Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
tuition rises
Volume 95 Issue 1
STATEWIDE Temilade Adelusi Staff Writer
Cameron University administration has increased tuition by seven percent for the FY2017 academic year. The tuition increase, which took effect in August, was the administration’s response to Oklahoma state budget reductions. Cameron University President Dr. John McArthur said the increase in tuition is one of the many changes Cameron has implemented. “Cameron’s budget from the state of Oklahoma was reduced by $3.35 million,” McArthur said, “so we have tried to
address that internally. “We have merged some schools and departments, [and we] reduced the number of faculty and staff. That’s how we handled the great majority of the reductions.” McArthur said the decision to let go of faculty and staff was very difficult. “They did nothing wrong,” he said. “We just don’t have enough money to pay them.” According to McArthur, the choice to raise tuition was also not easy, and it was the last action he desired to take in the wake of the budget crisis. However, he decided to raise it because if the university lost more faculty, then the quality of a Cameron education could be affected. He said the students’ responses to the increase in tuition have been diverse, and “some of our students … saw it coming” while others might not be able to afford to pay for classes. The hike in
Cameron University
$2,388
tuition has not only affected students at Cameron but also students all over the state of Oklahoma. In a post online, Brian Hardzinski of National Public Radio Station NGOU quoted University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) President Don Betz, who voiced his concern for higher education institutions that are financially burdened. “UCO President Don Betz said the shift in the higher education burden from the states to the schools shows an inability to identify priorities,” Hardzinski said. “[Betz also said] continuing to cut from higher education would eventually lead to a
University of Oklahoma $4,188
Oklahoma State University
$4,160
For additional information, visit:
https://bursar.okstate.edu/tuition-and-fees http://www.cameron.edu/info/schedules/tuition#cost http://www.ou.edu/bursar/tuition_fees.html
system that’s no longer sustainable.” McArthur said the reduction of the state’s financial support for education will remain a concern. Despite academic reorganization and hikes in tuition, McArthur has put into place other ways of offsetting costs for students, such as scholarships. For example, Cameron has set aside about $5.6 million this year for scholarship and waivers. “Also, we had over a quarter million dollars’ in gifts from people in the community,” he said. “A few weeks ago someone called and gifted $150,000 just to provide scholarships. “I think the community is with you, and they want to see you succeed.” According to McArthur, Cameron University is still the second least expensive higher education institution in Oklahoma. He said students can be encouraged by the fact that a Cameron education is still a great investment. “College graduates in this country, over the course of their lifetime, usually earn over a million dollars than those who don’t [attend college],” he said, “so an investment of $30,000 and four or five years of your time for a potential to earn over a million dollars is worth it.” For more information about the new initiatives and budget, visit www. cameron.edu/transparency. To view copies of CU’s Plan 2018 and Master Plan 2025, visit www. cameron.edu/president.
Credit Hour Increases The graph to the left illustrates the average tuition and fee amount per semester for residential, undergraduate students taking at least twelve hours at CU, OU and OSU. Despite Cameron’s seven percent tuition increase, the university remains affordable in comparison to other four-year institutions in Oklahoma.
Higher up changes in Aggie banking Robert King Staff Writer
On Aug. 4 Cameron students who use Higher One for financial aid and school refunds received notification in their Cameron emails of the refund management service switching to Bank Mobile. Cameron University’s Aggie One refund card changed companies after Higher One was not transparent about fees and limitations, according to the FDIC. The change came after Higher One sold off the disbursement business after a settlement with the FDIC and Federal Reserve. The Higher One ATM in the McMahon Centennial Complex is no longer available, and a sign hangs at the One Stop, detailing where Allpoint network ATMs are located in Comanche County. One Stop cashier supervisor Amanda Koll said that
Bank Mobile is trying to open more options for students by providing ATM services that are fee-free. “Even though there isn’t one [ATM] on campus,” Koll said, “there are locations locally. If students are traveling around they can go to other ATMs and have fee-free access to their funds. They won’t just be limited to the campus.” Lawton ATM locations include K-C Distributors, CVS on Cache Road and Target. For students who live outside of Lawton, there are ATMs in Duncan, Elgin, Sterling and Walters. Cameron Business Office accountant Lauren Kane explained that it was not Cameron’s decision to remove the campus ATM. “Higher One has opted out of the ATM business,” Kane said. “That is why they removed it from our campus.” Returning students who already set-up a refund option with Higher One do not need to make any changes and can
view their accounts online at www.vibeaccount.com. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will receive a refund selection kit in the mail to their current addresses on file at Cameron. The kit will ship in a green envelope and will arrive with a personal code to select a refund preference. Once a preference is selected, all future refunds will be delivered accordingly. Kane said the change to Bank Mobile will not affect the speed of refund disbursement. “The only difference is during the beginning of the semester we disburse the refunds more frequently because that is the higher volume of dispersal times,” Kane said. “Once we get into the semester we cut back; we only do it about once a week.”
Digesting sports and social activism
Getting set for vollyeball season
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What’s inside Reflecting on Welcome Week fun Page 3
See AGGIE BANKING Page 2
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News
September 6, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Psychology clinic opens soon Jacob Jardel Voices Editor
@JJardel_Writing The Cameron University Psychology Clinic (CPC) is on its way toward fulfilling its mission of serving the community. Proposed over three years ago and in the works ever since, the clinic opened for graduate psychology classes since summer 2016. The clinic’s grand opening is scheduled for the fall where it will become available for students to provide free mental health services to the community. Clinic Director Dr. Joanni Sailor said the facility provides a professional atmosphere for faculty, students and others using it. “On the ground floor, the Clinic contains offices for the Clinic Director and faculty, as well as student offices, a records room, a reception/waiting area and three therapy rooms,” she said. “The second floor contains two observation rooms … equipped with technology, which allow for viewing of recorded material or live-feeds from the therapy rooms.” Work on the clinic continued in spite of Cameron’s recent budget cuts as a result from the last fiscal year’s budget shortfall. However, the CPC did not receive any cuts or use Cameron funding because of supporter contributions. “We received gifts from community members who have a real heart for mental health,” Sailor said. Photo by Jacob Jardel “We will continue to accept donations in order to Preparing for the grand opening: Proposed over three years ago and in the making ever since, the Cameron expand our therapy rooms and services.” Psychology Clinic is scheduled to open this fall. At the clinic, students will have the opportunity to provide free mental The services offered now mostly revolve around health services to the community. The clinic will have a professional atmosphere, where students can learn as they work. student learning. Behavioral sciences graduate student Misty Robinson said these amenities will experience of providing mental health services in a community,” the clinic will accept clients who have insurance continue to help as the clinic grows. professional atmosphere but also learning how a clinic but are unable to afford mental health services otherwise “We will get hands on experience with our professors functions,” Sailor said. “The students schedule appointments, on top of referrals from physicians, employers and other right there by us if we have any questions or if there is a answer the phones, develop the client record, audit the records individuals. learning opportunity that arises,” she said. “We will learn all for accuracy, and operate the clinic under the supervision of Behavioral sciences graduate student Juan Martinez took areas of counseling … all while knowing we are in a safe and the Clinic Director and practicum faculty.” classes in the clinic and said the benefits for students and the supportive environment.” According to Robinson, this student focus also translates community are a great addition to his degree work. Sailor agreed with Robinson. into providing services to individuals who may not otherwise “I love the clinic,” he said. “I think that it is a great idea for “Through the experiential learning, the students develop get help. Fellow behavioral sciences graduate student Amber the university.” greater skills and knowledge to prepare them for eventual LaBee emphasized the importance of this mission. In the future, the CPC will add more therapy rooms employment and candidacy for licensure,” Sailor said. “Being able to offer services for free to the community is and potentially workshops for community mental health “Cameron University is supporting student learning and going to help better so many people’s lives,” LaBee said, “With professionals. Regardless, Sailor said she is excited for things providing a much needed community service.” mental health being such a huge problem in Oklahoma, I to come. The other major benefit students receive comes from believe it’s one of the best things we could give to those that “I’m happy and thrilled for our students and the running the clinic itself. need it most right now.” community,” she said. “This is something that both our “Our practicum students are not only gaining the With a philosophy of “in the community, for the students and the community will benefit.”
AGGIE BANKING Continued from page 1
Photo by Robert King
Higher One has been under investigation since 2010 for deceptive marketing practices to students who receive refunds. In December 2015, the FDIC concluded that Higher One did not mention details about fees, features, and OneAccount limitations, which violated section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The omitted material included information about alternative disbursement options, a fee schedule and fee-free ATMs.
According to the New York Times, Higher One unlawfully collected $31 million in fees from students between May 4, 2012 and July 15, 2014. The FDIC required Higher One to pay a civil money penalty of $2.23 million and restitution with WEX Bank of $31 million to about 900,000 affected customers. Higher One previously reached a settlement in 2012 when it was ordered to pay $11 million to 60,000 students over ATM transaction fees. The FDIC imposed civil money penalties of $110,000. For more information about Aggie One, visit www.aggieonecard.vibeaccount.com/.
Annual speech and debate camp cancelled Erin Owens
cancellation would occur once she realized housing costs had risen for summer use. She and other faculty who shared the same concern contacted the administration, who subsequently adjusted the housing fees on an incremental scale. Collins met with the administration to address strategies for moving forward after the cancellation of camp, such as grants, structural changes and outside funding. The administration strives to keep the studentstaff ratio low so that each person who attends receives individual attention and recognition to better improve his or her skills for the upcoming competition year. While campers work in preparation for the end of camp tournament, they also have time to form bonds when connecting with peers who share a similar interests. Despite the cancellation, coordinators did not make the decision without keeping the students in mind. “The goal of the camp is to provide a service to Courtesy photo students in our area who Low enrollment causes cancelation: Junior communication major Savanna Sanders (left) and can’t afford to go anywhere else,” Collins said. “I just sophomore Kris Mayfield (right) did not receive the opportunity to participate in last summer’s felt bad for the students annual speech and debate camp. The communication faculty cancelled the camp due to low enrollment.
the 100-student goal that would offset operation costs. A&E Editor Director of Forensics Sarah @TheErinOwens Collins stated that profit was not a Members of the Cameron priority. However, after operating Communication Department made at a loss in previous years, breaking the decision to cancel the annual even was vital for this year. speech and debate camp over the In an effort to avoid summer due to low enrollment. cancellation, the department While 85 students enrolled in extended the deadline for the program, numbers did not meet enrollment multiple times. Collins
said she believes the 60 dollar price increase from last year’s fees combined with other budget cuts in education factor into the decision to close the camp. “Less schools are able to pay for their students to come,” Collins said. “It put more burden on the student, and their parent really, to pay for them to come to camp.” Collins initially feared the camp
who had registered and thought we [were] really doing them a disservice.” She also mentioned that she is thinking ahead to avoid future cancellations. “We started researching,” Collins said. “I had interns this summer that were supposed to help with the camp, so instead we started researching how different camps do things, [and] looking at different options for us.” To date, there is no set plan for next year, though Collins remains steadfast in her attempts to find a solution. “We are moving forward in terms of having camp next summer,” Collins said. “We’re looking at ways to move people around and hopefully find other ways to offset some of the other costs to make it more affordable.” Junior communication major and former camper Savanna Sanders said she had mixed feelings about the camp cancellation. “I understood what [Collins] and the faculty went through in having to make the decision,” Sanders said, “so I was very unbiased from that aspect.” “[However,] it always hurts to see something that you know has been around for so long, and that you’ve been a part of and made history with, to see that have to go away.”
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Student Life
September 6, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Welcome Week Fall 2016
Carrying the torch: CU begins ‘16-‘17 Cheyenne Cole Staff Writer
MCC Ballroom. “Welcome Week gives me the opportunity to meet new students at Cameron, whether they’re from Lawton or they’re international students,” Reff said. “It also gives students an opportunity to take a break from work, school and thinking about that next quiz or test.” On Thursday, PAC partnered with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to organize a blood drive where 35 people donated blood to help with the flood crisis in Louisiana. According to Reff, when PAC plans events, they do their best to accommodate a variety of students, while also making the activities entertaining and beneficial.
“Whether it’s a movie, grocery bingo, zip-lining or the CU Olympics,” Reff said, “we want students to spend their afternoon or weekend having fun on campus.” To end the week, PAC provided a free screening of the movie “Central Intelligence” with popcorn on the Ross Hall Lawn on Friday night. Canfield said students can get involved on campus by exploring and joining some of the 40 different organizations on campus. For more information about PAC and its events, students can attend their weekly meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays in the MCC in the Buddy Green Room.
Cameron University’s Programming Activities Council (PAC) kicked off the fall semester with a Welcome Week full of activities across campus for students and staff from Aug. 14-21. The Olympic-themed Welcome Week began on Aug. 14 with a Back-to-School Block Party in the Bentley Gardens. Coordinator of Campus Life and New Student Programs Megan Canfield said Welcome Week serves as an initiation to Cameron and a way for students to get involved on campus. “Students who are engaged on campus, attend events and step outside of their comfort zone are more likely to succeed on college campuses,” Canfield said. “We want to provide students with those opportunities, not only to get involved, but to have a good time while they’re in college.” On the first day of school, students who stopped between the McMahon Centennial Complex and the Science Complex could take advantage of PAC’s Free Grab and Go Breakfast. Students could play an adventure game on Tuesday in which they attempted to maneuver the Mount Olympus Escape Room by solving a puzzle in 25 minutes or less. Freshman journalism and media production Bailie Evans attended a free pizza event on Wednesday and said she enjoyed the social opportunities the event provided. “The activities help people get involved on campus,” Evans said. “I met some staff members that were handing out pizza. I met some friends in the line, so I think it’s good to have activities that reach out to students and bring them together.” Canfield said the free pizza event drew over 600 people, and PAC ran out of pizza in under two hours. Photo by Joel Frambes Justin Reff, freshman communication major and PAC member since 2013, helped hand out pizza and dyed Rice The Free-Fall: Cameron students rode a 25-foot tall zipline across Ross Hall Lawn Aug. 22. Courtney Lewis (left) and Darius Morris (right) challenged each other to a gravity-fueled race down the tower. Krispies Treats in the shape of the Olympic flag in the
CULP sends cadets across seas, cultures Vicky Smith
Cadets Jayden Roy, Cara Belcher, Christopher Reif, Spencer Black and Managing Editor Christian Ryter. These cadets received @pinkwritinglady the opportunity to travel overseas; Roy Last fall, Military Science Department and Belcher traveled to Indonesia, Reif to chair and Professor Lieutenant Colonel Cambodia, Black to Djibouti and Ryter to Eric Treschl selected five ROTC cadets to Vietnam. participate in the Cultural Understanding While overseas, the cadets taught Language Proficiency (CULP) Program. English, as well as American traditions and cultural practices, to military cadets of their respective countries. According to the U.S. Army Cadet Command website, “Participants [of CULP] experience up to three different venues during immersion, including humanitarian service, host nation militaryto-military contact and education on the social, cultural and historical aspects of the country.” Senior history major Belcher said the Indonesian students were already well-versed in the English language. “We just taught them slang terms,” Belcher said. “For example, we had one day where we talked Photo courtesy of Jayden Roy about yard sales – the Battle buddies: Cadet Jayden Roy swaps hats with an difference between a Indonesian soldier. Roy was one of five Cameron ROTC yard sale and a garage cadets who travelled overseas as part of a military cultural sale.” exchange program. While immersed
in Indonesian culture, Belcher said she had to learn how to adapt to specific customs. “A male can’t just walk up to a female and start talking to her,” Belcher said. “They’re predominately Muslim, and they live their faith, so their cultural customs are … what their faith dictates.” Belcher said her experience in Indonesia ultimately opened her mind to understand how different cultures can coexist. “I gained a different perspective that yes, you can have a cathedral on one side of the street and a mosque on the other side of the street,” Belcher said. Just like Belcher, senior history major Black gained insight into the Djiboutian culture, whose population is also predominantly Muslim. He said the American cadets and the Djiboutian cadets had a mutual desire to learn about each other. “One of the big differences is polygamy is allowed,” Black said, “so they can have more than one wife.” Black said before traveling to Djibouti, he had preconceived notions about what to expect in Africa. When he arrived, he discovered the people of Djibouti shared more similarities with him than originally anticipated. “They like the same media as us,” Black said. “They ask the same questions, they listen to the same music, [and] they dress the same way.” When Black did encounter differences, he said he was able to “recognize that just because something’s different doesn’t mean it’s bad.” Sophomore history major Ryter has been learning about different cultures since he was in middle school, having traveled to nearly ten countries with his father and brother. Ryter was the only freshman in his group, and CULP acceptance as an MS I cadet is
rare. He said upon entering Vietnam, he and the other American cadets received warm welcomes. “I didn’t get a cold shoulder from any stranger on the street,” Ryter said. “It wasn’t super hard immersing myself into the culture because the people were all so friendly, and they were just willing to share local cuisine and culture and art with us.” Ryter said what distinguished the CULP trip from his other travels was the environment. “The other trips I’ve been on were civilian, vacation sight-seeing,” he said. “This was a military training environment. I was working with Vietnamese military officers, teaching them English.” Ryter said his favorite memory about the CULP mission is the camaraderie he and the other military personnel shared. “I built up a friendship and a professional military relationship with officers from another country,” he said. “Once I commission, if we go over there to do some kind of joint training exercise. … I may run into them because they have a very small military.” In addition to the cultural challenges, the cadets also had to adjust to the weather, nutritional and lodging differences, which were unique to their respective countries. Each of the cadets remained overseas for a month. Roy, Belcher, Reif, Black and Ryter received the opportunity to participate in CULP because they are contracted cadets who have been in good standing with the university and with ROTC. For more information about CULP, visit http://www.cadetcommand.army.mil/ culp/. Students who are interested in joining Cameron University’s ROTC program should visit http://www.cameron.edu/ militaryscience.
Cinéma français on display at festival Cheyenne Cole
Spoon, offered French dishes during the festival. Staff Writer Festival director and Associate Professor of French Cameron University’s and Spanish Marie-Ginette International Film Club, Baillargeon said the themes The Magic Lantern Film of the featured films at the Society, Phi Sigma Iota and Sigma Tau Delta hosted the festival transcend borders. “Whether you’re third annual French Film American, French, English, Festival from Aug. 18-20 and Aug. 25-27 in the University German or Chinese,” Baillargeon said “there is a Theatre. The free festival consisted family dynamic of raising children, of growing up of six nights of French films and relating within your with English subtitles. Thirty-five local businesses community. The culture might be different, but the promoted the festival, audience still understands.” and restaurants, including Baillargeon said Vice Lawton Country Club, The President of the International Percolator and The Silver
Film Club and senior public relations major Elizabeth Horman helped coordinate the festival and decided that the film series should be split into three parts. “I think that idea was a real spark of genius,” Baillargeon said. “Thursday nights are date night, Friday nights are family night and Saturday nights are for mature audiences. The truth is any student or mature person would like these films.” Horman, who has taken French language courses since she was 14 years old and watched foreign films
since she was 11, said the International Film Club selected the films for the festival during their meetings. “The process can be complicated,” Horman said. “When we consider a film for the festival, we have to keep in mind that the audience may not be interested in foreign language or culture and put ourselves in their place of possibly never having seen a foreign film.” Months of planning went into the festival as the committee struggled early to obtain the rights to play the films at the festival.
Baillargeon traveled to France to obtain the rights to screen the 2014 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie at the festival, which will not be released in the United States until Sept. 23. According to Baillargeon, festival attendance has doubled since the first festival, and the feedback audience members provided was overwhelmingly positive. She attributes the festival’s success to the audience’s ability to experience other cultures without the need to travel. For Horman, the festival provided a place for people
to connect and share their experiences. “The Lawton community and Cameron student body are both very diverse,” Horman said. “The festival films can expose the community to a different culture, and they tap into a lot of very real emotions that anyone can relate to.” For more information about the festival, visit Cameron University’s French Film Festival Facebook page. Students interested in the International Film Club can attend their first meeting at 3:30 p.m., Oct. 5, on the second floor of Nance Boyer.
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Voices
September 6, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Tribune News Service
Taking it off the field: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. Kaepernick recently received heavy criticism after sitting in protest during a playing of the national anthem, using his fame as a platform for social activism.
Sitting down and taking a stand a politician, but remember that gravity of these actions at the time. the President did not send me President of the International a message of Olympic Committee congratulations (IOC) ordered because, people the two American said, he was too runners suspended busy.” from the U.S. team, He may stating the act was not have been an affront to the a politician, apolitical nature of but Owens the Games. But he outspoke about was also a prominent his treatment Nazi sympathizer, so from the this view may be the President in a impetus behind his time when the reaction. Jim Crow flew However, that Jacob Jardel unabashedly was not the case. Voices Editor through the Members of the South. The American sports @JJardel_Writing runner left his world ostracized lane but was unafraid to speak his and heavily criticized Smith and mind. Yet his hero status remained Carlos. The two of them and their largely untarnished. families received death threats. Athletes John Carlos and Even Norman faced flak from the Tommie Smith could not say the Australian media and same for their political statement government. 32 years later in Mexico City. These incidents Smith won the gold medal in were part of a string of the 200 meters, running a record- similar protests against breaking time of 19.83 seconds. the typically white Carlos won bronze, finishing .04 establishment in the U.S. seconds behind silver medalist Two years earlier, boxer Peter Norman of Australia. But Muhammad Ali lost his the results were not the only boxing titles after facing draft thing that went down in Olympic evasion charges for not wanting history. to fight in the Vietnam War. After the race, the three went Track athletes Wayne Collett to the podium, the two American and Vincent Matthews were athletes shoeless with black socks banned from the Olympics after among other representations a protest similar to the Smith and of protests of black power and Carlos one blue-collar solidarity. All three at the 1972 medalists also wore Olympic Munich Project for Human Rights badges, Olympics. since Norman expressed empathy And these with their ideals. incidents During “The Star-Spangled are just Banner,” Carlos and Smith raised some of the their hands in a Black Power most salute with heads bowed, an image notable forever captured in the annals of popular culture. They left the podium to a rain of boos. But none of the athletes regretted the action. “We are black, and we are proud to be black,” Smith said. “Black America will understand what we did tonight.” Based on the reactions to this protest, few others realized the
About Us
ones of the era. One main thing they had in common: punishment for not “staying in their lane.” Today, these athletes receive praise for their courage and their ability to take a stance in a time we now recognize was rife with racial inequality. This renown happens beyond the sports world, too, since both Ali and the American runners are symbols of black efforts toward equality. Yet many still want to leave the politics out of sports. It’s not an invalid argument or wish, since many use sports to escape from otherwise bleak political situations and other doldrums and despairs of everyday life. But to think that sports are inherently apolitical is to oversimplify the power of different feats of athleticism. In a previous piece (“Catharsis with a swing of the bat”), the topic of sports as a source of healing came up in the context of different tragedies. However, sports can provide something else: a platform for unity behind a common goal. Look at movies surrounding team athletic achievement. “Invictus,” “Miracle” and even the three
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
COLLEGIAN
Our Views
Managing Editor - Vicky Smith Voices Editor - Jacob Jardel Student Life Editor - Joel Frambes A&E Editor - Erin Owens Sports Editor - Carl Johns Copy Editor - Krista Pylant Asst. Editors - Kerry Schoonaert, Sandi Colby Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
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.
Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Temilade Adelusi, Haley Berry, Derick Acheampong, Sandi Colby, Cheyenne Cole, Jonathan Good, Zayna Haliburton, Erin King, Robert King, Savanna Sanders, Kerry Schoonaert, George Weaver Staff Photographer - Chris Reif Advertising Manager - Vicky Smith Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
“Mighty Ducks” movies all focus on coming together. On the surface, the harmony wins the team the game. But deeper meanings show other motivations. The most prominent example is “Invictus,” based on the true story of how the South African rugby team defeated the heavily favored New Zealand team to win the Rugby World Cup for a nation coming out of the clutches of apartheid. The Springboks, now integrated, were a symbol of unity that could happen under president Nelson Mandela. They won the Cup as a team – an integrated, multiracial team. They acted as a smaller allegory for what the nation of South Africa could be. Just as importantly, they showed just how important sports can be in a much larger sociopolitical climate. Athletes like Smith, Carlos, Ali and a number of others realized this fact and have used –and continue to use – their platform to bring awareness to inequality. Thus explains the ESPYs opening speech from premier NBA players and Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem. Agree or disagree, it is their way of using the platform for awareness. They have the freedom to do so, just as those who disagree with it have the freedom to criticize them. So you can tell them to stay in their lane, but know that, in theory, they’re already in it.
Where sports and social activisim meet
Over the last few months, many individuals in the sports world have been taking stances about the state of race relations in the United States. A group of four elite basketball players stood on-stage at the 2016 ESPY awards and spoke on the need to stop police violence toward black individuals and potential retaliations toward law enforcement. Many in the sports world gave the four men praise for this action. More recently, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did not stand during the playing of the national anthem during a preseason game in protest for treatment of racial minorities in the country. In stark contrast, many within and outside the sports world lambasted him and his action with consistent use of the word “disrespectful.” Regardless of situation, there were still members of a contingency who would react to said actions with frustration. A number of individuals on Twitter would instruct the athletes to “stay in their lane” or focus solely on their sport. Many of these individuals feel as if sports are not the place for political introspection. However, that sentiment could not be further from the truth. Take, for example, the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. American track star Jesse Owens won four medals in a competition where German leader Adolf Hitler planned to showcase the dominance of Nazi Germany and purported Aryan superiority. Owens pretty much blew the latter notion out of the water. According to one German journalist, Hitler eventually shook Owens’ hand away from the press’ eyeshot. Meanwhile, President Franklin Roosevelt made little, if any, recognition of the athlete’s accomplishments. During a Republican rally in Baltimore that October, Owens spoke out about the situation. “Hitler did not snub me,” he said. “I am not knocking the President. Remember, I am not
Graphic by Jacob Jardel
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, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
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A&E
September 6, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
CUTV: Keeping Fall in focus Erin Owens A&E Editor
@TheErinOwens With the new academic year in full swing, Cameron’s broadcasting network (CUTV) students are working on a new line up and look for their shows.
CU News Former “CU News” producer Morgan Thompson graduated and handed the reins to junior Zayna Haliburton. Dr. Matt Jenkins, Cameron communication professor and executive producer of “CU News”, approached Haliburton about taking over the position last spring. After Thompson also approached Haliburton, they agreed the transition would begin toward the end of the semester. Haliburton said the knowledge she gained in media practicum gave her the confidence to accept the position. “When I stepped into that practicum, I didn’t know how to do a news story,” Haliburton said. “I never was in front of Courtesy Photo a camera; I really didn’t know Zooming In: Senior communication major DJ Vallier operates a camera during filming for CU News. Students change crew positions anything.” weekly to gain experience in every aspect of production. Check out all Cameron University student media at AggieCentral.com. Haliburton is excited for the new responsibilities and worked closely with to be interesting to see her transition into that. include the way interviews are conducted, draws in viewers and the show can evolve to Thompson learning the duties her new role We have a new host for ‘Film Geek,’ and we meet their needs.” adding more trailers and discussing which entailed. actually have a new host for a talk show.” movies are earning the most money at the box Sports Show “I kinda already got my hands wet,” office. Film Geek Haliburton said. “I knew what to expect As mentioned, a yet-to-be-named sports Savanna Says because she taught me.” Former “Film Geek” producer senior show will replace last year’s “Game Time. While Jenkins still remains Executive “Savanna Says” is new to CUTV Haley Berry now produces the sports show, Cu” Berry said she has always been passionate Producer for “CU News”, Video Production about sports and is excited to feature more of and senior Alexsis Page stepped in to produce programming this year. Senior Savanna and Industrial Technologies Manager Jeff “Film Geek.” Sanders hosts and produces the show, and the athletes’ backgrounds on her show. Larson assumed the title for the remaining senior Mary Davis directs. Page, who directed the show last year, “I want to be able to show our campus that CUTV produced shows. Larson said he is Davis feels optimistic about the shows said she is looking forward to making some these athletes don’t just step on a court or a looking forward to see what direction the ability to resonate with students. changes. field and play their game,” Berry said. “There’s shows will go this semester. “Savanna has an amazing talent for “I’m excited to do something different and a story behind them, and I plan on bringing that to light.” … see what way I can bring more of myself into connecting with her audience,” Davis said. “We’ve had to replace almost 90 percent of “The show will cover various topics that are Filming for the sports show begins our staff,” Larson said. “Haley Berry [has] gone the show,” Page said. relevant to students. Hopefully, the content Page said some changes she hopes to make Thursday Sep. 8. from ‘Film Geek’ to the sports show; it’s going
Watsky and Stirling shine in new albums Jacob Jardel Voices Editor
@JJardel_Writing While many in the music world lauded the release of “Endless” and “blond” from Frank Ocean, independent poet and rapper George Watsky’s newest album “xInfinity” (pronounced “times infinity”) came out on Aug. 19 to less mainstream fanfare. Electric violinist Lindsey Stirling’s newest album “Brave Enough” released on the same day to similar reaction. However, fans of both Watsky and Stirling awaited these two projects since their respective announcements. Stirling posted updates about “Brave Enough” on social media since the spring of 2016, while Watsky announced “xInfinity” a Graphic by Erin Owens
month prior to release as he continued press for his essay collection “How to Ruin Everything.” Regardless of hype and promotion, both albums proved worth the wait.
with more collaborations on top of tracks that feature Stirling on lead vocals for more than a few lines – rarely seen in previous work. From start to finish, Stirling evokes a spectrum of emotions from those who xInfinity listen to “Brave Enough” for the first time or for Watsky’s fifth studio the 15th time. album – fourth as a solo Following the artist – ushers the Bay Area thematic arc talent’s style into a newer and from “Shatter more ambitious territory. Me,” the Coming off the success of “All new album You Can Do,” a tribute to his covers the parents, Watsky referred to previously“xInfinity” as an ode to his addressed joyful nihilism in a Reddit themes of “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) breaking free thread. from turmoil. “I do think I’m still However, improving,” he said, “and Stirling has said while in the past I always this album is about took pride in my lyrics, I’m the open and almost trying hard to be a more wellintimidating world rounded musician … At this of what comes after point my only goal is to make breaking free. the things that excite me and This theme permeates that I’m proud of. through many tracks on the “I’m really proud of album, particularly within ‘xInfinity,’” Watsky said, “and “Where Do We Go” featuring that’s allowed me to not care Carah Faye of Shiny Toy that much about the public Guns fame. The pair pose a reception.” thematically central question On the surface, fans of the in the chorus: “Where do we rapper notice more refined go / when our prayers are and varied orchestration and answered, but the answer is arrangement compared to no?” other albums, growing on Stirling attempts to answer the direction “All this question throughout the You Can Do” rest of the album, showcasing took. “Tiny the highs and lows that come Glowing with growth, self-discovery Screens, Pt. and finding one’s place among 3” brought those they love. Tracks of the bombast Brave Enough note include “Don’t Let This from the Stirling also showed great Feeling Fade” and “Brave start, while the next two growth with the release of her Enough.” The collaborations tracks slowed it third studio album. “Brave Enough” comes two in the album are nearly down. omnipresent. Rivers Cuomo years after award-winning The rest of the from Weezer and rapper album comes filled sophomore effort “Shatter Lecrae feature heavily on with pits and valleys Me.” The violinist ups the ante “Don’t Let This Feeling Fade,” of musical tempo and assertiveness. However, the musical tone and lyrical tone never come into dissonance. Watsky’s new direction has not eschewed his awareness of how music and words mesh together. It will take a bit of time for listers to get used to the lyrical style of the first few tracks. Instrumentation and spoken word do not quite resonating as a whole, and as a result, the tracks fall flat – at least upon first listen. The tracks are not bad by any stretch, but listeners might have to research lyrics and think about the album holistically to fully appreciate it. The meat of the album comes in like Michael Jordan in his prime, wrapping up the last half of the album with masterful ease in songs that vacillate between thoughtful in “Stick to Your Guns” and whimsically introspective in “Going Down.” Overall, “xInfinity” sounds quite different from Watsky’s previous albums. However, the rapper proves that different is not always bad. On the contrary, this endeavor is one of the best kinds of different fans could ask for. It has its flaws, low points and things to get used to. Regardless, Watsky shows just how much he has grown – and is still growing. – 8 out of 10 tiny glowing screens
Graphic by Jacob Jardel
while Christina Perri provides her vocals on the title track. However, these appearances do not overshadow Stirling’s violin prowess or her status as lead artist. Also featured on the “Pete’s Dragon” soundtrack, “Something Wild” featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness addresses the major theme of self-discovery in a showcase of symphonic mastery. In a strong tonal shift, “Gavi’s Song” pays beautiful tribute to Stirling’s late friend and bandmate, expressing both sadness and
appreciation in graceful melodic fashion. Overall, this effort is on the same level as “Shatter Me.” Songs jump out at listeners with great staying power, though some songs may take longer to stick than others. As a whole, though, “Brave Enough” is a strong outing full of undeniably fantastic tracks. Indeed, this album revealed the brave new world Lindsey Stirling has in front of her. – 8 out of 10 wild somethings
6
Sports
September 6, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Getting set for volleyball season
Photo by Krista Pylant
In for the kill: Freshman Joseline Caraveo sends the ball over the net during a team practice. Caraveo and the Aggie volleyball team are getting ready for another season under head coach Qi Wang. After two tournaments, the Black and Gold will host West Texas A&M for their home opener on Sep. 16.
Krista Pylant
coach Qi Wang. Last season, the CU Copy Editor squad consisted of just two @KristaPylant8 upperclassmen and had 12 With their season opener incoming freshmen. quickly approaching, the Still, the Aggies Cameron volleyball team experienced their best start has been taking to the court since 1998, opening with a early in preparation for their 13-0 record and concluded upcoming matches. with a repeat appearance in The Aggies are no the Lone Star Conference strangers to having a young semi-finals, the program’s team, and this year is no first since the 2006 and 2007 different as the team returns seasons. only six sophomores and Youth will continue to be will see the addition of nine the theme for the Aggies, but freshmen and one junior for sophomore Jenna Gillean, transfer led by third year head the familiar setting provides
for a smooth transition and places the team at an advantage from a leadership standpoint. “I don’t think it’s a ton different because we only had a few upperclassmen last year, so we all kind of had to step up one by one and become a leader,” Gillean said. “We did open 13-0 last year, but I feel like our team chemistry is a lot better this year with a lot of positive energy going on, so as long as we are meshing as a team, I think we are going to do well.” Gillean along with Kayla
Allen and Paige Dixon are returning sophomores who were starters last season. Middle hitter Gillean begins her sophomore campaign coming off a 2015 season where she contributed a team high 84 blocks and a .275 hitting percentage as well as 281 kills - the second most for CU that season. Fellow middle hitter Allen was also one of four Aggies to amass over 200 kills last season at 206 and recorded the second highest number of team blocks with 77. Dixon, an outside hitter, made ten
starts during her debut season, seeing action in 23 games where she registered 87 kills and 21 blocks. Fellow returners Hailee Faustner, Brittany Lawson, and Shelby Mench will join ten newcomers who hope to make some noise early in the season. As last season’s LSC freshman of the year, Gillean hopes the upcoming season will bring a fresh start and new goals. “It’s a lot of pressure,” she said, “but I want to keep adding to the team as I can.
As far as a team, we want to be more consistent, and go further into the LSC tournament.” Allen said she wants the team to stay strong heading into their first matches. “I know we are a young team,” she said, “but it’s nothing we can’t handle, so we’re just going to go in headfirst and handle everything strong.” With the release of the LSC Preseason Poll last month, the Aggies are predicted to finish in seventh place in the league.
New coaches at the helm for basketball, softball Carl Johns Sports Editor
The Cameron University Athletic Department gained two additions to their coaching staff this year in Alex Furr and Dennis Furr, no relation. Alex Furr joins the Cameron women’s basketball program as the new assistant Photo coach after spending courtesy of six seasons as a Mike Mazzo student-athlete (2010-2016) at Fresno State. During her freshman year with the Bulldogs, Alex played alongside Cameron head coach Emma Andrews. Together, they helped bring Fresno the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championship in the
Alex Furr
2011 season. Alex earned a Master’s in psychology in 2016. Hailing from Athens, Texas, Alex grew up around the sport of basketball. Her father serves as head coach at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. With basketball season on the horizon, Alex said her goals for her student-athletes are for them “to be prepared to tackle not only things on the court but off the court as well. “You have to be a great learner in the classroom to be a great learner on the basketball court,” she said. The Aggies also welcome Dennis Furr, who will make his collegiate coaching debut in the spring as head coach of the softball program. Dennis brings 13 years of coaching experience to Cameron. He most recently served as head softball coach at Chickasha High school where he led the Fighting Chicks to four appearances at the Class 4A state tournament and repeat titles during the 2014-2015 seasons. Prior to his tenure at Chickasha, Dennis also was a head softball coach at Lawton-MacArthur High School from 2005-2011, leading the Highlanders to back-to-back Class 5A titles in 2008 and 2009. He also coached Sulphur High School from 2003-2005.
While the softball Photo by season does not Krista Pylant officially begin until the spring, Dennis has already outlined a few goals for the team. High on his list of priorities include placing dual emphasis on both athletics and academics. “Athletics is something that is going to make [student-athletes] more successful citizens,” Dennis said, “whether it be hard work, discipline, teamwork, or how to work together as a group to meet a team goal.” However, he mentioned that one tenant took top priority. “The main thing is to stay on task to get a degree,” he said, “and also during that same time to be able to be successful, to work together to reach a goal.”
Dennis Furr
Runners prepare for season Krista Pylant Copy Editor
@KristaPylant8 As the Cameron Cross Country team gears up for their first meet of the season, they will roll out a squad comprised primarily of freshmen. In his third year with the Aggies, head coach Zach Johnson brings in a class of nine freshmen who will make their collegiate racing debut at Cameron’s home meet, the Aggie Duals, on Sept. 3 at the Big Green Soccer Complex. Johnson feels optimistic about the team. “I’ve been happy with everyone’s effort and commitment so far,” Johnson said. “It’s just a little scary having a nearly all-freshman team, but I think they’ll be ready and they’ll do well. “Saturday is a pretty low-key event, so it’s a good meet for our freshmen who have a chance to learn the cadences and get in a race-day routine.” Antonio Moreno will join the freshmen as the lone senior who returns to the Aggies after taking a break away from the course during the 2015 season. Moreno competed for Cameron during his freshman and sophomore years.
Johnson said Moreno’s big role this year is to provide senior leadership heading into the season. “Antonio’s been through this before, and he knows Cameron,” Johnson said. “He’s running pretty well, and he’s doing a good job and is our team captain this year.” With the young squad, Johnson said he has adjusted the training regimen to better suit his student-athletes, many of whom have not experienced an elevated training load in the past. “We’ve done a little less mileage and volume in some of the workouts,” he said, “but they are getting stronger and are able to do more every week.” The Aggies will race four times in the regular season before this year’s Lone Star Conference Championship on Oct. 22 at Commerce, Texas. Cameron’s schedule includes meets at Oklahoma State and Fort Hayes State, both of which Johnson said will feature sturdy competition. Johnson feels his team will rise to the occasion. “They just need to stay focused and committed and try to get a bit better every week,” he said.