March 11

THE CAMPUS

March 11, 2020 – Volume 113, Issue 21

Kristin Chenoweth named artist in residence Hannah Prentice

STAFF WRITER

The newest artist in residence for OCU was recently announced as being Tony and Emmy award-winner and OCU alumna Kristin Chenoweth.

Chenoweth graduated from OCU in 1990 with a degree in music theater and went on to star on Broadway in a number of shows, as well as star in television shows and movies and release her own music. The alumna will first be on campus sometime in April of this year.

David Herendeen, director of opera and music theater, said an artist in residence is someone who comes and teaches at OCU. “An artist in residence is where we have a specific touch point with a professional in the business wherein the professional agrees to reside here for a certain amount of time during the school year and works with the students both one on one and in a masterclass setting,” Herendeen said. “She really demonstrates someone who is working in a variety of ways in the industry and therefore gives us a perspective of what the industry looks like now.”

Herendeen said Chenoweth will be coming on campus hopefully one or two times a semester. He also said he hopes the students see this as more than a photo opportunity or a chance for an autograph and try to really learn from Chenoweth’s experience in the industry.

“I want them to know that she didn’t just roll out of bed and become who she is. She had to work hard, face rejection and struggle and did not

Sou�ce: okcu.edu

get everything she wanted. So, she was challenged, but more importantly she was resilient,” Herendeen said. “This exemplifies that, and I want this to be clear, because sometimes people think success in this business is magic or luck, but it’s not. Sure there’s luck, but you have to have talent and a work ethic to line up with luck, and Kristin exemplifies this perfectly.”

Herendeen also said he hopes everyone on campus, whether involved in music and theater or not, will be excited about having such a respected and successful alumna like Chenoweth on as an artist in residence.

“She is not just like the students that are in opera, musical theater, dance or theater, but rather she is like every student in this university, and what she has to show us about resilience and getting up every day is a message for all our students. Everyone on our campus should be proud of the fact that she is one of us,” Herendeen said.

Madeline Powell, music theater junior, said she is incredibly excited about the chance to work with and learn from Chenoweth.

“I think it is just very exciting because obviously Kristin

Chenoweth has put OCU on the map originally for musical theater, and it is so exciting for her to come home and share her years of experience and knowledge with us,” Powell said.

Powell also said she is excited to learn from such an experienced performer what goes into her decision-making with each role she takes on.

“Her acting choices are so professional and well-informed about what she is doing, and I am so excited to get to hear her talk about her thought process in person and learn from what she has to say,” Powell said.

Powell also said she thinks this announcement should be impactful and exciting to the entire OCU campus.

“I think this will be really good to help people know why our school is so special and so sought after. The attention that it will bring to our campus is something that will be beneficial to the campus as a whole,” Powell said.

Stephen Jackson Student Publications

Going for a dip

Mary Taylor Hesterberg, acting senior, plays the titular character in the School of Theatre’s production of “Eurydice.” Joey Witten, acting junior, plays her husband “Orpheus.” The story retells the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from Eurydice’s perspective. The show performed March 6-8 in the Black Box Theatre in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.

Famous filmmaker to visit university Shelby O’Brien

STAFF WRITER

A famous filmmaker will give a workshop on campus.

Kevin Willmott, co-writer of “BlacKkKlansman,” will give an invitation-only workshop about storytelling in films on March 13.

Bryan Cardinale-Powell, associate film professor, said the workshop is primarily for select film, theater and English students.

Willmott will run the workshop during the day, and later that night there will be a free screening of his movie, “Destination: Planet Negro,” at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, where he will be available for a question-and-answer session afterward, moderated by James Cooper.

Willmott currently teaches at the University of Kansas and is a screenwriter and filmmaker.

He is known for working and collaborating with Spike Lee, whom he shared the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman.”

Filmmaker workshop continued on Page 3.

Students, faculty remember nursing staff member MaKayla Baxter

STAFF WRITER

A former Kramer School of Nursing faculty member recently died.

Christopher Black, former director of communications and outreach for the Kramer School of Nursing, died of a heart attack Feb. 25.

He was 44 years old.

Black received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oklahoma City University in 2000. He returned to the university to complete his master’s degree in business administration, graduating in 2010.

Black worked as an OCU faculty member for 12 ½ years.

Black served as CEO and producer of The City Cabaret OKC, as well as academic coordinator and instructor at El Sistema Oklahoma. He was also an independent professional musician and played the bass for over 23 years.

A few weeks before his death, Black announced on Facebook that he started a company called Academic Health Care Communications, an editing, design and communications service for students, faculty and professionals in health care fields.

M MEDIAOCU.com

Vladia Cortest, accounting sophomore, worked for Black in the Kramer School of Nursing as an assistant communications and outreach specialist.

“He was a really passionate and caring person,” Cortest said. “Above all else, he was passionate about taking care of people, and embraced love.”

Cortest said Black was more of a mentor than a boss.

“Chris wasn’t just my boss who told me what to do,” Cortest said. “He was someone who gave me advice in every aspect of my life and was always there for me. I really looked up to him.”

Cortest said Black once helped her in a time of grief.

“My best friend died a couple years ago,” Cortest said.

“One time I had to work on her birthday, and I got really overwhelmed with emotion and was having a really hard time.

He came in to talk to me about a task I was doing and noticed something was off. He was like, ‘hey, I know something’s wrong.

You don’t have to talk about it, but if you want to, I am here to listen.’ I told him the situation and that I was struggling. He gave me a hug and said that she would want me to keep on living.”

Cortest said she realized in that moment the exact kind of

person Black was.

“It was a very monumental moment in my life, to know that someone I worked for could be that caring. He saw me as a human, not just as someone who worked for him,” she said.

Cortest said she eventually considered Black a friend.

“He brought a lot of love and care to the university,” Cortest said. “He was an extremely generous person who just wanted to help people. He went above and beyond and did things for everyone that he didn’t necessarily have to do but wanted to.”

Students, colleagues and friends posted tributes to Black on Facebook after news spread of his death.

Cheyanne Marie, music theater graduate, posted on her Facebook page about Black’s impact.

“My heart is breaking for the Black family,” she wrote.

“Christopher Black, you were one hell of a bass player, educator, musician and family man.

You will be greatly missed. I look forward to making music together again someday. Float on.”

Marie said she met Black over a year ago at a City Cabaret OKC performance.

“I’ve always known him as a really awesome bass musician,”

Sou�ce: okcu.edu Christopher Black, alumnus and former Nursing faculty member, recently died. Oklahoma City University made a facebook post commemorating him, which gained widespread support from family, friends, students and staff.

Marie said. “The City Cabaret had auditions on campus a few months after we met, which was when I realized his connection to OCU.” Marie said Black had a caring and nurturing spirit.

“You could speak to him without even knowing him, and you would still instantly feel comfortable,” Marie said.

“There’s not many people like that nowadays. That quality also showed through his music,

which was one of the reasons I loved him as a musician.”

Marie said Black’s time at OCU was filled with value, love and good music.

“Always be kind, because ultimately you want to be remembered for the good things, like he was,” Marie said.

Blake Bulger, nursing sophomore, said Black was dedicated to his students.

“He was a student advocate,” Bulger said. “He put the needs

of his students above the needs of the university itself, which may not be that common of a thread among educators.”

Bulger said Black was funloving and easy to talk to.

“He was always super supportive and absolutely hilarious,” Bulger said. “As a nursing major, school can be really stressful. He was always there to make you laugh and feel comfortable. Everybody loved him.”

Bulger said Black deeply impacted the university. “ He i m p a c t e d O C U by genuinely caring about students,” Bulger said. “He always made us feel welcome and heard. Overall, he made the university’s educational process better.”

Black’s memorial was 3 p.m., March 8 at Rococo Restaurant, and it was open to the public.

If students need assistance or support during this time, they can utilize the university’s free counseling services. For more information on counseling services or to schedule an appointment, students can call (405) 208-7901.

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Check out photos from the School of Theatre’s Stage II movement-filled production of “Eurydice.”

Is the Cajun King worthy of its name? Read Hope Melton’s review of this “Kitchen Nightmare.”

A new club brings pre-med students together.

opinion

Students should support peers’ new work OCU is unique in how many opportunities it presents students to showcase the work they do in their various disciplines. From theatrical and musical performances to art galleries to research days, there are a wealth of opportunities for students to view peers’ work.

Students are always creating new things on campus. Student organizations such as The Shadow Collective, Out of the Box, Sigma Tau Delta, Project 21 and the student choreography show give students the opportunity to present new plays, writing, music and dances.

This list is hardly complete and doesn’t include the capstone presentations of seniors of various majors, which are open to the public.

All of these events can entertain us and tell us new, relevant stories. They can also teach us what our peers are learning from their programs, and we can then take those messages and apply them in our lives and creative work.

The sheer range and proximity of all of these events present an opportunity that students will be unlikely to encounter ever again.

At OCU, we can walk to an art gallery, go to a poetry reading, then go to an auditorium for that night’s music performance. Some programs even showcase work off-campus, such as the lighting design and production show, and the theatre and performance program’s Festival of

Talk Back “Who would you like to teach a workshop at OCU?”

New Works (see page 3 for more about the Festival of New Works).

Perhaps due to the number of organizations making new things, students on this campus are busy. Many are actively involved in a organization’s projects or a hobby of some sort. Because of our personal obligations, we sometimes forget to make room for the work of others. The editors have previously written about the need to attend events outside of one’s major, particularly guest speaker presentations.

In order to truly fulfill the goal of a liberal arts program, students should be active in areas outside of their own interests. It can be easy for students to partition themselves into groups with the same interests and activities. While this practice helps build friendships within one’s own field, it does not lend itself toward exploring new areas.

Whether students are staying on campus or wanting to take a break from seeing the Goldstar, a student organization or club is usually hosting a low-cost or free event. We may all be busy, but we should also work to recognize the efforts of others and take the chance to learn from them. After all, isn’t that what a liberal arts education is all about?

For more editorials, visit the MediaOCU website.

“Nicholas Palmquist”

“Bob Goff”

Savannah Demers dance freshman

Matthew Newsom music education sophomore

“Billy Porter or RuPaul”

“Michelle Obama”

Jay Williams religion senior

Erica Coleman entertainment business junior

“David Byrne"

“Meryl Streep”

Brantley Cunningham film junior

Addison Pollard theatre and performance senior

Falling in “Stupid love” with Lady Gaga’s new single For the first time in history, you can now refer to “that stupid song by Lady Gaga” and not offend anyone. Lady Gaga released her first solo single in three years, “Stupid Love,” on Feb. 28. The song’s arrival came perfectly in time for leap day so we could all have an extra 24 hours to enjoy it.

“Stupid Love” is the first released single from Gaga’s much-anticipated sixth studio album, “Chromatica,” set to be released on April 10. The so-called unintelligent single suggests “Chromatica” will mark Gaga’s return to the crazy and joyful electro-pop sound that made her famous.

Gaga is easily considered one of the biggest pop stars in the industry even though she hasn’t released a pure pop album since “Artpop” in 2013.

In no way, however, does this

mean she’s been out of the spotlight.

In 2014, Gaga collaborated with Tony Bennett, a wellknown showtunes and jazz artist, to record an album of jazz standards called “Cheek to Cheek.” She then performed a beautiful rendition of “The Sound of Music” in a 2015 Oscars tribute, danced through an energizing Super Bowl halftime show in 2017 and starred in “A Star is Born,” which won her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. If fans didn’t already know how versatile Gaga is already, she’s certainly made it clear she is a musical chameleon of many artistic talents.

Gaga also released “Joanne” in 2016, leading us toward a new style of pop infused with country and plenty of authentic storytelling. The artist spoke out about the change in styles

Francesca Iacovacci is a music theater junior from Clearwater, Florida. She loves zoodles, Jeopardy! and a good poop joke.

between “Joanne” and her upcoming album, “Chromatica,” in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music.

“On Joanne, I was more in a space artistically of crafting something that, you know, conceptually all kind of went together,” Gaga said. “An album about the trauma of my family, an album about how we pass things on generationally to each other.”

Gaga said her upcoming album will be less emotional and more care-free.

“We are definitely dancing,” Gaga said. “I put all my heart,

all my pain, all my messages from the other realm that I hear of [and] what they tell me to tell the world. I put that into music that I believe to be so fun and energetically really pure. I want people to dance and feel happy.”

Judging by “Stupid Love,” I think it’s safe to say we’re definitely dancing too. Gaga’s hopes for her music to brighten her fans’ days seem to be more than working. In fact, a video has gone viral of a serious meeting in Italy about the coronavirus being interrupted by a phone playing “Stupid Love,”

OCU’s painted grass responds to students’ petty complaints The painted grass has something it would like to say to all the complainers on campus.

The grass on campus has a history of getting a paint job at the end of winter. After hearing countless complaints, insults and jokes about its appearance, the grass decided to speak up.

“I would just like to say that you children are absolute hypocrites,” the grass said. “I see all of you ladies walking to your dorms all pasty and then emerging a few hours later looking two shades darker than you just did. You act so disgusted by me getting a paint job in the winter, yet you refuse to admit that you, too, are ALSO getting a paint job? It’s called a spray tan honey; I’m sure you’ve heard of it.”

The grass said it is certain there is no difference between the plight of the dead grass and the plight of the pale students on campus.

“I am just trying to impress my future students, you know?

Just like you are trying to impress your future Tinder dates, headshot photographers

or trying to prove to your mom that you do indeed go outside every once and a while,” the grass said.

The grass said it saves up for this touch-up every year by selling items left in its clutches.

These items include one pair of LaDucas, three left-Airpods, six mysterious free movie night passes from 2018 and a small dog named Nacho.

“It’s all about capitalizing off of other people,” the grass said. “Why should I let my appearance falter if there’s so much stuff for me to just sell on Craigslist?”

Jade Celadon, biology junior, said she respects the grass’s wish to improve its appearance.

“Evolution exists for a reason,” Celadon said. “This is a primary example of a specimen using its resources to make itself more attractive to passersby.”

Despite the seemingly harmless nature of the painting of the grass, many students have expressed concerns over not only the fumes of the procedure, but the fact that the workers painting the grass are wearing

Jessica Vanek is a music theater junior from Las Vegas, Nevada. She likes Sondheim, cookie dough ice cream and her pet rabbit Clyde.

Editor-in-chief: Emily Wollenberg Copy Editor: Paul Dower Photo Editor: Clara Foster Community Manager: Jessica Vanek Web Editor: Luke Barrett Graphic Designer: Melissa Campbell Ad Director: Maddie Bowes

2

me if I don’t open the door.”

She freaks out because all she ever wanted was this person’s love, and she finds she may be standing in the way of herself.

As expected, the catchy chorus sings, “I want your stupid love” with enough “oh’s” to satisfy about 13 alphabets.

The song is fierce, electric and fun, with a subtle message. “Stupid Love” feels nostalgic, as it’s a familiar sound we grew up listening to from Gaga.

Gaga’s return to classic dance-pop is both unexpected and well-received. Honestly, I think the media would stand behind Gaga in just about anything she decides to do or create. If she announced her classical debut at the Metropolitan Opera, I think there would be Little Monsters pouring out of the mezzanine.

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

THURSDAY Project 21 Concert, 7:30 p.m., Medium Rehearsal Hall, Wanda L. Bass Music Center American Spirit Dance Company’s “Broadway Revue,” 8 p.m., Kirkpatrick Auditorium, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center Play Club, 10:30 p.m., Basement, Goldstar Memorial Building

protective masks.

The grass said there is nothing to worry about.

“I don’t think students should pay any mind to the fact that they are not provided with protective masks,” the grass said.

“It’s not like the fumes are contaminated with mind-altering chemicals that convince you to give me more money for more spray greens.”

Celadon said she did an experiment on the fumes coming from the paint jobs and found they do, in fact, alter the minds of the smellers and destroy their ability to keep themselves from throwing spare change and crisp 20-dollar bills onto the quad lawn. Celadon also said prolonged exposure to the fumes allows the grass to infiltrate your mind and control

THE CAMPUS

March 11, 2020, Volume 113, Issue 21

followed by several smiles and giggles.

A very colorful music video accompanied the single's release. The video begins with the exposition of tribes at war and people struggling to maintain peace.

Gaga and her posse then arrive in exclusively pink costumes and deliver a feel-good hit to the people. It’s set against a background of what looks like a poorly CGI’d depiction of a foreign planet, making the metallic pink costumes seem even weirder.

The single is a return to the Gaga we know and love, with a new, modern perspective.

Though the song is lighthearted and fun, it still carries a meaningful message.

In the first verse, Gaga sings about how she’s been waiting for someone but realizes, “nobody’s gonna / Heal

Staff Writers: Madison Bailey MaKayla Baxter Josh Eliot Troy Freeman Francesca Iacovacci Maxwell McIntire Hope Melton Shelby O’Brien Hannah Prentice

your thoughts.

“I’m not sure if it’s illegal or not,” Celadon said. “But all I know is that the grass deserves my stars cash, and I’m going to give it all away.”

Jessica Vanek, the writer of this piece, actually lost control of her eyes, hands and frontal lobe halfway through transcribing this article during a sunny day on the quad. Vanek is no longer in charge of her actions or this story and will slowly be taken over by the will of the grass.

“Long live the grass,” Vanek said. “The smell is so fragrant, it makes me want to roll around in a rose bush and climb the tallest building.”

The grass is taking payments for further paint jobs through its venmo account, @the-grass-isgreener-on-the-other-side.

Columnists: Paul Dower Francesca Iacovacci Hope Melton Luke Barrett Photographers: Hannah Campbell Jessica Casebeer Clara Foster Stephen Jackson Mackenzie Shaw

FRIDAY Softball vs. Mid-America Christian University, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Ann Lacy Stadium American Spirit Dance Company’s “Broadway Revue,” 8 p.m., Kirkpatrick Auditorium, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

OCU Distinguished Artist Series presents Bernhard Scully , 8 p.m., Petree Recital Hall, Wanda L. Bass Music Center SATURDAY Softball vs. Concordia University (Neb.), 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Ann Lacy Stadium American Spirit Dance Company’s “Broadway Revue,” 2 p.m., 8 p.m., Kirkpatrick Auditorium, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.

MONDAY Spring Break: No classes - University remains open TUESDAY Spring Break: No classes - University remains open Baseball vs. Baker University, 6 p.m., Jim Wade Stadium

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March 11, 2020

news

Famous filmmaker to visit university

Hannah Campbell Student Publications

Let's make hamantaschen

Deanna Cooper, acting sophomore, and President Martha Burger make hamantaschen cookies as part of the Jewish Stars’ event to celebrate Purim. The event was from 4-6 p.m. March 5 in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.

Continued from Page 1 Cameron Hawkins, film sophomore, was one of the students selected to attend the workshop.

“I am really happy they are giving us the opportunity to talk about this and work with someone who is a professional in the industry,” he said.

Hawkins said he is excited to attend the workshop and go over story telling with Willmott.

“I think storytelling is so important, and I am excited to learn about Willmott’s technique and his way of doing things,” Hawkins said.

Tracy Floreani, director of the film institute and coordinator of the event, said she talked to Cardinale-Powell, who sits on the advisory committee, to decide who they should bring in as a guest this year.

“We started having this conversation about how we always bring poets, but it would be nice to bring other types of writers and film creators now and then, so last year, after he won the Oscar for BlacKkKlansman, I contacted him because he and I have friends in common,” Floreani said.

Floreani said Willmott immediately responded and said he would like to come.

“I knew he’d be an interesting person to ask because he’s also a university professor, so I knew he would know the audience and have ideas for what kinds of things students would be interested in,” Floreani said.

Floreani said students were selected and invited based on their program because the masterclass is focused on storytelling.

The workshop itself is invi-

tation-only, but the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will host a free screening of Willmott’s film “Destination: Planet Negro!” followed by a talkback by Willmott. The event is open to the public.

“The movie being shown is very funny, it’s retro, intentionally looks low budget, but also raises very interesting social questions,” Floreani said.

Students interested in meeting and talking with Kevin Willmott can attend the free screening and talkback at 8 p.m. March 13 at OKCMA located at 415 Couch Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Student responds to catcall heard on campus Josh Eliot

STAFF WRITER

A student recently posted on the OCU Facebook page about a catcalling incident that occurred near the basketball court next to the pavilion.

Lizzie Anderson, dance management sophomore, said she was walking from the library to her dorm at 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 and passed by the basketball court.

“I was just walking, and I was kind of looking at my phone, and I heard somebody say, ‘Hey, I just want to let you know you look really nice tonight.’ And I was wearing like sweatpants and a T-shirt.

It wasn’t anything spectacular.

And he was like, ‘why don’t you come over here and you can have a snack,’ or he said, ‘you can come with me and have a snack,’” Anderson said.

Anderson said there were around eight guys playing basketball, but only one catcalled her.

“I didn’t recognize any of them, which I thought was interesting cause I thought this was a private campus. But maybe they were students, and I just don’t know who they are,” Anderson said.

In an email, Kim Mizar, communications coordinator, said the court is primarily open to OCU students and their

guests.

“The basketball court is open to all students, faculty and staff, as well as their guests,” Mizar said.

After the incident, Anderson called campus police to let them know what happened. She also posted about it on the OCU Facebook page.

“I posted on the OCU page that I felt uncomfortable walking back to my dorm at 9:30. I just posted it because I wanted other people to know that it happened and also in case anyone else was walking from the library at 9:30,” Anderson said.

Anderson said she’s happy campus police gives people options to feel safe on campus,

“

but she wished someone had been patrolling around that time.

“It’s kind of difficult because they do have options. They say ‘never walk alone, you can call the police and they’ll escort you,’ but sometimes it’s hard when you’re walking from the library and you’re like, ‘oh I’m just walking to my dorm, I think I’ll be safe,’” Anderson said. “I know OCU patrols a lot around campus, but at this particular time it would’ve been really helpful to have someone right

by Alvin’s so that I knew I felt safe. I feel like they could maybe have some more on-campus patrol, not just around campus,” Anderson said.

Bill Citty, interim director of campus police, wrote in an email he had not heard of this event or the phone call that took place.

“We do not have a report or show that we received a call from her on the incident,” Citty wrote.

Anderson said she hopes her situation can help raise awareness for women’s safety on campus and what to do in a catcalling situation.

“If somebody does call out at you, don’t acknowledge them at all,” Anderson said.

Anderson also said she believes the issue extends far beyond a simple catcalling incident.

“There’s obviously a different

issue. It’s not the woman’s fault if she’s getting catcalled. It’s a much larger issue that has to be dealt with in different capacities, not just in college, but from upbringings,” Anderson said.

To report an incident, students can call the campus conduct hotline at 866-9435787. For more information on campus policy regarding sexual harassment, students can visit www.okcu.edu/admin/hr/ titleix/.

Student artists develop festival of new works Hope Melton

STAFF WRITER

Theatre and performance seniors are organizing a festival for new works.

The festival is set for April 29 through May 2 at the CitySpace Theater. It will feature new films, visual art, music, one-act plays, comedic acts and literary works. The festival also serves as the capstone project for theatre and performance seniors.

Addison Pollard, theatre and performance senior, said this year’s festival will be slightly different than last year’s.

“This year’s senior class is bigger, so a lot more ideas are being acted upon,” Pollard said. “There’s also a new head of the program, so we’ve seen some changes in the BA program. So, of course, things are a little different.”

As a fellow artist, it's really inspiring to see other people working on things that they love.

Addison Pollard

theatre and performance senior

Pollard said putting the festival together has been inspiring.

“I am really excited to see how it all comes together,” Pollard said. “As a fellow artist, it's really inspiring to see other people working on things that they love, and so I’m looking forward to all of the inspiration and fun.”

Mandy Sigale, music/theatre and performance senior, said she is excited to see the diversity of new works.

“I love getting to see the work that my peers are doing,” Sigale said. “Everyone approaches all art forms differently, and there is so much to learn from other people’s works.”

Rick Reeves, theatre and performance interim head, said the organizing process has been educational for the theatre and performance seniors.

“They should be learning about how they fit into a theater staff and what that process is like from finding talent, to finding a venue, to scheduling all of the rehearsals and tech rehearsals,” Reeves said. “And also it reinforces lessons that they’ve learned over their four years about new works.”

The deadline for music, comedy, one-act plays and film submissions has already passed. How-

ever, the deadline for literary works and visual art was extended to March 31st at 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent to batapnw2020@gmail. com. Any questions about submissions can be directed to a theatre and performance senior or Reeves at rwreeves@okcu.edu.

Tickets to the festival are free for theatre and performance students. Ticket prices for other students have not been released yet.

Updates on the festival can be found on the Instagram page @festival_of_new_works_20 or on the theatre and performance program’s Facebook page, BATAP OCU.

Residence life officials host financial literacy workshops Madison Bailey

STAFF WRITER

Banning, Draper and Walker Hall officials are creating and hosting programs and workshops to help students be more financially literate.

The first workshop, “Let’s Talk about Taxes,” taught students about how to do their taxes. It was hosted March 6 in Draper Hall lobby.

Devin Murphy, hall director for Banning and Draper Halls, said students can highly benefit from these programs.

“It’s beneficial information whether you’re a freshman or a senior. I don’t think it’s ever late to get this information, and I also don’t think it’s ever too early,” Murphy said. “We get most of our first-time taxpayers within the first year of college.

It’s a lot of firsts for students in their first year in college, so we really just want to try to help as best as we can,” Murphy said.

As a resident assistant, MatMarch 11, 2020

thew Newsom, music education sophomore, said he set his plan of financial programs and workshops in motion for students living in Banning and Draper hall.

“For my RA event series, it will all be focused around finances. Since it is coming up on tax season and a lot of students in college have to pay taxes but aren’t quite sure how, or need questions answered, I saw a need for this upcoming event,” Newsom said.

“Let’s Talk about Taxes” is one of the events Newsom organized.

Newsom brought two local CPAs to talk about how to pay taxes and answer any questions students may have.

“I had heard a lot about two local CPAs in Oklahoma City, so I decided to call them and explain to them what the program was that I was doing and how I saw a benefit for them to come talk to the students,” Newsom said. “They agreed to come talk to students and were

happy to volunteer their time at the event.”

Newsom is excited to bring in professionals who can help his residents learn more about finances.

“I wanted to choose a topic so relevant for my series, and something that could potentially be repeated in the coming years. The tax-oriented events are something that I would definitely want to re-implement from year to year,” Newsom said.

Murphy said Newsom put a lot of thought into the program.

“This program was planned very intentionally, and this has been a passion project for Matthew,” Murphy said.

The financial events will continue being put on through the residency halls throughout the year, each with a different focus of financial learning. To get more information about these financial programs and events, contact Matthew Newsom at mtnewsom@my.okcu.edu.

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Sports

SHINING STAR Volleyball star sets sights on professional harp career Jessica Vanek

COMMUNITY MANAGER

Michelle Krenowicz, music senior, didn’t have to choose between sports and music.

Krenowicz plays harp at OCU and acts as setter on the volleyball team.

Krenowicz said she found OCU through volleyball.

“When I was a senior in high school, it was time to start looking at colleges. I knew I wanted to play college volleyball,” she said. “I went to a tournament in Oklahoma City, and that’s where my very first coach saw me, and he called me a few months later for a visit.”

Krenowicz said after accepting a spot on the volleyball team, she auditioned for the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.

“I didn’t really fully understand what being a music student meant, but they gave me a scholarship, so I continued to do both these past four years,” she said.

Krenowicz first started playing harp in the sixth grade.

“It was kind of random. In the fifth grade you try out all of the instruments, and I knew I wanted to be in orchestra,” she said. “I originally wanted to play the violin, and then I tried the viola, and then the bass, and then my mom told me I should try the harp.”

Krenowicz said she enjoys the opportunities that OCU has given her, both in athletics and in music.

“I think being able to travel with the volleyball team has been a great experience,” she said. “I liked going to nationals three out of four times I’ve been here, making friends in

Submitted Michelle Krenowicz, music senior, is a setter for the volleyball team and plays harp in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. She said she plans to attend graduate school for music performance to eventually become a professional harpist. She has been playing harp since middle school and came to OCU after receiving a volleyball scholarship from Kyle Steele, former volleyball coach. She then auditioned for the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and received a music scholarship as well.

the music school and playing in orchestra.”

During her OCU volleyball career, Krenowicz has been named an NAIA scholar-athlete, conference scholar-athlete and a two-time academic all-conference athlete. In 2017 and 2018, she won the academic all-SAC award.

Her statistics include 213 sets played, 39 assists and 35 service aces.

Krenowicz said the coaches have made an impact on her volleyball playing.

“I’ve had four of them, which is kind of crazy.

I think I’ve learned something from every one of them,” she said.

Krenowicz said Marijana Bjelobrk, senior right-side hitter, has been inspiring to her.

“She’s been with me the past four years, and

she’s just been a really solid player and a good friend,” Krenowicz said.

Bjelobrk said Krenowicz is very talented.

“It is fascinating to me how Michelle is such a competitive and hard-working athlete, but at the same time an extremely sophisticated and gentle musician,” Bjelobrk said. “She has been my best teammate for all four years, and I appreciate her so much.”

Krenowicz said she also would like to thank Jeffrey Grogan, professor of music, for inspiring her to find her passion for music.

Krenowicz currently plays in the OCU Symphony Orchestra, as well as a chamber class. She also won OCU’s annual concerto competition in spring 2019.

Krenowicz said her next step is attending graduate school for music performance.

She has applied to University of Oklahoma, Southern Methodist University and University of Colorado Boulder.

“My goal is to be a professional harpist,” she said. “I just finished all of my grad school applications, so I’m waiting to hear back, and then I’ll decide at the end of this month. Then I’ll go to grad school for two years and figure it out from there.”

Krenowicz said fellow student athletes/ musicians should know that it is possible to do both athletics and sports.

“It definitely is doable. Time management is a big key. Take care of yourself, don’t forget to have fun, practice as much as you can, and show up to rehearsal prepared,” she said.

Sports Roundup: March 6-7 MAR 6: OCU softball scored two wins Friday, the first against Avila University, winning 5-0, the second against York College, winning 11-0. The games were played at the Wichita Round Robin.

OCU baseball lost to Texas Wesleyan Friday while hosting the opening of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

The final score was 5-4.

Hannah Campbell Student Publications

Leave it all on the court Brennyn Seagler, senior forward, takes the ball down the court in the March 3 game against Langston University in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center during the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. The Stars won the game 69-47. The Stars will advance to the NAIA Division I Championship Tournament March 18 in Billings, Montana after sharing the SAC regular season title with Wayland Baptist University.

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MAR 7: OCU women’s basketball played Wayland Baptist Saturday, losing 68-57, falling from their No. 1 ranking in NAIA Division I. This brings them to 30-2, qualifying them for the NAIA Division I Championship Tournament. This is the 23rd year in a row that the women’s basketball team will be participating in the national tournament.

OCU baseball played Texas Wesleyan at home, winning 24-0 in the first game and 5-3 in the second game.

OCU men’s and women’s track teams competed in the finals of the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Sarah Olamide placed 10th in the women’s one mile run with a time of five minutes, 16.93 seconds, and Jacinda Kwambai placed seventh in the women's 5000 meter run with a time of 17:41.16.

OCU softball scored three more wins Saturday during the Wichita Round Robin. The first win was 3-0 against Mount Mercy, the second was 14-3 against Tabor, and the third was 7-3 against Friends University, bringing them to an 11-game winning streak.

OCU men’s wrestling competed in the NAIA men’s wrestling championships Saturday at Hartman Arena.

Chase Vincent, junior wrestler, became the runner-up at 174 pounds and is OCU’s seventh national finalist in program history.

Basketball sophomore named to national athletic honor roll Francesca Iacovacci

to be acknowledged in the district.

Abby Selzer, criminal jus“It’s an honor to be chosen tice sophomore and basketball and to represent my school in a center, received a national positive way,” Selzer said. academic and athletic honor Selzer has scored 451 points for women’s basketball. in the women’s basketball The College Sports Infor- games, averaging 18 points per mation Directors of America match, according to ocusports. named Selzer to the list of 2020 com. She scored her 1,000th men’s and women’s basketball career point on Feb. 8 at Texas Academic All-District team.

Wesleyan University.

CoSIDA announced the In addition to athletic All-District team on Feb. 20. achievement, nominees must Oklahoma City University is have at least a 3.30 GPA on a in District Four of the National 4.0 scale to be considered for Association of Intercollegiate the All-District team and must Athletes. have attended the academic Selzer is one of five students institution for at least a year. in the district selected for the Selzer has maintained a 3.95 All-District Team and one of GPA her first three semesters 21 players in the NAIA to be at OCU. She is one of eight selected. sophomores to be selected for CoSIDA “recognizes the the All-District team in any of nation’s top student-athletes for the 28 districts of the NAIA their combined performances and the three National Colon the court and in the class- legiate Athletic Association room” (academicallamerica. divisions. com). The program is the only Selzer said she came to intercollegiate awards program OCU on an athletic scholarto acknowledge and select stu- ship and has been playing dents based on both athletic Mackenzie basketball since she was a child.

Shaw Student Publications and academic success.

“I first played on a little This year is Selzer’s second kids’ basketball team at school year on the women’s basketball when I was five years old,” team but her first year on the Selzer said. “We would play our All-District team list. She is the half-court games between the first OCU women’s basketball high school matches. I’ve been player to receive this honor playing basketball ever since.” since Lauren Gober in 2013.

Selzer also said she’s thankSelzer said she’s grateful ful for her teammates and is STAFF WRITER

March 11, 2020

It's an honor to be chosen and to represent my school in a positive way.

Abby Selzer center sophomore

excited to play in the national tournament.

“My favorite part about playing basketball at OCU is the teammates and the relationships we’ve formed with each other since I’ve been here,” Selzer said.

Brennyn Seagler, mass communications senior, has played on the women’s basketball team with Selzer for two years now.

“Abby definitely is the best post player I’ve ever played with,” Seagler said. “Not only is she strong, but she has amazing reflexes. She makes up for the little things we do wrong. Even if you throw a bad pass to her, she’s always going to somehow catch it.”

Seagler also said she admires Selzer’s optimistic attitude.

“She is always very positive, and she’s always there to encourage us if we feel down,” she said.

Nashyla Hammons, human

performance senior, also said she enjoys being on a team with Selzer.

“Playing on the team with Abby is just all-around fun,” Hammons said. “She’s so talented that I sometimes stop what I’m doing in shock of an amazing play she’s just done or a great pass she’s just caught.

It’s even more mind-blowing that she’s only a sophomore.

She’s made me a better person on and off the court.”

Selzer is now eligible to be selected for the Academic All-America teams, which will be decided March 12. To stay updated with the OCU women’s basketball team’s schedule, visit www.ocusports.com.

Hannah Campbell Student Publications Abby Selzer, sophomore center, was named to the 2020 women’s basketball Academic All-District team. She was one of five students selected for the team and one of 21 players in the NAIA. The honor recognizes Selzer for combined performances on the court and in the classroom.

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