Issue 8 - Eastern Statesman

astern tatesman E S New look Vol. 91 Issue 8

Campus News, Pg. 2

February 1, 2013

EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE EST. 1908

DEDICATION

for EOSC website NEWS ­­Redesign offers a more dynamic platform for online components

Campus News, Pg. 3

By Jamie fink Staff Writer

Entertainment , Pg. 5

Alumni Pg. 7

Dr. Grady Wray speaks during the Jan. 18 dedication of the newly renovated and named Johnnie Wray Theatre.

Former students both spoke and attended the event. Statesman photo

AN UPLIFTING PRESENCE CAMPUS NEWS ­­Wray’s protégés and son lead dedication of Pratt Hall’s newly renovated Johnnie Wray Theatre

By Jayson Knight

Sports, Pg. 8

“May the spirit of Johnnie Wray invade this theater and may her uplifting presence always inspire those that pass through it to do their best.”

- Dr. Grady Wray

Staff Writer

The recently renovated theater at Pratt Hall has been renamed the Johnnie Wray Theatre, in honor of a teacher that left a legacy at Eastern Oklahoma State College many decades ago.

Three of her former theater students gave speeches in honor of the late Johnnie Wray, all of whom are current faculty members. Before the theater wrapped up the dedication with an inaugural performance, Wray’s son, Dr. Grady Wray, gave an emotionally-charged speech as well.

The event was managed and coordinated by Eastern’s Director of Institutional Advancement, Treva Kennedy. Johnnie Wray

“Johnnie made a memorable impression on anyone. If she was a punctuation mark, Johnnie would have been an exclamation point.”

Dr. Billye Givens Dean of Language, Humanities & Education was an instructor at Eastern from 1959-1984, according to Kennedy.

“When she was here, she really put Eastern on the map for debate,” said Kennedy. “She was the chair of the Speech and

Drama Department. She also served as the director of children’s theater. She wore many hats and was very active on our campus.”

The Jan. 18 dedication began with a welcoming to the revamped theater by President of EOSC, Dr. Stephen Smith.

With about 90 people in attendance for the dedication, Smith thanked the audience and then talked about the success of the children’s theater that Johnnie began.

“It’s a very special day.

Wray’s students won numerous national debates honors and we’re excited to be here honoring her today,” Smith said.

SEE

WRAY PAGE 2

This December Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) proudly unveiled a redesigned website of its main site at www. eosc.edu.

The new site provides a more dynamic platform for showcasing all that EOSC has to offer and an improved, user-friendly navigation to help make locating information much more intuitive.

“We are hoping that the new website encourages concurrent students to be proud to be a part of EOSC and for future students to want to be a part of Eastern.

We want to help everyone with access to quality educational options – that accessibility starts with providing a website that is easy to use,” stated Trish McBeath, EOSC’s Director of Communications and Marketing.

“It was time for a new, modern look to Eastern. The previous site was old and dated; the new site will show more of what Eastern has become and represent what we are and what we strive for. The website includes most of the same features as before, but the content has been updated in to a newer, fresher look.”

“We have created a site where people can access appropriate information and resources to learn about the Eastern Oklahoma State College’s educational SEE

EOSC.EDU PAGE 3

Campus News

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February 1, 2013

WRAY

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Planning meeting for possible new Veteran’s Club Attention veterans and friends of veterans.

If you are interested in forming an Eastern Oklahoma State College veteran’s club, contact (or seek out in person) Guy Folger at gfolger@eosc.edu.

Eastern has over 100 veterans on its campuses and it is time we are represented with an official club.

If enough people are interested, we will plan a meeting to form a club and move forward.

Church seeking part-time help

First United Methodist Church is seeking to hire a secretary for 15-20 hours per week. Must be available for daytime hours, able to lift fifteen pounds, able to pass a background check and drug test.

Excellent communication and computer skills required, including Microsoft Office Suite and email.

For a more detailed job description & information on salary please contact Rev. April Coates by email at wilburtonfumc@ sbcglobal.net or by mail at P.O. Box 6 Wilburton, OK 74578.

The EOSC Board of Regents Chair Loise Washington also spoke just before Johnnie Wray’s former students took the podium. “Today is one of those days that truly bring honor and distinction here at Eastern,” Washington said.

Professor of Psychology & Sociology Cheryl Wood Myers, English instructor Lee Ann Schweitzer, and Dean of Language, Humanities and Education Dr. Billye Givens were the three speakers that reminded those in attendance of Wray’s inspirational essence.

“It is wonderful to see you,” Myers said to Dr. Grady Wray, before addressing the rest of the crowd. Myers, when beginning her college career, was a local girl with a job as a work study student for Johnnie Wray.

“I always feel like she is with me when I speak to a group of people,” said Myers. “Johnnie was a unique combination of magnetic personality and natural educator. She worked as hard as any of her students whether she was in the class room, building a stage set or preparing a team for a national debate; she gave it her all.”

Schweitzer began her speech with a little self-deprecation in mentioning her speech pattern before meeting Johnnie Wray.

Schweitzer cited growing up in Red Oak and rural parts of Mississippi as faults of her former speech pattern.

“What she taught me was self-discipline. I could not open my mouth without her correcting me. In just two years, I absolutely changed my speech pattern.”

Schweitzer also mentioned another asset she developed in her speech that she credits Johnnie Wray for in her ability to project. “My husband told me one time,” Schweitzer said.

A trio of Johnnie Wray’s former students spoke of their former instructor during the dedication of the Johnnie Wray Theatre Jan. 18. Pictured from left are Cheryl Wood-Myer, Lee Ann Schweitzer and Dr. Billye Givens, who are all three now faculty members at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Photos by Guy Folger

“‘Why don’t you just raise the window and forget about using the telephone?’”

Schweitzer continued with a story and by remembering the stern kindness of her mentor.

“There were times when [she] took me home with her when I didn’t have a ride to get back home to Red Oak,” said Schweitzer. “She and Lester (Johnnie’s husband) took me out and bought me my first grilled steak.

I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

“She never made fun of a student. I never saw her treat someone like they were less and I’m a prime example of that. She could chew you out, because she expected you to come to class prepared. I am so proud I began my education here at Eastern and under the tutelage of Johnnie Wray.”

“As these two ladies have attested to,” Givens said. “Johnnie made a memorable impression on anyone. If she was a punctuation mark, Johnnie would have been an exclamation point. She was emphatic. She was dynamic.

She was concerned about the whole student and the things that we learned.”

Grady Wray works in the

Modern Languages, Literature, and Linguistics Division of the University of Oklahoma.

His speech began with a “Wow,” and after personally thanking many people for his opportunity to speak, he continued remembering his mother and her legacy.

“Sometimes she would come screaming down the aisles of Mitchell Auditorium saying, ‘No, no, no! Not like that, I said do it with passion.’ She would grab you and walk you through the correct staging.”

He went over his mother’s numerous nicknames and her fondness for them.

According to Grady Wray, his mother would make students with lazy enunciation recite: “Betty Botter bought some butter, ‘But,’ she said, ‘this butter’s bitter; if I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter.’”

He named many of the role models that he looked up to, many of whom were students of Johnnie Wray’s who were in attendance.

“She, herself, showed how a woman could work in a world where men still had the upper hand, but she knew how to work with that and even knew how to

make the men around her better,” Wray said.

“Speaking of men, I have to talk about a special man, too.

I’ll start with the phrase: Behind every great man, there stands a great woman. However, Johnnie Wray would not, could not, have been the success she was without the unyielding support of her husband, and my father, Lester F. Wray, Jr. Certainly then, in this case, the phrase must be changed to say that behind the great Johnnie Wray, stood a great man.

“As her son and student, I still use the things she used to teach me. What was very important to her revolved around maintaining good communication. What was the most effective way to get the idea in your head into the head of someone else?

“May the spirit of Johnnie Wray invade this theater and may her uplifting presence always inspire those that pass through it to do their best.”

EOSC United Ministry Meal & Worship 5 p.m.

Tuesdays East Side of Campus, UM Building

News

February 1, 2013

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Veteran’s Affairs marches on at Eastern Upcoming indoor activities By guy folger

SEnior Staff Writer

Despite the recent, unexpected departure of the Assistant Registrar/Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator, assistance for veterans is still available at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Eastern Registrar, Karen Clark, reports that she will be administering veteran’s affairs until a new Assistant Registrar is

hired. She may be contacted at the Registrar’s Office in the Library building, phone 465-1814 or kclark@eosc.edu.

The Eastern Statesman recently spoke with MSgt Marvin Wilson, USAF Retired, who is the former Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Specialist at Eastern.

MSgt Wilson advises that he is still the EOC Military-

Connection Specialist for a large part of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas and is also available to provide assistance to Eastern’s veterans. He may be contacted at phone 505-3286863 or mawilson@carlalbert.edu.

At last count, there were over 100 veterans on Eastern’s campuses.

Glazier begins as Vice President of Student Affairs EOSC PRESS RELEASE Dr. Stephen Glazier has been named Eastern Oklahoma State College’s new vice president for Student Affairs.

Glazier, who joined Eastern in December, will oversee a varied list of programs within Student Affairs such as Academic Advisement, Admissions, Athletics, Career Services, Cooperative Alliances, Financial Aid, GEAR UP, Native American Programs, Recruitment, Residential Housing, Scholarships, Student Life, and Testing.

“We are excited about the addition of Dr. Glazier to the Eastern Oklahoma State College team,” said Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith.

“He brings a reputation of great energy and creative ideas to our institution. We look forward to his leadership in the di-

vision of student affairs.”

Most recently, Glazier served as the Director of Counseling and Career Services at Northern O k l a h o m a Dr. Stephen College Enid. glazier He was with the college for 13 years.

“My primary educational topic of interest involves college retention and graduation theory. As such, I view Student Affairs not as just extra-curricular activities, but as a vital co-curricular component of the overall student educational process” Glazier said. “With that in mind, Student Affairs programing is

EOSC.EDU

on the variety of education available • Mobile and tablet friendly design • User-friendly navigation makes finding the content you are looking for easier • Higher visibility of upcoming events and activities going on at Eastern • Look and feel that is more representative of Eastern Questions and comments about the redesigned website can be emailed to tmcbeath@ eosc.edu.

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options – whether a high school student seeking college credit or for a current student to obtain information quicker and easier. The redesign incorporates several new features that will make the website more interactive and engaging.”

Some of the new features include: • Enhanced program pages with more information

intentionally designed to increase both institutional and goal commitment of our EOSC students.”

A native Oklahoman, Glazier received his bachelor’s degree from Central State University, a master’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oral Roberts University. He and his wife, Judith, have three children.

“I have dedicated my life to helping students achieve their educational goals,” Glazier said.

“I am honored to be a member of the Eastern Oklahoma State College team and I look forward to the opportunity to serve under Dr. Smith and work with our students, faculty and staff.”

include bingo, intramural sports and a basketball “blue-out”

By Jayson Knight Staff Writer

Eastern Oklahoma State College’s Student Services is providing a number of upcoming events and activities to entertain the student body during these topsy-turvy weather conditions.

A talent show will be held March 27. The Johnnie Wray Theater will serve as the stage for the talent show with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show beginning at 8:30 p.m. Auditions will be held March 6 at a locale to be determined. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place.

“We would like to make the talent show an annual event,” said Residence Life Coordinator Lauren Polk.

“We would like to make bingo annual as well. I really want people to come to that.”

Bingo will be held in the Student Center cafeteria Feb 27 at 8 p.m.

Also, there will be a one-day dodge-ball tournament Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the C.C. Dunlap Fieldhouse.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a couple more,” said Polk. “We just have to watch for opportunities to use the gym to prevent

“We’re asking everyone to wear blue shirts. And we’ll have a prize for the bluest student. Lauren’s even going to paint her face.”

Matt Daniels Miller hall coordinator scheduling conflicts.”

A humans-versus-zombies tag game was described by Polk as “Really fun. It’s going to be amazing.”

The student body will also be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dance Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m.

Following the lead of a growing trend in basketball arenas, Eastern will host a Feb. 7 “Blue-Out,” said Matt Daniels, Miller Hall Coordinator. (157) Eastern will host (2-16) Carl Albert State College at 8 p.m., Feb. 7, according to the eosc. edu website.

“We’re asking everyone to wear blue shirts,” said Daniels, “And we’ll have a prize for the bluest student. Lauren’s even going to paint her face up.”

According to Trish McBeath, Director of Marketing and Communications, Eastern’s newly redesigned website features enhanced program pages, mobile and tablet-friendly design, user-friendly navigation, visibility of upcoming events and activities, and has a look and feel that is more representative to Eastern.

Campus News Chancellor visits area to present legislative agenda Page 4

EOSC PRESS RELEASE With the demand for employees who have certificates and degrees increasing, college completion has never been a higher priority in the state of Oklahoma than it is now. That was the message delivered by Chancellor Glen D. Johnson as he presented the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2014 legislative agenda to an audience of lawmakers, community leaders and educators in Krebs on Jan. 15. The host institution for this year’s luncheon was Connors State College.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently voted to request $90.4 million in new state appropriations during the upcoming legislative session. The total budget request for FY 2014 is 9.47 percent higher than the current year’s appropriation.

To aid state colleges and universities in producing more college graduates, the State Regents are requesting $55 million for Complete College America performance funding needs. This will provide funding for additional course sections, full-time faculty and financial aid. This will also fund increased needs for information technology equipment, library resourc-

February 1, 2013

Eastern Oklahoma State College students, regents, faculty and staff gathered with local legislators to attend Chancellor Glen D. Johnson’s presentation of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2014 legislative agenda on Tuesday. Pictured at the event are (left to right) Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Stephen Glazier, Representative R.C. Pruett, EOSC Regent Burl Williams, Representative Ed Cannaday, EOSC sophomore Reilly Cloud from Sawyer, Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon, Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, EOSC sophomore Larriann Chambers from Tushka, EOSC Mathematics Professor Phillip Hawthorne, EOSC Dean of the McAlester Campus Dr. Janet Wansick, Representative Donnie Condit, EOSC Regent Loise Washington, EOSC Regent Teresa Jackson and EOSC Regent Denton McNutt. Also in attendance, but not pictured, were Senator Larry Boggs and EOSC Regents Brian Lott, Aud Balentine and Carl Wooldridge.

es and other operational needs to support near-record student enrollment.

Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities continue to take steps to cut operational costs. A total of $411 million in actual and projected cost savings has been identified from 2010-14 in technology and energy consumption, as well as in personnel costs and supplies.

“Oklahoma’s system of

higher education remains committed to producing a quality, educated workforce in order to prepare our students to compete globally,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “We believe that our budget request makes a very persuasive case for our policy leaders to further invest in higher education. These funds would assist our institutions in achieving our Complete College America degree

completion goals and will help to ensure student access and success in college.”

College completion continues to be higher education’s No. 1 priority. The State Regents are seeking $2.5 million for online education and degree completion technology. This will increase students’ ability to enroll in additional course sections and improve evaluation and transparency through software

development and training.

The State Regents are also requesting $7.5 million to fund a grant program that will enhance higher education institutions’ efforts to provide students guidance in completion of their degrees. Funding would be directed to special services in career counseling, advisement, financial aid and efficiency in degree attainment.

Increased financial aid funding will also be a priority for the State Regents in the upcoming legislative session in order to reduce the financial barriers that prevent students from attending college. The State Regents seek to increase funding by $2.5 million for the concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take credit-earning college courses.

The State Regents are also requesting an additional $540,000 for the Summer Academies program, $1.3 million for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid and Oklahoma Tuition Equalization grants, $200,000 for the Academic Scholars program and $250,000 for an adult degree completion community scholarship match.

The total appropriation request for FY 2014 is $1.05 billion.

BP America donates $15,000 to Eastern for student scholarships EOSC PRESS RELEASE TBP America Production Company has made a $15,000 gift to Eastern Oklahoma State College to support student scholarships.

“Education is very important to any rural area and it just takes a little to make a difference in a student’s life,” said BP Production Team Leader Mark Holdsworth. “BP is happy to support our local students and we’re seeing the value in those investments. Plus, this gives

our employees a sense of pride because BP is supporting local communities.”

This is the second consecutive year that BP has made a donation to Eastern. Last fall, the company gave more than $13,000 to the college for similar scholarships.

The scholarships are available to qualifying students residing in BP’s operating counties of Latimer, Leflore, Haskell, Pittsburg or Sequoyah. The schol-

arship funds will be awarded on academic merit to students studying energy, science, math, education, nursing, business, child development, agriculture (pre-veterinary) or environmental/natural resources at Eastern.

Right, BP America Production Team Leader Mark Holdsworth (left center) presents a $15,000 gift to Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith to support student scholarships. Eastern students (left to right) Haylee Phillips, Sean Mass, and Taylor Bell, received BP scholarships at Eastern this year.

Entertainment

February 1, 2013

DVD REVIEW

More salutes should be given for this movie honoring our heroes

By Guy Folger

Senior staff Writer

Eastern Statesman Staff Guy Folger, Senior Staff Writer London Runyon, Staff Writer Carter Haskins, Staff Writer Jayson Knight, Staff Writer Wes Carter, Staff Writer Jamie Fink, Staff Writer Tayler Richey, Staff Writer Ieyanna Williams, Staff Writer William Sanders, Copy Editor Kristen Turner, Adviser Published twice monthly from August through May by students of Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, OK. Opinions expressed in the “Statesman” are not necessarily those of the Eastern student body, faculty or administration. Opinions expressed in articles, columns or letters are those of the individual writers.

Members of the Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, Community College Journalism Association, Student Press Law Center and Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association.

Letters to the editor are not only welcomed, but encouraged. All letters must be able to be verified with the author’s phone number, address, and e-mail address.

The editor reserves the right to edit to fit space limitations and to comply with libel laws and good taste.

The publication is issued by EOSC and is printed at a cost of about $50 per page. Telephone is (918) 465-1714. E-mail: statesman@eosc.edu.

"Taking Chance" is a 2009 movie produced and released

by HBO Films starring Kevin Bacon as USMC Lt.Col. Mike Strobl.

It is based on the real-life experiences of the Lt.Col. as he escorts the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps, back to his hometown in Wyoming.

Though a veteran of Desert Storm, the Lt.Col. presumably feels guilty about not being in combat since then. Thinking PFC Phelps is from his own hometown, he volunteers to escort his body home.

One online blogger described the movie as “a tedious 85 minutes of Kevin Bacon saluting.” In response to this blogger, who evidently does not equate or care that the saluting is to show honor and respect, I would say there needs to be more salutes given our military members, veterans and especially our fallen ones.

For his performance in "Taking Chance," Bacon received a

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor Miniseries or Television Film.

If you are one who supports our military members and veterans, I think you will find this movie to be a very moving tribute.

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February dates in history compiled By Tayler richey staff Writer

Some of the more important historical dates for the month of February are as follows: New Amsterdam was incorporated on Feb. 2, 1653. The Dutch territory was not renamed New York (after the Duke of York) until it was conquered by the English in 1664.

George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732. Before the British adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday was Feb. 11, 1751. He would go on to become the first President of the United States.

On Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He would serve as our 16th president, successfully leading the Union through the Civil War, keeping the United States intact.

The Confederate States of America was formed Feb. 4, 1861 at the Montgomery Convention.

Belle Starr was murdered on Feb. 3, 1889, two days before her 41st birthday, on her way home from a friend’s house in

Eufaula, Oklahoma.

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated Feb. 8, 1910.

Since its founding, more than 110 million Americans have been members of the BSA. Ronald Regan was born Feb. 6, 1911. He went on to become the 40th President of The United States from 1981 to 1989.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre occurred Feb. 14, 1929.

The incident was a battle waged between two of Chicago’s largest gangs. The fight between Al Capone’s South Side Italian gang and Bugs Moran’s North Side Irish gang left seven people dead; five of Moran’s men, and two of Capone’s.

The Battle of Iwo Jima began on Feb. 19, 1945. The famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal, was taken a few days later on Feb. 23.

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) was an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activists. He was assassinated in New York City on Feb. 21, 1965.

www.statesman.eosc.edu

Eastern announces date for annual Sapphire Ball EOSC PRESS RELEASE Eastern Oklahoma State College will host its annual Sapphire Ball on Saturday, March 2 in Wilburton. The event, now in its fourth year, will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Student Center.

“Diamonds are Forever” is the theme of this year’s black-tie event which includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing. Proceeds from the event will fund Eastern’s Sapphire Scholarship for deserving students. Last year’s event raised approximately $8,000 for student scholarships.

“We’re very pleased with the

support we received during last year’s event from our alumni, faculty, staff, local businesses and other donors,” said Treva Kennedy, director of Institutional Advancement. “Our goal is to increase that amount this year and create even more opportunities for student scholarships.”

The event will also honor outstanding Eastern employees, alumni and community supporters. This year’s awardees have not yet been announced.

For more information about the event, contact Eastern’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 918-465-1873.

Mountaineer Radio www.radio.eosc.edu Would you like to join the Statesman?

The Eastern Statesman is looking for writers, graphic designers and anyone interested in maintaining our website.

Contact Kristen Turner at 918.465.1720 or kturner@eosc.edu.

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Views & Reviews

February 1, 2013

Inspiring greatness via Twitter — the power of social media

By TAYLER RICHEY Staff Writer

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”- Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes such as this are meant to motivate us to be better people; to be the light that brightens someone’s day; to be the person who restores another’s faith in civilization.

The tragedy that befell Sandy Hook Elementary School was anything but humane. The heartache it caused was felt from coast to coast, and beyond. In times of such despair, it can be difficult to discern the humanity left in our society.

Fortunately, there are still people like NBC reporter Ann Curry in our world. Even as such a public figure, I am sure she had no idea of the scope of the movement she inspired when she took to Twitter after the tragic events of December 14, 2012. “Imagine if everyone could commit to doing one act of kindness for each precious life lost. An act of kindness big or small. Are you in?” And with those twenty-six words, the 26 Acts of Kindness movement was born, and has been changing lives since.

Some of the random acts of kindness reported being done in honor of those lost include: being left an anonymous Christmas

card containing a lottery ticket, having a restaurant tab being picked up by a stranger, 26 trees being bought to be planted in Haiti, volunteering 26 hours at a children’s hospital. These are small acts done by people who single-handedly could not change the world, but by acting in unison and only asking others to pay it forward in return, have truly helped to make the world a better place to live in.

Resolutions are not only for New Year’s; it is never too late.

I encourage you all to be a light to drive out the darkness, to express love to drive out hate.

Working together, we can make a difference.

If you feel led to participate

in 26 Acts of Kindness, please show your support by using the hash-tag #26Acts on Twitter, not for personal recognition, but because by promoting your support, you could be the one to inspire others to join this noble

movement.

Also, people are sharing their stories at Facebook. com/26acts, which currently stands at close to 100 thousand supporters, representing 2.6 million acts of kindness.

Would our forefathers recognize these Divided States of America?

By wes carter Staff Writer

When our forefathers presented the Constitution, they understood that America wasn’t perfect and still had a lot of improving to do if it was going to make it as a country. However, they took a few “good ideas” and wrote the Constitution. These “good ideas” are presented in the Preamble of the Constitution.

Today, politicians use the Constitution as the foundation of campaign speeches. They promise to govern using the Constitution, but sometimes, I wonder if they have even read the Preamble.

“We the People of the United States…”

In 2008, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said that the goal of the Republican Party, for the next two years, was to ensure that President Barack Obama wouldn’t be reelected. Instead of trying to work with the president, McConnell, the Senate minority leader, took an oppositional

stance and disregarded the voices of 70 million Americans that voted for President Obama. How does this oppositional approach to governing represent “We the People of The United States?” “…in Order to form a more perfect Union…”

This clause in the preamble of the Constitution seems odd because you can’t get “more” perfect. Perfection is absolute. The framers of the Constitution were implying that there is always room for improvement. Sometimes that improvement comes in the form of adding more territory to the Union (like Hawaii), and sometimes improvement means evolving as a society to be more tolerant and accepting (realizing women are equal to men).

However, striving for a “more perfect Union” doesn’t mean gerrymandering districts and changing voting rules in an attempt to decrease turnout among minorities, elderly and low-income citi-

zens. Since the 2012 Presidential Election, legislatures in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Florida are all voting to redistrict their states to take away seats from democrats. Each of these states went to President Obama in the 2012 Election. “…establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence …”

Recently, after the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings, both political factions have attempted to establish Justice and by doing so have thwarted domestic Tranquility. I don’t believe the government should take away guns, but I also don’t believe a man has any need for an assault rifle. The debate over what restrictions should be placed on gun ownership does not bother me. However, the rhetoric used is terrible. Ranking Republicans scare constituents by telling them that President Obama is coming for their guns.

People on the left are accusing the NRA for past tragedies. Nobody seems to discuss the possibility, if not probability, that everybody might be culpable for today’s culture. It seems that Americans have lost the ability to converse and disagree on subjects without resorting to character defamation and slanderous claims. “…promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…”

As a country, we cannot say we are securing the Blessings of Liberty when we openly scrutinize and legislate against a lifestyle. Why do heterosexual people care what homosexual people do? What is more peculiar is that straight people are willing to let gay people fight for their country, but their country doesn’t recognize the relationship they have with their significant other. At what point do we realize that government has no

business telling someone who they can or can’t marry? A large percentage of our politicians can’t remain faithful to their spouse, what business do they have infringing on the rights of Americans who want to exchange vows and honor them?

Americans throw around words like freedom and liberty, but we only want these things if they are convenient to us and don’t upset our daily routine. I like the word “Posterity,” because I believe that future generations will look at our archaic laws and laugh at them. “…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

It must have been a magical moment when the Constitution was finally ratified. The faceless union of colonies that separated from England with the Declaration of Independence now has a face as the United States of America. I just wonder if our forefathers would recognize it.

Want to voice your opinion? Send a “Letter to the Editor” to statesman@eosc.edu.

Alumni

February 1, 2013

Page 7

WHERE ARE THEY NOW...

Eastern Alumni making an impact on the world

By Mike Cathey EOSC 1983 of Indianola

“This might just be Oklahoma’s acceptable ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’,” shared EOSC graduate and author Davee Jones (EOSC 1990 of Kiowa) on her recent novel due out in print in March.

Her fourth published book, “Lovedust and Trailblazers,” is a western romance released in November of 2012. USA Today recently featured her book trailer on their book blog. (See book synopsis in sidebar).

Jones currently resides in Little Elm, Texas and works in Dallas for the Social Security Administration as a facilities specialist. She earned an EOSC associate’s in psychology, before transferring to East Central University in Ada, where she earned a dual bachelor’s in psychology and sociology in 1993.

In 1995 she earned an M.Ed in Counseling from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. She worked for a year in a private psychiatric hospital before starting employment with the U.S. Social Security Administration.

“My career with the Social Security Administration has taken me around the country, offered wonderful opportunities, and provided well for my family,” says Jones.

“I’ve worked for the Social Security Administration for over 16 years. I began my career in Wichita, then moved to Denver, to Ardmore, and now to Dallas.

“However, something was always missing. Remember I have a psychology background and a master’s in counseling.

That really isn’t something I use daily for the Social Security Administration.

However, working in the psychiatric field really was not my calling either.

“I daydreamed about what might have been or what I would have done had I researched careers more in-depth and taken

Book Synopsis - “Lovedust and Trailblazers”

Davee Jones

Young Marine, Josiah Samuels, was sent home from the Korean Conflict and honored with a Purple Heart for the shrapnel wounds across his chest. Although he proudly served his country, he lived on a daily basis haunted by the sights and sounds of warfare.

As a cattle rancher, he raised stock for local rodeos and lived a simple life of solitude. But, the loneliness and the void the war created in his chest began to overwhelm him.

Then, because of a “cow emergency,” he met Minnie Mitchell, a spitfire neighboring rancher who finished veterinary school in a time when few women were even admitted to University veterinarian programs. She faced her own obstacles in running her family’s cattle operation and finding a job as a vet in stereotypical 1950’s Oklahoma.

Minnie passionately rattled Josiah’s world in ways he previously only dreamed. Now together, these Trailblazers must find a way to keep Minnie close to the family ranch…and in Josiah’s loving arms. a different occupational road. I enjoyed writing in high school and took some creative writing classes in college. I kept a journal and periodically through the years purged through my words.

“I started my first book sometime in 2006. I had no idea how to pen a book, the daunting task seemed insurmountable.

But, as is my nature, I persevered and continued. When I wrote ‘The End’ I felt alive and knew that I found my dream job.

“I would like to say I can live off the royalties, but I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon. Writing is such a hard field to break into and millions of other writers hope to find their “Fifty Shades of Gray” with their next manuscript.

“The reality is, hitting that type of best-seller has the odds of winning the lottery. So, to keep playing, you gotta keep writing, and work your tail off marketing yourself.”

In addition to “Lovedust and Trailblazers,” Jones’ other published works include: “Ruby’s Dance-Thank You Mae West”, “Finless,” and “On Ellicott Street”. Also she is currently marketing her latest work, “Eve’s First Noel.”

Also during spring 2013, she has a series beginning to appeal to young adult

and sweet romance fans.

Davee’s current publisher is Secret Cravings Publishing.

Jones attended EOSC on an academic scholarship as a result of winning the spelling competition at the EOSC high school curriculum competition.

While at EOSC she took honors English and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

“I remember speech class with Mrs. Hintze. We had a demonstration speech assignment and several of us made some awesome recipes,” shared Jones about her time at Eastern.

“Mrs. Hintze created a cookbook for us that I still have.

“At EOSC I learned that I had control over my life’s outcome to a large degree. Honestly, I did not expect to attend college, however, life’s circumstances led me to stay in Oklahoma. The academic scholarship to EOSC was true blessing and began my future successes.

“When I entered EOSC as a timid, meek, country girl, I had no idea I would later live in the mountains, write policy for the federal government, investigate fraud, participate in triathlons, have three beautiful children (Aaron, Devin, and Alexandrea),

Davee Jones

or have books published. It’s been one heck of a ride so far.

“Through everything in my life, the college experiences, moving to different locations, promotions within the Social Security Administration, and my family, I wholeheartedly say I’ve never regretted any risk or rabbit trail I traveled.”

Author, Social Security Administration specialist, and EOSC Alum Davee Jones comes from a long line of EOSC graduates including her mom, Ruth Fereday, her sisters Chrisee Howard Leuty and Jewel Howard Weiher, and brother Sam Howard.

Mike Cathey is a lifetime member of the EOSC alumni association. While at Eastern, Cathey was also a staff writer for The Statesman and the Vice President of the Student Senate.

Cathey is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and resides in Chicago, Ill.

Eastern graduate Davee Jones’ fourth novel “Lovedust and Trailblazers” was released in November. The novel is set to be released in print in March of this year.

Sports

Page 8

February 1, 2013

Harlem Ambassadors Tour returns to Wilburton EOSC PRESS RELEASE The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors will visit Wilburton for a game on the campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines. The Ambassadors feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids wherever the Ambassadors play.

“At our shows, we want the kids to know that they’re part of our team too,” Coach Ladè Majic said. “We invite as many kids as we can to the event, have a front row seat during the show, and get involved in all of the fun stuff we do.”

The Ambassadors set them-

selves apart from other “Harlem-style” basketball teams by working with local notfor-profit and service organizations and holding Harlem Ambassadors shows as community fundraising events. The Ambassadors have partnered with the Wilburton Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser to help with Chamber operations and activities.

“We are excited about bringing a fun, family event to Wilburton. We will be out promoting the event to the area schools and businesses,” said Mae Mings, executive director of the Wilburton Chamber.

The Ambassadors have worked extensively with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, and American Red Cross as well as other organizations and clubs

in communities throughout the U.S., and perform more than 200 shows a year. Those shows have helped raise millions of dollars – an accomplishment of which Ambassadors President Dale Moss is very proud. “It feels good to be able to provide quality entertainment and create memories that the fans will take with them,” Moss explained.

Front (L to R): Tashona Robinson, Daniela Arianna Jones, TheCastillo, Ambassadors will be Brooke Martinez, Erin Healey, playing theMarisa Wilburton Outlaws, Katelyn White, Tinney, Vanessa Yamaguchi. Back: Avery which willFactor, consist Cranford, Taylor Kate Atchley, of local and Shelby Blackwell, Ashley Jones, area community leaders. AdRachel Manning, Megan Newberry. vanced ticket prices will be $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults. Kids four and under are admitted free. Tickets will go on sale beginning January 10 and can be purchased at the Wilburton Chamber of Commerce

Lady Mountaineers

2013 Baseball 2011 - 2012 and Basketball softball Guide

21

Erin Healey

23

24

So., P/1B Fayetteville, Ark.

Fr., C/1B Midwest City, Okla.

Megan Newberry

Fr., P Davis, Okla.

Ashley Jones

ROSTER 5 12 8

Atchley, Kate Blackwell, Shelby Castillo, Daniela

So. Fr. Fr.

OF/UT 3B SS/P

3 6 23

Manning, Rachel Martinez, Brooke Newberry, Megan

Fr. Fr. So.

2B C/UT P/1B

10

Cranford, Avery

21 5 24

Healey, Erin Jones, Arianna Jones, Ashley

Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.

1B C/UT P CF/SS C/1B

9 2 17 14

Robinson, Tashona Tinney, Marisa White, Katelyn Yamaguchi, Vanessa

Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

P OF/SS OF OF/3B

FILE PHOTO 11 Factor, Taylor

SCHEDULE 2013 Eastern Softball schedule

2

Marisa Tinney

Fr., OF/SS Fletcher, Okla.

9

Tashona Robinson Fr., P Calera, Okla.

4

3

Rachel Manning Fr., 2B Moore, Okla.

10

Avery Cranford

Fr., 1B Whitewright, Texas

4

5

So., OF/UT Brownwood, Texas

So., CF/SS Sherman, Texas

Kate Atchley

11

Taylor Factor

Fr., C/UT Saskawa, Okla.

Arianna Jones

12

Shelby Blackwell

Fr., 3B Claremore, Okla.

Left, freshman Olivia Brown takes a shot in the Lady Mountaineers 69-64 win over ConBrooke Daniela on Jan. 24. nors State College Martinez The Eastern Castillo Oklahoma State Fr., C/UT Fr., SS/P Dawson, Texas Early, TexasMountaineers College Lady defeated conference rival Connors State College 69-64 on Thursday night. The Lady Mountaineers were led by sophomore Shola Adebayo of Oklahoma City with 18 points, Vanessa 12 rebounds Katelyn and seven assists.

Yamaguchi White Sophomore Rodneisha Milum Fr., OF/3B Fr., OF Fletcher, Okla.

Van Buren, Ark. also had a of Houston, Texas double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Jamie Hicks of Savanna and freshman Olivia Brown of Pearland, Texas added eight points each. With the win, Eastern moves to 14-6 on the season.

Next up, the Lady Mountaineers travel to Tonkawa Feb. 4 before returning home to host Carl Albert on Feb. 7.

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14

8

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Date Feb. 5 Feb. 8, 9 Feb. 16, 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 22, 23 Feb. 28 March 2 March 5 March 7 March 9, 10 March 12 March 14 March 16 March 26 March 28 March 29 April 4 April 5, 6 April 9 April 11 April 13 Daniel April 18 Young April 20 6-4, April Fr., RHP/INF 23 FortApril Smith,30 Ark.

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SCHEDULE

Opponent Northeast Texas Community College Cowtown Tournament #1 Carl Albert Tournament Northeast Texas Community College Cowtown Tournament #2 Seminole State College* Rose State College* Western Oklahoma State College* Connors State College* Midwest JUCO Classic Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa* Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Arkansas Baptist College Carl Albert State College* Seminole State College* Arkansas Baptist College Rose State College* Butler Tournament Connors State College* Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Western Oklahoma State College* Robin Jacob Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa* Schel Lawrence Carl Albert State College* 6-3, Fr., LHP 6-5, Fr.,State RHP College Murray Nixa, State Mo. College Naarden, Netherlands Murray

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Location Home Fort Worth, Texas Poteau, Okla.

Mt. Pleasant, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Home Home Altus, Okla.

Warner, Okla.

Broken Arrow Home Home Little Rock, Ark. Poteau, Okla.

Seminole, Okla.

Home Midwest City, Okla.

El Dorado, Kan. Home Miami, Okla.

Home Clay Tonkawa, Okla.

McAlester Home 5-11, Fr., 1B Home Wilburton, Okla. Okla.

Tishomingo,

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Time 2 p.m.

TBA TBA 2 p.m.

TBA 2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

TBA 2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

TBA 2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

Keaton 2 p.m.

Forrest 1 p.m.

6-0, Fr., RHP 2 p.m.

Tulsa, Okla.

2 p.m.

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2013 Eastern baseball schedule

Region II Tournament - Hall of Fame, OKC - May 3-5 NJCAA World Series - St. George, Utah - May * Conference Games Date Opponent Location Time Feb. 4 Paris Junior College Home 1 p.m.

Feb. 9 Butler County Community College Home Noon Feb. 10 Butler County Community College Home Noon Lady Mountaineers Feb. 16 Navarro College Home Noon Feb. 16 Grayson County College Home 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 Jefferson College Home Noon Feb. 19 Redlands Community College Ada, Okla. (ECU) Noon Feb. 22 Cowley County Community College Home 2 p.m.

Feb. 23 Cowley County Community College Home Noon Feb. 24 Iowa Western Community College Home 1 p.m.

Games 7,7 7,7 9 9 9 7,9 9 9 7, 9 9

March 1 March 1 March 2 March 2 March 3

JUCO Weekend at USA Stadium - Millington, TN - March 1-3 Southeastern Community College Millington, Tenn.

9:30 a.m.

Iowa Central Community College Millington, Tenn.

1:30 p.m.

Lincoln Land Community College Millington, Tenn.

10 a.m.

Lakeland Community College Millington, Tenn.

2:30 p.m.

Muscatine Community College Millington, Tenn.

1 p.m.

9 9 7 7 9

March 7 March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 17 March 24 March 27 April 1 April 4 April 6 April 9 April 11 April 13 April 17 April 18 April 20 April 21 April 23

Murray State College Carl Albert State College Paris Junior College MCC - Maplewoods Crowder College Paris Junior College Western Oklahoma State College Grayson County College Murray State College Arkansas Baptist College* Arkansas Baptist College* Crowder College Rose State College* Rose State College* Connors State College* Connors State College* Connors State College* Connors State College* Carl Albert State College

9 9 7, 7 7, 9 9 7, 7 7, 9 7, 9 9 7, 9 7, 9 9 7, 9 7, 9 9 9 9 9 9

Tishomingo, Okla.

Poteau, Okla.

Home Home Neosho, Mo. Paris, Texas TBD Denison, Texas Home Little Rock, Ark. Home Home Midwest City, Okla.

Home Home Warner, Okla.

Home Warner, Okla.

Home

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

4 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

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