6 February 2023

SA Executive elections, p. 4

Super Bowl preview and predictions, p. 2

Police performing state-sanctioned terror, p. 5

The Collegian goes to First Friday, p. 6

Breaking B(r)ad, p. 8

The Eagles take on the Chiefs in 2023 Super Bowl

Sports writer Griffin Smith profiles the upcoming Super Bowl.

Chiefs and Nick Sirianni of the Eagles. Reid was previously the coach of the Eagles from 1999 until 2012, and has been with the Chiefs ever since. Sirianni has been the head coach in Philadelphia since 2021 and is looking for his first Super Bowl win as a coach.

Looking at the offenses, Kansas City ranks tied for first in statistics such as points/game (28.7), first in yards/game (407.9), first in yards/play (6.3) and second in touchdowns/game (3.5). The Philadelphia offense ranks tied for first in points/ game (28.7), second in yards/game (384.2),

ponents yards/play (5.1) and twentieth in opponents touchdowns/game (2.5). The Philadelphia defense ranks first in opponents points/game (18.8), first in opponents yards/ game (290.3), first in opponents yards/play (4.7) and tenth in opponents touchdowns/ game (2.2). Looking at these particular defensive statistics, I am going to lean toward Philadelphia’s defense on this matchup. I think Philadelphia’s defense is going to wreak havoc on the Chiefs. The matchup of Kansas City’s offense and Philadelphia’s defense is going to be the difference between who wins or loses Super Bowl LVII.

sixth in yards/play (5.8) and first in touchdowns/game (3.6).

Super Bowl LVII is taking place Feb. 12, 2023, at State Farm Insurance Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals. The game sees the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

This Super Bowl LVII matchup includes some unique instances. First, it includes one of the youngest Super Bowl quarterback matchups. Patrick Mahomes is 27 years old, and Jalen Hurts is 24, giving Hurtsthe opportunity to be the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl.

This Super Bowl also includes the first ever brother vs. brother matchup in Super Bowl history — Jason and Travis Kelce. Jason is the starting center for the Eagles, and Travis Kelce is the starting tight end for the Chiefs. Jason and Travis grew up in Hamilton Heights, Ohio, a suburb outside of Cincinnati. They both played college football together at the University of Cincinnati and were later drafted to their respective teams

This Super Bowl matchup also includes two outstanding coaches, Andy Reid of the

Looking at these particular offensive statistics, I am going to have to lean toward the offense of the Kansas City Chiefs to dominate and make the difference in this game on the offensive side. I think the key to the game on offense is going to be if the Eagles’ defense can shut down Patrick Mahomes and company to keep the game in reach for the Eagles.

Looking at the defensive side of the ball, Kansas City ranks fifth overall — tenth in opponents points/game (21.5), tenth in opponents yards/game (328.3), ninth in op-

I also wanted to preview one more aspect of Super Bowl LVII, and that is the halftime show. The halftime show performance is going to be by Rhianna. Sources have stated she’ll be the only performer, but I have a feeling someone might possibly join her Super Bowl halftime performance. My final prediction for Super Bowl LVII is the Philadelphia Eagles 24, Kansas City Chiefs 17.

Score predictions for Super Bowl LVII

The

staff and sports writers share their insights on the upcoming Super Bowl.

Ryan Shumaker

Predicted Score: Eagles 47, Chiefs 42

After evaluating each team’s strengths along with all relevant data points, I struggle to envision any scenario other than the Philadelphia Eagles winning in the most remarkable fashion possible by a score of 49-42. That is, unless the Chiefs score 50. The only guarantee is that it will be a thoroughly American spectacle true to the spirit of soulless consumerism. I predict that no matter what happens on the field, patriotic Americans everywhere will be left seething as they are made to endure the horrors of seeing interracial couples and rainbow flags appearing in commercials about candy and trucks.

Mary Lickona

Predicted score: Chiefs 40, Eagles 35

Time for a truly rancid take from your friendly neighborhood stereotypical sports-stupid girlie: Football fans all over the midwest rejoiced everywhere when they saw the final line-up for Super Bowl 2023. Finally a good team is poised to play: the Philadelphia Eagles (midwest being a relative term, after all). After their triumph over the 49er’s, the Eagles may just sweep in from overhead and become the LVII champions. However, let’s not dispute the Chiefs, a very beloved team by the only people whose football opinions I trust. A warrior force to be reckoned with, I predict the Chiefs will have a strong lead, but weaken right before halftime. How-

ever, there should be plenty of commercial breaks and screaming fans to help them recuperate their energy and come back strong at the end, whether that will be enough to save the game remains to be seen. Folks will be on the edge of their seats and somebody somewhere will flip a table and spill Uncle Jerry’s dip. Will I be tuning in? Depends on how good the food is beforehand, and how socially awkward I will feel leaving right after halftime. Regardless, I will be rooting for the Chiefs, because I fear the alienation from my football friends more than I have any devotion to my (slightly more) native PA.

Callie Hummel

Predicted score: Eagles 27, Chiefs 23

The Super Bowl has come down to two of the best offenses in the league currently. Kansas City is leading in total offense and scoring, while the Eagles follow at third for most points this season. During the semifinal game between the Chiefs and Bengals, the Chiefs utilized a pass rush to shut down the Bengals’ offense. It will be considerably harder to do that to the Eagles though, as they have a stronger running back in Miles Sanders and a quarterback, Jalen Hurts, that is comfortable running the ball. While both offenses are strong, the Eagles have a considerably stronger defense. Along with their high-ranking offense, the Eagles have broken a franchise record this year for number of sacks dur-

ing the regular season, at 70. Even though Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, had two weeks to recover from the high ankle sprain that was causing him to limp after the Bengals game, one sack might knock all of his recovery. The Chiefs also have numerous injuries to their receivers. Despite being a Chiefs fan, I think the Eagles will distance themselves with their stronger defense and healthier team. Win or lose, Rihanna will serve.

had been long eliminated from postseason contention and needed to lose for the draft placement. With that and the Chiefs’ defense in mind, I see the Chiefs taking a big lead early, trading field goals for touchdowns to the tune of 21-6 midway through the second. They will inevitably collapse and let the Eagles tighten the match before the half and head into the locker room 21-13. The Eagles will come back to strike first in the second half and bring

“Folks will be on the edge of their seats and somebody, somewhere, will flip a table and spill Uncle Jerry’s dip.”

Zach Short

Predicted Score: Chiefs 59, Eagles 0

I don’t see any other way this game shakes down. Not only will the Chiefs set the single-team scoring record for a Super Bowl, but they will also shut down the Eagles who are simply out of their element. Seven touchdowns, three field goals.

Zach Short (Actual)

Predicted Score: Chiefs 34, Eagles 33

The Chiefs, whom I earnestly acknowledge as the best team in the league right now, absolutely love to play to their opponents. One of their closest games of the year came against the Texans, who

it to 21-20, the Chiefs will fail to respond, and the Eagles will go ahead 23-21. The game will remain a nail-biter until the final drive, where the Chiefs will have the ball down 33-27, scoring a touchdown with 14 seconds on the clock. Harrison Butker, who will have missed at least one if not two field goals by this point, will have the game on his shoulders but will hopefully seal the deal. If I had to offer any other possible outcomes, I would say it seems equally likely that he misses it and the Chiefs win in overtime or that the Chiefs flub the drive and lose 33-27. The only thing that could shock me would be if the game did not end close.

Feb 6 - Feb. 12 12

Collegian

Courtesy @Chiefs on Twitter

“This Super Bowl also includes the first ever brother vs. brother matchup in Super Bowl history...”

TU announces their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Sports editor Callie Hummel discusses the athletes that will be inducted this year.

or any Conference USA athlete, had won gold at the Polo Ralph Lauren Tournament. Brugues ended his career at Tulsa with three All-American accolades and was Conference USA Player of the Year three times. Of his four years at Tulsa, he had a cumulative singles record of 88-22. Upon graduating, Brugues went on to play professional tennis and won 17 ITF Futures Tournaments, and set a record in the ITF Pro Circuit for having 44 wins in a row.

The team went undefeated in their regular season with an 8-0 record. This includes a 13-6 win against Arkansas, a team that was ranked 10th in the country by AP’s preseason poll for the 2022 season. TU’s 1922 team also stayed undefeated during the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference, going 4-0.

The final inductee is Ray Rhodes, who transferred from Texas Christian University to play with TU from 1972 to 1973. Rhodes

On Jan. 24, the University of Tulsa’s 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Class was officially announced. The class includes five athletes with playing seasons dating from 1972 to 2012.

Tyler Henderson, the most recent athlete to come out of TU to be inducted, was on the volleyball team from 2009 to 2012. An outside hitter from Oklahoma City, Henderson quickly became an integral player on her team. In her first year at TU, she was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and an Honorable Mention for All-American selection. By the end of her career, Henderson was elected to Second Team All-American three times, was a three-time Conference USA Player of the Year, and is one of only two players who have been selected for AllConference USA first team all four years. With Henderson on the team as a sophomore, she helped the team achieve a schoolbest season with a 31-3 overall record and stay undefeated, 20-0 in their conference.

Henderson’s No. 7 jersey has since been retired.

Alex Becker is the Women’s Cross Country & Track inductee from 2005 to 2010. Even more than a decade later, Becker still holds six TU records. By the end of her career, she was a six-time All-American, getting the honor in cross country, indoor 3,000m, indoor 5,000m, outdoor 5,000m twice and the 10,000m. This is the largest amount of All-American honors from a TU athlete. Becker also accumulated a number of academic awards from TU, Conference USA and external awardees like ESPN. After graduating with a masters in math and science education from TU, Becker went on to graduate school at UMKC where she was an assistant cross country and track coach.

Arnau Brugues was part of the men’s tennis team from 2005 to 2009. In 2006, Brugues won the Polo Ralph Lauren AllAmerican Tennis Championship played in Tulsa. This was the first time a Tulsa player,

Rick Engles was a punter for the TU football team from 1972 to 1975. Engles was on the team during the height of TU football. He was named an All-American in 1975 and was ranked second overall in the nation for his 46.6-yard punt average.

Engles signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 1976, making him one of only eight TU football alumni who ended up playing in the NFL. After the Seahawks, Engles also punted for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. Engles and his wife have since moved back to Tulsa and continued to stay involved with TU student-athletes, being part of TU’s highest donor affinity organization. The couple also started a scholarship for football student-athletes, so that players can study and play at TU.

The 1972 team that Engles played on is also being recognized as the Fame Honor Team. This was the first football season that TU used the terminology, “Golden Hurricane.”

played wide receiver and Cornerback at TU where he rushed 640 yards. In 1974, Rhodes was drafted by the New York Giants in the tenth round and spent his first three years as a wide receiver before switching to cornerback. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and retired after one season. Rhodes stayed with the 49ers as a coach though, taking on the role as the defensive backs’ coach. With the 49ers, Rhodes was the defensive coordinator during their 1994 Super Bowl win. Rhodes also went on to be the head coach of the Eagles and Green Bay Packers. Rhodes is now retired living with his wife, four daughters and numerous grandchildren in Allen, Texas.

The official induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will happen on April 29 at the Lorton Performance Center. The whole weekend will be used to celebrate the new inductees and current members of the TU Hall of Fame.

TU women’s basketball beats Cincinnati

Sports editor Callie Hummel documents the game that moved TU’s record to

Courtesy @TulsaFootball on Twitter

“Even more than a decade later, Becker still holds six TU records.”

Photos by Callie Hummel

Inside the minds of your StudentAssociation executive candidates

This year contains a tightly contested race for the presidential office, while all other offices remain uncontested.

Adam Porterie Student Writer

As Student Association elections approach, the candidates for the executive officer positions were contacted for an interview via email.

This semester, only the presidential office is contested, while the candidates running for vice president, treasurer and secretary remain unopposed. The candidates for the presidential position are Adrian Pizano, Athan Lau, Jennifer Fierro, Josie Cooley and Sepand Ashanayi. The candidate for vice president is Carter Dierlam. The candidate for secretary is Michael Combs, and the candidate for treasurer is Ben Prugh.

Josie Cooley is running for Student Association president and is a junior accounting major. Cooley states she “would like to see more collaboration with admissions and in each of the colleges.” She also would like to hear more student voices through members of SA, stating, “We are organizations for students by students.” Cooley has been a Student Association member for three years and says, “Through trial and error, we have found things that work and things that don’t,” to answer the question she asks before planning every event: “What would students want to see?” She believes that measuring success for her initiative of making “campus a better place for students” could be tough as they would only be seen “from a poll/survey or just word of mouth.” Cooley believes that “any type of action aimed at bettering the atmosphere on campus is good action whether it can be easily measured or not.” As a cabineteer, the most frequent issue Cooley hears is, “There are not enough t-shirts at events.” In order to combat this problem, Cooley would like to “[work] closely with the treasurer and [make] separate budgets for shirts, sweatshirts, etc.” Her belief in “collaboration and teamwork when it comes to solving solutions” is evident.

president is to “be a good representative” and maintain transparency. She believes in keeping an open mind for “accurately representing each student on campus.” She is currently a DEI committee member for Student Association and a peer mentor. “Both of these positions have really helped me grow my love for TU and its people as I got to help plan events and work closely with first year students to guide them and show them why our university is such a special place,” states Fierro. She wants to ensure “students feel heard,” and let them know that their “opinions and voices have a place at TU.” Fierro would measure success for her initiatives by setting goals and keeping a ”focus on how the student body is doing as a whole. What’s being done that should be changed? What are we excelling at that we should keep focusing on?” A major issue that has been presented to Fierro is advertisement. “Advisement is a vital part of student success. Unfortunately, without the proper support from advisors, students often find themselves lost and having to navigate through college on their own. I would like to find a way to have proper advising methods in order to ensure each student feels supported throughout their time as a student at the university.”

New Year Festival, I conducted a review session to discuss what went well and areas of improvements. By working with a team to debrief the event, we were able to measure our achievements and take accountability for our successes and failures,” says Lau. He considers lack of communication and transparency a major issue he has heard in the student body. Additionally, he believes that there is difficulty navigating resources for student organizations and thinks these issues could be solved through developing a student government that is adaptable to change.

Jennifer Fierro is a junior biology major on the pre-med track who is running for Student Association president because she is “committed to serving students and making their experience at the university better.” Her main goal as Student Association

Athan Lau is running for Student Association president as a junior completing a double major in psychology and management with a specialization in human resources. A key issue that he would like to address in Student Association is the gap between the student body and Student Association. Lau believes “many students are aware that SA exists, but aren’t sure of what we do, especially with the resources we provide for the student organizations.” Lau has held a variety of positions during his time at TU including Senator-At-Large and Secretary of the Government Operations Committee as well as member of the faith-based & athletics FRSC, Asian American Student Association and Badminton Club. These experiences taught him the necessary skills to work in a team and initiate projects as a leader. If Lau were to become president, he would measure his success in the role by conducting a review session after events to determine areas of improvement and what went well. “Similar to how I led the Lunar

Adrian Pizano is running for Student Association president as a sophomore political science major. His principal goal would be to “fix the transparency between SA and the Student Body.” He wants to “diversify SA” and thinks that “most of the time, students only think of cabinet or senate as single units.” Pizano would like to “better connect the branches within SA” and “better manage these connections to create a better organization.” Pizano served as a Senator last year and has “worked on bills that have been enforced on campus” giving him experience in legislation. Currently, he serves as Director of Senate Operations and Resident Assistant in John Mabee Hall. He also served two terms as his high school’s Student Body President. These organizations have given him “the opportunity to work with different students on campus, host events and gain leadership skills.” As Student Association President, Pizano would measure success based on “the quality of events and making sure different students have different options for separate interests” as well as giving recognition when SA members have put in good work. One of the issues most frequently brought to Pizano’s attention by the student body is the need for a fall break. “Lots of students are drained at the end of October, and simply need a break,” he says. As TU does not have a fall break, Pizano wants to put his best effort in getting one. Another issue being brought to his attention is funding in student organizations, arguing that “the new funding process this year was a step in the right direction, but I want to expand on that. I want people to get funding for their events in a timely manner without worry that costs will not be covered.”

Michael Combs is a freshman majoring in chemical engineering on the pre-med track with a minor in biomedical engineering. He is the only candidate running for secretary in this year’s executive election. “One of the issues I would like to address within SA is the disconnect between the whole student body and the SA staff. Much of the student body know a small amount about SA but does not truly know what we do,” he states. Combs says, “My past leadership experiences can help me in the position of student body secretary by preparing me to manage the many tasks that come with the position. I can leverage my past experiences to help organize events, manage budgets, and collaborate with other student leaders. Additionally, I can use my experience to help build relationships with other student organizations and members of the student body, strengthening my ability to serve as an effective secretary.” He seeks to measure success of his initiatives by “focusing on the impact that they have on the student body.” Combs would like to “assess the feedback from surveys and focus groups, look at the attendance and engagement of my initiatives and measure the overall satisfaction of the student body with the initiatives.”

The Collegian reached out to Sepand Ashanayi and Ben Prugh for interviews via email, but neither responded. This year, the executive election will begin on Feb. 8 and close on Feb. 10. Students can vote on Harvey by pulling up organizations, then click on Student Association, where a vote option will be presented.

Oklahoma lawmakers seeking to change voting initiatives

allow more time for people to vote and a deadline of the end of the year for online voting to be launched.

The 2024 presidential election cycle is on the horizon, and Oklahoma lawmakers are seeking to change the voting process through more than 90 proposed election and ballot initiatives. Roughly one-fifth of the bills proposed are shell bills titled “Oklahoma Elections Reform Act of 2023.” They are currently tasked with providing more substantial language before the bills can be considered. The legislative committees will be taking up bills starting on Feb. 6 and committees will have until March 2 to advance out of committee and into their chamber of origin.

Republicans have filed at least 80 election-related bills. These bills can change absentee ballot voting requirements, increase daily compensation for precinct officials, modify school board election dates, and raise the threshold for state-question bills to pass from a simple majority to a 2/3 majority and would limit state-question bills to odd-numbered years only.

Another bill under consideration is in regard to petition bills. The petitions would now have to receive a percentage of signatures from each county of the state before advancing forward. Petition organizers are against the bill, claiming that Oklahoma already has some of the most strict petition requirements of any in the nation and that further requirements to move petition bills forward would stop any but the best-funded groups from meeting the demands.

Another petition-based bill require -

Democrats and Republicans both have substantial bills that they want to be considered, but Democrat bills are facing substantially more pushback because the Republican party controls both the House and the Senate in Oklahoma. The House and the Senate Democrats have proposed eliminating Oklahoma’s straight-party voting option on ballots, extending voting hours to include earlier in the morning to

ment that Oklahoma has enacted is signature verification, which has slowed and in some cases, completely prevented bills from appearing on the intended ballot. In November, recreational marijuana was supposed to be on the ballot for Oklahoma voters to give their opinions, but due to signature verification delays, it did not make an appearance on the ballot. Now, a special election is being

held on March 7 for it. Petitioners are concerned about voter turnout not being great enough to allow the vote to pass because people do not have time to vote, or will forget about the special election being held.

Oklahoma currently has several election safety measures in place, which make Oklahoma polling locations “one of the most accurate and secure voting systems in the entire world,” according to State Election Board Secretary Paul

Ziriax in a press conference last November. These measures include a uniform paper-based voting system and a secure network to transmit the results to help maintain a secure election system. Following the primary election on June 28, state election officials conducted their first post-election audit, and no discrepancies were found between the certified election results.

lawmakers are

With the presidential elections around the corner, Oklahoma lawmakers seek to change some of the election and ballot initiatives.

Erika Brock News Editor

“...Oklahoma polling locations [are] ‘one of the most accurate and secure voting systems in the entire world...’”

Josie Cooley aims to solve solutions with teamwork as president.

courtesy Josie Cooley

courtesy Athan Lau

courtesy Adrian Pizano

courtesy Michael Combs

Jennifer Fierro’s goal as president is to make sure the students at TU feel heard.

Athan Lau wants to ensure the gap between the student body and SA is closed as president.

Adrian Pizano aims to diversity SA during his term as president.

Michael Combs wants to build relationships between other student organizations and SA.

courtesy Jennifer Fierro

ADHD medication shortages reach Oklahoma

controlled substance, there are strict regulations on how much can be produced annually. Manufacturers cannot simply begin producing more to mitigate the shortage. Teva supplies the majority of ADHD medication in the U.S., and since they are unable to meet their quota the shortage is expected to continue.

Adderall shortages happening nationwide reach Oklahoma and are expected to make a large impact on people’s well-being.

The ADHD medication shortage sweeping the nation has finally found its way to Oklahoma.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally announced a shortage of both Adderall and all its generic counterparts last month. The issue compounded after one of the largest manufacturers, Teva, fell behind in production due to worker shortages. Other producers also experienced worker shortages which exacerbated the problem. Additionally, since ADHD medication is a

The amount of prescriptions given for these drugs has increased nationwide. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the number of patients aged 22-44 with Adderall prescriptions jumped 7.4% between 2019 and 2020. It jumped another 15.1% the next year. The new level of demand was unexpected and not taken into account properly when creating quotas for the drug producers, exaggerating the shortage’s impact.

Recently Oklahoma patients have been unable to refill their prescriptions. Lydia, an Oklahoman, reported her first hand experience with the shortage to NPR:

“At first it just said we should have it filled in the next two days,” she said. “So I wasn’t worried at all, I was like, ‘OK.’ And then that message saying it should be filled in two days just went away. And then it just

said, ‘This prescription is currently unavailable. We will notify you once it’s ready to be picked up.’ ”

The benefits of these medications are vital to many peoples lives. Sometimes it can do as little as help you get out of the door in the morning, or as much as ensure you keep your job.

“The simple health benefits can even include things like getting enough sleep because they got their work done earlier in the day and don’t have to stay up late to finish, and they go to the gym because they remember to bring their shoes,” says Dr. Craig Surman, scientific coordinator for the Adult ADHD Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Doctors are also struggling to change prescriptions in a way that allows their patients to access what they need. Adderall and its generic counterparts come in many different doses, some of which are available and some are not. A doctor may be able to get their patient the same medication they need in a different dose level, but that requires a new prescription. New prescriptions for these medications are not easy to give. The addictive nature of these drugs means they

have very strict federal regulation and it takes time to process these changes that is likely to lead to more stagnation in the market.

As consumers have to handle these shortages and their busy lives, one of the ways they may cope is by rationing their medicine in preparation. Patients will skip their medication on certain days, typically weekends, to save as many pills as possible. This is also called rollercoaster dosing and can be harmful. Many experience withdrawal symptoms and in some patients the medication may become less effective. These medications are meant to be taken everyday because they are typically needed everyday. Even on days where patients may have less to accomplish, they should still be taken. To be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, an individual must show symptoms in work and personal life. When rationing these medications one has to choose which aspects of life to prioritize, with other aspects likely suffering. As people typically choose their work life, this shortage is likely to affect things like relationships and socialization.

We cannot predict precisely how, but as we watch the fall out of this shortage it is sure to be felt in all areas of many people’s lives.

Police culture in America: protect the budget and serve brutality

The story of Tyre Nichols is one that has been told throughout the history of race relations in America. Now, one gets to see the abuse and beatings done by state-funded gangs, or police forces, with a clear view. The lawyers on behalf of the Nichols family report that the officers, responsible for keeping the peace, treated Nichols like a “human piñata” as he was left battered at the hands of police officers.

declared that “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.” Now, 60 years later, we are still left unsatisfied and victims of great horrors by our fellow man. The city of Memphis stands as one of only three cities with a predominantly Black population where the total population is upward of 500,000. This inspired a special-

What will finally make Black Lives Matter to you?

Adam Porterie Student Writer

Once again, police body cam footage allows us to watch a man cry for his mother’s embrace as he is brutally beaten by the hands sworn to protect.

On Jan. 7, 2023, Memphis Police Department’s SCORPION unit pulled over Tyre Nichols in a traffic violation escalated by what I view as vicious thugs shielded in uniform and funded by the state. This may view this group as a force organized for the good and betterment of the community. Others see this group as a military presence with the mission of upholding racial tensions and class lines within this country.

The officers surrounding the situation left Nichols’ body slumped over a police car as officers and other emergency personnel gathered. Every single one of these officers decided that checking for cameras and clearing up their side of the story was more important than administering care to a dying man. While Nichols loosely held onto his consciousness, officers recounted the beating they gave him, claiming they were “hitting him with straight haymakers” and that they “hit that man with so many pieces, and he still breathing.” It’s clear that police culture does not consider people as people. Instead, victims have been treated as punching bags for overdressed bullies. We have been asking for an end to police brutality long before Martin Luther King Jr.

Police reform once again becomes a hot topic in Congress as bills have already failed to address these issues. Politicians remain steadfast to their party lines in negotiations around the topic, ultimately leading to fatal inaction. It will take more than law to regulate the evils of police culture in America, yet as Dr. Martin Luther King said, “It may be true that morality cannot be legislated, behavior can be regulated. It may be true that the law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless.”

We can only hope that Tyre Nichols is the last case of a senseless murder of an innocent man.

ized team known as the SCORPION unit, or Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods. This unit was predominantly Black and has since been disbanded following their murderous actions, showing that militaristic police culture extends beyond racial lines. These officers’ conscious beating showed what law and order means to them and which lives matter to this police state.

It is only now that we have the means to hold the six officers, two emergency service personnel and three fire department employees responsible for their reprehensible mistreatment of an innocent man. The death of Tyre Nichols represents a complete disdain for human life and care from those most highly entrusted to “protect and serve.”

Editorial Board

This past week, university administration faced a choice in determining how to respond to the winter weather that covered the city of Tulsa. In an email sent to all students at 10:58 a.m. on Jan. 30, a university announcement opened in declaring the university remained open before acknowledging that “some students and faculty may find it impossible to get to campus.” To account for this, the email asked faculty who could not make it to find “collegial coverage” or to offer “alternative work assignments,” the latter demanded in any case for students who could not make classes. Administration encouraged faculty to avoid online classes outright.

The height of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the shortcomings of online classes, but it also gave faculty the opportunity to see what they could still accomplish in a virtual setting. To ask them, who have experienced firsthand the difficulties of teaching online, to avoid online classes entirely borders on absurdity and was the wrong decision for administration to make.

Furthermore, for many faculty, the alternatives serve as an even worse replacement for in-person courses than online lectures. Should an instructor have a colleague whom they trust with their class and to whom they feel they would not deliver an undue burden, they can make the call of their own accord in requesting collegial coverage. Similarly, if an alternative work assignment can reasonably replace an in-person lecture, that choice too should fall entirely into the hands of

the instructor. But the same logic should apply to online courses. Only the instructor of a course can know the best means of working around inclement weather, and administration should not make any requests to their own preferred methods.

The problem thus becomes one of faculty autonomy and of university administration’s insistence on telling faculty how to do their jobs. True Commitment’s restructuring plans thankfully did not come into fruition, but the notions behind it remain. In the end, the lesson stays the same: administration needs to trust faculty. Faculty can decide for themselves how best to respond to circumstances as they arise. Administration may reserve the right to close campus or to keep it open, but if they choose to remain open on days such as those had last week, they should understand and respect the right of instructors to respond to those situations however they see fit. They should not ask their faculty to seek collegial coverage or offer alternative assignments, and they certainly should not request an avoidance of virtual lectures in favor of these replacements. This decision should rest in the hands of the faculty who teach the courses.

Understanding that the university hopes not to close campus when at all avoidable, The Collegian finds that last week’s initial response to icy conditions still failed instructors in telling them how they should do their job with disregard for what they found appropriate for solutions. Whether hazardous conditions strike again this year or the next, we hope to see the university defer judgment to faculty in similar situations in the future.

Aurora Stewart Student Writer

“... since they are unable to meet their quota the shortage is expected to continue.”

Tyre Nichols Nichols succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 10.

Collegian Staff

“... we are still left unsatisfied and victims of great horrors by our fellow man.”

‘The Last of Us:’ everyone hates Ellie

Isabella Herrera Variety Editor

“The Last of Us” was originally a video game released in 2013 with a remastered version released in 2014. Then, in 2020 “The Last of Us: Part II” dropped, which then sparked a new surge of entertainment throughout the gaming community during the pandemic. “The Last of Us: Part I” exists as the game’s latest release which came out last year. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungus infection has spread across the globe, kill-

at capturing the video game correctly. The other half of the community cheered Bella Ramsey on as they knew she could live up to the personality of Ellie. This is because they knew Bella’s amazing job in the popular series “Game of Thrones.” where she played the young Lady Lyanna Mormont of Bear Island.

HBO Max released the first episode of “The Last of Us” on Jan. 15. where both characters were introduced and we were able to see just how accurate the show was to the game. Many viewers changed their opinion of Bella in her role of Ellie as she was just as sarcastic and funny as the video game character. Also, individuals from the gaming community have even said the show has done a really good job in portraying the game accurately while still adding to the story to make it better

half of the community cheered Bella Ramsey

ing/infecting millions. The two main characters of this game are Joel, a hard headed adult male who’s lost a lot throughout the years, and a young teen girl named Ellie who’s sarcastic, funny and, as Joel would say, a smartass. The unlikely duo sticks together throughout the game developing a unique father-daughter relationship while trying to survive in a world full of infected people and fight off any other survivors who might harm them.

When HBO Max announced the adaptation of the video game in Nov. 2020, everyone was ecstatic and social media flooded with casting predictions. This gave viewers months to build the perfect cast in their minds as the announcement of who was playing Joel and Ellie wasn’t revealed until Feb. 2021. At this time, the press released the news that Pedro Pascal would be playing the role of Joel and Bella Ramsey would be playing Ellie. Viewers were very happy with the choice of actor who would be playing Joel as Pedro Pas-

as a show. Although episode one changed a lot of individuals’ perspectives of Bella Ramsey, it was really the second episode where viewers were able to see just how perfect she was for the role of Ellie. Without spoiling anything, the episode expanded on this new relationship between Joel and Ellie and we were able to see both actors’ talent in making this adaptation of the game so real and accurate to the game. Viewers are now excited to see the rest of the series and watch one of their favorite video games come to life through HBO Max.

New episodes of “The Last of Us” are released every Sunday and you don’t have to play the video game to understand the show. HBO Max did a great job at making it possible for everyone to understand the story without the video games. But that’s not to say many won’t recommend playing, as the video games are very fun and have great storylines that we will hopefully see in this new show.

cal was successful in his role in the Disney+ show “The Mandalorian” as titular character. Viewers were also happy as they thought he looked like the character Joel from “The Last of Us” video games.

However, a large portion of the viewers were not happy with the choice of the actress who was cast to play the role of Ellie. It’s safe to say the community was split 50/50 on the idea of Bella Ramsey playing Ellie. And the reasoning was that many thought she wouldn’t be good for the role as she didn’t look like the character from the video games. Many thought that because of this lack of resemblance, it would cause Bella Ramsey to ruin the role of Ellie and make the show unsuccessful

The Collegian visits First Friday

Margaret

Tulsa’s Arts District celebrated its monthly First Friday Art Crawl on Feb. 3 with the opening of several new exhibitions and plenty of events for the Tulsa community to enjoy. New exhibitions that opened include Living Arts’ “Champagne and Chocolate Member Showcase” and 108 Contemporary’s “Strange and Oppositional.” Several of our editorial staff members were able to visit the show at 108 for themselves and explore the artworks, a collection of mixed media pieces from Tulsa Fellowship Artist Francheska Alcántara.

Other activities included live music at several arts district restaurants and venues, as well as special food items and deals available for those looking for a bite to eat. Pie Night at Antoinette’s is always a fan favorite, taking place from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. and featuring their most beloved pie flavors.

First Friday occurs every month on the first Friday of the month and includes free as well as paid activities for all ages in the Arts District. Information about when First Friday occurs and what events are taking place can always be found on Instagram @ tulartsdist!

Laprarie

Copy Editor

“The other

on as they knew she could live up to the personality of Ellie.”

“...a large portion of the viewers were not happy with the choice of the actress who was cast to play the role of Ellie.”

Photos by Kyle Garrison

On Feb. 8, the university will be hosting a reading featuring a Tulsa Artist Fellow and students.

Luke Buzzelli Student Writer

This Wednesday, Feb. 8th at 5 P. M. in Tyrrell Hall Auditorium, The University of Tulsa’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in conjunction with the Department of English and Creative Writing, will welcome poet and scholar Quareysh Ali Lansana and TU students Anabel Anderson, Bethany Hoskins and Cole Cribbs in an evening of poetry readings dissecting race, politics and culture. Entitled ‘Black Everyday/Everyday Black,’’ this event is one of

“Focus: Black Oklahoma”, he has earned the duPont-Columbia Award, NAACP Image Award and Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Award as co-executive producer. A self-identified ‘observer,’ Lansana finds inspiration in his surroundings and in the sound of his environment: in his early life, the church’s congregation and the emerging sounds of hip-hop and rap; later, this would become a serious exploration with poetic form and sound.

The title of this event, “Black Everyday/ Everyday Black”, is a statement on the historic erasure of Black history and issues regarding race and explores the black American experience in both past and present. This is to say, “we’re here,” Lansana explains, “let’s work together,” aiming to both identify and address race in tandem with the progress of our society.

sizes. While Anderson writes primarily on “self love and self discovery,” her poems to be shared this week are set to directly address instances of racism in her life and reflect themes of diversity and inclusion.

This will be the first time her poetry has hit a public stage. Hoskins and Cribbs will also

be performing their poetry for the first time. “There are things that are uncomfortable,” Anderson continues, “but expressing that through writing and having everyone gathered to hear it is super important.”

This event is free and open to the public; charcuterie will be provided.

many this February celebrating Black History Month, highlighting diverse voices in the TU community.

Quareysh Ali Lansana, a Tulsa Artist Fellow and lecturer at TU, has published 20 books of poetry, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Born in Enid, Oklahoma, Lansana has dedicated 27 years to researching the Greenwood district both inside and outside the city of Tulsa itself, and has received accolades from Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and NETA Public Media for his documentary “Tulsa Race Massacre: 100 Years Later”. For his radio program

Because this poetry reading aims to amplify the Black art experience, Lansana stresses that this event is dedicated to the TU students reading alongside the author. Pursuing a nursing major and creative writing minor, undergraduate freshman Anabel Anderson recalls Lansana as her Intro to Creative Writing professor from last semester. Noticing immense talent in Anderson, Hoskins and Cribbs, Lansana invited the three to share their own writing this Wednesday.

“It is so important to showcase black artists and black writers,” Anderson empha-

Club Spotlight: TU Photo Club

Mary

Business Manager

An interview with one of the Co-Presidents of the TU Photo Club, Kyra Ballard

What happens in the photo club?

“We bring in speakers, go on photo excursions, and have meetings where we can share our work as a group. We also occasionally have technical workshops where we teach members how to use editing software.”

What is the main purpose of the photo club?

“The main purpose is to gather people with the same love for photography and who can take pictures as a community. Our club members are both art majors and non-art majors because we want to include everybody that has a passion for photography!”

How can students get involved with the photo club?

Students can get involved by contacting me @kyb5967@utulsa.edu or they can DM us on Instagram @utulsaphotoclub. Once they’ve done that, I can add them to our club’s GroupMe.

When and how often does the photo club meet?

“This semester we are going to meet around twice a month, with the time depending on member feedback. We know that everybody in the club is also a full-time student, so we want to be able to have our meetings and excursions when it works the best with everyone in the club.”

What events/opportunities does the club offer?

“For our excursions we’ve gone to Downtown Tulsa, Oxley Nature Reserve, Philbrook Museum of Art and other places in the area. We also have gone to Kendall Whittier Elementary across from campus to share our passion with them. As far as opportunities go, the speakers that come in are an amazing way to network and to ask questions about what they do. In the past, exec members have also gotten to go to the Society for Photographic Education’s Annual Conference where they are able to have their portfolio professionally reviewed.”

What do students need to get started with the photo club?

“Anything you can take pictures with! You don’t need the newest Canon camera, just bring yourself and your phone to take pictures with. If you have a camera or any other equipment that you want to bring, you are welcome to.”

Why do you think someone should join the photo club?

“I think people should join photo club because it’s an opportunity to be able to take pictures and network with peers that have

the same interest. I’m a photo emphasis art major, but sometimes I get tired of going and taking pictures by myself. Photo club gives me an outlet to take pictures with a group of people that enjoy doing the same thing.”

Are there any current students/alumni in the club who have had their photography published?

“Yes! Katie Norton, who is actually teaching in the Art department right now and used to be President of Photo Club during her time in undergrad, has had her photo projects published. Katherine and Caroline Karsten, the most recent former Co-Presidents of Photo Club, have had their work published in Stylus as well as been in shows like Gussman and TU Senior Show.”

Where can you be found on campus and online?

“We meet in Phillips Hall room 310 and you can find us on Instagram @utulsaphotoclub.”

Who can students contact with questions about the photo club?

“Students can contact me @kyb5967@ utulsa.edu, Nathan Reed (ncr4056@utulsa. edu), or Anna Lyon (arl9611@utulsa.edu) with questions about the club. Professor Farnum also oversees the club.”

“Hoskins and Cribbs will also be performing their poetry for the first time.”

Does anyone even read these?

State-Run the media

TU starts philanthropic initiative with The Human Fund

Aries, as the moon comes out of leo on the 6th you might feel drained. You have moved from the very compatible energy of leo into a virgo moon that requires a lot more patience and calculation than you are comfortable with. Do not lose your drive though, just focus it. The Pluto and mercury crossover will help you be able to stay focused and accomplish your goals.

Through a new fee required for attendance, TU plans to give back.

As part of the university’s philanthropic endeavors, The University of Tulsa has partnered with the charity The Human Fund. The organization, whose tagline “money for people” captures their vision perfectly, promises to offer real change for people in a concrete manner, not relying on vague description but really offering some much needed relief to its target group, humans.

The initiative will draw its funding from a newly implemented fee required for attendance at TU. At just $250, the fee offers a level of satisfaction far exceeding its material value, the kind only available through mandatory donation. President Carson’s email, sent to all current students, explaining the new fee describes it as “absolutely integral to the mission of this university” and “of the utmost importance to the Board of Trustees.” He ends the message by arguing that “[i]f it was [sic] not for this charitable effort, we would continue to blindly grapple [sic] with the imprecise direction where this university is going to [sic].”

Critics have compared it to the far more vague “technology fee,” of equal cost to students, arguing that it represents another way for the university to siphon more money out of students covertly, but the objectives of this fee, so clearly articulated, seem to negate this comparison.

Helping with this mission is president and founder of The Human Fund, Arthur “Art” Vandelay, a close friend of President Carson. In a recent inter-

view with “60 Minutes,” Mr. Vandelay discussed what brought him to create his charity: Working, as I did, as an architect, you encounter a lot of people. People will hire you for all sorts of jobs as an architect, whether that be for building business — which, as you know, serve people every day — or building houses or apartment complexes that house people, it becomes difficult not to see the human aspects of everything you do. When I realized that, it became obvious that someone needed to create an organization dedicated to this group: people. That’s why I have recently chosen to partner with TU, who shares my appreciation of finding specific areas for improvement and going at them with defined goals.

Ironically, The Human Fund frequently employs the assistance of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for administrative problems, the same consulting group TU hired for assistance with True Commitment. Vandelay most recently brought in the help of BCG to help with The Human Fund’s own reorganization efforts, which saw the creation of 120 new administrative roles with the organization. BCG’s website touts the great success in this endeavor despite the fact that they were unable to identify a substantial change in the charitable efforts, negative if any.

TU will celebrate their new partnership with a Mar. 3 celebration on Chapman Commons which will feature catered food, inflatable attractions, a mechanical bull, a surprise guest appearance from John Stamos’ brother Richard Stamos, the Knights Who Say ‘Ni’ (but who now may say ‘Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-EkkiPTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z’nourrwringmm’), cliff diving, laser tag, deep sea fishing, Troy Aikman, a petting zoo and bubble wands. TU and The Human Fund will share the costs.

Breaking B(r)ad

A few weeks ago, a monumental event occurred at the University of Tulsa. Campi all over are still gushing about it (finally we have a reason for other cool college kiddos to be jealous of TU!).

Students from every major, college, dorm, club and walk of life came to work together to achieve the long-sought-after prize: sweatshirts. If you ate enough pizza at the Men’s Basketball game Saturday Jan. 21, you would have received a free sweatshirt, appropriately earned by the sweat of your efforts.

Oh wait, I have just received news from the president Braddy Daddy himself that that was not the purpose of the event! My bad, I was under the impression that free clothing and free food were the only reasons TU students would go to a sporting event. I have decided to let Brad himself inform the people what the purpose of this event was. Brad?

“Thank you Mary. The purpose of this fundraising event was to aid Make-A-Wish. And tonight, or rather, 22 nights ago, my wish has come true. I have put Tulsa on the map. I have cemented TU as an institution of prestige, finally having been recognized by the greatest indicator of success: The Guinness World Record Book (or so the kids tell me).

“TU deserves this honor. The students work hard for their free food, turning up even when the homework piles up, the exams are imminent and their pockets cry out for their much-needed Paycom pay. I would like to especially honor the STEM majors, since they are the mascots of this fine university, despite not receiving the support they need. I would also like to thank the business majors for just existing, they are the light of the world. I would like to ignore the liberal arts students, except for the philosophy and religion students, who search for the actual light of the world (I will provide them with year-round Christmas lights for their journey, unless of course, they study in Chapman).

“Make-A-Wish is a worthy cause and a good place to send money, and, as we all know, you must spend money to make money. I wanted to use up TU’s dollars for a worthy cause, and what better way to use them than to pay for pizza and fanfare, then make students who are already paying money eat them, so that I can then pay more money to Make-A-Wish. Is that not how charity works?”

Thank you President Carson! I appreciate that insight to the Epic Pizza Party/Basketball Ball/ Charity Bash from the 21st. You also looked stunning in that scarf and hat, it is nice to know you can wear something other than a three-piece suit.

You heard it here first folks, if you want to break a Guinness World Record, come to TU. It is our crowning achievement (please don’t ask about the Indian Law program). We are the STEM capital of Tulsa, for we know how to crunch the (pizza) numbers and gather data, though not how to gather students for sports events without dangling notoriety and free shit in front of them.

Taurus, right now you can expect to feel overwhelmed. As we move out of the full moon in leo you might feel that you are not being acknowledged enough. You long for a change. Follow your instinct, try something new. This shift will help you find new connections.

Gemini, expect to feel immense relief as Mercury crosses over transformative Pluto on the 11th. Your heart and psyche have been under duress lately, but that will end after the crossover debuts in aquarius. It is a good time to break old negative patterns.

Cancer, this week you will be drawn to excess. The full moon in leo will boost your ego and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Have fun during this time, but be cautious. There is rarely enough to fully solve dissatisfaction.

Leo, this is a week of extremes for you. The full moon in leo both boosts your capacity for socializing and makes it even more exhausting. Follow your instincts to go out and be with others, but take time to decompress when needed. Your energy and power is high right now, don’t shy away from the opportunities that might bring you!

Virgo, work to stay grounded this week. Keep a routine, use your energy to move forward. Mercury crossing over Pluto will help you settle into the roles for which you have been striving. Your hard work will pay off with patience. This week has strong virgo placements, so trust your instincts and natural energy.

Libra, focus on balance. As the sign of justice, this theme is not new to your life, but you may find the issues it concerns more pressing this week. Remember to balance your busy schedule with your health. You can not accomplish everything if you are not mindful of your personal needs. Venus in pisces encourages nurturing, especially of oneself.

Scorpio, expect big things on the 10th! On this day Mercury crosses over Pluto in your solar third house. Be transparent about your needs and aspirations. Putting these things into words can help you find the correct path. This placement is known for big surprises, so watch out for something unexpected!

Sagittarius, prepare for clarity. The leo full moon on the 5th brings openness. Be aware of what may be revealed this week. You will likely find yourself closer to finding the answers you may be searching for. Use this time wisely.

Capricorn, watch your finances this month. As the sun travels through aquarius in the sector of your chart that rules money, there is a lot of potential and a lot of risk. If you are cautious there is an opportunity for prosperity. On the 10th you will be in the mood for communication. Think before you think, but do not be afraid to seek out new conversations.

Aquarius, let go of unrealistic expectations this week. You may feel an emotional shift on the 5th with the full moon in leo. You are likely to feel disappointed if you try to control every aspect of your days. Understand that everyday comes with a level of unpredictability, and fighting against that will only help to exhaust yourself.

Pisces, focus on efficiency. The leo full moon on the 5th will ask you to step out of your comfort zone. As a sign most comfortable with working in the subconscious and keeping a level of disorganization in your life, you may be surprised to find yourself drawn to sorting. Use this momentum to target parts of your life you have been neglecting.

horoscopes by Aurora Stewart

Zach Short

Local latex importer/exporter

graphic by Kyle Garrison Art Vandeley discusses his philanthropic organization.

Mary Lickona Business manager/chemistry professor

An account of the breaking of the Guinness World Record for biggest pizza party by someone who has only heard about it.