UCO's The Vista, August 27, 2024

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Volume 122, Issue 1

VISTA The

Football Season page 5

Tuesday, Feb.

“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”

Volume 119, Issue 19

New UCOSA leadership talks plans for the academic year Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief

Cooper Autry and Reda Errahmouni took over as the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) President and Vice President respectively for the 2024-2025 academic year, and with their positions, both students plan to encourage student involvement, enhance experiences at athletic events and continue to foster a positive working relationship with UCO President Todd Lamb.

On April 22, the 20232024 academic year UCOSA senators held a vote of confidence for Lamb in an executive session. The vote Students walk towards Old North on Aug. 19. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA) ultimately failed. to those students and reach- expressed interest in proment.

When discussing how ing them kind of where moting student involvement Having faced questions the UCOSA executive team they’re at.” on campus and through around diversity, equity and planned to work with Lamb “He’s our president and athletic events. inclusion on the campaign this semester, Autry said, “I we need to support him and Autry noted having met trail, Autry said, “We are was on UCOSA exec last respect him,” said Errahwith UCO Vice President fortunate that we were able year as vice chair of conmouni. of Athletics Stan Wagnon to to retain our organizations.” gress and I’ve always had a Errahmouni said both he, discuss student engagement While the university very strong, good relationAutry and Lamb share the at athletic events. retained many student ship with President Lamb.” same goal of spreading the Autry said he and Wagorganizations, a reorganizaAutry said Lamb is a Broncho spirit. non had begun working tion of many initiatives still man of the people, noting Autry and Errahmouni on multiple initiatives that occurred. how he gets in the comhave both been involved in could be used to increase The organizations include munity and connects with multiple organizations on student engagement at Black Male Summit, Black students. campus, including UCO’s UCO sporting events.

Girl Magic and UCO Suc“The biggest thing that President Leadership CounAutry also said UCOcess Initiatives. All of which we’re doing is trying to incil and the Pike fraternity.

SA will be filling a cabinet are being reorganized under crease student engagement,” When describing the position called director of the Division of Enrollment said Autry. “It’s about really pair’s goals for UCOSA and athletic affairs, in an effort and Student Success. being able to communicate UCO going forward, both to increase athletic engageAlong with the reorga-

nization of these initiatives, two staff positions have been eliminated.

“The biggest thing I’m trying to do is trying to understand what that specific restructuring looks like so that we can communicate that to students,” said Autry.

Errahmouni said that he and Autry are here to serve the UCO students and community, and to ensure that campus engagement continues to grow throughout the academic year.

UCO Theatre Arts schedule includes Shakespeare and Horse Girls for 24-25 season Callie Turley Reporter

The Department of Theatre Arts and the Musical Theatre Program of UCO are set to premiere many upcoming productions for the 2024-2025 school year according to the Director of University Productions Latricia Taylor.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” is one of the first Musical Theatre productions of the school year. The musical is a Tony Award winning dark comedy. It follows Monty Navarro who discovers he is ninth in line to a family fortune and slowly eliminates those in the way of his fortune, said Taylor. The musical is set to premiere at Mitchell Hall Theatre on Sept. 26 and run through Sept. 28.

“The Moors” is a faculty show directed by Adjunct Kelsey Fisher-Waits of the Theatre Department. It is a moody semi-gothic tale that is both a period play and contemporary, said Fisher-Waits. “It’s a story about six people coming together in one place trying to figure out kind of how they navigate their lives, what’s important to them, and what they’re willing to risk to get everything that they want,” said Fisher-Waits during a phone interview. “The Moors” is set to premiere Oct. 10 through Oct. 13 in the Mitchell Hall Studio

Space with free admission and limited seats.

The Theatre Arts Department will present “Machinal” an expressionist drama by Sophie Treadwell. It is inspired by the true story of the convicted murderer Ruth Snyder who was the first woman to die by the electric chair. “Machinal” explores oppressive forces of society and the way machines internally and externally work against us, said Taylor. It is set to be at Mitchell Hall Theatre from Oct. 31 to Mitchell Hall will host an array of productions throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. (VICTOR LONov. 1.

“A Midsummer Night’s PEZ/THE VISTA) ton. It follows three female Dream” will premiere in the has a very dark sense of hu- Hall Studio Space in the mor, said Fisher-Waits.

The Spring. office workers who turn the spring at Mitchell Hall Thegirls find out that the horses “9 to 5” is one of the tables on their sexist boss atre. It is presented by the in their club are going to be Musical Theatre Program’s and it highlights friendship Theatre Arts Department. sold and it’s the fallout of spring productions. It is and standing up for what’s “A Midsummer Night’s them finding out that news, based on the 1980 film with right, said Taylor. This will Dream” was originally said Fisher-Waits. “Horse the same name with music be shown at Mitchell Hall written by William ShakeGirls” will play at Mitchell and lyrics by Dolly ParTheatre in April of 2025. speare. It is set in an enchanted forest and is a tale of love and magic. “We’re taking kind of a modern day adaptation for the piece, so you won’t want to miss it,” said Taylor. It is set to run in February of 2025.

“Horse Girls” is presented by the Department of Theatre Arts. It is the second faculty show that Kelsey Fisher-Waits is directing for the 2024-2025 season. It follows 12 and 13-year-old girls who have a club for horses. It seems like a “The Baby-Sitters Club” kind of show, but it A sign at Mitchell Hall welcomes students back for the 2024-2025 academic year. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

2

The Vista

GAMES/COLUMN

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Welcome back Bronchos: this is what you missed Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief

Welcome back Bronchos.

After 17 weeks, The Vista has returned to print form, and in that time several things have changed at the University of Central Oklahoma.

DEI emails

To start, an email was sent from the office of the president to UCO faculty and staff on May 16, detailing the reorganization of the university’s official diversity, equity and inclusion policy. In the email, UCO announced that the Office of Inclusive Community and the UCO Committee on Diversity must be eliminated.

Following the elimination of the office and committee, multiple organizations were reorganized as a result of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order 2023-31.

The organizations include Black Male Summit, Black Girl Magic and UCO Success Initiatives. All of which are being reorganized under the Division of Enrollment and Student Success.

Along with the reorganization of these initiatives, two staff positions have been eliminated.

Students received a similar email on July 18.

Week of 8/26/24 Ͳ 9/1/24

Old North, photographed on Aug. 20, 2024. (VICTOR LOPEZ/VISTA)

Exclusive agreement with OKC Police Department

UCO signed an exclusive agreement with the Oklahoma City Police Department which allows individuals who successfully complete the OKCPD Academy to receive 15 prior academic credit hours.

UCO and the OKCPD signed a memorandum of understanding on July 31.

UCO honored Faculty and Staff during fall convocation UCO recognized multiple faculty and staff across the university during the fall convocation on Aug. 13.

This ceremony kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year, and featured President Todd Lamb and Provost Charlotte Simmons.

The Vista will continue to cover the UCO campus as it enters the 2024-2025 academic year, and always wants to hear from our community. If you’d like to reach The Vista or any of its members, you may find the editor’s contact information below.

Editor-In-Chief Jake Ramsey - jramsey14@uco.edu

The Weekly Crossword

by Margie E. Burke

13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ACROSS 1 Pet lovers' org. 14 16 15 5 Photographer's 19 18 17 request 10 Whole lot 21 20 14 Grad student's 24 23 22 grilling 15 Moulin Rouge 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 city 16 Fed. watchdog 33 36 35 34 17 Setting for the 40 39 38 37 2005 film, "Waiting" 44 43 42 41 19 Costner flick 48 47 46 45 "___ Range" 20 Hay fever 52 51 50 49 medicine 59 58 57 56 55 21 Finger-wagger's 53 54 word 61 60 22 Parks on a bus 64 63 23 Home follower 62 25 Prickly bush 67 66 65 28 Hercules type 30 Boring routine Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate 33 Golf spots 50 Comic's 32 Quick to get 35 Battlefield worry DOWN specialty ticked 1 Put out 37 Comics canine 34 State under oath 52 Yield 2 Type of school 38 Dry, in a way 53 Plumbing 36 Turbulent 3 Carry's partner 40 Skiing mecca problem situation 4 Superheroes 41 Cockpit reading 54 Crackerjack often have them 39 Bring back, say 43 Folded food 56 Caesar's 44 42 Stiffly formal 5 Cowboy gear 45 1950 film noir 57 Skinny 44 Urban area, for 6 Grammyclassic 58 Strain, as flour short winning Carey 46 Greyhound, e.g.

59 Toward sunrise 47 Stack again 7 Persia, today 48 Melancholy 61 HTML go-with 8 Football official verse 9 Not an exact fig.

49 Bake in a 10 Hullabaloo shallow dish Answers to Previous Crossword: 11 Casual canvas 51 N.Y. summer O R C A O P E N S L I S P shoe times P E A L P I X I E I D E A 12 "Pardon me" 53 Bit of info A L S O G L I S T E N I N G 13 Glazier's sheet 55 Know-how T E M P L A T E H E N S O N 18 Love to pieces 60 Knock about E R S T T R E A T E D 21 E-mail command 61 Shasta's home E A R B A R I T O N E 24 Dance that 62 Passionate D U O S H U T S S W E L L "takes two" about O T T O P A R T S C A S E 25 Vast 63 Subway V R O O M A R R O W A N T 26 10:1, e.g. entrance C O M B I N E D R E I 27 Type of 64 Takes out T A L I B A N M A T T commerce 65 Use a spyglass P A N A M A R E A S S E R T C O O P E R A T E S 29 Fail to say O A T H 66 Cut, as ties T E N T T O T E R T R E E 31 Clear a cribbage 67 Big name in E D D Y S T O N Y E N D S board applesauce

Week of 8/26/24 - 9/1/24

Jake Ramsey is a senior majoring in Professional Media. (HEATHER WARLICK/OKLAHOMA WATCH)

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Medium

9 4

Edited by Margie E. Burke

2

8

5 3 7 2 9 1 6 5 1 4 6 8 3 4 6 1 8 6 7 2 Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

3 2 5 9 6 8 4 7 1 1 8 7 4 5 2 6 3 9 6 9 4 7 1 3 8 5 2 7 3 1 6 2 9 5 8 4 9 4 8 5 3 7 1 2 6 2 5 6 8 4 1 7 9 3 8 1 2 3 7 4 9 6 5 4 6 9 2 8 5 3 1 7 5 7 3 1 9 6 2 4 8

The Vista

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

3

Clubs you may have missed at UCO’s Involvement Fair Peyton Cleek

Managing Editor

UCO held its involvement fair, on Wednesday August 21.

The involvement fair included several booths with information of different clubs and organizations at UCO. The involvement fair was a part of Stampede Week, UCO’s event week during the start of the school year. Incoming students were able to learn different ways to get involved, as well as returning students could spark an interest for a new activity.

The Chess and Games Club at UCO plays a variety of analog games. James Ray, president of the club, said, “For the TTPRGs (table-top role-playing games), we mostly just foster a community of people that like to play these sorts of games, so that they can get together on their own to play these games at non-club events that they have, and hold themselves.” They are also in the works of trying to set up a trivia night.

The UCO Student Programming Board is a student-led organization that holds free events for students multiple times a week. Brooke Jones, Director of Operations, and Sara Samea, Programming Director, talked about their organization, “We just like to put on different craft events or bigger events like goat yoga’s one of our stand events we do.” They also have an iHeart Central Week in the spring where they

UCO’s Leadership Academy tables at the Involvement Fair. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)

have multiple events all day.

The Medieval Society at UCO is a club that’s been around since 1993. Reid Weber, chair of the Department of Humanities and Philosophy, revealed more, “This club is about what we call experimental archeology. So, the idea is rather than just seeing something in a museum, or looking at it in a book, we research it, and then we try and make it ourselves, and then we do research by using it. Things like students making their own chainmail, researching how it was made, and then they make their own chainmail”. He said, “What we learn, we educate the public with.”

The Office of Equal Opportunity at UCO handles title IX employee discrimination and ADA grievances for the entire campus. Erin Logan, assistant vice president of the office, said, “We’re out here today because what we do is we have a multitude of internships in our office for students, we have advisory boards that we have students come and help us with, to help make sure our title IX processes are functioning and working well, and understand the resources.

And then make sure that students know how to report, what our process looks like, and make sure that they know the friendly faces behind difficult processes.” Title IX are the sex-based discrimination policies on campus. This covers gender-based discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct like dating violence, stalking, and other things of that nature that take place on campus.

The Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center serves as a site of information, research, grant funding and advocacy for issues regarding women, gender and sexuality. Tylea and Emma Stewart shared about the center, “We provide sexual health promotion, so we provide free menstrual products, condoms and lube, pregnancy tests and all of those kinds of things to the campus.” Stewart said, “We also do, we have a free clothing closet, so basically like a free thrift store, people can come in and get clothing if they need anything, we try to focus on like what season it is, so if like it’s cold we’ll have coats and stuff like that. We also have professional clothing if anybody needs that kind of thing.

We also have a whole library of gender and sexuality studies-oriented books.” Tylea said, “We

Office of Global Affairs table at Involvement Fair. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)

have a sexual health clinic as well, that is open on Fridays. We can do STI testing, they can do birth control, and just do sexual health-based care there.” Stewart said, “Our mission is to provide a safe space to anybody on campus, you don’t have to be a woman, you don’t have to be a part of the queer community to come hangout.”

A board of inspirational messages is displayed at the Involvement Fair. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)

College of Education and Professional Studies lays out snacks on the table for the Involvement Fair. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)

STAFF Jake Ramsey

Editor-in-Chief Peyton Cleek Managing Editor Victor Lopez Photo Editor Isabel Contreras Copy Editor Nicholas Borghini Sports Editor Jiwoo Han

Reporter Mariah Vanzant

Reporter Britton Summers Reporter Ella Spurlock Reporter Callie Turley Reporter Troy Isbell Reporter Nathan Gomes Contributing Writer Andrea Vasquez Photographer Arriana Charqueno Photographer Aryka Martinez Photographer Jessey Kollie Cartoonist George Lang Adviser

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

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.

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.

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 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.

LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must

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

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The Vista

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

UCO soccer makes big coaching changes for first time in team history

Midfielder Adria Ramirez (23), right, challenges and wins the ball from Northwestern’s midfielder Lily Anderson (17) in a scrimmage versus Northwestern Oklahoma State University at UCO. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Nicholas Borghini Sports Editor

The UCO women’s soccer team is heading into the 2024 season with brand-new staff and star power after former head coach Mike Cook retired earlier this year.

Current head coach Amel Muhamedagic, a previous assistant and associate head coach at UCO for the past 17 seasons, became only the second soccer coach in the school’s history.

“I’m very appreciative of Coach Cook of just allowing me to do what I’ve done over the last four or five years.” said Muhamedagic, “I felt like he’s allowed me to get my hands on in a lot of different things and that really helped mold me into the coach I am right now.

So really the transition has been very easy.”

Over the past seven years Muhamedagic has been a big part of the recruiting process, having coached at the club level in the past, Muhamedagic said that he was able to watch players go through their careers from youth to being eligible for recruitment.

“I know the state of Oklahoma really well. If you look at our roster we have almost 70 percent of our kids who come from Oklahoma,” said Muhamedagic.

The Bronchos added 14 players to the roster during the offseason, including graduate student midfielder Rebecca George who previously played at Oklahoma State University. Muhamedagic said he is excited about the leadership and high-level skills she can add to the team.

Other additions include assistant coach Jovan Petrovic, former coach and co-Technical Director at the Tulsa Soccer Club, and volunteer goalkeeping assistant Bryan Byars, who was a goalkeeper in the United Soccer League.

“Those two coaches will add a great value to our program.” said Muhamedagic, “They played at the high level, they know what it takes to compete, they know what it takes to be successful.” Former Broncho defender Linsey Gordon will also be coming back to the team as a graduate assistant.

Along with the new additions, the team had 20 returning players this year. “I really challenge those returners to be open-minded and not to settle for whatever we’ve accomplished in the past or what has been in front of them over the last three years.” said Muhamedagic, “To really get on a clean slate and see if we can push this to get to new heights.”

Muhamedagic said he thinks they are close to a championship-level team and the biggest challenge will be how quickly they can come together with 14 new players.

Having encouraged his players to participate in voluntary strength training and conditioning over the summer, Muhamedagic was happy with the turnout, saying that recruiting in Oklahoma has been beneficial, leading to players being able to stay and practice during the offseason.

“Since I have been here over the last 17 years, I thought they came in in really good shape, the whole team,” said Muhamedagic. Players

UCO Women’s Soccer Head Coach Amel Muhamedagic has taken charge after 17 seasons with the team. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

have a quick turnaround at UCO, he added. Once they get on campus, they practice for 5 days, have a preseason scrimmage, go another 5 days, have another scrimmage, and then open up; so time spent as a team over the summer is crucial.

Muhamedagic said many of his

players stayed on campus to take summer classes and were able to train with the team.

The Bronchos will start the season in Weatherford on September 5 where they will face off against Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Volunteer goalkeeping assistant coach Bryan Byars is new to the coaching staff this year. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)

Forward Albany Adair (3) shoots and makes the score 2-0 in a scrimmage iwth Northwestern Oklahoma in Edmond. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The Vista

5

Broncho football heads into season with ‘chip on our shoulder’

Wide receiver Madison Ridgeway runs a drill. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Nicholas Borghini Sports Editor

Head Coach Adam Dorrel. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Peyton Hunt prepares to snap at Friday’s scrimmage. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/ THE VISTA)

Defensive back Dame Marshall celebrates a tackle. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

The UCO football team has spent the offseason adding depth to their receivers and defensive backs after a disappointing 2023 season, said Broncho head coach Adam Dorrel.

“We gave up way too many big plays last year and it wasn’t just their fault. There was a lack of pass rush at times, and matchups weren’t always good.” said Dorrel, “I think you’re going to see a lot. A deeper, more athletic, more rangy, faster secondary than we had last year.”

Dorrel said that previous seasons have seen a large disparity between first and second-string players, but this year’s team has very competitive, tightly contested races for starting spots.

“I feel like we’ve added a lot of athleticism to our team and we have the most depth we’ve ever had. It’s not even close.” said Dorrel, “So that depth has made us very competitive daily internally, which is great, competition is a coach’s best friend.”

The team has honed in on developing a bond off the field, scheduling weekly activities over the summer after feeling that team relationships weren’t strong enough over the past two years, said Dorrel.

“The best football teams I’ve ever coached or been a part of, the L word is very strong in their culture.” said Dorrel “They love each other,

they really do, and I think I’m really sensing that from our guys.”

The Bronchos will host their first game of the season against Langston University, who they haven’t played since 1999. The next week, UCO will remain at home to face off against the University of Central Missouri, who tied with Pittsburgh State University for the league title last season.

The team is looking forward to tough home games because they have played well at home in the past two years, losing only two home games, said Dorrel. The Bronchos have lost nine away games in that time. “We’ve played very poorly on the road.” said Dorrel, “That’s a huge goal for us, is to win meaningful road games.”

Dorrel has given up play-calling this year and assistant coach James Curlee has inherited the role. Dorrel said the sacrifice will benefit everyone, giving him more time to focus on recruiting.

The entire team will be very disappointed if they finish seventh again this season, said Dorrel. “I like going into the season with people not thinking that we are going to be very good. I think it helps, it puts a chip on our shoulder for sure.” said Dorrel, “That’s something we’ve talked about all fall camp and something we’ll continue to talk about when the season comes. We’re going to find out right away.”

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The Vista

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The Vista CONCERT

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UCO welcomes rapper Waka Flocka Flame to perform at Chochella

People in the audience singing along during Waka Flocka Flame’s performance.

(TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

Troy Isbell Reporter

Award-winning artist Waka Flocka Flame performed at UCO’s Chochella this past Thursday at the Hamilton Field House as part of the university’s 2024 Stampede Week.

Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame, known for his Billboard Hot 100 hits such as “No Hands” and “Hard in da Paint,” was invited to headline UCO’s annual musical event. Flame, along with opening act DJ Litebrite, arrived at the school’s on-campus indoor venue, and performed for hundreds of UCO students.

The concert was entirely free for students to

DJ Litebrite playing his set before Waka Flocka Falme comes out to perform. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

attend, as it was scheduled as part of UCO’s Stampede Week; a period where students are invited to participate in games, learn about clubs and campus events, connect with others and celebrate the beginning of the new semester.

The concert started about an hour after the doors were opened, beginning with DJ Litebrite, whose set lasted about another hour. He played various high energy hip-hop songs, keeping audience members engaged as he shouted things such as, “Who’s ready for Waka Flocka Flame,”

to which many people expressed their enthusiasm for.

While standing by for Waka Flocka Flame to come out, Madeline Holguin, a student at UCO, was asked if she was excited for the rapper to appear, and if there was a certain song of his that she was looking forward to hearing.

“Yes, I’m excited,” she said. “There is Waka Flocka Flame performs on stage during ChoChella. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA) a song that I want to hear, but I don’t onto the sidewalks outside. know the name of it. He’s kind of a one hit Jonny Wackler, one of the volunteers assisting in wonder.” cleaning up, was asked to give his initial reaction Holguin was also asked about her opinion on the to Waka Flocka Flame’s performance. venue that was chosen, to which she responded “I wasn’t able to see the whole thing, but I with, “Hot.” caught the last song at the very end,” he said, Shortly after, Flame came running out onto the referring to Flame’s song “No Hands.” Wackler stage, which was met with excited screams from the audience. He immediately began performing one of his songs, jumping around, shaking his hair, and shouting the lyrics into his microphone. In a few instances, he would even get down from the stage and onto the floor, then up onto the railing that separated him from the crowd, and personally interacted with people. He shook many students’ Students sing along and dance during Waka Flocka Flame’s perfromance. (VICTOR hands, and at one LOPEZ/THE VISTA) point even joined the crowd to percontinued. “They used to play that song in the form some songs alongside students. club when I was younger. It’s a good one.”

Flame continued for about an hour, maintainAdditionally, UCO student Jose Eaddy, in ing high energy throughout his set, and playing response to that same question, said, “This was some of his most well known songs, as well as a infinitely better than last year.” He then said, “ I lot of lesser known material. Following the perwasn’t feeling too good today, but this made my formance, all of the attendees exited the venue day a lot better.”

Waka Flocka Flame gets on the barrier and interacts with fans as he sings one of his songs at the Hamilton Field House.

(VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The Vista

7

‘Alien: Romulus’ revives a 45-year-old sci-fi franchise

Cailee Spaeny stars in “Alien: Romulus.” (20TH CENTURY/PROVIDED)

Britton Summers Reporter

It’s safe to say the “Alien” franchise has been in a rut since David Fincher’s tragic misfire “Alien 3.” Rather it be the overblown “Alien vs Predator” movies or the agonizingly pretentious “Alien: Covenant,” it seems the “Alien” franchise can’t seem to find their stride after the first two. Either they rip off the first two movies or they try something new and it either misfires or people don’t like it even though it tried something different. But with “Alien: Romulus,” we’re shown that with a competent filmmaker and a good cast, perhaps there is still some hope for the franchise.

“Alien: Romulus” is in many ways a return to form for the franchise, the story follows a group of scrappy characters in a gritty,

somewhat dystopian future who get caught up in a horrific situation involving the deadly Xenomorph. It was particularly promising to hear of Fede Alvarez being in the director chair, as he directed the underrated gem “Don’t Breathe,” which shows that the guy understands how to direct thrillers. The best thing to be said about this film is the suspense. Alvarez knows how to direct suspense, and by the time our heroes encounter the dreaded Xenomorphs, it is a constant thrill ride that keeps your heart moving and it doesn’t let you go.

The acting also proved surprisingly solid, while many people focused on Cailee Spaeny’s performance as Rain. The real standout is David Jonsson’s breakout role as the damaged android Andy. Jonsson’s turn from a somewhat goofy nice guy into a much more

serious and sinister character is completely believable, and Jonsson balances both accents very well. Most of the other cast members are also very good, and believable in their roles.

Not only do we gain a return to form, but “Alien: Romulus” treads some new grounds in the franchise, with its focus on experimenting with the Xenomorph’s form. While we have seen this before in films such as “Alien: Resurrection,” “Alien: Romulus” expands on the premise and does more interesting things with the concept. It shows that there are still some new directions for the “Alien” franchise, and perhaps not all hope is lost for more greatness in the franchise.

While “Romulus” doesn’t hold a handle to the original two “Alien” films, it is giving the franchise new life.

Melton Gallery opens new interactive exhibition, ‘Welcome Hope’ Ella Spurlock Reporter

“You Are Welcome Here” is the phrase printed on the back wall of Melton Gallery’s new semi-interactive art exhibition, “Welcome Hope.” The exhibition will open on Sep. 3 and close on Nov. 1 and will run from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This exhibition is not only semi-interactive, it is also experimental. Melton Gallery has never organized an exhibition like this before and with the gallery being independent, Melton does not have to bend to the rules that most national and state art galleries do.

This gives the gallery the chance to expand on new ideas and bring the UCO community closer together.

Melton Gallery’s “Welcome Hope” exhibit is designed to spread joy at UCO (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

Keri Smith is curator of Melton Gallery on the UCO campus. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

Keri Smith, curator of Melton Gallery, said, “We were asking ourselves, ‘With so much going on in the world right now, what do people need?’ and just kept coming back to art as a source of joy and hope.”

“Welcome Hope” has the goal to spread joy throughout campus and is dependent on the contributions from UCO students, faculty and administration to evolve as an art exhibition over time. There are several opportunities throughout the interactive experience to showcase creativity, from drawing and origami to several other activities, there will be a chance for all visitors to express themselves in different ways.

A reception will be held on Sep 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. before “Welcome Hope” officially opens its doors. The reception will feature an ice cream social, interactive elements to express yourself, and the chance to collaborate with creators alike.

“Let your creativity shine and contribute to a collective vision of hope,” said Smith.

Melton Gallery is proud to give UCO the chance to consume and create art as a community and as individuals, because everyone is welcome at Melton.

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The Vista

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

MUSIC

LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC

JPEGMAFIA performs Aug. 27 at Tower Theatre. (INSOMNIAC/PROVIDED)

AUGUST JPEGMAFIA, Aug. 27, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Bob Log III, Aug. 27, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org Lalah Hathaway, Aug. 29, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Drekka, Aug. 29, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org The Eagles Experience: Boys of Summer, Aug. 29, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com T. Murph, Aug. 29, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com The Damn Quails, Aug. 30, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Travis Linville, Aug. 30, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com Muffled Sirens, Aug. 30, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org Johnny Murrell, Aug. 30, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead. com Bobcat Goldthwait, Aug. 30-31, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Half-Dream and Bee and the Hive, Aug. 31, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org Prince of Eden, Josh Sallee and Cruz, Aug. 31, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com Braxton Keith, Aug. 31, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com San Pacho, Aug. 31, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

The Kid Laroi performs Sep. 6 at The Criterion. ((COLUMBIA/PROVIDED)

SEPTEMBER Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Sept. 1, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Christopher White, Sept. 1, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Malford Milligan, Sept. 1, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com “Moulin Rouge: The Musical,” Sept. 3-8, 10-15, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, okcciviccenter.com Charley Crockett, Sept. 4, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com Grey Daze and Julien-K, Sept. 5, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com Joe List, Sept. 5-7, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com South Austin Moonlighters, Sept. 6, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com The Kid Laroi, Sept. 6, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com Common and Pete Rock, Sept. 7, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Transit Method, Sept. 7, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org Bronco, Sept. 7, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Struggle Jennings, Sept. 9, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Sept. 10, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com STRFKR, Sept. 10, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Chris Knight, Sept. 11, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com $uicideboys$, Sept. 11, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com Papadosio, Sept. 12, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Sam Lewis, Sept. 12, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc. com Dave Smith, Sept. 12-14, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Crash Test Dummies, Sept. 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Hayden Pedigo, Sept. 13, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead. com JM Stevens, Sept. 13, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc. com Stephen Wilson Jr., Sept. 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Virga, Sept. 14, Opolis, 113 Crawford, opolis.org JT, Sept 14, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Pony Bradshaw, Sept. 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Arlo Parks, Sept. 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Keith Sweat, Sept. 15, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Ben Brock, Jayson Starkey and Ben Mckenzie, Sept. 14, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com Playboy Manbaby, Sept. 15, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead. com The Weeping Willows, Sept. 15, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com Kam Patterson, Sept. 15, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Rosie Tucker, Sept. 17, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com The String Cheese Incident, Sept. 18, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Chingo Bling, Sept. 18, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Kathleen Madigan, Sept. 19, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Troy Bond, Sept. 19-21, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Built To Spill, Sept. 20, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Dozer, Sept. 20, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com Lisa Morales, Sept. 20, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com La Santa Grifa, Sept. 21, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Dreamist, Sept. 21, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com Rise Against the Machine, Sept. 21, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Odie Leigh, Sept. 22, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Cactus Tate, Sept. 22, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Allen Stone, Sept. 24, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Sept. 24, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, okcciviccenter.com Shawn James, Sept. 25, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Theo Von, Sept. 25, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com Silversun Pickups, Sept. 25, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com “Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse,” Sept. 25, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, okcciviccenter.com Hozier, Sept. 26, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com Cuco, Sept. 26, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Sheng Wang, Sept. 26, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com “Lizzie Borden,” Sept. 26, 28-29, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, okcciviccenter.com Taj Farrant, Sept. 27, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Brett Young, Sept. 27, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Brennen Leigh, Sept. 27, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com Sten Joddi, Sept. 27, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc. com American Slang, Sept. 28, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Psychotic Reaction, Helen Kelter Skelter, Turbo Wizard, Sept. 28, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com David Cross, Sept. 28, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Caleb Caudle and the Sweet Critters, Sept. 28, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com Buttertones, Sept. 28, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com Fresh AF, Sept. 28, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com Lorna Shore, Sept. 29, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom.com

Arlo Parks performs Sept. 15 at Tower Theatre. (TRANSGRESSIVE/PROVIDED)