Students take a break at Summer Send-Off
Top: Raeslyn Miller, Emma Goins and Cody Cothran line dance to “Copperhead Road” outside the University Center at the Summer Send-Off April 20. Popular country songs for line dancing were played over speakers throughout the three-hour event, as students and guests engaged in games and crafts.
Left: Freshman Addyson Lindsey pets a small goat at the petting zoo corral at the Send-Off. The corral featured goats, pigs, ducks, and bunnies that guests were allowed to pet and take pictures of as a part of the Country Fair theme.
Above: Students wait their turn to ride the mechanical bull on the Quad Lawn. The mechanical bull was a part of the Country Fair theme of this year’s Send-Off, accompanied by a petting zoo, fake cow-milking, and a shoot-out laser tag course.
Below: Student Affairs faculty Kimberley Graham, Allie Longoria, and Dr. Levi Harrel-Hallmark run the Send-Off check-in tables. The campus-wide event, also open to the public, lasted from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and students and families could check in at any time to get their wristbands and gray ticket that granted access to the activities.
OCU second only to UCO in number of HOF tuition grants
A total of 132 Oklahoma high school students heard their names called for more than $165,000 in scholarships today at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, organizers said.
Among these were nine future OCU Stars, who received tuition grants to attend next year.
Only the University of Central Oklahoma listed more grant winners, with 18, organizers said.
Winners were announced at the annual Oklahoma Scholarship Competition & Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award Assembly at the Hall of Fame.
This spring, 386 high school students took an online Oklahoma history examination to qualify for more than $700,000 in scholarships.
Of these, 14 students earned cash scholarships, while 118 others earned tuition grants for study at 28 different Oklahoma universities and colleges.
“This scholarship competition rewards Oklahoma students who understand the rich and one-of-a kind history of our great state,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
“It also encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and earn in Oklahoma. It’s a vital component of building a modern workforce to help grow our economy.”
The scholarship assembly and
Lee Allan Smith awards are given together to inspire students toward service and have the opportunity to hear from community leaders.
The 2023 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award of 2023 went to Ronnie Irani and Deborah McAuliffe Senner, two individuals who exemplify intentional generosity that greatly benefits the people of Oklahoma today and for generations to come, organizers said.
This namesake award honors those whose efforts are similar to
the efforts of Lee Allan Smith, a.k.a.
“Oklahoma’s Best Friend.”
Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame preserves Oklahoma’s unique heritage by telling the state’s story through its people.
The organization was created to honor exceptional Oklahomans and provide educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s highest honor. The Hall of Fame promotes pride in our state.
WELLNESS: IN OUR VIEW
‘Run, hide, fight’? Never again.
In 2022 alone, there were 636 mass shootings in the United States.
The criteria for mass shootings vary by source, but the common definition from the Gun Violence Archive is 4 or more people, excluding the shooter, are shot and wounded or killed.
Over 19,000 people have been wounded or killed by gunfire in mass shootings since 2015.
Among the ten deadliest mass shootings since 2015, three occurred at schools – two high schools and one elementary school.
Three were at entertainment venues.
One was at a grocery store.
One was at a church.
120 people are killed because of gun violence in the United States every single day.
The U.S. gun homicide rate is 26 times higher than other developed countries. There are ways to fix this.
Things like public safety gun laws are simple and effective ways to decrease gun violence. Other developed countries don’t have the gun violence issues we have.
The lack of legislative action on such an extreme and harmful matter is shameful and allows gun violence to continue.
It’s time for a change.
Otherwise, more people will be victims of gun violence.
Citizens should advocate and put pressure on political figures for the solution to gun violence and the protection of the people.
University officials rise to data leak challenges
Two cybertheft incidents that recently took place at Oklahoma City University (OCU) have sparked concern and outrage among students and the wider community.
According to reports, university officials disclosed that they discovered a data breach that had jeopardized the security of personal information of current and former students, staff members, and other individuals whose data was stored on the university’s systems.
The breach was discovered in the summer of 2022 and in March 2023, and the university filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Montana.
Citing the personal information
of thousands of current and former students, faculty, and staff was compromised.
The university immediately launched an investigation, which found that the breach was caused by a “sophisticated and malicious cyberattack” on the university’s computer system.
The attackers were able to gain access to the university’s database and steal sensitive information, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and financial information.
This incident follows a previous cyberattack on OCU in 2020, that involved a virtual graduation ceremony that was hacked.
The virtual graduation ceremony, held in May 2020, was meant to be a joyous occasion for graduates who had worked hard to earn their degrees.
However, the ceremony was disrupted when hackers gained access to the event and displayed racist language and a swastika during the blessing portion of the ceremony.
The incident was a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of racism and hate speech in our society.
The university quickly issued an apology for the incident and promised to investigate and take action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
They also offered counseling and
support services to those affected by the incident.
The incident prompted discussions about online security and the need for stronger measures to prevent cyberattacks on virtual events.
The incidents at OCU highlight the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in today’s world.
Jake Adebayo Tech ArchivistWith more and more of our lives taking place online, it is essential that we take steps to protect our personal information and prevent cyberattacks.
Educational institutions, in particular, have a responsibility
to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff, both online and offline.
In conclusion, the incidents at our university have left a lasting impact on the community. They have stirred up emotions of anger, frustration, and distress, but they have also brought the community together in a shared commitment to prevent future incidents from happening. The response of the university has been a testament to their commitment to their students and staff, and their ability to rise to the challenge in times of adversity.
Let your voice be heard ... Join Student Publications next year!
THE CAMPUS
Editor-in-Chief: Natalie Turner
Managing Editor: Doha Hana
Arts Editor: William Peetoom
Life Editor: Jamison Ko Photo Editor: Bibek Maharjan
Athletics presents 17th Jim Wade Awards
Student Publications
Winners of the Chi-Alpha Sigma Award unite, with 61 student-athletes being recognized. Chi-Alpha Sigma is a is a national student-athlete honor society created to recognize student-athletes who excel in the classroom, with a GPA of 3.4 or above. Winners for this year include: Caleb Allen, Grant Baber, Bosten Benn, Ella Benward, Nick Bonifay, Amy Crabaugh, Aja Crawford, Katlyn Davenport, Lexi Duff, Kelsi Fitzgerald, Katelyn Gregory, Hannah Grundy, Kaitlyn Heffernan, Jordan Iwuchukwu, Ruthie Lacy, Zachary Lerblance, Wyatt Long, Grace McLean, Raeslyn Miller, McLain Moss, Jolly Parker, Ally Qualls, Ana Rivera, Derrick Rodriguez, Sonia Ruiz, Fiona Scott, Alexandra Setser, Rebekah Sewell, Andrija Simeunovic, Sophia Smith, Katylin Sweeney, Stephanie Towle, Sydney Trenary, Lily Tucker, Emma Vance, Drake Vannoy, Savannah Whitten, Fiona Wilson, Blake Yohn, and Peyton York.
Individual Jim Wade Award winners are recognized every April. Each sport chooses one member of the team for the award. Above are Madison Caputo, women’s soccer; Thomas McElyea, men’s soccer; Kaitlyn Heffernan, women’s cross country; Pedro Becerra, men’s cross country; Rylee Steward, volleyball; Annilia Dawn, women’s basketball; Zach Lerblance, men’s basketball; Sophie Smith, women’s wrestling; Keegan Luton, men’s wrestling; Ally Setser, dance/pom; Madison Blakey, stunt; Katelyn Gregory, cheer; Natalie Gough, women’s golf; Bosten Benn, men’s golf; Shawna Smith, women’s track and field; Milan Todorovic, men’s track and field; Mallory McCoy, softball; Evan Muan, baseball; Ruthie Lacy, women’s rowing; and Nikola Uveric, men’s rowing.
At left, attendees observe a moment of silence for coaches Denney Crabaugh and Brian Harvey. Former head baseball Coach Crabaugh passed away July 13, 2022. Former head men’s and women’s soccer Coach Harvey passed away Jan. 13, 2023. Above, Sophie Smith and Evan Maun received the 2023 Overall Jim Wade Award. given to the two athletes who excel in the classroom, in athletics, and in the community.
and Tristan Williams win the 2023 Best Comeback of the Year Award,
the Student Athlete Association. MacInnis-Pierce was out for 11 months due to a hip injury, but went on to earn an All-American finish and 5th place finish in the 4x800 at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championship. Williams, meanwhile, competed with a torn shoulder.
Members of the women’s golf team join Athletic Director Corey Bray after the team won the new award for highest team GPA, with a score of 3.704. The award is one of several introduced this year to create positive competition among different teams. Winners include Logan Allen, Carrie Bowers, Blaine Bruton, Meghan Charles, Natalie Gough, Aubrey House, Maddi Kamas, MaKayla Tyrrell, Jamie Welsh, and Paige Wood.
First-ever Multicultural Night ‘DARE’s community to discuss race, ethnicity
Mariah Hunt STAFF WRITEROn April 13, the Native American Society, Black Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, and Pacific Islander Asian American Association at OCU hosted their first annual multicultural night entitled “D.A.R.E to Grow.”
D.A.R.E. is an acronym
coined by sophomore mass
communications major Kel Pinkston for “Discussions about Race and Ethnicity.” This event strove to not only celebrate the unique cultures represented by OCU’s multicultural student organizations, but also to start meaningful conversations about these communities and their needs.
The event began at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall and featured cultural foods provided
WELLNESS: CAMPUS LIFE
by each group, including fry bread, catfish, and crab wontons.
Some food was catered from authentic restaurants, while others were homemade by organization members. Students, faculty, and the community were invited to partake in the delicious food while watching a few performances.
Each group sponsored a dance group throughout the
night that represented an aspect of their culture.
Performances included the Kustom Fit Dance Team, representing BSA; Marti Rickman and her Salsa Dancers, representing HSA; Cecil Grey and his family, representing NAS; and the Hung Viet Lion Dancers, representing PIAAA. The dances included time for discussion between performances.
Each organization provided two questions about their racial community for participants to discuss.
The second half of the program moved outdoors.
The Native American and Asian American dance performances took place on the quad to capitalize on the stunning weather and include those participating in the Better Together “Love, Not Hate Day.” The dances
Stressed out at ‘Over-Committed U’?
drew a crowd of students. DARE to Grow received sponsorship from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and from Disability Access Services. It showcased the diversity and richness of different cultures and was an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to come together and connect with each other and learn about their different backgrounds.
Student leaders say balance, limits, breaks, perception keys to getting it all done
Jamison Ko LIFE EDITORNational Stress Awareness
Month occurs annually during the month of April to bring awareness to the negative impacts of stress.
Stress is defined by the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health as “a physical and emotional reaction that people experience as they encounter challenges in life.”
While stress can be chronic and dangerous, feeling stressed occasionally is a normal coping mechanism to experience throughout your life.
With the nickname “Over-Committed University,” it is no secret that OCU students are incredibly busy and therefore experience stress as a part of their lives.
Maddie Pivonka, a senior dance
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Did you know?
April 10, 1970:
management major, serves as president of We Are Queens, the treasurer of Students of Arts Management, dance senator for the Student Government Association, and is an RA in Banning Hall.
She recognizes that serving as a leader is challenging but fulfilling, as “it takes extra effort to not only think about yourself but to also prioritize others. However, I think this all works out in the end, and everyone benefits from the hard work.”
While Pivonka rates her stress at a 7 out of 10 on average, she has found several ways to manage her course load and extracurricular obligations.
She notes that “To create balance, I think you need to know your needs and be realistic with what
Believe it or not, the small but mighty Oklahoma City University can claim a unique bragging right:
We’ve got an NBA player!
Who knew that our beloved Stars could shine so brightly on the biggest basketball stage of all?
Few people are aware that a former Oklahoma City University basketball star, Willie Watson, played professionally in the NBA.
Born Nov. 5, 1945, in Clayton, North Carolina, Watson began his basketball career at Oklahoma City University.
After honing his skills with the OCU Stars,
you can do today. Even if you don’t get everything on your to-do list done, you still did at least one amazing thing.” Students often struggle with knowing what their limits are and how to meet them, yet there is a plethora of ways to de-stress on your own or resources available to assist with stress management.
the SGA junior-at-large senator.
While holding these positions, she states that “these leadership positions can create stressful situations but the positions in their entirety bring me joy.”
key. If you see something as negatively stressing you out, you will feel weighed down.
“However, if you see it as a challenge to grow then you may feel lighter.”
Pivonka WatkinsCampus Counseling is available for appointments to all students free of cost.
While Pivonka said she has only utilized this resource once, she listed meditation, reading, phone calls with loved ones, and walks outside as methods to use to relax.
Annelise Watkins, a sophomore youth ministry and religious education major, is the president of Better Together, a PLC mentor, and
he went on to play for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the sixth round of the 1970 NBA Draft.
During his rookie season with the Bucks, Watson played in 47 games, averaging 2.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
While those numbers may not have been eye-popping, Watson’s dedication to the sport was clear to all who saw him play.
Though his career in the NBA was brief, Watson’s time on the court was marked by his talent and tenacity as a forward.
His hard work and perseverance served as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike.
After his time in the NBA, Watson contin-
Like Pivonka, Watkins rates her stress level at a 7 out of 10, and recommends an itemized list to help balance and accomplish tasks.
“Journaling and exercising really improve my mood and help to de-stress me as well,” she said.
There is no one recipe for success in balancing taking care of yourself, being a leader, and being a student.
However, remembering to have fun and enjoy the process is key.
Student leader Pivonka believes that “stress can have a negative or positive connotation. Perception is
ued to play basketball professionally overseas, further showcasing his talent on the court.
Sadly, he passed away in 2008 at the age of 62.
As an alumnus of Oklahoma City University, Willie Watson serves as a reminder of the talent and dedication that can be found within the OCU community.
Though his time in the NBA was short, his impact on the world of basketball will never be forgotten.
Watson’s legacy continues to inspire current and future OCU athletes to strive for greatness on and off the court.
Jake Adebayo Tech ArchivistWatkins advises that student leaders “understand that there may be situations where you experience delayed gratification and not immediate gratification – and that is OK!”
Both leaders acknowledge the stress that arises from being leaders and students but also recognize the growth they’ve achieved in these roles.
Stress is a natural part of life, especially in college.
Yet OCU’s student leaders continue to overcome stress and many other obstacles to reach their goals.
‘Small but mighty’ Stars sent Willie Watson to NBA in 1970
CLASS OF 2023
MOMENTS
What will you take away from your time at OCU?
“Never underestimate your power.
I just started doing theatre in high school. I knew I loved it coming into college, but I felt behind. I learned that you can push yourself a lot farther than you think you can, and grow in a short amount of time.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten here?
The best piece of advice I’ve gotten here at OCU was from Jeff Cochran.
He advised me to treat everyone the same by treating them differently.
We are lucky to go to a university where the professors focus on both equity and
individuality.
“The industry isn’t going anywhere” – meaning, be a human.
Enjoy post-grad life, travel, explore, learn who you are outside of an academic setting!
Stay positive – no matter what is going on around you!
What teacher or mentor inspired you the most during your time at OCU?
Dr. Herendeen!
From the very start of my journey here, he assured my mom and me that he would always take care of his students.
It was a big deal for me to know that
Anette BarriosTorres Musical Theatrethere was someone I could count on to help me.
He’s been a real comfort to me.
Dr. Bracken has inspired me. She’s always willing to help any student and makes me feel as though I can do anything I put my mind to.
Dr. Adele always inspires me to do my best work.
In addition to being extremely passionate about what she does, Beth always listens to my concerns and
Sarah Navran Entertainment Businessactively seeks to assist in any way. Her feedback has significantly influenced me in becoming a strong communicator.
What advice do you have for next year’s underclassmen?
Take every opportunity possible to learn something new. Try new things and don’t be afraid to get a little uncomfortable. Don’t change yourself to fit into someone else’s life, be yourself and the right people will find you.
Surround yourself with individuals who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities – and promise you would do the same for them.
Mr. Sandoval has inspired me with all his stories from when he performed in the entertainment industry.
I hope to one day pursue half
Science Daryn Polzin Dance Performancethe performance jobs that he had – especially working at Radio City Music Hall.
Try everything!
Meet everyone! And if it gets to be too much … there is no harm in taking a step back.
NEXT ARTS
• April 29:
Festival of the Arts
Bicentennial Park
• May 5:
Brooks & Dunn ‘Reboot 2023 Tour’
Paycom Center
• May 7:
OKC Ballet
Civic Center
Music Hall
• May 10: Gary Clark Jr.
The Jones Assembly
• May 12:
KATTFEST 2023
The Zoo Amphitheatre
• May 13: Ugly Kid Joe / Fozzy
Diamond Ballroom
• May 13: OKC Flower and Garden Festival
Crystal Bridge
Tropical Conservatory
• May 19: Tim Allen Civic Center
Music Hall
• May 20: SoonerFestOklahoma City
Scissortail Park
• May 25: Hamilton
Civic Center
Music Hall
• May 30:
Paseo Arts Festival
Paseo Arts and Creativity Center
• June 9: Oklahoma City
Tattoo Arts Festival 2023
Oklahoma City
Convention Center
• June 18:
The Avett Brothers
The Zoo
Amphitheatre
• June 30:
Red Earth Festival
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
William Peetoom Arts Editor
WELLNESS: THE ARTS
Stressed out in the fine arts?
OCU music students discuss healthy, unhealthy stress responses
William Peetoom ARTS EDITOREditor’s Note: All students interviewed for this article requested anonymity in order to be able to speakfreely.
Oklahoma City University is a unique school in the state of Oklahoma, as one of the largest draws to the school is the performing arts.
OCU is also unique because it has the acronym that corresponds to the not-so-fondly earned nickname “over committed university.”
Things that contribute to this are classes, shows, and extra-curricular activities such as clubs and sports.
One vocalist said one of the biggest reasons behind their stress is “time commitments,” adding that “it’s just hard, because all of our classes are just one or two credits, so you’re in class all day, every day.”
An instrumentalist said their
stress is from “the simultaneous need to keep up with my schoolwork for my degree, while also the number of ensembles I’m trying to prepare music for.”
When asked about how they deal with this stress, the instrumentalist said, “really, the only way to deal with it is to knuckle down and deal with it. That does sacrifice quite a bit, so I don’t sleep as much as I probably should … but that’s really the only way to do it, because of the expectations from all the staff, the ensemble directors, and your peers.”
The vocalist said that “healthily, you have to remind yourself why you love what you do. It’s hard to remember that it’s actually fun.”
Other things this student finds helpful include “mindfulness … calendars and to do lists … and non-negotiables, which are things that if everything else slips you make sure are OK,” and things like sleeping
and eating as non-negotiable.
“When you make those things a priority, then you have the rest of your energy to focus on your mental health and what you’re doing,” they said.
On the other hand, the vocalist noted several ways of dealing with stress “unhealthily.”
“In general, on this campus, a lot of people turn to drugs and alcohol,” they said.
Another problem that the vocalist brought up was the physical stress that the performers are under, saying “we’re singing all day, every day, and you have to know how to take care of your voice and body – because if you don’t, you can’t be here.”
When asked how they thought OCU could manage these issues better, the instrumentalist said, “I don’t really know of a way, because I don’t think that the administration really knows what goes on with the student body.”
“It’s just how it’s been here for a long time, and that’s how it keeps going, but I do feel like something needs to change,” they said. This question brought more problems up, with the instrumentalist saying, “I know in my degree program, there’s always the worry of the incoming freshman, because every year you hear about one of the freshmen who attempt suicide.”
“Another problem that I know in the music school is there’s a lot of eating disorders because people just don’t have time.”
“Something needs to change, but it seems like every time that we’ve talked about it, all of the remedies that we try never come to fruition,” they said.
“I think the system has become so entrenched that I wouldn’t know how to shake it up and change it.”
Continued at MEDIAOCU.COM
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Symphony closes season with Romantics
On Apr. 13 the Symphony Orchestra performed their last concert of the ’22-’23 school year.
The ensemble presented Hector Berlioz’s “Le Carnaval Romain, Ouverture pour Orchestra” (Roman Carnival Overture), Opus 9, and Pytor Ilych Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique,” directed by graduate
composer Rueff Frazao and Jeffery Grogan.
Frazao graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in music education and is now working for his master of music in orchestra conducting at OCU.
Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture” was written as a response to his opera “Benvenuto Cellini” failing, and was originally just a prelude to another act but grew into fame as its own overture.
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique” is a four-movement piece that premiered nine days before Tchaikovsky died of cholera.
Each movement strays from the traditional symphony, with the second and third movements following abnormal time signatures for a waltz and march, and the first and fourth movements displaying themes and emotions that would normally be frowned upon.
The piece is said to reflect Tchaikovsky’s struggle in life as a homosexual in a time where homosexuality was taboo, with Russian-American scholar Alexander Poznansky describing it as “a testimony to homosexual martyrdom.”
However, many believe that, while composing it, Tchaikovsky was not showing any signs of depression –with his brother even saying, “I had not seen him so bright in a long time past.”