The Cameron University Collegian September 21, 2015

Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, September 21, 2015

Volume 93 Issue 3

2018

Cameron Plan Looking ahead Graphic courtesy of CU Public Affairs

in line with the others before it.

“Plan 2008 had just been put in place when I arrived here,” Sports Editor he said, “and each one of them has been ambitious. Each of @JJardel_Writing the five-year plans has helped us improve Cameron.”

Some of the initiatives put into effect so far have included Nearly halfway through Plan 2018, Cameron University Degree Works software, which helps students check has many initiatives to implement on top of those already in their academic progress, and Recruiter place. software, which helps Admissions Cameron’s third five-year plan, Plan and Prospective Student 2018 began in 2013 and has focused on Services staff keep in the phrase “Values driven, action contact with potential oriented.”

Student Learning students.

The proposals throughout Other changes the plan all focus on one of coming by the six core values: student Experience end of next learning; excellence in in Teaching, year include teaching, scholarship, Scholarship, improvements service and Responsible Service and to help mentoring; leadership Stewardship of Mentoring transfer in community and Public Resources, students region; shared the Public Trust and transition governance; diversity; Cameron’s Future Values Driven, to Cameron and responsible and the Action Oriented stewardship. establishment These six tenets of a act as a launching psychology pad for the various Leadership in our clinic to programs Cameron Community and train Master’s administration has Region Diversity students. established since 2013 and McArthur those they plan to put into added that other effect until 2018. According Shared initiatives are in the to Cameron University President Governance works to streamline routine Dr. John McArthur, the progress administrative processes in has been going relatively smoothly. order to eliminate excessive formality.

“I think we’re on track in most areas,” he One of these action plans involves establishing said, “but that’s why we do an internal annual update online enrollment for students. to see where we are. The ones that we’re lagging on, we’ll put “From a student perspective, I think it would be a big additional emphasis on this year.

“There are always so many good ideas that it helps us pick, change,” McArthur said. “They could go online and select their courses, interact with an advisor in an electronic format choose and prioritize,” McArthur said. rather than having to make appointments.”

Overall, Plan 2018 contains 42 action items under the With all these programs and more on the docket, umbrella of the six core values. According to McArthur, the McArthur said prioritizing the implementation becomes a commitment to success seen in this year’s five-year plan falls

Jacob Jardel

Value One:

Value Two:

Value Six:

Plan 2018:

Value Three:

Value Five:

Value Four:

What’s inside

LPD hosts picnic for kids Page 2

task for which he asks outside assistance.

“We look at the process itself,” he said, “listening to a wide array of stakeholders and trying to prioritize based on the impact on those different stakeholders.”

The stakeholders to whom he refers are the Cameron students, faculty and staff. The input he receives from them not only builds the basis for the action plan to begin but also helps him decide on which priorities he and the administration should focus.

“On an annual basis, once I see those priorities, my task is to allocate the university resources in the most effective way possible so we can make as much progress on as many of those items as we can,” McArthur said.

“We look at what we committed to do and say, based on what we know this year, here are the areas within that area we want to concentrate on more thoroughly,” he said. “We make notes as we see things that are missing or new good ideas that we want to pursue.”

Various changes within the university and throughout the global climate have shifted the focus of Plan 2018 over the years. With all of these priorities jockeying for position in different climates, the consistent adaptation is trying to keep student cost of education down.

According to McArthur, the work of the Office of University Advancement and the kindness of alumni has helped make this goal possible.

“That’s the biggest way we keep costs down,” he said. “It’s by having other people who’ve had great Cameron experiences giving back so that another generation of students can go to school at the lowest possible cost and still get a great education.”

In essence, these gifts can help students focus less on paying for the initiatives and more on studies and ideas that could better the university. McArthur said he is open to hearing student advice for what to do now and for Plan 2025, which goes into planning stages next fall.

“It’s your university as a student, and we welcome your opinions and thoughts as a student body,” he said. “We want to weigh those very carefully as we’re planning the future for this institution.”

For more information on Plan 2018, visit www.cameron. edu/plan2018.

LCT opens with Charlie Brown

Aggies continue streak

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Student Life

September 21, 2015 www.aggiecentral.com

Lawton police host picnic for kids Krista Pylant

hand to demonstrate various gadgets and vehicles their Managing Editor departments use to serve the @KristaPylant8 public.

Participants had the The Lawton Police opportunity to interact with Department hosted the officers and experience its annual Cops N’ Kids Picnic from 10 aspects of the job like riding a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. in a police car and wearing 12 at Elmer Thomas scuba diving gear.

According to LPD Park.

The event featured Sergeant Stephanie Crawford, the purpose of live music, games, the picnic is to bridge the bicycle raffles, an gap between the police antique car show and the citizens within the and an Impact communities they serve.

Zone Wrestling “The kids are our greatest demonstration. asset,” Crawford said, “so we Members of the wanted to do this to spend LPD, Oklahoma time with them and show Highway Patrol them that police officers are and other regional good people and that we are emergency departments were on their friends.”

Photos by Krista Pylant

Spending time with kids: (Above) Sergeant Daniel Harter of the Lawton Police Dept. lets a boy hold a buoyancy control device at the Cops N’ Kids Picnic on Sept. 12.

Several Cameron organizations volunteered at the picnic, including the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity who helped set up tables, distribute beverages and provide information to attendants.

Jermaine Ford, a criminal justice major and member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, said the picnic is a positive event for Lawton because it reduces the hesitation people often feel to call the police.

“The event is important because a lot of times people are afraid to call the police because they are made to be their enemies,” Ford said.

“There’s so much negativity and shadow on the police, but it takes something like this community oriented event to get the people familiar with the police.

“The kids come out here and see the police, so they won’t be scared of them or scared to call them if they need help.

It totally changes that perspective.”

For Sergeant Crawford, the event was a success, and she was pleased to see the impact it had on the community.

Crawford said, “I loved seeing all of the kid’s smiles and being happy.

That was the best part.”

Student Support Services receives grant very little instruction…I know they both put in a lot of hours to come up with what Sports Editor was best that we thought the Department of @JJardel_Writing Education was asking for.

“They did a really stellar review on all of With a refunding of a grant at the beginning of the semester, Cameron Student that,” she said.

Upon hearing the news of the grant’s Support Services (SSS) was funded to renewal, Thomas said a sense of relief came provide their services for the next five years. over her and the rest of the office.

SSS has been at Cameron for almost “Everyone’s job here hinged on that three decades thanks to funding from the grant getting refunded,” she said. “The United States Department of Education. continuation of this program hinged on the The program gives qualified undergraduate grant getting refunded. So it is a lot of stress.” students assistance in improving academic Jones said the stress was not just for her skills. job security.

In order to keep the program going, “We were concerned about ourselves,” Director of SSS Doreen Thomas has been writing grants for Department of Education Jones said, “but we were also concerned about funding. However, with changes in the grant, our students because we feel that this is much more than just a job we come to every day. It’s Thomas called on Lisa Jones, an academic our calling and our careers.” advisor and tutor coordinator for SSS, and With their jobs and the program intact, Gilbert Doster, an SSS advisor and Cameron Jones and Doster said they had various alumnus who went through the program.

“Lisa and Gilbert worked on a brand new groups to thank for assisting them. Jones made note of the Office of Teaching and part this year that’s never been asked for us Learning. to write before,” Thomas said. “There was

Jacob Jardel

“We’ve had huge support from Dr. Kingsley,” Jones said. “We appreciate all that she goes out of her way to do for us.”

Doster made sure to thank two other programs for their help.

“We did get a lot of help through Institutional Research and Financial Aid,” Doster said. “They really helped us get the information we are required to submit. Big kudos go out to them.”

To Doster and Jones, the support and the information was vital for the success of the grant’s refunding. However, for Jones, another good thing came from the process of writing the grant.

“It gave us the time to just step back and evaluate how we operate and what we want to do that’s innovative and attractive to our students to bring them in and build community,” she said. “It gave us time to reevaluate.

“We’re really having to evaluate if things are working,” she said, “and how we can relate to our students better.”

With the grant money now funding the

program until 2020, Thomas said there is a lot to look forward to for the program, especially with new technology for their writing and math labs. Yet, there is one aspect that she hopes will also improve in the next five years.

“I’m hoping that the program is more prevalent across campus and that more faculty, staff and students know about it,” she said. “Part of our goal this year is to work on PR and really get it out there to the classrooms, the students and the faculty.”

According to her, the push for more visibility will help add to the more than 2,400 students who have already been a part of the program. With the support she and SSS have received while at Cameron, Thomas said she thinks that number will continue to grow.

“We’ve got quite a legacy behind us,” Thomas said, “and I hope we have years and years in front of us.”

For more information about Student Support Services, call 581-2352 or email ljones@cameron.edu.

Traveling across campus: biking, skating, boarding Tyla Eakins

Student Life Editor @Tyla_Eakins

As summer weather comes to a close, Cameron University students are exploring a variety of on campus travel options.

Perhaps the most common way around campus is to walk.

Senior computer science major Don Brogdon commutes from Duncan to Lawton and said it’s easier for him to walk once he’s on campus.

“I can’t really travel to Cameron with a bicycle,” Brogdon said, “and my car is more convenient to get to other places.

Brogdon also said he parks far away from classes in the Cameron “Be Healthy” parking spaces.

“I think it’s healthy to walk,” he said.

Some of the health benefits of walking include reducing stress, improving sleep and raising cognitive function.

One way for students to see the entire campus and stay healthy is to walk the Aggie

Mile. The Aggie Mile, which encompasses Cameron Park, the Bentley Gardens and the Charles S. Graybill Courtyard, paves the way for students to have a healthier lifestyle and a scenic route to class.

Not everyone on campus walks to classes though. Freshman accounting major Tshering Sherpa uses her bike to get around campus.

“It’s easier than walking,” Sherpa said, “and I get to class faster.”

Getting to class faster is not the only reason Sherpa uses her bike on campus.

Bicycling burns more calories than walking, tones leg muscles and improves coordination.

Sophomore biology major Johnathan Drake and freshman computer science major Cody Steele use a less common way to travel around campus. They use a Ripstik Caster board: a two wheeled board with two platforms divided by a spring, much like a skateboard.

Ripstiks improve balance, make leg muscles stronger and increase heart rate,

and Drake says it’s more exciting than other methods of getting around campus.

“It’s much more fun to get around campus like this,” Drake said.

Steele also prefers to use a Ripstik Caster board to get around campus.

“It’s like surfing on concrete,” Steele said.

There are many options for students to traverse on campus. The upcoming autumn weather and a healthier lifestyle can be enjoyed on roller blades, on a bicycle, on a skateboard, or in some walking shoes.

Photo by Vicky Smith

Boarding across campus: Sophomore communication major Krista Pylant has been riding skateboards since she was four years old.

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Student Life

September 21, 2015 www.aggiecentral.com

Students prepare for Miss Black CU sure the winner also received Assistant Managing Editor funds for their education, which was awesome.” @pinkwritinglady Thompson said the pageant is open to all female Coming in February is Cameron students. the 37th annual Dr. Valree “You have to be a fullWynn Miss Black CU time student the semester Pageant, sponsored by the prior [to the pageant],” she Black Student Association. said.

“You have to become a Students who are interested member of the Black Student in competing in the Association, so it’s just a $10 pageant should attend the informational at 5:30 p.m. on due that you pay for that, Monday, Sept. 28 in meeting and then each contestant has to raise at least $500 in ads.” room 211 of the MCC. Thompson said at the Whoever is crowned Miss informational on Sept.

Black CU 2016 will receive a 28, she will explain what $1200 scholarship from the the pageant will entail, Black Student Association. including rehearsal dates and Last year, senior Marissa Williams received the title of individual contest categories of the pageant.

Miss Black CU 2015.

“We rehearse pretty The director of the much from October until pageant, Taylor Thompson, February,” she said. “It’s who is the coordinator of a long process, but we diversity affairs and Miss want to make sure that Black CU 2008, said the the contestants are fully purpose of the pageant is prepared.” to celebrate Black History She said on the morning Month. of the pageant, the “The pageant was started contestants will go to an

by Dr. Valerie Wynn,” interview. At the pageant Thompson said. “She was a that night, they will perform professor here at Cameron, an opening number, then and it was started in the proceed with ambassadorial 80s. She created it just to wear, talent, evening wear give students a chance to showcase their talents…She and on-stage question and answer. worked really hard to make

Vicky Smith

Photo by Haley Swinford

Miss Black CU: Senior Marissa Williams will soon be passing her crown to another Aggie.

Thompson said she especially enjoys the ambassadorial wear category of the pageant.

“What we do is we have each contestant come out and portray an African American woman in history,” she said, “so it’s kind of like that history component celebrating Black History Month that is really unique to our pageant. That’s always my favorite because the girls come out, and they’re full-on embodying this person.

“They go through a little bio, and they don’t say who they are until the very end, so it gives the audience a chance to follow along with the story and then guess who they think that contestant is.”

Thompson said participating in the pageant is a great experience for students because they can use the skills they gain far after the pageant.

“Just little things like interview techniques are so important,” she said. “They learn how to be able to have a conversation speaking in front of people … [and how] to put an event together.”

In addition to practical skills, Thompson said the

contestants build friendships with one another, as well as make connections with people beyond Cameron campus.

“In November, we host a sponsorship gala,” she said, “and what that is, is we have certain organizations in the community that will sponsor contestants, and they give contestants money to buy jewelry and shoes.

Some even help them buy their dresses.”

The contestants will also receive the opportunity to interact with younger girls in the community.

“We do a community service event in January,” Thompson said. “Typically, it’s for girls ages 5 to 17, and we teach them things about table manners and bullying and just things that they might not learn in school but that are important for them.

It’s really a lot of fun.”

Thompson said she would like to encourage students to attend the informational.

“At least hear what it’s about, what’s required and then make a decision from there,” she said. “The actual deadline to sign-up won’t be until Oct. 19. Our first rehearsal will be Oct. 25.”

Diversity Affairs hosts ‘What is transracial?’

Tyla Eakins

Student Life Editor @Tyla_Eakins

Cameron University’s Coordinator of Diversity Affairs, Taylor Thompson, kicked off CU’s first “Snacks and Chats” of the semester with the topic “What is Transracial?” at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in the MCC Buddy Green Room.

Thompson said that when it comes to understanding what transracial is, she’s learning too.

“I am not an expert on what it means to be transracial – what the definition is, if it is possible – so I am here just as much as you guys [students] are to learn from one another,” Thompson said.

The open discussion is meant to be an opportunity where people can express thoughts and opinions and respectfully respond and discuss with others.

“Anytime we do a diversity workshop, we want to create a safe space,” Thompson said, “which just basically means anything we say in this room we like to keep it in this room.

We want people to be comfortable really being open and honest. Listen to understand and not to just reply.”

The term transracial became controversial after N.A.A.C.P. chapter president Rachel Dolezal, who identifies as black was revealed by her parents to have been born white.

Thompson prompted student discussion by reading articles and quotes pertaining to transracialism.

Senior psychology major Michael Ndekwe compared being transgender to being transracial.

“I guess it would be the same thing as being transgender to an extent,” said Ndekwe. “I mean, they feel they were born one way, but identify as another. It’s the same thing with transracial identity.”

Ndekwe believes transracial is possible.

“I’m black,” said Ndekwe.” When I was growing up, up until maybe I was eight I was living in an Asian community in Maryland, that’s all I did. My friends were Asian, their parents were Asian, that’s how that was.

“So even today most of my friends are Asian. I don’t know about the extent that Rachel took it to – lying. But definitely you can identify as something else.”

Ndekwe enjoyed the discussion.

“It was enlightening because I was kind of curious about it. I felt like I kind of fit in that category, a little bit” He believes race should be acknowledged but not define who someone is.

“You have to know your background,” Ndekwe said. “You have to know where you’re from. You should be proud of that.

“As human beings we have different cultures. It inspires our art, it inspires our language, our foods, all kinds of things but your race shouldn’t be so important that you have a dominating view over people.”

The next event in the “Snacks and Chats” series of discussions on generation gaps will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in the MCC Buddy Green room.

Cameron creates Dominica donation drive Vicky Smith

Assistant Managing Editor @pinkwritinglady

“The National Hurricane Center declared that Tropical Storm Erika dissipated near the north coast of eastern Cuba at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015.

The impacts of Tropical Storm Erika left roads washed out, homes damaged and an airport flooded across Dominica in the Lesser Antilles on Aug. 27.

On Aug.29, NBC News reported, “The prime minister of the Caribbean island of Dominica said Friday that at least 20 people have died in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Erika.”

After hearing about the natural disaster abroad, Cameron math instructor Irene Corriette decided to take action.

She organized a Dominica donation drive from Sept. 8-11, with drop-off locations at Ross Hall and the MCC. Organizations who helped with the drive include Students of the Caribbean Photos by Vicky Smith (SOCA), MathCom and International Working toward a cause: Cameron University Club, as well as students and faculty Math Instructor Irene Corriette works alongside from the math department and from Cameron University students to give aid to the Domincan Republic following Tropical Storm Erika. To get involved or to find out across campus, including Dr. Thapa, where other donations can be made, visit the Dominica American Relief and Development Association website at darda.org.

Megan Canfield and Janet Williams.

People on and off campus donated “I do have family there: my mother, sister, of my students said she went to her church and Pierre said she is appreciative of the number items such as non-perishable foods, water, brother, uncles, aunts,” she said. “We had had them get stuff, so she has a whole car load of items donated. clothing for babies, and diapers. one person whose house got flooded – their of stuff to bring in, so that’s really special. I’m “The drive was very successful based Corriette said the organization that is in property got flooded. It was a lot of damage.” very hopeful.” on the short period of time in which it was charge of the drop-off locations nationwide Corriette said a river actually swept away Also from the Caribbean is the president conducted,” Pierre said. “Us carrying on is the Dominica American Relief and one of her uncles during the tropical storm. of SOCA, Diandra Pierre, who is a business this drive really will help improve their lives Development Association (DARDA).

“He was able to get out,” she said, “so that management major. in terms of providing food and clothing for “They’re a US-based group that started back was close, but we were pretty lucky. We didn’t “I am from Grenada,” Pierre said. persons who are in need. in 1979 when we had Hurricane David hit the have any loss of life, and everyone’s okay, so “It’s a neighboring island, so I can relate “I just want to say thank you so much to all island [Dominica] and just totally devastated that’s really good.” to Dominica’s situation because we also those who gave” the island.” Corriette said.

When the donation drive was ongoing, experienced similar events in the past couple For students who would still like to donate This donation drive was especially Corriette said a couple of her students told her years. I know what it’s like not to have the food items to the people whose lives were impacted important to Corriette because she is originally that they would bring supplies. and how important it is when you get it and

by Tropical Storm Erika, visit darda.org for a from Dominica.

“I thought that is so great,” she said. “One you receive that help from abroad.” list of contacts and drop-off locations.

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Voices

September 21, 2015 www.aggiecentral.com

Photos courtesy of New York Daily News

Play ball: (Left) New York Yankees fans make a statement in response to the Sept. 11 attacks during the 2001 World Series. (Top) Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes places a “Boston Strong” jersey on the World Series trophy at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the site of a bombing months before. The photos represent the impact sports had on the healing of both cities, uniting not only diehard fans but also a nation of people who, for one season, were all fans of the teams and their cities.

Catharsis with a swing of the bat What makes sports important in the grand scheme of things?

Many sports fans have asked themselves this question, while many more have had others ask this question in various intonations. The question in and of itself is loaded because, in truth, they aren’t. Sports are just part of the umbrella of little things that play a minor role in our everyday lives.

But, when tragedy strikes, sports play an important role in one aspect of life: catharsis.

Nobody expected the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 to happen. People went to work thinking it would be another normal day at the office. Children went to school wondering what the cafeteria had for lunch. All was typical in America for the first part of the morning.

Then news came through the wire about planes hitting the World Trade Center in New York. The collective eyes of the nation simultaneously glued themselves to television screens and wept as more

details came to light.

Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig cancelled all games for the day in an effort to help the nation grieve. After all, New York was not only a hub of culture in America but also a hub of baseball. While the Mets called Queens home, the Bronx hosted a cultural institution in and of itself: the New York Yankees.

Indeed, the Yanks are as much a part of the New York state of mind as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

In many cases, the team is an intricate part of American culture.

So it was no surprise when then-President George W. Bush felt compelled to throw out a ceremonial first pitch during the 2001 World Series.

However, he did not do so at Game One in Arizona. Rather, he opted to open Game Three at Yankee Stadium.

“When presented with the opportunity of throwing out the first pitch, I seized it,” Bush said, “because I knew that

baseball could be a part of the carry on. It was just big enough recovery after 9/11.” to be a part of our identity but This logic was evident just peripheral enough to keep in stadiums throughout the the purity of the game from country months earlier when being caught in the fracas.

Major League stadiums in six But when the tragedy locations hosted games on Sept. hits the sport itself, it can be 17. Fans in hard to call the Chicago, world of sports Pittsburgh extraneous. and Boston The Boston put aside Marathon has rivalries for been a staple of one night the American and showed sporting support landscape after for New its establishment York and its in 1897. Always Yankees. held on the third Jacob Jardel So when Monday in April Sports Editor Bush threw a (Patriot’s Day), @JJardel_Writing perfect strike the marathon at Game Three, the raucous brings runners the world over ovation in the Bronx was not to New England to compete in for him or the Yankees. It was the region’s most widely viewed for an American sense of unity, sporting event. for a sense that we as a nation Many spectators of the were not just allowed to regain 2013 Marathon lined the home normalcy – we were encouraged stretch on Boylston Street, to. watching as competitors raced In this case, like in many, a by completing the marathon. sport served as a symbol that we Approximately two hours after as a nation had the strength to the winner completed the race,

two pressure cooker bombs went off near the finish line.

After a subsequent shooting and manhunt, the casualty total sat at 286, six of which were deaths from bomb-related injuries or the shootout. Many near the explosions needed amputations, including some of the runners unable to complete the race.

There is an awesome SportsCenter Featured story about Rebekah Gregory, a victim of the bombing during the race, who trained to run a portion of the race in April 2015. It is one of the many pieces about runners who came back from the 2013 race to compete in subsequent years.

But the main story of sports unity, once again, lies in baseball.

The Boston Red Sox had just opened the season, facing off against the Indians in Cleveland when the bombings happened. Immediately, Cleveland fans and fans throughout the league showed the team and the city support, which continued throughout

the next few weeks.

Boston rallied behind the Sox, who finished first in the American League East and went on to win the World Series. Throughout the season, the team carried a jersey with the number 617 emblazoned on the back between the words “Boston Strong.”

Indeed, “Boston Strong” was the rallying cry throughout the season and up to the World Series ticker tape parade, which ended at the finish line for the Marathon. The team placed the trophy and the Boston Strong jersey on the finish line to honor the victims and the healing city.

Those moments of solidarity between team and place make sports an important part of society, whether it’s a team playing for a city in grief or an entire league trying to bring normalcy to a nation in dire need of it or any of the countless examples the world over.

It’s not the only catharsis, but it’s a major one; and in dark times, any light – even a stadium light – will help illuminate the path to healing.

Responding to the infidelity of AshleyMadison.com

The slogan for the website AshleyMadison. the Ashley Madison scandal would not have com is, “Life is short. Have an affair.” resulted in divorces, scarred reputations and However, Noah in the Nicholas Spark’s possible suicides. novel “The Notebook,” values a much different According to CNN, AshleyMadison.com “is relationship: “She made me who I am, and designed to help married people cheat on their holding her in my arms was more natural to spouses.” me than my own heartbeat…Even now, when On July 20, Business Insider reported, “The I’m sitting here, I think about her. There could extramarital-affair website Ashley Madison was never have been another.” hacked [by an unidentified group called ‘Impact I’m on Noah’s side, but how can I choose Team’] and the details posted online.” “forever” if the decision is According to CNN, only half mine? a month later, “hackers Although I grew up exposed 32 million Ashley inhaling romance movies and Madison customers’ names, exhaling images of Zac Efron credit card numbers, emails, at the end of the isle, I’m not home addresses and sexual the naïve girl I used to be – preferences.” the one who only allowed When I first heard about Ken to date Barbie, even the Ashley Madison scandal, after her head fell off. my thoughts revolved around But I refuse to lose faith both the spouse cheated on in the covenant of marriage. and the cheater: their broken Vicky Smith If the covenant of relationship, their children, marriage were not holy, Assistant Managing Editor their memories, their dreams sacred and respectable, then and their mixture of endless @Pinkwritinglady About Us

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.

Our Views

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

tears and fits of anger.

How does one possibly respond?

Divorce? Forgiveness?

Even though I’m not married, my response to the scandal still makes an impact.

It’s tempting to throw away the notion of ever getting married. I could be stereotypical and claim, “They’re all the same. I’m not going to trust any guy.”

But that’s not true.

No, I don’t believe every word written by Nicholas Sparks, but disregarding the covenant of marriage not only hinders my future but also the present hope of those who are struggling in their marriages.

In the article “Staying Married is Not About Staying in Love,” John Piper says, “Staying married, therefore, is not about staying in love.

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Krista Pylant Asst. Managing Editor - Vicky Smith A&E Editor - Brandon Clark Sports Editors - Jacob Jardel, Krista Pylant Student Life Editor - Tyla Eakins Copy Editor - Joel Frambes Aggie Central Editor- Charlene Belew

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Circulation Managers - Krista Pylant, Vicky Smith Advertising Manager - Charlene Belew Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz

Courtesy of CNN

It is about keeping covenant. ‘Till death do us part,’ or, ‘As long as we both shall live’ is sacred covenant promise – the same kind Jesus made with His bride when He died for her.”

Those hurt by the Ashley Madison scandal need to be treated with genuine care and sensitivity, not another passive statement of “He or she does not deserve you.”

Some spouses are struggling to believe they can ever have a future built on trust. If I become cynical, from whom do they receive support?

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.

September 21, 2015 www.aggiecentral.com

5

A&E

LCT opens with ‘Charlie Brown’ I’ve ever been a part of,” Ortner said. “Just having to work with six people, you really get to know the people you’re working with, and they basically become your family … and you never really lose that friendship afterwards.”

Among the people Ortner worked with are Cameron graduates Alyssa Yates, who played Lucy, and Byron Phillips, who played Schroeder.

Dr. Greg Hoepfner, who is the chair of the Cameron music department, was the Courtesy of Lawton Community Theatre music choreographer of Playing the roles of Charlie Brown’s friends: (Left) Byron Phillips, who the play. played Schroeder, and (Right) Alyssa Yates, who played Lucy, are Cameron graduates.

For Cameron students who have not been to looking for people to be in their play must first call to make a “[The preview show] is really a play presented by the show, so they want you. They reservation. Cameron students a dress rehearsal,” McCartney Lawton Community want you to be good.” said, “but we feel like we’re will receive an admission Theatre, Ortner said they McCartney said the next ready to have an audience tell discount. are welcome to come. production LCT will present is us where the laughs are and tell “With a student ID, you “Give it a chance,” he “The Rocky Horror Show” on can get in for $12,” McCartney us where the applause needs to Oct. 29-31. go because they haven’t heard said.

Courtesy of Lawton Community Theatre said. “You might wind up liking it if you’ v e never “It’ s a second season show,” that, so we allow people to She said people who cannot He’s the good man: CU sophomore Matthew Ortner been.” she said, “and that’s because afford the $12 may come to the come for free.” played the role of Charlie Brown in the season’s first show.

According to the material is objectionable to preview show, which is always For more information show a typical day in the life of McCartney, Cameron students some people…The show after the Thursday night before the about the Lawton Community Vicky Smith that is ‘Crimes of the Heart,’ play opens on Friday. Because Theatre audition and Assistant Managing Editor Charlie Brown,” she said. “You are also welcome to audition for plays. know, Charlie Brown is a sort and that’ s a classic. production times and dates, “Rocky Horror Show” is a @pinkwritinglady “You can come and just of a beaten-down character.

McCartney said people second season show, however, it visit lct-ok.org or call 580-355The 64th season of Lawton He’s not very self-confident, so walk in the door to audition,” who would like to attend a 1600. will not have a preview show.

Community Theatre (LCT) McCartney just the funny things you read opened with “You’re a Good in the comic strips – it’s like the said. “If it’s Man, Charlie Brown” at 8 p.m. comic strip has come to life.” just a play, we on Sept. 11. read from the Matthew Ortner, a The managing director of script…If it’s a sophomore social studies the play, Martha McCartney, musical, you’re education major at Cameron, said the play selection asked to sing played the role of Charlie committee chose “You’re a at least 16 bars Brown.

Good Man, Charlie Brown” Ortner, who shaved his head of a song.” because they wanted something to fit the role, said his favorite As for happy. students who part of acting was mimicking “Charlie Brown. When you Charlie Brown’s personality. get those think of it, people just smile,” nervous jitters, “I’m not a depressed McCartney said. “Because McCartney person,” he said. “I’m a very of the calendar and the way said the happy, upbeat kind of person, it fell, for our show to not be so probably the most enjoyable directors do on top of anybody else’s… not put down thing was trying to act as our choices were limited. people who depressed as I can be and as Sept. 11 was [available], and audition.

Charlie Brown as I can be.” we thought, ‘What could be “Smile,” Ortner’s role in “You’re a more Americana than Charlie Good Man, Charlie Brown” she said.

Brown?’”

“Show the marks his seventh show with McCartney said “You’re a personality the Lawton Community Courtesy of Lawton Community Theatre Good Man Charlie Brown” was Theatre. that you Singing with Charlie Brown: Chair of the Cameron music department Dr. Greg Hoepfner not a customary kind of show. have…They “This was one of the most (playing the piano) was the music choreographer for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the “It’s done in vignettes that [directors] are enjoyable productions that Lawton Community Theatre’s opening play for its 64th season. It premiered at 8 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Cameron Art Guild promotes art awareness Brandon Clark A&E Editor

@Brandon_writing The Cameron University Art Guild held their first meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to introduce new students to the organization and address some upcoming projects.

The Art Guild is dedicated to the promotion, awareness and appreciation of the arts, and junior art major Theresa Riemer says she joined the Art Guild

because the club’s dedication to the importance of art.

“It’s a way to help raise awareness about the amazing art program we have at Cameron,” Riemer said. “I want to be a part of that.”

Monika Linehan, Professor of Art, says the Art Guild is an extracurricular organization that allows students to discuss art.

“It is an organization for our art students to come together,” Linehan said, “They discuss various aspects of art [and] do

community service based on art.”

The Art Guild is primarily art major students, but all majors are welcome to join the club. The cost of membership is 5 dollars.

This semester students will be involved in several different projects, one of which includes submitting designs to place on benches at Shepler Park for the Day in the Park scheduled on Oct. 10.

Students will also design holiday cards to raise money to help support student art shows in December.

Linehan said Cameron professors also use the Art Guild as a recruiting tool.

“It [Art Guild] is centered around getting information out about the Art Department,” Linehan said. “We have gone to high schools and share information with high school students, we have brought guest artists through the Lectures and Concerts Series.”

For more information about the Art Guild, contact Linehan by email at mlinehan@cameron.edu or stop by the club meeting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in the Art Building room 107.

Review: Oklahoma State Fair fun, food and family

When it comes to the rides, all-day passes are available for purchase for $20 during Staff Writer the week and $25 on the weekends.

For an extra $10-15, people can At beginning of fall of every year buy the gold access pass and use the state fairgrounds hosts a twothat to cut the lines. week long event: the Oklahoma Dr. Pepper sponsors a State Fair. family fun zone with activities The Oklahoma State to do all day long for people Fair has an annual influx of of all ages. It also provides a over 1,000,000 visitors each place to take a seat and relax. year to the fairgrounds in They will have pig races, zip Oklahoma City. It’s full of lines and a bungee jump in the rides, food, concerts and many family fun zone. other events like Disney on I think the “City of Ice, which the whole family can AGtropolis” is a unique enjoy. attraction at the fair. According to One of the most popular events, okstatefair.com, it is an “agricultural especially for kids, is Disney on Ice. education adventure.” Agtropolis creates This year’s show is based off of the movie a mock-city consisting of a series of places “Frozen,” which is a movie that shows the love Graphic by Vicky Smith that may look familiar to any Oklahoman. of two sisters.

Similarly, Frontier City is like walking into a western The state fair is also known for its delicious food. They movie. They offer many different country-themed showcases. have thousands of vendors selling local delicacies from deep The Barnyard Birthing Center teaches people about the fried foods to candy. The state fair’s website now has a “food birthing process, as well as veterinary science and responsible finder” that summarizes all of the food the state fair will be pet ownership. The Birthing Center serves as a gateway to the offering this year.

Angela Jenkins

livestock, horse and other agricultural events taking place at the State Fair.

Then there is the Oklahoma expo hall, which holds “State Fair Station.” The red, green and blue lines will virtually show visitors to various places around the fair to experience Oklahoma through local vendors, homegrown businesses, Oklahoma products and entertaining demonstration.

The state fair also offers extreme bull riding followed by a country music concert. This year, the Casey Donahew Band and Gary Allen will be on stage.

There’s even a wine and beer garden so adults can have some fun sitting under the shade and enjoying tasting wines or craft beers.

The state fair also will be hosting exhibits such as the car show, the Clydesdales alley, the petting zoo, an antique tractor display area, Oklahoma paintings and pictures exhibits, 4H Club and Future Farmers of America, kids creations, and a craft area. There also will be various places to shop and a plethora of completions for fairgoers to enjoy as well.

This year the state fair will open at 8 a.m. and close between 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. depending on the turn out and the weather. It takes place during the dates of Sept. 17-27.

Admission is $10 for adults at the gate, $5 for children over age 5, and free for children under the age of 5. Tickets can be ordered online before Sept. 16th at a discounted price of $7 for adults and $4 for children.

Sports 6 Serves up: CU tennis courts resurfaced for season September 21, 2015 www.aggiecentral.com

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Photos by Krista Pylant

Setting up: The Cameron tennis courts underwent resurfacing in preparation for the upcoming season. The above photos show a progression from old court (top left) through the stages that led to its current finish (bottom right). Aggie tennis hosts its first home matches of the season in February against Oklahoma Baptist.

Volleyball defends undefeated streak Krista Pylant

12 and achieved a team high .455 hitting percentage.

Managing Editor Evans also earned her sixth double@KristaPylant8 double on the season by contributing 16 digs.

Cameron volleyball remains undefeated after Continuing on the defensive side, Ciandra taking Fort Hays State into a five-set nail biter Seabourn earned 21 digs and Jordan Williams (25-23, 20-25, 25-13, 23-25, 15-10) on Sept. 12 added 20. Madison Holle recorded a team high at the Tiger/Savage Storm Classic in Ada. 31 assists.

This is the 8-0 Aggies’ best start since 1998, Despite Fort Hays State recording more and the Black and Gold still remains the only kills, Tigers’ 61 to Aggies’ 57, the Aggies had undefeated team in the Lone Star Conference. the better hitting percentage, leaving the Offensively, Kendra Adams and Kat Evans match with .187 compared to the Tigers’ .154. led the Aggies in kills by adding 13 each with Cameron had the only aces of the match, four to Kayla Allen right behind them who added the Fort Hayes State’s zero. Cameron also led in

digs with 96 and had seven errors to Fort Hayes with multiple ties and lead changes. Despite State’s 13 errors.

CU’s early effort, the Tigers came up on For the first set, both teams swapped points Cameron late in the set at 23-20. Two kills from until a kill by Adams knotted the score at the Tigers and one error from the Ags gave the seven and a kill by Jordan Williams brought set to FHSU, 23-25.

Cameron’s first lead of the game, 8-7. The set The Black and Gold stormed set five with remained close as the Tigers inched toward the the advantage match high .412 hit percentage.

Black and Gold’s lead late in the match at 24-23 Adams got the set winning kill, earning the until an attack error by Mallory Flagor brought Aggies a 15-10 victory.

Cameron the win, 25-23.

A kill by CU’s Jenna Gillean started off set two, and the Ags’ took an early 4-1 lead, but three Cameron errors allowed FHSU to tie the set at four.

Set two went back and forth between the teams, with 11 ties and five lead changes as the Tigers rallied to take the set 20-25.

Attacking errors proved to be Fort Hays State’s undoing in the third set, and offensive Photo by Krista Pylant bursts from Adams, Evans and Send it over: Freshman Jenna Gillean sends the ball Allen brought three kills each over the net.

The Aggies defeated Fort Hays State to to earn Cameron the set, 25-13. go 8-0 on the 2015 season heading into LSC play.

Set four mirrored set two

CU runners take second Jacob Jardel

sixth-place time of 20:42, nearly five seconds shy of cracking the top five.

Sports Editor Sophomore Leonard Kiplagat was the @JJardel_Writing next Aggie runner to finish, crossing the line Hot on the heels of a win in their in 12th place individually with a time just first meet of the season, Cameron’s cross over 21:38. Freshman Austin Akins finished country team was back in action on Sept. in 13th individually with a time two seconds 10 in Wichita Falls for the Midwestern shy of Kiplagat’s pace.

State Mustang Junior Grant Wignall Stampede. was the final countable The Black and runner to finish for CU, Gold finished the with a final time of 21:50, four-team race in enough for 15th place second place with individually. a team score of Freshman Roberto 48 and an average Barrios finished in time of 21:11.

16th place individually, Freshman clocking in at 22:05, Tristen Leyva said while sophomore Loic that the team was Soria notched a time of on top of its game 22:13 for the 17th place for this race and slot. showed signs of The Aggies average things to come. time of just over 21 “Everyone ran minutes was about 40 their hardest,” seconds shy of overall Leyva said. “I’m winner Bacone College, feeling great who finished with a time and looking just under 20:30 and a forward to many score of 22. victories with my Finishing behind teammates.”

Cameron was Lone Star Senior runner Conference newcomer Steve Orwell Photo courtesy of Mike Mazzo Texas-Permian Basin, paced the Aggies Home stretch: Senior Loic Soria which finished 35 points with a second runs ahead en route to the finish. Soria behind CU with an place finish. He average time of 22:35. finished in the Top 20 as Cameron completed the Oklahoma Panhandle took home second place as a team race with a time State rounded out the at the Midwestern State Mustang of 20:03, about 20 Sampede on Sept. 10 in Wichita Falls. race with an overall score seconds behind of 95, clocking in an the overall leader. average team time of 23:54.

Leyva was the next Cameron runner Jackson Thomas from Bacone College to cross the finish line. He came in with a finished first overall with a time 19:42.