Norman Music Page 8.
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Visa revocations reversed
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
The Trump administration restored student-visa registrations for students across the United States last week, after large-scale pushback to the previous revocations which put international students at risk.
There were four confirmed revocations at the University of Central Oklahoma, according to university officials. Since the restoration of visas took place, some of the students affected at UCO have had the visas returned.
“I can confirm that it appears some of the students impacted have had their visas reinstated,” said Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Adrienne Nobles.
Nobles could not confirm the number of students who had visas restored, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Communications regarding a student’s visa status is sent directly to the student.
American Civil Liberties Union lawyers argued the visa revocations disrupted a student’s education.
“The ACLU emphasizes that the revocations disrupt the educational pursuits of students who are following all rules,” wrote members of the ACLU in a statement.
However, despite visas being restored across the country and at UCO there is still a fear amongst international students that the possibility of losing visa status still looms.
“Unfoundedly revoking student visas across the nation for reasons as minor as unpaid tickets is an effort to target students at random to spread uncertainty and scare students away from using their protected free speech rights under the First Amendment,” said the UCO Students for Justice in Palestine organization in a statement.
There have been no confirmations as to why four UCO students had visa status revoked in the initial wave of revocations across the
country.
“We believe that it is an attempt to chill free speech,” said UCO SJP member Sarah, who chose to go by a separate name in order to protect her identity out of fear of retribution.
Lawyers across the country made the same argument that the revocations were in violation of free speech.
The visa terminations sparked more than 100 lawsuits from students who feared immediate deportation. Judges blocked the terminations in many cases and questioned the administration’s blanket move.
“We are working to expand a ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign that ensures support is accessible to all,” said the SJP in a statement. “This support includes resources on digital security and travel tips, connections to immigration attorneys, legal hotlines and more.”
The Vista will continue to cover the visa revocations and reinstatements as the story develops.
$50,000 donation made to Edmond program
Mikaila Kraus Contributing Writer
Paycom donated $50,000 to the Edmond Public School Foundation’s Early college start program, which makes higher education accessible to select Edmond public school students.
The Edmond Public School Foundation describes itself on its official website as “an independent organization that works closely with the Edmond Public Schools district to serve students, teachers, and staff”.
The early college start program is for eighth grade Edmond Public School students who qualify for Oklahoma’s Promise, a scholarship that pays a student’s full college tuition if their family makes $60,000 or less a year. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunches or who are first generation college students are also eligible. Students who are approved by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation as cohorts will be given the opportunity to earn up to sixty-two college credits from UCO over the course of their high school education.
“They don’t start taking university classes in their freshman year. They are entered into the program and they begin those study skills and kind of an orientation into university, very similar to what we do with our Bronco blueprint course. They begin taking classes their sophomore year,” said Donna Cobb, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“That’s why we brought the students this past academic year to our campus four different
times and they met with students, they met with faculty, they met with deans so that they have an understanding of not only the courses, but what is a major? What does it take to major in a specific discipline? So we try to lay the groundwork during the freshman year and then we will continue that during the sophomore year,” continued Cobb.
Cobb said that the Early College Start Program helps students complete their general education subjects before they officially enter university. “Students will enter their freshman year with the majority of their core classes taken, and then there will be less cost for them to finish. If they choose to come to UCO, it will cost less to finish their bachelor’s degree. If they choose to go somewhere for an associate’s degree, they will already have the majority of those courses behind them,” Cobb said.
Cobb said that the first group of Early College Start students, who are entering their sophomore year, will be enrolled in two UCO courses during the fall semester. These students will not be traveling to UCO’s campus for these courses ; rather, the instructor’s will visit their high schools.
“Their senior year in high school, they will come to our campus and take classes with our students so that they get a sense and a feel of what it is to be on a university campus and be a part of that experience,” Cobb said.
Cobb said that the Edmond Public Schools Foundation approached UCO four years ago about working together to create the Early College Start Program. Cobb said that the Founda-
tion wanted UCO to be the college they worked with both because of the university’s proximity to Edmond’s public high schools and because two individuals involved were UCO alumni and had a high opinion of the university.
As part of their application, students must write an essay and include two letters of recommendation. Students must also apply for Oklahoma’s Promise, even if they do not qualify. Students can submit an early college start application during their eighth grade year. The application for the eighth grade class of 2024-2025 closes on May 9. Up to thirty students can be chosen to become cohorts.
Cobb said that the early college program is financed through private donors. This decision was made four years ago, when the idea for the early college program was first proposed. Cobb said that since the idea had to be approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, it was required that the program be funded in a way that would be of little to no cost to students or their families. Currently, the Early Start Program has no costs for students.
“I think it will make a huge difference,” Cobb said of Paycom’s donation.
“Because the Edmond Foundation is responsible for paying half of the total cost each year and that will allow the foundation with the Edmund School District to not only focus on funding or finding resources for the early college, but all of the different programs that are part of the Edmund School District. And it’s a very large district. So it will help the foundation immensely.”
This will be the final edition of The Vista for this academic year.
A graduate takes photos alongside their family outside of Old North on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
Editorial: Thank you and goodbye UCO
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
Staring at a blank page, the cursor flashing, almost as if it is yelling, “What are you going to type?”
That’s how every story starts. A blank page, a lone canvas, an empty void waiting to be filled with thoughts and ideas.
Even with thoughts established, the page still demands to know what comes next. That’s the theme of contemporary society; “What’s next?”
That’s also the thought at the forefront of every journalist’s mind. “What is next?”
It’s a question that will always remain unanswered because one never truly knows what events will follow, what the next chapter entails or what the future awaits.
It’s a question that I have battled with for the past academic year.
What’s next for my career? What’s next after school? What’s next for The Vista?
It’s all that has been on my mind since I stepped on campus in mid-August 2024 and was confronted with the reality that my advisor, mentor and friend, George Lang, would be leaving the University of Central Oklahoma for Florida. “What’s next?” was all I could seem to conjure up when I spoke with him.
While the past academic year has been challenging, being presented with new friendships and relationships, family problems and the occasional spat with one of my professors, whom I have now made up with (one day Mark Hanebutt and I will both learn to be less hard-headed), I have found that the adversity was the best thing I could have possibly faced. It forced me to come face-to-face with the unanswered question, “What’s next?”
However, I was not thinking about what came next for myself, only what came next for the
very institution I would be leaving in a few short months. Having been handed a card that was less than ideal, I was determined to ensure that the same card was not handed to the next editor.
While Lang leaving posed quite a devastating blow to The Vista, I made him a promise that I will never forget.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for The Vista.”
I meant it.
In the months that followed my promise to Lang, I would do everything in my power to ensure the success of The Vista, and in-turn ensure a broader success for both student-journalism and students in general on the UCO campus.
In my mind, the paper’s success this academic year meant further success down the line for future student journalists and editors.
That was my one goal, focusing on what is next for the institution.
I will leave it up to my professors, advisors and members of the UCO community to decide if I was successful in that mission or not, but the intent was pure and sought nothing but to serve the community that helped me grow.
Now, as I am set to walk the stage on May 10 and shake hands with UCO President Todd Lamb, receiving a diploma I have spent four years working on, three of which were spent on The Vista in some capacity, I find myself asking the same question again; “What’s next?”
Once again, I am faced with a blank page, the cursor yelling at me, the question in the forefront of my mind yelling, “What are you going to type?”
There is no answer yet. All there is, is a question.
“What’s next?”
Before I sign off on my melodramatic, preachy editorial, I would like to thank members of the UCO community for their help in my career.
To my professors in MCOM, Mark Hanebutt, Mark Zimmerman, Joe Hight, Erika Williams, Mark Scott, Milos Ajdinovic and David Nelson, thank you for your support, wisdom, critiques and willingness to teach. I appreciate you all. I also would like to thank former MCOM professor, Desiree Hill. While I was not working with her for long, she played a significant role in the development of my career, as well.
Thank you to George Lang, who has been not only a great advisor and mentor, but a great friend too.
Thank you to all faculty, staff and students who I have interacted with throughout the course of my time at UCO, whether that be in the Gen Ed classes I took as a freshman or through various interviews, stories and other works with The Vista.
And finally, thank you to the UCO community as a whole. It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve this campus community as the editor-in-chief of The Vista.
Ramsey has served as editor, managing editor, reporter and photographer during his time at The Vista.
Editorial: Introducing the editors
Victor Lopez & Ella Spurlock
Editor-In-Chief & Managing Editor
Victor: Editor-in-Chief
My name is Victor Lopez and I am currently serving as The Vista’s photo editor, but next semester I will step into the position of editor-in-chief alongside my managing editor and co editor-in-chief, Ella Spurlock.
I am a first generation American college student and I have a passion for photojournalism. I first fell in love with photojournalism during my junior year of highschool when I had the opportunity to shadow senior photojournalist Mike Simons from The Tulsa World. I have worked hard during my past two years at UCO and have had the pleasure of interning at The Tulsa World. I was the youngest intern on staff and I have also interned as a photographer for Oklahoma’s only professional soccer team, FC Tulsa.
My passion for photojournalism crosses into my passion for The Vista. During my freshman year, I joined The Vista because all I wanted to do was take photos. Now, I am very involved in The Vista and have connected with every mem-
ber of the staff. I have loved the experiences that The Vista has given me and
I am grateful for the connections and friendships that I have made. I am also grateful for Jake Ramsey, The Vista’s current editor-in-chief. He has helped me grow as a photojournalist and as a leader throughout my semesters with The Vista.
My goal as editor-in-chief is to create a news outlet that students can look at and be updated on campus news, important events and of course, and for cool photos. :)
Ella: Managing Editor and Co-Editor-inChief
My name is Ella Spurlock and I currently hold the position of managing editor on The Vista staff. Next semester I will continue to hold the position of Managing Editor, but I will also be acting as co editor-in-chief alongside editor-in-chief Victor Lopez.
I have always loved journalism and investigative writing, but I didn’t know where to start when I came to UCO. When Jake Ramsey, the current editor-in-chief of The Vista, introduced himself to my Mass Communications Blueprint
class, I was all ears. I started as a reporter, but I began to become more involved with The Vista as time went on and grew closer with the staff members.
Ramsey, as well as Lopez, has helped me every step of the way. I have been introduced to professors, past Vista staff members, members of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and more.
Overall, Ramsey has made a huge impact on my first academic year at The Vista and he has guided me throughout both semesters to help me become the best journalist I can be.
I strive to seek truth and justice for those who can’t and even for those who can.
Now, Lopez and I will be working together to help The Vista grow and help spread engagement with student media across the UCO campus. We both also strive to promote campus events, local news, national news, world news and student photography
The Vista was established in 1903 as the student run newspaper of UCO, and I am proud to say I will be a part of this legacy for the rest of my time at UCO.
UCO Spring/Summer ‘25 Graduation List
Oklahoma Hometowns
ADA
Austin Doepke, BS, Accounting
Alyssa Kaufer, BS, Nursing
Chloe Miller, BS, General Studies
Anne Rhyne, BFA, Theatre
Arts-Performance
Rose Smith, BS, Funeral Service
Olivia Waldroup, BSED, Physical Education/Health, Cum Laude
ALTUS
Kelsee Baker, MS, Nutrition & Food Science, With Honors
Canyon Hart, BS, Kinesiology-Outdoor & Comm Rec, Cum Laude
Andy Molina, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
ALVA
Trinady Smith, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig
Trinady Smith, BS, Funeral Service
ANADARKO
Alexis Foreman, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
ANTLERS
Niaya COLBERT, BS, Fashion Marketing
Jeremiah Sorrells, BS, Occupational Safety
APACHE
Austin Schartzer, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
ARCADIA
Caleb Grounds, CERT, Certificate in Cybersecurity, Magna Cum Laude
Caleb Grounds, BS, Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude
ARDMORE
Eric Holquin, BS, Organizational Leadership
Anthony Landreth, BA, History-History
Cody Marr, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Christopher Sanchez, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-Op&Sup Chain Mg
ARKOMA
Brianna Farmer, C ,Cert Teaching/ Learning PreK-6
Brianna Farmer, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6
ASHER
Fabiola Bueno, BS, Forensic Science
Fabiola Bueno, BS, Psychology BARTLESVILLE
Kenzie Barton, BA, Sociology-Human Services
Kelby Crawford, BS, Forensic Science
Kelby Crawford, BA, Psychology
Cassie McCurdy, BS, Biology
Cassie McCurdy, BS, Forensic Science
Rachelle Prieto, MED, Sch Coun-School&Prof Counseling, With Honors
Elyse Schmidt, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Elyse Schmidt, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio
Rhiannon Silva, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
BENNINGTON
Baylee Miller, BS, General Studies
BETHANY
Mason Alexander, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Hailey Banz, BS, General Studies
Amparo Bernabe, BFA, Design-Interior Design
Natasha Burns, BS, Accounting
Natasha Burns, BS, Forensic Science
Ethan Campos, BBA, Management
Kaylee Carley, MED, Sch Coun-School&Prof Counselin, With Honors
Gabriela Escobar, MS, Behavior Analysis
Jonah Lewis, BFA, Theatre Arts-Performance
Helmut Otzoy, BA, Photographic Arts
Cole Ranck, BS, Electrical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude
Faith Roberts, BS, General Studies
Braxton Roberts, BBA, Mrktg-Professional Selling
Nolia Sweatt, BM, Musical Theatre
Carlos Tapia, BBA, Finance
Reese Witten, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt, Cum Laude
BIXBY
Morgan McBurnett, BS, Nursing
Mya Tanksley, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude
Isabel Vela, BS, General Studies
Noah West, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA
BLACKWELL
Mackenzie Blake, EDS, EdSSchool Psychology
BLANCHARD
Halle Bell, MED, School Counseling
Madeline Bradley, BS, Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude
Colin Deaton, BS, Occupational Safety
Kegan Lawson, BS, General Studies
BOSWELL Steven Bacon, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
BRIDGE CREEK
Abigail Allison, BAED, English Education, Summa Cum Laude
Matylin Baker, BS, General Studies
BRISTOW
Holly Calvin, BBA, Marketing
Kaylee Roebuck, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
BROKEN ARROW
Madelynn Eidson, BA, Criminal Justice-Corrections, Summa Cum Laude
Madelynn Eidson, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig, Summa Cum Laude
Casandra Hassett, MS, Nursing
Joshua Pierce, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Richard TRAN, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
CACHE
Andrew Toms, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
CASHION
Averi Davis, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Summa Cum Laude
Austen EVANS, MED, Educational Leadership
Tatum Robertson, MS, Wellness Mgmt-Exercise Science, With Honors
Jake Ramsey Editor-in-Chief
Ella Spurlock Managing Editor
Victor Lopez Photo Editor
Mariah Vanzant Copy Editor
Isabel Contreras Digital Editor
Bradie Gray Sports Editor
Callie Turley Reporter
Troy Isbell Reporter
Jessey Kollie Cartoonist
Britton Summers Columnist
Andrea Vasquez Photographer
Arriana Charqueno Photographer
Sergio Anguiano Photographer
Erika Williams Advisor
Advertise with us!
The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
CARNEGIE
Trinity Dietrich, BS, Psychology
CHANDLER
Merinda Becktol, BFA, Art-Studio
Art
James Horn, BSED, Elementary Education
Jared McCalip, BBA, Finance
Braden Melson, MAT, Athletic Training, With Honors
Izabella Stout, BFA, Theatre Arts-Performance
Raven Thompson, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Magna Cum Laude
Raven Thompson, BS, Forensic Science, Magna Cum Laude
CHECOTAH
Lindsie Ambrose, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Summa Cum Laude
Vanessa Oxtoby, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Magna Cum Laude
CHICKASHA
Hesston Jarvis, BS, Occupational Safety
Brayden Kile, BA, History-History
Miana Moon, BS, Nursing
Jennifer Veach, BSED, Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude
CHOCTAW
Cameron Crusoe, BBA, Marketing
Tayler Davis, MED, Sch Coun-School&Prof Counselin, With Honors
Allyson Davison, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Hunter DeQuasie, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Alan Donovan, BS, Forensic Science
Alan Donovan, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Hayden Doyle, MAT, Athletic Training
Gabrielle Dunsworth, BA, Sociology
Andrew Easley, BS, Mathematics, Cum Laude
Lauren Ethridge, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Cum Laude
Lauren Ethridge, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig¸ Cum Laude
Natalie Farmer, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Ashlyn Fedak, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig
Ashlyn Fedak, BS, Psychology
Riley Gentry, BS, General Studies
Sarah George, BBA, Management
Alexa Greenroyd, BBA, Busn Admin-International Busin
Jessica Harrison, BBA, Finance
Benjamin Harvey, BA, History-History, Summa Cum Laude
Geoffrey Hatcher, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA
Brendan Hoisington, BS, Software Engineering, Magna Cum Laude
Rhania Jackson, BS, Psychology
Gabriel Johnson, BBA, Marketing
Daezi Miller, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Karina Reyes, BS, Biology
Colby Robinson, MS, Business Analytics
Colby Robinson, C, Cert in Enterprise Analytics
Erica Vessels, MS, Nutrition & Food Science, With Honors
Kaylee Young, MS, Speech-Lan-
guage Pathology
CLAREMORE
April Settles, BS, Biology
April Settles, BS, Forensic Science
CLEVELAND
Sydney Shipman, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business, Summa Cum Laude
CLINTON
Gladiola Briney, C, Cert Teaching/ Learning PreK-6
Gladiola Briney, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6
Zander Edwards, BFA, Design-Graphic Design, Cum Laude
Jose Hernandez, AAS, Contemporary Music Production
COLBERT
Paislee Powell, BS, Nursing COLLINSVILLE
Riley Jackson, BA, Sociology
COWETTA
John Geneva, BS, Accounting CRESCENT
Rachel Cook, BS, Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude
Raychel Johnson, BSED, Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude
Charles JONES, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
CUSHING
Riley Crow, BMED, Music Education-Music Educ, Cum Laude
Tamia Mooreland, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Bryson Winterbottom, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt, Summa Cum Laude
CUSTER CITY
Madison Fischer, BSED, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude DAVENPORT
Brooklyn Lane, BS, Nursing DAVIS
Kerstin Goodin, BS, Nursing DEL CITY
Randy Brown, BS, Computer Science
Kevin Do, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
Leonny Lora Perez, BS, Nursing
Kyshon Murray, BBA, Marketing Alandria Polk, BFA, Design-Interior Design
Alexander Rackley, BAED, English Education
Catherine Taylor, BS, NutritionDieteticsFood Mngt
Jazzalynn Thomas, BS, Psychology
Takia Vaughn, BA, Strategic Communications, Cum Laude
DEWAR
Talyn Been, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Summa Cum Laude
DEWEY
Shyanne Offutt, BA, Psychology DUNCAN
Marissa Bumgarner, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Cum Laude
Isabel Contreras, BA, Mass Comm-Professional Media
Mackenzie Cook, MM, Music-Pedagogy, With Honors
Mackenzie Cook, MM, Music-Performance, With Honors
Bradyn Elliott, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Jesus Estrada, BS, Mechanical
Engineering
Mary Prather, BBA, Marketing Ava Ryan, BS, Biology
Zachary Schrecken, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Ethan Smith, BS, Nursing DURANT
Logan Beauchamp, MPA, Urban Management, With Honors
Daxton Chapman, BBA, Management
Jacob Christian, BA, Political Science
Kaylin Stepp-Miz, BS, Forensic Science
Kaylin Stepp-Miz, BA, Psychology
EDMOND
Hana Abdelhadi, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Pardis Abooghad, BBA, Busn Admin-International Busin
Noor Akour, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Caitlin Alexander, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Iman Alhourani, MS, Nutrition & Food Science
Micheal Anderson, MS, Fam & Child Stud-Marriage Family Therapy, With Honors
Tessa Ayers, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Victoria Bauchou, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA
Mekenna Bell, BS, Psychology
Destin Bentley, BBA, Busn Admin-International Busin
Vanessa Berry, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Ethan Betchan, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Rylee Billen, BS, General Studies
Olivia Bond, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Cum Laude
Wendy Boring, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Ana Bost, MED, Curr & Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Becca Boulden, BS, Biology
Chloe Boyd, BS, Psychology
Courtney Boydstun, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Camden Boykin, BSED, Spec EdMild/Mod Disabilities, Summa Cum Laude
Mallori Bratcher, BS, Psychology
Ai’jah Brown, BA, Criminal Justice-Corrections
Capri Burton, BA, English, Cum Laude
Jessie Campbell, MS, Speech-Language Pathology, With Honors
Micaela Carothers, MS, Nursing, With Honors
Christian Champion, BAT, Audio Production, Cum Laude
Christian Champion, AAS, Contemporary Music Production, Cum Laude
Aya Charif, BS, Nursing
Jordan Chavez, BA, Philosophy Vianey Chavez Tre, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Alexis Christense, BAT, Commercial Music
Alexis Christense, AAS, Contemporary Music Performance
Briley Christense, BS, Occupational Safety, Summa Cum Laude
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must
be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.
Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO: Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209
Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to jramsey14@uco.edu
UCO Spring/Summer ‘25 Graduation List
Oklahoma Hometowns
Chloe Clinton, BS, Psychology, Cum Laude
Caitlyn Clymer, BA, History-History
Noah Cochran, BM, Musical Theatre, Cum Laude
Kendall Cook, MED, School Counseling
Derek Corvelo, BAED, History Education, Cum Laude
Marissa Crillo, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Jingzhuo Cui, MS, Business Analytics
Emma Cunningha, BBA, Finance
Nikita Dadabhai, BS, Biomedical Engineering
Austin Davidson, BS, General Studies
Laura Davidson-, MED, Curr & Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Tiffany Davis, BA, Sociology
Noah Day, BS, Forensic Science
Noah Day, BA, Psychology
Antonio De Souza, MBA, Bus Admin-Managing Analytics
Claire Dickinson, BS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude
Daniel Do, BBA, Management
Danielle Dodson, BAED, Art Education, Cum Laude
Cristina Dotson, MED, School Counseling
Asa Dykes, BBA, Marketing
Maci English, BBA, Mrktg-Professional Selling
Allyson Fallen, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences
Noor Fatima, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Noor Fatima, BS, Forensic Science
Delaneigh Fiechtl, BS, Accounting
Matthew Floyd, BS, Occupational Safety
Chloe Fringer, BA, Sociology
Brice Fuller, BA, Photographic Arts
Margaret Gatewood, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Arwen Gause, BA, Humanities
John Geddes, BS, Computer Science
Lorena Genuzio, BBA, Management
Zoe Gfeller, BA, Strategic Communications, Summa Cum Laude
Daniel Ghazanfari, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Makayla Gosdin, BS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude
Isabell Granillo, BFA, Design-Interior Design
Megan Green, BBA, Busn Admin-Business Law, Magna Cum Laude
Megan Green, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management, Magna Cum Laude
Gracie Guillemett, MED, School Counseling
Kanan Hansen, BS, General Studies
Taylor Harper, BS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude
Gloria Hassell, MED, Educational Leadership, With Honors
Leah Hedger, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Darah Henley, MS, Fam & Child Stud-Marriage Fam Ther, With Honors
Alexandria Herron, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Damarlowe Hider, BBA, Management
Sydney High, BS, General Studies
Elizabeth Hill, BS, Accounting
Ashlynn Hodges, BFA, Art-Studio
Art
Joseph Hoehner, BS, General Studies
Emily Holland, MED, Library
Media Education¸ With Honors
Ebony Houston, MA, StrComm-Leadership in Comm
Ryan Hunter, BS, General Studies
Lexi Hutchinso, BBA, Marketing
Writing, Summa Cum Laude
Hannah James, BA, Philosophy
Pranith Kumar Janumpall, MS, Nutrition & Food Science
Joseph Jawabreh, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Yoona Jeon, BSED, Elementary Education
Charles Jones, BS, General Studies
Brock Jones, BBA, Finance, Magna Cum Laude
Ethan Jones, BS, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
Megan Kane, C, Cert in License School Counsel, With Honors
Owen Kay, CERT, Cert in Financial Planning, Magna Cum Laude
Sara Keck, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Taylor Keys, BFA, Design-Graphic Design, Summa Cum Laude
Teri King, BS, Nursing
Ella Kirkpatrick, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Ella Kirkpatrick, BS, Forensic Science
Kyanne Kroeger, BAT, Audio Production
Kyanne Kroeger, AAS, Contemporary Music Production
Jacob Landolt, BA, Political Science, Cum Laude
Sofia LeClaire, BA, Philosophy, Cum Laude
Stacie Lindsey, C, Cert in License School Counsel, With Honors
Skylar Lockard, MA, Counseling Psychology
Zanéa Long, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6
Kayla Lopas, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Pablo Lopez, BBA, Finance-Insurance & Risk Mgmt
Ryan Lowery, BS, Biology
Reese Lugafet, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Christopher Lutz, BBA, Marketing
Karson Lynes, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-Op&Sup Chain Mg
Ryan Mains, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Mackenzie Manning, MS, Nutrition & Food Science
Sydney Marshburn, BS, Nursing
Nathaniel Martin, BS, Electrical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude
Allison Masri, BS, Nursing
Susan McColl, BS, Organizational Leadership, Magna Cum Laude
Abigayle McCurry, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Avery McGrew, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Magna Cum Laude
Colin McMullen, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Mallorie Mefford, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig, Cum Laude
Mallorie Mefford, BS, Psychology, Cum Laude
Braden Melton, MA, Museum Studies
Matthew Miller, MED, Secondary Education
Grace Miller, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Summa Cum Laude
Grace Miller, BS, Forensic Science, Summa Cum Laude
Conner, Millington, BBA, Finance
Rachel Mills, MBA, Business Administration
Cedar Minter, BBA, Marketing
Denise Mitchell, BS, General Studies, Summa Cum Laude
Presley Moore, BBA, Finance
Jeremy Morris, BS, Psychology
Nolan Morris, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA, With Honors
Gabriel Mullaney, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Adriana Neher, MED, Bilingual Education/TESL With Honors
Alexis Neisent, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Counseling
Dana Odetalla, BSED, Early Childhood Education
Reagan Oliver, BS, Chemistry-ACS Certificate, Summa Cum Laude
Reagan Oliver, BS, Forensic Science-Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude
Rylin Paddleford, BA, Arts Administration, Cum Laude
Ashley Page, C, Cert in License School Counsel, With Honors
Adithya PALYAM, MS, Computer Science
Sarah Parker, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Parker, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio, Magna Cum Laude
Krista Parker, BS, Nutrition Dietetics Food Mngt.
Saylor Parker, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Summa Cum Laude
Brandon Pascua, BFA, Art-Studio
Art
Nathan Pham, BBA, Finance
Stephanie Phung, BBA, Marketing
David Pittman, BS, Psychology
Joshua Pitzer, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Brianna Plett, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Brianna Plett, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio
Sanjay Prabhu, BS, General Studies
Courtney Price, MED, Library Media Education, With Honors
Chad Pridemore, BS, General Studies
Audrey Pumphrey, BFA, Design-Graphic Design, Cum Laude
Iram Ramirez, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Cum Laude
Iram Ramirez, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences, Cum Laude
Logan Ray, MA, History, With Honors
BradlieAnn Redding, BS, Accounting
Abby Redmon, MA, Addictions Counseling
Karson Reeder, BS, General Studies
Rusty Reynolds, BS, General Studies
Terin Ritz, BS, Psychology
Casey Robertson, BS, Nursing
Claire Sabby, MS, Behavior Analysis, With Honors
Araceli Saeed, BS, Public Health
Jose Saldana, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
Allie Schein, BS, Fashion Marketing
Ashley Selby, BS, Chemistry-ACS Certificate
Ashley Selby, BS, Forensic Science-Chemistry
Lorrie Servati, MS, Psych-School Psychology
Stacey Shaffer, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Genevieve Simmons, MED, Bilingual Education/TESL, With Honors
Rachael Sipes, MED, Curr & Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Mary Smith, MS, Speech-Language Pathology, With Honors
Jordan Smith, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
ReQuecia Stephens, MED, School Counseling
Nicholas Steward, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Rachel Stokesberry, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Magna Cum Laude
Brianna Story, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA
Mary Strait, BBA, Management
Jake Strother, BA, Crim Just-Police
Caleb Swearinge, BS, Electrical Engineering
Chloe Sweet, BFA, Design-Interior Design, Cum Laude
Austin Sweet, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-Op&Sup Chain Mg
chology, Cum Laude
Tyler Trulock, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Kiara Turner, MBA, Business Administration
Dilish Upadhyay, MS, Computer Science
Patrick Vahabzade, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Armando Valencia, MS, Business Analytics
Austin Van Meir, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude
Nikhitha Vennamall, MS, Nutrition & Food Science
Olivia Vigil, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Victoria Walter, MS, Nursing
Dawson Walters, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
Winston Wambeke, BS, Computer Science, Summa Cum Laude
Trinity Watley, BS, Community/ Public Health
Allison White, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Katherine White, BS, General Studies
Daniel White, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences, Cum Laude
Jeremy Wiedenma, MA, Addictions Counseling
Autymn WILLIAMS, AAS, Contemporary Music Performance
Sheritha WILLIAMS, MBA, Business Administration
Kennedy WILLIAMS, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business, Cum Laude
Megan Wilson, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Benjamin Wintersch, BS, Forensic Science, Summa Cum Laude
Benjamin Wintersch, BA, History-History, Summa Cum Laude
Chloe Winton, BS, Nursing
Allyson Wise, BS, Psychology, Cum Laude
Sophie Wong, BBA, Finance
Jacob Wooley, BBA, Mrktg-Professional Selling, Cum Laude
Lisa Woolsey, MS, Fam&Child Stud-MarriageFamTher
Torie York, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
ELK CITY
Autumn Inman, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Brieana JONES, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
EL RENO
Leslie De Haro, BFA, Design-Interior Design
Piper Graves, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Cum Laude
Mariah VanZant, BS, Forensic Science
Mariah VanZant, BA, Mass Comm-Professional Media
ENID
Lesha Albrecht, BS, General Studies
Charles Cunningha, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Charles Cunningha, BS, Forensic Science
Ashley Handing, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Sandra Hernandez, BS, Psychology
Judith Hughes, MA, History
Marlo Hughes, BS, Nursing Madison Jacobs, BA, Art History
Benjamin Maldonad, BS, Nursing Kurt Marin, BBA, Info Sys & Op Mgmt-MIS
Maddux Mayberry, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Lin Pethoud, BAT, Audio Production
Lin Pethoud, AAS, Contemporary Music Production
Marisa Saucedo, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude
Taylor Schlecht, BS, General Studies
Anne-Lise Schloss, BBA, Finance
Emma Stewart, MA, History, With Honors
Cum Laude
Ella Strader, BS, Psychology, Cum Laude
Journey Zuniga, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
FORT GIBSON
Sam Carter, MA, Counseling Psychology, With Honors
FORT SIL
Michael Tolbert, BBA, Management
GARBER
Allison Maxwell, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Kathryn Plunkett, BBA, Marketing, Summa Cum Laude
GLENPOOL
Grace Barnes, BA, History-Museum Studies
GUTHRIE
Linsey Alexander, MS, Fam&Child Stud-MarriageFamTher, With Honors
Pamela Bowman, MS, Forensic Science
Jordan Connelly, BS, Public Health
Amanda Coultes, MED, Library Media Education, With Honors Sable Crawford, MED, Library Media Education
Amanda Greenfield, MS, Fam&Child Stud-Infant/Child Sp
Madison Greenfield-Mills, BS, HDFS-Child Development, Magna Cum Laude
Felicia McGee, BS, General Studies
Alexis McKernan, MA, History
Alexis McKernan, MA, Museum Studies
Anaiah Pfeiffer, BA, History-History
Easton Plagg, MS, Business Analytics
Jacob Staudt, MM, Music-Music Education, With Honors
Taryn Weber, MED, Secondary Education, With Honors
GUYMON
Sarai Medina, BS, Psychology
HAMMON
Tammy Dugger, MED, Secondary Education
HARRAH
Ricky Bliek, BS, General Studies
Avery Boston, BBA, Management Hunter Buley, BS, Occupational Safety
Dylan Carpenter, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Charlotte Holland, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude
Delila Palmer, BS, Ecology & Conservation Biology
Destiny Schmidt, BA, English-Creative Writing
Isaac Shurow, BBA, Finance
Kassidy Sturgill, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Kaymon Thomas, BS, Organizational Leadership
Anna Wynn, BA, Sociology, Magna Cum Laude
HOBART
Janay Perry, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences
HOOKER
Nathanael Rodriguez, MA, Crime & Intelligence Analysis, With Honors HUGO
Alexandra Cummins, MS, Speech-Language Pathology, With Honors
IDABEL
Brooke Bachman, BS, Actuarial Science, Magna Cum Laude
Brooke Bachman, BS, Mathematics-Statistics, Magna Cum Laude
INOLA
Rhianna Coleman, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Rhianna Coleman, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio, Summa Cum Laude
Madison McGowan, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Princess Stewart, BA, Comm-Interpersonal Comm
JONES
Natasha Hyland, BS, Organizational Leadership
Asmaa Ibrahim, BBA, Finance, Magna Cum Laude
Kaelin Ison Cardw, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management
Lily Jackson, MS, Fam&Child Stud-Family Science, With Honors
Sarah Jacobs, BA, English-Creative
Thomas Nelson, BS, Mathematics-Applied Math, Summa Cum Laude
Mikaela Newkirk, BBA, Busn Admin-Legal Studies, Cum Laude
Mary Nichols, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Joshua Nutter, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Maia O’Bannon, MED, School
Alexandra Sweis, MA, Composition and Rhetoric, With Honors
Kayla Tate, BA, Sociology
John Teasley, BBA, Finance
Rebecca Terrell, BS, Fashion Marketing
London Toops, BS, Nursing
Joselin Trejo, BFA, Design-Interior Design, Summa Cum Laude
Elizabeth Trojanowski, BS, Psy-
Lexi Thomas, BS, Fashion Marketing, Summa Cum Laude
Alyssa Wall, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Betty Wendt, MED, Curr & Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
FAIRVIEW
Laci Duffy, BS, Funeral Service
Ella Strader, BS, Forensic Science,
Micah Adkins, BMED, Music Education-Music Educ, Summa Cum Laude
Patricia Calhoun, MED, Educational Leadership, With Honors
Claire Cranford, BS, General Studies
Grace Holesapple, BS, Forensic Science
UCO Spring/Summer ‘25 Graduation List
Oklahoma Hometowns
Grace Holesapple, BS, Funeral Service
Julia JONES, BSED, Early Childhood Education
Abigail Kremer, BS, Psychology, Cum Laude
Neely McGee, BS, Forensic Science
Neely McGee, BS, Funeral Service
KINGFISHER
Colton Kostka, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Antonio Rodriguez, BS, Occupational Safety
Melody Wilfong, BS, Organizational Leadership
Ashley Winans, BSED, Elementary Education
LAVERNE
Ethan Sparks, BFA, Theatre Arts-Performance
LAWTON
Kamilla Ali, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Hailey Carter, MS, Forensic Science, With Honors
Miracle Chatman, MS, Fam&Child Stud-MarriageFamTher
Brooke Gatlin, BBA, Management
Ashley Romero, MED, Library Media Education, With Honors
Angelina Whittingto, BS, General Studies
LEXINGTON
Emma Meave, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
LINDSAY
Emily Smith, BSED, Early Childhood Education
LONE GROVE
Rebecca Eaves, BS, General Studies, Summa Cum Laude
LUTHER
Sarah Bolner, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Paulina Vazquez, BAT, Commercial Music
Paulina Vazquez, AAS, Contemporary Music Business
Alyssa Wren, BSED, Spec EdMild/Mod Disabilities
MANNFORD
Delaney Curtis, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
MARIETTA
Abby WILLIAMS, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
MARLOW
Noah Davis, BS, Occupational Safety
Devyn Dennison, BS, Nursing
Abby Kelly, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Abby Kelly, BS, Forensic Science
Aubri Pearson, BA, Philosophy Matthew Tipton, BS, Electrical Engineering
MCALESTER
Keeleigh Johnson, BFA, Design-Interior Design, Magna Cum Laude
Erin Kelley, BS, Fashion Marketing Mason Price, BS, Mechanical Engineering
Breia Roe, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Cum Laude
Breia Roe, BS, Forensic Science, Cum Laude
MCLOUD
Peyton Meiler, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Justin Thomas, BS, Occupational Safety
MIDWEST CITY
Whitney Andrews, BA, Sociology-Human Services
Brandy Ball, MA, Museum Studies,
Emily Blount, MED, Spec EdMild/Mod Disabilities, Tammy Bradbury, BA, Socio-Substance Abuse Studies, Mckinzy Davis, BS, General Studies, Rebecca Ecoff, MED, Library Media Education, Rachael Ford, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business, Brianna Jennings, MED, Secondary Education, With Honors Adrea Johns, MED, School Counseling, Ragan Kelley, BBA, Mngt-Human Resource Management, Constance Kettler, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Cum Laude
Jaymie Kubier, MED, Library Media Education, Cum Laude
Jatalia Lopez-Tho, BSED, Elementary Education, Tessa Martin, MED, Educational Leadership, Sara Mobley, MED, School Counseling,
Chance Nichols, BS, Accounting, Latheia O’Dell, BBA, Management, Cassie Rapson, BSED, Elementary Education, Michaela Ray, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Magna Cum Laude
Michaela Ray, BS, Forensic Science, Magna Cum Laude
Susan Sheldon, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Natalie Sims, BS, Chemistry-ACS Certificate, Morgan Toney, BS, Kinesiology-Outdoor & Comm Rec, Cum Laude
Tracy Watson, BS, General Studies,
Hannah Weiss, BFA, Design-Graphic Design, Cum Laude
Jake Williams, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
MINCO
Mika Allen, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Cum Laude
MOORE
Chelsea Blackmon, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA
Lane Bradshaw, BBA, Economics
Alexis Cooper, BA, Philosophy Wendell Davis, MA, Literature
Marcus Brian Evans, BBA, Finance, Cum Laude
Erin Francis, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Bailey Freeman, BS, Speech-Language Pathology
Addison GARRETT, BS, Speech-Language Pathology, Summa Cum Laude
Hannah Grissom, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Edna Kelly, MED, School Counseling
Misty Kroupa, MED, School Counseling
Alyssa Mackerelle, BSED, Elementary Education
Savanna Macom, BS, HDFS-Child Development, Cum Laude
Trisha Marx, BS, Nursing
Jasie McKenzie, BS, General Studies
Daniel Merritt, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Kylie Moak, MA, Addictions Counseling
Caitlin Moore, BS, General Studies
Marlay Morris, BA, Political Science
JonDavid Peak, BA, Mass Comm-Professional Media, Magna Cum Laude
Adria Ramirez, BBA, Marketing
Isabelle Reed, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Isabelle Reed, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio
Whitney Rollins, BS, Accounting
Skye Rustad, BS, Psychology
Alisha Sampson, EDS, EdS-School Psychology
Jacovin Shields, BS, Psychology
Savannah Shinall, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Savannah Shinall, BS, Forensic Science
Olivia Shults, BS, Nursing
Lauren Smith, BS, Computer Science
Andrew Spellman, BBA, Management
Tara Stinnett, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Mattison Thetford, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Summa Cum Laude
Asa Weaver, BA, Crim Just-Police
Camryn Williams, BA, Strategic Communications, Cum Laude
MORRIS
Karlee Kinsey, BBA, Marketing
Isaiah Lowe, BBA, Management
MULDROW
Sydney GARRETT, MS, Speech-Language Pathology
gy-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Jordan Creed, BA, Applied Liberal Arts
Lacey Duke, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Lacey Duke, BS, Forensic Science
Ryan Hammons, BA, Mass Comm-Professional Media
Kirsten Holdaway-Lopez, MED, AHE-Talent Development, With Honors
Lisa Pham, BS, Nursing MUSTANG
Jordan Anderson, BBA, Management
Tobin Bell, BBA, Mrktg-Professional Selling
Kylie Buckles, MED, Educational Leadership
Megan Clark, BS, Nursing
Caitlyn Connell, BS, HDFS-Marriage & Family, Magna Cum Laude
Elijah Couch, BS, Nursing
Timothy Daniels, BS, Nursing
Lauren Durham, BS, Nursing
Jasmine Eubanks, BAED, Art Education
Rylee Freshour, BS, Nursing
Kennedy Hines, BBA, Management
Isabella Hutto, BSED, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude
Jessica Lanig, MED, Secondary Education, With Honors
Britani Schwartz, MED, Sch Coun-School&Prof Counselin
Jada Snyder, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice, Summa Cum Laude
Jada Snyder, BS, Forensic Science, Summa Cum Laude
Jon Torres, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt, Summa Cum Laude
Derek Tunstall, MBA, Business Administration
Blake WILLIAMS, MBA, Business Administration
NEWALLA
Amber Bauer, C, Cert Teaching/ Learning PreK-6, With Honors
Amber Bauer, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Francesca Stacy, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Marlea Stafford, MA, StrComm-Leadership in Comm
Zain Whitlock, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
NEWCASTLE
Marcedes Bigham, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6
Kari Dyer, C, Cert in LicenseSchoolCounsel
Brenda Hernandez, BSED, Early Childhood Education
Hadley Hudgens, BS, Nursing
NICOMA PARK
Stormi Yell, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt, Summa Cum Laude
NINNEKAH
Kyrah Raasch, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude
NOBLE
Leamber Black, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Leamber Black, BS, Forensic Science
Elizabeth Miles, BA, Crim Just-General Crim Justice
Elizabeth Miles, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig NORMAN
Hannah Ash, MA, History, With Honors
Jackson Blaylock, BAT, Commercial Music
Jackson Blaylock, AAS, Contemporary Music Business
Bradyn Brown, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Cali Campbell, BS, General Studies
Yumna Cheema, MPH, Community Engagement
Madelynn Colby, BS, General Studies
Robert Embrey, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Evan Helsloot, BS, Computer Science-Info Science
Gabriel Higdon, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
Rachel Howard, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Madelyn Kemmet, BM, Musical
Theatre
Isis Kirk, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Science
Alexandria Larkins, BA, Psychology
Shae Mason, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig
Shae Mason, BS, Funeral Service
Emmy Matthews, BS, Fashion Marketing
Sarah Munsell, BM, Musical Theatre
Andrea Murphy, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Felicity Nelson, BBA, Marketing, Magna Cum Laude
Paige Newman, BSED, Elementary Education, Cum Laude
Brandon Nofire, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Erica Nofire, MBA, Bus Admin-Professional MBA, With Honors
Alannah Park-Pruitt, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Garrison Perrett, BS, General Studies
Cassandra Purcell, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Cassandra Purcell, BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Bio
Martin Rand, BS, Psychology
Hannah Robbins, MED, School Counseling, With Honors
Janelly Satterthwaite, MED, Curr&Instr-Teach & Learn PK-6, With Honors
Cassidy Scarbroug, BAED, History Education
Charlotte Shinn, BBA, InfoSys&OpMgmt-MIS
Alexa Stinson, BAT, Commercial Music
Alexa Stinson, AAS, Contemporary Music Business
Cathy Vu, MAT, Athletic Training
Basil Walker, BSED, Elementary Education, Cum Laude
Jack Waters, BAT, Commercial Music, Cum Laude
Jack Waters, AAS, Contemporary Music Production, Cum Laude
Weston Weber, BA, Strategic Communications
Alyssa Wiley, BS, Forensic Sci-Forensic Investig
OKEMAH
Morgan Hart, MS, Speech-Language Pathology, With Honors
Sarah Stovall, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences
Sarah Stovall, BS, Forensic Science-Chemistry
OKC
Jude Abueisheh, BS, Public Health, Cum Laude
Nkosiyabo Adebowal, MED, Secondary Education
Diana Aguinaga, BA, WomenGenderSex Studies
Dareen Alrashdan, BS, Psychology
Zynab Alshebli, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Ty’Tiauna Alsup, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Dante Angeles, BBA, Finance
Ivy Archer, BA, WomenGenderSex Studies
Jemima Armenta, BBA, Finance
Melanie Armstrong, MPA, Public & Nonprofit Management
Dasia Arnett, BS, Nursing
Eva Arroyo, BS, Biology
Ty Astle, BS, Funeral Service
Zahira Atilano, BS, Nursing
Terry Austin, BS, Organizational
Leadership
Isabel Baker, BA, Strategic Communications, Cum Laude
Ryan Barr, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen
Business
Sumaya Benhmida, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Sulman Bhatti, MS, Engr Physics-Mechanical Engr
Devaron Black, MA, Addictions Counseling
Miranda Blakley, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/Fitness Mngt
Blake Blessingto, C, Cert in License School Counsel
Alex Bonicelli, MA, Counseling Psychology
Holly Borden, BA, Strategic Communications
David Bower, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Quinton Bowman, BBA, Economics
Loren Breen, BAED, History Education
Te’Erra Briscoe, BS, Psychology QuaNetta Broom, C, Cert in License School Counsel
Michelle Buda, C, Cert in License School Counsel, With Honors
Steven Bui, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Jaquelin Cabrera, BSED, Early Childhood Education
Peter Cao, BBA, Info Sys & Op Mgmt-MIS
Daisy Casillas, MED, School Counseling
Jessica Chamberlain, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude
Neric Chavez, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences
Colin Cislo, BS, Kinesiology-Ex/ Fitness Mngt
Brittney Cole, MED, School Counseling
Amaya Coleman, BS, Psychology
Corinna Conant, MED, School Counseling
CAROLINE COX, BA, Psychology
Jenna COX, BFA, Art-Studio Art
Carly Cranford, MAT, Athletic Training
Quentin Crook, BBA, Management
Daniel Crow, BAED, History Education
Shana Curtis, BS, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude
Mary Darvin, MS, Psych-Experimental Psychology
Katie De Leon, BBA, Busn Admin-Gen Business
Denis De Leon, BS, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
Melissa DeLeon, BS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude
Zoe DeVecchio, BS, Nursing
Emily Dixon, BS, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude
Kathryn Donelson, MA, History, With Honors
William Donohoo, BA, Photographic Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Tracy Duong, BS, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
Rochelle Ellis, BS, Forensic Science
Rochelle Ellis, BS, Psychology
Daniel Elizondo, BS, CTWDTrade and Industrial, Summa Cum Laude
Kaylyn Esau, BS, General Studies
Julissa Escobar, BS, Accounting
Krystina Estrada, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences
Jessica Estrada Ag, BA, Sociology-Human Services
Chloe Faudree, BS, Nursing Pandora Figueroa, BS, Psychology
MUSKOGEE
Constance Kettler, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences, Cum Laude
Saveion Adams, BS, Kinesiolo-
Alexandria Larkins, BS, Forensic
Bronchos capture MIAA Regular Season crown
Ian Nikkel Reporter
The UCO Bronchos softball team wrapped up their regular season Friday with a doubleheader sweep over Newman in Wichita, Kansas. With the victory and two Pittsburg State losses on Saturday, the Bronchos were the sole owner of the 2025 MIAA Regular Season Softball Championship, their sixth regular season title in their short history in the MIAA conference.
It was a tale of two games for the Bronchos as the first game, the Bronchos were only able to muster up one run off a Brooklyn Ryan triple and the sophomore stealing home in the third inning. Terin Ritz took care of business in the circle, striking out 10 Jets batters, tying a career best. The second game was a dominating affair with UCO scoring 17 runs in four innings and shutting out the Jets again in a five inning, 17-0 drubbing of the Newman Jets. Central finishes the regular season with a record of 43-8 and an MIAA record of 20-4. Good for the best record in the conference.
The MIAA Conference Tournament begins Wednesday April 30th in Hays, Kansas. The
Bronchos have the number one seed in the tournament and will play on Thursday at 11 a.m. against the winner of #8 Emporia State and #9 Fort Hays State. UCO won both doubleheaders against both Emporia and Fort Hays this season. Should Central win that game, their semifinal matchup would be against the winner of #4 Missouri Southern and #5 Central Missouri, Friday May 2 at noon. A win there will advance them to the MIAA Championship game, which would be May 3 at noon.
Thunder sweep Grizzlies, advance to Western Conference Semifinals
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their postseason dominance with a commanding 118–99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Paycom Center on Tuesday. The win gave the Thunder a 2–0 series lead as the teams headed to Memphis for Game 3.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, while Jalen Williams added 24 points. Chet Holmgren contributed a double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks. The trio’s performance was instrumental in Oklahoma City’s victory. Memphis struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Ja Morant combining for 49 points. Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies were unable to overcome the Thunder’s balanced attack and defensive intensity.
The Thunder’s defense was particularly stifling in the second half, limiting Memphis to just 22 points in the third quarter and holding them scoreless for the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City outscored the Grizzlies in every quarter, building a lead as large as 29 points In game three, the Thunder completed a historic comeback to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 114–108. Trailing by as many as 29 points in the second quarter, the Thunder outscored the Grizzlies 63–31 in the second half to take a commanding 3–0 series lead.
SGA led the Thunder with 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 26 points. Chet Holmgren was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 23 of his 24 points in
the second half, including five three-pointers. Alex Caruso’s defensive efforts were also pivotal, as he guarded seven different players, recorded four steals, and limited his direct matchups to 3-of-15 shooting.
The Grizzlies, who held a 77–51 lead at halftime, were led by Ja Morant with 15 points before exiting the game due to a hip injury. Without Morant, Memphis’s offense flatlined, scoring only 31 points in the second half and committing 13 turnovers. Scotty Pippen, Jr. came through with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the collapse.
Andrew Frazier Reporter
The Thunder’s victory marked the second-largest comeback in NBA playoff history, trailing only the Los Angeles Clippers’ 31-point rally against the Golden State Warriors in 2019. Oklahoma City now looks to complete the sweep in Game 4 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are moving on. With a 117-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, the Thunder completed a four-game sweep and became the first team to punch their ticket to the second round of the playoffs.
MVP-hopeful Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with a 38-point performance, including a clutch stepback jumper in the final seconds to hold off a late Memphis rally. Jalen Williams added 23 points, and Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe each contributed 11. The win marked Oklahoma
City’s eighth straight victory overall and its 13th consecutive win over Memphis dating back to 2022. After two dominant wins at home by a combined 51 points, the Thunder had to work a little harder for their wins in Memphis. The Grizzlies lost star guard Ja Morant early in Game 3 but still fought back from a 29-point deficit, nearly forcing overtime before falling short. In Game 4, Memphis tied the game at 115 in the final minute before Gilgeous-Alexander’s late jumper sealed the sweep. Oklahoma City struggled from three-point range, hitting just 7 of 35, but forced 22 turnovers and turned them into 32 points to make up the difference.
Throughout the series, Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams set the tone offensively. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA regular season scoring leader at 32.7 points per game, shook off a slow start and delivered when it mattered. Williams hit the 20-point mark in every game, firmly locking himself in as Oklahoma City’s second scoring threat. On the other end, Alex Caruso gave the Thunder exactly what they missed last postseason: nine steals over the last three games, constant pressure on the ball and the playoff-caliber floor general they lacked a year ago. The Thunder finished the regular season with the best record in the league at 68-14, and they showed why against Memphis by winning in both blowouts and tight battles down the stretch. With home-court advantage secured for the rest of the playoffs and at least a week of rest ahead, the Thunder now await the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers series, two veteran teams with deep postseason experience. The Clippers are led by former Thunder star James Harden and twotime Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging 26.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the first round, while Denver is led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, averaging 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 10.8 assists.
The road will only get tougher from here, but the Thunder have handled every challenge so far and are determined to make their first Finals appearance since 2012.
Oklahoma High School Baseball is ramping up for the post season
Dylan Hibbard-Scott Reporter
Oklahoma High School Baseball is winding down its season with many Edmond-area schools leading their districts and looking towards playoffs.
We start at the top as Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe are leading 6A-1 and 6A-2. Memorial is currently undefeated in district play and 26-5 overall. Some of their biggest wins include an 8-7 win over Fort Cobb-Broxton and a win over the 6A-4 district leading Bixby Spartans. As for Edmond Santa Fe they are currently 11-1 in
district and 24-7 overall. Santa Fe also had a onerun victory over Fort Cobb-Broxton. The Owasso Rams are first in 6A-3 and currently have a 6A best 30-2 record.
Now to 5A, as District 1 has a tie atop the standings as the Noble Bears and Carl Albert Titans sit both at 13-1 in district play. In a two-game set, they both won a game, but Noble’s win is the difference between the two with a four-run win. In 5A-3, Bishop Kelly is in first with a 13-1 record in district and 25-9 overall. Lastly in 5A-4, Pryor is leading the district with a 11-1 record and a 21-10 record overall.
Over in 4A, the Blanchard Lions are far and
away the best team with an undefeated record in district play and a 27-1 record overall with their one loss coming to Pensacola Catholic in the Aggie Tate Classic. Newcastle and Tuttle are teams also in the top of 4A looking to take down the Lions.
Regional tournaments start this coming week for most schools in Oklahoma with winners of regionals punching their ticket to the state tournament in two weeks and a chance for them to call themselves and their schools state champions.
UCO’s softball Macie Andrews (4) stands on second base in a game against the University of Nebraska Kearney. Friday, April 11, 2025 in Edmond. (TROY ISBELL/ THE VISTA)
Oklahoma City Thunder Center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (PROVIDED/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cannon Chugon Reporter
Revisit the past: Letter from Tim Chavez to Dennie Hall
Tim Chavez Former Editor for The Vista
Dear Mr. Hall and Vista Staff:
I was hoping to save the next paragraphs of thoughts for my last editorial as editor. However, the events of the past few days, and indeed, the summer and fall semester, have made these thoughts appropriate for now.
Two years ago, a columnist for Newsweek magazine lamented in a piece of his work that there were no more heroes left in the world, awe-producing figures like Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth or Sergeant York were missing from the modern scene. I disagreed with that columnist’s conclusion then, and after these last few days, I again hold his assumption to be false.
In my life, I have had three heroes. First there was my mother, a lady whose devotion for her children and husband was a lesson in self-sacrifice and humility. Next my father, whose cold outward manner, interwound with flashes of anger and laughter, instilled in me a discipline and love to labor. Finally, there was my parish priest, who I served as an acolyte for the 10 most moldable years of my life. He showed me the joy in serving man and the Church, sacrificing materially in order to prosper spiritually. His constant exhibition of humility convinced me that his vocation was possibly the only way I could fulfill my goals in life. “The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. “Today, I add a fourth figure ... Dennie Hall.
The struggle for truth and the free expression of it has been a martyr-filled battle ever since the beginning of civilization. Even in a country where such rights are guaranteed in writing, the freedom to exercise them is constantly under a threatening barrage of innuendo and strong- arm pressure tactics.
The majority of the power in this world and here at CSU, is in the hands of those who would manipulate and oppress the truth for their gain. Because of this, the cause of seeing that the truth
be preserved, along with the free right to express it, is not a pleasant task to undertake. For the most part, it has been the press which has embraced this noblest of causes, and many of the fourth estate have paid the price. “In the long, fierce struggle for freedom, the press, like the church, counted its martyrs by the thousands.”
James A. Garfield.
In the fight here at CSU, Mr. Hall has too had to pay a price for a cause he espouses with the
fervor of a charismatic. His paternal protection for these First Amendment rights is so strong, I think, for two reasons.
First, he wants such rights to be preserved in his lifetime, and second, he wishes to protect these rights for all of the young journalists after him. It is futile to thank you enough in words, Mr. Hall, for your efforts.
The pressures and heart aches that have been defecated on Mr. Hall because of this job are terribly unfortunate. To think that in the United States, there are men in the high offices who wish to defile and desecrate First Amendment rights, is abhorring. These men of dark characters are here on this university, usings the tactics of inaccuracy and pressure to discredit and frighten those who carry the cause of First
Amendment preservation.
These disciples of Nixonian philosophy have succeeded in only making Mr. Hall more adamant in his protection of these rights.
Your sacrifice for this cause is immensely appreciated Mr. Hall, the long hours of work under pressure. You could have abandoned the fight because of pressing matters at home along with a heavy teaching schedule. But you endured. You are a scholar, a gentlemen, a friend, a professor who teaches with actions, not words.
Your actions have inspired me. I, too, embrace this cause of protection of truth, the preservation of First Amendment rights. These privileges are not just for us on The Vista, but for our readers as well. The Vista must make the campus aware of this. In closing, the columnist needed not to look to the sky, or to the sports arena or the annals of military history. All he needed was to look around, to think of his loved ones or acquaintances who had impressed upon him ideals of goodness and sincerity. These figures are the heroes. I turned around and saw such a man this week.
Tim Chavez Editor, The Vista
Tim Chavez (1958-2009) worked for The Oklahoman as a business writer and TV columnist before becoming an opinion page editor for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, New York. He then became a reporter and political columnist for The Tennessean, syndicated by Gannett. He won three national awards from the Education Writers Association and the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
This description was provided by the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Dennie Hall Foundation ceremony revisited
The Vista Editors
Tim Chavez is a former editor to The Vista and wrote this letter to former advisor, Dennie Hall. The letter was read at the Impact of The Vista, an event benefiting the Dennie Hall Foundation, where former members of The Vista, Jim Epperson and Bob Ray made a matching $15,000 donation to The Vista.
Joe Hight (Left), Amy Hall, Dennie Hall’s daughter (Center Left), Jim Epperson (Center Right) and Bob Ray (Right) pose with a new plaque to be hung outside of The Vista and UCentral newsroom in honor of former advisor for The Vista, Dennie Hall. (PROVIDED/TERRY CLARK)
Editorial: Reflections on Dennie Hall
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
They say to never meet you heroes, but what about your heroes, heroes?
I never had the personal pleasure of meeting Dennie Hall, but after hearing testimonies from mentors and professors of mine about his character, I can confidently say Dennie Hall’s legacy is The Vista’s legacy.
It is because of Hall that the University of Central Oklahoma has such a strong, intensive newsroom that seeks to serve the community as the frontline defenders of democracy.
Hearing the stories of Hall inspired me to reflect on my own heroes. Men like Joe Hight and Mark Hanebutt who have pushed me to be the best possible journalist I can be.
Without their support and wisdom, I would not have been able to succeed in the field of journalism, and it is clear that without Hall’s support and wisdom, they would not be the professors they are today.
Dennie Hall’s legacy and story is something each and every one of us can learn from, and his impact on The Vista should not be forgotten.
He forged the paper into what it is today with grit, determination and a pondering mind that sought to explore every option before calling it quits.
All qualities a journalist should possess.
Advice I was given recently in regards to reporting on a story is to never let the adversity of it get in your way. In a loose paraphrase of what
I was told, if you have data and attempt to talk to 20 sources, don’t give up just because they won’t
speak to you. You never know if 21 will be more than happy to discuss the matter.
If the facts and information are there, follow it, to no end.
That is the type of resiliency that should be instilled in every journalist.
That is the type of resiliency that was instilled in Mark Hanebutt and Joe Hight.
That is the type of resiliency that Dennie Hall displayed during his tenure as the advisor of The Vista.
To future journalists both at The Vista and UCentral, understand this message. The message of Dennie Hall.
You owe a service to your community first and foremost. While all of the journalists who come to the institutions of The Vista and UCentral are students, they still should recognize their role as journalists and treat that role with the utmost respect.
That is the legacy that Dennie Hall leaves behind. A legacy of truth and dedication to the field of journalism. And most importantly a legacy of dedication to The Vista.
Dennie Hall, former advisor to The Vista. (PROVIDED/OKLAHOMA JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME)
Tim Chavez. (PROVIDED/OKLAHOMA JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME)
Opinion: Second-half of “Yellowjackets” falls off
Mariah Vanzant Contributing Writer
“Yellowjackets” is a horror television series that follows a high school soccer team on their way to nationals. The plane ends up crashing and they have no idea where they are and are forced to survive on their own. This results in the team eating each other, one by one. It has a timeline during the crash and while the girls are in high school and another timeline with the ones that have survived as adults.
While the first half of “Yellowjackets” seemed promising, it quickly went off the rails during the second half. The characters are getting progressively worse and unlikable. The audience is not going to feel any more sympathy for these characters.
Shauna played by Sophie Nélisse (“The Book Thief”) and Melanie Lynskey (“Sweet Home Alabama”) has become one the worst television show characters to ever exist. She’s on the list with Dawson Leery from “Dawson’s Creek”, Ginny from “Ginny and Georgia” and Dan Scott from “One Tree Hill”. In fact, most of the characters in “Yellowjackets” would make it on this list.
“Yellowjackets” also keeps killing off all of the adult characters. They are down to only three characters that had survived the wilderness, four if you include Melissa, who was thought to have been dead.
Season four will probably introduce a new adult character that had survived the wilderness that nobody knew about since they’ve done that every season. Season one introduced the main
survivors. Season two brought back Lottie and Van. Season three brought back Melissa. Somebody else will probably end up being alive. They still didn’t answer what happened to Crystal. Misty causes Crystal to fall off a cliff and she is thought to be dead. Later, Misty goes back and Crystal’s body is gone. All of this happened in season two and there still was not a resolution to this plotline in season three.
The fact that they all had the opportunity to go home and they all sabotaged it just because Shauna said they are staying is one of the worst plot lines in television. If Shauna wants to stay, let her stay. Everyone else can go home. But instead, everyone just said “well, okay then. I guess we’re staying.”
If there is a season four, they have some serious work to do to make up for season three.
Opinion: “Andor” is the most interesting show in “Star Wars”
Britton Summers Columnist
Two. Long. Years. That’s how long it took for this season of “Andor” to grace us with its presence. The first season was a pleasant surprise, giving a grounded, gritty tale in the Star Wars universe (as much as that can be allowed, given Star Wars’ fantastical nature) about what it means to start a revolution and what parts of yourself you must sacrifice to allow a revolution to thrive. There aren’t any good guys in this story. Only bad ones and worse ones.
“Andor” is easily one of the most interesting things to come out of the Star Wars canon in recent years and it’s surprising that Disney allowed this to be made, considering its darker themes, mature storytelling and slow pacing. That’s not to say that “Andor” is a diamond in the rough. There have been several good Star Wars related shows such as “The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Rebels,” but “Andor” is a different beast entirely.
What makes “Andor” such a miracle is the fact it took a character from a solid movie (honestly,
it would have been just fine if they had the last battle as a short(ish) movie) and made a compelling show about revolutions and the strange characters who put them together. There’s no Jedi, no Sith, no Force. This is just a group of people, operating against a powerful system that stifles dissent at every turn. Sure, there are still starships and ray gun fights, but this is a relatively grounded story and “Andor” admirably pulls it off.
So far, we are early into the season, so the episodes that have come out have been slow paced build ups to the real action, but “Andor” keeps the tension rolling. Despite the meticulous plotting, the show more than makes up for it with its attention to detail and its well-crafted action sequences. There are even some well-placed moments of humor in here too, which makes sure to let everyone know that this won’t be completely bleak.
Yet what makes “Andor” unique among the other Star Wars shows and movies is its monotony. From our scrappy heroes to the members of the Empire, “Andor” shows that starting a revolution is hard work. You must get squabbling
groups to put their differences aside to face the true enemy, but we also see this with the Empire. There’s no cackling madmen ranting about unlimited power, most of them are bureaucratic office workers, working in a system that’s rotten to the core and allows monstrousness to thrive. It makes the Empire even more terrifying, as this type of banal evil is all too common in our world and grounds the Empire in this one.
This also brings us to the most controversial scene of this season so far, the attempted sexual assault of Bix (Adria Arjona). Some Star Wars fans have bristled at this, saying that this doesn’t have a place in the Star Wars universe. But this is a darker, grittier show and the bad guys are going to do bad things. Also, it’s a fascist government run by power-crazed nutjobs. What do you expect them to do when they have power over people who can’t do anything back to them? It is unfortunate that Tony Gilroy will be leaving Star Wars after putting “Andor” out to the world. We need more stories like “Andor” in the world of Star Wars, perhaps we’d find our way out of the drought we’re in now.
Norman Music Festival gives life to south Oklahoma
The Norman Music Festival was held on April 26, featuring multiple bands and live performances from across Oklahoma.
Photo:
Callie Turley Reporter
Lindsey Cox tunes her guitar in between songs during art punk band Stepmom’s set at Norman Music Festival on Saturday, April 26, in Norman, Oklahoma.
Morgan Smith performs on stage with art punk band Stepmom at Norman Music Festival on Saturday, April 26, in Norman, Oklahoma. Smith is one of the performance artists that plays creature characters like “TV Head” and “Lampshade Lady” during Stepmom’s live shows.
Onlookers watch Mad Honey’s set from the roof of a building at the Norman Music Festival on Saturday, April 26, in Norman, Oklahoma.
Americana Folk artist Ken Pomeroy sings and plays guitar during her set at Norman Music Festival on Friday, April 25, in Norman, Oklahoma. Pomeroy played unreleased songs such as “Rodeo Clown” off her upcoming album “Cruel Joke.”