Jan 31

“ THE CAMPUS January 31, 2018 – Volume 111 Issue 15

Presidential search kept confidential, updates minimal Zoe Travers

NEWS EDITOR

Officials plan for OCU’s 18th president to take office in July, but members of the presidential search committee refuse to discuss their progress on finding President Robert Henry’s replacement.

Henry announced last summer that he will retire in June.

Ron Norick, search committee chairman and president of the board of trustees, previously told Student Publications that “active recruitment” for the university’s next president would begin in December, with preliminary interviews completed in February.

Norick refused Jan. 23 to provide an update on the search committee’s progress, including refusing to provide the number of applicants or candidates.

Joey Croslin, vice president for human resources and secretary of the search committee, said Friday that there were no updates on the search.

President Robert Henry was unavailable Jan. 23 for comment.

The board of trustees met Jan. 24 for a regularly scheduled meeting. Randy Gipson-Black, Student Government Association president and member of

the board of trustees, was at the meeting and said a brief update of the search was provided. Gipson-Black said Monday that the committee is narrowing down the candidates to the finalists. He said there is a list of candidates, but he was unsure how many names are on the list.

“The search has been a very private affair, mainly because many of the candidates are currently employed,” Gipson-Black said.

Gipson-Black also said he is unsure if the search committee is on schedule for February interviews.

A website, okcu.edu/admin/ hr/president-search, was created in October to announce updates on the search, but the most recent update provided is from November.

The site also features an application form, which requests a resume, a cover letter and a list of references, though references aren’t required to be contacted.

Nomination letters may be sent to Jan Asnicar at j.asnicar@storbeckpimentel.com.

Asnicar works for Storbeck/ Pimentel & Associates, the executive search firm working with the search committee’s members to find a president.

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates is the same search firm working with University of Oklahoma

Legally speaking, the public isn’t entitled by law to any particular degree of access. Any access that they give is really a matter of judgement, professionalism and ethics.

in Norman to find a new university president after President David Boren retires at the end of the academic year.

OU’s search is following a similar path, including hosting focus groups and releasing a description of the search committee members, but no information on potential candidates was released as of Jan. 24.

Frank LoMonte, director at the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, said there aren’t any legal issues with the concealing of the selection process at a private institution, but there are reasons why it’s in the university’s best interest to reveal information.

“Legally speaking, the public isn’t entitled by law to any particular degree of access,” LoMonte said. “Any access that they give is really a matter of judgement, professionalism and ethics.”

LoMonte said there should be more information released by the time the search is narrowed

Frank LoMonte

legal expert down, and, once it gets to that point, the “job security” argument does not hold up.

“I cannot imagine, in the year 2018, that any college is hiring a president without talking to the people at their present workplace,” he said.

LoMonte also said, once that argument is off the table, there’s no reason for secrecy.

He said many national search firms like to keep information secret, but that’s not what’s always best for the university.

“To just do the decision behind closed doors and then let people find out months later has really caused people to feel betrayed, and it hasn’t done the presidents any favors,” LoMonte said.

He also said he hopes universities rethink their selection processes to make information entirely open.

“People on the campus will feel more ownership of the decision,” LoMonte said. ‘They will really feel like this is their president as opposed to a president

that has been pushed upon them by the trustees.”

University officials had a similar search process when Henry was hired, but did not use a national search firm. Officials did not release candidate names during that search either.

Leslie Berger, senior director of university communications, said the main difference between this selection process and the selection process eight years ago is that, this time, students had an opportunity to give their input about what qualities they value in a president.

The search committee hosted focus groups in October asking for opinions from staff, students, trustees, and alumni. Officials posted the findings on their search website.

Victoria Mayhall, political science sophomore, said she wants what’s best for the university but feels like she’s not well informed on the process.

“I understand why the university would want it to be confidential, but, because of who the president is, it’s important to students, you know, he’s the face of our university–I do think students should have some knowledge,” Mayhall said.

She also said the website is useful to stay informed and give feedback, but she’s hoping for more updates soon. Mayhall

said she’s looking for a president who is approachable and personable.

The search committee is looking for “a leader who is energetic, dedicated, creative, and fair, and who has a sincere appreciation for the spiritual values of many faith traditions, particularly of the United Methodist Church,” according to the presidential search website.

Listed responsibilities include developing relationships with businesses and with the Oklahoma City community, evaluating high-level administrators and overseeing long-term planning.

Carly Youngberg, English sophomore, said she hopes the new president upholds university values.

“They should be uniquely qualified and researched because of the nature of the position,” Youngberg said.

Youngberg said financial responsibility is another important factor in the next president.

“I would hope that they find a president who keeps the university’s financial interest in mind and has fundraising skills so we can prevent tuition hikes in the future,” she said.

Flu deaths in Oklahoma increase, clinic offers vaccine Emily Wollenberg

ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR

The country is experiencing one of the deadliest flu seasons in the last decade.

Oklahoma alone is reported to have had 74 deaths, as of presstime, attributed to the flu since September, according to the Oklahoma Department of Health. More than 2,000 people had been hospitalized at presstime.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts research to predict which strain will be the most dominant for the flu season and creates vaccines to prevent that strain. Although the flu shot has a low effective rate this year, experts still recommend getting it because it can reduce the chance of contracting the virus.

Alyson Dent, Campus Health Clinic manager, said students can still come to the clinic to get the flu shot.

Dent said, if campus health is contracted with an insurance company, the shot will most likely be free for students. The clinic will also accept $25 in cash from students without insurance, Dent said.

Alonso Jordan, opera performance graduate, said he had a positive experience at the Campus Health Clinic when he got his flu shot.

“I went there for another appointment and they fit me in right away. I was surprised to see how easy it was,” Jordan said.

Olivia White, acting freshman, said she feared getting the flu shot, but was more scared of getting the flu.

“I had heard that the flu shot wasn’t effective this year, but, after doing some research I learned that the flu shot this year does not necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but it does decrease the amount of effect it has on you if you do happen to catch it tremen-

dously,” she said.

White encouraged other students to take preventative measures before it’s too late.

“I got the shot that day and I’m so glad I did,” she said. “Go get the flu shot, people!”

Flu season can last from October to May, but it usually peaks in January and February. The virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people cough, sneeze or talk, and can be spread to people up to six feet away. The virus also can be contracted by touching surfaces with the virus on it, then touching one’s nose or mouth.

CDC officials recommend staying away from sick people and washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected often.

Students who experience symptoms should stay home, Dent said.

“If you are sick and you’re feverish, don’t go and get other people sick,” she said. “It’s typically best to just kind of ride that out and not be around other people.”

Flu symptoms include fever, severe aches, fatigue, chest discomfort, and a cough, among others.

The Market at Alvin’s sells a variety of medicines and vitamins including Emergen-C, Tylenol, Aleve, DayQuil, and NyQuil.

The Campus Health Clinic is located in the west wing of the Kramer School of Nursing and is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Appointments may be made by calling 405-208-5090.

Cold vs. Flu Symptoms Gradual

Symptom onset

Abrupt

Rare

Fever

Usual, lasts 3-4 days

Slight

Aches

Usual, often severe

Uncommon

Chills

Fairly common

Sometimes

Fatigue/weakness Usual

Common

Sneezing

Sometimes

Common

Stuffy nose

Sometimes

Common

Sore throat

Sometimes

Mild to moderate Rare

Chest discomfort Common, can be severe Headache

Common

To make an appointment at the Campus Health Clinic, call 405-208-5090.

Information gathered from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Elina Moon Student Publications

Remembering lost lives Left: Jacob Jones, Oklahoma State University junior, and Jordan Tarter, English/pre-law junior, sing “Amazing Grace” during a candle lighting at the Trans Remebrance Vigil on Friday in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. Students Against Sexism in Society members hosted the event for the second year to commemorate transgender individuals who have died. The student organization “works to end sexism, racism and homophobia.” Members meet at 4:30 p.m. Fridays outside the Great Hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Above: Callie Michaud, costume design senior; Malcolm Koehler, theater and performance freshman; Sierra Paul, theater and performance/education sophomore; and Natalie Gregg, early childhood education sophomore, write the names of dead transgender individuals on pieces of paper. The names were read aloud and placed on trees at the vigil to “give homage to their lives, and meditate on love, peace and sacrifice.”

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Praying for blue eyes

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Avoiding the flu

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View pictures from the first mainstage play of the semester Get more tips from Associate Editor Sage Tokach

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opinion Presidential search committee must keep students updated on progress Students will find it difficult to get information on the search for one of, if not, the most important positions on campus.

The new president will take office July 1, but the search committee has not provided the campus community with information about the presidential search since November.

See story on Page 1.

Students don’t need every detail about potential candidates, but they deserve reassurance that candidates exist.

Students were told about candidates during the 2017 search for dean of Petree College of Arts and Sciences. They were even encouraged to participate in on-campus interviews. The same was true in the 2015 search for vice president for student affairs.

So why isn’t this the case with the role of the president?

University officials argue the search should be confidential to ensure that candidates’ current employers don’t become aware

that they’re searching for a job, which is a threat to job security.

This idea of “job security” is not a sufficient excuse, said Frank LoMonte, director at the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.

LoMonte argued university officials should call current employers anyway to get a feel for the candidate’s level of responsibility and moral character.

The “president search” tab on OCU’s website gives the impression of transparency, but students know next to nothing about the progress. There is a tab labeled “search updates,” but the most recent update is a tally of priorities from the October focus groups where more than 200 attendees, including staff, faculty, alumni, and students participated.

For such an important position, the materials required to apply also seem minimal. Applications are confidential and must

Talk Back “If you could choose anywhere to study abroad, where would it be?”

include a resume, a cover letter and a list of references, who will not be contacted without permission.

That list is almost identical to the application requirements for a crew member at Trader Joe’s, except the grocery store doesn’t promise to get permission before contacting references. Most students have completed more difficult applications for internships.

A more extensive application does not guarantee better candidates, but the simple application and secrecy don’t reassure students that the committee has the search handled.

The university president is the face of OCU and oversees the entire university’s operations.

Because the president’s decisions affect all of us, the campus community deserves more information about the candidates and the rest of the search process.

“London. I've heard the programs are really good there.”

“Argentina”

Emma Allen business marketing senior

Cabe Killingsworth cellular molecular biology freshman

“I think I would want to go back to Scotland. It was really fun.”

“Italy”

Pierce Gordon philosophy/political science senior

Erik Hamilton acting sophomore

“Somewhere in England”

“I hope to study abroad in Ireland."

Austin Jones political science freshman

Anna Lasbury music theater junior

Columnist critiques the Trump Administration’s first year I must be candid and confess that a year of Trumpism has left me in disbelief.

Jan. 20, 2018 marked the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and it feels as though this presidency will never end. But, we must put emotion aside, and look at what a year of Trump has really done to America.

I’m certain to leave things out, as it feels like there is a new scandal every day. But, I’d like to analyze more of his politics since taking office, rather than the president’s repugnant and abhorrent treatment of women and people of different backgrounds or orientations.

The economy is looking up, but Trump hasn’t been in office long enough to realistically

take credit for it. Yes, he was successful in the passing of the new Republican tax plan, but it was incredibly controversial and barely made it through Congress. Trump’s wall has not been built-it hasn’t even been properly budgeted. Surprise, Trump voters! If the wall is built, American taxpayers will pay for it, not Mexico.

Trump promised to drain the swamp, yet is engulfed in a swarm of scandals involving a Russian collusion investigation. He has his son-in-law and daughter working in the White House. Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Betsy Devos, Scott Pruit, and Ajit Pai are some of the people that Trump has currently, or in the past, surrounded himself with. Is Trump draining

Harrison Langford is an acting junior from Las Vegas, Nevada, who loves golden retrievers and the New York Giants.

the swamp or restocking it with monsters?

He ran his campaign claiming to be a “political outsider.”

He told us he was the deal maker-that he alone could fix our country. Yet, the government shut down because Trump politicized his wall while the lives of 800,000 Dreamers are in uncertain hands.

Let’s also not forget his ignorance to child healthcare in addition to the uncertainty

behind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

He blames everything on the opposing party. He promises he wants unity, yet he never thinks twice before condemning Democrats on Twitter. President Trump, your party controls the legislative and executive branches.

What’s the hold up? You cannot realistically blame Democrats for your inability to unify your own party.

He told us he was fed up with the politics of Washington D.C. and said it would be easy to strike up deals for peace with Russia, China and North Korea.

He has since retracted those words, admitting that it was tougher than he thought, and has been unsuccessful in peace talks with North Korea.

Trump is solely responsible for the escalation of tension by way of a social media platform.

Kim Jong Un is a dictator. He is a fabricator and a warmonger. Yet our President insists on reacting to every threat with weakness and fear. Such responses about button size are to be expected from the dictator of North Korea, not the President of the United States.

“Fake News” has become

a mainstream slogan. The media’s credibility is berated, and Trump threatened to shut down news sources that publish facts he doesn’t like. It is dangerous. This is threatening to our democracy and embarrassing to the office of the president.

The next generation will read about this in history books and the revolution of everyday people like you and me.

Our votes and voices matter. It’s time that we stop letting our president get away with unfulfilled promises, inappropriate behavior, childish tweeting, the berating of other countries that are not as fortunate as America, and the constant disrespect of people who are different than he.

House of Leaves provides readers a 'new flavor of scare' One frequent complaint of Gothic horror is that, after almost three centuries of the genre, everything’s pretty much been done. A haunted house isn’t exactly anything new, even across multiple eras of literary change. There is one book, however, that proves that there is always room for a new flavor of scare.

Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves is one of the younger works of true, tough-as-nails horror fiction.

Its history is about as strange and spurious as the book itself. According to legend, portions of the book “circulated through the underbellies of Los Angeles, Las Vegas

and San Francisco through strip clubs and recording studios” long before its publication in 2000.

The book’s plot is many stories within many stories, beginning with the death of an old man whose only legacy is a bizarre and almost nonsensical manuscript which is then picked up by “Johnny Truant.”

Truant, a drug-addled 20-something, tells his own story through footnotes on the main text, which is an in-depth analysis of a documentary. This documentary, The Navidson Record, is about a house that, in blatant defiance of physics, is larger on the inside than it is on the

It sounds kitschy, but this is a brilliant, postmodern experiment in how writing can appeal to the reader’s senses in other ways than the words themselves. It’s not independent of language, but it is a reminder that language is always literal. Visuals, structures and forms can speak in their own ways and with their own effects-in this case, a feeling of helplessness.

Which brings me to the most important element-the horror. Much of the writing on these pages is small, isolated little sentences amid seas of blank space. If you study these instances, you’ll find that they seem to emulate the scenarios-and the feelings

of the characters in those scenarios-to give the reader the same feelings. In some ways, reading those helpless little letters will make you feel lost inside the deep, dark, empty negative space of a house from which you may never return.

And therein lies the scare aspect of House of Leaves. Its fear isn’t always immediate, seizing or edge-of-seat. It comes in a quiet, unsettled vibe as you reflect on the idea of the dark, trans-dimensional void, and when you quietly realize that if everyone who read the manuscript went insane, then… what about you?

Pick it up if you dare.

Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

TheatreOCU presents: The Bluest Eye at 8 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

sy of Wilko Johnson at 2 p.m. in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business

Men’s basketball game against Mid-America Christian University at 2:45 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

Oklahoma City Classic at 7 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

Baseball game against York at 2:30 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium

Chandler White is an English junior from Meeker, Oklahoma. He likes gothic horror and good hip-hop.

outside, due to vast darker regions that exist in… well, in nowhere.

So, basically, House of Leaves is a book of notes on another book that’s about a film that’s about a house and that makes citations to other books that don’t exist. Also all the characters involved with the book end up mysteriously going mad somehow. I can’t imagine why.

This dynamic makes for a three-headed narrative-the old man’s scholarly analysis, Truant’s colloquial tone and, my favorite, what can only be called “architectural literature.”

The shape of the writing in this book really depends on the page. It could be sideways, upside down, diagonal, red and struck-through, backward, or even one single letter.

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 SMAC Talk: Voices in Philanthropy Panel Discussion from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center THURSDAY Get the Scoop on Philanthropy from 12:30-1 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center TheatreOCU presents: The Bluest

Eye at 8 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center FRIDAY Baseball game against FreedHardeman at 2 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium Baseball game against FreedHardeman at 4:30 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium OCU Stripped presents: Urinetown at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall

in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center TheatreOCU presents: The Bluest Eye at 8 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SATURDAY TheatreOCU presents: The Bluest Eye at 2 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Women’s basketball game against Mid-America Christian University at 1 p.m. in

OCU Stripped presents: Urinetown at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

January 31, 2018, Volume 111, Number 15

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Associate Community Manager: Harrison Langford Web Editor: Nicole Waltman Associate Web Editor: Emily Wollenberg Staff Writers: Rodney Smith Photographer: Hannah Rogers

Free Film Screening: The Ecsta-

Faculty Brass Quintet Recital at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts 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 Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White News Editor: Zoe Travers Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri

SUNDAY Baseball game against York at noon at Jim Wade Stadium

TheatreOCU presents: The Bluest Eye at 2 p.m. in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Columnist: Caroline Hawthorne Videographer: Emily Haan Proofreader: Tyler Patton Circulation Director: Kalen Castor Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

ters 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, 2018. All rights reserved.

January 31, 2018

news

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Elina Moon Student Publications

Pin it to win it

Right: Freshman Wrestler Erin Redford competes against a Wayland Baptist wrestler at the Jan. 26

competition. The Stars won, 28-15. The next competition is the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships on Feb. 9 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

Above: Sophomore Wrestler Rachel Watters tries to escape a hold from a Wayland Baptist wrestler Jan. 26 in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Health and Wellness Center. Watters won, 10-7.

Former St. Gregory’s professor leads speech and debate team Chandler White

COPY EDITOR

A former St. Gregory’s University professor is the new speech and debate coach.

Dr. Josh Young, director of forensics and adjunct instructor, was hired as the debate coach this semester, replacing Eli Brennan, who left his position at the end of last semester.

Brennan was the head coach for one semester. He took the place of former coach Garrett Castleberry, who accepted a full-time position at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, but agreed to remain at OCU as assistant coach.

Dr. Scott Davidson, professor of philosophy, is overseeing the speech and debate team during the staff changes. He said he is not able to discuss personnel matters.

“It is true that we have had a lot of changes on the coaching,” Davidson said.

Young’s coaching respon-

sibilities consist of leading the team in individual events and practice, as well as teaching members the best ways to debate a certain topic or win an argument.

Young served as the communication program director at St. Gregory’s, where he was responsible for managing the communication curriculums as well as hiring adjunct professors to assist in teaching the curriculum.

Young has a Ph.D. in communication and public discourse from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

He was the assistant coach of debate at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, as well as some high school teams.

Young said OCU reached out to him through email to see if he was interested in teaching public speaking after St. Gregory’s officials announced the school’s closing in October. He later was offered the position of director of forensics. He teaches three public speaking classes.

Our first couple weeks, there’s been a lot of enthusiasm. A lot of people are very excited about what we’re doing so far.

Dr. Josh Young director of forensics/ adjunct instructor

“I don’t really know what happened between the school and Eli and between the team and Eli,” Young said. “My style of leadership is that it’s not productive to dwell on the past. We’ve got to see where we are and go from there.”

The speech and debate team has about 10 debaters, Young said. The team competed in the Cowtown Classic tournament Jan. 19-20 in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where they placed third in overall sweepstakes out of 25 schools.

Pierce Gordon, political science/philosophy senior, placed in the semifinals and

“

won fourth speaker overall.

Blayne Childers, acting sophomore, won fourth place for a dramatic interpretation that received a No. 1 ranking from one of the judges.

“Our first couple weeks, there’s been a lot of enthusiasm,” Young said. “A lot of people are very excited about what we’re doing so far. Overall, I would say the strength of the team is very good. The enthusiasm for the events is really good. I can’t see us doing anything but great things from here right now.”

Megan Poole, acting freshman and speech competitor, said she considers Young a

welcome change in personnel.

“I love Josh. He’s so sweet and so nice,” Poole said. “He’s definitely way more organized.

We actually got to a competition, they plan to go to more, and we saw results.”

Poole said a big improvement with Young is that she and other students competing in speech categories are able to participate in competitions, whereas her specialization in speech previously prevented her from doing so.

“Josh’s main focus is debate, but he knows a little more about speech, so I, personally, have seen a change because I got to go as a freshman, versus just sitting in a rehearsal room.”

The speech and debate team is scheduled for seven tournaments this semester and almost 30 different events. The next tournament will be in Salina, Kansas, and will feature schools from Kansas and Oklahoma. Nine debaters are scheduled to attend.

“I think we have a team that’s bigger than ever, and I

think we have a lot of talent, so I think our semester is going to go really well,” Davidson said.

The speech and debate team is set to compete in an international tournament in March in Canada.

This is not the first year the team has competed outside the country. The team also competed in Peru last year under Castleberr y’s leadership.

The team has practice from 4-6 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending on necessity, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information or to join the speech and debate team, email Davidson at sdavidson@okcu.edu or Young at jeyoung@okcu.edu.

Editor’s note: Proofreader Tyler Patton is a member of the speech and debate team.

He took no part in writing this story.

Volleyball team receives new coaches for upcoming season Mallory Scheidel

STAFF WRITER

The volleyball team has a new head coach and two new assistant coaches.

Santiago Restrepo, former volleyball coach at University of Oklahoma in Norman, has taken charge of the Stars. He assumed the post after former coach Jason Muñoz left at the end of last semester.

Restrepo coached at OU for 14 seasons before coming to OCU. “Santiago has a wealth of experience and a great understanding of volleyball in Okla-

homa and the region,” Athletic Director Jim Abbott told OCUsports.com. “I have every confidence that he will continue the success that we have enjoyed academically and competitively in volleyball.”

Restrepo said he has spent his career dedicated to the game and is prepared to begin the journey to the national title.

“To win it all... it takes a long time,” Restrepo said. “Day-byday I need to see improvement in the gym and commitment from everyone.”

The first steps toward this have gone well so far, he said.

He also said the team is doing

Day-by-day I need to see improvement in the gym and commitment from everyone.

Santiago Restrepo volleyball coach

an excellent job and working hard, but the main struggle is recruiting new members.

“I have my work cut out for me because I only have eight players and I need to get about seven or eight more,” Restrepo

said.

Players still are optimistic.

“I’m very excited for the upcoming season,” Sophomore Striker Michelle Krenowicz said. “Our coach is great and has already recruited a few incoming

freshmen. We still need some players, but I know that our new team is going to bring a lot to the table and compete at a high level.”

Three new members joined the team. The team is appreciative of the work Restrepo has put in so far, Krenowicz said.

“Our new coach runs practice at a high pace and sets a standard for us,” Krenowicz said. “It makes us work harder and want to be better.”

Restrepo said the team’s assistant coaches, Shannon Niemeier and Cassie McGlasson, may be the team’s secret weapon.

“We have two great assis-

tants,” Restrepo said. “That’s the reason that we’re going to be successful.”

McGlasson was the head coach at St. Gregory’s University in 2010. Niemeier played for Mid-America Christian University’s volleyball team from 2014-17.

Krenowicz said having assistant coaches is a positive.

“We are so excited to have two assistant coaches. They bring in another perspective on and off the court,” Krenowicz said.

Softball team to start season as No. 1 Rodney Smith

STAFF WRITER

Rodney Smith Student Publications

Dribbling down the court Senior Guard Jonathan Ellis plays against Bacone Freshman Guard Jarrett Murphy at the Jan. 25 game in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Health and Wellness Center. The Stars won 97-63 against Bacone. The next men’s basketball game is Thursday against University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

January 31, 2018

Softball season begins in February and the Stars are already No. 1.

The Stars are ranked No.1 in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics softball coaches’ preseason poll.

The preseason poll determined the top 25 teams and was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and the Association of Independent Institutions, according to NAIA.org.

The team won the national championship last year for the second consecutive year and

have 10 championship wins overall.

The team finished the year with a 68-1 record, establishing a new NAIA record, according to NAIA.org.

Junior Catcher Jaci Smith said the team still will have to work hard.

“It’s an honor for our team to be ranked the top in the NAIA going into the 2018 season, but I don’t think we should settle there,” she said.

“We are going to have to keep working hard.”

The Stars also are favored to win the Sooner Athletic Conference in May, according to the coaches’ preseason poll.

Junior Pitcher Georgia Wall said she’s excited for the

season.

“I’m very humbled that we won last year, and I’m excited to see how this season turns out. We lost six starters, so it will be different, but I have faith that everything will work out for a three-peat,” she said.

The season starts with the Cowtown Classic from Feb. 9-10 in Fort Worth.

The team’s first home games will be against Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 5 and 7 p.m. March 8 in Ann Lacy Stadium.

3

news Art exhibition to showcase student, professional works Callie Dewees

STAFF WRITER

The School of Visual Arts will host a collaborative art show with students and professional artists starting Feb. 2.

Symbiotic was arranged by Jarica Walsh, university artist in residence for 2017. Walsh is an alumna from University of Oklahoma in Norman and the artistic director for the Oklahoma Arts Coalition.

She reached out to Holly Moye, school of visual arts director, with a proposal for the project.

Walsh had a studio for the past year in Norick Art Center to work on her own art, allowing students to visit while also coordinating Symbiotic.

Symbiotic is intended to provide student artists with connections to professionals in the area before they graduate. The show was first hosted at OU in 2016. For the 2018 exhibit, Walsh selected 16 students and paired them with different professionals. The artists

then worked with their groups using their personal medium to create an array of installments for the exhibit, ranging from interactive to visual art.

“The first time, the student artists really were able to take away value from those collaborations,” Walsh said. “So, I wanted to do it again.”

Steffanie Halley, one of the professional artists on the project, collaborated with a student from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, as well as OCU student Kyla Bruegel, art/film junior. The three worked together on a photography project.

“We were assigned to photograph the local community,” Bruegel said. “We defined an area around OCU, so like OCU and the Plaza District and Classen, and we gave ourselves a set of parameters, then we just went around and photographed the area and tried to capture a sense of community through photography.”

Other schools that collaborated on the show include OU, University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond.

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“I’ll be excited to see what actually happens when I go to the exhibit,” Bruegel said.

Bruegel said she has seen Instagram posts of the project, featuring some behind-the-scenes looks at what the artists have worked on, though she hasn’t seen what any of the other artists have created.

The exhibit will have an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, and the show itself will last until March 9. It will be at the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery in Norick Art Center.

“The thing I’m most excited about is having my work shown in a gallery,” Bruegel said.

Students can follow Symbiotic’s Instagram @symbioticoklahoma or visit their website, SymbioticOklahoma.com for more information on the exhibit and a first look at some of the projects.

Gleaning fame, fortune

Elina Moon Student Publications

Left: Kaden Mahle, vocal freshman; Erik Hamilton, acting sophomore; Andrew Tompkins, acting freshman, and Jordan Kilgore, acting sophomore, wish a customer goodbye after buying art in “Is He Dead?” The comedy is adapted from a play by Mark Twain and tells the story of a struggling painter who fakes his death to sell more art. It was the first Stage II show of the semester.

Above: Kirby Crosbie, acting freshman, and Owen Whitham, acting sophomore, come to examine the body of “Millet.” The next Stage II is “Music From A Sparkling Planet.” It will run Feb. 8-11 in Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.

Travel the world: Students, faculty to take mission trip to Alaska in summer Sage Tokach

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Three spots remain for the 2018 Summer Mission Experience in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The Rev. Dr. Charles Neff, vice president for universitychurch relations, will lead a group of students, faculty and staff to Alaska this summer to participate in the Joshua Community Project. The project works with Fairbanks Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity to build small, 20-foot by 24-foot cabins for people in need of inexpensive or transitional housing in the Fairbanks area.

Participants will work on cabin construction, completing partially finished cabins and starting new ones during the five weekdays of the trip. They will stay on inflatable beds in the United Methodist Church of Fairbanks. The church will provide sleeping bags, sheets, towels, pillows, showers, breakfast, and dinner. Lunch will be provided by the rescue mission.

Excursions outside of the work include trips to Denali National Park and sites around Fairbanks, like the Museum of the North, which showcases Alaska’s history, wildlife and art, and the Chena Indian Village, a replica of an ancient Alaska Native village.

Neff has led OCU mission experiences before, but this will

I personally enjoy construction-related projects, and I'm excited to introduce students to Alaska.

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Charles Neff vice president university-church relations

be the first trip to Alaska.

“This project is part of the Alaska Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church, one of only three Native American-related missionary conferences within the U.S.,” Neff said. “There’s one in Oklahoma, one in the Kentucky/Tennessee area and then Alaska. I personally enjoy construction-related projects, and I’m excited to introduce students to Alaska, since it’s a state not very many people get to travel to.”

Rachael Bachhofer, nursing senior, has gone on two mission trips through OCU and said she would encourage anyone who wants to travel to look into the trip.

“Both times were absolutely wonderful, but I really enjoyed

the nursing trip because I learned so much about community health that no class could ever teach me,” Bachhofer said.

“If you’re like me and can’t just take off for a full semester to study abroad, it’s still a great way to go and experience another culture, even if it is just for a week.”

With the help of grants from the Oklahoma United Methodist Woolworth Foundation, students, faculty and staff can register for the trip for $1,000. The cost covers the excursions, as well as the about 24 hours of travel. Family members also may attend for $1,500.

Maristella Gullo, business senior, said students should take advantage of the opportunity.

“People should totally sign up,” Gullo said. “Every experience is an adventure when it comes to traveling somewhere.”

Eleven of the 14 slots have been taken so far. The last three spaces will be given to the first three people who sign up and pay a $250 deposit. If the slots do not fill, the trip will continue with the current participants.

Neff sent a form and waiver, along with a flyer about the trip, to the campus community in a Nov. 20 email.

To sign up for the experience, students can complete the form or email Neff at cneff@okcu.edu.

Sixteen students to travel to China for OCU Doers program Nicole Waltman

WEB EDITOR

Officials of the OCU Doers Cultural Exchange Program will choose 16 students to go to China this summer.

The program sends OCU students to a foreign country to facilitate cultural expansion, learning and service.

For the past three years, the program has taken students to Taiwan. The decision to go to China this year was made by the Doers Foundation, said Mary Benner, director of global engagement.

The Doers Foundation is based in Taiwan, and they give money to OCU for students to take part in the program.

“They pay for all of the program activities while January 31, 2018

they’re there,” Benner said.

“They also give us money for airfare for the students.”

The trip will take place July 14-31.

Students are required to have a 2.75 GPA and must be able to obtain a passport

by March 15. While there is no overall cost of the trip, students can find estimated Visa prices and fees at okcu. abroadoffice.net.

“We try to get students from across the board,” Benner said. “It’s people who want to work as part of a group, who really can talk about their ability to be adaptable to new environments and cultures, and be able to be in a situation where they really have no privacy for two weeks, and they want to work with high school students.”

Because the program is to

I would encourage any student who is intrigued to go ahead and apply.

Mary Benner director global engagement

China this year, Benner said they aren’t really sure what to expect.

“One of the reasons they have to be so adaptable is because we don't have information yet,” Benner said. “I’ll have all that before they leave in July.”

In the past, OCU students worked in tandem with college students from Taiwan to host camps for high school students. The students have

exercise and class time, learn about each other’s cultures and campers are encouraged to work on their English speaking skills.

Audrey Schultz, dance junior, attended the trip to Taiwan last year.

“I learned so much about the culture and was able to get to know the students really well,” Schultz said. “During the camp, we got to work with an aboriginal tribe and

learn how they make things, hunt, live on the east coast of Taiwan.”

The trip consists of learning new things, but also includes having fun, Schultz said.

“We planned classes for the campers where we got to compare cultures, talk about traditions and have fun, of course,” Schultz said. “We also got to go on hikes, see the ocean, play games, share memories, oh and the food was great.”

Students are chosen based off of their application essays and responses, then are brought in for interviews the week of Feb. 12-16. The applicants then will be narrowed down and 16 students will be chosen by a committee made up of Benner and past faculty leaders, to go on the trip.

To apply for the program,

students can find the application at okcu.abroadoffice.net under “China.”

“I would encourage any student who is intrigued to go ahead and apply,” Benner said.

Benner said no study abroad, foreign language, or childcare experience is required to apply.

“You have to have a keen interest in learning about other cultures,” she said.

“You have to be excited about having this somewhat mysterious, unknown adventure.”

For more information, students may email Benner at mbenner@okcu.edu.

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