The Cameron University Collegian December 8, 2014

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Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, December 8, 2014

Volume 91 Issue 11

Holiday cheer unites Aggies, locals Charlene Belew Managing Editor

Photo by Charlene Belew

@cbelew15

Aggies and Southwest Oklahoma residents gathered on Dec. 1 - 2 for Cameron University’s annual Christmas tree lightings. CU-Duncan led the Christmas cheer with the first of the two CU tree lightings. From 6-8 p.m. each night, Lawtonians, Duncanites and Aggies alike gathered for two social evenings, complete with cookie decorating, horse drawn carriages and Ole Kim himself. Both events featured Christmas music, a background to the happy chatter that filled the early part of the evening. Lawton and Duncan both featured cookie-decorating stations for children of all ages, and in turn, almost 800 perfectly cut ginger bread girls and boys were used between the two nights. Deborah Wilson, a Sodexo employee who has headed the cookie table for seven years, helped children decorate their

Lighting up the season: University President John McArthur (right) joins Ole Kim and four children to light the tree at CU-Duncan. During the process, McArthur told children to face the North Pole, grab their ears and say “Santa Claus!” on the count of three. The tree lit. gingerbread people with sugar frosting, coconut shreds, M&M’s and a variety of other sugary treats. “They love this,” Wilson said about the girls and boys surrounding the table. “This is the best part of the deal – these cookies.” Attendees also roasted

marshmallows to make their own s’mores and made Christmas-themed paper crafts. Both trees lit at about 6:30 p.m. each night. In both instances, University President John McArthur, flanked by Ole Kim in a Santa hat, gathered children

to aid in the lighting of the tree. McArthur instructed the children in both groups to face the North Pole – Santa’s home – grab their ears and say “Santa Claus!” on the count of three. The trees magically lit, and both audiences cheered at the

sight. After Lawton’s lighting, the CU Centennial Singers charmed the crowd with several Christmas tunes and carols. At both holiday events, people lined up to ride the horse-drawn carriages. Two were seen at the main campus, while

one entertained the Duncan crowd. Others helped themselves to the mountain of goodies provided at the gathering, including cereal treats, brownies, cookies and

See LIGHTS Page 4 Photo by Vicky Smith

Naifeh named Dean of Students Charlene Belew Managing Editor @cbelew15

The Board of Regents overseeing Cameron University approved Zeak Naifeh as Dean of Students Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014. Naifeh, currently serving as the Director of Campus Life, will officially take the role as the successor to former Vice President Jennifer Holland on Jan. 2, 2015, just before the spring semester begins. An Aggie since June 2006, Naifeh began his career at CU as the Director of Student Activities. With his former title, he was in charge of the Aggie Rec Center and the McMahon Centennial Complex. His new position will require administration and leadership of the Office of Student Services, according to a press release. Naifeh will work with leaders of the Black and Gold to ensure a positive environment for Aggie students, both in and out of the classroom. According to a press release, Naifeh’s areas of oversight will include “campus housing, student activities, student government, student organizations, judicial affairs related to student conduct, student development, disability services, the Aggie Rec Center and the Student Wellness Center.” All of these components will play into the larger goal of providing the student population with a safe, comfortable campus. University President John McArthur said in a press release that Naifeh was

When page and screen collide Vicky Smith Copy Editor

@pinkwritinglady

Photo courtesy of Zeak Naifeh

hand-selected from the national search to continue impacting Cameron University and the surrounding community. “Zeak Naifeh has played a significant role in ensuring that Cameron students enjoy a complete collegiate experience,” McArthur said. An extensive national search for the Dean of Students resulted in a tremendous response for the opening. After consideration of several qualified applicants, Zeak Naifeh was selected for the position.” “In his expanded role at Cameron University, he will continue to be a tremendous asset for our students as

See NAIFEH Page 4

Lawton, Duncan and Garland Smith Public Libraries feature modern technology, including digital entertainment, online databases and internet education. In libraries once composed soley of paperback books upon wooden shelves, area libraries strive to integrate technology. Located at 110 SW. Fourth St. in Lawton, the Lawton Public Library brings together all Lawtonians.

Sydney Perry, a reference librarian, said the library serves to comfort and entertain people who are homeless. “They can come in here when it’s cold and rainy and have a place to be,” she said, “[and] use the computers.” She said the key draw of the library is the computer lab “for either people whose printer isn’t working or don’t have a computer.” Despite the popularity of technological devices, including kindles and iPads, Perry said some people still check out paper and hardback books. “Some people prefer the

old fashioned kind of books that you just open and read,” she said. “They’re not interested in the eBooks or anything.” The Duncan Public Library, located at 2211 U.S. Highway 81 in Duncan, caters to people worldwide through online databases. Jan Cole, director of the Duncan Public Library, said “people in India, people in Hawaii [and] people in China all have cards,” so they have access to the databases. The databases offered

See LIBRARY Page 4

The Collegian technology issue This edition of The Cameron Collegian provides an in-depth technology spin on most stories, and other technology based feature pieces. Flip to pages 9 and 10 for a special technology section that includes the ultimate Christmas guide, the evolution of technology and two reviews over the new movie “Mockingjay.” All content can be found online at www.aggiecentral.com. In a previous issue, the Layar application was used to provide more online media to print readers via a smart device. The Collegian staff will resume using Layar when the spring semester begins. Send your feedback to us on Twitter @AggieCentral.

What’s inside Film Geek host says goodbye Page 7

The ultimate Christmas gift guide Page 9

Lady Aggies win first season game Page 11


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