In February, Rose State implemented the option to retrieve official transcripts online to keep up with the digital age.
There will no longer be the added hassle of visiting the Admissions Office to receive an official transcript.
Staff at Rose State think this is a more efficient and cheaper way to provide students their official transcripts.
Students alike are excited about this new option for multiple reasons.
“I won’t have to drive all the way up to school to get my transcript,” said education major Gabby Dunsworth. “Since I live 30 minutes away, it would be helpful.”
Other colleges and universities across the country are adding the option of official electronic transcripts.
“I think it’s a more attractive option,” said Abby Petersen, a concurrent student at Rose State. “It’s easier and more efficient. It will be really helpful to me. Plus,
The environmental benefits of electronic transcripts are a leading factor in many colleges and universities making the switch.
The financial benefits are great too.
The cost of paper adds up. With printing every official transcript, Rose State will save money and help save some trees.
This is a small step toward being environmentally friendly.
Rose State is using transcript provider Parchment.
Students will need to create an account with Parchment. There will be a base fee of $3.75.
Paper transcripts can be mailed for $6 (delivery fee included).
The option is still available to pick up official transcripts with no charge from the Admissions and Records office.
This way of sending official transcripts to universities and employers will serve to ease some stress from Rose State students.
“If a student was on a deadline, then it made things more difficult to complete their admission or apply for jobs or scholarships,” said Mechelle Aitson-Roessler,
associate vice president for enrollment and registrar.
By having an official transcript ready to be sent immediately, it avoids the problem of students having to wait for days or even weeks for a transcript to arrive at its destination.
The student will receive a notification once the transcript arrives and is downloaded by the receiver.
As both the college campus and the student population grow, Rose State is taking more and more steps to move forward with the success of the students in mind.
“It’s exciting to know that Rose is forward-thinking and helping us to streamline our college application process as we move from Rose to attend universities,” Petersen said.
By allowing faster communication with outside universities and employers, Rose State is proving it is committed to helping students succeed, as it says in its slogan, “Going Somewhere Starts Here.”
Students can request an e-transcript at rose.edu and search for transcripts.
Paddle on, Rose
Rose State launches Rowing Club
With the help of an anonymous donor, Rose State announced it will launch a Rowing Club this semester.
The donor, who reached out to Rose State, wanted to provide a new experience to students.
The donation covers Rose State Rowing Club's use of the Chesapeake Boathouse at the Oklahoma River Downtown. It also includes two boats and two coaches. Rose State was not the only community college to receive this donation. Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Community College received donations as well.
This year will be both OSU -OKC and OCCC’s first year with a rowing club.
Zach Emrich, a concurrent student at Rose State serves as Rowing Club president. Emrich has prior rowing experience, having participated in the Junior Crew Rowing Team at OKC Riversport.
SaraJane Burkhart, a freshman at Rose State, is the vice president of the Rowing Club.
Burkhart was also a member of the Junior Crew Rowing Team from her sophomore year through her senior year of high school.
Carmen Shanks, a sophomore at Rose State, serves as the club’s secretary. With the excitement surrounding a Rowing Club at Rose State, many have wondered if it will eventually join the list of official sports offered at Rose State.
See PADDLE ON, Page 7
Students can avoid the wait and now purchase an official transcript electronically at rose.edu. (Photo by Leah Irwin)
Story by Laura Huskey Reporter
Story by Lily Mauricio Reporter
Rose State addresses concerns over lead in water
Story by Jaden Dunn Reporter
Rose State faculty and students received an email Feb. 3 from Executive Vice President Kent Lashley stating there were high amounts of lead in the drinking water.
According to the email, only a few fountains were affected; however, others would be closed for testing.
“Elevated levels of lead have been identified in a minority of water fountains on campus,” the email from Lashley stated. “As a precautionary measure, additional fountains across campus are being tested for lead and have been turned off.”
HVAC Supervisor Mark Mills has been working on the lead problem since last semester.
“Last semester, a fountain in the STEM Lab someone tested the water and found lead in it,” Mills said. “I think it was for a lab.”
According to Joedon Hughes, coordinator of safety, security and risk management, students and a professor were conducting water samples for a lab and found lead Nov. 12, 2019. They reported it immediately.
Mills said they had to test the water multiple times. A company was then called in to check all the water. They told him to shut off the water at the beginning of February.
As of Feb. 18, there was one fountain in every building that was
still turned on for student use.
Additional fountains have since been turned back on; however, those on campus are divided on wheter or not the water is safe to drink.
Veronica Chacon, a liberal studies with emphasis with small business major, thinks the water is safe to drink.
“I believe, if they have filters, it’s safe,” Chacon said. “I would think the water would be safe, because I don’t know, I guess I don’t question it. But I drink it all the time, it doesn’t seem different.”
Students, faculty and staff have had a hard time finding water to drink on campus. The vending machines ran out of bottled water after just a few days of the fountains being turned off.
Many bring their own water bottles to refill while they are on campus. This has caused students to decrease their intake of water throughout the day.
“The College is currently working with private and public water quality firms to perform additional testing of all campus water fountains and other points of use,” Lashley provided in the email.
Filters have been added to most of the fountains and are now safe to use. According to Mills, there are five fountains that were set to be replaced the first week of March.
“There are two in the Community Learning Center in the middle of the building, two in the STEM
Lab and one in the Administration Building,” Mills said.
Water in the bathrooms also contains traces of lead. According to the email, the water was safe for hand washing and lab activities,
but should not be consumed. According to the EPA, students and faculty can safely wash their hands because human skin does not absorb lead the same way it can absorb chlorine.
Campus awaits completion of Student Union
Story by Myah Doakes Reporter
It is no secret college is more than just classrooms and textbooks. Rose State’s upcoming Student Union will be a place that will bring students together to connect, collaborate and learn.
This summer, the Student Union will open its doors. It is expected to contribute to the campus’ success in many ways.
The first floor of the facility will offer one-stop services like
enrollment, bookstore, student engagement, advisement and food services.
A ballroom and several conference rooms will be available for students and the general public to hold meetings or workshops on the second level.
Having a Student Union will give students a better option for student services.
When students have a place to hang out and study on campus, they will not have to seek other alternatives. Rose State’s Student Union is set to positively impact
student satisfaction and future recruitment. The longer a student remains on campus, the greater their chance for academic growth and success.
The Village Residence Coordinator Jenny Minfberg, said the Student Union will pair nicely with the The Village Clubhouse. She thinks this will give students a variety of places to study, socialize and eat.
After all, the relationships a student creates while on campus will help form a professional network that can follow them beyond grad-
uation. Numerous opportunities will be available to develop connections amongst peers, faculty and workforce leaders, with workshops and lectures being hosted in the facility.
Student life is an important part of a university experience. This experience can be found in Rose State’s Student Union, coming soon.
Students are excited about having somewhere new to link up, and this will be the location where students go to see and be seen.
While most students interviewed do not trust water from the fountains, some think the water is fine. (Photo by Ahmya Williams)
Rose State’s Student Union is expected to open in the summer. It will provide students with on-campus restaurants and study areas. (Photos by Ahmya Williams )
Story by Danica Brackett Reporter
Attention: Broke college students Discounts help students save
College can be quite pricey. If students are not taking advantage of student discounts, now is the time to start. They are everywhere.
Student discounts are available for individuals with a valid student ID. Some places will even offer the same discounts to faculty and staff.
“I should probably use them. I’m sure I would save a lot more money,” said Hayden Jennings, Rose State business major. Student discounts can be found anywhere. Start by looking online, calling local businesses or asking in stores.
There are multiple food establishments that offer discounts or give free items to students around the metro. Places such as Qdoba, Zaxby’s and Freddy’s Frozen Custard offer discounts to students with a valid ID. Not only do local food establishments offer discounts but the Regal Warren Theatre in
Midwest City also offers a discounted movie ticket.
Paige Kolander an esthetician student at Central Oklahoma College, think movie theatres are pretty expensive. Since she attends them frequently, she always makes sure to have her student ID in hand.
There is a lot more to student discounts than just saving on food or getting a discounted movie ticket, although that is what most people think of. There are discounts for things such as car insurance, cell phone plans, school necessities and much more.
Many car insurance companies offer student discounts. Geico offers up to $200 off for student drivers between the ages of 16 to 25 who maintain a B average. State Farm offers a similar discount, with up to 25% off for students who keep good grades up until the age of 25.
Popular cell phone companies such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon offer discounts for students who sign up for a plan with a
supported school email address. Students discounts are starting to go further than just showing student ID in stores.
Having a student email address can come in handy when trying to save money. Monthly online subscriptions can cost a pretty penny when they are all added up. Luckily for students, they can sign up with a school email and get a discounted price.
Places such as Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, The New York Times and a few other places offer discounted price for students.
Amazon offers students six free months of Amazon Prime. After the free trial, they offer a discounted price of $6.49/monthly.
Spotify offers a three-month free trial then a discounted price of $4.99/monthly. This Spotify subscription also provieds access to Hulu and Showtime.
Rose State business major Elizabeth Thompson uses student discounts as much as she can.
“Student discounts are important,” Thompson said. “College
students usually don’t have a lot of money so they can be really helpful.”
Student discounts are evolving and keeping up with today’s technology. There are now verified applications that will unlock even more discounts.
UNiDAYS is a mobile application for student discounts. Students must create an account with primary email and student email to unlock multiple online discounts. This application offers students discounts on fashion, food, beauty, technology and a few other things as well.
UNiDAYS is one of the more popular student discount applications but there are others such as Pocket Points, Student Beans and REMICS.
Student discounts are often overlooked because students think that they are not that big of a discount, but multiple discounts used throughout time add up.
It is never too late to start saving, start taking advantage of them now.
Opportunities for small black business owners
Story by Beverly Agbor Reporter
A small craft beer business, Vanessa House Beer Company, is launching an event to support local black businesses in honor of Black History Month.
The company specializes in the production and distribution of craft beer. The company, owned by Zach Smith, Evan Smith, Justin Wright and Nick White, has different flavors of beer that include sour and stout just to name a couple.
Justin Wright, one of the co-founders of the company who is a full-time employee, has helped promote local businesses around the community.
“Our goal is to promote local businesses and give people a chance to network,” Wright said.
The Vanessa House Beer Company partnered with non-profit businesses such as Cut it Forward, which helps foster kids of color, and Knotted Bow Ties, whch creates local artistic bow ties.
“It is our own way of giving and helping the community,” said Nick Wright.
The company uses its marketing resources and establishment to help teach and promote local businesses wanting to grow bigger.
In relation to Rose State College, the Professional Training Center is offering programs to help develop many businesses and business owners.
Affairs Tamara Pratt oversees Workforce Development at Rose State and works together with the workforce team to help develop these programs.
“The Small Business Development Center helps fund part of the programs and Rose State College funds the other half of the programs,” Pratt said.
Every business idea deserves a business plan.
-
Professor Walter Miller
They have three departments: Workforce Development, continuing education and the marketing department.
Workforce Development offers training programs through their workforce team to help small business owners start up.
Vice President of External
The Small Business Center provides consultants to help clients in any phase of their business.
Professor Walter Miller, one of the business development consultants, sets appointments with clients to help them create business ideas, provide resources
and market their products.
“We are here to help create entrepreneurs at Rose State and Oklahoma County,” Miller said.
The Small Business Development Center further provides different training programs such as drone training, cyber security, collaborative training and specialty training.
“Our goal is to inform other students and people of the resources we have available to start up a business of any sort,” Miller said.
The resources are free and open to any student of Rose State or any member of the community who needs a head start in starting up a business.
Every month, the Small Business Development Center provides a tax workshop that helps in business plan development, loan packaging and other requirements to start up a business.
“Every business idea deserves a business plan,” Miller said.
For more information about workforce development and the services offered, visit rose.edu.
For more information about Vanessa House Beer Company, visit vanessahousebeerco.com.
Data held hostage: Rose State IT talks ransomware
Story by Caleb Betterton Managing Editor
We have all read books or watched movies where someone is kidnapped and held for ransom. That is how ransomware works. Except instead of holding a loved one captive, it holds data captive.
They threaten you by saying you will lose everything - financial information, personal data - whatever is on the device over which they have control. The only way to retrieve the data is by paying the ransom.
It is speculated that the U.S could have spent up to $7.5 billion in 2019. Once the ransom is paid, a passcode is sent to return stolen data.
The threat of someone accessing data in order to hold it for ransom increases when you receive an email with either a URL link or an attachment. Once the URL or attachment is clicked on, it opens up the door for someone to come in and take over.
The first line of defense is being cautious with emails.
Make sure you know who the email is from before you open anything you are sent.
This can be difficult especially at a place like Rose State College because so many people have access to college
computers and devices. This increases the risk because more people are likely to click on something they should not.
OKC Public Schools were held ransom on May 13, 2019, which forced them to shut down the network temporarily.
The good news is that Rose State uses security software that helps stop any threats.
Rose State has many different layers of protection on the human side and the software side.
“Think of it like an onion,” said John Primo, Rose State
vice president of information technology. “It takes a while to get to the center of an onion because of all the layers.”
Rose State has the ability to warn its staff and students of possible threats that may occur throughout the semester (through email) and educate them on what to look for so they are not attacked.
“One of the best defenses is education,” Primo said.
Rose State makes sure to back up their system regularly. So if the school is hacked;
they can plug the hole, delete the encrypted data and upload what has been backed up.
This is something experts recommend individuals do as well to make sure users never have to buy back their own data.
The key is education and caution. Do not be afraid to be skeptical.
If you are unsure the email you received is from who it says it is from, then double check. Take control of your security.
Spring into self-care: Raiders on break
With spring break quickly approaching, students and faculty make vacation plans.
While vacationing is meant to be relaxing and stress-free, the planning aspect can be overwhelming. However, a few proven tips and tricks can make planning your vacation hassle-free.
Websites like TripAdvisor, Airbnb and Travelocity are all designed to make planning a vacation a bit easier. TripAdvisor has a wide variety of services, including but not limited to hotels, rental cars, flights and cruises.
After choosing a hotel and booking flights, a lot of planning and packing is left to do. For most people, packing can be a daunting chore. For those who are quick to forget, it can be a great idea to write a list and check it off as you pack.
Numerous videos are on YouTube that will walk you through the packing process and share interesting tips along the way. For example, Alexandra Beuter, a YouTuber with over 245,000 subscrib-
ers, suggests turning any delicate clothing inside out when you are packing to avoid snags and tears.
Once you are packed and ready to go, there is still the matter of reaching your destination.
LaTerria Washington, a Rose State interdisciplinary studies major, plans to spend spring break at a hotel and resort near Branson, Missouri.
Washington had a few tips regarding longer travel times.
“Have a couple of your favorite
movies downloaded to keep you busy while you travel,” she said. “Make sure you have a pre charged battery pack, a compact blanket and neck pillow and some handy cash for any last minute buys.”
Washington also suggested having an extra bag to accommodate for any last-minute purchases, along with an easily accessible water bottle and a few favorite snacks. Last but not least, Washington said to “just have fun and watch the clouds pass by.”
Avoiding Illnesses During Spring Break
Travel hygiene is a must if you want to be healthy and happy on your vacation.
Health Sciences Professor Tiffany Herbert said it is pivotal to be aware of your surroundings.
“You just have to be aware of the surfaces that you’re touching,” Herbert said. “You don’t realize how many surfaces you touch and how many people have also touched those surfaces.”
She said even though her favorite piece of advice for staying healthy while traveling is not “mind-boggling,” it is effective.
“Just keep hand sanitizer with you the majority of the time,” she said. “It sometimes works better than actually washing your hands, and it’s a lot easier and more applicable while you’re traveling.”
Herbert suggested not using your hands to touch surfaces as often as possible.
Hopefully, these few pieces of advice will make preparing for Spring Break a breeze. Just remember to have fun, stay safe and enjoy the well-deserved break.
Story and Photo by Camryn Sturgill Features Editor
Campus Chat
“ What is the best random act of kindness you have ever received?”
by Camryn Sturgill
Terrill Brown Criminal Justice Major
“The best random act of kindness I received is when a group of people offered to pay for my meal at Texas Roadhouse.”
Story by Leah Irwin Multimedia Editor
One act of kindness can go a long way, that’s why at Rose State there was an entire week dedicated to the goodness of humanity.
Random Act of Kindness Week was a weeklong event in February that encouraged Rose State students, faculty and staff to think about and help those around them.
“We are inviting you to join us in spending a week to intentionally find opportunities to be kind to those around you – fellow Raiders, peers, family, the community … the list is endless,” Director of Student Engagement Meagan Bryant wrote in an email.
Along with this email, the week was kicked off by Rose State challenging students and faculty to take online training that helps prepare for real-life
Esther Sloup Early Childhood Development Major
“The best random act of kindness I received was at a coffee shop when the person in front of me paid for my coffee, and I [paid for the next person’s].”
Isaiah Willis Sociology Major
“One of my coworkers at my previous job gave me the car he owned to help me out.”
“Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash away.”
- Abraham Lincoln.
“If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love.”
conversations and connecting to those who need help.
This also included introducing #RaidersCare where social media users could participate in different challenges every day. A few of these challenges were ‘Make a Difference Monday,’ which was the online training. In this training, students and faculty went through a questionnaire and then a simulation where they received a certificate. Those who received this certificate were able to put their name into a gift card drawing.
Another challenge was ‘Wisdom Wednesday,’ where participants were asked to post on their favorite quotes about kindness on Instagram.
While it is important to dedicate a whole week to be kind to others, it is also important to remember everyday kindness; to treat others as we would like to be treated.
- Martin Luther King Jr.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
- Jennifer Dukes Lee
“We are how we treat each other and nothing more.”
-
The Alternate Route
Search #RaidersCare to see others’ acts of kindness
RAIDER
Recruiting for success: How Rose State finds Raiders
Story by Caleb Betterton Managing Editor
Recruiting is an essential aspect of any college sport. The better the coach recruits, the better the team.
Recruiting can often be challenging and hard work, and different coaches have different styles and ways of recruiting the players they want to play for them.
Rose State Softball Head Coach Nickie Madden begins with making the rounds of different summer games and leagues, as well as holding tryouts to identify the players she wants to recruit.
After Madden has identified the players she wants, she finds out which high school they attend, then works on getting them on campus.
Most of the athletes Madden recruits are local, but she does reach out to the surrounding states as well.
Madden is looking “for freshman who are ready to start.”
Being at a two-year program, there is not a lot of time to develop players and have them sit out a year because the turnover is so fast. This can be a struggle for both the coach and the player.
Madden said she also looks for “good character kids that will
represent the school well.”
Softball recruiting offers some unique challenges of its own. Because most coaches watch only summer ball and not high school teams, the players must stand out.
Camps are also a great way for players to get noticed, which is how catcher Macy Naylor was scouted by Rose State.
“For me it was a lot about going to camps,” Naylor said.
She attended a camp in Tulsa where she met Madden and invited her to Rose State’s camp. Naylor attended the Rose State camp for three years. She eventually received an offer and the rest is history.
Another aspect of recruiting is picking up transfer students such as pitcher and first baseman Hannah Dean.
“Rose was my second chance,” Dean said.
Dean originally went to Oklahoma Christian University; however, she became injured and was forced to leave because they could not figure out what was wrong with her. After she left, they found the source of the injury, and she had surgery a week later.
Soon after, Brian Madden, Nickie Madden’s husband and Dean’s former travel ball coach, asked Dean if she would like to play again. Dean said yes, and
he connected her with Madden who signed her up to be a Raider. For some players, it can be an unexpected blessing to be recruited at all.
“It was kind of crazy,” said Sydney Griggs, Rose State softball catcher.
Griggs went to a smaller high school where people are not usually recruited. She was first noticed when Madden was recruiting one of her teammates on the travel team. Griggs played for the travel team at the time.
At a Christmas party Griggs’
junior year, Madden invited her to come visit Rose State.
Griggs chose Rose State because of what the college offered her academically.
“My No. 1 goal is to be an academic all American,” Griggs said.
Recruiting is all about trying to be successful for both players and coaches, on the field and academically.
Rose State softball looks to be successful this season. To show support, find game locations and times at rscraiders. com/sports/softball/schedule.
Swim Team completes first season
Story by Donovan Straw Sports Editor
Fall 2019-Spring 2020 marks the first academic year swimming is an official sport at Rose State. In its first year as a program, Rose State Raiders swimming dove into some athletic accomplishments under Head Coach Josh Everett. With the season still going on and the Raiders competing in multiple swimming events, one of the athletes who stands out is Dexter Browning: he has set two pool records over the course of the season.
“It has been a positive year so far,’’ Everett said. “Most of the athletes have improved and I am proud of all the work.”
Everett mentioned the athletes on his team are not scholarship athletes, but that does not change
their performance or dedication,” said Everett. “They come in and work hard every day,” he said.
Everett said his goals for the 2020-2021 season include “getting the players to improve, getting them better, and faster and ready to compete.”
Morgan Okroi, Kara Carel, Landry Willis, and Sean Acol will compete for the NJCAA in Fort Myers, Florida on March 4 through Saturday March 7.
The national championship will take place at Indian River State College-Anne Wilder Aquatic Complex, in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Each day, the swimmers will warm-up at 7:30 a.m., preliminaries are at 9:30 a.m., finals warmups are at 3:30 p.m. and finals at 5:30 p.m.
Two-year colleges face challenges universities do not when recruiting. (Photo by Caleb Betterton)
Rose State Swim Team
SPORTS
PADDLE ON
continued from Page 1
“The goal is to hopefully this semester, get the club started,” Emrich said. “Next semester we will hopefully be doing more races or regattas as they’re called in the rowing world. At some point in the next few years, we can see it actually becoming an athletic sport here at Rose State College.”
Rowing can be seen as more of an obscure sport, with many people not really knowing how it works.
Rowing can be done singularly or on a team by propelling a boat through the water using oars.
Just like any other sport, rowing requires strength, endurance and good technique.
“Specifically, for our club, we will have two boats with eight people plus a coxswain, which is the person that is in the back of the boat steering,” Emrich said. “It’s a team sport. We all work to get the boat to move, and the point of the race is to get the quickest time.”
There are different types of competitions when it comes to rowing and different distances.
“We will probably be doing 2 kilometer and 500-meter rows sprint pieces,” Burkhart said.
The Rowing Club plans to eventually start competing against OSU-OKC and OCCC.
They hope for the first match to be in May.
So far, the Rowing Club has been a big hit. The officers reported they have already had 20 people sign up and they expect it to continue to grow.
“The main goal of this club is to get people out and having fun, building a team and getting something new,” Emrich said.
Rowing Club practice will be taking place at the OKC Boathouse District in Downtown OKC. Practice will be scheduled two days a week and starts the first week of March.
The new face behind Rose State Baseball
Story by Tyler Hays Reporter
When former Rose State Baseball Head Coach Coty Cooper took the job of executive athletic director, it left the baseball team without a coach.
The man that was picked to fill his spot was the assistant coach at the time, Ryon Butts.
Butts is a native Oklahoman, attended Edmond North High School and played baseball for the Huskies. He graduated in 2007 and started coaching in 2008.
Butts got into baseball at age 2 when he received his first ball and glove. He started playing when he was 4.
He played his first two years of college at Rose State before transferring to Southern Nazarene University. He primarily played catcher throughout his career.
He described himself as a hard-nosed player and coach.
“Just play the game the right way,” Butts said. “Play hard. If you hit a single, it’s a double until they stop you.”
He began coaching at Rose State in fall 2013. He would be the assistant coach for six years.
In the fall of 2019, he was appointed head coach. He became the youngest baseball head coach in Rose State history.
Butts is married to Taylor Butts and they have a 2-yearold daughter named Bailey.
As such a young coach, Butts is still trying to develop his coaching style and how he wants to do things.
He said his daughter has changed his style a lot, mostly in helping him with his patience.
Brandon Fairbanks is the assistant baseball coach and pitching coach. This is his first year at Rose State College.
“[Coach Butts’] patience has been night and day since I’ve been here,” Fairbanks said. “His progressions in practice and his progressions with players have come around quite a bit.”
The biggest change for Butts in transitioning from an assistant coach to head coach is everything.
He said he cannot be as nice anymore and he hates doing the office work.
His first season as head coach has not gone exactly the way he wanted.
The Rose State Raiders started this season at 2-10.
The roster for this year is young. Out of the 27 players on the roster, 20 of them are freshmen. That only leaves seven sophomores.
This season was expected to come with growing pains, but Butts is encouraged with where the team is now.
They worked hard, and the team has shown improvement down the stretch. He is confident they are much better than their record would indicate.
It is all part of the learning process for the players and coaches. The goal now is to just try to learn and improve any chance they get.
The most rewarding part for Butts is the players. He said he has helped the players to become young men and to be proud of their team and their program.
Fairbanks said he is proud of the team’s ability to handle adversity.
Butts and Fairbanks said they are excited about this team and where they can go.
Students, faculty and staff with valid ID receive free admission for home games.
Baseball Head Coach Ryon Butts is the youngest head coach in Rose State history. (Photo by Selena Williams)
Disappearing fireflies; how you can help
and gardening hobbyist Renee McBride also shared her experience and provided some tips.
Most of us remember a time when fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, were plentiful. Some children kept them in jars to release later, while others simply watched them light up the backyard.
Today, the wild firefly population is shrinking. Development of wetlands, forests and lakesides into cities and suburbs has led to not only habitat destruction but also to mating confusion for modern fireflies.
In January 2019, a group of scientists surveyed 49 experts in firefly ecology around the world.
The survey found that “habitat loss, artificial light and pesticide use were identified as the three most serious threats,” and that “more than half of the 49 respondents assigned the highest possible threat score (5) to habitat loss, whereas nearly onethird did so for light pollution, and one-fifth did so for pesticide use.”
Fireflies use light signals to communicate, and when city lights like street lamps and car headlights outshine their little glow, they cannot find each other.
If potential parent fireflies cannot find one another, then young fireflies will never be born. However, there is hope for these tiny bugs.
In Wuhan, China, a firefly park opened in 2015, with a population of fireflies released into the park and special care being taken not to disturb them. The park is a popular attraction and is open from spring to fall annually.
The park is also self-sustaining, with a small admission fee being charged to each guest who wishes to visit this magical place.
The opening of more parks like this worldwide would help support fireflies globally, but individuals can also help from their own backyard.
Turning off porchlights on warm and humid summer nights when fireflies are most active makes it easier for lightning bugs to find each other’s light.
Daniel Ratcliff, professor and coordinator of environmental science at Rose State, pointed out the harmful effects of insecticides that people typically use on city yards and gave some tips.
“Don’t use insecticides on or around your lawn, and restore your lawn into a more natural place like a meadow by facilitating the native species of plants to grow,” Ratcliff said.
Firefly lover, Rose State alumni
“When I was little, I visited my great-grandparents in Kansas,” McBride said. “They were farmers. Where the wheat fields met the woods the fireflies would blink. There were so many of them and they were all yellow. We used to catch them in mason jars.”
Today, McBride said she sees half as many fireflies in the countryside than she did in her childhood.
“There are a lot of neighborhood association-approved decorative grasses that provide excellent resting places for fireflies,” she said. “Buffalo grass and flame grass are both used as decorative elements in urban and suburban gardens. If you have the space, a koi pond also adds to the humidity that fireflies love.”
She also had some ideas on how Rose State could improve the campus butterfly garden for fireflies.
“Fireflies love two things; tall grass and humidity,” she said. “If a koi pond is too much, then Rose State could submerge pots and plant a lily or lotus in each water pot. Adding long grass helps. Buffalo grass and other native Oklahoma grasses are perfect for fireflies and some of them, like goldenrod, have vibrant blooms that are nice to look at too.”
In addition, any stack of firewood is equivalent to a firefly nursery. Fireflies will naturally lay eggs in rotting wood as it will attract baby fireflies’ favorite food, snail and slug larvae.
Planting pine trees is also an option. Not only do thick needles block out city light, but as needles and sticks fall to the ground and decompose, this becomes a perfect place for baby fireflies as well.
Incoming concurrent student Zakary Ward shared his favorite firefly memory.
“One night, as the starlight shone down upon the meadow, my backyard in the country, I laid on the trampoline and watched fireflies waft across the field, perfectly encapsulating the end of summer and my end of elementary school and entry into middle school.”
If humanity does nothing, the wild firefly population will continue to suffer and these familiar summer lights may disappear entirely from our Fourth of July celebrations and late evening picnics, existing only in folklore.
Firefly scientists are working around the globe to preserve magical midsummer evenings for generations to come.
Geographic variation in scores for the four most serious threats to fireflies
Once everywhere, fireflies are now in need of our help.
Story by Sam Royka Reporter
Breathing new life into Humanities
Story by Payton Hayes Reporter
Rose State prides itself on celebrating the STEM majors as well as the Fine Arts majors and everyone in between and this value is represented in the newest addition to the school’s collection of student murals, Humanities, located in the upstairs, back hallway of the Humanities building. This mural is the second of two choices presented to RSC’s Humanities Building Mural Committee and will be one of the first few painted in a series of murals set to cover the hallways in student-led artwork.
Initially, the mural class was created as a Special Topics in Art course that served to teach students about the ins and outs of getting a mural up on a wall, whilst re-imagining the familiar space students see daily. The project was intended to liven up the hallways and make the dull, quiet upstairs back hallway a more inspiring and inviting place.
Art Professor Suzanne Thomas shared her thoughts on the finished project.
“This mural class was more about the process and procedures
that an artist must go through before they create artwork, especially artwork that is meant to be viewed in public,” Thomas said.
“I think a lot of art students have this idea that art is just about their personal expression, but
to be a one-time project quickly evolved into a broader, longer-term vision since the Humanities Building Mural Committee agreed both murals represented the Humanities division.
Thomas explained prior to the
“The mural project is a perfect opportunity for the Humanities Division Art Program to showcase the exceptional talents of Rose State students.”
-Dean of Humanities Toni Castillo
public art, i.e. like murals, are about reflecting the values within the community at large. This class was different in that there was more research that had to be done, more collaboration among the students, and Humanities faculty. I am really proud of the mural and their work.”
However, what was supposed
formal presentation that the committee would likely have a hard time deciding on just one mural concept. The committee chose Ashley Gilliland’s “No Limitations” mural idea and agreed the second mural could be done later.
Dean of Humanities Toni Castillo said she loved both mural concepts and wondered why the
class could not do both after all. After talking with Thomas and the students, it was settled that the second mural would be completed in the spring as an honors project.
“The mural project is a perfect opportunity for the Humanities Division Art Program to showcase the exceptional talents of Rose State students,” Castillo said.
Castillo described her vision for the murals and how the artwork will impact upcoming RSC students.
“I am particularly gratified that the project is completely student driven—their vision, their presentation, their implementation—so eventually that entire upstairs corridor of our building will be a legacy of their values left for all who come here,” she said. “Professor Suzanne Thomas, who has headed the project, has shown particularly strong leadership in the way she has structured the class and worked with dedicated Honors Program students to complete the project, as those students have in turn reached out to involve area high school students. The project in that corridor will be ongoing for several years until we finally have a true venue for experiential art here at Rose.”
The second mural in the series, Humanities, shows the two sides to the brain.
America’s toilets in need of a revival
Story by Tanner Pipins Entertainment Editor
The earliest reference to the bidet dates back to the early 1700s of French royalty. The invention of the bidet is credited to a French craftsmen who installed a porcelain bowl (filled with water) into a wooden chair that would be placed near their noble’s chamber pots. “Bidet,” which translates in French to “small horse” or “pony,” refers to the way you would straddle the bowl, similar to riding a horse. Since it was, at that time, more labor-intensive to gather enough water to fill the entire bathtub, servants would fill a bowl and place it bedside so the French aristocrats could “spot clean” smaller areas.
Somehow between then and now, Americans have remained out of touch with the growing technology of bathroom hygiene. However, globally, areas like South America, Europe and Asia embrace and even accessorize their porcelain thrones.
In NPR’s Newsletter you can find an excerpt from “Why America is Losing the Toilet Race” where reporter Greg Rosalsky describes toilets in Japan as “marvels of technological innovation.”
A Japanese toilet company known as Toto, prides itself on being the world’s largest toilet manufacturer and leading the race on bringing comfort and functionality to the commode. Features like: heated seats, air deodorizers, backrests, remote controller and motion activated lids are just a few of the items that come standard to approximately 80% of the homes and hotels in Japan. On the higher end of Toto’s showroom you can purchase toilets that also feature night lights and a sound panel known as the Otohime or “The Sound Princess.” This panel is fully customizable and can emit white noise to ensure relaxation and privacy during your go. Toto’s newest dual flushing toilet comes with all the bells and whistles and is currently being sold for about $17,000.
Perhaps the intimidating cost to mainstream these toilets are why America is seemingly apprehensive to join the movement (no pun intended). However, history seems to lean toward the social mores of North America and how it is taboo to discuss our body’s biological functions.
In a way, flushable wipes have been able to pick up what the bidet could not in the United States. Okay, that one was on purpose.
Horoscopes
But using all of these alleged “flushable” wipes has come with a great price, sewer blockage. These wipes claim to be flushable but are far too clumpy and are obstructing sewage systems all over the world. There is even a term for this type of blockage known as “fatbergs”.
These huge, glacier-like masses of fat and food form when flushed wipes adhere to one another and begin clogging the pipes. The largest fatberg to date was found lurking in the sewers of London. This rock solid, 130 ton heap stretched out over 250 meters and was enough to shut down the whole system. Due to this being a relatively new situation, companies as well as legislation are trying to do away with the wipes that massively contribute to the formation of these monstrosities.
All things considered, it is a matter of when will Americans be willing to make the switch and spread this gospel. Americans have many misconceptions about the bidet but it boils down to these two things. They are cleaner and more environmentally friendly compared to the conventional bath tissue. The market for the bidet is constantly growing and shows great promise in the United States moving forward.
News Briefs
by Tanner Pipins Entertainment Editor
“Enough is enough:” Gov. Stitt bans state travel to California
In January, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order to prohibit all state-funded “non-essential” travel to California. This decision was in response to California’s own ban on travel. California added Oklahoma to their travel ban in 2018 after it put in place a policy to grant private adoption agencies the right to deny placing children with certain families based on religious and moral grounds. The state of California sees this law as an anti-LGBTQ policy. California is taking their stance in support of “those that will be harmed by this prejudice policy”. In response, Stitt wants to emphasize the financial toll this policy will have on Oklahoma. “This is something that they banned because of our values in Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “And so we’re proud of our pro-life stance, and I don’t want to spend state dollars back in California if that state is going to refuse to spend dollars in our state.”
ARIES (March 21April 19) Happy birthday, March Aries. Have a crystal clear focus and strong determination this month. Start your rebirth with positive vibes. Reevaluate the people you surround yourself with.
CANCER (June 21July 22) Explore new things. Free yourself from your past traumas and continue to shine your light on your present and future self.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 22) Make room for new opportunities. Let go of what has been holding you back and set boundaries.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You have been feeling very stable lately. It’s time to shake things up and go for what you really want.
TAURUS (April 20May 20) Practice an abundance of self love this month. Find a balance between work and fun. Focus on your dreams and aspirations and prepare yourself for your rebirth next month.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) You will come across a lot of good energy this month. Use this good energy to make positive changes in your life.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23Nov. 21) This month is all about focusing on yourself. A balance of self-love and self-awareness will be necessary.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Don’t hesitate to speak on new ideas or projects. This will put your new beginning into action.
GEMINI (May 21June 20) It is time to start your spiritual journey. Whether big or small, a spring break trip will be much needed for you. Stop holding back and go for what you want.
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Get productive with something that truly makes you happy. Dig deeper into your relationships to seek clarity and excitement.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You have been trying to let go of the past to seek your fresh start and renewal. Continue to do so by putting your energy into something that satisfies you.
PISCES (Feb. 19March 20) Finish letting go of your past so you can continue to blossom in this spring renewal. Stay focused on your growth and goals.
The “Friends” reunion we have all been waiting for HBO is set to launch their new streaming service (HBO Max) in May 2020, and what better way to draw attention to their upstart than promising a reunion to the TV juggernaut that is “Friends.” Just in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ‘90s sitcom, the original cast is coming back to provide HBO Max streamers an exclusive, unscripted special.
After streaming exclusively on Netflix for the last four years, WarnerMedia reclaimed its streaming rights to “Friends” for a total of $425 million at the end of 2019. The special, as well as all 236 episodes, will be available upon the streaming service’s debut. According to Variety.com, the six stars will be paid “between $2.5 million and $3 million apiece for participating in the special.”
This essentially triples the then-historic $1 million per episode the cast had originally agreed to for seasons 9 and 10 of the comedy.
SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
8 Saved by Spring Break on the Campus Mall today - Friday 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Hippie Sabotage: Direction of Dream Tour @ The Criterion at 8 p.m.
Oklahoma FIRST Robotics Competiton @ Cox Convention Center
9 to 5 the Musical premieres @ H.B Atkinson Theatre at 7:30 p.m. (Runs through Sunday)
Oklahoma Gardening School @ Myriad Botanical Gardens 21 22 23
Spring Break Starts Classes resume
The Office! A Musical Parody @ Hudiburg Chevrolet Center at 7:30 p.m.
Amature Radio License Training Course @ BS 200 6 p.m. 24 25 26
OK Canna Palooza Indoor Pool Party @ The Biltmore Hotel 2 p.m.2 a.m. Monday 29 30 31
Black & Brown College Bound @ Professional Training Center 8 a.m.
OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets @ Chesapeake Energy Arena 7 p.m.
Poetry at Rose @ H.B Atkinson Theatre 5:30- 9:30 p.m. 27 28
Staff Members
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selena-williams@raider.rose.edu
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caleb-betterton@raider.rose.edu
Entertainment Editor
Tanner Pipins
@tannerpipins
Features Editor
Camryn Sturgill
@camrynsturgill
Sports Editor
Donovan Straw
donovan-straw@raider.rose.edu
Multimedia Editor
Leah Irwin
leah-irwin@raider.rose.edu
Social Media Coordinator
Zaviana James
@gxldenzayy
Lifestyle Editor
Ahmya Williams
@qtmyaaa
Adviser
Darcy Delaney-Nelson
Reporters: Beverly Agbor
Danica Brackett
Myah Doakes
Jaden Dunn
Tyler Hays
Payton Hayes
Laura Huskey
Lily Mauricio
J. Moody
Sam Royka
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