Sept 27 by MediaOCU

THE CAMPUS

September 20, 2017 – Volume 110 Issue 57

Art Club poster supporting BSA ripped Zoe Travers

NEWS EDITOR

A poster showing solidarity with the Black Student Association was torn down earlier this month. After a BSA poster was ripped Sept. 8 in Methodist Hall, Art Club students created one of their own to show support for the organization. One of those posters also was ripped last week in the front entrance of Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. The first torn poster advertised a BSA event called “Black Out,” which is a social event hosted every year. The second posters read: “Diversity breeds creativity. Tear us down and we will come back stronger. Art Club stands with Black Student Association.” Kanika Brown, BSA adviser and career services coordinator, said she found out about the most recent vandalism Sept. 18. “I didn’t want to assume the same situation happened again as with the Black Out event posters, but it did make me curious,” Brown said. When Brown heard about the Black Out posters, she said she immediately contacted housing officials. “I was shocked and saddened that this happened to such a great group of students,” she said. “I could tell that they were hurt by this act.” Michael Burns, director of housing and residential life, sent out an email to students stating that “actions like this can cause students to feel unsafe and unwanted and move us away from respect, learning and inclusivity.” Brown said she appreciated this act from housing officials.

Students dance during the Black Student Association’s Black Out event Sept. 13 in Team One Pavilion. BSA is planning an Open Mic Night in October and a series of events for Black History Month in February. For more information on BSA, email Leondre Lattimore at llattimore@my.okcu.edu. Elina Moon Student Publications

Shakurah Maynard, studio art sophomore, made a poster to show the Black Student Association support after their event posters were ripped in Methodist Hall. One of her posters also was ripped in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences.

“I hope that students of all groups and organizations know that the housing department and student affairs has their back if they ever feel uncomfortable or disrespected in any way,” she said. Burns refused to comment on the vandalisms. Brown said she liked seeing the support from the Art Club. “The students at OCU are one big family and will stand for what is right, not allowing anyone or group to feel excluded,” she said. Clubs like BSA are important because they give black students a place to go, Brown said. “The black student population at OCU is small, and this

gives them a weekly opportunity to meet each other and to talk about their experiences,” she said. BSA hosts several events throughout the year, which are open to students of all races. Leondre Lattimore, studio art sophomore, BSA President and Art Club member, said he appreciated the Art Club’s poster. “I felt a lot of support,” Lattimore said. “When things like that happen, you can tend to feel really alone, and it’s really hard to fight a battle by yourself.” Lattimore said he hopes other organizations will stand in solidarity with BSA. “It really meant a lot to me, as president, and I’m sure it meant

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a lot to everybody else in the organization,” he said. Lattimore designed the Black Out posters himself. “When I found out they were ripped, I was really hurt,” Lattimore said. “But I can’t say I’m surprised with everything going on in the world.” Lattimore said he would like to see more follow-up from officials regarding the incident. “We go here and we spend money like everybody, and we’re students just like everyone else,” he said. “For things like this to happen, you don’t even feel like you’re wanted.” Shakurah Maynard, studio art sophomore, is president of Art Club and a member of BSA. She created the Art Club poster standing in support of BSA. Maynard said she expected the posters to be torn down and printed extras. She also said she hopes other clubs will stand

with BSA. “I feel like that should be every person’s immediate reaction to stand up for something that’s obviously not cool,” she said. Maynard said BSA has helped her find a support system. She said she hopes students start to take the issue more seriously. “There should be no mixed thoughts on racism,” Maynard said. “There’s a definite right and a definite wrong. Whoever did it, they should feel ashamed of themselves.” Madelyn Parker, English/art junior and Art Club member, said she was surprised. “I always thought that OCU students were different because they use their voices to speak up, and this feels cowardly,” she said. The Art Club values diversity because it helps people better understand each other, Parker said.

“It’s a little frustrating, but it’s not something that will stop the colors of the rainbow to shine,” she said. “I don’t notice these things because it doesn’t affect me because I’m white. I feel like a lot of other people should realize that.” Student affairs officials are conducting an investigation of the vandalism, but they have yet to identify a suspect. “We would like to continue to encourage students to come forward if they did witness anything,” said Lesley Black, dean of students. If students have any information, they may email Black at lgblack@okcu.edu.

Students deal with bugs, scabies in residence halls Sage Tokach

The whole thing sucks. It’s something you never asked for, and it’s really nobody’s fault. Hopefully in a month, it’ll all be over.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Students are dealing with various insects on campus, including bed bugs, flies, cockroaches, and itch mites that cause scabies. Scabies is an extremely itchy skin condition caused by burrowing parasites. The condition is contagious, spreading from prolonged skinto-skin contact. When someone gets scabies for the first time, they typically become contagious for two to six weeks before showing symptoms, according to CDC.gov. Simón Gómez, music theater freshman, said he developed an itchy rash at the end of the summer, but thought it was from eczema until his boyfriend called him two weeks ago to tell him he had scabies. The Campus Health Clinic provided treatment that immediately helped, but a few other students already had gotten scabies as well, Gómez said. Dr. Daniel McNeill, clinical professor and director of the physician assistant program, said the few cases of scabies on campus do not classify as an outbreak. “Scabies is very frequently encountered in our society and requires more than just incidental contact,” McNeill said. “If a couple of bumps do not resolve, or you start noticing more occurring, then please do come visit us at the health center. We’re well prepared to handle this type of infection.” Initial symptoms of scabies are small, extremely itchy red bumps that spread to different parts of the body. The best treatment is an overnight cream that kills all the mites, McNeill said. The rash will not disappear immediately, but treated bodies are no longer contagious. “The whole thing sucks,” Gómez said. “It’s something you never asked for, and it’s really nobody’s fault. Hopefully in a month, it’ll all be over. Maybe senior year we can all look back and say ‘Hey guys, remember when we all had scabies freshman year? That was fun.’ That’s what I’m hoping, at least.” Gómez said he treated his room by vacuuming and washing his clothes. He also heat treated his non-washable belongings by putting them in black trash bags and sticking them in his car all day, where the heat killed any remaining mites. Housing officials said they were never officially notified about

M MEDIAOCU.com

Simón Gómez music theater freshman

scabies, but have dealt with other bug problems. “I wish I had more information because that would make my life a lot easier, but, right now, it’s just students sharing rumors,” said Stephany George, Walker Hall resident director. “Something like scabies can easily spread and become overwhelming, so we want to make sure the correct information is shared with students, proper treatment is given and precautions are taken.” Treating bed bugs Though Oklahoma Pest Solutions sprays campus dorms quarterly with a general bug treatment, some bugs still make their way inside. “We’ve had one confirmed case of bed bugs this year, and the room has already been taken care of,” George said. “Regularly washing bedding is a good way to patrol bed bugs and kill anything that happened to be there.” Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood. They may cause itchy red welts, but they do not transmit disease. They mainly live within eight feet of where people sleep and tend to hide during the day, but many have been spotted in highly populated areas. College dorms are the fourth most popular place to find an infestation, according to a 2015 study conducted by the National Pest Management Association. “I’ve spoken to other university housing officials who said bed bugs have become so common they’re no longer considered a big issue,” said Kevin Culbertson, coordinator of housing operations. “They’re becoming more prevalent in the midwest, and they’re common on college campuses. People are concerned because they haven’t had to worry about it before.”

After the confirmed case, several students reported bed bugs and asked for inspections that found no evidence of the parasite. “I think it’s a placebo type of thing because it becomes mass hysteria once one person hears about it,” Culbertson said. “If you report it, we will check it. We have official instruction documents and protocol in place, but don’t think you have it just because someone else does.” Students also reported finding excessive flies and cockroaches in their living areas. Preventing bugs “I have an infestation of fruit flies, and I had a way larger one this summer,” said Daniel Etti-Williams, acting junior. “I haven’t contacted anyone about it because they have a short lifespan and will probably die soon. I do have a fruit fly attractant that traps them, and I also use the trick of pouring a cup of apple cider vinegar covered with plastic wrap that I poked holes in.” Bugs are a part of life, and students should close their doors to the outside and contact officials with problems, but they shouldn’t blame housing, Etti-Williams said. Darilynn Hammond, head resident for Banning and Draper halls, said bugs are not uncommon in Banning and Draper because they are old buildings. “I haven’t heard of any specific bug problems, but students can buy bug spray and contact us if they see a persistent issue,” Hammond said. “We want to keep a good relationship between housing, maintenance and students to mitigate these problems efficiently.” Housing officials advise students to make sure they take out their trash, put away open containers of liquid and keep their rooms generally clean. “Part of the reason we have health and safety checks is to make sure we are preventing these types of things,” George said. Specific information about campus health control and bug treatment is posted on okcu.edu under the “Residence Life” and “Campus Pest Control” tabs.

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Thoughts from ‘Richie the Ruffian’ Read the news told by a young punk

opinion SGA constitutional amendment needed to improve budget process The Student Government Association may need to amend its constitution. SGA’s budget must be proposed to Student Senate within the first two weeks of the semester, according to the constitution. This didn’t happen this academic year because SGA members were waiting for the School of Law to finalize enrollment numbers. The previous administration proposed the budget on time last academic year, but, due to incorrect enrollment numbers, gave too much money to the law school. The Student Bar Association is the law school’s SGA equivalent. SGA provides the organization with a financial allocation based on a formula that requires the number of law student credit hours. Schools are unable to give final numbers until after the date on which students can still add

or drop classes, which is usually a few weeks into the semester. For that reason, SGA President Randy Gipson-Black wanted to wait to get the most up-to-date numbers before proposing the budget, which makes sense. Members of SGA want to make sure money is going to the right places. SGA members did the right thing by waiting for the most accurate enrollment numbers, but proposing the budget in the fourth week of classes still violates their constitution. It also gives the Student Activities Council less time to make the purchases they need for beginning of school events. SAC hosts a variety of events on and off campus like Midnight Breakfast and Free Movie Nights that require their members to buy things in bulk ahead of time. SGA members had to call an emergency meeting to pass this year’s budget just so SAC could buy movie tickets for the first Free

Talk Back “What is a piece of equipment you wish we had in the Aduddell Fitness Center?”

Movie Night. Officials should consider amending the constitution to allow the president more time to propose the budget to the Student Senate. Not only will this ensure that future administrations avoid misallocating funds, but it would also avoid any potential issues that could stem from not adhering to the constitution. Because SAC purchases need to happen early in the semester, SGA officials could allocate a certain chunk of funds to their account. SAC events remain fairly consistent each year, and the prices for repeated events like Free Movie Nights shouldn’t change much. If the SAC commissioner is granted permission to spend before budget approval, as long as they stay within a designated amount, everyone should be satisfied.

“More spinning bike machines where you're standing up”

“Maybe some finger hangboards”

Chelsea Ziegler first-year law

Ben Johnston vocal/cello performance freshman

“A sauna”

“The five times I've been there, it's been satisfactory for me.”

Tyler Wade business administration junior

Erin Epperly music education senior

“A second water fountain, honestly”

“In Brazil, we have these weights you Velcro around your ankles or arms.”

Chazz Miceli guitar performance junior

Maristella Gullo business administration senior

First Amendment protects right to peacefully protest President Donald Trump used his time at a “political rally” Friday to discuss NFL players. This, of course, happened during a time of national crisis with North Korea, disastrous health care debates, and American citizens suffering and dying in Puerto Rico. But, President Trump has more pressing issues that he’d rather spend time on: NFL players “disrespecting” the National Anthem and the U.S. flag. Are players really disrespecting either of those things? Let’s recall an American’s right to freedom of speech. Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment

of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This is the document that our troops fight for and, sometimes, make the ultimate sacrifice for. To say that taking a knee in protest of police brutality is unpatriotic or is meant to disrespect our flag or our troops is grossly ignorant. These men, who choose to observe their First Amendment rights, are just as American as ever. We don’t have the Constitution so that we can show off to the rest of the world. We have it to protect our rights and to grant us

Harrison Langford is an acting junior from Las Vegas, Nevada, who loves golden retrievers and the New York Giants.

the right to raise our voices when something is wrong. Nothing is more un-American than speaking out against these men or calling them horrible names for observing the fundamentals that make us American. These men aren’t meaning to disrespect our troops or the American flag. The original protesters were displaying a concern

about a controversial issue having to do with police brutality. If anything, it shows how much respect these players have. They are silently declining to participate in the National Anthem because of what it means to them and what it implies about our country and political system. It is important to think about the consequences of President

Trump’s actions. The football teams that played formed some kind of protest to the president’s words on Sunday. Some players kneeled, some linked arms and others didn’t come out of the locker room during the National Anthem. Would this mass protest have happened if the president hadn’t voiced his opinion? Most likely not. It seems as if the president wanted this. It seems as though he wants to further the lines between his followers and everyone else. He and his administration preach about unity while seeming to create further divisions at every opportunity. It cannot be proven that he is actively doing this, but it feels that way. It is essential

that we analyze every word our president says. People are burning jerseys and boycotting the NFL after viewing Sunday’s mass protest. It’s heartbreaking that we’ve gotten to a point where people can’t peacefully protest without being called names or being viciously attacked on social media. It is up to us as students– as Americans–to ensure that these fundamentals of democracy remain intact. As far as kneeling goes, I stand behind these players practicing their right to free speech, and peaceful assembly and protest. These players are still American, and they want their voices heard.

Disney's latest live-action movie surpasses its predecessors This summer, Disney Channel released the network’s newest live-action original movie, Descendants 2. Directed by Disney Channel mastermind Kenny Ortega, the sequel follows the children of Disney villains and heroes as they make their way in high school. In the first movie, the merciful “King Ben” (Mitchell Hope), son of “Belle” and “Beast” of Beauty and the Beast, allows the villain children to leave the isle where their parents have been exiled for a decade. In Descendants 2, the same characters find themselves moving between

the lands of good and evil while balancing internal conflicts of their own. The movie premiered on July 21, drawing 13 million viewers across six different networks. This hoard of viewers is not surprising, considering the success of the first film and the anticipation of new villain characters like “Uma,” daughter of “Ursula” played by China Anne McClain, and “Harry Hook,” son of “Captain Hook” played by Thomas Doherty. The incredible dancing, bright colors and catchy music also were highly anticipated aspects of the sequel, and the film did not disappoint.

film represents a shift for the wholesome Disney Channel aesthetic. Though the songs and themes ultimately convey the usual Disney messages of friendship and self-acceptance, the costumes, production designs, lyrics, and dance moves of Descendants 2 are undeniably darker and, at times, distinctly more sexual. “Gabriella” and “Troy” were cute, and their dancing in High School Musical was impressive, but the new crop of teen stars represents a new age of pore-less confidence that the older generation of Disney folks never had the chance to embrace. With this new confidence

comes the most exciting aspect of the Descendants franchise, the bold and thrilling feminist characters, themes and plotlines. Actresses Dove Cameron, playing “Mal,” and Sophia Carson, playing “Evie,” carry the movie as competent female leaders, with complicated motivations and internal conflicts. They lead their male counterparts through complex moral decisions to a better understanding of a masculine capacity for gentleness, all while rapping about their evil schemes. Descendants 2 is a revelation in TV filmmaking and a gift to audiences everywhere.

Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

p.m. in Watson Lounge in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel

University Center

Plaza District Festival from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Plaza District, 1726 N.W. 16 St.

Career Services's Fall Fashion Show from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center

TUESDAY All-campus career and internship fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center

SUNDAY 7-on-7 flag football at 2 p.m. on the intramural field

OCUEdge presents: Ride at 8 p.m. in Room 405 in Clara E. Jones Administration Building

Women's soccer vs. Texas Wesleyan at 5 p.m. at Stars Field

Mary McLain is a film production junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who loves sandwiches and social media.

Anyone fortunate enough to watch this movie certainly will be cursed for the following weeks by the unshakable melodies of “Chillin’ Like A Villain” and “What’s My Name?” All of the songs are edgy with choreography so sharp and iconic it certainly will create a new standard for danc-

ing in Disney Channel musicals. One of these dancers, Cameron Boyce, who plays “Carlos De Vil,” is at the forefront of these hot new moves, bringing freshness to the dance numbers that High School Musical never pulled off. In addition to the spectacular dance numbers, the

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

TODAY Etiquette Dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center THURSDAY Chapel from 1-2 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel Volleyball vs. USAO at 7 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Health and Wellness Center Ryan Robinson's tuba recital at 8

p.m. in Wanda L. Bass Music Center Play Club at 10:30 p.m. in the Honor's Lounge in Gold Star Memorial Building FRIDAY Bass School of Music presents: Sister Act at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center SATURDAY Student Affairs's SIBS Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bass School of Music presents: Sister Act at 8 p.m. in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center

Bass School of Music presents: Sister Act at 3 p.m. in Kirkpatrick

MONDAY Evensong worship service at 8

September 27, 2017, Volume 110, Number 58

Staff Writers: McAlyn Forbes, Harrison Langford, Emily Wollenberg, Sophia Babb, Grace Babb, Rodney Smith Columnist: Caroline Hawthorne Film Critic: Mary McLain Videographer: Emily Haan Ad/Marketing Director: Madison Clark

Volleyball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center Wind philharmonic concert at 8 p.m. in Petree Recital Hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center

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

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

All Greek council meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel

Men's soccer vs. Texas Wesleyan at 7 p.m. at Stars Field

The Student Publications staff welcomes unsolicited material and let-

Circulation Director: Brianna Demuth Faculty Adviser: Kenna Griffin

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

September 27, 2017

news Obama cabinet member scheduled to speak at OCU Nicole Waltman

WEB EDITOR

Former Secretar y of Energy Ernest Moniz will speak about energy at Meinders School of Business. Moniz was Secretary of Energy from May 2013 to January 2017. Moniz was tasked with implementing missions in support of President Barack Obama’s goals of growing the economy, enhancing security and protecting the environment, according to energy.gov. Moniz will speak at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 in Meinders School

of Business. Admission is free and open to all students. Before joining the Obama Administration, Moniz was the Cecil and Ida Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was a faculty member since 1973. At MIT, Moniz was in charge of the Department of Physics and the Bates Linear Accelerator Center. “This is a big deal,” said Steven Agee, dean of Meinders School of Business. “This is a big deal for the Meinders School of Business, this is a big deal for Oklahoma City Uni-

v e r s i t y, it’s a big deal for the city to have someone of this stature and pres- Ernest Moniz tige here.” former U.S. energy secretary Mo n i z was most recently the director of the MIT Energy Initiative and the director of the MIT Laboratory for Energy and the Environment. There, he was a leader of multidisciplinary technol-

ogy and policy studies on the future of nuclear power, coal, nuclear fuel cycles, natural gas, and solar energy, according to energy.gov. “If you know about energy research, Ernie Moniz would be in the top tier of energy re s e a rc h e r s f o r d o m e s t i c energy resources and consumption and production, for world energy production and consumption resources. He’s a brilliant, brilliant man,” Agee said. Along with his work at MIT, the White House and the Department of Energy, Moniz has been on many boards of

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directors and commissions involving science, energy and security, according to energy. gov. “I think it’s a really good thing he’s coming,” said J.R. Holloway, economics senior. “As an economics student and business student in general, it will be beneficial to hear his insight on where the energy sector is going next.” A dinner event will be hosted at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Petroleum Club, 100 N. Broadway Ave. The admission fee is $95 per person and sponsorships also are available. Moniz will speak

at this event as well. “Any time you meet someone from the presidential cabinet, it’s a big deal, with the energy aspect of it or not. That’s a selective group of people, so you know they know their stuff,” Holloway said. For more information, email Melissa Cory, director of communications and continuing professional education at mcory@okcu.edu.

Smarter than you think Clive Thompson, technology writer and philosopher, talks with students at a Q&A session Sept. 19 in Room 151 in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. Thompson was on campus as the first special guest speaker of the newly returned Martha Jean Lemons Distinguished Speaker Series. He gave a talk about his book, “Smarter Than You Think,” about how technology is benefitting the way people interact with the world. His lecture was in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. The speaker for next year’s series hasn’t been determined, but Dr. Robin Meyers, professor of rhetoric, previously said two possibilities are Oprah Winfrey or Jimmy Carter. Elina Moon Student Publications

Biology fraternity organizes semester speaker series Grace Babb

STAFF WRITER

Biology fraternity TriBeta brings in a speaker to talk to students every other Thursday. Beta Beta Beta began in 1922 at OCU. Biology professor Dr. Frank G. Brooks and a few of his students started the first chapter. Over time, new chapters began at various colleges around the country. Cassandra Velasco, cell and molecular biology senior, has been an active member of the group since her sophomore year. “We’re interested in having a speaker series that presents students with a myriad of

career options in science. We want to show people that there’s more out there than going to medical or dental school,” Velasco said. “We try to show them that there are a lot of jobs out there.” The speaker series is designed to inspire students, she said. Last semester, Dr. Ryan Dennis came to speak about his passion for entrepreneurship and how he started a business in biotechnology. Speakers like him help give students bigger ideas about the biology work world, Velasco said. “We’re trying to tell students that their life doesn’t have to be set right now. Things are going to change, and they need to go with the

We want to show people that there’s more out there than going to medical or dental school.

Cassandra Velasco cell and molecular biology senior

flow,” she said. Laura Jardine, biology senior, has been president of Tri-Beta since January. Jardine said these talks give students more ideas about what is possible with an education in biology. “Students come in wanting to do one thing, but then they have the exposure to different

opportunities. They may seek out internships or shadow within other fields of biology. It gives them more diversity with what they’re exposed to,” Jardine said. Dr. Laurie Kauffman, associate professor of biology, shares the sentiment. “I think these talks give students ideas for things they

can do with their degrees that they hadn’t thought of,” Kauffman said. Anyone can come to the talks, biology major or not, Kauffman said. For a student who isn’t in Tri-Beta or the biology department, he or she will still learn something new, Kauffman said. “Everyone is involved in medicine,” Kauffman said. “You go to the doctor. So, it might be interesting for you to hear what it’s like to have that job or get to that job.” Mindy Windholz, director of university counseling, spoke last week on mental health and how important it is to maintain it. The talks are at 12:15 p.m.

ever y other Thursday in Room 100 in Sarkeys Science and Math Center. The remaining speakers for this semester are - Dr. Nancy Letassy, pharmacist and PA adjunct faculty member, on Oct. 5; - Jackie Hjelmstad, physician assistant at Mercy Health System, on Oct. 19; - Dr. Katie Marshall, assistant professor of biology at University of Oklahoma, on Nov. 2; and - Dr. Matlock Jeffries, scientist at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, on Nov. 16.

Religion students help peers find home churches Emily Wollenberg

STAFF WRITER

The Wesley Center implemented a new Methodist “Church-Hopping” program to help students find home churches. Dr. Elizabeth HortonWare, director of religious life, said the program started two weeks ago and members visited various churches throughout Oklahoma City. Tw o o f t h e c h u rc h e s they’ve visited are Cornerstone First United Methodist Church, 2825 N.W. 25th St., and Wesley First United Methodist Church, 1401 N.W. 25th St. Bethany Stanley and KC Curry, religion sophomores, oversee the program. Stanley and Curry have shared the program by wordof-mouth at Evensong, a contemporary worship service September 27, 2017

put on by the Wesley Center at 8 p.m. Monday nights in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel basement. “Every year, people ask what churches to go to, and lots of students don’t want to go by themselves, so I talked to a couple of students that don’t have a church home in Oklahoma City yet and asked if Bethany and KC would head up the program,” Horton-Ware said. Curry said so far, only a few students have gotten involved, but they hope to welcome more students in the coming weeks. “I like this program because it has helped me find contemporary churches that I didn’t find before, and it allowed me to go with people instead of going alone,” she said. Horton-Ware said the program will continue into the spring semester. “Sometimes students feel

so overwhelmed first semester that they want to focus on making it through their classes, so second semester, students are looking more for a home church,” Horton-Ware said. Curry said visiting the different churches has had a positive impact on her religious life. “The church-hopping program is important to me because it’s giving me a relationship with different pastors, and it also lets me see different ways of worship,” she said. Students can get involved by emailing Bethany Stanley at bmstanley@my.okcu.edu, Curry at kcurry1@my.okcu. edu or Elizabeth HortonWare at erhortonware@okcu. edu.

Lead the way

Elina Moon Student Publications

Abbey Renner, biomedical science junior; Laura Jardine, biology senior, and Megan Turner, dance junior, play a silent communication game at G.O. OKCU, a student leadership conference Sept. 22 in the Student Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. G.O. OKCU stands for Get Organized OKCU. Student affairs staff organized the event for student leaders looking to set achievable goals and improve their organizations.

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news

Officials plan Indigenous People’s Day events Alison Sloan

STAFF WRITER

Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be celebrated Oct. 12, a date that usually is observed as Columbus Day. In 2015, the Oklahoma City Council considered two separate proposals to establish an Indigenous Peoples’ Day observance. Both were eventually rejected, but President Robert Henry wrote a proclamation Oct. 12, 2015, establishing an official day of celebration for Native American people. “Our mission and values emphasize inclusiveness, diversity, and cross-cultural connections,” Henry wrote in the announcement. Many students and faculty members applauded Henry for the proclamation. Russ Tallchief, director of student engagement, said he was especially grateful. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a response to Columbus Day,” Tallchief said. “It represents tremendous perseverance by native people and their tribes.” The celebration will be from 12-1:30 p.m at the Chickasaw Warrior Garden on campus. The ceremony is open to anyone in the Oklahoma City

Columbus was credited with discovering America, yet there were millions and millions of indigenous people that were living here already. We’ve always been here. Russ Tallchief student engagement director

area, and includes a reading of Henry’s proclamation and a speech by trustee the Rev. David Wilson, OCU’s Choctaw spiritual leader. Indigenous Peoples’ Day stems from the aftermath of Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act in 1830, when 67 tribes were removed forcibly from their homelands. “They were treated like animals,” Tallchief said. “They were relocated to Oklahoma, and a lot of them found their way home, but most disintegrated.” Tallchief said Henry’s actions were noteworthy because Columbus Day is hurtful for native people. “It doesn’t really represent our history, especially in Oklahoma,” Tallchief said. “Columbus was credited with discovering America, yet there were millions

and millions of indigenous people that were living here already. We’ve always been here.” Oklahoma has the highest population of native people per capita, with 38 nationallyrecognized tribes. “Of all places, Oklahoma should celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” Tallchief said. “As a state, it has not.” Tallchief said students should get more involved with issues concerning indigenous communities by joining OCU’s Native American Society. To join or learn more, visit the Office of Student Engagement, Inclusion, and Multicultural Programs in Room 110 in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.

Sophia Babb Student Publications

Go abroad

Tomi Vetter, piano performance freshman, talks to Amanda McEnroe from Academic Programs International at the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 19 in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. The Study Abroad program, Office of Financial Aid and Office of Global Engagement had representatives at the event to assist students. To learn about study abroad opportunities, email studyaborad@okcu.edu and set up an appointment with an adviser in the Office of Global Engagement. To create your own study abroad profile, visit okcu.abroadoffice.net.

Campus fitness center receives upgraded equipment Grace Babb

STAFF WRITER

The Aduddell Fitness Center recently received upgraded equipment, said Josh Hall, assistant director of student life and intramural and recreational sports. The center is phasing out its older treadmills and adding new, more advanced treadmills. “It’s been a process that has been three years in the making,” Hall said. “The new treadmills are a lot easier to use and there are many more features on them.” New treadmills aren’t the only additions, Hall said. “We have 12 new treadmills that are the biggest industrial

grade treadmills on the market, five new elliptical machines, and we are in the process of getting four new elliptical bikes,” he said. “That’s a lot of equipment.” If any trouble is had with the new equipment, Hall is able to help.  “Feel free to let me know if you have a question on the equipment and I can give a tutorial on how to use them,” said Hall.  Caleb Holmes, film production junior, said he is more likely to go to the fitness center now. “Now that there’s new equipment, I’m definitely more interested in checking it out,” Holmes said.  The Aduddell Fitness Center, next to the Oklahoma United Methodist Hall housing office, is open for free use to all stu-

dents, faculty and staff. Visitors of the fitness center can enter by using their OCU ID at the front door. Guests and family members must sign in at the front desk. Memberships are only allowed for family members or guests of OCU faculty, staff or students. When visiting the gym, standard athletic attire must be worn at all times. No open toed shoes are permitted. The fitness center’s fall hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 1-10 p.m. Sundays.

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Chase your goals Right: Freshman Midfielder Madeleine Sjöholm runs for the ball at the game against Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday. The women’s soccer team beat Kansas Wesleyan with a final score of 3-0. Sjöholm said the team works well together because they trust each other. “We know that people are good in our teams,” she said. “That’s a good quality of a team, I think, to be able to trust each other.” Left: Junior Defender Gabrielle Szukala prepares to kick the ball at the soccer game against Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday, which they won. The team’s next home game is against Texas Wesleyan on Oct. 3. Elina Moon Student Publications

Leichter Listening Library renovations postponed Chandler White

COPY EDITOR

Renovations in the Leichter Listening Library that were scheduled for the summer were pushed back by a number of architectural errors. The listening library is a library space in Wanda L. Bass Music Center used to store musical scores, reference books and other performancerelated materials. The original renovation plans were to extend the library’s west wall to a wall along the edge of the roof a number of yards away. The extra space will double the library’s storage capacity and provide more room for musical scores that previously wouldn’t fit, as well as a designated area for computers and an additional seating area. The space was designated to be part of the music library when the building was conSeptember 27, 2017

structed in 2005, but was left out to minimize cost, said Beth Fleming, performing arts librarian. “Essentially, what we’re doing is building onto the library what was supposed to be a part of the library to begin with,” she said. “Now we’re needing that space, and it can definitely be proven that it’s something that’s going to be quite useful.” The construction was scheduled to begin May 7, funded partially by the Wanda Bass School of Music and by the Wanda Bass Trust, but a clearance issue delayed the changes to the end of the summer. This was partially due to a difference of understanding between Dr. Mark Parker, dean of music and theater, and Beck Design, the Oklahoma Citybased company hired to do the architecture. The cost estimated by Beck Design officials once they had reached campus didn’t match

Essentially, what we’re doing is building onto the library what was supposed to be a part of the library to begin with. Beth Fleming performing arts librarian

the price named at the beginning of the process, and negotiations of cost took up more time during the summer before clearance could be given. Clearance eventually was given at the start of this semester, and contracts were signed with Beck Design, but construction was delayed again by the need for specially made steel to create the structure for the new outside walls and roof, which will take another eight weeks to be manufactured and delivered to campus. Construction now is estimated to start after Fall Break,

Fleming said. Officials do not know when it will be finished, but the renovations are likely to take three to four months. All reusable material from the current wall will be used for the extended one, Fleming said. Fleming said it would have been more convenient for the construction to have happened during the summer because less people use the library during the summer. She also said the construction will take up parking space on that side of the building and some of the theater loading area on Wanda L. Bass Music

Center, which would have been avoided had the changes been made during the summer. “That’s going to probably be at least somewhat blocked some of the time during construction, so that could create a little difficulty,” she said. “That’s one of the things where, had it happened during the summer, it would have been so much more accommodating to everybody.” But Fleming also said Beck Design was warned about this and will likely be as cooperative as possible. Kimberly Dyckman, second-year music graduate and Leichter employee, said the expanded storage space will be the most helpful thing about the renovations. “I’m looking forward to just having more space,” she said. “I actually worked here this past summer, and a lot of that time I spent working here was spent adding things to the collection, so having the expansion just

makes it more possible to fit all the things that we’ve been processing.” Lindsay Steinberg, acting junior, said the music library is most convenient because of its free services. “It saves me a lot of money because music is hella expensive,” she said. “Most of the time you pay anywhere between five to seven dollars for a single song, sheet musicwise, and here, I can go in and look up pretty much any Broadway score, pretty much any pop song, and the sheet music’s right there at my fingertips and I don’t have to pay a single thing.” Fleming said the construction will be a welcome change, whenever it does end up being finished. “When it gets done, it’ll be quality, and that’s what really counts,” she said.