PRESIDENTIAL INVESTITURE
Amanda Purser Managing Editor
At 3 p.m. on Sept. 9, in the Cameron Theatre, the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University, as well as the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education formally invested Dr. C. Shane Hunt with the stewardship and authority to lead this institution.
Special Advisor to the President, Jari Askins gave the opening and closing remarks throughout the ceremony.
Hunt, with wife Jenifer by his side, received the symbols of office by Board of Regents Chair Anita L. Holloway.
Mrs. Hunt secured the chain of office for President Hunt; the presidential medallion displays the Cameron University seal and is inscribed with the names of all 18 presidents in the school’s history.
Hunt took to the podium and began a speech highlighting two important topics for him — gratitude and purpose.
He gave thanks and offered his immense gratitude to his parents, specifically his mother Debbie who was in attendance, for all her sacrifices that helped him successfully become a first-generation college graduate.
Hunt showed gratitude to his wife and their two adult children, also in attendance for the ceremony. Hunt said that when he looks at his students now, he sees his amazing son (Andrew) and amazing daughter (Sarah) in their faces. He professed that the, “absolute best job in the world is being their dad.”
Hunt went into a passionate speech about the purpose of educators and the importance of making Southwest Oklahoma a place where students return to live, work and raise their families.
“We are in the business of providing the next generation of great educators, to educate your children and your grandchildren — we’re committed to that,” Hunt said. “We have a purpose at Cameron University to help make sure that our students go on to be leaders in their community.”
Hunt explained that he views public higher education as the greatest agent of positive social mobility change in this world.
“And I want every student to know this right now,” Hunt said. “If there
my family,’ I will tell you in my soul, I would not be here if I did not believe it. There is not a better thing that you can do, than come to Cameron University, than come to one of our amazing public higher education institutions. It is transformative in what it is.”
Hunt’s passion for educating young people will surely guide his practices and management style as the leader of this institution. He brings an infectious energy and inspired motivation to this position and each speech he has given since arriving in the spring is indicative of that vigor.
and personally give an accurate portrayal, McLean vouched for Hunt’s genuineness.
“And I can say unequivocally and without question,” McLean said, “something that I learned over almost two decades now observing Shane — it’s one hundred percent real. It’s spectacular and he truly believes the message that he is spreading, and he wants you on that journey with him.”
“I have a purpose to help students dream big dreams. I think this generation of college students is the best generation in our history.”
One question the Aggie community might have, as guest speaker Dr. William McLean of Arkansas State University, colleague and friend of Hunt’s for the past two decades illustrated, is a question many who encounter Hunt have asked. “Is it real?”
- Dr. C. Shane Hunt Cameron University President
“What they mean by that, is he really this genuine – upbeat – positive force for good who does not seem to have an off switch?” McLean said.
“Is he truly happy to see me? Does he really want to hear about my family — how my latest article, or book, or project is going?”
McLean explained further that regardless of what Hunt is doing or where he is at, that optimistic disposition remains intact.
“Whether it be fundraising for the university, engaging in economic development in the local community, or simply teaching an undergraduate Principles Marketing class; is the balanced energy and positive outlook an act?”
McLean said. “Or does he really live and believe that internally?”
Not only did McLean take the time to travel here and
The next speaker and colleague of Hunt’s from Idaho State University, Dr. Adam Bradford, had similar sentiments to share.
Bradford gave anecdotes of meaningful conversations shared with Hunt over the years while working together.
A memorable one in which Hunt pointed out that “young people are perceptive purveyors of hypocrisy,” acknowledging that any actions devoid of authenticity will not go unnoticed by the demographic he pledged his career to.
“To all those interested in the vitality of this institution,” Bradford said, “I want you to know that above
Bradford said “I am confident that you will find, as I have at Idaho State University, that Dr. Hunt will be a relentless advocate for the students at Cameron University. Not just in terms of identifying ways to support them academically, financially, socially — but in advocating them to realize their own inestimable worth, their value, their importance both as individuals and as members of families and communities,” Bradford said.
“You will find that he sees them and sincerely appreciates them, for both who they are and who they can become. And this vision implicates in him a sense of gratitude, hope and responsibility that he will honor,” Bradford said.
Hunt closed the ceremony with hopeful remarks on the future of Southwest Oklahoma and Cameron University having our collective “best days ahead of us.”
“I have a purpose to help students dream big dreams,” Hunt said. “I think this generation of college students is the best generation in our history.”
He spoke his final thoughts to the theater’s audience with encouragement and optimism for what Aggies everywhere can look forward to throughout Hunt’s tenure.
“I am thrilled, and thankful, and blessed, and honored to get to serve as president of the best university in America," Hunt said. "And today’s a really great day, and we’re just getting started. Go aggies!”
Sabrina and Clair
Photos By Amanda Purser
Hot dogs with the President
Photos by Amanda Purser
Photos by Amanda Purser
Ketchup with friends: On Sept. 3, students enjoyed hotdogs and competed in a speed eating competion. President Shane Hunt met and took photos with students.
A fruitful day: On Aug. 28, students and faculty enjoyed a buffet prepared for the Presidential Investiture Reception.
Lawton’s Mayor Stan Booker stopped by to enjoy the event while Hunt and his wife talked to attendees.
Grill and chill: On Sept. 9, after the investiture ceremony, attendees enjoyed a meal by Native Smoke BBQ in the fine arts courtyard.
Photos by Jake Thomas
Childhood Dreams
Breathe.
Ciera Terry Voices Editor
“Be where your feet are,” I tell myself. As unusual as it is, the smoke of a cigarette brings me comfort. When that sharp scent hits my nose my lungs welcome it, embracing it as if it were a lost lover returning home. My muscles relax as an overwhelming sense of awareness takes over me.
Everyone around me expresses disgust, picking up their pace.
I pause instead, slowing my
bridges, run-down parks and flourishing trees, but then the screaming, the anxiety. the fear of my past—of what’s coming.
Everyone’s asking me, “What’s waiting for you after college?”
I never know what to say. I certainly don’t have an answer that will please them. I’ve had few life goals, and those goals were created when I hit my pre-teens. The goals were: graduate high school, get into college and leave Oklahoma. My future ended there.
I never connected the dots or sought how to get from point A to point B, only that these things were fixed, the only constant in my life and the only thing I had to look forward to.
Even though I held those goals so close to me, they felt distant — a dream I might never live. My only hope was to get through life day by day.
I spent my childhood hearing unlived dreams and hopes that turned into tiny souvenirs made up of want and desire – but never having or action. Places that my family never got to see but places they begged me to envision for myself. But I was only able to go as far as
my hand could reach … and that wasn’t very far. These dreams and a better future felt like a fantasy. I still question, still look inside and think: “Can I do this? Can I have this future of a life so far from the engraved roots of my upbringing. Can I carry centuries of generations’ hopes and dreams?”
My family’s old house was renovated after we moved. The owners replaced the stained orange bricks with white polish paint. The irony of it, the color of purity and perfection so unaware of the sorrow that would always cling to it. The porch transformed into simple steps. A stump sat in the middle of the lawn, once a tree now cut down and reduced to dust. The houses next door bore the past darker shades.
They looked out of place. I imagine myself on my knees. My hands consumed by the earth tearing my way to its core desperately trying to rip my soul from that sacred ground I called home. It was wishful thinking , hoping it could change something, anything.
I’ve driven down that dead-end road staring down that house countless times. Every time I feel a sense of longing despite the memories and
pain that are attached to it. I find I wanted to walk through that front door with a purpose standing on the same ground where my tears stained the murky carpet, now replaced with shiny wooden floors. I wanted to declare myself anew, be reborn in a sense. I’d scream, taking my pain and frustration out at the one entity in my childhood which didn’t harm me. Which simply couldn’t. It’s only fault, it’s only penance that I was raised in it. Then and now the only thing I ever truly craved was freedom, freedom from myself, from my trauma. My own desperation for it chaining me to the very grounds I beg to fly away from. I desire it so much that I become its lackey, going my whole life searching for meaning waiting for someone to tell me I’m doing life the “right” way. But growing up is learning there is no right way. There is no perfect path.
It’s scary stepping into the unknown, instead of looking back, perhaps it’s time to look forward. Where I end up, and how it goes still seem to escape me, for I don’t know exactly what awaits me in the future, only that I am ready for it and perhaps that’s all I need to be.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
(Content warning: This article talks about suicide)
The National Institute of Mental Health estimated that every one in five Americans suffers from a mental illness. That is 57.8 million people as of 2024, and 41% of those people go untreated or undiagnosed.
Untreated or undiagnosed mental conditions can be dangerous to the individual and possibly lead to suicide. People must find a way to cope, and even then, coping may not be enough.
Suicide is a preventable leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC states that over 49,000 died from suicide in 2023, and rates are only increasing. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness
as
September is meant to raise awareness, educate people on warning signs and promote help and suicide prevention resources. Raising awareness can reduce negative social stigmas, improve access to treatment and improve overall well-being.
The warning signs of suicide can be hard to spot, and many factors can lead to it. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and hostile environments such as abusive homes, excessive bullying at school, or prolonged stress are all factors that can lead to suicide.
Most people who take their
lives exhibit one or more warning signs seen in the way a person talks, behaves or a person’s
Language to look out for includes conversations about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden, feeling trapped or unbearable pain.
Behavior that can signal suicide risk is the use of alcohol or drugs, sleeping too much or too little, high aggression, giving away prized possessions and isolating or withdrawing.
who
a
Not every person who displays warning signs is considering suicide, but they are often struggling with a mental condition or an event they have experienced. Showing a person that they are not alone can be just enough to help them.
Simply saying hello or smiling at a stranger when walking down the hall can be enough to make a person’s day. Being kind to others costs nothing and could even save someone’s life.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
THE ETHICS OF ADS
Ciera Terry News Editor
Since the creation of money, ads have always had influence. In order to get buyers, vendors have always had to sell their product — from having workers in the street shouting “buy one get one for free” to having sign spinners outside a business promoting the best deals.
But when does advertising become unethical?
In order for something to be socially unethical, there should be societal and personal consequences for violating the ethical standard. If there’s no outcry from the general public or no genuine consequences, many people ignore the ethical violation. Even if that action is insensitive, that person or organization gets a pass.
The line between morals and ethics is always fluctuating; society can sometimes witness an increase in more conservative views when the rest of the world decides that it’s okay to have them — especially in the entertainment industry.
There has been an outcry regarding the famous advertisements starring Sydney Sweeney
and Gavin Casalegno (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”) because the ads contain explicit word play that infer white genetics are the best.
The ads make people question what era society is entering and whether or not ads (things we see 24/7 in today’s society) are actually in our best interest. What is now considered okay to put out into the world and what isn’t any more?
Culturally, in the past few years, the American people have been more Progressive while our government has shifted more Conservative.
Ads like the Sweeney ad are released with little to no regard for diverse perspectives — and they still gain presidential support. It makes those supposed progressive outcomes seem lackluster.
The past five years, the distinction between culture change versus political change has become actually quite pronounced.
A lot of progressive laws have begun to be flushed out, slowly being replaced with a much more Conservative policies. The recent pushback for diversity, equity and inclusion speaks of that.
Ads about human DNA that conclude that certain genes are better than others reflect the questionable morals racking over the country right now.
I hate to be that person (I don’t) but actually everything is political.
The only reason advertisers can feel comfortable emphasizing eugenics is because society is receptive to it.
Correction:
In Vol. 113, Issue 1, Page 4 on Student Life, “The Cameron Collegian” incorrectly spelled Connor Holt’s name as “Conner Holt.” The Collegian deeply regrets this error.
Makayla Flenoury News Editor
Month
an effort to combat suicide rates.
mood.
People
often exhibit moods like irritability, humiliation, shame, anger or even a sudden improvement or relief from their negative feelings can indicate
person may be considering suicide.
(“Euphoria”)
Graphics by Ciera Terry
AΦ
Elizabeth Lehman Staff Writer
On Aug. 30, Alpha Phi, Theta Rho Chapter, hosted its annual Bid Day at the MCC.
Bid Day is a tradition that celebrates the close of recruitment week and the welcoming of new members into the sorority. It is one of the most anticipated events in Greek life.
Alpha Phi member Marya Trevino explained that Bid Day is only the beginning of Alpha Phi’s traditions. Members can look forward to biglittle reveals, retreats, and initiation ceremonies.
“We’re not looking for people to fit a specific mold,” Trevino said. “We just want genuine intentions, good energy, and commitment to the sisterhood.”
Trevino also noted that Greek life at Cameron is unique from other universities. Without sorority houses, the organizations stay connected through hosting events, tables at the MCC and campus activities.
“We want girls to come and feel like it’s a safe space,” she said. “We don’t fit the mold of a typical sorority, we’re here for each other all the time.”
For many members, Greek life represents an opportunity for growth. Seis Elder said she joined to step outside of her comfort zone and find community on campus.
“I came to Cameron without friends, and Alpha Phi gave me that closeness. Because our campus is small, it’s easier to build those connections,” she said.
Elder also said traditions like sisterhood dinners and Sunday chapter meetings are opportunities to strengthen bonds.
Director of Health, Wellness and Well-Being, Riley Jones, echoed that sentiment: “When I was recruiting, I saw how tight their bond was, and I wanted that for myself,” Jones said.
Taking on a leadership position in Alpha Phi has also helped her continue developing her leadership skills, after acting as swim team captain in high school.
For some, joining Alpha Phi was about overcoming fears. New member, Angelina admitted she was intimidated at first but soon realized the benefits of
ALPHA PHI
RECRUITS NEW MEMBERS AT ANNUAL BID DAY
getting involved.
“My freshman year, I was nervous, but by sophomore year, I just went for it,” she said. Now, she looks forward to using Alpha Phi as a space to be more social and make new connections.
Outside of sisterhood, Alpha Phi also focuses on philanthropy. Through the Alpha Phi Foundation, members support women’s heart health, leadership development, scholarships and community building.
Trevino said that new members are eager to take part in these efforts. “They want to figure out how they can help plan events and spread awareness,” she said.
Alpha Phi’s Bid Day at Cameron University was colorful and lively, filled with laughter, group photos and camaraderie. It was a celebration of the end of recruitment; of leadership and sisterhood, but most importantly, it was one step toward Alpha Phi’s mission to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and personally.
GREEK LIFE
WELCOMES STUDENTS DURING
RUSH WEEK
and character.
Cameron University
Greek life organizations held their Rush Week
Aug. 25 - 29.
Alpha Phi sorority and Kappa Sigma fraternity ran events that pulled students into campus life. Rush Week gives students a chance to meet new people, explore organizations and stay active outside of class. On a campus where many balance jobs and commuting, these events keep campus life alive.
Alpha Phi highlighted sisterhood and philanthropy. Monday opened with game night.
Tuesday’s slime night pushed into deeper talks.
“We asked girls what values they look for in
friends,” Alpha Phi’s Vice President of Recruitment Avi Soto said. “What personalities they want, and what sisterhood means to them.”
Wednesday focused on service with “Stick with Alpha Phi,” a stickerdecorating event tied to Alpha Phi’s philanthropy and women’s heart health. Thursday circled back to sisterhood with painting. Friday held the preference round, PJs and Polaroids, and Saturday ended with bid day celebrations for new members.
Kappa Sigma leaned on sports and music. They kicked off with dodgeball, then hosted a pizza social. Handball came next.
“Handball was new
for us, but it worked out really well,” Kappa Sigma’s Rush Chair and Grand Scribe Carson Chambers said.
“We wrapped things up with a country concert [Jake Christian] to close the week,” Chambers said.
Soto explained what mattered most and what Alpha Phi looks for.
“Genuine personalities. We don’t want you to fit a mold or stereotype. We just want good energy and good intentions,” Soto said.
“Girls were scared of what to expect. But it’s nothing like OU or OSU. You just come hang out with us and see if it’s for you,” Soto said.
Chambers said Kappa Sigma focused on respect
“Number one, we look at how they present themselves. Number two, how will [...] becoming a member shape our fraternity for the better?” he said. “It gets dry sometimes, but getting one on one time really breaks the ice.”
Keeping in touch with recruits was not always easy but both groups also showed how they keep members involved after Rush.
Alpha Phi holds retreats, initiation, big little pairings and leadership elections. Kappa Sigma pairs new members with brothers in the same majors to guide them through
classes and campus life.
Leaders closed the week by pointing to the bigger picture.
“We’re not like the typical sorority girls,” Soto said. “People think we’re mean or stuck up. No, our girls are sweet and genuine.” Chambers spoke about lasting bonds.
“These are the guys that will be around for
the next four years” Chambers said. “They’re going to be at your wedding, in the good times and the bad. Don’t take that for granted.”
Rush Week showed that Greek Life is more than recruitment. It’s the start of friendships and support systems that shape student’s time at Cameron and last long after graduation.
K Σ
Dominic Mann Staff Writer
Angelica Martinez
Courtesy Photos
SabrinaCarpenter
is Not Man’s Best Friend
Amelia Lozano A&E Editor
On 29 Aug., 2025, Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” amidst a flurry of controversy over her artistic vision. Before the release of her album, Carpenter released the cover art, which depicts her on her hands and knees with a man holding her by the hair. The promiscuous position instantly made Carpenter the center of a conversation around sexuality and feminism. In a society that is becoming increasingly conservative and misogynistic toward women, it’s no wonder why people think Carpenter is pandering to the male gaze.
The album itself is full of wordplay and innuendos. Carpenter is unafraid of spelling out the hard truths, even when she contradicts herself.
Carpenter’s first track, “Manchild,” sets up the album with a criticism of immature men. Despite the obvious theme of exhaustion over dating men, even this set up for the album came with questions on all sides over just how ironic Carpenter was planning to take “Man’s Best Friend.”
The second track, “Tears,” is more sensual than other tracks. Carpenter finds herself attracted to men who are responsible and respectful toward her. It’s a humorous (but also very relatable) look at what modern women
look for in a man: a guy who is nice, who does the dishes, who respects women – simple asks, really, but ones that are increasingly difficult to find given the explosion of misogyny in our culture.
“My Man On Willpower,” which is one of my personal favorites, is the follow-up to “Tears.”
The narrative of this track shows Carpenter’s partner becoming a little too respectful, to the point that he now seems less interested in her. This track depicts Carpenter’s lack of sexual gratification as a result of her partner’s restraint. Carpenter is disappointed by this stranger who “won’t
into fights, threatening to break up, making up and doing it all over again. It’s a song about wanting to hold onto something questionable for fear of losing the little good that remains. At the end of the track, Carpenter sighs, tired of the vicious cycle she’s in.
Going with the narrative, “Nobody’s Son” follows Carpenter after her partner breaks up with her. The song expresses exhaustion with the dating scene and men as a whole. Carpenter looks to the parents of the son (her former partner) as the ones responsible for his poor behavior. Carpenter shares her grief
narrative, I would point to “Never Getting Laid” as the closest pick. It follows Carpenter’s dichotomous feelings post-breakup –wishing her ex-partner well whilst hoping he never goes outside or gets laid again. Carpenter doesn’t necessarily want her partner to be miserable but she also doesn’t want him to love anyone else.
“When Did You Get Hot” is a sillier song that follows after Carpenter’s breakup. After being without sexual gratification for so long, it follows Carpenter’s yearning for something new and exciting to switch things up.
“Go Go Juice” is the upbeat ninth track off the album. This song finds Carpenter “just drinking to call someone” to fill a lonely night. She’s careless at this point, looking for someone to distract her.
Carpenter’s tenth track, “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry,” has a nostalgic feel to it; “Don’t Worry” is very much a send-off to her former partner after things go wrong. (And it’s a fantastic example of women in male dominated fields: emotional manipulation).
“House Tour” is full of Carpenter’s signature risqué metaphors. The
Carpenter is longing for love and comfort.
“Man’s Best Friend” is a very cyclical album – listening to it over and over again presents the trials and tribulations faced by women who date men. I think what becomes clear from this album is Carpenter’s struggle with womanhood. What does it mean to be a woman under a patriarchy? How do you date men and hate them at the same time?
People make such a spectacle of Carpenter’s work due to her unapologetic takes on sexuality, but at the heart of her artistic vision is a complicated journey. The things that make Carpenter so controversial are also the things that make her singular as an artist. She portrays the feelings women are usually criticized for –neediness, sensuality, anger – and she does it in a way that is so up front (and even humorous) that it frightens people. This is not to say that Carpenter doesn’t toe the line between wellintentioned irony and playing into conservatism. The image she portrays is a slippery slope but it’s impossible for Carpenter, or any woman at all, to survive public criticism unscathed. However, it’s also not hard to tell that Carpenter is simply trying to make sense of the world she’s living in amidst failed relationships, puritanism and misogyny. After many listens and careful consideration, I rate “Man’s Best Friend” at 4 out of 5 stars.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Clair Obscur Expedition 33
Steven Utter Staff Writer
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG inspired by games such as the Final Fantasy series, Lost Odyssey and Persona 5, released on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S earlier this year.
It is the first game developed by a new French studio named Sandfall Interactive and features the vocal talents of acclaimed actors such as Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis.
The game is set in Lumiére, a fictionalized depiction of the Belle Époque in France, and follows a group of adventurers known as “expeditioners” as they journey to kill The Paintress, a giant stonelike woman on the distant horizon who awakens once a year to paint a new number on a monolith behind her.
Each year she lowers the number by one and everyone over that age instantly dies in an event known as “the Gommage.”
The story, written by Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, Guillaume Broche and Victor Deleard is structured in three acts, which all end in jaw-dropping cinematic moments that push the story forward in unexpected ways.
The first hour alone presents such a strong narrative and emotional hook that I found myself already telling friends it was going to be something special.
“There’s an earnestness to how it frames mortality, grief and the small moments of joy we find,” IGN (Imagine Games Network) writer Michael Higham said.
It would rob one of the unique first experiences deserved if I say much more.
Lorien Testard, a SoundCloud
musician who had never made music for a video game prior, composed the soundtrack.
Every song in the game is an emotionally resonant masterpiece featuring beautifully haunting piano, violin and vocals performed in French by Alice Duport-Percier.
The tracks “Alicia,” “Lumiére” and “Our Painted Family” were particular standouts for me.
Even the more upbeat battle themes fit perfectly into place and never wore out their welcome over the course of my 80-hour playthrough.
The gameplay builds on traditional Japanese RPG playing style by adding real-time mechanics to the turn-based fights such as dodging, parrying and jumping.
Exploration of the world and solving the mystery of “the Gommage” are major features while keeping much of the content optional,
allowing for a much shorter play through than my own.
“The overall pace is also excellent with plenty of room to pursue distractions,” Game informer Kyle Hilliard said, “but if you just want to stick to the main path, that’s a viable option, and it moves along swimmingly.”
Although, I would personally recommend completing all the side content as it fills in many of the gaps in the narrative and none of it feels superfluous apart from the “only up” style climbing challenges.
When I was finished with Clair Obscur, I thought that it might be the best game I have ever played.
It reinvigorated my love for the traditional turn-based RPG formula through its precise and polished execution, and its themes of mortality and loss had me contemplating my own for days.
Graphic by Amelia Lozano
Courtesy photo
“WEAPONS” A n Overwhelming Film
Julian Ebacher Staff Writer
“Weapons” is something of an intersection between a new flavor of psychological horror and its estranged brother in the more conventional, pulpy horror. It’s a perplexing film. Referring to something as monumental as Citizen Kane (1941), it’s worth noting that the famed Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges writes that it consists of “pointlessly banal [...] attempts to milk applause from dimwits.” Later, he calls it a labyrinth with no center. Nonetheless, he accepts
that it will endure as a technical marvel and a foundation for almost all later films on both a narrative and cinematic level. I am not one to share in his sentiments toward Citizen Kane, but he indicates something that I felt strongly within this film: It was not made for me in the slightest; it doesn’t care for people like me, and the feeling is mutual.
I thought the emotional writing was weak, the characters uninteresting, the director overly showy, and the actual horror almost nonexistent after the second half of the film had elapsed.
of view (POV) of characters as a means of information reveal and allowing for semiunreliable narrators in dream sequences was brilliant. I am downright shocked that no other major film in the genre thought to do that.
Apart from the obvious capacity for horror within the imagination of a character—especially with the barrier between imagination and reality gets harder to distinguish between as the film becomes more impressionistic—what this also does is offer a catharsis when the audience finally figures
hold in their hand. Speaking of the direction, it’s mixed. The camera work is everywhere, and in turn, the viewer is pulled out of the film and reminded that they’re watching a movie. Especially in the beginning of the movie and continuing throughout, it felt like every third shot was a camera rotating around the POV characters, for the most part for irrelevant reasons other than to add movement to the shot.
To compare even to “Magnolia,” with a director known for a flashy style with lots of camera movement and written by Zach
lighting, everything sets the tone of a moment that offers a respite that the audience knows will be brief, but respects it anyway. The camera motion, though, dashes any of that and keeps the audience subconsciously expecting something, making the jumpscare and accompanying character moment that much less effective. That being said: the money shot direction is astounding. Creggar uses every trick in the horror book in order to make his scenes that much more dreadinducing. His tendency to spin the camera constantly works when that camera is trying
this point has managed to accomplish, though “nothing more” doesn’t do it justice. He stands on the shoulders of giants, and yet he does so straight, with dignity. Bworges wrote of a film far better than this one: “It is not intelligent, though it is the work of genius—in the most nocturnal and Germanic sense of that bad word.” I’m liable to think the same way about this work. I feel some Salieri-esque pain in writing so kindly of this. I’ve only rarely found a film I dislike more than this one. I cannot deny that it’ll endure through its geniusness, that it’ll be a
Attention readers! This semester “The Collegian” is giving a “thank you” to a special reader. For your chance to win a FREE gift basket , play along! Solve the crossword puzzle below and write down the letter in the gold box. Collect all 8 gold letters from the next issue’s puzzles to spell a secret word. That word is your entry into the drawing at the end of the semester! Combine the letters together and submit the 8-letter word to aggiecentral@cameron.edu with your phone number included. Stay tuned for our drawing at the end of the Fall 2025 semester and thanks for playing!
Gift basket includes: Cameron swag, gift cards, snacks, and essentials.
THEME: Television
cowboy drama series on Paramount
an actor plays; Person in a show
Things” (TV Show with kids and aliens in the 80’s)
Written instructions and where to find actor’s lines
All actors in a show (collectively)
“American ____” (Singing competition show)
Segment or part of a series or season (i.e. “Pilot”)
Graphic by Amelia Lozano
Off-Campus Opportunities Student Internship Spotlight
Jake Thomas Assistant Editor
Internships are one of the best resources a student can have during their time at college.
By bridging the gap between education and the professional scene, students can take their experience from the classroom and apply it to real life scenarios.
Newly installed Cameron President Shane Hunt has been a big advocate for student opportunities, broadening both the university’s scope and students’ skill sets. This means internships are not just limited to one location.
By participating in internships, students can secure better futures for their careers.
Former Cameron alumna and Collegian member Alyssa Martinez has recently earned a spot on Disney’s College Program, an internship located in Orlando, Florida. The program is known for providing students with entry level positions in the entertainment and park service industries.
Attendees are given the chance to attend lectures by various Disney leaders, paid work that includes discounts to park attractions, all the while having shared experiences with other members in their own dedicated housing.
Although the program is far from home, and to some may seem out of reach, by using her experience and portfolio, Martinez has turned a long-time idea into reality.
“I applied randomly in March because I was already filling out a bunch of job applications and I figured, why not? – It’s something
that I’ve heard about since I was in at least middle school, and it always seemed super interesting to me.” she said.
Alyssa is currently in her first year of graduate school, to earn her masters in organizational leadership, and is already considering the possibility of continuing this experience alongside pursuing her degree.
“I know if you’re an alumni, you get access to even more […] roles, like parade control or VIP tours,”
Alyssa said, “We haven’t started yet, but for now, I am planning to come back, and do my master’s program full-time.”
Both support and encouragement for the future can help inspire a student with their new aspirations as well. Alyssa also brought up her brief conversation with the president.
“I actually was encouraged to do it and […] take advantage of the opportunity,” she said. “And I did mention it in passing to President Hunt. He got very excited about it.”
While concerns of moving to a new state over the course of several months may seem daunting, the College Disney program is sure to provide Alyssa with at least a good learning experience. She’s excited for the opportunity, but she is also staying aware of the new challenges she will have to face.
“There are a lot of moving parts to it, and I’m excited to see where it kind of goes. There are a lot of networking opportunities, which is a big appeal of the program,” Alyssa said. “I don’t think I saw myself doing this, but now that I’m down here it’s feeling a lot more real.”
Internships are as useful as they are varied, with different locations, experiences and chances, but ultimately students will come back with a similar feeling of accomplishment. Trace Boggs for example, has recently finished his summer internship at Navico Group, a marine recreation company with an office in Tulsa. They specialize in things like navigation, sonar, trolling motor systems and other engineering solutions that power specialty vehicles. Navico Group is a division of Brunswick corporation that provides their service to several
boating brands and corporations.
Trace Boggs is a senior at Cameron, dual majoring in both mathematics and computer science.
Over the summer after applying to several places, Navico got back to Trace with a friendly interview and a job opportunity in a new town.
“I was a software engineering intern, so I essentially developed software for their product.”
Trace said. “Software for a line of trolling motors that they work on, which is mostly used for fishing, especially big in like, the pro fishing scene, things like that.”
The transition from the class to the workplace can give students a real grip on the progress they have made with their education and how it is applied. A hands-on experience facilitates this feeling even more.
“I loved it personally. I felt like I was working on something that was pretty cool and real world. And overall, I really liked the environment there,” He said. “because, you know, there’s not many, especially, like, at a software engineering job, it’s very rare for you to be able to actually go out on the water like I did.”
This experience not only affirms the students’ prowess, but it can provide a great way to get their foot in the door as well. Trace’s involvement with Navico not only strengthened his relationship with the company, potentially having the opportunity to come back, but also looks good on a resume.
Future jobs will look for employees with a familiarity with the industry already, and an internship is a perfect example of that.
Trace described his experience as very meaningful and worth the investment, serving as an important milestone in his future career.
“Because, you know, from my college experience, I live in Lawton.” He said, “So I haven’t had to have the whole,
living away from home experience – no university, no dorm, no college peers, you’re on your own, rents due on the first of the month. That was a big learning experience.”
To make it especially impactful, Cameron gave an elective credit to Trace for taking this internship.
“One thing I’ll bring up as well that’s nice, at least for the computer science department, is I was able to do a class as an elective for this internship,” Trace said, “so I got school credit for doing this internship. And I think that was really cool that Cameron kind of integrated and encouraged getting an internship.”
Ultimately, internships should be a top priority for students to help discover how they fit in their respective industries, and where they want to go next. If you are a student looking for an internship, contact employers on various websites, use Cameron resources like CU Advance or contact your department for any opportunities they have.
Women’s Business Summit
Opportunities are opening at Great Plains Technology Center, with the annual Women’s Business Summit returning on Thursday, September 18. For the fifth time in the past six years, REI Oklahoma is hosting an event catered to women in business looking for entrepreneurial advice as well as providing networking opportunities to those who attend.
REI is a non-profit organization that has specialized in bringing economic development to Southwest Oklahoma since 1982, and has been providing people with expert experience in various business industries.
Amy Downs is the keynote speaker for this event, and will be telling
her inspirational story as a survivor of the Oklahoma City Bombing. She will go over perseverance, and give tips on how to overcome hardship, and how to live a better life.
Women’s Business Summit will also include a BAIL Team panel available for information and networking. BAIL teams are for Bankers, Accountants, Insurance and Legal representatives, and access to each could prove vital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The leader of the Summit project, Carey Monroe, has crafted this program over the years as a resource to build up the community, improving the experience as time goes on.
The most recent implementation is that there are now stands to display several servicebased businesses for
attendees to view successful companies and ideas during designated breaks. Twenty three vendors will be attending and showcasing their own product, to allow the participants to learn more about business at all times.
There will be different activities to relax outside of the main event as well. These experiences include professional headshots, massages, a stretch group and therapy animals.
The Women’s Business Summit will start at 8:30 A.M. on Thursday at the Great Plains Technology Worley Center, and will last until 2:30 P.M. The tickets are priced at $50 dollars and will cover the entry fee, meals, activities, and a free goodie bag. To contact this event for further information, contact Marla Williams at (800) 658-2823.
Jake Thomas Assistant Editor Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photos
Keynote Speaker Amy Downs
Matthew Hasley Sports Editor
In a five-set thriller, the Cameron University volleyball team won their first game of the season on Sept. 6, defeating the East Central Tigers in a come-from-behind victory in the last set.
The Aggies played in front of a home crowd of almost 600 people who attended the special White Out event.
The first set started off with the Tigers taking over, quickly jumping up to take a 12-3 lead against the Aggies.
The momentum continued for East Central as they went ahead by 10
the Aggies went on a small run with kills from Roest and Hailey Baker, and two attack errors from the Tigers.
East Central marched right back, evening the score at 16. The crowd began to rally and the noise in the arena began to pick up as the student section cheered on the Aggies volleyball team.
From there, the Aggies closed out the set on a 7-score run, with kills from Roest, and two service aces by Rachel White and Anastasija Andelic,
points, leading 19-9.
The Aggies attempted a small rally, however, scoring 7 to the Tigers’ 3 to bring the score to 22-16.
Unfortunately, East Central was able to secure the first set after a ball handling error from Presleigh Roest, putting the Tigers up 25-18.
The fifth set began with the Tigers taking the lead, going up 4-0. However, the Aggies were resilient and battled back.
ending the second set 25-18 in the Aggies’ favor.
Newly sworn-in President Shane Hunt was in attendance for the game and was thrilled with the turnout.
“Absolutely incredible atmosphere in here,” he said. “Our students, our alumni, our faculty and staff, just a
A referee timeout to review a call may have changed the momentum of the match as for several minutes, both teams had to remain on the court while the refs reviewed footage of a play.
This seemed to take away the momentum the Tigers had built up because as play resumed the Aggies went on a run, going up 9-12.
The Tigers didn’t hold off, marching
right back to tie the game up at 15-15.
One bad set from the Tigers and a service ace from Kayla Quintana put the match away and sealed the win for the Aggies.
Coach Melissa Avila was thrilled with the way her team played.
“I mean, it’s exciting. Our girls battled back,” she said. “After having a tough weekend on the road, we came home, ready to go get a win. They battled, they fought for each other, they fought for Cameron. I’m just proud of the way we showed up tonight.”
Photos by Angelica Martinez
Photos by Matthew Hasley