The Cameron University Collegian: February 21, 2011

TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, February 21, 2011

Volume 85 Issue 13

Informing Cameron Since 1926

Student housing rates increase

By Tahira Carter Staff Writer

Photo by Tahira Carter

Students living on campus during the next academic year will experience an increase in housing rates beginning this fall.

The University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University Board of Regents approved the new rates for the 201112 academic year on Jan. 26. As a result, housing costs for residential apartments in Cameron Village and residence hall rooms in the Shepler Center will increase by 2.5 percent. The cost of on-campus meal plans will also be raised by 2.5 percent.

This increase in housing rates may come as a surprise to some students who have not seen housing rates raised within the past five years. While the hike may seem ill timed, given the nation’s current economic situation, Cameron University President Cindy Ross assures that the increase is necessary and in the general interest of the students.

“While we make every effort to keep costs affordable for Cameron students, minimal increases in housing and board rates are unavoidable if we are to maintain and upgrade our facilities and provide quality meal programs,” President Ross said.

On-campus housing is a popular option for many CU students. Every semester the extensive waiting list at the Cameron Village continues to increase in numbers. Director of Student Housing Charlie Parker credits Cameron’s competitive rates as the reason for its housing success.

“In the fall semester we are probably right at 100 percent in Cameron Village and in Shepler, looking at the numbers from the past, we are probably running at about 90 percent,” Parker said.

Because of the high percentage of students choosing to live oncampus and the fact that Cameron housing rates are still below many establishments in the area that the students have the option to choose from,

Rising rates: Campus housing residents Keshia Streeter and Codi Bystedt discuss the increase in housing rates for the fall in their shared residence. Housing rates for the 2011-2012 school year will increase by 2.5 percent over the current prices.

See RATES Page 2

Wohlers named Political Scientist of the Year

By Rebecca Craft

biopolitics.”

Dr. Wohlers’ leadership Staff Writer positions are not limited to only those in the OPSA. At For the 2010 school Cameron, he serves as the year, Cameron History and Academic Research Director Government professor Dr. and coordinated the 2010 Tony Wohlers has received Oklahoma Research Day. a very prestigious award According to Dr. Wohlers, from the Oklahoma Political over 60 Cameron students and Science Association. He was faculty made presentations named the 2010 Oklahoma at the Research Day, which is Political Scientist of the Year. more than have participated The award recognized Dr. than ever Wohlers before in the for his past. While outstanding “Professor Wohlers the event was achievements is one of the hardest a success, in research publications working, most talented he felt that and for professors at Cameron much of that was due to his active University, and has the hard participation work of those in OPSA. excelled at teaching, “I have scholarship and service helping him.

“As the been since he joined the coordinator, involved for I, in concert several years Department of History with many in OPSA, and Government in others on serving as campus the program 2005.” and across coordinator of the 2008 — Dr. Lance Janda the state, OPSA Department of History organized the stateAnnual and Government Chair wide event,” Conference, Dr. Wohlers OPSA said. “The President organization in 2009, of the conference entailed and member of the Editorial a great deal of planning, and Executive Board of the ranging from catering, OPSA,” Dr. Wohlers said. selecting speakers, organizing “I also maintain the official the submission process of OPSA web site. In addition, research abstracts, dealing I have published with many with numerous vendors that professional journals and provided conference relevant edited books in the areas of material, and many other electronic government and

tasks. Given the magnitude of the conference, all of it would not have been possible without the support and hard work of many on our campus.”

With numerous services and academic achievements credited to his name, Dr. Wohlers’ work at Cameron has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues.

“Professor Wohlers is one of the hardest working, most talented professors at Cameron University and has excelled at teaching, scholarship, and service since he joined the Department of History and Government in 2005,” Dr. Lance Janda, chair of the department of History and Government, said in a Cameron press release. “We are extremely fortunate to have him as a colleague and as a mentor and teacher for our students. He is extraordinarily deserving of this award.”

In addition to being considered a mentor, Dr. Wohlers also suggests that students interested in research find a mentor of their own to help guide them through their college years.

“Identify what really interests you, pursue it with all you heart and intellect, and be persistent and always curious,” Dr. Wohlers said.

“While this is a general rule, I also would seek out a mentor who can guide and help focus your interests in political science. Such a mentoring relationship between you and your professor can be

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

one of the most rewarding experiences in your academic career and can instill in you a life-long interest in politics and related research.”

For those interested in the world of political science, Dr. Wohlers noted that there were several opportunities to get involved at Cameron.

“University campuses in

general provide a nourishing environment to learn about and get engaged into politics,” Dr. Wohlers said. “Here, for instance, the Department of History and Government

See WOHLERS Page 2

News

A&E

Sports

Opinion

CU hosts 14th Annual Red River Career Expo.

Film society screens classic movie.

Men’s tennis season begins with high hopes.

President’s Day brings up election trends.

SEE PAGE 2

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 8

SEE PAGE 5

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February 21, 2011

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CU to host Red River Career Expo

By Brittany Wolfe Staff Writer

Cameron University’s Career Services will be hosting the 14th Annual Red River Career Expo from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the CU Fitness Center.

The Red River Career Expo is held every February at CU for students and the surrounding communities to come and seek “It is a good opportunity job opportunities from local and nationwide for students to come companies. dressed professionally, Jacob Johnson, Career Services Coordinator at CU, said in the past there has with their resume and 75 venders and this year there are 71 and meet the people who are been 800 to 1000 job seekers. The companies range looking to hire. I hope we from hospitals, police departments, sales representatives and more. have a great attendance “The expo is a way for companies to come

by CU students and in and recruit students, basically a meet and hopefully they are hired.” greet,” Johnson said.

The event is a way for students to meet — Jacon Johnson and greet companies that are seeking to hire.

Career Services Students should wear professional attire and have their resume with them. The event is an Coordinator easy way to put multiple companies in one spot for job seekers to apply and make face to face contact with the companies.

“It is a good opportunity for students to come dressed professionally, with their resume and meet the people who are looking to hire,” Johnson said. “I hope we have a

Photo courtesy of Student Development

Meet and greet: The 14th Annual Red River Career Expo will feature companies seeking to hire students for part-time or full-time work. Past events have drawn over 75 vendors and nearly 1000 job seekers. great attendance from CU students and hopefully they are hired.”

Johnson said the Career Services Department throughout each semester has an open help hour from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. every Thursday on the 3rd floor of North Shepler. The open help hour is a great way for students to receive information on how to prepare for job fairs and interviews. The workshops are: How to Write a Resume, How to Prepare for Job Interviews and Job Fairs, How to Dress for Success and more.

“I want to make sure students prepare for it correctly by they way they dress and make sure they have all their ducks in a row,” Johnson said.

Any students interested in the open help hour or the Red River Career Expo can contact Jacob Johnson or stop by his office in Room 313 of North Shepler.

Information about the companies that will be attending the expo is available at www.cameron.edu/redriverexpo.

“Students that are unable to make the workshops or the career expo can contact me to setup an appointment to help them prepare for other job fairs or interviews,” Johnson said.

WOHLERS continued from page 1 organizes a number of public events like Constitution Day, Public Policy Forums, Election Watch Nights, and Conferences that allow any student to get a taste of what political science is all about. Moreover, our very engaged faculty often seeks the active involvement of students in debating political issues during class or as part of a number of club activities organized by the Political Science Law and Politics Club.”

Overall, the honor of being selected for the OPSA award has been a special experience for Dr. Wohlers.

“Given that there are many others who deserve this recognition, it certainly is humbling and a great honor to receive this award,” Dr. Wohlers said.

RATES continued from page 1

Solutions on page 8

Parker does not anticipate that the increase in housing rates will greatly affect the occupancy percentages in the fall.

The housing rate increase comes as an addition to previous educational cost increases.

“I think that it is the wrong time to raise any expenses because we have already had a recent increase in our tuition,” senior and Cameron Village resident Codi Bystedt said.

While some students may be upset about the increase in costs, there might be some benefits for them within the new housing agreement that they otherwise could not have enjoyed.

Graduate Assistant of Cameron Village Javon Southwell explains that the new billing system, which accompanies the housing rate increase, would offer students more freedom with their housing contracts.

“Overall I think that it is more of a benefit because the students are going to be billed by semester. Whereas right now we have a ninemonth contract and a twelve-month contract, you would now have a semester or an academic school year. So, for instance, if you are graduating in December you would not have to pay for the other months because you broke the contract early,” Southwell commented.

The new on-campus housing and meal rates will cost the average student a maximum increase of $61.50 on housing and $28 on meals. In spite of the fact that it is a difficult time to increase costs, Parker explains that the increase will benefit the students in the end.

“I think for us to say to students that we need to increase rates is hard,” Parker said.

“But the goal of the increase is to continue to improve the facilities and not that we’re wanting to get more profit. That’s not our goal.

Our goal is to continue to provide students with clean and safe facilities.”

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February 21, 2011

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Dr. George Stanley

Thank You

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1942-2011

“Dr. Stanley is one of those extraordinary people who is irreplaceable. Among his many contributions, Dr. Stanley will be remembered for his award winning teaching, the enormous variety of languages he spoke and taught, and as a prolific author of children’s books, many I have read and passed along to my young relatives. Dr. Stanley’s greatest academic recognition will be the lasting legacy of the students who passed through his classes, seminars, and independent study courses.

On a personal level, I will miss Dr. Stanley’s email messages singling out various staff members for praise or with ideas to enhance Cameron. I will miss his energy and “can do” attitude. And, most of all, I will miss his proud family updates and his friendship.”

— President Cindy Ross

Brilliant and Vibrant Admiration Without Words An Inspiration

“Students appreciate Dr. Stanley’s knowledge but they most often comment on how he teaches with a smile in the classroom and is readily available for teaching opportunities outside the classroom. With his awareness of national trends in foreign languages, he has been a leader in adjusting the department curriculum to meet emerging critical language needs as evidenced by his national recognition for workshops and courses in Dari, Urdu, and Pashto.”

— Dr. John McArthur Vice President for Academic Affairs

By: Tara M. DeLonais

Ter ‫اركش‬ ima kas ih Asante ‫امش زا رکشت اب‬

— Dr. Von Underwood Dean of the School of Liberal Arts

ję ku ię Dz

“George Stanley was a man of extraordinary accomplishments, as a scholar and writer, as a teacher, and as a friend. He was filled with such positive energy for his latest book, for the projects he was just beginning, for his work with his current students and colleagues, that to know George was to be engaged in a flurry of excitement. He was a master at sweeping away the things people let get in the way of their best dreams and engaging people in taking the next step. He was generous in spirit, and had a lightness of humor that we will all miss. His example should inspire us all.”

i j u k ě D

Dank u

A Haiku in Honor of Dr. Stanley

Teşekkürler

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February 21, 2011

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February 21, 2011

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Opinion

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Presidents Day sheds light on changes in US

Megan Bristow

Newswriting Student THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Megan Bristow Sports Editor - Michael Faggett Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Cantu, Ashleigh Fletcher, Amber Spurlin, Raven Weiss, Brittany Wolfe, Tahira Carter, Brandon Thompson, Elijah Morlett, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Circulation Managers - Thomas Smith, Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan

Faculty Adviser

Dr. Christopher Keller

About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.

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 or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.

Our Views

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

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” 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.

On Feb. 21, many Americans will get a day off work and possibly out of school for the federally recognized holiday, Presidents Day. The holiday was originally celebrated on Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday. Eventually, most of the fifty states adopted George Washington’s birthday celebration as Presidents Day to include and honor Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which is Feb. 12.

What made Washington so special that he got his own holiday? George Washington, as almost everybody knows, was the first United States president. The election of 1788 went down in history as the only election to receive a unanimous vote by the Electoral College. The country recognized him as a natural leader after his success in leading troops during the American Revolution. He was elected commander in chief of the Continental Army. Furthermore, he was a dominant figure in the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.

When the time came to decide on the first president of the United States, the American people decided on Washington as the president and John Adams as the vice president. In the 1792 election, Adams wanted the presidential position and Washington was ready to retire. However, Adams put his personal agenda to the side and Washington stepped up, as the government believed it was best for the new nation. Once again, Washington maintained his winning record with a second unanimous election.

James Monroe does not traditionally have his own holiday, but this President must have made quite an impression on the American people as well. In his first run for presidency in 1816, Monroe easily defeated his only opponent, Rufus King. After being elected the fifth president, Monroe led the people into what is known as the “Era of Good Feelings.”

When the time came for Monroe’s reelection in 1820, he won without any competition except for a single vote, which went to the Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. This was the last time a presidential candidate would run without any serious form of competition.

So what has changed today? Not since the fifth president of the United States, have the American people agreed on politics. I am sure that back then, they had their issues as well, but they were confident that a single man could lead them well. Today, there are fights between opponents. We live in a time in which candidates constantly debate with each other, spend millions of dollars on campaigns, and spend time finding dirt about the other candidate’s personal life.

I would say that one reason the American people elect a president is to lead them in such a way that the people can live as peaceably as possible.

However, the idea of peace seems to get thrown out the window when it comes to picking new presidents.

Why talk about this now? Presidents Day is not normally a time somebody would think of electing a president, but why shouldn’t it be? Carry the respect and honor that is associated with Washington with you next time you step into a voting booth. No, most likely, we will never have another president run unopposed in an election like Washington and Monroe did.

Too many issues have developed over the years that people no longer see as black and white. Be sure the person you vote for is as honorable and respectable as Washington was or as loved as Monroe.

MCT Campus

Letter to the Editor: Thank you Dr. Stanley T

he loss of a cared one — whether he or she be family, a close friend or even a mentor — is never an easy experience.

I first heard the news of the death of Dr. George Stanley from a friend and former co-worker’s Facebook status update. I couldn’t believe it at first. Dr. Stanley always appeared to be in the best of health and was always full of life and exuberance. He was the kind of guy that would be out there right beside you shoveling the snow from the recent storms. So to hear of his death made it all the more saddening.

Even though I spent a lot of time at Cameron University during my college career, I never had the honor of taking one of Dr. Stanley’s foreign languages classes. During my time on campus, he was always such a legend. The man could speak more languages than I could even count. Yet, he was always so humble about his knowledge. As a writer, I always aspired to read his books and learn from them. His best work, “Night Fires,” was a great departure from his previous writing, and one that succeeded in turning such tragic subject matter into something that was not only entertaining, but insightful.

During my time as a writer for the Collegian, I did have the honor of interviewing Dr. Stanley on several subject matters. No matter what the story was, or on how tight of a deadline we were, he would always find time to sit down and do an interview. He was always so excited to sit and just talk, which was always a wonderful thing.

I enjoyed my interviews with Dr. Stanley because I learned so much from them. A proposed 20-minute interview on a new dialect of Arabic Dr. Stanley was teaching once turned into an hour-long conversation about the Middle East region during the trouble in Yemen. I never once looked at my watch or wished for the conversation to end because it was so enthralling and interesting.

That’s the kind of man Dr. Stanley was. He was one of those rare professors that not only loved what he did, but could not wait to share it with someone. He had a true love for life that he had to share with anyone that he could. And his glee was contagious. He could turn a bad day into a memorable one, just with a few minutes of conversation in the hall. Whenever you talked to Dr. Stanley, you knew you were going to learn something.

I never once had him for a class, but I learned so much during those interviews. He was someone that can never be replaced — not just because of his vast amounts of knowledge — but because of his desire to spread that knowledge. I know the Cameron University campus will miss him, as will I. Dr. Stanley, where ever you may be, thanks for everything you did, not just for your students, but for the entire Cameron University student body — both past and present.

— Joshua Rouse, Lawton

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A&E

February 21, 2011

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Honor society conference hosted by CU

By Jessica Goodman Staff Writer

In conjunction with Phi Alpha Theta of Cameron University, the Oklahoma Association for Professional Historians hosted a conference on Feb. 17 at the McMahon Centennial Complex.

Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society for history that was established in 1921 at the University of Arkansas. Phi Alpha Theta has grown to more than 839 chapters in the United States and has 350,000 members The Oklahoma Association for Professional Historians is an organization that provides an informal network of historians in the state to help collaborate efforts and commitment to the discipline of history.

Associate Professor of history Dr. Sarah Janda is the program conference chair. She has been a presenter, a judge and has served on the panel for eleven

conferences.

“Presenting papers at the annual conference is a great experience for students, especially those who go on to graduate school,” Dr. Janda said.

Two students from CU presented papers they have written at the conference.

Christina Mayfield, a sophomore, and Mercedes Zikan, a senior, are getting the opportunity to present their papers. By presenting their papers, these students are given the opportunity to get their feet in the door and their names out into the work force.

presenting the paper with help from History Dept. faculty,” Zikan said.

It took a lot of research, writing and rewriting of these papers in order to prepare them for presentation.

For the students, it also takes courage to stand and present the papers that they worked hard on.

These Courtesy of Phi Alpha Theta organizations “To prepare for the provide many different options conference, I spent a lot of time and opportunities for students rewriting and editing my paper, that are involved in them. a task that I found much more “The association provides difficult than the actual research an outlet for students that have and writing of it the first time similar interests to get together around. I also be practiced and share their work. It is a

chance to be acknowledged for the work that you have done as well as acknowledge the work that others have done,” Mayfield said.

She said that this is also a great chance for her and other students to prepare for graduate school.

PAT members at CU received their opportunity to shine when they presented at the conference later in the week.

“Several universities in the state take turns hosting the conference. This year was a great chance for Cameron to show off all of the improvements to the campus since the last time we hosted,” Dr. Janda said.

The last time that the university hosted this event was 2004. Many changes have happened to the campus that includes the building of the McMahon Centennial Complex where the conference is being held.

New ambassadors welcome potential students

By Amber Spurlin Staff Writer

In an effort to stay true to Cameron University’s motto “Every Student, Every Story,” the Aggie Ambassador Program has increased the number of ambassadors by 11 and added nine more Gold Rushes for the summer, Coordinator of Prospective Student Services Nate Todd said.

According to Blake Red Elk, a CU admissions counselor, in the past, the Aggie Ambassadors held only seven or eight Gold Rushes, or freshman orientations per summer. With increased enrollment reaching over 6300, that number has increased to 18.

Todd explained that the tour group sizes at previous freshman orientations were a little off balance. He said that they split up the groups by degrees and that some would have only three students while others would have close to 50.

Todd said they chose to add more Gold Rushes in order to make sure that

each student is recognized as an individual. The increase in Aggie Ambassadors will allow for smaller tour groups at the freshman orientations.

“Instead of students coming in big bulks and one being left out, we want to make sure that each student has a personal interaction with someone here at Cameron,” Todd said. “I also believe that the parents will like this because they will not get lost in the shuff le and will be able to ask the ambassadors questions.”

Todd explained that the Aggie Ambassador Program is focused not only on getting students interested in coming to Cameron, but on building a relationship with each student as an individual,

which was another reason for the increase in the number of ambassadors.

“We want to show students that they are not a number, but a name and that we want to see them through to graduation rather than simply getting them into the school,” Todd said “The Aggie Ambassadors are part of that goal.”

Red Elk said that applications for Aggie Ambassador are accepted around Thanksgiving and the interview and hiring process begins just before Christmas break.

“We typically ask for applications around Thanksgiving then make our final decision on who we will hire just before Christmas break and we hired a great team this year,” Red Elk said.

“Later we got the okay to add more Aggie Ambassadors and we hired them just this past week.”

According to Todd, they look for a diverse group of people who love Cameron and possess good communication skills.

He said they look for students who can talk to a variety of personalities at any given moment.

“We always look for a diverse group of students who, at one point, can talk to President Ross and

Photo courtesy of CU Public Affairs

Aggie Style: The Aggie Ambassadors display the same spirit as the CU mascot, Ole Kim. Ole Kim has welcomed potential students since 1908. donors, and the next hour talk to eighth graders,” Todd said. “They need to be able to effectively go back and forth talking to different types of people.”

Todd said that the ambassadors are the face of CU and are the go to people when President Ross needs students to attend events or

when a prospective student wants a tour.

“They are pretty much the kids we call at the last minute to talk about Cameron. They need to always be ready to give a tour or interview and go the distance for Cameron University,” Todd said.

New organization aims to connect students

By Ashleigh Fletcher Staff Writer

Moms and Dads on Campus is a new student organization planning to make Cameron University more parent and child friendly.

Theresa McGrath, CU instructor, serves as the current advisor to the club and describes how the organization came into being.

“The organization was founded last spring with hopes to serve as a support group to single parents, but once things got rolling we realized our group would be beneficial for all parents,” McGrath said.

McGrath said that after realizing their organization could help the parental masses, they quickly held their first meetings and described themselves with the following mission statement.

“Moms and Dads on Campus is a network of Cameron students who are also parents. We provide

support for the present students and serve as mentors for incoming and future students. We provide a forum for discussion of policies and services that affect students who are parents, and we organize family friendly events and projects that help to create community among the students and their families.”

McGrath feels strongly about the purpose of the group to serve as mentors and offer parent-to-parent help.

“We plan to serves as mentors to young parents and parents returning to school,” she said. ”We want to help.”

McGrath also highlights the importance of education and takes a more personal approach to the way being a parent and a student can benefit families.

“I think a lot of parents coming back to school only focus on the hardships of the situation and do not see the benefits,” McGrath said.

“I think a parent helping their son or daughter with

English and then their child helping mom or dad with math will instill the value and importance of education in the child” McGrath and the growing group are currently gearing up for their first event.

“Our fist event will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18,” she said. “This will be an event, we are hoping, that will inspire creativity in all who attend.”

The exact location of this event will be announced soon.

The group has invited Oklahoma storyteller, Sam McMichael and local artist and former President of the Lawton Ft. Sill Art Council, Sandra Dunn, who will be leading the children in a watercolor workshop.

This event is open to anyone who is interested, and being a parent is not required to attend.

The group has an online blog and message board where parents can connect and share advice, opinions or ideas. Links

Graphic by Jim Horinek

to these sites are listed on the Moms and Dads on Campus Facebook page.

McGrath urged the importance of posting and sharing ideas. She also emphasized the possibility of the difference it can make.

“We are trying to make campus more parent and child friendly,” she said. “The

greatest thing anyone can do is post. The more people talk and share ideas the better. This is where change will start.”

Students interested in more information about the organization or upcoming activities can contact Moms and Dads on Campus by email at cumomsanddads@gmail. com.

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February 21, 2011

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Campus organization screens classic films

Photo by Raven Weiss

Classic Snack for Classic Films: The Magic Lantern Film Society provides popcorn for viewers at their screenings.

The organization has screened films for Cameron Students for 29 years now.

By Raven Weiss Staff Writer

The smell of popcorn and coffee fill the air while previews are playing, leading you to a room filled with hospitality and a positive energy. These sights, sounds and smells signal the beginning of a screening at the Magic Lantern Film Society.

This past Friday, the MLFS screened the movie, “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.” This movie, as well as any movie shown by the organization are free to the Cameron community as well as anyone else who wishes to attend.

The movies are predominantly shown at 7:30pm, however a few of these each year are designated to start at 6:30pm. The MLFS

tries to show about 10 classic movies per calendar year, ranging in genre from romantic to silent films.

“Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” was directed

by H. C. Potter, starring Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas. Grant plays the character Jim Blandings, an advertising executive from New York who decides he has found the perfect house for his family in Connecticut. Muriel Blandings, played by Loy, had originally planned on remodeling their New York apartment. Instead, Jim finds what he believes to be a hidden gem tucked away in the countryside. The house they have set their hearts on is a 200-yearold farmhouse which has all but collapsed on itself and is

condemned by several inspectors.

Ultimately the couple decides to tear down the home and build their own house on the same property, which is where the problems begin and never seem to end. They do not inform the previous owner and current mortgage holder, who upon finding this out asks for payment of the house and property in full.

The couple hires someone to drill on their land to find water for a well, who after days has still found no water. Incidentally, when the contractors are digging out an area to build a basement for the new house, they stumble upon an underground spring.

Amid the insanity of having his “dream house” built, Mr. Blandings must also deal with a new sleep schedule which disrupts family life, a new and seemingly impossible assignment at work, and the underlying suspicion that his wife is having an affair with his own friend and personal lawyer Bill Cole, played

by Douglas. At just under an hour and a half, this delightful romantic comedy has many twists and laughs which make it worth your while to see.

John Morris, Professor of English, runs the MLFS program which has been going for 29 years now. It started in 1982 and originally showed all movies on actual film, but has since progressed with the times to DVD movies. Morris said that the wide variety of movies shown each year are beneficial to the younger crowd while still maintaining the interest of the older students and community members.

“We show classic films and one of our requirements is that the movies are at least 10 years old. The movies range from silent films, comedies, cult classics and more. I think we do a pretty good job of selecting movies that can be considered both educational and fun,” Morris said.

Elizabeth Gregory is the Director for Upward Bound and Open Doors at CU and has attended MLFS screenings with students from the programs.

These students are required to participate in at least one cultural event of their choosing a month, one of which is the Magic Lantern Film Society.

“In a time of tight budgets, it gives our program an opportunity to expose the students to the art of film and saves us money at the same time.

It is a chance for the students to see many of very renown films

that they otherwise might never have an opportunity to see. Many of them go at first just to meet the program requirements, but then become ‘hooked’ on the old films,” Gregory said.

The next MLFS screening will be Friday, March 25 in the CETES Conference Center, Room B. “Patton” will be shown, with an early start time of 6:30pm. For more information on the MLFS or for a list of the other movies being shown throughout the semester, please visit www.cameron.edu/ magiclantern.

On March 25, the Magic Lantern Film Society will be screening the war classic “Patton.”

MCT Campus

Chaira Flanders crowned

By Rashmi Thapaliya Variety Editor

The Ebony Society and Cameron University hosted Miss the famous black women who had Black CU Pageant on Saturday, Feb. 5. The pageant was held in the achieved name and fame in their respective fields.

CU Theatre.

The Talent segment was the The program started at 7 next where the contestants showed p.m. with the introduction of their talents. Ettienne played still five contestants. The contestants drum along with singing, Mc. were wearing red dress when Williams showed her talent as a they introduced themselves and dancer, Mazur played guitar along talked about their platform. with singing, Morris performed The contestants for Miss Black monologue on the theme ‘Stop CU 2011 were Neila Ettienne, Child Abuse,’ and Flanders LaWanna McWilliams, Leah performed monologue on the Mazur, Javee Morris, and Chaira theme, respect.

Flanders.

The last segment of the Pageant Brandi Goldsmith, President was Evening Wear and On-Stage of Ebony Society and Michael Question & Answer round. On Faggett, senior majoring in Communications were the mistress this round, the participants came on the stage wearing evening gowns and master of ceremony for the where they were each asked a evening. Following the welcome question. note by Goldsmith, the audience After all the rounds of the and judges stood up and sang the competition, Miss Black National Black CU 2010, Anthem, Lift Nicole Diggs came “The program Every Voice and on the stage for Sing. was seamless the last time as a After the solo and every reigning title holder. song performance She shared her one participant was

by Nicole Diggs, year experience as Miss Black CU phenomenal.”

Miss Black CU. Not 2010, the current long after saying participants — Amanda Todd farewell to the Miss walked on the Miss Black CU Black CU 2010, stage on fitness wears. This round 2011 Attendee a new Miss Black CU was crowned. was not judged.

Chaira Flanders, The segment an 18-year-old was dedicated to freshman majoring in Business promote the physical fitness and was announced the winner of Miss healthy life style.

Black CU 2011. Flanders could not The hosts then introduced the panel of judges for the Pageant. The hide her tears of happiness when she was announced the winner. judges were Blake Red Elk, Cheryl “I definitely have to say that I Monts, Matline Butler-Liverman, am really overwhelmed and there Eugene Harris, and Kay Cudjoe. are no words to describe how I am Ambassadorial Wear was the feeling right now.” Flanders said, first judged round of the Pageant “My platform is self respect and where the participants represented

University very well and being a I want to inspire the youngsters seamless and every participant was freshman she has an opportunity saying that if I can achieve my phenomenal,” Todd said. to bring the issue of self respect dreams then they can also achieve ‘Making our dreams a reality’ among the youths.” theirs.” was the theme of the Pageant this Amanda Todd, a Cameron Ettinee, a 26-year-old Theatre year. Mu Alpha Chi Fraternity, and International languages major was the 1st runner up of the Pageant.

She was also the winner of the title Miss Congeniality.

“This Pageant has been a good journey for me and being a 1st runner up has encouraged me to take part in more competitions in the future,” Photo courtesy of Ishia Saltibus Ettinee said. Chaira gets a tiara: Chaira Flanders is crowned Miss Black CU 2011.

Leah Flanders is an 18-year-old freshman majoring in Business.

Mazur, a graduate was one of the audience 20-year-old Technical theatre Inc., and Godly Influence members of the evening. major was the 2nd runner up. She performed during the event as the “This one was the best one I also won the Directors award. featured guests. had ever been to. The program was “I am really excited and it has been a great experience being a part of the pageant.” Mazur said.

LaWanna McWilliams won the title of Business Woman.

Kay Cudjoe, one of the judges of the Pageant said that the program has been outstanding.

“I can see that the contestants had put quite a bit of time for this competition and they had gone through different challenges in their lives.” Cudjoe said. “I think the winner represents Cameron

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Men’s tennis starts season with great expectations

By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer

The wait was far too long, but Cameron men’s tennis season kicked off for the 2011 season.

Since the team’s inception 18 years ago, James Helvey is the only men’s tennis coach CU has ever known. Under his instruction, the team has never had a losing season. The Aggies intend on continuing that tradition this spring.

CU starts the season ranked 20th in the nation and third in the region. However, the team has every intention of ending the season closer to the top spot, and they have the talent needed to get them there.

The Aggie men have high

expectations of newcomer Santiago Romero. The Argentine freshman is a hardhitting baseliner who shows a wealth of promise.

“Santiago is just a good player,” Helvey said. “He’s smart on the court; he’s mature and he brings a lot of experience to the team.”

One of Romero’s biggest weapons is his serve.

“He has a really good serve.

It’s very consistent,” Helvey said.

Among the other newcomers the team will count on are Duje Janjic, Nicolas “Nico” Clerc, Mateus Campos and Patrick Eichler.

Janjic, a native of Croatia, is a crafty left-hander who also has a powerful serve.

“A left-handed serve comes

Photo by Bennett Dewan

First serve: Manuel Barraoetavena started his career as an Aggie well last season. This year, head coach James Helvey looks to Barraoetavena and other returners to improve on last season’s success. Barraoetavena and his doubles partner, Jorge Gerosi, make up one of Cameron’s top double teams

to most players at a different angle than they’re used to, and that can be an advantage,” Helvey said.

The team has another lefty in Clerc. Like Romero and Janjic, the Buenos Aires native can hit the ball big.

“Nico has a big serve and a big forehand,” Helvey said. “I like seeing what he’s doing in practice.”

Campos and Eichler joined the CU squad at the start of the fall season and were critical in helping the men go undefeated during that time.

Campos comes to CU from Salvador-Bahia, Brazil. The Aggie junior is a versatile player with a complete game.

“Mateus is an all-court player and just an all-around player,” Helvey said.

Eichler is a talented freshman who has all the makings of a great athlete.

“Patrick is playing well,” Helvey said. “He’s a very good player and is very mature for a freshman, and that’s a major advantage.”

On top of the five additions to the squad, Helvey has high expectations of the team’s returning players.

“I expect the returners to pick up where they left off last year, and that’s happening,” Helvey said.

The men will count on the experience of returning junior Thomas Peixoto. The 6-foot Brazilian posted a 20-8 record last season, and already shows signs of continuing his high level of play. Peixoto is regionally ranked eighth in singles. In doubles play, he and his partner Eichler sit at number six.

The team will also be looking to sophomores Jorge Gerosi and Manuel Barroetavena to keep playing with the same intensity they

Photo by Bennett Dewan

Ace: Thomas Peixoto posted a 20-8 record in singles last year. The junior from Brazil is currently ranked as one of the top ten singles players in the region. brought to the court last spring.

The men’s coach characterized Gerosi’s style of play as methodical and deliberate.

“He tries to wear you down,” Helvey said. “He tries to make you make mistakes.”

Barraoetavena’s style differs from Gerosi’s, but is equally as effective. Barroetavena brings passion and ferocity into every match he plays.

“Manuel is so aggressive and so full of life,” Helvey said. “He’s exciting to watch.”

As the team’s lone senior, Lawton native Jeff Sasser carries a load of expectations on his shoulders this season.

“As a senior, I expect Jeff to be an example,” Helvey said.

Helvey also recognized that Sasser has the skills to live up to what is expected of him on the court.

“Jeff is a really good doubles player. That is where I really

want him to shine,” Helvey said.

Though the team Helvey has assembled this season is highly gifted, the men will be tested by staunch competition.

“Everybody is tough,” Helvey said. “The days of ‘gimmie’ matches are over.

Everyone we play will be very challenging.”

Despite the challenges that lay ahead for the Aggies, Helvey hopes the team can repeat the success they had in the 2008 season when the men won both the conference and regional championships.

The CU men opened their season on Feb. 10 in Plano, Texas, where they faced off against Collin College. The men’s next match will be on Feb. 23 against Oklahoma Baptist University. The Aggies’ first home matches will be on March 4 against East Central University and Colorado State-Pueblo.

Women’s tennis looks to build from perfect fall season

By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer

After coming off a perfect fall season, Cameron women’s tennis team looks to reassert their dominance this spring.

The women, who finished the 2010 spring season with 17-10 record, plan to establish an even more impressive record for the 2011 season.

The women begin the season ranked 17th in the nation.

Regionally, the Aggies are second.

In order to have yet another successful season, the teams will rely on both new and returning talent.

Sophomore standout Amanda Moberg returns to the number one position. The Norrköping, Sweden, native boasted a 25-3 record last

spring and will start the season ranked 27th in the nation and third in the region.

Julia Puckhaber, who plays at the number two spot, is returning this season as well.

The CU sophomore is ranked 11th in the region.

As doubles partners, Moberg and Puckhaber have earned a national ranking of 14, and the duo sits second in the region. Last spring, the doubles tandem dropped only three matches. The pair intends to stay at the top of the rankings with the continuation of their stellar on-court chemistry.

Elvira Sholles is the team’s only other returning player.

This will be the sophomore’s second season with CU. Sholles has proved to be a consistent and critical member

Young and relentless: Sophomore Amanda Moberg enjoyed one of the best seasons in Aggie women’s tennis history last season. Moberg, while only in her second year, serves as one of the leaders for a young yet talented women’s tennis team. She currently is ranked third in the region and in the top thirty nationally.

of the team, winning the majority of her matches.

In addition to the team’s returning players, three newcomers have joined the women’s squad for the 20102011 season.

Sara Londono, Florencia Tornero and Antonia Moberg (sister of teammate Amanda Moberg) add a new level of depth to the CU team.

All three women helped contribute to Cameron’s outstanding fall season in which the team went undefeated.

CU tennis coach James Helvey said he is pleased with what he has been seeing from the women in practice.

“Practice is going well and everyone is hitting well. It’s still early in the season, so considering that things are looking good,” Helvey said.

According to Helvey, the team he has this season is changed from last season’s squad.

“Everyone is really good,” Helvey said. “We are a different team than last year.

We have good players from top to bottom.”

Though the team has a new intensity level this spring, the competition they face is sure to be fierce. Defeating Abilene Christian will certainly be one of the team’s toughest challenges.

“Abilene naturally has a first-class program, but I feel like we’re right there with them,” Helvey said.

With the changes in the team’s line-up, Helvey has a whole new set of expectations.

“I expect to win Conference and Regionals,” Helvey said.

The Aggie women have already faced off in four

Photos by Bennett Dewan

Coming up the ranks: Sophomore Elvira Sholles returns for her second season. She and Amanda Moberg are the veterans on the team despite both of them being classified as sophomores. matches this month. The team opened their season on Feb. 3 in match against Colin College in Plano, Texas. In the two days following, the women took on Dallas Baptist and the University of Texas – Arlington on both the teams’ home courts. The women also took the court Feb. 19 when

they played Texas Tech in Lubbock.

The first home match for the Aggies will be on March 1. The contest will also be the squad’s first conference match-up of the season as they will take on the Tigers of East Central University.

Sports

February 21, 2011

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Cross country preps for spring season

By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer

Cameron’s cross country team is already gearing up for track season and will compete in their first race at the beginning of March.

Though many of the CU teams have been affected by the uncharacteristically harsh winter weather our region has experienced this month, cross country coach Matt Aguero said the runners have not faced any setbacks.

“The weather hasn’t affected us so far,” Aguero said. “We just have to bundle up and wear a bunch of

layers. It’s actually the wind that affects us more than anything.”

Since the Aggie athletic department does not house an official track team, the spring is an unofficial track season for the CU runners, but is considered the cross country off-season. Because of this, the team cannot qualify for track Nationals.

Aguero admitted that the circumstances are disheartening at times.

“It’s discouraging if one of our guys runs well enough to qualify for Nationals and then can’t go,” he said.

The coach also acknowledged that he would like to see a track

Winning in stride: Junior Julius Korir has finished in the top three in numerous races, as he did here in Cameron’s first home race. Korir, an All-American, looks to continue such success this coming season.

team added to the athletic department in the future.

“I have always wanted a track team. It would definitely help us as far as recruiting is concerned,” Aguero said.

However, there are some big differences between track and cross country. First, track is completely individualized, whereas cross country is more team-oriented.

In track, the individual with the fastest time is the winner.

Cross country though is scored on a points system. Each runner’s time is converted into points and the team with the highest number of points wins.

The distances run in track are also much shorter, of course.

Most races in track range from 800 meters to 10,000 meters, while during cross country season the men run races from eight to 10 kilometers.

Despite the differences in distance, the Aggie men prepare for both sports in similar ways.

And, so far, training is going well.

“Track is all about running fast, but the training is not too much different from cross country for some of the races,” Aguero said. “Everything is going pretty well right now.”

After coming off a very successful cross country season, Aguero is looking for his team to be strong during the spring as well.

“A lot of guys have a shot to have great times,” he said.

Aguero expects freshman Marcus Trevino and junior Julius Korir to have excellent seasons.

“Marcus ran well during the fall and is running really well now. He had a good winter break too. And Julius is someone we’re always going to expect to do well,”

Photos by Bennett Dewan

Role reversal: Casey Kreger ran for head coach Matt Aguero. Kreger is now the graduate assistant for the program and is helping the Aggies prepare for their spring season. he said.

Since track is an individual sport, the cross country coach said some of the goals this season would be individualized as well.

“I’ll sit down with each of the guys and they’ll tell me what their goals are and I’ll tell them what my goals are, and then we’ll talk about it,” Aguero said.

Aguero admitted that he would like his runners to break

some records this spring.

“We broke some school records last year, and we’re gearing toward that this year too,” Aguero said. “I think we have talent to see some of those records fall.

The Aggies will compete in their first race on March 10 at the Tarleton State Invitational in Stephenville, Texas.

Intramurals adds more sports to annual schedule

By Michael Faggett Sports Editor

Students can enjoy sports on campus in one of two ways: as a spectator of Cameron Aggies athletics or a participant in CU intramural.

During the 2010-11 year, cross country head coach Matt Aguero, ho also serves as directof of the CU Fitness Center, and his staff have made strides to increase the participation in campus intramurals. According to Aguero, the process has worked well so far.

“There are some things that we want to improve on and get done,” Aguero said. “But each year has gotten better. Our f lag football season this year was probably the best season we have had since I’ve been here.”

Flag football tends to be one of the pillars in the intramural schedule. According to Aguero, this season, he and his staff added more elements to

the season. They named an allCameron f lag football team at the end of the season, named most valuable players after each game and even named offensive and defensive players of the year for f lag football.

While f lag football is one of the more popular sports on the schedule, Aguero and his staff have attempted to include a broader variety of sports in the intramurals schedule.

“This year we had our first swim meet ever,” Aguero said. “Another thing we added challenge boards, which include table tennis, racquetball, basketball and badminton. With those sports, students can sign up and work their way up the ladder on the challenge boards.”

In addition to swimming and the challenge boards, during the spring semester, students will get a chance to show their skills in putt-putt golf, indoor soccer, bowling and other distinct sports.

Another addition Aguero

Photo courtesy of Athletic Department

It’s in the game: Students participate in an intramural flag football game. According to coach Matt Aguero, the Cameron University Fitness Center looks to get more student involvement through a broadened scheduling of sports throughout the academic year. Interested students can visit the Fitness Center to get more information on being involved in CU intramural sports.

and his staff made to intramurals this season is the inclusion of imleagues. com. The site, according to Aguero, serves as a portal students can use to sign up on teams, check schedules, post photos and get updates on game cancellations and other pertinent information.

“With the site, we are looking to do some different things,” Aguero said. “We haven’t started keeping stats yet, but we will try to add more stats online with basketball.

In addition to imleagues. com, Aguero said game results and photos are posted on the CU Fitness Center’s Facebook page.

With the varied sports, Aguero said he looks to reach more students and get more involvement in the program.

“Our biggest sports are f lag football and basketball, which is not everybody’s ‘cup of tea’,” Aguero said. “So, we are trying to reach more students and put sports out there that everyone can play and be a part of.”

In conjunction with the diverse array of sports offered in intramurals, Aguero said he has seen increased levels of both athleticism and competitiveness in the sports.

“There’s definitely good athletes involved in intramurals,” Aguero said.

“Some of our athletes on scholarship play in some of the sports, but we’ve also had regular students compete who are pretty athletic.”

With progress being made this season, Aguero said he looks to get more student involvement, more specifically more female student involvement in the sports.

“We have a good mixture of men’s teams and co-ed teams,” Aguero said. “Eventually, we would like to see all women’s teams in sports like football

and indoor soccer.”

Aguero said he researched other regional schools during the process of including more sports on the intramural schedule.

“At the beginning of the year, I looked at some schools similar in size,” Aguero said.

“They helped us gain some of our ideas for this year.

Looking at those universities actually helped me come across imleagues.com.”

Students interested in participating in intramurals can visit the Fitness Center for more information.

Variety

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February 21, 2011

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Crowing: 18-year-old freshman Chaira Flanders was crowned Miss Black CU 2011. She was the youngest participant of the night and her platform was self-respect.

Talent: Neila Ettienne (right) and Leah Mazur (left) showed their talents during the talent round. Ettienne was announced the runner-up and Mazur was the second runner up of the Pageant.

Featured Guest: One of the featured guests for the evening dance group Godly Inuence entertained the audience with their performance.

Question & Answer: Javee Morris answered a question asked to her during the Q&A segment of the Pageant. Each contestant were asked a question on stage during this segment.

Page Design by Rashmi Thapaliya Photos by Ishia Saltibus and Rashmi Thapaliya