Apr 19 by MediaOCU

THE CAMPUS OKCU? April 19, 2017 – Volume 110 Issue 52

Officials consider acronym change to distinguish university

niversity officials are considering adding a “K” to OCU’s acronym. Kevin Windholz, vice president for enrollment management, and Leslie Berger, senior director of communications and marketing, are overseeing the change. Windholz said the switch is not official at this point. Officials will conduct an experiment during the next two years to determine if the change would be practical. “OKCU would make us unique,” Windholz said. “It defines us as Oklahoma City’s university since the city is referred to as OKC.” The change would distinguish OCU from competitors with similar acronyms like the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Oklahoma Christian University (OC) and Oklahoma Community College (OCCC), Windholz said. He also noted the branding of OKC is powerful for national marketing due to the connection with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tammy Phillips, cell and molecular biology sophomore, agreed. “It would make our school’s abbreviation more distinctive,” she said. Sierra Paul, acting freshman, said changing the acronym would make it easier for people to find information about the university. “Whenever someone Googles ‘OCU,’ the first thing that pops up is Ohio Christian University,” Paul said. “People know OCU is in OKC, so I don’t think it would ruin connections too badly.” OCU’s official website is okcu.edu because of the URL availability at the time of its creation. By changing the university acronym to OKCU, the website and the university would be more consistent. Jordan Kilgore, acting freshman, said he originally thought OKCU was the school’s official acronym. “I referred to the school as OKCU until I got here and heard

everyone referring to the school as OCU,” he said. “I think branding-wise, it definitely ties us into the city.” However, Kilgore said he’s unsure if the change will catch on. “I’m not sure it will get into the verbal vernacular though,” Kilgore said. “Saying the least amount of syllables possible is just something that’s ingrained into Millennial culture. It’d be hard to get a longer term to catch on.” Officials said the change will not happen overnight. “The only thing that is being changed at this point in time is any branding that goes out to prospective students—high school juniors and seniors that we are marketing to now. In that recruitment branding, whenever we refer to the university in the form of an acronym, we are calling it ‘OKCU,’” Windholz said. Windholz said officials will wait two years to see if the rebranding has any effect on the usage of OKCU. “After we have two classes that come in, if we hear people use ‘OKCU’ more than ‘OCU,’ we are going to talk about changing it more universitywide,” he said. If the term is not more commonly used, the university will remain OCU. “It’s basically a two-year experimentation done through prospective student communication only to see if, when those students get here, it begins a common terminology,” Windholz said. Madelon Wink, acting senior, works in the admissions department and said people confuse OCU with other universities often. “Admissions has actually been advertising the school as ‘OKCU’ since I started working here freshman year,” she said. “We get a lot of calls for ‘OCU’ when they mean to call OCCC or Oklahoma Christian. I think it provides clarity in the admissions process.” John Metcalf, acting freshman, said OCU could no longer be referred to as “Over-Committed University” if the acronym

is changed. Maddie Bowes, entertainment business freshman, said she opposes the idea. “I personally like ‘OCU’ better, but that’s because I’ve been calling it that since I was a sophomore in high school, so it means something to me,” Bowes said. Adam Laporte, music theater freshman, said alumni connections would be a major concern if the change is made. “I think it’d be easier to find alumni and common connections if the abbreviation didn’t change,” he said. “Also, I don’t want all my OCU gear to suddenly be outdated.” Windholz said officials recognize that many people are concerned about alumni traditions and their connection to the university and that the OCU branding is an important component of athletics. “Because there’s so much that’s involved with it, and because it’s such a culture change, we’re not just going to go in overnight and do it,” Windholz said. “It’s just experimentation.” Angela Clifton, biomedical graduate and former soccer player, said some athletes are upset because OCU teams have a huge presence in the competitive world, especially in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics. “OCU is known in the NAIA and in our respective conferences because of the intensity and competitive nature we’ve shown with the name,” Clifton said. “It’s a name that out of state teams know and associate with our competitive reputation. OCU has weight behind it.” By Staff Writer Emily Wollenberg

Students encouraged to prepare for severe weather season Sage Tokach

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As tornado season approaches, university officials said they want students to feel prepared and capable in extreme weather situations. Because of this winter’s weak La Niña, the state should expect about 20 tornadoes in April and the same amount in May, said Damon Lane, chief meteorologist for KOCO 5 News, in a forecast report. La Niña refers to a warming of the ocean’s surface, typically causing warmer temperatures during winter, which leads to disruption in air movements and precipitation. In Oklahoma, a weak La Niña usually means an increase in April tornadoes instead of the usual greater concentration in May, Lane said. The last weak La Niña occurred in 2012, when the state saw 54 tornadoes in April and only three in May. Students will receive texts or emails via the Blue Alert emergency notification system in the case of severe weather that warrants class cancellation or university closure. Provost Kent Buchanan makes all decisions regarding closings and delays. If classes continue and students do not feel safe traveling to campus, they should contact individual professors about how to make up missed work, according to the university’s inclement weather policy. Lee Brown, university risk manager, encouraged students to stay weather aware. “It’s not as likely as you think it’s going to be, but if sirens sound near campus, take shelter and remain calm,” Brown said. “Remember that Oklahoma County has a new siren policy, so if

you hear a siren on campus, it means the tornado is in this section of the county.” The policy, adopted in late 2015, divides Oklahoma County into zones. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for an area, sirens will only sound in that zone, as opposed to the entire county as it did before. A tornado warning means that a tornado was sighted or shown on a radar, whereas a tornado watch means that weather conditions exist for a tornado to develop. Some students said they do not feel in danger around tornadoes, even during a warning. “They don’t freak me out as much as they should because they don’t really ever get to campus,” said Shelby McCarver, acting sophomore. “But, if I were in a tornado, I would want to go to Bass. There’s something I like about the idea of sleeping wrapped in a blanket in a practice room while a music major lulls me to sleep.” The best protection during a tornado warning is an underground shelter or steel-framed building. The school’s crisis management plan directs students to avoid gymnasiums and auditoriums with large, less supported roofs. If someone does not have time to find a basement, they should go to their building’s ground floor, find a central room away from windows and take cover under heavy furniture. In an outdoor situation where there is no time to reach a building, take cover and lie in a ditch.

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OCULeads members to host annual Fire, Water Ceremony Zoe Travers

NEWS EDITOR

Students from the president’s leadership class will host an event for freshmen to reflect on their year. Fire and Water is at 7 p.m. tonight in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The Fire and Water Ceremony is an annual event that is open to all freshmen and focuses on looking back on the experience of freshman year. In years past, the cer-

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emony has ranged from beachthemed to garden-themed to formal-themed. The theme this year will be “Adventure Awaits." The president’s leadership class, commonly referred to as OCULeads, is made up of handpicked student leaders who work with President Robert Henry and other esteemed faculty and guests. The class meets once a week. OCULeads students are separated into five committees and are given the responsibility of planning the Fire and Water Ceremony.

It’s a time to remember all of the challenges you’ve faced, like missing your classes, and your successes, like getting an A on your test. Carly Youngberg English freshman

The event is open to all freshmen and will involve free food, speakers, performers, and activities. “It’s a great experience to come together with your class

and bond,” said Carly Youngberg, English freshman and OCULeads member. The intention of the ceremony is to celebrate the trials and triumphs of freshman

year. It will involve activities to help students unwind, Youngberg said. “It’s a time to remember all of the challenges you’ve faced, like missing your classes, and your successes, like getting an A on your test,” Youngberg said. Lesley Black, associate dean of students, worked with OCULeads students to plan the event. She said the choosing of the theme and the planning is mostly up to the students, and they use their class time to do so.

Members of OCULeads created a video featuring freshmen speaking about their experiences. There will also be a slideshow presented at the event. There will be $25 gift cards given away at the event to Chick-fil-A, Target, lululemon, Ulta, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Trader Joe’s, and Empire Pizza. Proper dress is described as “snappy casual.”

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opinion Chick-fil-A won't provide enough variety on its own Officials announced earlier this month that they will replace Alvin’s Café with a Chick-fil-A, leaving students with dietary restrictions concerned about what they’ll eat following the change. Catherine Maninger, chief financial officer, said a marketplace will be next to the Chick-fil-A, but it is unclear what food will be available there. If there is enough variety provided at the marketplace, students should be able to find things to eat, but, if it is insufficient, students may struggle to eat on campus. Officials said the renovations will be complete in August 2017. They are meeting this week with Chartwells, the university’s new food service provider, to discuss the changes.

The decision to add a Chick-fil-A followed a student dining survey. While Chick-fil-A seems like a fresh and different food option for students, in retrospect, it’s only a good dining option if plenty of variety is offered in the marketplace. Students with peanut allergies are unable to eat any of the fried food from Chickfil-A, and there are limited options for students who are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian. The caf already has a limited variety for these students, but they were able to find food they could eat at Alvin’s. Unless Chartwells offers a wider selection in the caf and the marketplace, these students will have even more restricted options. Additionally, many stu-

Talk Back “What changes would you like to see from the new food provider?”

dents pay close attention to the nutritional content of the foods they eat. Though most people like the taste of Chickfil-A, the menu is not exactly the pinnacle of health. When students finish classes or rehearsal after the caf closes, Chick-fil-A and the marketplace may be their only options for food. Some student schedules rarely work with the caf ’s hours and a daily diet of Chick-fil-A cannot be healthy or desirable in the long term. That makes it even more important for students to let officials know what food options they need and for officials to communicate with Chartwells to make sure the marketplace addresses those needs.

“Lower prices at Alvin's or a wider variation of choice in food in the caf.”

“I wouldn't say no to pie.“

Lysa Engle film production sophomore

Madeline Dannenberg music theater junior

“Healthier options and a larger variety of options" Bethany Stanley religion freshman

“Options that are more sensitive to kids with dietary restrictions” Evie Simons political science senior

“I would appreciate variety during dinner.”

Jorge Guerra dance management junior

“I would like to see a bigger selection of food/variety.” Lauren Sloan nursing freshman

Green Room successfully executes clever concept but ends abruptly Sometimes things take an unexpected turn, and life throws a wrench into our best laid plans. We need to be ready to adjust to obstacles thrown our way, and if you’re interested in seeing how someone would react to that last scenario, then check out Green Room. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier and starring Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots and Patrick Stewart, Green Room follows a struggling punk band touring in the Pacific Northwest running low on money. They accept an offer to perform at a bar deep in

the woods of Oregon that turns out to be run by Neo-Nazi skinheads. As one would expect, things start to go wrong. After seeing an incident that the club owners would rather be kept private (hint: it’s something illegal) the band finds themselves stuck in the club’s green room fighting for their lives. Saulnier is coming off a debut film, Blue Ruin, that received critical acclaim, and, with Green Room, he proves that he’s a director worth watching. Saulnier doesn’t like his audiences to get comfortable,

Danielle Petersen is a violin performance graduate from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing with her cat and watching films.

and there are few places more uncomfortable than being in a bar surrounded by Nazis. Green Room’s story is tight, fast-paced and unpredictable, while Saulnier’s directing style— lots of long takes that allow the action to unfold in the screen rather than cutting to it—allows him to keep audiences on their

toes enough to make it difficult to guess where the plot will go next. Anton Yelchin gives a solid performance in one of his final roles—RIP Anton—as the bassist for the band while Imogen Poots emerges as the standout in the talented but relatively unknown cast. Of course, the

“unknown” label doesn’t apply to Stewart, who gives a subdued and against-type performance as the club owner/group leader. While it’s a good and intriguing story, the script doesn’t exactly blow viewers away, especially as the film nears its ending, which could be considered the movie’s weak point. Both of Saulnier’s films were made on small budgets, so it’s a little hard to determine what questionable decisions in the directing/writing process were made for the story and what was necessary to make the budget work. The ending comes somewhat

abruptly, and while it may have been Saulnier’s intention to end the film this way, it doesn’t really satisfy like it should. Overall, Green Room is a clever concept and very wellexecuted, even if it doesn’t necessarily stick the landing. For those interested in Saulnier’s work, both Blue Ruin and Green Room are available with an Amazon Prime account, and Green Room ultimately emerges as the better movie.

Students challenged to impact the environment in positive manner Climate change is real. That’s a risky thing to say, but I’m okay with taking the chance. It’s on us to fix what we’ve done to the earth before it chooses to eliminate us. But, as college students, even the simple act of recycling can be a challenge. Students like Ken Williams, who introduced a recycling initiative to SGA, are working to change the scene. We have some great habits already. For example, OCU Buy/Sell/Trade (and other similar Facebook pages) is a wonderful way to reuse

items that we might otherwise go buy new. But what can we do beyond those things? Something I do that I shouldn’t, is accepting all of the free things I’m offered as a student. I will never wear the many wristbands I’ve accumulated from OCU events, and I’ll just end up throwing that plastic away. If we refused items we do not really need or want, they could be saved for those who do and new ones would not be ordered unnecessarily. We need to turn off/ unplug things we are not using. The toaster only needs

Did you know you can get soda at Alvin’s with your own drinking container? And it’s only 55 cents! Holy cow, what a deal! And you aren’t using a disposable cup. On that note, we need to avoid taking the OCU water bottles that are handed out at so many events. There are water fountains all over campus, many of which have the reusable water bottle filling option (which is just cool). Everyone has heard that they should bring reusable bags to the grocery store. This one is hard for me because I do not have a car, so I’m

always catching a ride to the store, but plastic bags go straight into the garbage and paper bags are actually not much better for the environment. When you go to Alvin’s or the caf, consider not using a stirrer or a straw in your drink. It’s a small piece of plastic that we barely even think about, but, boy, do they add up. Living up to my nickname of “Flower Child,” I encourage you all to channel your inner green hippie and challenge yourselves to be a little more sustainable.

Jonathan Curtis's graduate guitar recital from 4-5 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

Brian Belanus's graduate guitar recital from 6-7:15 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

Kendra Comstock's senior voice recital from 4-5 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

OCUEdge presents The Effect at 8 p.m. in Clara E. Jones Administration Building

McAlyn Forbes is an acting sophomore from the beautiful mountains of Colorado. She loves petting any dog that she sees and reading in bed with tea.

to be plugged in when it is toasting something delicious (hopefully), and the lights in the kitchen do not need to stay on all night (looking at you, roomies). My roommates and I tend to fight about the temperature in the apartment (even though 73 is optimal and

anybody who says otherwise is delusional), so the thermostat is always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you get a little chilly, throw on some socks. Or slide yourself into a sleeping bag, which is a portable bag of sleep and warmth. Why wouldn’t you want that?

Campus Calendar Calendar items must be received in the Newsroom or stupub@okcu.edu by noon Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday issue.

WEDNESDAY Blue-White luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Belle Isle Restaurant banquet room, 50 Penn Place OCULeads Fire & Water ceremony from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center Yuliy Leontiev's senior trombone recital from 8-9 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center THURSDAY Chapel at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

Baseball vs. St. Gregory's from 6-9 p.m. at Jim Wade Stadium Big Event from 7-10 p.m. at Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Rd. Aline Boyd's graduate piano recital from 8-9:15 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

SATURDAY Audrey Oden's junior guitar recital from 12-12:30 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Sarah Kuhlmann's senior vocal performance recital from 12-1 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

FRIDAY Softball vs. Texas Wesleyan at 5 p.m. at Ann Lacy Stadium

Monica Thompson's senior vocal performance recital from 2-3 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Bass School of Music presents Anything Goes at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

S o f t b all vs. S o ut hwester n Assemblies of God University from 2-5:30 p.m. at Ann Lacy Stadium

Bass School of Music presents Anything Goes at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SUNDAY Bass School of Music presents Anything Goes at 3 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

April 19, 2017, Volume 110, Number 52

Photographers: Courtney Beyer, Donovan Lawson, Ali Wonderly Staff Writers: Taylor Rey, Prisca Lynch, McAlyn Forbes, Nathan Moelling, Adrianna DelPercio Film Critics: Danielle Petersen, Mary McLain Videographer: Emily Haan Ad/Marketing Director: Madison

Yom HaShoah from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center Evensong at 8 p.m. in the Watson

TUESDAY FIRST finals celebration from 6-7 p.m. in the lobby in Walker Hall Wind Philharmonic's 16th annual children's concert from 8-10 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center FCA meeting at 8:30 p.m. in the Leichter room in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

The Campus has served the Oklahoma City University community since 1907. It is published Wednesday during the academic year, with the exception of holidays and exam periods.

THE CAMPUS Editor-in-chief: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White News Editor: Zoe Travers Lifestyles Editor: Madelyn Parker Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri Web Editor: Nicole Waltman

MONDAY Ryan Lambert's senior music theater recital from 6-7 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Victoria Erhardt's senior music theater recital from 8-9 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Clark Circulation Director: Brianna Demuth Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

ters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without explanation. Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition.

April 19, 2017

news

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Elina Moon Student Publications

Make ‘em laugh Caroline Stella, acting senior; Caroline Baniewicz, music theater junior; Nicholas Reese, acting junior, and Cole Cloutier, music theater sophomore, jump in the air while performing their version of High School Musical 5 at the Second Act improv show on April 13 in the Gold Star Memorial Building. Above: Brade Bradshaw and Caroline Stella, acting seniors, watch their favorite Oscar-winning moments at the Second Act improv show. The group was started by Stella and primarily does short-form improv.

Relay For Life team continues raising funds after main event Nicole Waltman

WEB EDITOR

Relay For Life raised $19,001 to benefit the American Cancer Society, but organizers are still accepting donations. The main fundraising event was 7 p.m. April 7 to 7 a.m. April 8. The organization did not meet the fundraising goal of $24,000. “It was a low turnout,” said Emily Diaz, acting junior and

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event lead. “A lot of things were happening this past weekend, and everyone who was there I could tell was having fun. Everything went really well.” The event included doughnuts, chalking, snow cones, a survivor dinner, an opening ceremony, and a survivor lap that kicked off the evening of events. Insomnia Cookies also donated 100 cookies for the night. “We had lots of people donate to us, and I’m so grateful for that, and if anyone for next

We had lots of people donate to us, and I’m so grateful for that.

Emily Diaz acting junior

year thinks of a family business that they have or whatever, and they want to donate, we accept,

one hundred percent accept,” Diaz said. OCU’s main fundraising

event is complete, but donations can still be made until Aug. 21. During the main event, students performed musical numbers, participated in a live auction and donated their hair to the American Cancer Society. “The time I was there, things seemed to be relaxed and hopping at the same time,” said Matt Tuley, acting sophomore. “It was a very positive environment. We’re all gonna know someone who’s been affected by cancer, it’s that common. So,

it has to be a positive environment, or what’s the point?” To find out more information or to donate, students and faculty can visit relay.org/ okcuok. “Keep supporting us until Aug. 21,” Diaz said. “Keep donating until then. I know we’re waiting for a few more checks from our benefit nights, so that number may go up.”

Theater school petition catches officials’ attention, makes progress Zoe Travers

NEWS EDITOR

Administrators are addressing a student petition regarding the quality of theater facilities and officials’ transparency about the theater budget. The petition’s creators originally asked for 200 signatures before the petition would be presented to the theater school’s deans for consideration. Since then, 169 students, alumni and students’ relatives signed the petition. The petition was given to Brian Parsons, associate dean of the school of theater, who delivered it to university administrators. “Improvement work is progressing as previously planned,” Parsons said. He refused to comment further. Callie Dewees, acting sophomore and proponent of the petition, said theater faculty confirmed that they are working on renovations beginning this summer. “I think it’s good that we’ve come to a point where we don’t need a petition anymore,” Dewees said. She said the theater faculty members are just as concerned about these issues as students. The petition addressed concerns such as safer floors in the basement of the Gold Star Memorial Building, soundproofed walls and new floors in Studio A and in the Clara E. Jones Administration Building. It also addressed issues of transparency, demanding university officials present a budget to students who are concerned about where their money is going. “If our university is unable to fund these things or allow a budgetary discussion, we, as students who pay a considerable amount, should be educated as to why,” the petition reads. Some students voiced concerns about the floors in the April 19, 2017

I’m really proud of all the support we got and the fact that we put our minds to something and something is actually being done about it. Callie Dewees acting sophomore

admin tower and Studio A, claiming they are unsafe and result in injuries. “I have gotten hurt due to the terrible conditions of the flooring in the admin tower and Studio A,” Adrienne Pierce, acting sophomore, wrote in a comment on the online petition. “I do not want to be in fear of getting hurt while trying to learn. We cannot wear shoes in most of the classes that we have in these spaces, increasing the risk to injure.” Other problems have arisen since the writing of the petition, like heating issues in the basement of Gold Star. “It is so cold we physically cannot have class there,” said Onnika Hanson, acting sophomore. Hanson said her class was moved to a room smaller than a general education classroom, which made the acting lesson difficult. “Even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, it does prevent us from having class,” Dewees said. “That’s something I would expect them to get done. There’s no excuse for not doing it.” Lance Marsh, professor of theater, said administrators are following through with revisions. “Students have conducted a respectful process of calling attention to the state of the spaces that the theater school trains into the upper administration,” Marsh said. These renovations include soundproofing the rooms in Gold Star. “Parsons and Lance have both confirmed that the people in

charge of that are actively working on fixing what problems they can,” Dewees said. Gregory DeCandia, assistant professor of theater; Dr. Mark Parker, dean of Bass School of Music, and Jeffrey Cochran, assistant professor of acting, refused to comment. Dewees said she trusts the theater faculty to make the changes mentioned in the petition. “I definitely trust Lance especially,” Dewees said. “And I know Dean Parsons has personally spoken to Dean Parker and the provost, and they do want this as bad as we do.” Mark Clouse, director of facilities, was unavailable for comment at presstime. Provost Kent Buchanan said he is in communication with Parsons, but refused to comment further. Dewees said she considers the petition successful. “I really appreciate how much they’ve worked with us,” Dewees said. Dewees said Parsons told her university officials will focus on transparency during the next year. “I’m really proud of all of the support we got and the fact that we put our minds to something and something is actually being done about it,” Dewees said. “We, as people, tend to get frustrated and complain to each other, but I think that this is a really good example of what can happen when you voice concerns in a productive way and when they’re listened to.”

I solemnly swear

Elina Moon Student Publications

Randy Gipson-Black, religion sophomore; Monica Hiller, education junior, and Austin Gipson-Black, religion sophomore, are sworn in as Student Government Association president, Student Activities Council president and SGA vice president respectively, at the SGA Inauguration on April 11 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. All three made speeches, along with former SGA President Nic Rhodes. Four senators were also inaugurated.

news School of Visual Arts to host beadworking workshop for free Nathan Moelling

STAFF WRITER

A beadworking workshop will be hosted in conjunction with the Spring Equinox Exhibition in the School of Visual Arts. One of the exhibition’s participants, Molly Murphy Adams, will lead the workshop. The workshop is free and open to the public, and all materials will be provided. It will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. “Murphy Adams’s use of materials and exploration into personal expression lend themselves to a unique, hands-on experience where participants take home greater cultural awareness, formal skills, and a piece of their own art,” said Holly Moye, director of the School of Visual Arts. Murphy Adams’s work has origins in traditional Native American feminine arts and mainstream contemporary design and media. “I think it would be a good opportunity for people to try new things, especially if they aren’t art majors,” said Leondre Lattimore, studio art freshman. “I always think opportunities for self-expression are important, and this is just another form of it.” To reserve a spot or for more information on the event, email Moye at hmmoye@okcu.edu. More information about the event also can be found on the event’s Facebook page, “Molly Murphy Adams Workshop: Mixed Media Beadworking.” Information about Murphy Adams and her work can be found at mollymurphybeads.com.

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Elina Moon Student Publications

Drunk on knowledge

Lt. Joshua Pankowsky briefs Emily Tryon, acting sophomore, on how to drive through a golf cart obstacle course while wearing goggles that simulate intoxication. The event was hosted April 12 by student affairs and the Oklahoma City University Police Department as part of Alcohol Awareness Month. The next alcohol awareness event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the Student Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The event is called “Star-Opoly,” where students can play a game inspired by Monopoly while learning about consequences and alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse.

Undergraduate, graduate commencement speakers announced Harrison Langford

STAFF WRITER

The speakers for undergraduate and graduate commencements are finalized. Both ceremonies will be May 6 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The undergraduate cremony will start at 11 a.m. T h e g r a d u a t e c e re m o n y begins at 3 p.m. Both are expected to last about an hour and a half. Michelle Millben will be

the speaker for the undergraduate class. Millben is a university alumna who became the first OCU student to win Miss Black Oklahoma in 2005. She graduated the same year and received her bachelor’s degree in music performance with honors. The speaker for the graduate class will be Dr. Melissa Hakman, associate professor and chairwoman of the psychology department. Hakman was awarded the 2017 “Outstanding Faculty

I haven’t heard much, in all honesty. To be fair, I haven’t thought much about it. But it’ll be a culmination of these long four years.

Award.” She is also the director of the Child Advocacy Studies Training Program at OCU. Celin Romero will receive

Dylan Mobley acting senior

his honorary doctorate of musical arts. Romero is a world-renowned guitarist who began performing with his family members 59 years

ago. Their band was described in 1996 as ‘The Three Tenors’ of the classical guitar by the Leipzig Volkszeitung. D y l a n Mo b l e y, a c t i n g senior, said he didn’t know much about graduation. “I haven’t heard much, in all honesty,” he said. “To be fair, I haven’t thought much about it. But it’ll be a culmination of these long four years.” No tickets are needed for graduation. All students are invited to attend. Seating is on a first-come-

first-served basis. The doors open at 9:45 a.m. St u d e n t s a re e n c o u r aged to volunteer at the commencement ceremo nies. Lunch will be provided between ceremonies for those who volunteer. For more information on volunteering, email Debbie Craycraft, senior administrative assistant, at dccraycraft@ okcu.edu.

College of arts, sciences names biology professor as associate dean Prisca Lynch

I look forward to serving with Dean Cataldi as she implements and innovates academic programs and community engagement initiatives that are bringing new life into the college of Dr. Helen Gaudin arts and sciences.

STAFF WRITER

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The Petree College of Arts and Sciences has a new second in command. Dr. Helen Gaudin recently was named the college’s associate dean after serving in the position on an interim basis since 2015. Gaudin began serving as acting associate dean of Petree in August 2015 at the request of then-Interim Dean Amy Cataldi. After Cataldi accepted the dean’s position this spring, the permanent associate dean position became open. Dr. Gaudin applied and was hired for the position earlier this month. Gaudin’s role as associate dean is to assist the dean in fulfilling the mission of the college. “I look forward to serving with Dean Cataldi as she implements innovative academic programs and community engagement initiatives that are bringing new life into the college of

associate dean Petree College of Arts and Sciences

arts and sciences,” Gaudin said. Gaudin also assists with student, curricular, faculty, and staff matters to help the college function smoothly. She also teaches biochemistry through the biology department. “Dr. Gaudin is brilliant, hardworking and nearly superhuman,” said Laura Jardine, cell and molecular biology junior. “We miss her constant presence in the biology department, but

we’re so glad she chose to share her expertise and leadership with all of Petree.” Gaudin joined the faculty in 2003 after being an adjunct professor at OCU for eight years. She earned a Priddy Foundation Fellowship Award in 2008, was named a Distinguished Honors Professor in 2010 and served as chairwoman of the biology department from 2012-16. Gaudin has a doctorate in microbiology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in biology and chemistry from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Before coming to OCU, she performed research in regulated gene expression at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Golf team prepares for final tournaments, championship Jeremiah Rupp

STAFF WRITER

The golf team is looking to win the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship for the second year in a row. “We haven’t been playing our best, but we are progressively getting better and just being more consistent,” Senior Matthew Cheung said. The team includes two freshmen, which is a big deal since a golf team consists of five players, Cheung said. OCU’s team is ranked No. 1 in the country for golf, according to ocusports.com. Freshman Peri’Don Castille is ranked No. 1 in the April 19, 2017

As a senior, I’m just really proud of the way our team continues to get better and grow throughout the year. Matthew Cheung golf senior

NAIA League and Cheung was in the top five individually. Golf is a team sport with players ranked individually as well as the whole team. The team took runner-up in the Patriot Classic on April 3 in Irving, Texas. Their next competition is the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships on April 24-25 at the Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City.

“As a senior, I’m just really proud of the way our team continues to get better and grow throughout the year, and I’m just really looking forward to heading into this post-season with them,” Cheung said.

Send in the clowns

Elina Moon Student Publications

Joey Croslin, chief human resources officer, and Casey Ross, university general counsel, announce raffle winners at last week’s Faculty Appreciation Day in the Wanda L. Bass Music Center Atrium. The celebration was rodeo-themed and included food and a raffle. There also were games such as cornhole and lassos.