Jan. 29

THE“CAMPUS January 29, 2020 – Volume 113 Issue 15

Gender-inclusive housing planned for 2021 Housing officials work with student senator to implement changes Shelby O’Brien

I think gender-inclusive housing is something that is needed and welcomed by the housing department.

STAFF WRITER

Officials are planning to implement gender-inclusive housing beginning in 2021.

Last semester, Student Senate drafted and passed a resolution on gender inclusion in on-campus housing. Sen. (gender-neutral housing) Reid Powell researched and drafted the resolution.

Though the change won’t be implemented for over a year, officials are in the planning stages for the future.

“Things take time, and this is one of those things,” Powell said.

Powell said he has been in communication with Casey Kreger, director of housing and residence life, to plan for the future.

“As of before break, Casey was hoping to officially start genderinclusive housing fall of 2021,” Powell said.

Powell said the timing is a little bit later than he had hoped for, but he recognizes that dynamic changes in the housing system won’t happen right away.

“This is not one of those issues that I pushed for in senate and then just told housing about and am now just going to stop worrying about; I am going to stay involved,” Powell said.

Jo Muscarella, acting sophomore, said they were aware of the proposal and previously hadn’t expected policy changes regarding

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Casey Kreger housing and residence life director

housing. They said they are happy about the proposal and are glad university officials are considering it.

Muscarella said they expected to be living with women during their time at OCU, but the option to potentially room with male friends is positive.

“I think that's really cool; for me, to have that option is really nice,” Muscarella said. “For me, even though I’m non-binary, I kind of consider myself trans-masculine, so I identify as more masculine than female and tend to gravitate towards that, and so I think that's really cool and gender-affirming that I could live with a bunch of guys.”

Casey Kreger said gender-inclusive housing is a big initiative for housing and OCU. “I think gender-inclusive housing is something that is needed and welcomed by the housing department and is something that has been on my radar since coming to OCU a couple of years ago,” Kreger said.

Kreger said once the resolution was approved, he started researching other universities’ processes with gender-inclusive housing.

“A lot of aspects of the housing application will have to be recreated, and we will basically be rebuilding the housing application with videos and procedures so everyone is educated on the types of housing and goes through the same process,” Kreger said.

The transition would not be complete by fall 2020, which is why officials are starting in 2021, Kreger said.

“Fall 2020 housing for freshman opens next week, and we wouldn’t have enough time to get the required processes and procedures ready by then, so we are shooting for fall 2021,” Kreger said.

Casey Kreger can be contacted with any questions or concerns at crkreger@my.okcu.edu.

Contributing: Web Editor Luke Barrett

Student’s clothes stolen from Cokesbury laundry room Francesca Iacovacci

STAFF WRITER

A student’s clothes were stolen from the Cokesbury Court Clubhouse when the security gates were open.

The theft occurred at 10:30 p.m. Jan. 11 from the laundry room of the Cokesbury Court Clubhouse. Bill Citty, interim director of campus police, said the anonymous student saw a woman taking clothes out of a dryer. The student later reported the incident to campus police when they realized it was their clothes that had been stolen.

Citty said the campus police were notified at 3:30 a.m. and saw a woman and a man on the security camera footage make three trips back and forth from the laundry room to their car parked in front of the clubhouse.

“The campus will be notified if the thefts are identified,” Citty said. “We want to put the picture of the thieves on the map so students can be aware if they see them again and can report it to us.”

Citty also said the perpetrators of the thefts were not students, and they came in through the open gates.

“Students should be aware of their surroundings at all times,” Citty said. “If you have a feeling something’s not right or something makes you uncomfortable, call OCUPD. We want every little thing reported. We want to make sure everyone feels safe, so we’re happy to come out when called.”

Casey Kreger, director of housing and residence life, said the security gates were open because of a cracked hinge on the exit gate, causing it to lean out of place.

“Since it’s a steel gate, it has to be professionally welded.

OCU’s repair company is planning to repair the gate as soon as possible,” Kreger said.

Kreger said he was waiting on the Cokesbury Court Apartment’s third vendor company, PSI Security Guard and Security Patrol Service, to repair the gate. When PSI did not act quickly enough, he contacted OCU’s company, Superior Security and Investigations Incorporation.

“The gates themselves are fully functional,” Kreger said. “We’ve tested them, and the problem is just the hinge on the exit gate, so we are keeping them open so it doesn’t fall on someone’s car.

The entrance gate is perfectly fine, but it’s not worth closing one

If you have a feeling something's not right or something makes you uncomfortable, call OCUPD. Bill Citty campus police interim director

gate because anyone could drive in through the exit gate anyways.”

Kreger said the issues with the gates started in November, when they experienced various software, ground wiring and motor gate issues.

“We have long-term plans to replace the vehicle and pedestrian gates, as well as to repair the fence, but the process would take about two months,” Kreger said.

Sarah Boone, music senior, has lived in Cokesbury for two years and said she feels the security is sub-par even when the gates are closed.

“You can never tell when you’re letting someone dangerous in behind you because if they’re not a student, they might be someone’s friend from another school or somebody’s Uber,” Boone said.

Boone also said she experienced two incidents when strangers were knocking on students’ doors in Cokesbury, which she reported to OCUPD. “They were inviting students to a Bible study and tried to get my personal information and to get me to leave with them.

From what I’ve heard about groups like that at other universities, I thought it was a sex-trafficking group, but at the very least, they were trespassing,” Boone said. “I would feel better if there was a 24/7 on-duty officer at Cokesbury. I’ve seen other schools do that.”

Kreger said students should download the free app, “Rave Guardian,” which allows quick access to campus police.

“While Emergency Blue phones are still fully functional, they’ve become a thing of the past,” Kreger said. “In an emergency, a student would have to run to the nearest phone, and if they’re being followed, they wouldn’t want to stop to make a phone call.”

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Kreger also said users can set safety timers on the Rave Guardian application.

“If you’re going to walk somewhere at night, you can set a timer for how long you think it should take and it will track you. If you don’t make it to your destination in time or stray from the path, the application will automatically alert OCUPD.” Kreger sent an email to Cokesbury residents informing students that although OCUPD increases their security measures when the gates are open, students are always advised to observe the following safety suggestions from OCUPD. “1. Always be aware of your surroundings while walking or driving from your room, to class, or around campus. If you feel unsafe walking on campus, please contact OCU Police who can give you a ride to your destination on campus.

2. Lock your vehicle and do not leave any items of value in it.

3. Lock your front exterior apartment doors when not at home.

4. Do not give out the access code to the gates.

5. Be aware that “tailgating” does not occur behind you with individuals that do not belong in the community with vehicle or pedestrian gates.”

Kreger also stated in the email to contact OCUPD or the Resident Assistant on Call if students see anything suspicious.

Students should also report if anything is broken or out of place with the security measures in Cokesbury.

“8. Download the Rave Guardian App on your phone that connects directly to OCUPD to have a quick connection to the dispatcher, safety timers, and the option to text OCU Police,” the email read.

“11. If you are traveling at night, always make sure you are with a group or with someone else, especially off campus.”

If students have any questions or need to get in contact with OCUPD, they can call 405-208-5911 or the RA on Call at 405-476-8100.

Students given updated access to printers across campus MaKayla Baxter

STAFF WRITER

New printers with updated software are being installed in multiple buildings, including resident hall lobbies.

The change is part of a campus-wide project to replace the old copiers that were purchased eight years ago.

Reid Powell, political science sophomore, said United Methodist Hall residents are enjoying the building’s new printer.

“A lot of students have been loving it, especially because it seems like a safer alternative to walking to the library late at night,” Powell said. “Having the option to stay in the safety of our own dorm building while avoiding the risk of finding ourselves in potentially unsafe situations is absolutely great.”

Students can now swipe their ID cards to access any printer, even those belonging to specific departments.

Powell said he finds no issue with students accessing these printers, as long as they stay properly stocked.

“If a student uses one of these printers, the charge will still go to their own account,” Powell said. “As long as the university consistently keeps the printing supplies funded and in stock, I don’t really see it being an issue.”

Kristen Burkholder, access services librarian for the DulaneyBrowne Library, said the updates are a welcome change.

“From our perspective here at the library, we have an awful lot of students coming here to print,” Burkholder said. “The old printers were, quite frankly, old. They tended to jam really often and had a lot of issues. Of course, there have been some glitches

M MEDIAOCU.com

A lot of students have been loving it, especially because it seems like a safer alternative to walking to the library late at night.

Reid Powell political science sophomore

while everyone gets adjusted with the new technology, but the new printers have been a breeze and have made the process a lot smoother.”

Burkholder said the only printer in the library without access to students is located in a faculty area, so there should not be issues with students inappropriately using them.

“I don’t know about other departments, but here in the library we have our own staff printer that’s out of reach from students,” Burkholder said. “If it’s the same for other buildings, I don’t think there should be much concern from staff or faculty.”

Powell said with proper planning and maintenance, the updated printers could prove to be beneficial additions to the campus.

“I completely understand why some faculty may be concerned with students potentially using up their supplies,” Powell said.

“However, professors are printing off hundreds of pages at a time, while a student may come by and only print off a few. As long

as the system is well organized and properly maintained, I fully support the new additions.”

Powell said he hopes plans are being set in place for future upkeep and maintenance procedures.

“With the number of new printers being installed, inevitably, large amounts of maintenance will be needed as time goes on,” Powell said. “Hopefully, there is protocol for what services will be needed and who will provide them because there may be major problems down the line if we haven’t solidified those plans yet.”

Burkholder said the new printers are expected to require less maintenance than the previous ones.

“With the old printers, we sometimes had to call maintenance a few times per week,” she said. “We haven’t had to call them at all this semester, so that’s a good sign.”

Powell said he believes students will continue to appropriately utilize the printers.

“From what I understand, the new printers and software have been very positively received,” Powell said. “I think students will continue to use them in a beneficial manner and they will prove to be a great implementation for our university.”

Burkholder said the new printers are a beneficial addition for the campus community.

“We’re really happy with them,” Burkholder said. “They have been great for both students and staff, and hopefully they’ll keep everything going for a long time.”

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opinion

Students encouraged to remain respectful with printer materials Students are now able to print and copy documents from any building on campus due to the new printer fleet.

The new printers on campus have introduced a new wave of printing access for students and faculty.

See page 1 for more on the new printer system.

Although this accessibility is a significant improvement from the old system, students must remember to remain respectful when using university materials and use the printers wisely.

Students should recognize that everyone is sharing these printers now, so keeping them in prime condition and respecting the technology is crucial in keeping this new system of efficiency in effect.

Students may notice the new setup of these printers means they will often be sharing resources with faculty and staff on campus. Students must be respectful when printing on printers that belong

to different departments. If a student needs to print a long paper or multiple copies of a document, they should consider printing at the library, which is meant primarily for students.

It is important to consider that teachers no longer have unlimited access to printers, as well as small, private offices to print off worksheets and readings for their classes, so students should remain considerate of how many materials they use. Teachers often need high volumes of paper and printer accessibility in order to keep their classes running smoothly. Students should take advantage of printers in the dorm buildings in an effort to keep the highly-populated areas open for teachers to get the resources they need.

By using these printers made exclusively available to students, the student body can help decrease traffic in other buildings, such as Walker Center.

Talk Back "What class would you like to take online?"

The new printer update is a positive change that helps students have greater access to materials they need. Changes such as these are made possible by the student body actively expressing their desires for change on campus. Students’ voices have led to proposals on gender-inclusive housing (see page 1 for more on the gender-inclusive housing initiative), increased dietary options in the cafeteria and student involvement in the process for selecting a new police chief (see MediaOCU.com for more on the police chief search). If students see an area on campus that needs improvement, they should inform their SGA representative or university officials.

By staying kind and courteous, students will help keep our educational environment free from stress and unnecessary clutter. Remember, with great printer access, comes great responsibility.

“Methods of Scientific Inquiry”

“Comp II”

Alfred James nursing sophomore

Raven Wiley dance freshman

“Intro to Social Media”

“Governance”

Katie Conner mass communications senior

Fabius Bascon acting sophomore

“Science”

“American History”

Miguel Moreno violin performance junior

Isaac Sorell acting junior

Columnist reviews music artist’s posthumous album, “Circles” Mac Miller’s posthumous album, “Circles,” was released on Jan 17. It is his first published work since his accidental drug overdose in 2018. “Circles” is the artist’s sixth and final studio album. The album has been met with positive reviews, and many say it offers closure.

There’s something both unsettling and heart-warming about listening to music released after an artist’s death. It almost feels like eavesdropping on a conversation you’re not sure you were ever meant to hear.

Miller’s family reached out to his producer, Jon Brion, and requested he finish the album in Miller’s honor.

In a statement released on Instagram, his family said finishing the album was a complicated process with no clear path.

“We simply know that it was important to Malcolm for the world to hear it,” the post read.

“Circles” was not only the sequel to his 2019 album, “Swimming,” but was supposed to be the second work of a trilogy.

Brion explained the concept was inspired by an aquatic theme after noticing multiple lyrics Miller wrote about water.

“Swimming” is a hybrid of hiphop and more acoustic song forms. “Circles” was planned to be acoustic-based, while the third album was theorized to be primarily hip-hop. I think this concept was supposed to compare the fluidity of water to the versatility of artists who sing different types of genres and have multiple passions.

Brion said he aimed to change as little as possible in

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

Miller’s unfinished songs as he produced the album. Three tracks were already completed before Brion had a chance to hear them: “Blue World,” “I Can See,” and a cover of Arthur Lee’s “Everybody’s Gotta Live.”

Other songs had to be finished without him, but it is unclear just how much Miller had completed himself. Regardless, the album sounds wholeheartedly complete and does justice to the singer.

“Circles” isn’t Miller’s most innovative work, but it’s the

most impactful to his fans.

While “Swimming” showed an artist struggling with anxiety, what we hear in “Circles” is an artist who approaches his anxiety from a more positive standpoint, knowing it’s something to work on and overcome.

Lo-fi beats and elements of indie-folk drive the album, with limited tracks featuring Miller’s ever-so-clever raps. “Hand Me Downs” and “Hands” are the only rap songs, assuring that just because he’s embraced other styles doesn’t mean he doesn’t

love his musical roots.

The general tone of the album is soothing. Miller’s relaxed, groggy voice delivers confidence as he maturely sorts through his feelings. In “Good News,” Miller sings about how people and the media only want to hear good news, even if it’s not authentic. He compares cleaning out his mind to spring cleaning and takes an optimistic approach to his mental health, singing “Wake up to the moon, haven’t seen the sun in a while / But I heard that the sky’s still blue.”

In the title and opening song, “Circles,” Miller sings about letting go of a past love.

The circle represents the patterns in the relationship, as well as his patterns with mental illness. The album, which Miller sings in a new style and a new

mindset, serves to break the cycle.

My favorite lyrics from the album are found in “Surf,” where Miller sings, “And I know that somebody knows me / I know somewhere, there’s home / I’m starting to see that all I have to do is get up and go.” These lyrics share a powerful message that even though it is easy to feel lonely, there are always people who care for you. This was especially true in Miller’s case with his enormous fanbase.

Even if you weren’t a fan of Miller while he was alive, I think we can all learn a lot from this album. The lyrics are thought-provoking, and I enjoyed listening to it. “Circles” is a perfect sense of closure to the life of an artist many loved and respected.

Food critic gives new plant-based restaurant a glowing review Full confession, I’m a massive hypocrite. I almost always roll my eyes at New Year’s resolutions and say they’re dumb, and then I’ll secretly use the New Year as an excuse to try new things and make improvements. So far, I’ve been trying to be more of a “good vegetarian.” So far, this hasn’t been entirely easy since my busy schedule makes takeout and fast food far more appealing than taking time to make my own healthy meals. Any vegan or vegetarian will eagerly complain to you about the lack of good options when it comes to taking out for us. Luckily, this week I learned about a relatively new plant-based restaurant, Plant, located in midtown.

First off, this place was not cheap at all. Nearly everything was around $15, which is a little higher than I would typi-

cally spend on one lunch dish, especially given the portion sizes. I know vegan food has a reputation for not being cheap, but I also know you can get a huge bowl of vegan macaroni and cheese from The Loaded Bowl for around $8, just saying.

The menu was pretty short and sweet, with about six different dishes available for lunch and dinner. Most of their offerings were what you would expect to find at any typical vegan restaurant, with options such as salads and quinoa bowls.

Near the counter, they had a fridge full of different snacks and quick grab-and-go meals which seemed super convenient. The one thing on the menu which really stood out to me was their tikka masala.

Chicken tikka masala was one of my all-time favorite meals before I went vegetarian, and I

Hope Melton is a political science senior from Edmond, Oklahoma. She likes basketball, '70s music and Marvel movies.

still crave it often. When I saw they had a vegan dupe for it, I nearly screamed.

The tikka masala pretty much tasted like tikka masala.

There was nothing surprising or ground-breaking about the meal. The creamy tomato and curry sauce tasted just like the traditional thing, and the rice was, well, rice. Nevertheless, it was warm, well-seasoned and all-around perfect for a cold day.

Seriously, even if you never set foot in Plant, I strongly recommend you try tikka masala next time you are somewhere where

it’s served. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad tikka masala, so I’m super happy the vegan version was just as good as the normal thing. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more.

Overall, Plant was great.

Restaurants which are entirely plant-based like this are total havens for people with dietary restrictions. I’m ecstatic to have a little diversity in Oklahoma City’s vegan food scene. I would recommend this place for any vegans, vegetarians or just anybody that’s curious about vegan food. The food here seems tasty,

filling and not very different from non-vegan food, so this could be a great introduction to vegan cuisine for anybody who is on the fence about the whole vegan thing.

While I am super grateful to have visited another great restaurant, I’m not going to lie, I’m also disappointed to give another glowing review. I feel like most of my reviews end the exact same way, with me talking about how great a place is. I love good food just as much as the next person, and part of me is grateful I haven’t stumbled across any truly gut-wrenching places yet. Yet, another part of me is worried these reviews are getting boring and repetitive.

That weird part of me really wants to visit someplace shocking and gross and then write about it, just for the experience.

After all, Gordon Ramsey is at

his most entertaining when he’s tearing apart some restaurant on “Kitchen Nightmares,” so maybe this could produce a somewhat more entertaining column.

Unfortunately, finding bad restaurants is harder than you would imagine. If you search “best restaurants in OKC” dozens of lists pop up. Unsurprisingly, however, not many people are posting lists of their least favorite restaurants online.

This is where I need your help.

I need people to send me the worst restaurants they’ve visited in the OKC area. My email is always open at ehmelton@ my.okcu.edu, and I’m always receptive to messages on Facebook messenger. Thank you so much in advance, and I can’t wait to document my potential food poisoning for everyone to read about.

Phi Mu Miracle Week Presents: Cheesin’ For The Children from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Phi Mu House

Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity 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 Forces and Philosophies OCU Film Capstone Audition from 6-10 p.m. in Room 151 in Walker Center Phi Mu Miracle Week Presents: IHOP Fundraiser from 4-9

p.m. at IHOP on 701 S. Meridian Ave. THURSDAY Weekly Chapel from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Forces and Philosophies OCU

Film Capstone Audition from 6-10 p.m. in Room 151 in Walker Center

FRIDAY Professor’s signature required to drop a class after this date

Phi Mu Miracle Week Presents: Tell us Why You are #FTK & Tag @ocuphimu all day on various social media platforms

Forces and Philosophies OCU Film Capstone Audition from 6-10 p.m. in Room 151 in Walker Center

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 Jan. 29, 2020, Volume 113, Issue 15

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

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

SATURDAY Men’s basketball vs. Langston at 3:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons

Women’ s basketball vs.

Langston at 2 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

Photographers: Hannah Campbell, Clara Foster, Stephen Jackson

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.

January 29, 2020

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news

Choir to premiere piece remembering Oklahoma City bombing Troy Freeman

STAFF WRITER

An OCU choir has commissioned an original work memorializing 25 years since the Oklahoma City bombing.

The Canterbury Voices, led by Dr. Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities, will premiere the piece, titled “Of Perpetual Solace,” at Civic Center Music Hall. The performance will feature the OCU Chamber Choir, University Singers, Symphony Orchestra, and Canterbury Voices. The premiere also celebrates the 50th anniversary since the creation of the Canterbury Voices choir.

Ellefson said the idea of doing a large-scale project for Canterbury Voices started three years ago with meetings over a commission for Dr. Edward Knight, composer in residence, and M.J. Alexander, librettist and Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame inductee.

“At first, of course, we were mainly talking about Canterbury Voices’ 50th anniversary. I wanted something special, I wanted a commission,” Ellefson said. “It wasn’t long into planning when we realized it would also be the 25th anniversary of the bombing which shook Oklahoma City to its core. So, it evolved into a large piece about the symbols of life and eternity, and pain and suffering.”

As the project developed, Ellefson said Knight and Alexander wanted to add more choral elements, including one involving an OCU alumna.

“Ed came up with this idea of a smaller, other-worldly angel choir that juxtaposed the larger chorus representing humanity.

Then we added the children’s choir, who sing the reflective text, and finally Lisa Love, who acts as the cantor, weaving the story together.”

Knight said as the piece grew in breadth, it also grew in depth.

“Originally, they were talking about doing a 20-minute piece, and I said, ‘there was no way we were going to be able to do all this in only 20 minutes.’ So, it turned into a 30-minute piece, then a 40, and now we’re narrowing on 45 minutes.” Knight said.

The piece in its final form is a 45-minute abstract memorial which acknowledges the human suffering resulting from the Oklahoma City bombing. Tony Gonzalez, associate director of

I think it is wonderful that we are allowing new work to be produced from this university and allowing it to be shared with a large audience.

Kevin Howery music theater sophomore

choral activities, was a high school choir director in Norman when the attack took place. Gonzalez said the bombing had an effect on his life and his teaching.

“It was an impactful day that forever changed our lives in Norman,” Gonzalez said. “The Wednesday night after the attack, we had choir practice in my church choir, and we couldn’t sing. We just sat around and held each other and cried. We had no way of achieving any sort of normalcy to prepare something for Sunday, but we did have that moment together for solace.” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he hopes his connection to the event and understanding of the text might bring another dimension to the piece.

“As many people know, I am a man of deep passion, and so when I was reading the score for the first time, I couldn’t see the notes on the page because I was crying. It moved me so much,” he said. “I think that was Knight and Alexander’s intent.”

Ellefson said choral music is unique in its ability to memorialize tragedy in a way that can be universally understood.

“There’s a natural connection between the voices of humanity and the voices of a choir. You look at the national funerals that have been held on TV recently, you look at John McCain and George Bush, they always feature the choir. Choirs express the emotions of humanity as a mass.” Ellefson said.

Knight’s “Of Perpetual Solace” was an especially challenging project.

“I do a lot of drafting with large pieces of paper, laying down visuals, kind of like a filmmaker with a storyboard. I can tell you; this was this most difficult thing I’ve ever had to write.” Knight said.

“

Alexander said her text was based on the storytelling structure set by Knight’s music.

“The music came first. Ed composed a musical sketch of the work, and for months I went everywhere—running, working, sleeping—with headphones on, listening to the cadences, the rhythms and the lyrical passages to the point where it seemed the words formed themselves.” Alexander said.

She said her lyrics are a mix of original work, as well as famous speeches and works of poetry.

“I made a point of seeking out coverage of the bombing and its aftermath, reading of the memorial services, survivor interviews, interviews of people whose loved ones did not make it. The public reading of the names of the fallen, recited every year at the same place and same moment, is music itself, a poem of remembrance offered to the heavens each anniversary.” Alexander said.

Gonzalez said he’s thrilled to be a part of the event and sees performing a new work of this scope as an opportunity to help his ensembles better understand tragedy that affects an entire community.

Kevin Howery, music theater sophomore, is a member of the large chorus in “Of Perpetual Solace” and said he is invigorated by the magnitude of new material his school creates.

“I think it’s wonderful that we are allowing new work to be produced from this university and allowing it to be shared with a large audience,” Howery said. “These kinds of commissions keep composers working, while honoring a beautiful story of growth and resilience in spite of tragedy.” Howery said.

Knight said the three years of development for a large-scale concert is a result of OCU’s unique culture of innovation, which encourages cooperation between many different directors and departments to make something special.

“We’ve fostered a mentality at OCU that people want to generate, want to create,” he said. “It’s a special environment, and I’m really happy to be a part of it all.”

“Of Perpetual Solace” will be performed in Canterbury Voices’ concert, Spectrum of Harmonies, at 3 p.m. March 29 at Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets can be purchased at okcciviccenter.com

Meinders School of Business ranked as one of best online programs Josh Eliot

STAFF WRITER

The Meinders School of Business has been ranked as one of the best online business programs in the country.

The US News and World Report recently ranked OCU as No. 41 in the country for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA).

The online graduate programs for Energy Management and Energy Legal Studies were specifically recognized. OCU ranked above University of Illinois-Springfield, University of San Diego and Syracuse University.

The ranking is conducted

based on engagement, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, services and technologies, and student excellence, according to the US News website.

In order for a school to be recognized by the US News and World Report, it first has to be credited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

St e v e A g e e , Me i n d e r s School of Business dean, said very few schools in the country are accredited.

“Only about 4.5% are accredited by AACSB. The standards that you have to meet to become an AACSB accredited business school are

Students to study Greek theater abroad in Cyprus Josh Eliot

STAFF WRITER

School of Theatre students will be studying abroad in Cyprus over the summer.

The trip will last from June 9 until July 17. While there, students will take two classes at the University of Nicosia and perform a production of “The Trojan Women” in ancient Greek theaters. The play will have an on-campus performance April 2-5 in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center with a different cast. The Cyprus production of “The Trojan Women” has still yet to be cast.

“It’ll be kind of like a callback process because if you’re going on the trip you’re going to be in the show,” said Tan Neeno, acting junior who will be attending the trip.

Cole Duffy, acting sophomore, said he’s looking forward to the trip and the classes they will be taking.

We're ranked number one in the state of Oklahoma with regard to our graduate energy programs.

Steve Agee Meinders School of Business dean

extremely rigorous,” Agee said.

This is the sixth consecutive year the Meinders School of Business has been recognized by the US News and World Report. It was first accredited by the AACSB in 2014. The two graduate energy programs that have been recognized

started in 2012. “ These programs were pretty unique. We were the first really in the nation to start Masters-level graduate energy programs,” Agee said.

Agee, who teaches the Energy Management course recognized by the US News

and World Report, said he tries to get his students to look at the big picture.

“It’s easy to say, ‘let’s transition away from hydrocarbons to greener forms of energy.’

How exactly would we do that? It’s much more complex,” Agee said.

The two energy courses used to be live-streamed, but this past fall, they have gone strictly online. Agee said the classes are even available for international students.

“The advantage of online is the convenience for the students,” Agee said.

Jane Goto, marketing sophomore, said she’s not surprised Meinders was recognized and

hopes this recognition will continue the school’s good results.

“They’re going to keep bringing in students who can get jobs just like that,” Goto said.

Agee said students, specifically graduate students, are delighted about the recognition.

“It ups the level of their standing with respect to their peers,” Agee said.

Students can find more information about the ranking at usnews.com/education.

“We’re going to be taking two classes; one special topics in acting, the other class is theater for social change,” Duffy said.

Duffy said 16 students are attending, enough to cover the three male roles in the play and the remaining female roles. The final list of students attending the trip is still being finalized.

Because the Cyprus study abroad program will be in the summer, it will be shorter than other study abroad programs offered during the school year.

“I liked that this one was kind of a month and a half, that way I don’t feel like I’m away from home forever,” Duffy said.

Officials have not yet decided whether the trip will continue in future years.

“Hopefully OCU sets a good enough example that we will be able to come back in the future and offer other students the same opportunity,” Duffy said.

Neeno also said they were excited for the opportunities of the upcoming trip.

“It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Neeno said.

Stephen Jackson Student Publications

Plant yourself on campus Above: Morgan Tschoepe, exercise science sophomore, smiles holding a plant from the Tri Beta table at the Involvement Fair on Jan. 22 in the Student Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.

Below: Fabius Bascon, acting sophomore, and Ellen Roth, finance/economics senior, hold up “FTK For the Kids” shirts at the Miracle Marathon table at the Involvement Fair.

Creating new art Broderick McQuarters, flute performance senior, performs in the Project 21 concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan 23 in Medium Rehearsal Hall in Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Project 21 is a student composition-based organization. The concert featured original works and world premieres by the composers.

Stephen Jackson Student Publications

January 29, 2020

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lifestyles SHINING STAR Senior with three minors returns from semester abroad Zoe Travers, mass communications senior, likes to dabble in many different studies.

Travers recently returned to the U.S. after a semester abroad at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, England.

“It was a little bit last minute,” Travers said. “I was at a crossroads spring of 2019. Early in spring, I was in a meeting with my counselor, and he said I could graduate in spring 2019, in December 2019 or study abroad and graduate in 2020.”

Travers said she decided to graduate with her class.

“I didn’t want to go crazy and graduate early and pack everything in,” she said. “I wanted to let myself be in college for a bit.”

In addition to Travers’s major in mass communication, she also studies three different minors: film, philosophy and Spanish.

Travers said she spent a majority of her study abroad experience taking classes for her film minor.

“I learned a lot of film theory,” she said. “One of the things I found with film is that they teach mostly Hollywood, so the actual films you watch aren’t that different. It’s still pretty American-based.”

Travers said she enjoyed delving into the art form.

“I don’t know if it’s a field I see myself going into, but I really enjoy learning about how to really watch film,” she said.

Now that Travers is back in the states, she said she’s taking it easy.

“I’m not doing a lot right now. I’m just focusing on finishing school,” she said. “I found that I was really, really busy for a long time, and then I was really, really not busy for a period of time, and now I’m circling back to figure out what was more comfortable for me.”

Previously, Travers was a music reporter for OKSessions and a student reporter for both KOSU and the Gayly.

Travers said though she enjoys reporting on arts and

“

Submitted

Zoe Travers, mass communications senior, (right) poses with her girlfriend, Katelyn Elrod, and their dog Fred at the annual Women’s March in OKC on Jan. 25 in Scissortail Park. The sign on Fred reads, “I march for my moms.”

entertainment, she is open to anything.

Travers said she recommends students find what volume of work they’re comfortable with.

“Find your comfort level and try to stick to it,” she said.

“Just because everyone around you is pushing doesn’t mean you have to. If everyone around is relaxing, you don’t have to. Learn how to say no.”

Travers said she recommends a certain type of food for students as well.

“Walmart cheese danishes,” she said. “Don’t underestimate them.”

Andy Gibson, mass communications artist-in-residence, and Billy Palumbo, visiting assistant professor of film, have made an impact on Travers, she said.

“I thank Billy Palumbo for all the laughs. Billy for president. Thank you, William Palumbo,” Travers said.

Palumbo said before he had Travers in class, he had heard about her from other people.

“I was really excited from what I had heard about her, and it’s been fun to see her kind of translating film classes into what she has been studying here in mass communications and exploring her horizons a little bit,” Palumbo said.

Palumbo said he’s enjoyed seeing Travers push herself to the artistic side of education.

“I had her in intermediate film workshop last year, and it was fun to see her grappling with some of the stuff we were talking about in a different way than everyone else.”

Travers has been learning how to know her worth in the art of storytelling, Palumbo said.

“I admire how selflessly she approaches storytelling, and she’s been realizing that she is an important part of that story as well, even if it’s not about her. She’s realizing that Zoe Travers is important too,” he said. “I’m excited to see how she integrates that into whatever she pursues.”

By Community Manager Jessica Vanek

School of Visual Arts to showcase fabric art sculpture Maxwell McIntire

STAFF WRITER

Visual Artist Sarah FitzSimons will be showcasing one of her sculptures on campus, a fabric quilt of the ocean.

From Feb. 12 to March 6 in the Norick-Hulsey Gallery in Norick Art Center, FitzSimons’ fabric sculpture, “Pacific Quilt,” will be open for viewing during Gallery hours. FitzSimons also will be speaking on campus about her sculpture to discuss her creative process and work as an artist.

FitzSimons is a visual artist specializing in sculptures, currently teaching as an assistant professor at the University of WisconsinMadison. She said she worked on the quilt over the course of five years after moving back to Wisconsin and missing being near the ocean. FitzSimons’s artwork has a focus on the relationship between civilization and nature, something visible in her depiction of the Pacific Ocean in the sculpture.

“Pacific Quilt” is a fabric sculpture, a quilt measuring 21 by 24 feet depicting the Pacific Ocean. The lines and seams of the quilt are reflective of the flow of currents. Each square inch is repre-

It is a fabric sculpture that is going to be installed on the floor of the gallery.

Heather Lunsford school of visual arts director

sentative of 25 square miles of ocean, and the stitching throughout the quilt is an accurate map of the Pacific Ocean.

Heather Lunsford, director of the School of Visual Arts, said the sculpture will be laid on the floor instead of a bed in the exhibit.

“It is a fabric sculpture that is going to be installed on the floor of the gallery. It could be used for functional bedding, but is much larger than a bed. If it were in a bedroom it would cover the bed and flow off the bed and consume its space. Here, it’s going to

be laid out, almost like a topographic map. Its stitching actually mirrors the topography of the ocean that we can’t see, because it’s hidden under the water,” Lunsford said.

Marty Gibson, visual arts senior, said they have worked through a variety of mediums, but don’t have much experience with fiber arts, the medium in which “Pacific Quilt” is constructed.

“I feel like it will be really interesting to see that up close and in person, because I’ve never seen a big scale fiber art piece before.

It’ll be cool to see that,” Gibson said.

Gibson also said they would like to see more large-scale sculptures featured in the Gallery, from fabric sculptures like FitzSimons’s quilt to ceramic sculptures and pieces.

FitzSimons will be giving a talk at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the main studio of Norick, where she will be discussing her work on “Pacific Quilt.” The official opening will be 5-7 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Gallery in Norick. Lunsford said anyone curious to learn more about “Pacific Quilt”or FitzSimons’s other work should attend these events.

Hoop, there it is Top Left: The men’s basketball team breaks as they get ready to play against Bacone College.

Top Right: NaShyla Hammons, senior forward, dribbles the ball in the Jan. 14 game against Southwestern Christian University. The Stars won the game 69-42.

Right: Darrion Willies, senior forward, prepares to shoot a free throw at the Jan. 16 game against Bacone College. The Stars won the game 106-66. The next game on campus is against Langston University at 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 1 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

Left: Shamika Smith, senior guard, goes for a layup in the game against Southwestern Christian University. The next game on campus is against Langston University at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

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