student Life
April 26, 2021
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hands-on information about the military without any commitment.” The progression of the classes goes MSI, Mission Set 1, - MSIV, Mission Set 4. Each cadet takes one of these classes per year unless they are on the fast track and taking one per semester that coincides with them graduating with their degree. This is determined by evaluating where a student is aligned academically for graduation and how much prior military service they may have. It will not be until during one’s MSII or MSIII classes when the cadet enters the discussions about becoming a Contracted Cadet, which brings additional entitlements. The program prepares each cadet for military requirements before commissioning, which happens as one is graduating from Cameron University and the ROTC program. This prepares students for their military duties. ROTC also offers an Elective Physical Fitness Training class for credit to all Cameron students. This class helps the student get into shape. PT is mandatory for all contracted cadets. A benefit to the ROTC program is that each cadet has their academic plan which is created by using tools provided by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and supported through Cameron University. This helps the student, the program, the university and the Army, so they
Photo by Brittney Payette
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eserve fficers raining
can know how the student is progressing and when they will commission. Once the cadets commission, they are sent to additional training to prepare them for their job in the military. There are a variety of directions that each individual cadet can take post graduation. “Being in the program guarantees a job with great benefits after graduation,” Klosterman said. “Though it is up to the student and the route they take whether it is a part-time or full-time job.” A common concern about joining the military is that they will deploy to war. However, just being in the Army does not mean that they definitely deploy, though one must always be ready. Being deployed does have its advantages though. For example, deployed soldiers have reduced living expenses, still get paid, and get to travel.
orps
In the ROTC program, there are people of all ages and people who have already been in the military that bring a level of experience to the program that encourages other cadets to improve at a faster rate. ROTC student, MSIV, Senior William Dewberry recommends that students come into the program with an open mind. “The information you get from the ROTC doesn’t just pertain to the military,” Dewberry said. “It can also help you in your everyday life.” For further information, see Jeff Klosterman in Burch Hall, Room 106 or contact him at jkloster@cameron.edu.
Money Talks
It just makes cents Brittney Payette Student Life Editor
Yaping “Ping” Ligon is currently Cameron University’s only Financial Resource Specialist and the creator of CU’s Money Talks Program. As a Financial Resource Specialist, she helps students with personal and college related finances. She can help students understand college payments, aid options, credit, car buying, and more. The Money Talks program started in Spring of 2019 when Ligon was looking to build the program after mostly helping students individually. She decided to do the Q&A tables as a way to advertising the program, especially after her office became closed to students because of COVID-19. “CU Money Talks is designed to be a Q&A session that has been offered weekly via Zoom in addition to the MCC Lobby Tabling roughly every other week,” Ligon said. “I will probably adjust to format when my team member hops on board. I envision more themed discussions/workshops. The open Q&A hasn’t been very popular; perhaps it’s just not approachable or just too open.” Her last session was a Q&A table at the on April 21 in the MCC. Ligon plans to return in the fall with some workshops. “In terms of college finances I work hand in hand with the financial aid office,” Ligon said. “Since academic performance often affects student aid, I keep in touch with tutoring centers, and advisors. For personal finances I use a variety of non-biased consumer protections publications and websites if [a] student ask[s] for resources, but I really try to keep things simple. There is no need to make personal finances too complicated, especially if I am working with an individual and I am able to ask questions about their situation to best guide them.” Ligon works with financial aid, advisors, and tutoring centers
because college performance affects student aid. She also uses a multitude of non-biased consumer protection publications and websites if a student requests some resources to assist them further. “New students often wonder how they are going to pay for college. Current students might ask how their grades will impact their ability to remain in college or continue to receive their aid. For personal finances, I tend to get questions about credit and borrowing.” Ligon advises that students set themselves up for success because doing well the first time is efficient and cost effective. She asks that students do not avoid student services if they are feeling overwhelmed. “We are here
to help and we promise you are not the only student who has your question or faces a similar challenge,” Ligon said. “Asking for help does not make you any less independent, the you still have to take action and make things happen.” She also asks that students reach out early, at the first hint that there might be trouble or confusion. “The earlier on we can step in to lend a hand or offer some advice, the more options there are,” Ligon said. Ligon is in her office year round, including during intersessions and during the summer. Over the summer, she plans on joining the new Student Enrichment Team in Nance Boyer. For more information or to ask questions, contact Ligon at yligon@cameron.edu or call 580-581-6753.
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Sports
April, 26 2021
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Perfecting the swing An interview with golf team’s Tyler Kaman Jimm Alley Sports Editor
Senior Tyler Kaman of the Cameron University golf team said that his relationship with his father led him to find his passion for the sport of golf. “My family would go to church every Sunday,” Kaman said, “and my Dad would leave everytime and not come back until five or six at night. So I figured I’d ask him if I could go with him one day and he took me to the golf course, let me drive the golf cart and we had a really great time.” It was from this early age that he began learning the sport from his father and would start his journey into the world of golf. Growing up in the small town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Kaman began playing golf competitively in middle school and would continue to high school. “It was a fun experience,” Kaman said, “great environment, everyone kind of knew everyone and always wanted to help.” Kaman decided to continue his practice of the sport and attributes much of what he knows to the help of the Lady Bird Johnson, and the Boot Ranch golf courses. “I’m really grateful for the folks at Lady Bird,” Kaman said, “Which was my original home course and then, later on more in high school Boot Ranch took me under their wing. I owe most of my successes to them.” The advanced facilities helped Kaman perfect his craft and learn the ins and outs of golfing. The knowledge he was able to gain from training at these courses not only helped him to figure out how to be a
better golfer but also helped him learn to believe in himself as a person. Kaman is a Senior but will be using his extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 to come back and play at Cameron for another year. Kaman is a business major with a focus in marketing. He hopes to find some sort of career path in golf, whether it be as a player or in a management or advertising role. “Well, first I would like to follow my personal dream of making it on the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Tour,” Kaman said, “but if that doesn’t work out I’m want to use my degree to either start my own golf retail store or maybe get a job teaching at a golf course.” Kaman has a long list of goals that he would like to accomplish in his future career, and he does not want to be tied to something he does not want to do. “I am a huge believer in if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life,” Kaman said, “I have always believed that was a very true statement.” Golf can sometimes be a very unpredictable sport. No two courses will ever be the same, and players will always have to find the best strategy that fits them individually for success. “Everytime I look at a course, I just see the one thing I have to right at that course,” Kaman said, “whether it’s having good accuracy off the tee, or having a really good short game, it’s all just about fine-tuning all those aspects and putting them into good use.” Kaman also had a few words for where he thinks the sport of golf will go in the future. “I would say that golf is a game that
is on the rise,” Kaman said, “you have a lot of explosive players who are fun to watch, and I think that will make the sport more entertaining.” Kaman’s life has been built around several things that tie into each other, including his family, his faith and his
golfing. “My ultimate goal is to win an individual or team championship,” Kaman said, “and I can’t do that without my team and without being here, so we will see where this takes me.”
Spirit team Q & A
with Alec Santos including going to local elementary schools to help with practice or host clinics. Basically we go around the community and help young athletes. If someone joins the team what should they expect? Practice is at 6 A.M. on Monday’s and Wednesday’s and if we are late we run which no one likes doing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have workouts in the afternoon. It’s a lot of weight training you know, you gotta be strong and have a lot of endurance for the stunts we do. If someone wants to join the team what can they do? We hold open gym in the end of March through April every spring, and we typically have tryouts at the end of April. Why should someone join the Spirit Team?
Photos by: Jimm Alley
Jimm Alley Sports Editor
Cameron University Aggie Spirit Team’s Alec Santos, sat down with the Cameron “Collegian” newspaper to discuss the cheer team and provide more information to anyone interested in joining. What’s the best thing about being on the Spirit Team? The best thing is the relationships I’ve made with my teammates. Those are some of my best friends I know, and they have my back no matter
what and I have theirs because, while stunting, their lives are literally in my hands. What is your position on the team? Backspot, I make the stunts happen. My job is to guide the flyer through the air, hold her and make sure the stunt goes as safely as possible. I’m basically the lifeguard on the team. . What are some responsibilities you have as part of the Spirit Team?
Being held to a higher standard. I can’t really mess up in public or people will be like that’s the guy from the cheer team I can’t believe he would do that. As an athlete I have to represent Cameron in the brightest light possible. Can you go into detail about the Spirit Team’s schedule and other off campus activities the team participates in? The cheer team does more than just show up to basketball games. We help out with events on campus such as Aggie madness and also do many community services events
It is a great experience. I have had tons fun doing it, practice-wise workout-wise, it’s kept me physically and mentally strong, and you can make some great relationships while being involved on campus. You said that there was an opening for the Spirit Team coming soon. Can you give some more deatils on what that is and how people can sign up if interested? Yes, my coach is looking for someone to be Ole Kim for the upcoming season. If anyone is interested, you can send an email to Coach Adla Marie Burke at aburke@ cameron.edu for more information. This position is open to anyone willing to participate and put in the work. Being Ole Kim can be a lot of fun and can be a great why to get further involved on campus.