Theatre department to see cutbacks
Low numbers of majors, grads force alterations despite ‘Narnia’ popularity
Andrew Knittle
News Editor
The March 23 regents meeting that ended the basketball program at RSC also heard recommendations to make cutbacks in the struggling Theatre department, said Ric Baser, vice president for Academic Affairs.
Baser - who trained for a career in the performing arts before working in his current capacity - said the decision to scale things back in the Theatre department did not come “out of the blue.”
In fact, the program failed to meet the minimum performance standards of five graduates and 25 majors as far back as 2000.
“At that point, when they failed to meet the criteria, I had a meeting with the department to see about making improvements to the program,” Baser said.
Although many attempts were made to bolster the struggling department, including nearly $50,000 in renovations to the H.B. Atkinson Theatre, Baser said that little or no progress has been made toward retaining the adequate amount of graduates and majors.
In his recommendation to the regents, Baser spelled out the ultimate problem facing the department.
“It is apparent that professional actors do not necessarily need a degree, be it an [associate degree] or a [bachelor’s degree], to work in their chosen profession,” Baser said. “We are finding, therefore, that often students who do register as theater majors, take a semester or two of theater classes, but then find work in the professional arena. They do not complete the degree.”
According to Baser’s recommendation, changes to the department will include the elimination of one of the two full-time professor positions at the
Country Lawyer Lectureship to feature Kauger
Shannon Hoverson
Assignment Editor
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
Yvonne Kauger will be the featured speaker at the 5th Annual “Country Lawyer” Lectureship to celebrate National Law Day at 11 a.m., May 1 in the Tom Steed Center.
James F. Howell established the “Country Lawyer” Lectureship to provide funds for speakers and lecturers in the areas of law, criminal justice and social science.
Howell is a Midwest City attorney and is a former senator of the Oklahoma Legislature, as well as an RSC Regent.
The first featured speakers of the lectureship were Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marion Opala and Andy Coats, a dean at the University of Oklahoma Law School.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the paralegal program at RSC.
Governor George Nigh appointed Kauger to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 1984.
Kauger served as the chief justice see KAUGER, Page 2
The Theatre department faces cutbacks, including the elimination of one of the student performances in the H.B. Atkinson Theatre following the end of the 2006-2007 academic year. The cutbacks are the result of a decrease in the number of students enrolled in the theatre degree program which caused the department to fail to meet the pre-set, minimum enrollee and graduate requirements.
conclusion of the current semester and suspension of the theatre degree program, which will become effective after the spring 2007 semester.
And despite the resounding success of this year’s production of “Narnia,” the Theater program will now put on only one play per semester, instead of the usual two.
In addition, Baser said RSC will focus on developing a community theater program in order to get the most out of the college’s resources and “to serve our communities with opportunities to be exposed to or participate in theatrical productions.”
The program’s technical director Martin Steger, who directed “Narnia,” will keep his job, although
unspecified changes will be made in regard to his official title and job responsibilities. And while the cuts to program are broad and comprehensive, further action could be taken following the 2006-2007 school year when the regents once again evaluate the department.
aknittle@rose.edu
Poetry class shares work, talent
Shawnee event showcases ‘Rose State Readers’
Shannon Hoverson Assignment
Editor
Professor Karen Holt’s poetry class was invited to read at the Benedict Street Marketplace in Shawnee, Okla. April 20.
The host of the event, Jim Spurr, told the audience that there was a special group of people reading, calling them the “Rose State Readers.”
“Everyone who is reading tonight is reading for the very first time,” Holt said as she introduced her students.
The students who attended the reading were Bethany Blue, Leilani Thompson, Jeff Robertson, Erin Waltman, Emma Beverage, Megan Autaubo, LaTasha McKinney and Terry Turner.
First to read was Blue, who shared several of her poems including “Letting the Weights Fall Off” and “Can’t Go Now” with the attentive listeners. Blue was the only Shawnee native in the class.
“I was really nervous, but as soon as I [read] my first poem, I relaxed and I really enjoyed it,” Blue said. Then, Thompson read and impressed the crowd with her poetry.
Robertson’s poems, “Rope,” “Body Wide” and “I Hate Them in Their Fruity Abundance,” made an impression on the audience as his strong voice filled the small café.
Waltman made the audience laugh with her poem, “Morning During a Puppy’s Potty Break.”
Beverage read several moving poems and ended with one entitled “Birthing, Living and Dying Alone.”
Karen Holt’s poetry class shares their creative endeavors with the usual crowd during a reading at the Benedict Street Marketplace in Shawnee. The Marketplace offered attendees cafe-style food and a relaxed atmosphere.The readings take place every third Thursday of each month and are open to anyone who wants to attend.
Autaubo went up in front of the crowd and gave the audience her dry and sardonic poetry.
McKinney read her poetry in a clear voice. Last to read was Turner with his expressive poetry about life and love. He finished with the poem “What a Difference a Year Makes.”
After the RSC students had fin-
ished reading, there was an open mic for anybody who wished to read their own poetry or poems by other authors.
People who attended had the opportunity to enjoy the specialty sandwiches of the Marketplace, hot coffee and fresh-baked artesian bread. They were also offered a variety of desserts and fresh fruit smoothies.
The Benedict Street Marketplace, located at 613 N. Pottenger Ave. in Shawnee, has a poetry reading every third Thursday of the month and anyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call the Marketplace at 273-2001. shoverson@rose.edu
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE
Photo provided
Photo by SHANNON HOVERSON
Dianetics Workshop
A workshop on L. Ron Hubbard’s “Dianetics, the Modern Science of Mental Health,” will be offered from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at the Warr Acres Community Center. Cost for the event and a copy of the book will be $15. Refreshments will be served. The community center is located at 4301 N. Ann Arbor Ave. To reserve a place, send a check for the cost of the event to Janet Stein, P.O. Box 32604, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to hand out graduation caps and gowns. Please contact the Student Activities Office at 733-7379 to sign up. Volunteers are needed for the following dates and times: Monday, May 1, 1-8 p.m.; Tuesday, May 2, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, May 3, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, May 4, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Friday, May 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Summer GED Prep Courses
Several four-week GED preparation courses will be offered at RSC at a cost of $5. Enrollment for the courses began April 3. The first session will take place from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays May 23-June 15. The second session will take place from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday July 11-Aug. 3. RSC also offers GED preparation during the fall and spring semesters in 16-week session format. To enroll or for more information, call 733-7392 or visit the Continuing Education Office in the Tom Steed Center at 6191 Tinker Diagonal. Payment is expected at the time of enrollment. All materials are provided free to students.
Dental Hygiene Program Seeks Patients
The 2006 graduates of the RSC Dental Hygiene Program are in search of patients who will qualify for the students’ regional clinical board exam. The board exam for state licensure consists of an approximately four-hour time commitment by the patient to have their teeth cleaned on either June 10, June 11 or June 12. Patients must be at least 18 years old and their last teeth cleaning must have happened at least three years ago. There will be no cost to the patient. If interested, call 733-7337.
Kids College Counselors Needed
The Continuing Education division is looking for counselors for the summer Kids College program. Counselors are needed to work morning shifts of 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and afternoon shifts of 12-5:30 p.m. All counselors will be paid $7 per hour. For more information, call 733-7392 or e-mail Jennifer Skoch at jskoch@rose.edu.
Students display ‘Visual Arts’
Andrew Knittle News Editor
Original art produced by RSC students is currently on display weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Communications Center lobby. The students’ art, which will be shown until May 10, is part of the college’s Visual Arts Series. RSC faculty members had their creations on display from April 6-21.
Professor of art Suzanne Thomas, in her first year as a full-time professor
after several years as an adjunct, said she and her colleagues spent around five hours hanging and mounting the various pieces students submitted for the exhibit.
A reception will be held May 2, also in the Communications Center lobby, to commemorate the close of the academic year and to recognize the work and accomplishments of RSC art students and faculty during the year.
Director of Special Events Lisa Price, who coordinated the Visual Arts
exhibit, said the reception will be “come-and-go” and urges anyone who wishes to attend to RSVP by April 28 in order to aid in the planning of the event. The student body and staff are invited to the celebration, which will feature pianist Ukie Hart and light refreshments, Price said. For more information about the event or to RSVP, call Price at 733-6313 or contact the Humanities department. aknittle@rose.edu
Nursing Program sees off graduates
Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor
The RSC nursing program was established in 1981 as a career ladder completion program for LPNs to complete their RN education.
A Beginning Track was added in 1992 to serve the needs of students who did not have any health care experience.
The Distance Learning Track, now called the Online Option, was opened in 1999 for the career ladder students, enabling students who could not come to the RSC campus to complete their education through online coursework.
“[RSC’s] Nursing Science program is recognized throughout the state
Kimberly Affleck
Jessica Alexander
Janelle Ballard
Michelle Barker
Donna Box
Donna Buchanan
Jinger Claytor
Tina Cornell
Celesa Hamilton
Emylee Hamilton
as exemplary,” Rebekah Ray, director of the Nursing Science program, said. “The program consistently ranks among the best in the nation and statewide in performance on the national licensure exam.”
All students have to submit an application to the program during one of the two application periods each year. The students are then chosen for the program using a point system.
Once the points are calculated for all applicants, they are then ranked by points earned. Those with the highest points are recommended for admission first.
Nursing students earn a total of 70 credit hours through the completion
Perry Dennis
Kathi Donald
Marjorie Flowers
Shellie Gibson
Crystal Gibson
Audrey Goins
Jillian Hatley
Cherron Hawthorne
Mary Johnston
Johann Jones
Randy Jones
Susan Kelly
Katherine Kliewer
Robert Lawrence
Nursing IV
Anna Harris Kent Johnson Angela Lewis
of course work and advanced standing credit, Ray said. Of these credits, 41 are from nursing classes taken over four semesters. The remaining 29 are the general education and support courses.
Students graduate twice a year, in December and May. Last December 41 students graduated from the nursing program and 57 are currently enrolled in the fourth semester and are expected to graduate in May.
“Our nursing students have a top notch reputation in the community regarding the care they provide to clients in the clinical setting, along with their professionalism,” Voncella McCleary-Jones, professor of nursing and
David Licklider
Darlena Mabry
Jana McBride
Robin McNiel
Brenda Miller
Brandis Negahnquet
Cathy Newark
the Nursing IV coordinator, said. All nursing students must participate in laboratory simulations on campus, but the majority of their clinic experiences are done off campus in health care facilities in the Oklahoma City area.
“Students do rotate through the RSC Child Development Lab Center for part of their pediatric rotation and they participate in various health fairs offered on the campus,” Ray said. The nursing program is currently accepting applications for fall 2006. For more information contact Ray at 733-7546.
shoverson@rose.edu
Stefan Nowlin
Leianna O’Dell O’Neal Olds
Doug Powers
Cecilia Rainge
Katherine Randell
Antonette Rose
Distance Learning Spring 2006
Loud Richard Miller Scott Moore
Larissa Roslik
Shelley Slawson
Tabitha Spiegel
Timothy Spivey
Margaret Starkey
Dale Titsworth
Melissa Vails
Jacquelyn Moss Teresa Nabors Brenda Pereira Stacy Rogers Deborah Weaver Christina Wilson
Full-time mom, scholar named ‘Top College
Andrew Knittle News Editor
Johnna “Jo” Ray, assistant editor for the 15th Street News and RSC’s 2006 Journalism Student of the Year, has been awarded the prestigious Bennie & Gertrude Turner “Top College Female” Memorial Scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year, capping an accolade-filled week for the editor-in-chief-to-be.
The scholarship, given by the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation, comes with a cash award of $3,000.
The grades and recognition she has earned while at RSC did not come easy.
Ray, who is currently completing her third, full-time semester at RSC, received President’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 4.0 GPA during the previous two semesters and presented herself successfully during an interview with the Gridiron
Scholarship Committee on April 22 – all while sustaining a home life that includes four children, two of whom are teenagers.
Ray said that she could not have accomplished all that she has without the support and encouragement of her professors, coworkers and loved ones.
“My husband and children have made attending college easier through their love, understanding and patience,” Ray said.
And while all the time spent away from family and late nights studying can take their toll, Ray said she is already seeing the positive side effects of her efforts.
“I realize that my dedication and work ethic are seen by my children and will help motivate them to give their best in all they do,” she said. “I’ve seen this motivation, for example, in my oldest son who recently received recognition from Who’s
KAUGER continued from Page 1
in 1997 and 1998. She was awarded the Herbert Harley Award by the American Judicature Society in 1999 for her efforts to improve the administration of justice.
Kauger is one of four Oklahomans who have received this award. In 2001, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.
The late Hicks Epton, a Wewoka
attorney and former president of the Oklahoma Bar Association, conceived the idea of Law Day. President Eisenhower established National Law Day in 1958 with a presidential proclamation.
“It is fitting that the American people should remember with pride and vigilantly guard the great heritage of liberty, justice and quality under law,”
Who Among American High School Students and the National Society of High School Scholars.”
A passionate student, Ray will continue on toward a career in journalism where she hopes to one day be “a pen of and for the people – a journalist who, as the Society of Professional Journalists suggests in their Code of Ethics, will ‘seek the truth and report it’ to the community.”
“I feel very fortunate to live in a country where the right to freedom of the press is given in the First Amendment of the Constitution,” she said.
Ray will take over the position of editor in chief for the 15th Street News during the fall 2006 semester and possibly, the 2007 semester, an opportunity she sees as beneficial to her academic, professional and personal growth. aknittle@rose.edu
Eisenhower said, according to www. okbar.gov. “It is our moral and civil obligation as free men and as Americans to preserve and strengthen that great heritage.”
Congress designated the first day of May each year as National Law Day to focus on the American heritage of liberty under law in 1961 by a joint resolution.
Each year the president issues a proclamation calling upon all public officials to display the flag of the U.S. on all government buildings and inviting people to observe the day with ceremonies and other events. The public is invited to attend the lectureship free. For more information, call 733-6315. shoverson@rose.edu
Kellie
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE
Editing of proofs is an essential role of newspaper staff. Johnna “Jo” Ray spends her Wednesday evenings preparing the 15th Street News for print.
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE
Cap and gown storage at 7:30 a.m. (FL)
Cap and gown distribution from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (FL) NTSO Club meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137) CLT Pinning Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. (TSC Auditorium) SS, HU and ES Commencement at 5 p.m. (CC-PAT) Commencement reception #1 at 6 p.m. (MDR) BS and HE Commencement at 8 p.m. (PAT) Commencement reception #2 at 9 p.m. (MDR)
• Okie Arkie Clinical Lab Technology Seminar at 7:30 a.m. (MDR, FR, TTR, RR, FdR, FL)
• NTSO Club meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137)
Cap and gown distribution from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (FL) UCO Recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) Mu Rho Alpha Club meeting at 11 a.m. (HSA138) Republicans Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) RSC Spring Recital at 7:30 p.m. (CC128)
Cap and gown distribution from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (FL) UCO-ROTC Recruitment booth at 9 a.m. (SC Lobby) TEACH Club at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) RSC Pegasus dedication and reception at 2 p.m. (RR) VOICE Club meeting at 2:30 p.m. (SC123)
Student Senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Spring Concert and Opera Scenes at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
• RSC Nursing Capping and Pinning Ceremony at 7 p.m. (CC-PAT) International Students Association meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) VOICE Club meeting at 2:30 p.m. (SC123) Phi Theta Kappa Chat Room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT) UCO Recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) Phi Theta Kappa Chat Room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)
Okie Arkie Clinical Lab Technology Seminar at 7:30 a.m. (MDR, FR, TTR, RR, FdR, FL) UCO Recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) Republicans Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC23)
CLT Student Bowl at 12 p.m. (TSC Auditorium) VOICE Club meeting at 2:30 p.m. (SC123)
• Langston University Recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby)
• Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q)
• Langston University Recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby)
• Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 2 p.m. (LRC Fireplace Room)
Toastmasters International Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123)
• VOICE Club meeting at 2:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa Chat Room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT) RSC Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene graduation at 7 p.m. (HSA)
• Langston University Recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby)
NEWS/FEATURES
Springfest introduces ‘Idol’
Johnna Ray Assistant Editor
Students were treated to two days of entertainment, free pizza and free soft drinks during the annual end-of-the-year celebration, Springfest, Wednesday, April 20 and Thursday, April 21. On Wednesday, candidates for the student senate elections busied themselves with meeting as many students as possible in hopes of earning their votes. Meanwhile, Minutes Too Far,
an Indie power-pop band from Oklahoma City, provided students with musical entertainment.
An inflatable bungee run was available from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for those who wanted to test their strength while competing with one another for fun. Clubs, such as the TEACH Club, were also present at various booths with games and information for students on both days. Possibly the most popular event on Wednesday was the auditions for the first Rose State
Idol, RSC’s version of American Idol. Contestants competed in two categories, Singing and All Other Talents, in preparation for Thursday’s competition. Contestants were Brittany Rush, Heather Hovis, Cynthia Yellope, Melissa Wood, Charles Beattie, Shakitha Jamerson, Rona Lynn Climer, April Burns, Kira Redshaw, Bryan Porterfield, Derrick Shaw and Arthesha McDonald.
Judges for both days alternated to allow student judges time to attend classes or work. They
were Tyler Prater as Simon Cowell, Lauren Casteel and Connie Myrick, coordinator of prospective student services, as Paula Abdul and DaJuan Hawkins and Keith Ogans, vice president for business affairs, as Randy Jackson. Student senate President Logan Reynolds emceed the event as Ryan Seacrest.
On Thursday, more free pizza and drinks were available for students, faculty and staff. Acoustic, alternative band Camille Harp & Company from Norman performed early in the day for guests and then, the second portion of Rose State Idol continued.
Winners in each of the categories were announced just after 3 p.m.
In the first category, Singing, the third place bronze medal was given to McDonald, the second place silver medal was given to Hovis and the first place Rose State Idol trophy and $50 cash were given to Rush.
In the All Other Talent category, the YMCA Dancers – Justin Jahansouz, Ashley Bresee, Khalie Smith, Jessica Lunsford, Shakitha Jamerson and Lynsie Walker – received a bronze medal for third place, Shaw received a silver medal for second place with his comedy routine and Jamerson won the first place Rose State Idol trophy and $50 cash for her dance routine.
The overall winner and first
Rose State Idol, Burns, was given a Rose State Idol gold medal; a winner’s trophy; two OKC Yard Dawgz tickets, compliments of the Ford Center; dinner for two at Dale’s BBQ, compliments of the VOICE Club; $100 cash; and was selected to perform as the entertainment for the Student Life Banquet on May 1.
Additionally, all contestants received free recording time from Singer’s Choice Karaoke in Oklahoma City.
“Springfest has always been a collaboration of several groups here on campus and I feel that this year was one of the best,” Reynolds said. “Rose State Idol was a huge success and maybe with its popularity this year, it will continue on and become another tradition that our class this year has helped begin. Rose State Idol was a lot of work, but I had a blast with it and I feel very proud to have been involved in Springfest and Rose State Idol this year.” jray@rose.edu
Faculty, staff ‘graduate’ from campus
Andrew Knittle
News Editor
A reception was held to honor the faculty and staff members who will retire at the end of the semester and who retired earlier in the year, on April 25. The reception ran from 23:30 p.m. in the Main Dining Room of the Student Center. Special presentations given to the retirees started at 2:30 p.m. The 15 departing RSC employees are as follows: Bill Brown, Barbara Henry, Claudia Buckmaster, Evelyn Hutchings, Jeanie Cavett, Gail Ingram, Toney Dake, Susan Loveless, Sharland
Deitz, Vicki Patterson, Aymee Diaz, Theresa Schudlt, Beverly Harrell, Jerry Wooliver and Kristin Vermillion. Susan Loveless – a charter faculty member – held several different job titles in her more than 35 years at RSC.
“During my years at Rose I was a faculty member, academic advisor, director of the Child Development Laboratory Center and director of special events,” Loveless said. Although she looks forward to traveling, doing volunteer work for hospitals and spending more time with her daughter, Loveless admits that leaving her post at RSC will be a little difficult.
N EWS
Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college. Editorials are written by the editorial staff.
Letters to the editor may be hand delivered to FA110; sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, 73110; e-mailed to the secretary, [cbenefee@rose.edu] or recorded nights on PhoneMail at 733-7400 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Letters must include the writer’s full name, Social Security Number or ID number and telephone number.
Letters will be printed with full name and must be 500 words or less. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy, but ideas will not be altered. Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Publications Board chairperson, Towry Barnard, 733-7379.
“I will miss the people at Rose – students, faculty and staff,” she said. “I have made many wonderful friendships and I will miss the daily interaction with these people.”
Loveless’s final job duties include serving as the associate vice president for Resource Development and as the executive director for the RSC Foundation.
Bill Brown, who started as an adjunct professor of English, has been working at RSC since classes began on Sept. 21, 1970, when the school was called Oscar Rose Junior College.
Like Loveless, Brown assumed many roles during his
15th Street News, a student newspaper serving the Rose State College community, is published weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110. 15th Street News is a member of Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters. This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publications. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color. This paper is recyclable.
RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.
This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.
Johnna Ray Assistant Editor
It is that time of year again when the announcement of tornado watches and warnings increases and people living in Oklahoma seek instruction and review information to keep safe from these storms. Tornadoes have the potential of damaging large areas of land, the structures on them and injuring or killing people in their paths. However, precautions taken when a tornado threat is possible could prevent the loss of any lives to these often violent twisters and the hail and winds frequently associated with them.
The ability to predict the possibility of storms capable of producing tornadoes has changed greatly since John Park Finley’s late 19th century attempts at tornado forecasting.
Today, meteorologists combine the use of various high-tech instruments to monitor changes in atmospheric conditions. These changes consist of temperature and wind flow patterns that provide moisture, instability, lift and wind shear at levels that could create or increase the risk of tornado-producing storms.
Although computer models are used, meteorologists also depend on hand-drawn analyses of data, personal experience and formal training and education in weather prediction.
“Real-time weather observations - from satellites, weather stations, balloon packages, airplanes, wind profilers and radar-derived winds - become more and more critical the sooner the thunderstorms are expected; and the models become less important,” Roger Edwards of the Storm Prediction Center said on The Online Tornado FAQ Web site.
Tornadoes do not always produce a visible funnel, but do produce columns of air that rotate at extremely high rates and that are touching both the base of the cloud they originate from and the ground at the same time. Also, although hail, lightning and hard downpours of rain are often seen with tornado-producing thunderstorms, they do not always accompany a tornado.
While tornado watches - times when the weather conditions make the likelihood of a tornado increasingly possible - might last for several hours, actual tornadoes usually last no more than 10 minutes. However, a series of tornadoes, which can seem like one tornado lifting and returning to the ground several times, might last for much longer periods.
The method of keeping safe during a tornado varies depending on the location of the person at the time of the threat. However, some precautions are the same no matter where a person is during a tornado warning. These include finding the lowest area available and covering vulnerable areas such as the head and neck to avoid injury from flying or falling debris.
Tornado chasing is very dangerous and should not be exercised by those without formal training, as tornadoes are unpredictable and might “backtrack,” making the observer the one being “chased.”
Ideally, people and pets should move to a basement, safe room or storm cellar immediately when a tornado warning is issued for their area. Below are some tips for those who find themselves without any of these structures available to them during a tornado. jray@rose.edu
Tips to Remember
tenure at RSC, working the last 20 years as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs.
And although he has officially been retired since January 2006, Brown continues to work part-time at RSC.
“I am teaching an English Composition I class in the classroom and Social and Political Philosophy via online as an adjunct professor,” Brown said.
As for missing his old job, Brown seems content with the fact that his day is no longer filled with stress and meetings, and he looks forward to living a more leisurely lifestyle. aknittle@rose.edu
In addition to the following tornado safety tips, purchasing and using a weather alert radio, listening to radio or watching TV weather announcements and preparing an emergency plan and tornado safety kit are advised.
Tornado kits should include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, prescription medications such as inhalers for asthma patients, helmets and pillows or blankets. These items should be kept together in a box, duffel bag, closet or, if available, storm shelter. All family members or coworkers should be made aware of their location.
When at home, work or school:
Sports Editor Bryan Trude [btrude@rose.edu]
• Move to the center of the building, keeping as many walls as possible between the person and the outside wall closest to the tornado.
• Stay away from all windows, doors and corners.
• Get under a sturdy table or desk, covering arms and neck.
• Do not attempt to move until the tornado has passed.
• Do not open doors or windows as it will not aid in decreasing the pressure inside the structure.
When in a vehicle, mobile home, trailer, or while camping:
• Get out immediately and seek a sturdy structure that is nearby - do not attempt to outrun a tornado in an effort to seek other protection.
• If a sturdy structure is not available, lie flat in a low ditch or other depression, cover the head and neck and avoid areas that might flood quickly.
• Never trust an overpass or bridge as protection. Tornadoes can “suck” victims from these areas quickly.
Staff Members
Storm cellars are often necessary during inclement weather. However, many Oklahoma residents remain without them.
Rose State Idol is a new way to showcase RSC talent outside the classroom. Above: April Burns listens as Logan Reynolds, student senate president, lists the various awards that were presented to her when she was announced as the new ‘Idol’. Bottom left: Guests were served free slices of pizza along with bottled water and soft drinks provided by Pepsi. Bottom right: Students engage in a game of volleyball during the 2006 end-of-the-year celebration, Springfest.
Photo by MORGAN HORNER
Photo by MORGAN HORNER
Photo by MORGAN HORNER
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE
Creative endeavors
Erin Waltman
Editor in Chief
I strongly support getting in touch with your creative side. In fact, I am so in touch with my creative side that my practical side sometimes ends up left in the dust.
As some of you might know, April is National Poetry Month. To commemorate this fact, I went to Shawnee with the rest of Karen Holt’s poetry class to participate in a reading at the Benedict Street Marketplace (see story, Page 1).
While I had to be dragged there kicking and screaming – public speaking is not one of my favorite endeavors – I did end up enjoying myself and am actually planning to go back to future readings.
This brings me to the point of this editorial: get involved in something creative. Believe it or not, there is more to life than work,
school, television, parties and video games.
RSC offers a creative writing class and a poetry writing class for those who enjoy words. Both classes help students get in touch with their inner muse of writing.
Creative endeavors do not necessarily have to revolve around the written or spoken word, though. There are multiple creative outlets that do not involve words at all. Take a painting class or learn how to mold pots from clay.
Getting your hands into the creative process can be just as satisfying as doing a good day’s work.
Even if the classes are not offered on campus, there are many classes and workshops around the metro area. Google “Oklahoma City” and “clay class” – you may be surprised with what you find. If paints and clay are not your thing, maybe you could
try planting a garden. It is a bit late to plant seeds and expect them to germinate, but there are plenty of small plants available at garden stores and some large chain stores like Wal-Mart.
Working to create a pretty garden plot can take up several hours each day and absorb a lot of hours in your weekend. If you are planting vegetables and herbs, your creative venture can even be used for dinner. No matter what, getting involved in something creative will leave you with something to be proud of. Even if you do not write the next Stephen King novel or paint a Rembrandt, you will have something to show for your effort.
Plus, doing something creative will help you shrug off the stress of your regular life. Take it from a veteran gardener/artist/writer. ewaltman@rose.edu
Raider Response: Conditions discussed
The Raider Response question for April 14 was “What is your opinion of the quality, comfort and condition of the classrooms and laboratories on campus?”
Raiders responded to the question as follows:
Mark Morgan
Major: Business
Hobbies: Chitchat, movies. When did you first start at RSC? Spring 2006
What are your best moments while
• We need better chairs in the classrooms I’ve been in, like in the Social Sciences building. Some are good, but some are those old ones. - Lynsie Walker, dental hygiene major
• I’m only taking one class in the Learning Resources Center and it’s really nice there. It looks really neat. - Kristin Vachon, undecided major
• For an aging two-year school, RSC’s facilities are well kept. The labs are a bit outdated, but overall the classrooms do well to accommodate the students at this school. - Grant Berning
Other responses included a request for a remodel of the bathrooms in many buildings, more technological tools, such as computers with PowerPoint capabilities in each of the classrooms and portable TV/DVD combinations for professors to use when showing videos to enhance lectures.
Thank you to all who responded to this semester’s Raider Response questions. Look for more inquiries and replies in the upcoming 2006-2007 issues of the 15th Street News.
Counseling Tip No. 11
Depression can rob us of energy and motivation. Completing even one small task each day can help us feel more positive. Feel good about what you have achieved rather than worrying about things you could not do.
If you or someone you know has problems concentrating on the positive, help is available.
For more information or for free confidential assistance, contact the RSC counselors at 7337373.
Letter
Editor to the Dear Editor,
As an adult student here at RSC, I just wanted to take time out and commend the 15th Street News on the job they are doing. I believe that providing news and information that are pertinent to our community and campus is vital. Keep up the good work and keep writing.
Philip Jones student
by stacey mcentire and johnna ray
OPINION/FEATURES
How to... Choose gifts for graduating guys, gals
Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor
Well, it is that time of year again when we say goodbye to our RSC students who will be graduating in May. But wait – what in the world can you get them for a graduation present? As the semester winds down and those caps and gowns are being fitted, you are faced with the dreadful prospect of buying the perfect gift for graduation. Well, if you were lucky enough to be blessed with loads of money, you could always try one of the top five gifts most requested by grads: a new car, a large sum of cold, hard cash, a European vacation, a new computer (preferably a lap top) or new clothes
(not from Wal-Mart, of course).
However, if you are pinching your pennies like me, you might need to come up with an economical gift idea to give the newly graduated.
You can try your hand at making a scrapbook with pictures from their time at RSC. Or you can try putting together a memory board that they can take with them out into the big, bad world and reminisce of times gone by.
Another great idea is ye olde gift card. Almost any store or restaurant
New fall course explains media’s role in politics
Andrew Knittle News Editor
Political Science 2093, a course that “examines the way in which the modern mass media have altered the dynamics of democratic politics in the United States,” will be offered in the fall for the first time at RSC. The course will be instructed by John Wood, political science professor and a former journalist. The class will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:10 p.m. in the Social Sciences building, Room 125. Wood said his class will highlight and scrutinize the changing roles of media in America, as well as how they relate to the nation’s political process.
“The media has ceased to be simply the ‘means’,” Wood said. “It functions now as the agenda-setter, the legitimator, even the king-maker. The media can ‘make’ or ‘break’ a congressman or president. If it weren’t for television, John Kennedy or Ronald Reagan - ‘The Great Communicator’ - might never have been president.”
According to Wood, the class will be ideal for students who wish to pursue a career as a political beat reporter and also for those who want to work in some facet of government.
“It’s also great for students interested in the political media around them, whether it’s music or radio, movies, sitcoms, news, commercials on TV or even the newspaper,” Wood said. “We will talk about all these types of mediums.”
Any student – whether or not they are planning to go into politics and media – might want to take part in this course, he said.
“The media is all around us,” Wood said. “We should understand it or it might manipulate us. Knowledge is power. Citizens need to be critical of what they watch [and read].”
For further information about Political Science 2093, contact the Social Sciences division at 733-7413. aknittle@rose.edu
has gift cards nowadays. This way you can give them something from their favorite store and not have to face the prospect of them returning your gift as soon as they can. Of course, the Universal Gift Card is accepted everywhere. If your grad is into the whole intellectual side of life, you could buy them a subscription to their preferred magazine or buy them a book on a favored subject (say the life and times of Sir Gregory the Scrawny).
For women, jewelry is always a nice
touch. If you go into any mall you can buy a ring or bracelet at “All Things Remembered” and they will engrave it with whatever you wish to say. Although, I suggest if you are short on funds, do not try having them engrave the Gettysburg’s Address.
You can also go the gift basket route and buy a huge basket filled with their preferred foods, or if they are going on to get a four-year degree, fill it full of notebooks, pens, class planners and other educational stuff.
If you follow my advice, finding that perfect gift for a grad will be a lot easier as that special day looms closer on the horizon. shoverson@rose.edu
Students’ ‘butts’ a problem
Andrew Knittle News Editor
Back in the day, students and faculty had to navigate between classes amid a haze of Marlboro and Camel smoke.
Those days – as long as students stay within the 25-foot safe zone – seem to be over.
For those who might not have noticed, the RSC maintenance staff has painted white signs on the ground near all entrances to school buildings – a warning against smoking within 25 feet of an entrance.
The purpose of these signs is to allow nonsmokers coming in or exiting these buildings a safe, smoke-free passage to wherever it is they are heading.
Kelsey White, a secondyear nursing student, said that while she still has to deal with smokers crowding doorways, it is nice
to have the painted signs to point out when someone smokes too close for comfort.
“Some people don’t care about rules,” White said. “But when I see people standing right next to the door I’m trying to go in to and they’re smoking, I tell them to read the signs, they’re all over the place.”
And while it may seem to be a given that smoking should not be allowed within 25 feet of an entrance, things have not always been this way. In fact, the steps taken by the school to protect students against secondhand smoke only recently went into effect.
On Sept. 1, 2003, new state statutes went into effect, cracking down on smoking in public places. In Section 1-522, the first public place listed is educational facilities, which – according to the statute
Editor’s Correction
– translates to any “building owned, leased or under the control of a public or private school system, college or university.”
Because RSC is a college, the school had to comply with the new regulations and has since done so.
But according to freshman chemistry major Brian Little, having all the signs in the world will not help if there is nobody around to enforce the rules themselves.
“Look at those guys,” Little said. “They’re not
The staff of the 15th Street News would like to express our sincerest apology for the mistakes in the April 21 issue on pages two and four. It has been brought to our attention that we misspelled Michael Lovegrove’s last name and that we printed that Chad Ellington had a bachelor’s and master’s in astrology instead of astronomy. We at the 15th Street News are devoted to providing the campus and community with timely and correct information.
We hope you will continue to read and enjoy the paper. - The 15th Street News staff
Bryan Trude Sports Editor
As explicably slow as ever, we count down to the end of the year. With only a few more chances to immolate your fragile minds with my opinion – and my opinion alone - there is something that I feel I must do. And now, ladies and gents, the final edition of movie awards … that will never be awarded. Somebody get ready to play me off.
The “Why Bryan Hates JeanClaude Van Damme” Award Street Fighter
Like the unholy mother of Carrot Top before it, “Street Fighter”
can be blamed for just about every pathetic piece of film inspired by video games ever made - from “Resident Evil” to “The Mario Brothers” and “Doom.” “Street Fighter” is loosely, if at all, based on the insanely popular fighting game series of the same name. However, unlike the games – and the really terrible ‘90s anime series – “Street Fighter” begins its many sins by refocusing the plot away from the flagship characters Ryu (Byron Mann) and Ken (Damian Chapa) and putting it squarely on Guile (Van Damme), an American special forces commando. In the movie, Van Damme is the
head of an international coalition of military forces in Southeast Asia battling against a super powerful warlord named General M. Bison (Raul Julia).
Featuring popular game characters such as Cammy (Kylie Minogue), Edward Honda (Peter Tuiasosopo), Zangief (Andrew Bryniarski) and others, “Street Fighter” is a military/martial arts thriller – more like “sleeper,” ZING! – which was written by someone who has ob-
10 feet from the door and they’re all smoking. I don’t want to breathe in their secondhand smoke, but I kind of have to just to go to class.”
Little did more than complain, though. Instead, he offered some advice to the RSC administration.
“[RSC] should send somebody around, like once a week, to write tickets and enforce the rules or whatever,” he said. “If they started doing that, I bet you’d be lucky to see smokers anywhere.” aknittle@rose.edu
Editor’s Clarification
Due to the ambiguity inferred by the caption on page one of the April 21 issue, the 15th Street News staff wanted to clarify that all student athletes were aware that the contracts/scholarships they were signing were for a single year. We apologize for any confusion this might have caused and hope you will continue to read and enjoy the 15th Street News.
viously never picked up a Sega Genesis controller in his life. Although, with Steven de Souza directing, I should not have expected as much.
Also, to add insult to injury, “Street Fighter” was the last movie Raul Julia ever made, dying of a cancer-related stroke in his New York City apartment shortly before the movie was completed.
For one of the finest dramatic actors on the screen in his day, it is sad that we see Julia’s last
performance in a waste of a movie playing an impotent, egomaniacal psychopath who can fly after getting slammed into a wall of televisions.
Since when could Bison fly?
The “Best Movie to Remember Your Childhood By” Award Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit I know, I know, I have already sung this movie’s praises once this year, so I will be brief. Anyone who grew up in Europe, or has satellite television, has heard of this claymation duo.
Remember: when
difficult decisions,
with the
more
Sagittarius
22-December 21... Do not lip-sync in your underwear in front of the mirror this week, someone has replaced it with a two-way mirror and they are charging people to watch you.
Capricorn December 22-January 19... The stars say that there will be a shortage of Post-it Notes. Stock up now.
Aquarius January 20February 18... When your computer crashes just remember: it could be worse. Okay, it cannot get worse, but look on the bright side – this will make a great excuse for not having your homework done. Pisces February 19March 20... Stop taping your friends doing embarrassing things. They plan to hunt you down and make you sing bad Karaoke.
“Were-Rabbit” follows the cheese-hungry, industrious inventor Wallace (Peter Sallis) and his silent, down to earth canine partner Gromit as they pursue and attempt to capture the bane of vegetable gardens everywhere, the vicious Were-Rabbit, who happens to be Wallace himself due to a freak lab accident – and before you e-mail me complaining that I spoiled it for you, deal with it. There is a statute of limitations on this stuff!
“Were-Rabbit” also features the voice talents of Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes - who is currently reprising his role of Lord Voldemort for the filming of the next Harry Potter movie, “The Order of the Phoenix.” btrude@rose.edu
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE