Feb24issue

THE“CAMPUS

February 24, 2016 – Volume 110 Issue 18

Final enrollment numbers released, show increase Sage Tokach LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Enrollment has increased for the first time in two years.

This year 2,900 students enrolled at OCU, which is an increase from 2,861 last year. Previously, enrollment numbers decreased slightly each year from 3,386 students in 2013.

The changes may stem from scholarships and prioritization, said Kevin Windholz, vice president of enrollment management.

“In the past, we have given out scholarships that have no money behind

them,” he said. “University budgets forced us to reduce those amounts, reducing the number of people we could help. Things are starting to finally stabilize now.”

The increase is reflected in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Miss America, Clara Luper, and other university scholarships not funded by outside money were reduced during the last three years.

The reductions directly correlated with the decrease in enrollment numbers, particularly in undergraduate arts and sciences students, Windholz said.

He said he attributes the

“

Increased enrollment is desirable, but there is no numerical goal. Each department has their own cap.

Kevin Windholz vice president enrollment management

recent increase to new programs in the nursing and business schools. Meinders School of Business revamped their master’s degree and the university launched an accredited physician assistant program.

Additionally, the Kramer School of Nursing added paths to earn a nursing degree.

Aside from traditional onsite bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the school partnered with Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Okla.,

to offer a bachelor’s program there, as well as a master’s degree via live streaming.

“These changes have begun attracting new students and will continue to help enrollment grow,” Windholz said. “Increased enrollment is desirable, but there is no numerical goal. Each department has their own cap.”

Jordan Tar tar, English freshman, thought there were 4,500 students enrolled at OCU. “I think numbers are lower because of the high cost and lack of advertising to outof-state high schools,” he said.

Alanah Hosford, cell and molecular biology sopho-

more, said she sees visible growth in enrollment.

“New improvements like the PA program and new chemistry labs are definitely attracting new students,” Hosford said. “There have already been 60 science students admitted for next year.

They might not all come here, but that is some kind of record.”

Carlos Sanchez, English freshman, said he is happy with current numbers.

“Why do we need more people,” he said. “I like this size.”

SAC to host Big Event in Boat House District Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

The Student Activities Council announced the location of this year’s Big Event.

Big Event is an annual celebration put on for students by SAC. Past Big Events have been hosted at Frontier City, in Bricktown and on campus.

The event will be in the Boat House District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd. It is scheduled from 4-9 p.m. April 12.

Activities for students will include zip lining over the Oklahoma River, sliding down the “Sky Slide,” America’s longest dry slide, Cloud Bouncing, stand-up paddling and falling down the Rumble Drop.

“I love the Boat House, so I’m super excited about it,” said Katie Winnicki, mass communications sophomore. “My roommates and I are looking forward to the memories that are sure to be made.”

All costs for the activities will be covered for students who attend. Students also will receive a $5 voucher for food from one of the food trucks present.

“We were wanting to do

We were wanting to do something different than last year and a lot of the feedback we got was that people wanted it to be off campus.

Maryann Grover chairwoman Student Activities Council

something different than last year and a lot of the feedback we got was that people wanted it to be off campus,” said MaryAnn Grover, marketing senior and SAC chairwoman.

OCU works with the Boat House often and a good number of students work there, Grover said.

“We are really excited to try something new,” she said.

Big Event moved back on campus last year to accommodate a small budget.

The theme was World’s Fair and students were treated to carnival attractions and different cultural cuisines prepared by the university’s cultural organizations.

SAC spent about $20,000 on the event.

Their budget this year is $17,500, Grover said. She said $13,000 will be used for

the venue and the rest of the money will go to food trucks and transportation.

Students are asked to wear comfortable, athletic clothes to be able to fully participate.

Students also will be emailed a waiver to fill out online before they can attend.

Helen Han, music theater sophomore, said she is excited for the event to be off campus.

“This sounds really fun, “ she said. “I’m glad it’s moving back off campus this year.”

Contributing: Emily Wiley, editor-in-chief.

Play that magic flute

Andrew Robling Student Publications

Caitlin Crabill, graduate student, and London Long-Wheeler, vocal performance senior, look over Benjamin Hopkins, graduate student, as he examines a flute during the Feb. 16 performance of The Magic Flute in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The show follows “Prince Tamino” as he tries to save “Pamina” who is promised to him by the Queen of Night. The final performance was Feb. 21.

Parking on side streets causes concern for drivers

M

Emily Wiley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Commuters are parking on the side streets near the university to avoid paying for parking permits.

The streets extending past NW 27th are popular parking spaces for members of the campus community. These streets include Blackwelder, Florida and Kentucky avenues. The streets are designated with signs for drivers to park only on one side of the street.

“If they do park on the side that is ‘no parking,’ then we will write a citation,” said Bradd Brown, chief of police.

“People were parking on both sides of those streets, which makes it difficult for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks to get through. It is happening less than it did last year, but it’s definitely still happening.”

There are six types of parking permits, according to okcu. edu. Permits for commuters, faculty and staff, Cokesbury Court, and Methodist Hall cost $150 and allow drivers to park in designated areas. Faculty and staff permits allow drivers to park anywhere except “visitor parking.”

The commuter permit allows drivers to park in “general parking” as well as “value parking.” The value commuter permit costs $100, but only allows drivers to park in lots

M MEDIAOCU.com

Visit MediaOCU.com for more on parking permits and to see a map of parking areas on campus.

MEDIAOCU.com

designated as “value parking.”

The Star Access pass costs $200 and allows drivers to park anywhere except faculty and visitor parking.

OCU police worked with the city of Oklahoma City to get signs posted telling drivers of the new rules. The city also gave the university control over NW 27th Street. Now that street has no parking on either side.

“We did this because, if there was an emergency, then it is easier to get around the university through this back street than on 23rd Street,” Brown said.

The city also gave the university control of the streets between Blackwelder and Kentucky avenues. This means OCUPD can decide if cars can park on the streets or not.

Oklahoma City police also enforces the rules put in place by university police.

“We do write citations to others who are not affiliated with

the university just because they are not following the parking rules we have put in place,” Brown said.

Brown also said, if there is an event on campus, then they will still enforce the rules about parking on the street, but point visitors in the direction of gravel parking lots or where there might be available parking.

Sarah Cason, psychology junior, said there are some issues that need to be addressed.

“There really aren’t that many spaces on campus,” she said.

“The parking passes and tickets are so expensive, I understand why people might be parking on side streets. But I do also see how it is a hazard for those driving. Maybe the university should find a way to fix that.”

Until the issue is solved, Brown said they will continue to enforce the rules on all streets on campus.

“We are dedicated to the safety of this campus,” Brown said. “The easiest thing to do to keep from getting a ticket is just following the rules and buying a permit. We know it’s expensive but it’s better than getting a million tickets or your car towed.”

Crowning Miss Black OCU

Follow us on Twitter @MediaOCU

Play ball

Like us on Facebook at MediaOCU

Watch a video from the crowning of Miss Black OCU 2016.

Catch up on this week’s baseball and basketball games through our sports updates.

Healthy heart

View photos from Alpha Phi’s philanthropy week.

Follow us on Instagram @media_ocu

opinion Officials urged to address parking concerns Parking will always be an issue on any college campus.

Either there is not enough, the spaces are too small or the prices are too high.

Lately more cars have been parked on side streets around campus, making it difficult for people driving to see down certain streets and at intersections. This is hazardous for all drivers.

See Page 1 for more on the parking issue.

The cause of this problem is two-fold. Parking prices are too high for the average student to pay and parking is scattered around campus.

Officials raised parking prices a couple years ago, causing more drivers to find ways to avoid paying. Paying $150 on top of tuition, housing and books is a lot to ask

of students. Also requiring faculty and staff to pay to park at their jobs is ridiculous.

The lack of convenient parking on campus is another concern for drivers. For the hefty price of $200, you can purchase a Star Access pass and park anywhere on campus. If you choose a less expensive permit, then your parking is limited. Even the cheaper permits cost $100-$150, so some students do not purchase one at all.

The expense causes drivers to look for other areas to park their cars, including side streets.

If there are visitors on campus who don’t want a $100-$150 citation, they are confined to small areas that rarely have an empty space next to Tom and Brenda

Talk Back “What would you do with the $150 you pay for parking?”

McDaniel University Center or next to the dumpsters in the back of Cokesbury Court Apartments, where several trespassers were reported this year.

Two things need to happen to help solve these problems– prices for parking must be lowered and officials need to make plans to create more parking on campus.

The campus is small and options are limited, but, with the amount students pay in fees and citations, there should be enough to build another parking lot.

“Tuition”

“I’d hit up Whole Foods and go crazy.”

Bailey Youngs acting sophomore

Becka Leathers accounting freshman

“Food”

“Show tickets”

Brett Holleman acting senior

Stephanie Francis vocal music eduction sophomore

“The United Methodist Church would not approve of my answer.”

“I’d buy a dog.”

Mason Maidt music business senior

Gracie Lewis acting sophomore

Editor encourages use of counseling services The campus community was shaken this month with the loss of Cody Shafer.

The rower and cell and molecular biology sophomore died Feb. 11 in Tulsa, Okla.

His death reminded us of the reality of death and the severity of depression. There is nothing redeemable about the loss of a young life, but this is a wake-up call that there may be people around us who are suffering and need our support.

I volunteered this summer

at a week-long church camp for junior high and high school students. In one activity we asked campers to write down a question they had for God and tape it to the cross at the front of the room. I was amazed by some of the questions tapped to the cross.

“Why can’t I see or hear God?” “Why is there so much hate in the world?”

“Why does no one love me?”

These questions are sobering.

John Hiller is a religion senior from Ringling, Okla.

He enjoys running, spending time with his fiancé, Hannah, and sarcasm.

They represent a generation of children who have seen so much violence and hatred at work in the world that it is difficult to see good at work. These questions represent those voices who feel so alone that they think no

one is there for them.

As a Christian, I believe it is our responsibility to display God’s love and acceptance to everyone we encounter. As humans it is our responsibility to care for one another.

We all know a person who is on the fringe of society. Those who don’t quite fit in to our “normal” group. We know a person who puts too much pressure on themselves to succeed. You may know someone struggling with a loss. We are all at times overwhelmed by something while in college.

Be mindful of those who may not have anyone else to turn to with their problems.

Reach out to those who you think may just need someone to

talk to. If you know someone struggling with a life crisis, go out of your way to show your support.

If you need to talk to someone, don’t be afraid to reach out.

The university offers free counseling to students. For more information about counseling or to schedule an appointment, call 405-2087901 or visit the counseling page at okcu.edu/campus/ resources/counseling.

Mississippi Grind strikes critic as ‘not incredibly memorable’ There are some addictions people take seriously, and some they don’t. A friend coming clean about his “addiction” to Chapstick isn’t the same as another admitting he’s having problems with liquor.

But addictions are serious, no matter how seemingly harmless they are. While no one would say a gambling addiction is harmless, it isn’t treated by most with the same care that drug and alcohol addicts receive.

Mississippi Grind, written

and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, takes on gambling addiction by following “Gerry,” a gambling addict who owes money all over town.

Played by underrated Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn, “Gerry” strikes up a friendship with “Curtis,” a friendly yet mysterious traveling gambler performed excellently by Ryan Reynolds. Hoping to pay off his debts, “Gerry” convinces “Curtis” to take a road trip down the Mississippi River to stop at the best casinos in the

Danielle Petersen is a music theater senior from San Jose, Calif. She likes playing the violin, playing with her cat and watching films.

region. Things get interesting on the journey, with our heroes’ luck capable of changing in an instant.

Boden and Fleck did a wonderful job capturing the everyday moments of seemingly ordinary people. There are no

car chases or big fight scenes, instead the movie is filled with subtlety.

They get their message across without being too obvious or preachy. For example, instead of having someone mention a detail important to the plot,

they allow the camera to remain on an important image for a second longer than normal. This method helps give the audience details they aren’t aware they’re getting.

Reynolds gives a refreshing performance after going a few years without any memorable roles. Fingers crossed, Mississippi Grind and the Deadpool film will hopefully put a charge back in his career.

While Mendelsohn’s name isn’t as well known, he continues his fantastic work. With

his best performances coming in lower budget films, most people aren’t aware of the talent they’re missing out on.

The movie as a whole is enjoyable and well-made, but not incredibly memorable.

Since it takes on its subject fairly, without a strong message for being either for or against gambling, it doesn’t make all that strong of an impression. It lets you observe the highs and lows of the addiction, but, in the end, the film itself does not stand out in any special way.

Sydney Hughes’s junior voice recital at 6 p.m. in Wimberly Recital Hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

at 8 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

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

THURSDAY Lent chapel service with Philip Younts, religion senior, as speaker at 1 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel FRIDAY Last day to apply for May 2016 commencement Baseball vs. Tabor at 3 p.m. at Jim

Wade Stadium Alexandra Hebert’s junior voice recital at 6 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Sophia Macias’s junior voice recital at 6 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

Lydia Wagner’s senior music theater recital at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at 8 p.m. in School of Law, 800 N. Harvey SATURDAY Baseball vs. Tabor at 1 p.m. at Jim

Wade Stadium Women’s basketball vs. St. Gregory’s at 3 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena In Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center Men’s basketball vs. St. Gregory’s at 5 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena In Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center

Zachary Lutes’s junior voice recital at 6 p.m. in the small rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Kevin Taylor’s junior voice recital

OCU orchestra concert at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at 8 p.m. in School of Law, 800 N. Harvey

Columnist discusses benefits of random acts of kindness When we witness kindness, our mood is elevated and we act more altruistic ourselves, according to research published by the journal Psychological Science.

Recently, while waiting at a stoplight, a man who had two boys with him was standing on the side of the road. Before I thought too hard about it, I rolled down my window and gave him $10. I pulled forward, planning to go on with my day, when I saw the person in the car

behind me also give him money.

Then I was shocked as the person in the car behind them reached out and handed the man a jacket.

Before giving this man money, I was starting to think cynically, wondering if he could do more to provide for his family or if he would ask for more money.

Those thoughts only lasted for a second because I was proud that others came forward and that the man was gracious for the aid he received.

Tatum Nelson is a mass communications/religion sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. She enjoys spending time with her sister and eating tacos. !

Acting with an unselfish regard for others does not always come naturally. But when I make the effort to give without expectations of reciprocity, I am fulfilled and energized.

It’s sometimes difficult to appreciate everything around me, but after witnessing kindness or giving charitably I see the world from a new perspective.

I am hesitant to tell others

THE CAMPUS

2

Photographers: Anna Andersen, Lauren Berlingeri, Donovan Lawson, Andrew Robling Staff Writers: Alex German, Prisca Lynch, Elina Moon, Tatum Nelson, Taylor Rey Columnists: Tatum Nelson, Madelyn Parker

helping, but also about everyone else. It reaches all who witness the genuine goodness. We can speak about generosity and still be humble.

Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It only takes one step to make a positive change in the world.

If you want to know more about how you can give generously, visit The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at randomactsofkindness.org

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.

February 24, 2016, Volume 110, Number 18

Editor-in-Chief: Emily Wiley Web Editor: Maleyia Vaughn Lifestyles Editor: Sage Tokach Multimedia Editor: Miguel Rios Photo Editor: Ali Wonderly Copy Editor: John Hiller Community Managers: Lauren Berlingeri

when I give, because I have always been taught that giving should be done in secret. Matthew 6:4 reads, “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

But witnessing acts of kindness has me thinking... not only do kind and generous acts leave you feeling uplifted, but the impact reaches beyond the giver of kindness and the recipient.

Kindness is no longer only about you and the person you are

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and include the writer’s phone

Film Critic: Danielle Petersen number, address, major, and classification. The staff reserves the right to Circulation Director: edit all letters. The staff also reserves the right to refuse letters without exAllie Glazner Digitally signed by Newsroom Letters can be sent online at mediaocu.com, emailed to stupub@ planation.

Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin DN: cn=Newsroom, o, ou,

Newsroom

okcu.edu or dropped off at the Newsroom in Walker Center for Arts and Sciemail=ehwiley@my.okcu.edu, ences. Submitted items may appear on MediaOCU and in the print edition. c=US Date: 2016.01.09 13:22:47 -06'00'

The first issue of The Campus is free. Each additional issue costs 25 cents. Contents copyright, 2016. All rights reserved.

February 24, 2016

“ “

news

Official changes:

Firm hired to assist in search for new university provost Elina Moon STAFF WRITER

University officials plan to fill the position of provost before the next academic year begins.

Dr. Susan Barber, former provost, retired June 30.

The search committee began looking for a new provost and vice president of academic affairs in December. The goal is to name someone by April or May. The search committee consists of representatives from each school.

The university also hired a Pittsburgh executive search firm, Hyatt-Fennell, to help in the process.

“Initially there are thou-

sands of candidates,” said Dr. Amy Cataldi, interim dean of Petree College of Arts and Sciences.

“Hopefully, before oncampus interviews, we will have narrowed it down to two to three candidates that we’d like to spend a little more time with and get to know.”

Hyatt-Fennell works closely with clients to enhance the process and assure a successful search, according to their website, hyattfennell.com.

The search for this position is a long process, Cataldi said.

The firm will filter through the initial applications and pick out the most appropriate candidates. The university will conduct initial

This is such an important position. They are going to comb through every application to make sure we hire someone who will be good for the university.

interviews through Skype video calls. The final candidates will have interviews on campus.

“This is such an important position,” Cataldi said.

“They are going to comb through every application to make sure we hire someone who will be good for the university.”

Dr. Amy Cataldi interim dean Petree College of Arts and Sciences

The duties of a provost vary at every university. At OCU, the provost ser ves as the chief academic officer, overseeing all schools and colleges, academic programs, student recruitment and retention, and faculty development.

“I think this role is really important for the university,”

said Sarah Cason, psychology junior. “So I think it’s okay for them to spend the extra money on a firm to help them hire.”

The committee is looking for an individual with a Ph.D. in a degree offered on campus, significant experience in university leadership, and competence in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Officials also want the individual to be dynamic and energetic with a vision and sense of self, Cataldi said.

Dr. Kent Buchanan served as the assistant provost since 2012 until becoming the interim provost on July 1.

Buchanan is a professor of biology and previously served

as chairman of the biology department. Before coming to OCU in 2006, he was a professor at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

He also led the preparation for the Higer Learning Commission Assurance Review report that was due in November. The report reaffirmed the university’s accreditation, according to an email sent out to the campus community last May. Buchanan said he plans to apply for the position.

The new provost is scheduled to begin July 1.

Committee to review applications next month for financial officer Elina Moon STAFF WRITER

University officials began the search to replace the former chief financial officer.

After Donna Nance left the position in December, President Robert Henry formed an advisory committee consisting of trustees to make a recommendation for the replacement.

Nance was CFO for three years before leaving for a post at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.

Nance decided it would be best to be closer to her family and this opportunity allowed her that, Interim CFO Catherine Maninger said.

A search committee comprised of several board of trustee members, the university general counsel and the dean of the business school was formed to find a new person for the position.

Applicants are to submit a resume, cover letter and a list of five professional references. Finalists for the position will have to undergo a background check.

The CFO oversees the operations of university support functions including financial accounting services, facilities,

I love the people I work with in terms of their professionalism, attitude and helpfulness. It’s neat to be around that.

Catherine Maninger interim chief financial officer

auxiliary services and risk management. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or finance.

Duties of the CFO include budget process, program reviews, meeting with deans, and making reports. In addition to this, Maninger also does some controller duties like performing accounting entries and producing financial statements.

The search committee is reviewing applications and interviewing candidates. They are expected to make a decision late next month.

Maninger began working at OCU in March 2015 as a controller. She said she loves working for the university and plans to apply for the position.

“I love the people I work with in terms of their profes-

sionalism, attitude and helpfulness,” she said. “Obviously the students are very special and unique. It’s neat to be around that. OCU has a lot to offer in terms of the community.”

Before coming to OCU, she worked at the American Cancer Society as manager of process excellence. She was a financial consultant for a year and a director of finance for three. Maninger also has three years of experience as CFO for St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Okla.

“Being hired as controller was really excellent because it has given me the time to get hands-on into the details,” Maninger said. “I’m very familiar with how the university works and what needs to be accomplished in our office.”

University controllers typically handle the university’s budgetary transactions relating to all university funds.

Much of Maninger’s time is devoted to working on increasing the number of reports available to deans, which gives them financial information when making decisions.

“The goal is to be as transparent as possible,” Maninger said. “The numbers should be accessible and easy to get to with the click of a button.”

Donovan Lawson Student Publications

Hit a homerun

Players from each team acknowledge each others’ efforts after the Feb. 20 baseball game at Jim Wade Stadium. The Stars picked up two wins. They defeated McPherson College, 11-2, and Hastings College, 9-6.

Junior Outfielder Jared Baker prepares to swing his bat Feb. 20. Baker got two hits and two runs during the game against McPherson. The Stars next home game will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Jim Wade Stadium against Tabor College.

OCU’s overall season statistics so far are 7-6-0.

Philosopher, theologian to speak on campus Alex German STAFF WRITER

A new speaker series is scheduled to begin on campus next month.

Emmanuel Falque, a French philosopher and theologian, will be the first of The Philosophy Speakers Series cosponsored and funded by the philosophy department and the Wimberly School of Religion.

Falque is dean of the Faculté de Philosophie at the Institut Catholique de Paris. His research focuses on philosophical questions in Christian theology. Through his research, he uses philosophy to shed new light on traditional theological questions.

He is an author and is one of the leading scholars in the philosophy of religion, but his work is just being translated February 24, 2016

to English, so he is not as well known in the United States.

Dr. Scott Davidson, associate professor of philosophy, translated the lecture.

“It is just a series in the sense that it is something that we hope do on a regular basis,” Davidson said. “We are lucky to get him before he gets too famous.”

The lecture is entitled “Is There Flesh Emmanuel Falque Without the Body?” and addresses the paradox of the incarnation of Christ.

Falque will take problems in theology and show how there are philosophical puzzles in theology to highlight philosophical puzzles and explain how they can illuminate everyday life and how it relates to our own embodiment.

There will be two sections. The first will be an informal discussion and lunch at noon March 1. The second will be a

more formal lecture and reception at 7 p.m. that evening.

Both sections will be in Room 151 in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Both sections are free and open to the campus community.

“It’s cool that he’s coming to speak on that topic,” said Hannah Lampi, religion senior. “Speaking from experience, Christians don’t get enough opportunity to face theological challenges, so I would definitely want to go and listen to a theologian speak.”

There will be one speaker each semester, but none have been finalized.

Contributing: Web Editor Maleyia Vaughn

3

news Organization to host 10th annual Pow Wow Tatum Nelson STAFF WRITER

The Native American Society will celebrate community, spirituality and culture at its 10th annual Spring Contest Pow Wow. The Pow Wow is scheduled for 2-11 p.m. April 2 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

The Pow Wow is a comeand-go event and is open to the public free of charge.

Donations to the Native American Society will be accepted.

A gourd dancing session will begin at 2 p.m. The men in attendance will dance around the arena shaking gourds, while the women dance on the sides of the arena. Students are encouraged to participate.

A meal will be provided at 5 p.m., followed by another gourd dance at 6 p.m.

Grand entry begins at 7 p.m. The grand entry is for performers participating in the dance contest. They

enter the arena and line up according to their category.

Immediately following grand entry, the contest portion of the night begins for students to experience a variety of cultural performances.

“Having a Pow Wow at OCU is important because it helps build awareness on campus of the Native American community,” said Maryann Guoladdle-Davilla, vice president and co-Pow Wow chairwoman for the Native American Society.

“It also lets us, as Native Americans, share a little bit of our culture with people who have not seen or heard anything about contemporary Native Americans.”

The Pow Wow will include a drum contest and a variety of dances to show the different styles in Native American culture.

Prize money will be awarded to first, second and third places for several dance categories including straight, fancy, traditional and grass for adult men, and buckskin, cloth, fancy and jingle

for adult women. Students will not participate but may watch this portion of the night.

Guoladdle-Davilla said she expects at least 500 people to attend.

“Our Spring Pow Wow is one that most people look forward to because a lot of vendors come,” GuoladdleDavilla said. “We also have people from all over Oklahoma being exposed to the school.”

T h e Na t i ve A m e r i c a n Society will sell Pow Wow shirts throughout the night, and snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase at the concession stand.

Bekah Wade, business senior, said she does not know much about Native American culture and is glad that OCU provides many culturally educational opportunities.

Student Publications a�chive Members of the Native American and campus community came together last year for the annual Spring Contest Pow Wow on April 4, 2015. This year is the 10th annual Pow Wow from 2-11 p.m. April 2 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. It will include gourd dancing sessions, a dance contest, a drum contest, prizes, and a meal. The annual Pow Wow is used to bring awareness of the Native American community to OCU.

Play set in courtroom to be performed at law school Taylor Rey STAFF WRITER

Rehearsals are underway for TheatreOCU’s next mainstage show, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.

The play was written in 2005 by Stephen Adly Guirgis and is the story of the trial of Judas, the man who betrayed Jesus Christ. The play takes place in a space between Heaven and Hell with no set time. A series of colorful characters are brought to the witness stand to tell the story, including Sigmund Freud, Mother Theresa and Satan.

This is the first time OCU has performed this show.

The School of Theater is collaborating with the Wimberly School of Religion, School of Law and the Honors Program to create a cross-campus learning opportunity. Classes in the Honors Program and religion school have read the show

and will participate in a round table discussion about the play. Law students were asked to attend the show to learn about acting in the courtroom.

“Plays are a combination of art, literature, design, and history so it’s an interdisciplinary event,” said Brian Parsons, dean of the School of Theater and director.

The show will be downtown in the law school’s mock courtroom, 800 N. Harvey Ave., which is designed to look like a federal court room.

“This is an extremely funny and wacky show as it bends gender roles and time,” Parson said “It’s also challenging and provocative because it asks more questions than it answers about faith, loyalty, free-will and prejudice. Christ tells Judas to ‘do what he has to do,’ so is it really wrong of him or was he just following orders?”

Because of the venue of this production, seating is limited

and students are urged to buy tickets beforehand. Based on demand, an additional $5 performance may occur Thursday night during the dress rehearsal.

“This is one of the most beautifully controversial shows I’ve ever read. It’s a story that is thousands of years old but the production makes it relevant,” said Lincoln Korver, acting sophomore portraying “Judas.”

The show runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. General tickets are $12 and student tickets are $8. They are available online or in the box office of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment.

Religion expo planned to educate community on different cultures Prisca Lynch STAFF WRITER

“

Donovan Lawson Student Publications

Hail the queen

Kelsey Simmons, mass communications sophomore, poses for the crowd after President Robert Henry crowned her Miss Black OCU 2016 on Saturday in Burg Theater in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. There was no pageant this year.

Simmons was chosen based on her interviews with judges and her platform, sexual consent on college campuses.

An upcoming expo will expose students to cultures and religions different than their own.

T h e Wo r l d R e l i g i o n Expo is sponsored by the i n t ro d u c t i o n t o b i b l i c a l literature and introduction to world religion courses as part of their service-learning component.

The expo will have booths representing several Protestant denominations as well as Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, Buddhist, Dao, and other religions.

“In the past, we have offered a variety of activities, an opportunity to participate in Buddhist meditation, Tai Chi, dance, and

more,” said the Rev. Dr. Leslie Long, associate professor of religion. “Every year is different.”

Several booths will have food with connections to their religion or culture.

Students can learn about the beliefs, worship traditions and other facts from each faith community.

“I think ignorance for religions is a bad thing in the United States, especially now, so being educated helps others realize that they aren’t bad, but just different,” said Kirsten Schiska, biomedical sciences freshman.

“A lot of people are ignorant about other religions.

Education is key.”

Students and other visitors are encouraged to ask questions as they move from

booth to booth.

“I think that the expo is a good idea as long as it stays open to all religions and faith bases or lack thereof and remains a place for sharing information rather than conversion,” s a i d Fr a n z i s k a H a r m s , acting sophomore.

T h e Wo r l d R e l i g i o n E x p o w i l l b e 2 - 5 p. m .

April 3 on the first floor of the Gold Star Memorial Building.

It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Long at llong@ okcu.edu or 405-208-5176.

Professor on leave, choir gains three adjunct directors Maleyia Vaughn WEB EDITOR

OCU’s choirs are undergoing directorial changes this semester.

Judith Willoughby, professor of conducting and choral music education, is on leave this semester and three adjunct professors are taking her place.

The adjuncts said they didn’t know why Willoughby is on leave and Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities, was unavailable for comment at presstime.

Tony Gonzalez was called out of retirement to be an adjunct visiting professor to direct University Singers, a mixed-voice ensemble primarily composed of upperclassmen.

This is his second time at OCU after being an adjunct professor last spring for secondary methods of music education course.

Gonzalez was born in Brownsville, Texas, and moved to Oklahoma in 1973. He has lived in Norman since moving.

He received his bachelor’s degree in music education and conducting from Del Mar College in Texas and his master’s February 24, 2016

There’s a spirit of giving here, and generosity and kindness, and to say nothing of the talent. It’s been a real joy for me.

Tony Gonzalez adjunct visiting professor University Singers

degree at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He also studied for his doctorate at OU but is consider “ABD” because he didn’t finish his dissertation.

Gonzalez said he loves OCU and has his students call him “Mr. G” for short.

“From a teacher’s perspective, I’m sure you can concur, there’s a spirit of giving here, and generosity and kindness, and to say nothing of the talent,” Gonzalez said. “It’s been a real joy for me.”

The other two adjunct professors are Sam Ritter and Lucas Tarrant.

Ritter and Tarrant are second-year graduate students in choral conducting who are sharing the responsibility of Ad Astra, the women’s chorus.

“I was surprised because we’re still students, but then was able to realize the opportunity,” Ritter said. “We get to rehearse with choirs all the time, but to actually be a professor of these choirs with our own songs and repertoire is just a different way going about this kind of pursuit.

“It’s a really great opportunity that I didn’t expect.”

Tarrant directed the first half of the semester, and Ritter is directing the rest.

Gonzalez said it is unknown when Willoughby will be back, but he would be happy to consider staying at OCU if he’s asked.

The next concert, which includes all of the choirs, is at 3 p.m. April 3 in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.

4