A student newspaper of the University of Tulsa
August 30, 2021 - Issue 0 - Volume 107
Delta surge & campus page 2
Good eats in Tulsa page 3
Meet the Editors
cover by Amy Polovich
page 4
The Collegian
The Collegian: 2
August 30, 2021
The six best study spots on and off campus
Whether you need a break from home, time outside or want to see Tulsa, there’s a place for you! Ji Aldada Copy Editor With the stress and excitement of orientation and starting the semester, you’re probably wondering where all the good spots to study are. Sure, studying in your dorm room is more convenient, but after spending countless hours staring at the same four walls, you might feel unmotivated to study or complete assignments. The best study habits should be created at the beginning of the semester and not towards the end, so give yourself plenty of time to wander and
courtesy Wikimedia Commons The tallest building on campus, McFarlin, can be seen from across campus.
experience each spot’s environment to find your favorites. In the meantime, check out mine! On Campus The Old U: If you’re looking for a great spot outside, the shaded area beside the McFarlin steps is the perfect place. Set up a blanket, chair or hammock under the lined trees and enjoy the nice breeze. From there is the scenic view of the fountains that come on every now and then. The spot also overlooks the entirety of the U as well as the beautiful architectural aspects of our campus. The Old U is also perfect for a study session after the sun goes down. McFarlin Library: The computer labs offer a quiet and well air-conditioned place for all students to focus on their work. There are four main printers available and ready to be used. If you get hungry, check out the vending machines with several great options to fulfill any craving. When you need a more open space to lay out your bag and start your research assignment, check out the lower level of the library where you can sit in comfortable chairs, use the computers and browse many sections and aisles of books. Sharp Plaza: Another great place to sit outside and not feel too overwhelmed from the heat is right outside Sharp Plaza. The shaded tables provide a much more appealing approach to enjoying the fresh air and sunset view over this side of campus. Sharp
Chapel also has seating available inside, with the glass doors and windows providing a nice view for those who might need to charge their laptop.
the Italian Renaissance garden and museum. Enjoy a perfect day, or evening, outside on the picnic tables. You could also bring a blanket and sit in the garden!
Off Campus 918 Coffee: If you’re needing to get off campus but don’t want to stray too far, 918 could be your new favorite place. With their fresh and warm baked goods and wide selection of coffee and other caffeine options, this spot deserves the hype. There are plenty of tables and chairs for setting up your laptop, books and other study materials. Their atmosphere is well known for being inviting. You might even run into a student or professor you know!
Gathering Place: A getaway without having to actually get away. If you’re needing a change in scenery from campus, Gathering Place is just a ten minute drive. The Williams Lodge offers amenities such as restrooms, a café and indoor lounge spaces with many outlets. The tall glass windows next to you will give an unobstructed view of the park and greenery while you study.
Philbrook Museum: Here is a chance to use your student ID for free admission into
Whether you’re looking for a nice view or somewhere close by to enjoy a snack, these spots will make the hours spent studying or logging into an online class more enjoyable.
courtesy of Flickr at Diann Bayes Although simply called a museum, Philbrook illustrates the marriage between natural beauty and traditional art.
TU fully reopens despite Delta surge Masks are optional as students head back into classrooms for the first time in over a year. Justin Klopfer News Editor On May 20, 2021, The University of Tulsa announced initial plans to return to a “new normal” for the fall semester. Classes were to shift back to predominantly in-person and buildings were to return to full capacity. This plan has been upheld despite the resurgence of the virus through the Dela Variant occurring later in the summer. The University has now completed its first full week with this return plan, with classes and activities in full swing. Well over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus is still ever-present, with the newly surging Delta Variant causing the majority of new cases. The variant is more infectious than the original strain and is more capable of breaking through the vaccines. A recent study estimated one person infected with the new variant infects an average of seven other people, whereas the original strain averaged only three further infections. Vaccines do still protect against more serious infection, with vaccinated individuals having far lower hospitalization and death rates. However, vaccinated individuals with the Delta Variant still possess a similar size of viral load, making them equally capable of spreading the virus.
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Oklahoma, along with all other states, has suffered a huge increase in cases in comparison to late May and early June. On August 27, the CDC reported a seven day case average of 2,699 cases in Oklahoma, a far cry from the lowest point of the summer, where the average often ran under 100 cases. TU is still taking many precautions to prevent the spread of the new variant. Unvaccinated students are subject to regular mandatory testing. Vaccination has also been encouraged through a promise of raffles if 75 percent vaccination is reached, though this seems unlikely to occur before the deadline of Aug. 31. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are being offered at no expense to students through the Alexander Health Center. Masks are not required on campus, though the University does mirror the CDC’s “strong recommendation” for masks while indoors. Professors are also free to establish their own mask policies within their classrooms, including mask requirements. Staying online, however, would continue a model of education that many students believe is inferior to in-person classes. With vaccines being widely available and a full end to the pandemic nowhere in sight, perhaps now is as good a time as any to attempt the beginning of a “new normal.” TU’s plan also allows for all campus activities to resume, which offers a much-needed social lift for the isolated students.
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Graphic by Adam Walsh Although the rate of TU’s community that is vaccinated has continued to rise, we have still yet to meet our original goal of having 75-80% of the campus vaccinated.
Several primary schools in Tulsa County have already gone virtual after high infection counts. Tulsa Public Schools is reopening, though with a mask mandate for both staff and students starting in September. The legality of these mandates is still in question, as a law banning mask mandates was passed in the Oklahoma legislature this July. An ongoing lawsuit is challenging the validity of this legislation. States like Texas and Florida have created similar mask mandate bans and have faced similar legal challenges. TU’s total vaccination rate is currently about 69 percent, with staff at 77 percent, faculty at 88.5 percent vaccinated and the student body only at
Cross Country @ Cowboy Duels All Day
Aug. 30 - Sept. 5
Thursday
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66.5 percent. Our test positivity rate has remained low, with only 1.9 percent of tests coming back positive. This is roughly similar to TU’s positivity rate during online-only semesters, though it did often dip even lower. The University has not set a definite case count or positivity rate that would necessitate a shut-down of in-person activities. If cases don’t significantly rise, campus should be safe enough to continue these activities. Without vaccine and mask mandates, the risk of an outbreak remains, but staying online may risk depriving students of the holistic college experience.
Friday
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2 Football vs. UC Davis 6:30 pm
Sunday
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Volleyball @ Sam Houston 11:00 am
Volleyball @ UT Arlington 6:30 pm
W Soccer @ Central Arkansas 7:00 pm
Saturday
M Soccer vs. Missouri St. 7:00pm
Volleyball @ N. Texas 1:30 pm
W Soccer vs. Kansas City 2:00 pm
August 30 2021
The Collegian
The Collegian: 3
Where to eat in Tulsa anytime of day
No matter what your mood, here’s a (nonexhaustive) list of great eats in Tulsa. Stop by and support local businesses! Julianne Tran Variety Editor
Of all my favorite things in Tulsa, the food definitely sits towards the top of that list. My biggest selling point when telling people to visit me is the food. A fantastic meal on the weekend is one of my best motivations to get through the week. It brings me so much joy to sit at the table with friends, recount the week’s triumphs and blunders and of course, eat a wonderful meal. On-campus things I apologize, but I’m a bit out of touch from on-campus eats. Last I was eating oncampus dining, the Caf was in Pat Case and the Hut existed. Sooo, I’d stick with whatever your body wants-- want sushi? Eat it. It’ll do, or even, do you well. Want Chickfil-A? Of course you do, eat it. Feeling healthy? Why not a salad. Bagels? We love Einstein’s in the morning. I’m sorry I’m not much help, but I think you’ll be fine! Off-campus things, oh my Rose Rock Creamery: I had to start off with this one! After first having ice cream here, I came back the next day. I will unequivocally say it’s the best ice cream I’ve ever had. I love their rotating specials (big fan of Black Sesame and Earl Grey Blood Orange whenever they come around), as well as their always-there flavors (especially Vietnamese Coffee.) With the smooth, creamy scoops and a beautiful view of
downtown Tulsa, you truly can’t go wrong. I saw Jenna Boyd from “Atypical” there once; maybe you’ll run into her too. Antoinette’s Baking Company: I love this place. They have delicious French pastries, recurring themed days and the cutest cafe atmosphere. I frequent this cafe the most whenever they have their oh-so-wonderful Pie Nights. With more than five different pie options (including vegan and gluten-free pies), how could you say no? Cherry Street Kitchen: With super funky red booths, an ever delicious sounding menu and meals made with love, Cherry Street Kitchen (no longer on Cherry Street) is the perfect spot for a Saturday brunch--that first breath you take after a long week. Anything you order off their menu, from biscuits and bowls to paninis and salads, is bound to be good. Trencher’s Delicatessen: Time and time again, a good sandwich is all I need and Trencher’s has some of the best ones. Their Dutch Crunch bread meets all your crunchy sandwich needs and one sandwich from them could feed me for two meals. Grab their homemade lemonade and chips with your sandwich and you’re good to go. Chimera: For any vegans and vegetarians out there, this is the place for you. If this isn’t you, still come! A wonderful primarily vegan cafe with the coolest decor, I love coming here for an adzuki sandwich on their house-made sourdough bread. Pho Nhi: Moving away from home, I needed to find a good pho spot. Pho Nhi (though not the same as my mom’s) is the
Photo by Zach Short Stop by Chimera to grab a meal or even just coffee with friends and check all their vegan options!
perfect spot for a chilly fall day or anytime you’re needing a little comfort. Eat a bowl and then stop by Nam Hai International Market next door for some dessert-y snacks. India Palace: Do you love Indian food? Yeah, me too. A wonderful place for a more formal dinner, India Palace more than exceeds any desire you have for some good Indian food. Grab some friends and celebrate having gotten through a tough week here. Sisserou’s: This place has fantastic Caribbean food. If you’re ever wanting some jerk chicken or fried plantains, go here! I once
ordered an entire jerk chicken from here and ate like a queen for a few days. Que Gusto: Oh wow, I love this one. Que Gusto is a family-owned Ecuadorian restaurant with some of the best empanadas and meal options. Grab an empanada and some yucca fries and your day is made. Plan a weekend meal! Gather some friends! Try some new foods! I hope this is helpful and happy eating.
Five great activities to explore what Tulsa offers With so much to do in the city of Tulsa, here are some of the best ways to pass time. Logan Guthrie Sports Editor Tulsa, though not as large as many major cities, is one of the most vibrant areas of the Midwest in terms of culture, entertainment, industry and much more. It seems that a great many people end up in Tulsa for one reason or another in their life from all over the world. Part of what makes this great city such a hub for all this exchange is the social activities that it has to offer. There is always something fun to do in Tulsa, so here are five things that we at The Collegian every person to do while here, whether you have been in Tulsa your entire life or you are just passing through. Tulsa Drillers Baseball Our city has the unique opportunity of hosting a farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Tulsa Drillers baseball games are always fun for everyone, whether you are right behind the dugout catching a foul ball or you are having a picnic in the grass past the outfield. Oneok Field is one of the finest stadiums in American Minor League baseball, and to truly receive the Tulsa experience you have to attend at least one firework game. America’s pastime is a treat that is hard to beat in this city. Philbrook Museum Originally the home of Waite Phillips, one of the founders of Phillips 66, this mansion and its surrounding garden have become one of the largest centers of art and art history. Currently, the Philbrook is hosting a limited-time exhibition of Salvador Dali’s illustrations for Lewis Car-
roll’s Alice in Wonderland. His dark, mysterious and absurd approach to illustrating this book pairs well with Carroll’s chaotic and kaleidoscopic narrative. In addition to the classic and modern art collections and a beautiful walk-through garden, the Philbrook Museum additionally has many community events, such as their “Movie on the Lawn” nights. There is always something new and exciting going on at the museum, so it is absolutely worthy of multiple visits throughout the year. Tulsa Air and Space Museum Tulsa has a long and rich history in the aerospace industry. Through companies such as Spartan Aviation (now Spartan College of Aeronautics), the former Rockwell International, McDonald-Douglas, and Boeing, we have had our hand in projects and innovations ranging from military aircraft in World War II to the Apollo Missions in the Space Age and even modern air transportation and private space ventures. If you have any sort of interest in aviation or space exploration, then the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is the place for you. Come take a tour of their exhibit hall filled with historic aircraft, including the Rockwell Ranger 3000, one of three of these racing planes ever built and the only one in the United States currently. Explore their American Airlines MD-80, seeing in detail all of the aspects of these airliners that changed the game of domestic and international travel. Be sure to stop by their planetarium for their many shows over subjects like Black Holes, Mars, and the Constellations. These aspects, as well as their special events throughout the year, are guaranteed to fill you with wonder and excite you with the amazing discoveries that we have made in the world of Aerospace and Engineering. The Gathering Place One of the newest attractions in Tulsa,
and quickly becoming one of the most popular, is the Gathering Place. Owned by the Tulsa River Parks Authority, this location is exactly what the name suggests, a place in which people can gather and socialize, forming community and fellowship. This park has a lot to offer, including obstacle courses, basketball courts, biking and hiking trails, great food, special concerts and much more. Set off the east bank of the Arkansas River, this waterfront park showcases how beautiful and vibrant Riverside truly can be, and they are always working on expansion and improvement. Being named USA Today Readers’ Choice Award Best New Attraction in the nation in 2018, the Gathering Place truly has become a staple of Tulsa, and is guaranteed to be another place you will want to visit over and over again. .
tucollegian@tucollegian.com editor in chief
Piper Prolago managing editor
Zach Short news editor
Justin Klopfer sports editor
Logan Guthrie variety editor
Julianne Tran commentary editor
Adam Walsh satire editor
Anna Johns photo & graphics editor
Amy Polovich
business & advertising manager
Madeleine Goodman social media & web manager
Ha Huynh copy editor
Ji Aldada
courtesy of US National Archives The Tulsa Air and Space Museum offers opportunities to tour historical aircrafts.
Tulsa Zoo Last but not least on our list, our zoo here in Tulsa is truly a classic stop, and is a center for wildlife conservation, zoology education, and science communication. Recently two exciting things have taken place: the Tulsa Zoo has announced the name of their newest Malayan tiger cub, Dara, and their white rhino Sally is pregnant and due in the fall. These are exciting times for us because Malayan tigers are critically endangered, as are white rhinos. In fact, this will also be the first rhinoceros born in Tulsa ever. These are just a few of the many things that the Tulsa zoo has to offer. Fall is just around the corner, so be sure to check out their upcoming special events, such as their HallowZOOeen extravaganza in October.
@TUCOLLEGIAN
The Collegian is the student newspaper of the University of Tulsa. It is distributed Mondays during the fall and spring semesters, except during holidays and final exam weeks. The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the asis of personal status or group characteristics including but not limited to the classes protected under federal and state law. Inquiries regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Office of Human Resources, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-9700. (918)631-2616. Requests for accomodation of disabilities may be addressed to the university’s 504 Coordinator, Dr. Tawny Rigsby. (918)631-3814. To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accomodations. Advertising Policy: Advertising appearing in this publication does not imply approval or endorsement by the University of Tulsa or the Collegian for the products or services advertised. For advertising information, email the Collegian at advertising @tucollegian.org. The deadline for advertising is noon on the Friday prior to publication. Letter Policy: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words and can be sent to tucollegian@tucollegian. org. Under no circumstances will anonymous letters be published. The name of the person submitting the letter must be published with the letter. We reserve the right to edit or reject all letters. The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to publication. Editing Policy: The Collegian reserves the right to edit all copy submitted by all writers. This editing my take place in many forms, including grammar corrections, changes in paragraph structure or even the addition or removal of sections of content. Editorial Policy: Columnists are solely responsible for the content of their columns. Opinions expressed in columns may not represent the opinions of the Collegian staff, the administrative policies of the University of Tulsa, the views of the student body or our advertisers.
The Collegian: 4
The Collegian
August 30, 2021
Meet The Collegian team this year! Name: Piper Prolago Position at The Collegian: Editor-in-Chief Major(s): Art History and Anthropology Hometown: Wichita, KS Summer 2021 Anthem: “Stay High” by Childish Gambino and Brittany Howard Karaoke weapon of choice: “Misery Business” by Paramore Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: India Palace Desert island movies: “Grand Budapest Hotel” and “La Haine” Ideal vacation spot: Berlin Dream Halloween costume: Velma of the Scooby-Doo cinematic universe Most recent book you’ve read: “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” by Haruki Murakami …. Truly a rollercoaster Social media: @pipercp168 on Instagram/ Twitter
Name: Zach Short Position at The Collegian: Managing Editor Major(s): Political Science and English Hometown: Springfield, MO Summer 2021 Anthem: “Electric Funeral” by Black Sabbath Karaoke weapon of choice: “Copacabana (Long Version)” by Barry Manilow Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: El Rancho Grande (right off campus!) Desert island movies: “The Big Lebowski,” “Life of Brian,” “Inglorious Basterds” Ideal vacation spot: Nice Dream Halloween costume: The guys from the old Sonic commercials Most recent book you’ve read: “The Tin Drum” by Gunter Gräss Social media: @snack.short on IG, @realzachshort on Twitter
Name: Logan Guthrie Position at The Collegian: Sports Editor Major(s): Geoscience and Anthropology Hometown: Sapulpa, OK Summer 2021 Anthem: “Left Hand Free” by Alt-J Karaoke weapon of choice: “Tequila” by The Champs Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Pollos Asados Desert island movies: “Shrek 2,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)” and “Snow Dogs” Ideal vacation spot: Machu Picchu, Peru Dream Halloween costume: Squints from “The Sandlot” Most recent book you’ve read: “Washington Black,” by Esi Edugyan Can be found on social media: Facebook: Logan Guthrie, Instagram: @loganbguthrie
Name: Justin Klopfer Position at The Collegian: News Editor Major(s): Computer Science Hometown: St. Louis, MO Summer 2021 Anthem: “Cherry” by Chromatics Karaoke weapon of choice: “We Built This City” by Starship Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: My kitchen Desert island movies: “The Godfather,” “The Godfather: Part II” Ideal vacation spot: Dublin Dream Halloween costume: Special Agent Dale Cooper Most recent book you’ve read: “Underworld” by Don DeLillo Social media: None
Name: Adam Walsh Position at The Collegian: Commentary Editor Major(s): English, History and German triple major with a Classical Studies Certificate Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK Summer 2021 Anthem: “The Bandit” by Kings of Leon Karaoke weapon of choice: “Tantum Ergo” by St. Thomas Aquinas Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Kilkenny’s is pretty good Desert island movies: Don’t really watch movies, but I will spend several hours devouring ancient fandom drama video essays. Ideal vacation spot: Anywhere 68 degrees Fahrenheit, breezy and sunny. Or, more simply, anywhere with friends, good food and an opportunity to serve the community through teaching. Dream Halloween costume: I’ve wanted to make my own plague doctor costume for years but lack the time and motivation Most recent book you’ve read: “Gardens of the Moon” by Steven Erickson. When “The Black Company” is listed as an inspiration, you know you’re in for gritty high fantasy. Or “Dune.” “Dune” is rad. Can be found on social media: No social media, but I check my email regularly! Name: Jihan Aldada Position at The Collegian: Copy Editor Major(s): Creative Writing and Organizational Studies Hometown: Glenpool, OK Summer 2021 Anthem: anything by LANY Karaoke weapon of choice: “Bohemian Rhapsody” Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Neighborhood Jam Desert island movies: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and 2,” “Lord of the Rings” or “The Hobbit” Ideal vacation spot: The French Riviera Dream Halloween costume: Either Raya from “Raya and the Last Dragon” or Hinata from “Naruto” Most recent book you’ve read: “Emma” by Jane Austen social media: Facebook: Ji Aldada, Instagram: @jihanaldada Name: Madeline Goodman Position at The Collegian: Business Manager Major(s): Business Law (Pre-Law Track) Hometown: Joplin, MO Summer 2021 Anthem: “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish Karaoke weapon of choice: “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Stonehorse Cafe Desert island movies: “Clueless” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” Ideal vacation spot: Kauai, HI Dream Halloween costume: Ricky and Cal from “Talladega Nights” Most recent book you’ve read: “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover Social media: Instagram: @ madelineegoodman
Name: Anna Johns Position at The Collegian: Satire Editor Major(s): English and History Hometown: Pleasanton, CA Summer 2021 Anthem: “Picture of You” by Boyzone Karaoke weapon of choice: If ABBA is playing, the world is my stage, and I’m the soloist in God’s choir. “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Céline Dion is another good one that makes me go bonkers. Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Also Justin’s kitchen Desert island movies: “Rocketman,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and the live action Scooby Doo movies. Ideal vacation spot: Dude, whatever “Peaky Blinders” has going on—so, like, the time period, mud ratio, cigarettes, bad accents. I would like to be the gross little orphan digging my palms into the squelch and dirt of the British sewers. Dream Halloween costume: Newsie, Sexy Dr. Doofenshmirtz Most recent book you’ve read: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens. I hate Pip. I hate the marshlands. Can be found on social media: Sometimes my mom posts pictures of me on her Facebook, so that’s pretty quirky and mysterious of me. Name: Julianne Tran Position at The Collegian: Variety Editor Major(s): Political Science, Media Studies and Spanish minors Hometown: Mustang, OK Summer 2021 Anthem: “Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend Karaoke weapon of choice: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: Rose Rock Microcreamery Desert island movies: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic” Ideal vacation spot: Oregon! Dream Halloween costume: Ina Garten Most recent book you’ve read: “Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis Social media: @juliannetrann on Instagram
Name: Amy Polovich Position at The Collegian: Graphic Editor Major(s): Psychology Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK Summer 2021 Anthem: “21 Summer” by Brothers Osborne Karaoke weapon of choice: I am tone deaf Favorite place to eat in Tulsa: 3 Tequilas Desert island movies: “Pink Panther” (The one with Steve Martin) Ideal vacation spot: Colorado Dream Halloween costume: I went as a loofah last year and used an empty soap bottle as a cup. Most recent book you’ve read: “Blackout” by Candace Owens Social media: @amypolovich on Instagram