Feb. 5

THE CAMPUS February 5, 2020 – Volume 113 Issue 16

First police chief of color named Officials choose major with 33 years in law enforcement Emily Wollenberg

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Oklahoma City University officials named a major with 33 years of law enforcement experience as the new police chief.

After months of a national search authorized by President Martha Burger, Maj. Dexter Nelson was named to the position Jan. 27.

Nelson previously worked with the Oklahoma City Police Department in patrol operations, homicide, internal affairs, media relations, gang enforcement, narcotics investigations, Will Rogers World Airport, and the hostage/crisis negotiations unit. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

In an email to the campus community sent Jan. 27, Burger wrote, “Maj. Nelson’s extensive experience in law enforcement and community relations will serve him well as he leads our department forward.”

Nelson will officially begin serving as police chief on March 1.

The police chief position became vacant Sept. 9 after former Police Chief Rusty Pyle resigned. Police Sgt. Mark LaHue filled the position as interim police chief until Bill Citty was hired to be the interim director of campus police.

Citty said he has worked with Nelson in the past in the Oklahoma City Police Department and that he is a strong, honest communicator.

“He’s comfortable and really committed to meeting with those individuals he serves,” he said.

Nelson has the community experience and community engagement, Citty said.

“I think it is a huge advantage having someone who already knows the Oklahoma City community and the area around the campus,” he said.

Nelson said the first thing he will do as chief is find the deficiencies in the department that he can work to improve. He said he hopes to further education and understanding between campus police and students by having regular dialogue with students.

“My goals are to try to get people talking, bring people together, hold forums with the students, talk with the faculty, and get officers to open up,” he said.

Despite having an extensive career in law enforcement, Nelson said he hasn’t allowed himself to become jaded.

“I’ve seen a lot in some of the places I’ve worked in, but I think I’m fortunate enough that I haven’t lost that drive to want to help people,” he said. “I still have gas in the tank. I have a purpose, and I want to do something.”

To foster an inclusive environment in the police department and on campus, Nelson said he will look into incorporating required officer diversity training.

“Training is key to keeping your department ahead of the storm and ahead of problems,” he said.

Destini Carrington, psychology senior and Black Student Association president, said Nelson should organize liaisons in each student organization and department on campus to make sure students’ voices are heard.

“I want him to remember and value transparency,” she said.

Carrington said Nelson should recognize that students are

Submitted Maj. Dexter Nelson was named OCU’s next police chief. Nelson has 33 years of experience and is the university’s first police chief of color.

expecting change and improvements.

“I want him to come into this position, yes learning OCU culture and our climate, but not being stagnant in, ‘that is the way that it has to be,’” she said. “I want him to be a change-maker here.”

Anthony Edwards, Dulaney-Browne Library circulation technician, said he is happy Nelson was selected as the university’s first person of color in the position.

“We need more transparency, a more diverse campus police force and a greater emphasis on community policing,” Edwards said.

Nelson should bring a focus to bias training and fair and equitable resolutions to complaints, Edwards said.

“When you file a complaint or raise an issue, it shouldn’t just fall into a black hole,” Edwards said.

Dana Brockway, a representative from the NAACP legal redress committee, said Nelson should continue the work to further diversity and inclusion on campus.

“He needs to make himself visible and accessible to students, minority or non-minority,” she said.

It’s important for students to see people of color in high positions, Edwards said.

“Especially on this campus, where so many students of color feel isolated, that is nothing but a good thing,” he said.

Having a person of color in this position lets other people of color know it’s possible, Nelson said.

“If a little kid never sees someone like them, they might never know that that exists for them,” he said. “I didn’t realize what it meant to be black until I was 11 years old.”

“

Nelson said when he was a kid he was invited to a birthday party at a country club, but his grandfather had to explain he would not be allowed in because he was not white.

“That was the first time I realized what my skin color meant,” he said.

Nelson said he had experiences being stopped by police officers when he was a teenager because he was black. He’s been working to change those patterns ever since.

“It means a lot for a person of color, a female, someone of a different gender identity, to be seen doing things where someone else was doing that,” he said. “It makes it possible.”

Samaya Rosario, game design and animation freshman and BSA member, said it is a big deal for the university to have their first person of color in this position, but regardless of his race, students will expect Nelson to listen and work with people of all backgrounds.

“It says a lot about this university, and it shows how far we’ve come,” she said. “But with him, it wouldn’t matter if he was black or white, if he’s not going to help his own community.”

BreAuna Shaw, business freshman and BSA member, said Nelson should acknowledge the issues students of color face on campus and address them.

“I just hope that he realizes that just because he is a minority, it’s not going to fix a bunch of things. He’s still going to have to work hard,” she said. “Things are more than just black and white, so I hope that he’s still able to bring something new that will be helpful to OCU.” Shaw said students want to feel more connected to Nelson.

“One thing that will help is if he shows us that he’s more than an officer,” she said. “I think if he shows that different aspect to him, it would really help bridge that gap and show more of a connection between law enforcement and students.”

Patricia Ashford, political science/philosophy junior and secretary of BSA, said Nelson should focus on the feeling of assured safety that students should have with campus police, so they won’t feel like they should call Oklahoma City police instead.

“One thing he’s really going to have to work on is getting to know the students and getting officers back on campus,” Ashford said. “So, being someone you actually can trust rather than being someone who is just going to give you a ticket.”

Edwards said Citty helped the university and the search committee find the best person for the position, and he appreciates that the university brought in the right people to do it.

“A few of us on the campus who brought issues to light have suffered consequences and retaliation, but when something like this happens, it proves that it was worth it,” Edwards said.

Nelson said being the police chief is the last job he plans to have.

“I plan on being there. I’m not a job hopper,” he said Citty said OCU is a great university with a great student body that deserves a chief who will stay for the long haul.

“This school deserves quality policing and some stabilization,” he said.

University fees increase for 2020-2021 academic year Emily Wollenberg

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

University general fees, housing and meal plan rates have increased for the 2020-2021 academic year.

President Martha Burger informed students of the changes in an email to the campus community on Jan. 30.

“Oklahoma City University’s Board of Trustees has finalized tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year. Tuition will remain flat with no increase for next year,” the email read. “Beginning with the Summer 2020 semester, the University General Fee will increase $5 per credit hour to $155/credit hour. For full-time undergraduate students taking 15 hours per semester, this increase will total $75 each semester. For a graduate student taking 9 hours, the increase is $45 per semester.”

Some housing rates will increase and the cost of meal plans will rise 2%. Meal plans also will be restructured to increase flexibility.

The changes include: - Increased points - An increase from the 2-swipe limit per meal at the Caf - Two new residential meal plans with increased weekly meals - Three new meal plans for Cokesbury Court residents - Three new commuter meal plans - Removal of meal exchanges and Stars Cash - Addition of the “Recharge” program - A new “Dine on Campus” App feature that will allow

students to build a profile and identify items in the Caf

that fit specific dietary needs and preferences Kevin Windholz, vice president for enrollment management and communications, said the purpose of the increase is to implement changes to improve the student experience.

“It’s not only to help the university keep up with natural cost of living expenses, but it is also to help continue to fund things to supplement education,” he said.

In the email, Burger said university funding priorities during

M MEDIAOCU.com

It's not only to help the university keep up with natural cost of living expenses, but it is also to help continue to fund things to supplement education.

Kevin Windholz enrollment management and communications vice president

the next academic year include diversity and inclusion initiatives, housing improvements and technology upgrades.

Windholz said the priorities were determined based on student concern and response.

“We hear a lot about technology issues that students have,” he said. “We know that technology access on campus is really important.”

Casey Kreger, director of housing and residence life, said students can expect new housing projects in the future due to the increase.

“We never increase just to increase,” Kreger said. “It comes from, ‘how would the student experience be enhanced through this increase.’”

Emily Anderson, director of dining services, said the Recharge Plan will allow students to add Stars points if they run out throughout the semester and was added based on student response from past dining surveys.

“People forget sometimes that points are tax free, so you can save quite a bit on those,” Anderson said.

The Dine on Campus website will now allow students to create a profile with their allergy information that they can show to dining employees to see what they can eat.

“They can say, ‘hey, what can I eat?’ These are the things that I need to avoid, and then we can walk around with you and say, ‘this

station and that station has this,’ so it just adds a little bit more of a personalized feature for the Caf,” Anderson said.

Kreger said the purpose of the increase is to enhance the student experience for current and future students.

“Yes, we can do a short term fix, but that’s not going to fix it for the next students or two years or five years,” he said. “So we have to really look at a strategic long-term vision.”

Joey Brue, entertainment business junior, said when he learned of the increase, he was a little taken back, but he also knew there were going to be yearly increases because of the announcement last year. Officials informed students of the previous year’s increase Dec. 20, 2018.

“I definitely think it’s a good thing that we’re improving in all of these areas,” he said.

Brue said he appreciates that officials have been listening to student concerns and are making changes.

“As a commuter myself, the added meal plans for the commuter was super exciting to see that there’s going to be more options for us,” Brue said.

Students should remember that most improvements or new programs at OCU will cost money, Brue said.

“Keep in perspective that this is an organization, and every organization has costs indirectly and directly that they have to deal with,” he said. “If we’re spending money to implement changes, it’s going to add a little money to the people that are paying for those changes to happen.”

Windholz said increases are very typical of colleges, and officials will continue to evaluate to determine if increases will happen each year.

If students are experiencing financial difficulties, Windholz said they can contact the financial aid office or their financial aid counselor.

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opinion

Students encouraged to engage new police chief with optimism Oklahoma City University has had a complicated history over the past semester in the campus police department.

In the last year, two police chiefs have resigned or been terminated.

See MediaOCU.com for more information on former chiefs Jennifer Rodgers and Rusty Pyle.

Last semester, a police officer resigned after being accused of racial discrimination, and the interim police chief was accused of making homophobic comments to an officer.

See MediaOCU.com for more on the accusations.

These past incidents are reasons why the university’s decision to involve students in the process of selecting a new police chief was such an important and valuable choice. OCU recently selected a new police chief, Maj. Dexter Nelson, who has an extensive history in law enforcement and is the first person of color to be police chief at OCU.

See page 1 for more on Nelson.

Students want to be assured Nelson will communicate with the campus population and be a source for positive change in the campus police department.

As Nelson joins the campus community and begins working to establish a connection with students, students should allow this connection to form.

After the turbulence within campus police, mistrust is understandable. However, rebuilding trust requires action from both parties. The police cannot form a positive relationship with the student body if students don’t give them a chance, and students cannot trust a police department that demonstrates a lack of accountability and concern for student issues.

The OCU spirit is to welcome change and work toward a positive future as a community. Though it might be difficult, students should work to welcome Nelson with open

Talk Back “What movie would you like to see screened on campus?”

arms and trust. These actions will foster communication in a system where, at times, it has been lacking.

Student organizations, especially those representing the voices of students, should not hesitate to forge a relationship with Nelson and encourage open discussion of how student relationships with police can be improved. After all, the police department is here to protect students, and students have the greatest understanding of how security and profiling issues affect their feelings of safety.

Students should keep an open mind and work to welcome Nelson to the community.

Whether it’s by attending social events with police officers or reaching out through a larger organization, these actions will start to foster openness and trust, instead of cynicism and fear.

“Films by diverse filmmakers”

“Little Women”

Hannah Boyens film/voice senior

Eli Mansfield acting/psychology senior

“Ratatouille”

“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”

Kristina Patterson film senior

Erica Saldanha dance senior

“Inside Out”

“A Transformers movie”

Kristen Olmsted vocal performance sophomore

Jordan Thayer business freshman

Columnist discusses the Grammys, addresses tension, grief As expected, the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards were dominated by new faces.

Everything else about the night was unexpected. The Recording Academy crumbled under internal pressure and accusations. CEO Deborah Dugan filed a lawsuit just two days after the event, claiming the Academy operates like a “boy’s club” and allows conflicts of interest to influence the voting process.

Not only was there tension in the room, but also grief.

News had spread just hours before the show that Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter accident that day. The Grammy Awards were being held at the Staples Center, the home arena for the Lakers where Bryant played for the majority of his professional

career.

In a touching tribute, Boyz II Men and Tyler the Creator teamed up with Alicia Keys to sing a heart-warming rendition of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” in Bryant’s honor.

Though they had mere hours to prepare, the song was still one of the night’s most effective and memorable moments.

Keys, who served as the host of the event, spoke of Bryant and his love of music. She then shifted focus toward acknowledging the accusations against the Recording Academy and the fresh faces among the nominees.

“I feel the energy of all the beautiful artists in this room,” Keys said. “It’s going to be an amazing night because it’s a new decade. It’s time for newness.

We refuse the negative energy.

We refuse the old systems.

We want to be respected and

Francesca Iacovacci is a music theater junior from Clearwater, Florida. She loves zoodles, Jeopardy! and a good poop joke.

safe in our diversity. We want to be shifting to realness and inclusivity.”

Keys definitely got her wish, as newness proved to be the main theme of the night. Not only was Billie Eilish the youngest singer ever to be nominated for all top four major categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist,) but she actually won them all, too! Not to mention a fifth win for “Best Pop Vocal Album.” Eilish is the first person to do this since Christopher Cross in 1981.

Eilish brought a new sound and a new look to the pop industry this year that welldeserved the sweep. Even funnier was the artist’s humility as the screen captured her mouthing “please don’t be me” before one of her wins.

While Lizzo had the most nominations of the night, she walked away with three Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best Urban Contemporary Album. The singer opened the show with a killer performance

of “Truth Hurts,” complete with high-energy dancing, a signature flute solo and ballet dancers. She closed the routine with “Cuz I Love You,” one of the many ballads of the night.

Fellow Grammy newcomer, Lil Nas X, acquired two Grammys for Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The singer delivered the most meme-able moment of the night as he performed “Old Town Road” and “Rodeo” with Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Diplo, Nas, and Mason Ramsey (yes, the yodeling Walmart boy with the fire single called “Famous.” It may or may not be in one of my playlists… talk about a Grammy snub!).

The ensemble seemed thrown together for mere shock-value, but it nonetheless sparked joy and laughter on an otherwise slow and mournful night.

Along with all the newcomers, familiar favorites received well-deserved awards as well. Though “IGOR” probably should have been nominated under the pop category instead, Tyler the Creator won Best Rap Album.

Michelle Obama won the Best Spoken Word Album category, and Beyoncé won for Best Film Music. Additionally, “Hadestown” won Best Musical Theater Album.

Overall, it was a sobering night of creativity and success.

I think it will be interesting to follow the lawsuit against the Recording Academy and see if any changes are implemented behind the scenes. The results of the Grammy Awards this year were definitely a step in the right direction, and I believe the Academy will only move forward.

Film critic reflects on Synecdoche, New York’s themes, ideas In continuing from my last column, I still have not seen any new releases in January. January is normally a dumping ground for studios to release movies they don’t believe in financially, and this lack of faith from the studios usually comes from the lack of quality in the movie.

Because of this, I try to stay away unless there is something that really catches my eye.

However, box office success and release dates do not always determine the quality of the film, as the movie I am about to review was a box office flop when it was released in 2008.

I like to try to review movies that are brand new that people can either go see, or that I can help to keep people away from seeing. This movie is not exactly the most available, but if you can find it, this movie is 100%

worth 123 minutes of your time. Anyway, I’ve stalled long enough.

The movie I am reviewing is “Synecdoche, New York.”

Some of you may be thinking, “wow, that was a big build up to what ended up to be a movie I have never heard of before.” Believe me, this movie deserves to be placed upon the highest pedestal. “Synecdoche, New York” is written and directed by Charlie Kaufman. I would give a summary of the movie, but it is honestly best to go in blind.

Kaufman deliberately crafted a movie that is intended to be a new and personal experience for each viewer, even if you have already seen it multiple times.

I have only seen it once, but it already has me wanting to watch it again so I can come up with new interpretations on what the

Paul Dower is a film production sophomore from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He likes squishy toys, hoodies and Stanley Kubrick.

movie means to me. This is one of those movies that you cannot just watch and let your brain run on autopilot. It requires your full attention and constant analysis because it is about you.

I am aware hyping up this movie might build up expectations just for some of them to be let down, but I’m not sure if you can be let down by this movie. If you do go and watch it, which I highly encourage that you do, here are some of the movie’s themes to meditate on before, during or after you watch it.

Death Death is a scary thing to contemplate. The thought that your time alive will just abruptly end, even though you may have unfinished business to attend to is, at least to me, terrifying. But, there is something beautiful in that realization. That no matter how we live our lives, we all end up in the same place. Our stories all end the same way. All the decisions we make in life lead us to where we are now, and those decisions, plus the new ones we will make in the future, will lead

to the end of our lives. This is not to say that our decisions do not matter, they matter more than anything. This is the only life we have. We have to make those decisions count.

Time Time is constantly moving, whether we would like it to or not. Consider how much time has passed between now and since you began reading this column. You may not have even realized that minutes have been hurrying by, seconds slipping through your fingers. All time that is lost forever. Most of us hopefully still have a lot of time left, but we cannot waste it on things we think don’t matter.

How have you been using your time today? How about this week or this month? It has already been three weeks since we have been back to school. The

New Year was over a month ago.

We started this academic year 24 weeks ago, all the way back in August. Time is constantly moving around us, and we need to make sure we are keeping up with it.

There is plenty more I can get into with this movie, but I don’t know if I have the time.

This review was a little off the beaten path, but I think movies like these are important to talk about and discuss. Themes such as these are hard things to cope with, but are some of the most important things to try and wrap our heads around. I really hope you get the chance to watch this movie. It is one of the most brutally honest and perfect movies I have ever seen.

Please go check this movie out in any way that you can. After all, this movie is about you.

LaPorte from 8-10 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

rick Fine Arts Center

Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.

TODAY OCU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center THURSDAY OCU School of Theatre Pres-

ents: “The Laramie Project” from 8-10:30 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Weekly Chapel Service from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

FRIDAY OCU Stripped Presents: “June

By The Sea” created by Adam LaPorte from 8-10 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center OCU School of Theatre Pres-

ents: “The Laramie Project” from 8-10:30 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SATURDAY OCU Stripped Presents: “June

By The Sea” created by Adam

The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published Wednesday during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and exam periods.

THE CAMPUS Feb. 5, 2020, Volume 113, Issue 16

Editor-in-chief: Emily Wollenberg Copy Editor: Paul Dower Photo Editor: Clara Foster Community Manager: Jessica Vanek Web Editor: Luke Barrett Ad Director: Maddie Bowes Graphic Designer: Melissa Campbell

2

Staff Writers: Madison Bailey, MaKayla Baxter, Josh Eliot, Troy Freeman, Francesca Iacovacci, Maxwell McIntire, Shelby O’Brien, Hannah Prentice Columnists: Paul Dower, Francesca Iacovacci, Hope Melton, Luke Barrett

OCU School of Theatre Presents: “The Laramie Project” from 2-4:30 p.m. and 8-10:30 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpat-

SUNDAY OCU School of Theatre Presents: “The Laramie Project” from 2-4:30 p.m. in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Photographers: Hannah Campbell, Clara Foster, Stephen Jackson, Mackenzie Shaw

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2020. All rights reserved.

February 5, 2020

“

news Students encouraged to get flu vaccination Troy Freeman

STAFF WRITER

With flu season in full swing, faculty and students are doing their best to stay healthy on campus.

Antonia Pratt-Reid, nurse practitioner and owner of Family HealthCare and Minor Emergency Clinic, said flu season is well under way and has proven to be a busy one.

“The trend appears to be mostly Influenza B. We will continue to see flu into the springtime as well. This year, the symptoms seem to start as cold-like: headache, fever, achiness, chest tightness to wheeze, sometimes there is a sore throat, and eyes will often hurt,” Pratt-Reid said.

Many students are concerned about the risk of catching the flu in a university environment. Brandon Dallmann, music theater junior, said he is concerned about the effect that physical performance classes have on the health of students.

“People are constantly around each other; people are very physical around each other,” Dallmann said. “Performers take a lot of classes that require physical contact. If they aren’t good at communicating sickness with their peers, more people are likely to get sick.”

Pratt-Reid said the first step to avoiding serious sickness is vaccination, and if a student feels they might be sick, to be tested as soon as possible.

“In general, all healthy people should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that, in addition to other high-risk groups, all healthy children get a flu vaccination,” Pratt-Reid said. “Anyone who thinks they have the flu with symptoms should be tested.

The campus clinic will evaluate the student and determine if there is a need to test for the flu.”

Pratt-Reid said any student that carries student insurance cards are covered for all services at the campus clinic, but students who waive their insurance in lieu of family insurance are responsible for verifying their benefits.

“If there happens to be a student without any insurance benefits, the clinic has a fee scale for uninsured patients,” Pratt-Reid

Performers take a lot of classes that require physical contact. If they aren't good at communicating sickness with their peers, more people are likely to get sick.

Brandon Dallmann music theater junior

said. “It is important to carry your insurance card and know your benefits.”

Anh-Mai Kearney, music theater/vocal performance junior, said she just recovered from the flu and struggled with getting a diagnosis due to the state of her illness.

“The doctor I saw on the first day was kind, and I told her all of my symptoms. She said it sounded like the flu but informed me that the flu had been coming back negative. She told me there was a 50-50 chance I had it and was contagious, so she gave me a note in case my symptoms got worse.” Kearney said.

Kearney said her symptoms did get worse, but when she went back to the doctor, the test came up negative.

“Even though the nurse from before said I could still have the flu, despite the test, the second doctor didn’t believe I could have the flu, despite my symptoms. He tested me for a few other things and said he didn’t have a better answer for me, and I left.” Kearney said.

Kearney said she was wary of going to see another doctor, due to costs. She ended up having the flu and was not able to treat the symptoms in time to heal fully before her junior recital.

“It was just stressful because my recital was that weekend, and, if I did have the flu, I could have gotten some kind of medicine to hurry the process of healing,” Kearney said. “Instead, I had to take that extra time. I couldn’t practice leading up to my recital.

I ended up being okay in time for it, but it was very stressful.”

Pratt-Reid said you can never be completely safe from illness,

“ “

even when vaccinated, but a set of good health habits can help students lower their chances of contagion during the winter season.

“Students should always practice healthy habits. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat balanced meals; a multi-vitamin and vitamin C are especially helpful during the winter months, and avoid folks that are sick and coughing and sneezing,” Pratt-Reid said.

Pratt-Reid said there are several tips and tricks students can use to not only avoid getting sick, but also protect others from catching the flu.

“Wash your hands. Cold and flu viruses may be spread by indirect contact. Maybe someone sneezes onto their hand and then touches a doorknob, only to have the virus picked up by the next person who also touches it,” Pratt-Reid said. “Disinfect common surfaces. Viruses that cause colds and flu can survive on common surfaces for up to 72 hours. Increasing your fluid intake with electrolytes and water can help strengthen your immune system, keeping the flu at bay. And if you do get sick, water flushes your system, rehydrates you and washes out the toxins. An adult should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. If the color of your urine is close to clear, then you are getting enough. If it’s deep yellow, drink more water.”

Kaley McConnaughey, music theater junior, said she was sick for a large portion of last semester, which is difficult to manage due to the low number of absences allowed on campus. She said staying healthy now is a large priority of hers to make the rest of her college career as smooth as possible.

McConnaughey said she does a number of things to take care of her health, such as gargle apple cider vinegar.

“In addition, I take an array of gummy vitamins that my mom likes to send to me, because those are more fun,” McConnaughey said. “Overall, it is really hard to be a college student and be sick.”

If students need to schedule an appointment with the health clinic, they can do so by calling 405-373-2400. The health clinic is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.

Film Institute hosts screenings of films by women Francesca Iacovacci

STAFF WRITER

The OKCU Film Institute hosts free monthly screenings of international films.

The Petree College of Arts and Sciences screens international movies at 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month in the large studio in Norick Art Center.

Tracy Floreani, director of the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature, said the OKCU Film Institute has been screening international movies for 38 years now. The movies shown are chosen based on the year’s theme.

“The theme for this year is women film-makers,” Floreani

said. “Anyone who has suggestions for movies to include in future series can contact us at filmlit@okcu.edu.”

Floreani also said the movies are a combination of new releases and classics, and are chosen with respect to representing different cultures.

“We try to feature a country every year that we’ve never shown a film from before. Last September we showed our first film from the Philippines,” Floreani said.

The OKCU Film Institute was established by Jeanne Hoffman Smith, a member of the university’s board of trustees.

“Smith is a counselor and therapist and she believes very strongly in the power of film and literature to help people

The screenings are great because they give us access to international films that we wouldn't have watched on our own.

understand themselves and others,” Floreani said.

All of the screenings are free and open to the public.

“When I was a student, I always loved this kind of thing,” Floreani said. “It’s important to expand your cultural exposure. You learn a lot about other cultures and other

Zoe Dongas music theater junior

world views.”

Zoe Dongas, music theater junior, attended the first screening of the semester, “Capernaum,” directed by Nadine Labaki in 2018.

“It was about a son who sues his family for being born within a societal and economic crisis,” Dongas said. “I really

enjoyed the movie. The screenings are great because they give us access to international films that we wouldn’t have watched on our own.”

OKCU Film Institute’s next event will be a screening of “Daughters of the Dust,” written, directed and produced by Julie Dash. Floreani said this film was chosen for Black History Month, as Dash was the first African-American woman director to ever have a major film distributed in the United States. The film will be screened at 2 p.m. on Feb. 9 in the large studio in Norick Art Center.

Floreani said the film institute hosts a discussion after each screening for anyone who wishes to stay.

“I love the films that moti-

vate a lot of discussion,” Floreani said. “Our last screening of Capernaum really got people motivated to brainstorm what we can do to solve problems like the ones we saw in the movie.”

To stay updated with O KC U Fi l m I n s t i t u t e’s monthly screenings and special events, follow the orgnization on Instagram at OKCUFilmLit, Twitter @ OCUFilmLit, and Facebook @OCUInterpersonalStudies. For any questions about upcoming events, email filmlit@okcu.edu.

Men’s wrestler named wrestler of the week for second consecutive week Josh Eliot

STAFF WRITER

A junior wrestler was named Men’s Wrestler of the Week for the second week in a row.

Chase Vincent, marketing junior, was awarded the Sooner Athletic Conference Men’s Wrestler of the Week. SAC for men’s wrestling consists of seven regional schools, including OCU. Sam Hazewinkel, head wrestling coach of the men’s wrestling team, said Vincent was rewarded after going undefeated at National Duels and after performing well at the Missouri Valley Invitational on Jan. 17 and 18.

“He was ranked No. 4 in the country and beat the No. 2 ranked guy. When the new rankings come out, I imagine he’ll be No. 2,” Hazewinkel said.

Hazewinkel also said it’s very rare to have the same wrestler getting awarded twice in a row.

“The same wrestler getting it twice, that happens. It probably

I'd like to stay involved somewhere. Whether that be coaching or competing, I'm not sure, but I'd like to stay involved in the wrestling community, absolutely.

Chase Vincent wrestling junior

happens every year, but two weeks back to back, it’s not very common,” Hazewinkel said.

Vincent said his coach was a major factor in him receiving the recognition.

“I feel really fortunate. I feel like a lot of that more than anything is my coach. That dude has been such a blessing to me,”

Vincent said.

Vincent also said he’d like to keep wrestling for as long as he can.

“I’d like to stay involved somewhere. Whether that be coaching or competing, I’m not sure, but I’d like to stay involved in the wrestling community, absolutely, whether that be hanging around OCU or going to a youth program or whatever. I’d like to be involved in wrestling for at least a couple more years,” Vincent said.

Hazewinkel also said he’s happy about the effects this achievement could have on OCU’s wrestling teams.

“Every coach is like, ‘rankings don’t matter,’ but at the same time, it’s good publicity, it’s a reward. It shows they’re doing things right; hard work’s paying off,” Hazewinkel said.

Leveraging victory Right: Easton Rendleman, sophomore wrestler, grabs his opponent’s leg during his duel in the Jan. 31 wrestling match against Wayland Baptist University. Rendleman won his duel 15-2.

Below: Chase Vincent, junior wrestler, prepares to grapple his opponent during his duel at the match against Wayland Baptist University.

Vincent won by forfeit, and the Stars won the match 45-3.

Hannah Campbell Student Publications

Reaching new heights Darrion Willies, senior forward, leaps in the air to dunk the ball at the Feb. 1 men’s basketball game against Langston University. The Stars won the game 67-62. Willies led the team with 16 points scored during the game. The Stars’ next game is at 7:45 p.m. tomorrow against Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

Hannah Campbell Student Publications

February 5, 2020

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lifestyles SHINING STAR

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Music senior writes and premieres third musical Adam LaPorte, music theater and composition senior, has been composing for almost half of his life.

LaPorte, the creator of the upcoming OCU Stripped musical “June by the Sea,” has had an interest in composing ever since he was in elementary school.

“I don’t know if anyone remembers, but ‘American Idol’ used to have a song writing competition where they would accept submissions to write the big finale song that the winner sings.

In fourth or fifth grade I thought, ‘I’m going to win that,’” LaPorte said. “So that didn’t happen, but that was the first time I remember writing songs.”

After having his interest sparked by “American Idol,” LaPorte moved on to composing musicals.

“Around high school, I was focused on completing a musical, and there were many false starts, but finally it was completed my senior year of high school,” he said. “It’s been something I wanted to do since I realized that Stephen Sondheim wrote ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Into the Woods,’ and I asked myself, ‘A human is capable of that?’ I wanted to be that human.”

LaPorte said he admires the work of Stephen Sondheim and Jeanine Tesori. LaPorte said he also enjoys the work of many comedians. LaPorte, being the composer, lyricist and book writer of “June by the Sea,” said writing the music and the text are both equally important to him.

“I think it is a constant problem-solving game of finding the best way to communicate a story to the audience,” he said.

“It’s a lot easier to leave the book behind if you’re not careful.

It’s important to make sure the book is getting as much polish as the music.”

Before writing “June by the Sea,” LaPorte wrote “Baseball Play” during his sophomore year.

“I was in honors LAS, and we read a book called ‘Miko Kings,’ which is a fictional account of a Native American baseball team.

I stopped taking notes on the book at some point, and I was just writing things that were interesting about baseball and America: about how the goal of baseball is not to progress, but to come

When I look at musical theater right now, indulgent melodic music is a gap that I see that isn’t being produced.

Adam LaPorte music theater/composition senior

Submitted

Adam LaPorte, music theater and composition senior (center), poses with the cast of “June by the Sea.” LaPorte began writing music in elementary school, and has written three full-length musicals since then. His new show, “June by the Sea,” will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Admission is free for all students.

“

back home. I asked myself if that is what we do in a lot of middle America suburbs, where the system is a closed circuit and kids replace their parents,” he said.

Now with opening night of “June by the Sea” being a few days away, LaPorte said his inspiration for the new work came from his previous one.

“I remember being in Wimberly after school, and I was playing through ‘Baseball Play’ songs. I thought that they were fine; they’re very functional and catchy, but there’s nothing that you could just sit down and play and get wrapped up in something gorgeous and luscious,” he said. “When I look at musical theater right now, indulgent melodic music is a gap that I see that isn’t being produced.”

LaPorte said his new musical was inspired by the idea that musical theater can be timeless, as well as wanting to flip theatrical tropes on their head.

“I wanted to do something that was kind of set outside of time.

‘June’ really came from looking at old styles of musical theater and thinking about how to bring them into 2020, but not by making them all just sound like pop music,” he said.

LaPorte said his opportunities at OCU have allowed him to express his creativity.

“I think the chance to be able to write and produce these materials has been so invaluable, and I don’t want to be the last one to reap those benefits. I am not exceptional in any way, but if I can do anything, it’s try to legitimize who is coming up beneath me,” he said.

Dr. Edward Knight, director of music composition, said Laporte is his first student in his 23 years of teaching to graduate with a double major in music theater and composition.

“He’s brilliant,” Knight said. “He’s extremely talented as a writer, singer, actor, and composer.”

“June by the Sea” will perform at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

Admission is free for all students.

Melissa Campbell, graphic designer, is the co-director of “June by the Sea.” Campbell was not involved in the writing or editing of this piece.

By Community Manager Jessica Vanek

Students to paint mural honoring Clara Luper Francesca Iacovacci

STAFF WRITER

Two students are planning to paint a mural on campus in honor of Clara Luper.

Leondre Lattimore, studio art senior, and Shakurah Maynard, graphic design/studio art senior, are planning to paint a portrait of Clara Luper in the stairwell of the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.

Lattimore is a Clara Luper scholar and said he wants to further remember her on campus.

“Clara Luper has a great legacy as a civil leader who organized one of the first ever sit-ins in Oklahoma,” Lattimore said. “Given the amount of work that she did and the level of commitment she had to education, I think it’s only right we honor her. Her legacy is great, and I want more people to know about the great things she did in our community.”

The Clara Luper Scholarship Program includes full tuition, room and board for four years and membership in the President’s Leadership Class.

Annette Barrios, music freshman, receives a Clara Luper scholarship and said it is important to remember the strides Luper made in the community.

“Honoring her legacy through art is a gorgeous tribute,” she said.

Barrios also said the scholarship is what made it possible for her to attend the university.

“Growing up with a single mom, I knew college would be beyond our reach without hefty scholarships,” Barrios said. “Clara

Student projects are a great way to bring new creative artwork on a price tag the university can afford.

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Shakurah Maynard graphic design/studio art senior

Luper’s generosity has given and continues to give students the opportunity to study at an institution that values service, leadership and the arts. I’m infinitely grateful for that.”

Maynard said although she isn’t a Clara Luper scholar, she also thinks it’s important to honor Clara Luper.

“I think it’s significant to have a tribute to Clara Luper on campus, especially since our biggest scholarship is named after her,” Maynard said. “The whole scholarship is built on the chance to give diverse students a chance to go to college when, a lot of the times, it’s not financially feasible otherwise.”

Lattimore and Maynard have discussed the idea of creating a mural in Luper’s honor since they were freshmen.

“Right now, the mural is a combination of mine and Leondre’s painting styles,” Maynard said. “Leondre has a consistent use of doves in his work, and I’m good at portraiture. The portrait will be Clara Luper with doves flying around her, so that’s how we’ll be combining our styles.”

Lattimore said the mural is projected to be completed by the end of the semester.

“We started designing over winter break. The mural started out as a sketch, and then we put it into Photoshop to see a more realistic version of how it will look,” Lattimore said. “We’re going to have to work around the building’s busiest hours when we paint.

We’ll probably try to paint more at night, but we’ve discussed the option of blocking the stairway off for certain periods of time when we’ll need the entire area for safety precautions.”

Maynard said before the mural is painted, there will be a ceremony.

“We’re going to have a ceremony to announce the mural where we invite people from the community and honor Clara Luper’s daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth,” Maynard said.

The ceremony will be at noon on Feb. 28 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.

Maynard said she’s excited for the opportunity to paint the mural.

“Student projects are a great way to bring new creative artwork on a price tag the university can afford,” Maynard said. “It’s great to have student art on campus because there are so many talented artists at our school.”

For any questions about the mural or the ceremony, students can contact Levi Harrel, dean of students and student affairs, at ljharrel@okcu.edu.

Freshman named week’s top female track and field athlete MaKayla Baxter

STAFF WRITER

Sarah Olamide, criminal justice freshman, was named women’s track and field athlete of the week by the Sooner Athletic Conference.

Olamide was awarded SAC athlete of the week after competing in the Central Oklahoma Chris Weilert Open on Jan. 18.

Olamide earned her first win of the season with her mile time of 5:20.64. She then won the 3,000 meter run with a time of 10:53.82.

She is the first athlete of the 2019-2020 season to receive the honor.

“I’m so happy and excited to have been recognized,” Olamide said. “I’m very grateful to God and my coach, who helped me get where I am today.”

Olamide said she is grateful for the support of her friends and teammates.

“They were happy to hear that I received the award,” Olamide said. “They’ve been so lovely, helpful and kind. Working with them

God has so many plans for me. I'm very excited to see what comes next.

Sarah Olamide criminal justice freshman

is so much fun.”

This award is Olamide’s second weekly honor from the conference, her first being the SAC women’s cross country runner of the week for Oct. 21-27, 2019.

Matt Aguero, head cross country/track and field coach, said he hopes Olamide will qualify for national recognition.

“We have another meet coming up,” Aguero said. “I know her

times could be better, so hopefully that goes well and she can qualify for the national meet.”

Aguero said awards and recognition such as SAC athlete of the week are a great way to represent not just teams or individuals, but the university itself.

“Any time our athletes can be honored for their work, it’s great,” Aguero said. “The conference gives out plenty of awards to our students, and we’re really proud of that.”

Aguero said he expects more students to receive honors this year.

“We’ve had many athletes of the week in the past,” Aguero said.

“We’ve even had several nationally recognized athletes. It’s always an honor to earn things like that, and we’re hoping to rack up a few more this year.”

Olamide said she is excited for the future.

“God has so many plans for me.” Olamide said. “I’m very excited to see what comes next.”

Say cheese!

Hannah Campbell Student Publications

Hey batter batter, hey batter batter, swing Outfielder Evan Maun swings the bat at the Feb. 1 game. The Stars played against York College and won 11-3 in their first game and 7-3 in their second. Their next game is at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Jim Wade Stadium.

February 5, 2020

Phi Mu hosted their annual fundraising event, Cheesin’ for the Children, on Jan. 31.

The proceeds were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition to Cheesin’ for the Children, Phi Mu also had a bake sale, a Panda Express fundraiser and an IHOP night fundraiser night.

Stephen Jackson Student Publications

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