Jan. 27, 2016

Jan. 27, 2016 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 80 No. 15

Housing Progress

pg. 6

Construction on the new residence hall should be complete by late July.

PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Keith Ngondo, nursing freshman, Preston Busby, criminal justice freshman, Nikki Conley, criminal justice sophomore, and Ashley Ates, international studies sophomore, begin running for the 1-mile Cookie Dash sponsored by the University Programming Board at Sikes Lake on Jan. 23.

Cookie dash trudges on Despite numerous setbacks, annual run ends in satisfaction, cocoa

Blood Drive

SAM SUTTON REPORTER

pg. 11

Students can donate blood at first blood drive on campus Thursday.

Basketball Success

pg.12

Mens’ basketball is 16-2 after losing to Angelo State 91-83 on Jan. 23 in San Angelo, Texas.

It was a freezing, windy, 20˚ day for the Cookie Dash, held Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. The white breath from the runners made them look like dragons breathing fire, and the fatigue from the run was apparent on their sweat-drenched faces.

The Hunger Run hosted by the Century City Fitness Center at Vernon College was going on at the same time and that scheduling conflict paired with cold temperatures lead to a low attendance rate for the Cookie Dash.

The event endured another hiccup when Chartwells, a catering company and MSU’s food service provider, sent the food for the event to the wrong location that morning.

Mario Ramirez, activities coordinator Mario Ramirez, adviser of the of student development and orientaUniversity Programming Board, tion, sets up the T-shirt table at the Cookie Dash put on by the University said, “They sent it to Sikes Senter instead of Sikes Lake, which Programming Board at Sikes Lake. caused us to change up the event a bit. We’re just going to do a full mile with cookies, hot cocoa, and shirts at the end.”

The event was scheduled to be a mile long

run with challenges at every quarter mile, but had to be changed to just a full mile with hot cocoa at the end.

The original plan included cookies, cocoa and more.

Ramirez said, “We want to have a chocolate chip cookie eating at the first, a marshmallow and hot cocoa drinking at the second, and an Oreo dunk at the third.”

Ramirez initially said he expected a higher attendance rate because of successful turnouts at previous runs.

“At our last 5k, we had about 60 people show up so it should be good,” Ramirez said.

D’Aaron Clayton, pre-dental and junior member of the University Programming Board, thought otherwise.

Preston Busby, criminal justice fresh“Because of the cold temperaman, Keith Ngondo, nursing freshtures and people going home for the man, and Joshua Cartwright get some weekend, I expect around 20 peo- hot chocolate and cookies after runple,” Clayton said. ning the one-mile Cookie Dash.

However, they both overestimated the attendance, as ten people participated.

Ramirez said, “I didn’t think it would be

see DASH pg. 5

2 | Jan. 27, 2016 |

S TA F F E D I T O RI A L

“New” master plan neglects commuter students’ needs New Health Science and Human Service facility, new turf fields, new dorm. That’s all great, but where are we going to park?

Over the holiday break, it was an assumption that our school ditched the original master plan, which took 18 months to perfect, when it reality the original plan was never approved by the board. The original plan called for the new dorm being built, an expansion to the Mass Communication department, a parking garage, a football stadium and more athletic fields.

While there are a lot of issues arising from this, there are also some benefits to the potential of this new plan. The new Health Science and Human Service facility could offer more educational opportunities for students who want to major in nursing, health administration and social work – rapidly growing fields of interest. The access that this facility provides for undergraduate and graduate students in these fields may improve upon the programs currently offered.

Despite all the progress slated for campus, a major concern for students is still parking. This semester, we have seven more parking spots than we ever had at MSU, even though they are not outside “desirable” buildings.

The new plan for the Health Science and Human Service facility is that it will be placed over the parking lot west of McCoy, taking away 72 parking spots. Despite a growing resident student population, there’s a significant commuter student base that can’t endure another hit to parking.

We need to ensure that there will be more parking in the future so that even if current students can’t use it, students after us won’t have to face the parking problems that we have faced. While improving campus to appeal to potential students outside of Wichita Falls, we can’t turn our backs on the local population already here.

wichitan

the

Vo. 80 | No. 15

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 - wichitan@mwsu.edu

I’m black. This will not be a place I call home.

I

will lose out on job opportunities. I will be called hurtful names, especially since I am a black, dark-skinned woman. People will suspect I want to steal from them and they will hold onto their purses if I am Wadzanai around with the assumption Dzvurumi that I am uneducated and waiting to feed off the “white man.”

I can’t have the hair I was born with because it will be considered unprofessional.

Often, people will suggest that I don’t use my ethnic name when applying for job interviews and instead use a “white name.”

I will be called lazy, rude and “ghetto” to the point where it will become numb to such derogatory racial slurs. I will be judged and treated unfairly merely because I am black.

As far as I’m concerned, from my experience being in this country, this is an unfortunate reality. Of course, no one ever wants to talk about it. My heart is racing as I write this because no one ever says it out loud, but instead we pass subliminal messages in an effort to voice out the oppression that black people face in this country.

I refuse to censor the issue for the comfort of ignorant people. Racism is alive and kicking in America. Yes, I said it! For the most part, there is a privileged system for black people in America, but rather a system that continues to privilege that already top of the ladder white men.

The argument is always that “slavery ended years ago” and the “I didn’t ask to be born white” defense. To counter that, black people should stop with the “black lives matter” slogan because all lives matter. I cannot explain the oppression of black people to people who are sitting in a position of privilege.

Sure, some choose to stay neutral and not talk about the oppression of black people in

PHOTO EDITOR: Rachel Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER: Francisco Martinez, Kayla White, Gabriella Solis DESIGN EDITOR: Brianna Sheen DESIGNER: Justin Marquart MANAGING EDITOR: Kara McIntyre ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

America, but I will tell you this, when you remain neutral in a system of injustice, you have already chosen the side of the oppressor.

To be black in America means you have to be twice as good, twice as smart. Black workers receive extra scrutiny in job interviews.

This is detrimental to our progression as a human race. Society has to be reminded that many generations ago African Americans were banned from buying private property, even when they had saved enough money. We can’t force people into poverty and then blame them for living in those predicaments.

The day that skin color carries no bad stigmas in the world will be a huge day in history. I often tell people how skin color is the most superficial thing on the human body because it does not reflect the kind of person someone is.

I know what it feels like to be black in this country. I can feel my heart beating in my chest as tears flow from my eyes. To say I am sad and angry of how my people are treated in this country is a gross understatement.

I am terrified not only to be black, but also to raise black children. So many children have been killed because “he looked scary” or “he was wearing a hoodie (a common fashion for kids of all kinds).” How am I supposed to send my children into such a world, fearing every single day that they might not come home?

This will not be a place I will call home.

I am tired of being afraid that if I get pulled over by a cop, I will be killed like Sandra Bland. I am tired of “black lives matter” being turned into all lives matter. I am tired of having hope when it seems all hope is gone.

Wadzanai Dzvurumi is a marketing junior.

Copyright © 2016. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address.

The editor retains the right to edit letters.

IT chief Kirkpatrick retires

| Jan. 27, 2016 | 3 ONE-ACT PLAY AUDITIONS

KARA MCINTYRE MANAGING EDITOR

A

fter 18 years of working at MSU, Randy Kirkpatrick will cross the corner of Comanche and Council and enter Memorial Building on Friday to serve his last day as Chief Information Officer. He sat behind his dark wood desk and pushed his wire-framed glasses up the bridge of his nose, discussing the reasons for his retirement.

“I have to take care of my elderly parents and I’m raising three grandchildren. My dad requires a lot of care and my mother is getting ready to have surgery, so a lot of those things contributed to my retirement,” Kirkpatrick said. “You also get worn out handling the stress of the job for so many years. When it’s time to retire, you just know.”

Jim Hall, networking services manager, will be taking over as interim CIO until August 31. After that date, a mutual decision will be made regarding whether or not he stays in that position.

“I suggested Jim because he’s really smart and gets things done. He’s good at managing people and has good technical ability and know-how,” Kirkpatrick said. “I think he’ll be great.”

Kirkpatrick leaned back in his chair and placed his hand under his chin, describing what he will miss about MSU during his retirement.

“Working with all of the people is definitely going to be what I miss most. It’s a lot of work and a lot of stress, but it’s worth it when you see your accomplishments,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone and it’s been a good 18 years.”

A retirement reception will be held in Kirkpatrick’s honor on Wednesday, January 27 from 3-4:30 p.m. in Kiowa. After reflecting on his time here, he looked around his office with a wide smile.

“It’s a mixed feeling; you’re ready to go, yet at the same time you know there’s still so much work to be done. But, we

2015 FILE PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON

all have to go sometime. I feel confident that they can handle the workload without me,” Kirkpatrick said. “I wish all the best for the future here. There are a lot of changes going on and I am excited to see where they take MSU.”

Sarah Chong Harmer’s, theater junior and this year’s one-act play director, performs in last year’s Student-Directed and Produced One-Act Play Festival as Rosemary, in Rosemary and Ginger, with her scene partner, Leanne Ottaviano’s, theatre acting/directing senior. This year’s Student-Directed and Produced One-Act Play Festival will hold auditions Feb. 6 at 11 a.m in the Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre. There will be eight plays this year, and openings for 12 male and female roles. Anyone with any major is welcome and no preparation is necessary. Call backs will be that same day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Retirement reception: Randy Kirkpatrick

Jan. 27 from 3-4:30 p.m. | CSC Kiowa Ex-Students’ Room | Free | Randy Kirkpatrick is retiring from the information technology department after 18 years of service.

Refreshments will be served. Contact Administration and Institutional Effectiveness at (940) 397-6217

Human Rights Week film: “Do I Sound Gay?”

Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. | CSC | Free admission | Human Rights Week will also feature a display in the CSC Atrium with information about human rights and how to get involved.

Human Rights Week film: “Home of the Brave”

Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. | CSC | Free admission | Human Rights Week will also feature a display in the CSC Atrium with information about human rights and how to get involved.

Continuing Education class: Stained glass workshop

Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Sikes Lake Center | $100 admission covers cost of all supplies | Must be at least 15 years old and be accompanied by an adult taking the class if under 18 years old. Learn Tiffany Copper Foil method of stained glass projects. Contact Continuing Education at (940) 397-4307 and register at mwsu.edu/ conted

Women’s Basketball v. Cameron

Jan. 30 from 4-6 p.m. | D.L. Ligon Coliseum | Free admission for students, staff and faculty.

Men’s Basketball v. Cameron

Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. | D.L. Ligon Coliseum | Free admission for students, staff and faculty.

Women’s Basketball v. Texas Woman’s

Jan. 31 from 4-5 p.m. | D.L. Ligon Coliseum | Free admission for students, staff and faculty.

Quickbooks Online Course

Feb. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Dillard College of Business Administration | Registration fee of $95 | Bring your own laptop or contact the Small Business Development Center at (940) 397-4373 to make arrangements for one. Register at mwsu.info/url/ sbdctouchnet

Continuing Education class: Introduction to acting

Feb. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. | Sikes Lake Center | $35 for one session or $200 for all seven sessions. The next session is Auditioning on Feb. 9, followed by Monologues Feb. 16, Scene Study Feb. 23, Improvisational Acting I March 1, Improvisational Acting II March 8, and Presentation and Performance March 15. Contact continuing education at (940) 397-4307.

Artist-Lecture Series: Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel

Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m. | Akin Auditorium | Free admission for students, staff and faculty. General admission if $20

Walking tour of Moffett Library Building Feb. 3 from 2-3 p.m. | Moffett Library | Free

4 |Â Jan. 27, 2016 |

FOOTBALL AND SOCCER FIELD WITH TURF

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO PARKING LOT SIX, A COMMUTER LOT.

PRACTICE BASKETBALL COURTS

90 YARD FOOTBALL PRACTICE FIELD

The corner of campus located between Midwestern Parkway and Louis J. Rodriguez will receive updates to athletics fields.

THERE WILL BE A NEW PRACTICE FIELD FOR SOCCER AND FOOTBALL BY WELLNESS CENTER

The new practice field across Midwestern Parkway by the Wellness Center.

NEW HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING

A new health sciences building will join the side of campus containing Bridwell, McGaha, McCoy, and Dillard.

Master plan gets updated Regents approve changes in future layout of campus KARA MCINTYRE MANAGING EDITOR

$2.935m

New proposed budget for soccer field. The previously proposed plan included bleachers, a press box, concession stand, team locker rooms, fencing and signage.

$450k

How much it cost to install artificial turf on the softball field.

$150k

New proposed budget for the outdoor basketball courts, an increase from the previously proposed $75,000.

A

t a regular meeting in December and a special meeting in January, the Board of Regents approved changes to the campus plan, changes that caught some on campus by surprise. Speculation about the changes range from "they ditched the parking garage" to "they aren't putting in rec fields," and that they "just threw away the last master plan."

Despite all the talk of what people have said, the master plan was not actually scrapped. The plan was never approved by the Board of Regents in the first place, they only authorized further development of it.

This approved plan does include future plans for parking. They did not forget about what seems to be all the students care about on campus right now. A parking garage will eventually be built, it is just delayed for now, and as of right now there are seven more spots on campus than there ever has been in the history of MSU. The board also approved a new health sciences building plan moved from south of Prothro-Yeager to the parking lot west of McCoy Engineering Hall.

Long-term plans for soccer and football fields include constructing a football stadium with a soccer field. So, instead of a new soccer stadium a request for a new score-

board was put in.

On top of that, two north-south running soccer and football turf fields, a sodded grass field with irrigation, along with two basketball courts available to anyone have been recommended.

According to the December 16, 2015 Board of Regents meeting, "the financing of this plan is less than what was presented to the board in November because the soccer stadium would not be built at this time. The overall cost of the plan is approximately $3.8 million with the majority of the cost financed over 12 years through the state's master lease program. The remaining cost of the plan ($700,000) would be self-financed through the university's cash reserves and would be paid back over two years. After the self-funded portion of the plan is paid off, the university would have in excess of $400,000 (without any estimated enrollment growth) available each year for other projects. At that time the university could finance approximately $6.5 million in other athletic/intramural venue improvements (estimated $500,000 a year, 4% interest rate, 20 years = $6.8 million)."

A recommendation concerning new parking options after the construction of the new health sciences building will be presented in February.

AT THIS TIME, THERE ARE NO CHANGES TO THE PLANS FOR THE NEW RESIDENCE HALL OR MASS COMMUNICATION ADDITION

| Jan. 27, 2016 | 5

PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO MARINEZ | THE WICHITAN

Shawna Kidd, phlebotomist, checks on Jase Keister, criminal justice freshman, while he gives blood in Comanche suite, Jan, 26, 2016. | Estefani Del Villar, dental hygiene freshman, takes in a deep breath as a phlebotomist inserts a needle to draw blood in the Comanche suite, Jan, 26, 2016.

More than 45 donate; blood drive open Thursday

JACKLYN YORK REPORTER

F

ood court smells may have been drawing in lunch guests, while nearby volunteers from the Residence Hall Association, were drawing in a decent size crowd as well, signing the public up to save three lives for every pint of blood they donated.

Sam Metzler, business freshman, sat behind the sign in sheet for the blood drive “I donated blood yesterday and I feel great today,” with a big grin and two thumbs up.

Nearby, Institute staff members administrated free health screenings to eliminate potential donors with abnormal blood pressure, high cholesterol or unsafe iron levels.

Jennifer Risinger, accounts aanager of the Texas Blood Institute, said, “Our iron level standards are higher than routine doctor visits.”

Risinger said one donor was surprised to see that she was able to donate blood after her doctor told her several years ago that she was anemic.

“Iron levels can change daily and we wouldn’t allow anyone to donate that doesn’t have an iron level of 38 or higher,” Risinger said.

Yesterday more than 45 donors had signed up

Kara McIntyre, mass communication junior, dances in the mascot costume at the blood drive in CSC Comanche on Jan. 26. or walked in to donate blood, which Topher McGehee, business management freshman and member of RHA, said was an average response.

“This drive wasn’t advertised but it has been a good turn out,” said McGehee.

Clint Coulter, director of Office of Residence Life

for Pierce Hall, said, “ The holiday break played a factor with marketing as well as managing available space with other events going on as well.”

Coulter said it is all about encouraging community activities, and hosting an event such as a blood drive at little to no cost to the university.

Christian Evans, nursing freshman, said, “It’s inspiring! I really didn’t expect many people to take time out of their busy days to donate blood but I’ve been surprised. When I look at the sign in sheet and see 50 people, I think that’s 150 children saved.”

Inside Comanche, licensed phlebotomists, a person trained to collect blood for medical reasons, managed four medical beds were managed by and refreshments were available.

Estafani Del Villar, dental hygiene freshman, sat alone while waiting for a bed to become available.

“I began donating blood after my father was in a terrible accident and required blood to live as well as an infant cousin that was born premature,” Del Villar said.

She has received a letter of thanks from a friend after discovering her child would need blood. This was the fourth time Del Villar donated.

THE BLOOD DRIVE CONTINUES THURSDAY JAN. 28, 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. IN CLARK STUDENT CENTER COMANCHE SUITES.

6 | Jan. 27, 2016 |

Construction progress of the new residence hall as of Jan. 26. | The planned design of the finished residence hall.

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON, CONSTRUCTION DESIGN FROM MASTER PLAN

Slowly but surely

Construction of new residence hall makes progress, behind schedule moisture barrier on the outside and about 30 percent of insulation board on the building. Window and door frames are also in place,” Percy said.

By end of semester, all framework will be completed and the outside walls will be enclosed.

“Brick will be on by then and exterior will look completed, but the inside will still need work completed,” Percy said.

TAYLOR WARREN REPORTER

T

o assist with increasing number of residential students living on-campus, a new residence hall has been under construction between Fain Fine Arts center and Pierce Hall since last summer and continued over winter break.

The project is a little behind schedule said Percy but July 15 is still the scheduled completion date and punch-list checks will be finished by July 29. Move-in is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Rainy weather has been an issue with construction, putting halts to the project in some areas.

“When we first started the project back in May and June of last year, we had a lot of rain and that caused lot of trouble as far as getting concrete piers into ground,” Percy said. “Over the last two weeks, we have lost about two days due to weather. What’s really more of a hassle is if you walk inside, it is a big mud pit because it never dries out.”

From Dec. 14-17 the electrical power was tied in to the new residence hall.

“We had to shut down the power in Pierce, Killingsworth and McCollugh-Trigg halls. It was a major under taking, but went well,” Dave Percy, director of construction services, said.

In the past month the two out of four stairways have been completed. The other

STUDENT REACTION:

Construction progress of the new residence hall on Nov. 9, 2015.

Construction progress of the new residence hall on Jan. 26.

two are waiting for concrete to be poured into the risers.

“The dorm is F-shaped and there are four wings to the project. They are building the south half (wings one and two) a little ahead of the north (wings three and

four),” Percy said. “The south wing will be completed first and is a little further along than the north.”

The south wing is framed out and sheet rock has been placed.

“They have about 90 percent of the

“The new dorm is good because it will help MSU grow,” Mikila Billinger, humanities freshman, said. “It will allow for more students to live on-campus. I don’t have any complaints about noise. You really can’t hear it going on.”

Brooklyn Lambert, radiology sophomore, said, “The new residence hall is a good thing, but hope they add parking for students along with it. I don’t hear the construction going on when I’m in my dorm.”

“We definitely need more housing on campus, so I’m okay with the construction,” Kelli Cousins, accounting and sociology senior, said. “The noise has been bothersome at times when walking between there to classes, but it is not a huge issue.”

| Jan. 27, 2016 | 7 C R I M E L OG Nov. 30, 2015

Dec. 11

Theft: misdemeanor | 3:29 p.m. | Killingsworth Residence Hall | A student reported her bike was stolen.

Assault | 10:24 a.m. | Off-campus | A student was injured off campus.

Dec. 1 Accident: duty on striking unattended vehicle | 5:20 p.m. | Parking lot six north | A student reported that sometime between Nov. 3, 2015 at 10 p.m. and Dec. 1, 2015 at 5 p.m., a vehicle struck the victim’s parked vehicle.

PHOTO BY BRIANNA SHEEN | THE WICHITAN

Iowa Park’s hidden gem

Cajun, barbecue restaurant worth the drive Having satisfied my hankering for cajun food, I opted for a brisket and sausage plate on my rehen a friend first suggested I go to Rafter turn trip. Baked potato salad and cajun fries again J BBQ after I ranted about a severe lack – they're just that good. The sausage wasn't what I of cajun food in our otherwise culinari- was expecting and didn't have that smokey flavor ly-blessed city, I was immediately excited. Until I I tend to opt for, but it was good nonetheless. The learned this supposed cajun-barbecue paradise brisket was moist and the smoke ring was somewas a whopping 17 minutes from campus, off 287 thing for the record books, all for around $10.

My sweet tea glass never went unfilled, and I in Iowa Park. think every waitress in the building But as a person of immense fondcame by at least once to make sure ness when it comes to cajun food my table was set with condiments and barbecue alike, and as someone and drinks. who knew I wouldn't be paying, I Rafter J's makes up for the 14agreed. mile journey in quality and price.

I was not disappointed in the There's good barbecue in Wichita slightest.

Falls for sure, whether it be Texas The restaurant, decked in memBest or Daddy Bob's Smokewagon, orabilia from Iowa Park, Wichita but if I have the time, I'd definitely Falls, Texan culture, and a plethora pick this place for a plate of barbeof other knick knacks, boasted some cue or bowl of gumbo. I may go back of the best gumbo and barbecue I've BRIANNA SHEEN just for the baked potato salad. had. And being from Houston, I've DESIGN EDITOR Load up your car with some had a lot. friends and make a night of it.

The first time I went to Rafter J's (I ended up going twice in a week to take some They'll surely thank you for showing them this friends to experience it themselves) I ordered the hidden gem, just like I thanked my friend who gumbo, which came with two sides. I received my convinced me to give it a chance. gumbo, baked potato salad, and cajun fries (jalaRAFTER J BBQ peños fried in cajun seasoning) in no time at all.

No one item stands apart from the rest – they 507 SW ACCESS RD, IOWA PARK, TX 76367 were all so satisfying. Comfort food at its finest for (940) 592-4913 ★★★★★ around $8.

BRIANNA SHEEN DESIGN EDITOR

W

“The restaurant boasted some of the best gumbo and barbecue I’ve had. And I’ve had a lot.”

Criminal mischief: misdemeanor | 1:16 p.m. | Mustang Village Apartments | A student reported that an unknown person had kicked his door and broke the door frame.

Jan. 13

Harassment | 2:57 p.m. | Clark Student Center | Police responded to a harassment call via social media.

Theft: misdemeanor | 9:37 a.m. | Parking lot three | Police responded to a call from a faculty member reporting that his vehicle had been vandalized while in MSU parking.

Dec. 6

Jan. 20

Accident: duty on striking unattended vehicle | 8:49 p.m. | Parking lot 16 | A student reported that her parked car was hit by another vehicle and the other vehicle fled the scene.

Drugs: possession of marijuana | 7:43 p.m. | Sundance Court Apartments | Police responded to a drug complaint.

Dec. 8

Assault: misdemeanor | 12:13 p.m. | Mustang Village Apartments | A student reported to police that she had been harassed and finally assaulted by her room mates.

Dec. 4

A brisket and sausage barbecue plate with baked potato salad and cajun fries from Rafter J BBQ in Iowa Park.

Jan. 6, 2016

Disorderly conduct | 1:23 p.m. | Offcampus | An altercation involving disorderly conduct on the Mustang Route bus with city transportation was reported to MSU police.

Dec. 8 Assault: misdemeanor | 1:23 p.m. | Off-campus | An altercation involving disorderly conduct on the Mustang Route bus with city transportation was reported to MSU police.

Dec. 9 Criminal mischief: misdemeanor | 4:35 p.m. | Parking lot three | Police responded to a call from a faculty member reporting that his vehicle had been vandalized while in MSU parking.

Dec. 9 Theft: misdemeanor | 9:16 p.m. | Moffett Library | Police responded to a theft of a book from the library.

Dec. 10 Theft: misdemeanor | 7:49 p.m. | Martin Hall | A student reported to police that she left her purse in a classroom under the chair. She returned to get it but was unable to locate the purse. It had not been turned in as found property.

Jan. 20

Jan. 21 Drugs: possession of marijuana | 2:59 p.m. | Pierce Hall | Housing staff found marijuana inside a campus dorm room.

The marijuana was seized by MSU police.

Jan. 21 Accident: duty on striking unattended vehicle | 8:04 a.m. | Parking lot #20 | An unknown vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle on Jan. 20 while it was parked on MSU property, causing damage to the back right quarter panel.

Jan. 22 Drugs: possession of marijuana | 11:05 p.m. | Pierce Hall | Housing staff reported to police that three students were found to be in possession of marijuana cigarettes.

8 | Jan. 27, 2016 |

PHOTO BY FIRST LAST | THE WICHITAN

Lindy Wilson, guest artist, performed a six song piece with Rebekah Feaster on piano in Akin Auditorium Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. for an audience of about 75 people. Wilson performed pieces from Franz Schubert, Thomas Arne, Ambroise Thomas, Gaetano Donizetti, W.A. Mozart, and arr. Adolphe Adam.

Soprano preforms in one of her favorite venues LANE RIGGS REPORTER

T

he halls were alive with the sound of music.

At least, that’s what it would seem like, to an unbeknownst student passing through the hallways of the Hardin Administration Building at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26. But to those 70 people inside of Akin Auditorium, the halls were reverberating sopranos to the tune of Mozart and Schubert, from musical guest, coloratura soprano Lindy Wilson.

Wilson has previously traveled to perform across the northwestern United States, Texas, and Ghana, Africa.

“I grew up in Idaho, so I was able to travel around that area and perform while I was growing up,” Wilson said. “And I spent two weeks in Ghana, but I would really love to go to Spain.”

With a husband in the military, Wilson is hoping to travel more - but in the meantime, she has no free time in between taking care of her two children, aged four and one, and vocal lessons twice a week with Donald Maxwell, a professor of music.

“If you’re not studying with someone then you’re getting worse,” Wilson said of her weekly practices. “The voice is a muscle. The more you use it correctly, the better it functions.”

Practice makes perfect; except when under the influence of a cold.

“I’m just now coming off a cold, but I’m calm about tonight,” Wilson said before her performance. “Whatever’s going to happen, is going to happen. It’s going to be great.”

Those in attendance, including sophomores Emily Rogers

and Baylee Wichlan, and freshmen Jace Keister and Gaby Sosa were in agreement. Not only were Wilson’s songs captivating, but her body language conveyed something her song couldn’t.

PHOTO BY FIRST LAST | THE WICHITAN

Lindy Wilson, guest artist, talks with Lane Riggins, English and psych freshman, before her show about her past shows, reflecting on some of the different auditorium and music halls she has performed in.

“Wilson is outstanding on stage,” Wichlan said. “She’s an encouragement to continue training.”

Wichlan also works with Maxwell and though she said her vocal training is a work in progress, she’s excited to see how far she’s come since the start of the semester.

Rogers, Keister, and Sosa said they came to support a friend who was singing at tonight’s performance.

“Our friend Caleb Moore is singing bass,” Keister said.

“We’re excited to hear what he’s been working on.”

Moore, a freshman, has performed in other concerts, but has lately been working on new songs which were showcased at the performance.

The first concert from the music department featured the work of many young artists, who like Wilson, are beginning their careers by performing at their school.

And Wilson was able to reach out to younger members of the audience, not just through her song and the encouragement that it offered, but through her likes.

“I prefer classic novels, like Jane Austen and Shakespeare,” she said. “And I thoroughly enjoy J.K. Rowling.”

Out of the Harry Potter books, Wilson’s favorite character is Tonks, because of her open and accepting character and her capacity to love.

“Shakespeare’s the most brilliant writer I’ve read, though,” Wilson backtracks.

Other performances included Rebekah Feaster, piano, Tyler Lasseter, clarinet, Sandy Zeek, flute, and guests Tanaka Madyara, Andrew Fisher, Caleb Moore, Sharon Mucker, and Zachary Brasfield.

While Wilson may have traveled, the Akin Auditorium remains one of her favorite venues.

“I love performing here,” Wilson said. “I would like to again, if the opportunity presented itself.”

| Jan. 27, 2016 | 9

PHOTOS BY KAYLA WHITE | THE WICHITAN

Group of attendees converse at the graphic design Pop-up Exhibit at the Wichita Falls Downtown Farmer’s Market on Jan. 26.

Tyler Colley, graphic design junior, poses for a photonext to his recreation of Wichita Falls at the Graphic Design Pop-up Exhibit at the Wichita Falls Downtown Farmer’s Market on Jan. 26.

History of Wichita Falls shown at Downtown Exhibit

SAMUEL SUTTON REPORTER

T

he history, the unique art styles, and positive feedback from the crowd made the Graphic Design Popup Exhibit on Jan. 26 at 6pm worth hosting by the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Proud.

Michelle Niebur, electronic access media librarian at Moffett Library, said, “It was really cool to see the unique styles of the artists, as well as being able to see the history of Wichita Falls unfold. I hope this helps bring people to the city as well as help them get involved in the community.”

Ann Arnold-Ogden, community marketing director of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, and Jeanette VanDonge, assistant director of Downtown Proud hosted the event. Morgan Page, visiting assistant professor of graphic design, said she appreciated the Chamber’s efforts, especially since it didn’t cost the university anything. According to Page, the school didn’t have to spend any

money on the event because of their help in finding the location to host it at. She also said the only money put into the event was for the refreshments the students brought.

Page said, “They were a tremendous help in putting this together. Without them, this event wouldn’t have happened.”

The biggest highlight for the guests was seeing the history of Wichita Falls unfold.

The art mainly consisted of made-up maps of Wichita Falls by the artists participating.

John Mathis, a parent of one of the participants, said, “I love history, so being able to see this in the eyes of the artists is very interesting.”

Another highlight for the crowd was being able to see the styles the artists used. Beth Schuman, a Wichita Falls citizen, said they helped show what today’s generation thinks of this city.

Schuman said, “This is more than anything I would imagine. I expected it to be pretty small, and it was, but the art made it

feel so much bigger.”

While the participants did enjoy being able to show their opinions of the city, their favorite thing was being able to have freedom in what they created.

Taylor Colley, a graphic design junior, said, “I liked being able to be as creative as I wanted to be. I’m from Wichita Falls, and I have my own perspective on it so being able to show that was really fun for me.”

The creativity showed as some of the pieces weren’t maps of the city, but parts of things in the city put together. Aarman Pompey, a graphic design senior, made combination of all the popular food places in town, and titled it “Foodie.”

Pompey said, “It was very getting to show my creative side and make whatever I wanted.”

Some students didn’t even make a map of Wichita Falls, but of something more personal to them instead. Lauren Hamlin, a print making Junior, made a map of “Galveston Is-

land.”

Hamlin said, “I really liked how the island looked, and I thought it would be really fun to paint it, and it was.”

While the majority of the event was good, there were a few minor negatives. One of them being the cold weather. Participants and guests agreed that the event might have been a little bit better if it hosted inside.

Pompey said, “I don’t wear any socks with my shoes so my feet are freezing. I definitely wish it was warmer, but it was still fun.”

Robert Aguon, a guest and high school student, said, “I don’t like it being outside. I can’t stand the cold.”

Even though it was cold, the event was still popular, and guests like Aguon said the great artwork outweighed the weather. Page said she hoped it would turn out well because she wants to try to do something like it again next year.

10 | Jan. 27, 2016 |

PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ AND RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN Andrew Herbert, clinical mental Astri Burgos, nursing, hugs her professor as she returns to her Suzanne Shipley, university president, adresses the graduates and audience members at the Commencement Ceremony in Kay Yeager health graduate, applauds his Coliseum Dec. 12, 2015. seat after receiving her diploma. family members in the audience.

607 degrees awarded in the fall FACTS AND FIGURES

four years to finish my degree and I plan to work at United Regional as a registered nurse."

Crystal Hone, masters in business administration, said, "I moved to Wichita Falls to get my undergraduate degree and after taking six months off, I decided to stay to get my master's. All together, it has been 10 years to finally finish schooling. I am working at Wells Fargo Bank in Austin in the retail banking department."

"I earned my master's degree in training development through the online program," Andy Hebert, masters in training development, said. "I work at Children's Medical Center in Dallas as a clinical research team leader. I specifically do pediatric drug research and looking now to train and develop my team."

Date | Dec. 12, 2015 Location | Kay Yeager Coliseum Speaker | Catherine Davis, vice president of marketing for Neiman Marcus Hardin Professor Award | Susan Harvey

DEGREES

Master’s |118 Bachelor’s | 487 Associate's | 2 TOTAL | 607 (including 174 August graduates)

BY COLLEGE

MORE ON THE SPEAKER

Dillard College of Business Administration | 93 Gordon T. and Ellen West College of Education | 103 Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts | 22 Robert D. and Carol C. Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services | 282 Protho-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences | 39 College of Science and Mathematics | 68

BY DEGREE

Master's degrees | 118 Bachelor of Science | 52 Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies | 25 Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training | 1 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | 25 Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology | 7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 87 Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences | 81 Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care | 21 Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science | 3 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 4 Bachelor of Business Administration | 80 Bachelor of Arts | 41 Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences | 38 Bachelor of Social Work | 9 Bachelor of Fine Arts | 10

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Megan Smith, social work, holds up her diploma case to her family after hugging the ASL translator for the Commencement Ceremony held in the Kay Yeager Coliseum.

Bachelor of Music | 3 Associate of Applied Science | 2

SOME THOUGHTS

"It has taken me about eight years straight to receive my degree today," Clayton Burgoon, radiological sciences, said. "I start grad school next month to be a radiologist physician assistant."

Samantha Reeder, chemistry, said, "I plan to use my degree in the industries of quality control and assurance. Since receiving my associates degree, it has taken me three years to earn my bachelor's today."

"I began taking classes about 20 years, but put my degree on hold to have my family," Melissa Witherspoon, nursing, said. "It's taken me

Catherine Davis earned her bachelor of arts from MSU in 1989, majoring in mass communication with a minor in commercial art. She earned her master’s from the University of Oklahoma and in 1999 joined Neiman Marcus as director of brand Marketing where she developed online strategies to help the company enter the digital age.

In 2006, Davis received the NM Best award, Neiman Marcus’ most prestigious employee honor. She also has served as Direct Marketing Director for The Container Store and from 2012-2014 was Vice President of Marketing for Neiman Marcus’s Last Call Brand during a period of tripledigit Web growth and expansion.

While at MSU, she was Student Government Association president for two years, vice president of Chi Omega Fraternity, Lady Midwestern, Homecoming queen, Campus Watch news anchor and student ambassador. She received multiple awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. In 1999, Davis was named the Distinguished Alumna from the Fain College of Fine Arts.

Davis is a Wichita Falls native and a 1985 graduate of Rider High School. Her parents, Leland and Ruth Ann Allred, and brother Cullen Allred reside in Wichita Falls.

W OMENS ’ BASKETBALL

COOKIE DASH

| Jan. 27, 2016 | 11

PHOTOS BY GABRIELLA SOLIS | THE WICHITAN

Kathryn Odom, general business senior, dives for the ball and grabs it off the floor then looks for a teammate open to pass it to in the game against Texas A&M-Kingsville held in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. MSU beat TAMUK 55-44. | Kristin Rydell, undecided sophomore, pushes a Texas A&M-Kingsville out of her way to make it to the basket and make a goal during the game against Texas A&M-Kingsville held in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. MSU beat TAMUK 55-44.

SOFTBALL

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ

Keith Ngondo, nursing freshman, crosses the Cookie Dash finish line in first place with his fist held up in celebration. UPB sponsored the run at Sikes Lake Jan. 23.

Keith Ngondo, a nursing freshman, said, “I originally came for extra participants. credit, but I also enjoyed the run.”

Ramirez said, “I didn't think it Nick Hamilton, a business freshwould be this low. I wish we would’ve man, also said he enjoyed the run. known about that event or else we “It was a good way to get my heart would’ve rescheduled so we didn't rate going, and get some exercise inwaste so much money.” ,”Hamilton said.

Ramirez said the event costed $150 Hamilton didn't mind the event because of the 30 shirts they bought. changing either. He said it was fair He said they were due to the weather also waiting for a and complications. bill from ChartA highlight of wells. the event was the Even through quotes written these struggles, with chalk by UPB the participants members along the said they still had a way. good time.

Ngondo said, Preston Bubsy, “The quotes were criminal justice PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ very helpful befreshman, said, “I Encouraging messages were written cause it was hard thought changing around Sikes Lake to motivate Cookie to keep going with the event was fine. Dash participants. the weather someI still had a good times. Some of them made me laugh time either way.” too.”

He wasn't the only one who didn't Some of the quotes said to “Run mind the changes. A couple of other like Forrest Gump,” and “Run like participants said they enjoyed the there are zombies chasing you.” event as well.

from DASH pg.1

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

The softball field received a new turf, the first of many campus improvements under the updated master plan.

12 | Jan. 27, 2016 |

PHOTOS BY GABRIELLA SOLIS | THE WICHITAN

Khapri Alston, senior, prepares for a set shot as JaMarkus Horace, TAMUK sociology senior, sets a screen at the game on Jan. 20. | DeVaughn Jones, senior, drives to the basket as Jamar Goodwin, TAMUK kinesiology senior, attempts to block Jones at the game on Jan. 20.

Men’s basketball comes together PATRICK GERMAN REPORTER

W

ith a 16-2 overall records, and they’re also 5-1 in conference play, the start to the men’s basketball season surpassed the start of last year.

Breston McNeal, starting guard and business senior said, “We have our goals in executing and winning championships.

That’s our everyday attitude. As long as we keep that attitude.

I’m pretty sure we can go far.”

The men are averaging 88 points per game.

Khapri Alston, starting forward and sports management senior said, “We have numerous scorers from each position and it’s not just with starters. We have multiple player that can came off the bench and can score the ball as well.”

According to assistant coach Tres Segler, the team has implemented the next man up. Once one of their starting players goes out due to injury, fatigue, or fouls, another player will take their place.

“With our depth, it has really been our strength. We can go to our seventh or eighth guy and they’re still able to do work,” said Segler.

The two seniors Breston McNeal and Khapri Alston have played big leadership roles this season and is one of the reasons why the men’s basketball team is at the peak that they are at.

“These guys were unbelievable at enforcing our team principles all throughout the offseason. We can’t work with them in the summer, so they have to do everything by themselves.

They did a great job, man for man, they showed leadership enforcing out ideals and what we’re going to be made of. They were coaching themselves during the summer. They would all get together and lift weights, play and do workouts by themselves,” Segler said.

The team’s chemistry is what brought them together as one and why they are on such a great roll that they are on.

“The chemistry is really good. The guys are funny, there are really goofy, so that makes it fun, but I think all in all, at the base level that they want to win every game they want to play, so anytime that you have that much commonality and a goal brings in a lot of good chemistry,” Segler said With the Mustangs failing to win the Lone Star Conference, this gives them more of a reason to win it all this season.

“Yeah, any time you don’t win that league title. You want to come back the next year and do it. No arrogance, we don’t talk about winning the league as much as winning the national championship. We know to winning the National Championship, we are going to have to win the conference championship,” McNeal said.

Khapri Alston’s has been nominated for “hero of the week”

by HeroSports.com after his game against No. 11 Angelo State.

The senior put up career highs with 27 points and 25 rebounds against the Rams to push the game into overtime. Alston’s 25 rebounds were tied for sixth most in school history. This was Alston’s seventh double-double of the season improving his averages to 18.5 points and 17.0 rebounds last week while shooting 51.9 percent from the field. This season he is averaged 14.2 points and 13.2 rebounds in just 28.8 minutes per game in Lone Star Conference play.

“It’s a truly blessing to be nominated for this award. It shows that hard work does pay-off,” Alston said.

The men’s basketball team will be facing Cameron University on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

THE LAST 10 GAMES

W 91-60 W 75-73 W 105-82 W 103-57 W 74-65 W 90-56 W 66-63 W 84-69 W 95-50 L 91-83 SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD (TEXAS)

OUACHITA BAPTIST (ARK.)

SCIENCE & ARTS (OKLA.)

ST. GREGORY’S (OKLA.)

WEST TEXAS A&M

EASTERN NEW MEXICO

TARLETON STATE

TEXAS A&M COMMERCE

TEXAS A&M KINGSVILLE

ANGELO STATE