April25

THE CAMPUS April 25, 2018 – Volume 111 Issue 26

Above: Senior Catcher/Outfielder Lane Milligan runs after hitting the ball in the March 23 baseball game against Southwestern Christian University at Jim

THE END OF AN ERA

Wade Stadium. The Stars won, 10-5. Milligan earned the Sooner Athletic Conference baseball Player of the Week honor in April and has 11 triples, an OCU

record. The next home game is against Randall University at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Jim Wade Stadium. | Photo Editor Elina Moon Top middle: President Robert Henry will retire June 30, and Martha Burger will assume the role July 1. | Illustration by Miguel Rios, editor-in-chief emeritus Top right: Kyla Bruegel, art/film junior, holds a sign at March for Our Lives on March 24 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Students have also marched at the capitol for gender equality and Oklahoma school funding, and walked out April 20 to advocate for gun control. | Photo Editor Elina Moon Right: Students perform “Slow Me Down” at the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment’s Steal the Show performance Oct. 13 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The dance show featured work choreographed by seniors. | Photographer Hannah Rogers Far right: Alyssa Jackson, opera performance alumna, plays “La Contessa” in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music’s production of Marriage of Figaro, which had performances Nov. 17-19 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The first opera next year will be Susannah by composer Carlisle Floyd from Nov. 16-18. | Photo Editor Elina Moon

Editor-in-chief reflects on four years with Student Publications It’s the end of the academic year again! For some that means a vacation, for others it means summer classes and for seniors it means next steps.

Whatever those steps are, continue to enjoy your last few weeks at the university. Don’t forget the experiences that made you who you are and embrace the future-as uncertain as it may be.

As The Campus reflects on the academic year, I’m also looking back at the past four years, which I mostly spent in a fun, messy, exciting, exhausting, rewarding place called “the Newsroom.”

I don’t think it has actually hit me yet that this is the end of my time with Student Publications.

I joined as a freshman because I knew I wanted to be a journalist, but I felt completely out of my element. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to go about writing my first story, and I generally felt a little lost initially. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I enjoyed doing it.

Throughout the years, I’ve grown much more than I ever imagined, all because of the people I’ve worked with. I can’t thank them enough for helping make me a much better, more confident writer, journalist and leader.

I’m lucky to have been named editor-in-chief my sophomore year, even though I was terrified. The responsibilities of the publications, the management of the staff, the extra hours-they all seemed overwhelming and unachievable, but I’m deeply honored to have served as editor for more than two years. Though there were some mistakes along the way, I’m proud of what I accomplished and the skills I gained. I’m even more proud to have the staff I’ve had. Few things would get done without such amazing

talent, work ethic and dedication.

All of the editors I’ve worked with are hardworking and driven, often doing work that goes unrecognized by most of the campus. We’ve been through a lot and had to endure many hardships together, but we’re stronger because of everything we’ve experienced.

The editors have become some of my Miguel Rios editor-in-chief closest friends. One of my favorite memories emeritus of the past four years was when they surprised me by decorating the Newsroom for my birthday. Associate Editor Sage Tokach and Photo Editor Elina Moon even made me a cake that looked like the front page of The Campus.

It feels good to almost be finished with college, but it’s bittersweet to know I’ll be gone soon. It feels like I’ll be leaving my family in a few weeks.

This academic year probably has been the most difficult, with so much hard breaking news to cover like racial profiling claims, abduction attempts and a student’s death. But I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve stayed true to our mission to “inform, entertain and serve” the campus community, despite pushback from some students and administrators. We’ve continued to tell stories that matter and are important to the campus community, like the selection of a new university president or a student stuck in a falling elevator. I’m proud that some of our coverage has even inspired officials to respond or take action.

It’s empowering to know that what we do matters and that

Student Publications is able to improve the lives of students and the campus community. Even though my time as the editor-inchief is coming to an end, I’m confident that the rest of the team will continue what we’ve started, improve on it and continue providing the campus with information and entertainment.

Thank you to our readers for picking up a copy of The Campus each week, for reading MediaOCU.com and for supporting Student Publications.

Thank you to all the students and officials who have allowed me to interview them and tell their stories. Thank you specifically to Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers, whom I’ve only known a short time but has been one of the easiest campus officials to work with by far.

Thank you to our staff for dedicating your time and talent.

Thank you to the editors for working hard and staying dedicated in what is often a thankless job.

Thank you to our adviser, Kenna Griffin, for keeping us on our toes, supporting our team, helping us grow, and pushing us to improve. Thank you, personally, for being a mentor and helping me hone so many skills I never thought I’d have.

Most importantly, thank you to all of the people who criticize Student Publications, to every official who refuses to comment and to everyone who calls us names behind our backs. Not only have you pushed me to be a better journalist, a better citizen and a better person, but you have further empowered our staff to continue searching for truth.

The past four years have been so rewarding because of Student Publications. I wish I could do it all over again.

Talk Back: “What is your favorite memory from your time at OCU?” "The time my professor gave me his backpack, early sophomore year in the middle of a department move. On the first day while moving chairs, computers, file cabinets, etc, my backpack ripped. Then he tossed a bag at me before leaving. And, to clarify, it is still the backpack that I use."

"I'd have to say my time serving as Miss OCU. From representing the university throughout the year to having my photo in the Hall of Honor, it was a year and opportunity I will never forget."

Tyler Pedersen film production senior

Camryn Sanders biomedical science senior

"Getting to travel to Wyoming and Alaska on biology field courses.

They were two beautiful and interesting places that sparked my interest in ecology. They were also amazing opportunities to develop tight friendships with my classmates."

"Finding out I got cast as 'Edna' in Hairspray and that I was finally trusted with a lead role. I then also got to witness my best friend, Madelaine Heigele, find out that she also booked 'Tracy.' She cried, and it was just one of the happiest days of my life."

Laura Jardine biology senior

Wes Peddycord music theater senior

M MEDIAOCU.com

Walk the stage

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Helping with English

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Read about the commencement speakers Learn about a language center opportunity

Devising one last show

Read about the May 2 devising show

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times of change Taking charge President-designate Martha Burger speaks to faculty, staff and students March 19. Students gave their feedback at the discussion. Burger was named the 18th university president. She will be OCU’s first female president and will take office July 1. Burger was originally on the presidential search committee before stepping down to accept a nomination. She has served on OCU’s board of trustees since 2008 and has a background in business that she said will benefit the university economically. “The university has worked really hard to mind their expenses. We’ve gone through some tough processes and deciElina Moon Student Publications

A hearty farewell

sions, and we are to a great stable place where we live within our means,” she

Hugh Akin, executive director of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, and Scott Higginbotham, trustee of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, surprise President Robert Henry with a viking hat at “Much Ado About Robert” on April 7 at the OCU School of Law in downtown Oklahoma City. The event honored Henry’s tenure at OCU and was inspired by William Shakespeare, one of his favorite playwrights. Henry will retire as the 17th university president effective June

said. Burger will give the undergraduate commencement address at 11 a.m.

May 5 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

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30, and President-designate Martha Burger will assume the role the following day.

Give a cheer The OCU cheer team completes a routine at the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics National Championships on March 10.

The cheer and dance teams placed second at the competition. Officials added a STUNT team to the spirit squads this year. STUNT is a female sport based on cheerleading, but with crowd elements removed.

Mandy Gerszewski, former head cheer coach at St. Gregory’s University, was hired as the new STUNT coach. St. Gregory’s University closed Nov. 8 due to financial issues, and OCU officials offered their students transfer scholarships.

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Speaking to the people

Claiming the crown

Jordan Tarter, English junior, speaks at the SGA presidential candidate forum March 19. Tarter was elected SGA president March 27. She ran against Randy Gipson-Black, religion/political science junior and incumbent president,

Camryn Sanders, biomedical sci-

and Rodney Smith, religion/philosophy junior and SGA secretary. Tarter

ence senior and Miss OCU 2017,

and Gipson-Black participated in a runoff election after the initial election.

crowns Maggie Bond, vocal perfor-

Tarter won 306 votes to 240 and was inaugurated April 11.

mance/economics senior, as Miss OCU 2018 at the pageant Oct. 21.

Bond was the 37th student to win the title. It was Bond’s third time competing for the title of Miss OCU. She won the crown on her 22nd birthday. Bond took first place in the lifestyle and fitness category.

During the onstage question portion, Bond was asked, “If you could counsel the president on any one issue, what would it be?” Bond said she would educate the president on disability awareness and the inclusion of disabled people in the workforce to boost the economy. She also said she would Submitted

Swearing in

discuss the education system.

Bond’s platform is “The Solution to Inclusion,” which focuses on

President Robert Henry pins Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers at the Swearing-

including people who live with

In and Pinning Ceremony on Jan. 29. Rodgers received the position Jan. 3

disabilities in activities, college

after a national search. Rodgers has 28 years of experience in law enforce-

programs and the workforce. Bond

ment, serving in communication, investigation and administration positions

will compete in the Miss Oklahoma

within the Oklahoma City Police Department. She graduated from OCU with

pageant in June.

a Master of Arts in criminal justice administration and taught as an adjunct

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professor in OCU’s criminal justice program from 2004-05.

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 April 25, 2018, Volume 111, Number 26

Editor-in-chief emeritus: Miguel Rios Associate Editor: Sage Tokach Copy Editor: Chandler White Photo Editor: Elina Moon Community Manager: Lauren Berlingeri Associate Community Manager: Harrison Langford

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Web Editor: Nicole Waltman Associate Web Editor: Emily Wollenberg Staff Writers: Rodney Smith, Callie Dewees, Jessica Vanek, Mallory Scheidel, Erik Hamilton Photographers: Hannah Rogers, Carolann Stout

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Columnist: Caroline Hawthorne Videographer: Emily Haan Proofreader: Tyler Patton Ad Representative: Emily Jones Circulation Director: Kalen Castor 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.

The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2017. All rights reserved.

April 25, 2018

times of change

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Stars march the capitol

Left: Abby Bryan, acting sophomore, and Grace Nettrour, Anna Luczynski and Bri Williams, acting freshmen, walk with signs at March for Our Lives on March 24 along North Lincoln Boulevard. Participants marched from the Oklahoma City Election Board to the Oklahoma State Capitol. The nationwide movement was organized

by Cameron Kasky, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student, who survived the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. “As we become confident in our beliefs, it is our duty to then make them be heard,” Nettour said. “We are teh future of the country and we should embrace that.”

Above left: Suzy Newsom, early childhood education sophomore, and Emily Fruendt, theater and performance freshman, attend the OKC Women’s March. The march was Jan. 20 outside the Oklahoma State Capitol. It marked the anniversary of the first Women’s March, which took place shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Demonstration topics included transgender rights, gender equality and sexual harassment.

Above right: Joe Charlton, music performance junior, and Sara McKean, music education junior, participate in the Oklahoma teacher walkout April 6 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The walkout was to demand pay increases for teachers and increase funding for schools. Some students went inside the capitol to speak with legislators. The walkout lasted until April 12, closing many Oklahoma schools for two weeks.

Standing for change

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Above: The Imam Dr. Imad Enchassi, professor of Islamic studies, speaks at Stars Stand for Peace Sept. 14 outside Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The event, organized by Celia Tedde, music theater/vocal performance junior, was a response to the events in August in Charlottesville, Virginia when white supremacists rallied to protest the removal of public Confederate monuments. OCU’s event was organized to promote love and tolerance on campus and to make students feel safe. Students shared poems, artwork, songs, and speeches celebrating diversity and marched around the quad to honor victims of hate crimes.

Right: Simón Gómez, music theater/composition freshman; Tyler Ronca, music theater senior, and Eliza Hare and Andrea Amaro, acting seniors, perform “The Wake” at Art Against Gun Violence on March 2 on the quad.

Morgan Haney, music theater senior, organized the event as a way to take a stand against gun violence and raise money for Everytown, a nonprofit organization that promotes gun safety.

WHERE

FRESH & FAST MEET ®

WE DELIVER! Celebrating culture

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Top: Students dance at Black Student Association’s Black Out block party Sept. 13 at the Team One Pavilion. BSA hosts the party each semester with games, art and food. President Robert Henry attended a BSA meeting in October to address concerns such as posters torn down in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall and an accusation of racial profiling on campus.

VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

Above: Reoni Newsome, acting freshman, performs in TheatreOCU’s production of The Bluest Eye. The play was adapted from a novel by Toni Morrison. The performance was promoted as a part of Black History Month events on campus such as a Black History Museum in Walker Hall dormitory, an African Movement and Music demonstration in the Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center and a karaoke night in Cokesbury Clubhouse.

April 25, 2018

3

new beginnings

Let them eat chicken Students eat chicken sandwiches and fries outside the Chick-fil-A in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. University officials decided to bring Chick-fil-A to campus following a dining survey.

The survey was sent to the campus community after Chartwells replaced Sodexo as the university’s food service provider this academic year. They planned to replace Alvin’s Cafe with a Chick-fil-A and a market that still kept the name “Alvin’s.” Issues acquiring correct construction permits delayed both projects past the original opening dates, with the full Market at Alvin’s opening Nov. 18 and Chick-fil-A officially opening March 7.

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Celebrate good times Patty Irwin, music theater/vocal performance junior, sings at the Out of the Box 10th anniversary celebration March 23 on the quad. The event consisted of performances and musical acts, including the local band Annie Oakley, a drag performance from Turner Carson, acting sophomore, as “Liza with a D” and Irwin’s jazz band. OOTB members wanted the event to celebrate the troupe by hosting performances related to what OOTB has done. Because the troupe used to specialize in devising pieces and improv, the

Miguel Rios Student Publications

We're all in this together

event also featured appearances from the Shadow Collective, the

Kira Odom, acting freshman, and Logan Kitchener, dance freshman, have a shootout to decide the winner of an ice-

student-run devising company

breaker game at First-Year Follies on Aug. 15 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The freshman class of

and OCU Improv.

2021 participated in games to get to know each other before the year began. About 300 freshmen joined the campus

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community this year, representing 35 states. Almost 70 percent of the freshman class was female.

Let's hear it for the boys Far left: Wrestlers introduce themselves at a wrestling meet and greet April 22 in the Leichter Room in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

Left: Sam Hazewinkel, the new men’s wrestling head coach, addresses students and families at the meet and greet. Hazewinkel stressed the importance of balancing school and athletics. “The time of being just an athlete is done. We can’t do that anymore,” he said. “You have to be a student athlete.

You have to get good grades. That’s the way it should be. Your degree is very important.

We want good grades. We want good citizens. We want good wrestlers.”

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Debate to win Members of the speech and debate team display their awards alongside their coaches. Their new coach, Dr. Josh Young, director of forensics and adjunct instructor, was hired this semester. Young guided the team through seven tournaments and almost 30 different events this semester. Team members swept the Oklahoma Interstate Forensics Association competition Feb. 23-24, winning first place in Tournament and State Sweepstakes.

Members also won awards at the International Forensics Association Tournament in Montreal, Canada. The team took fifth overall with placements in persuasive, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking. Members also have placed in the American Forensics Association tournament, the Border Wars Speech and Debate Tournament and the Texas Christian University Cowtown Classic tournament. Jamison Keefover, mass communications senior, and Kale Henning, political science freshman, earned spots in the National Interstate Oratorical Association Tournament in April. This is the first time OCU students have qualified for the tournament.

Submitted

Talk Back: “What are you most excited about for next year?”

"I'm getting to take extra business classes next semester."

Blayne Childers acting sophomore

April 25, 2018

"New recruits for rowing"

"Graduating, to be quite honest"

"I can live off campus and make my own food."

Jimmy Francis human performance/ psychology senior

Bailey Chandra film junior

Mercedes Arndt acting junior

"Living in Methodist and getting out of Walker Hall"

"I'm excited to be in Phi Mu and experience all of our activities."

"I just got enrolled into nursing classes."

"I'm not coming back!"

Cassidy King music education freshman

Cate Kurtz history/English sophomore

Christena Hulsey nursing sophomore

Erin Epperly music education senior

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