April 26, 2017

April 26, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 81 No. 27

James Johnston:

New provost desires to strengthen university’s identity

LEONARDO GONZALEZ REPORTER

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rom department chair and program director, to director of interdisciplinary education, to interim dean, to actual dean. University President Suzanne Shipley named James Johnston the new provost and vice president of academic affairs on April 21.

Johnston replaced Betty Stewart, whom held the provost position for more than four years.

Stewart accepted the offer as the new provost for the University of North Texas at Dallas.

“We are a public liberal arts university, sometimes that’s misunderstood or not fully understood by people,” Johnston said.

“Maybe I was classically educated, it was closer to something that in that end of region would understand but it provides a very strong foundation.”

Johnston carries the university’s history with him as he’s earned two degrees from MSU, he feels like it’s his home and certainly feels strongly about MSU’s [standard]. His passion and vision for what the university can become as a liberal arts school come from his foundation.

“I’ve always felt that if we prepare students strictly for their major or area of interest, we grossly under prepare them for a career, a life of being engaged and a productive citizen,” he said. “ We have different passions as far as what we discipline and what we pursue in our scholarly creative activities, but what we do or what we are alike is our greatest strength and something I need to build on [to] move us forward with.”

The provost and vice president of academic affairs position is not a single member

effort. This position consists of cooperative endeavors from academic deans, other vice presidents, and the university’s president.

“In terms of management and leadership [subjects], the management part is the faster piece to get down and that’s paperwork with day-to-day over side of things,” he said. “The leadership and visioning part is something that grows; it takes a little longer. It’s a learning curve and it’s not just my decision.”

Johnston said he desires to strengthen the university’s identity as a liberal arts school with everyone involved at this campus. He also said there are other components that contribute to this school, he sees the academic perspective as the core element of why a student is at MSU. The education provided to exceed is what makes his job significant.

He said, “The subject that [students] study, the first year experiences a student has in or outside the classroom like Enhancing Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities or the Study Abroad Program all tie back to [my] office. The continuous progress and improvement of the curriculum and creating new subject areas, new majors, new minors all track back here also.”

There are four vice presidents total at the university, but Johnston reflects and oversees all academic related features. The provost part of the title designates a second person in charge of the university in case the president is absent.

“It’s a great responsibility, don’t get me wrong, but it’s still exciting,” he said. “You feel like you understand how broadly you need to think and consider all the groups. When you step in it’s like a freedom to pursue this. That’s

PHOTO BY KARA MCINTYRE | THE WICHITAN

James Johnston, former dean of health sciences and human services and interim provost, was officially announced as provost and vice president of academic affairs on Friday, April 21. He adorns his MSU class ring on his right ring finger daily. the exciting part for me that you have the authority to move forward, to be creative and have the support.”

Johnston said he hopes to work with faculty, department chairs and deans to specifically guide the curriculum and

experiences for students. He also said he hopes students and others see what they have done as a unit at the end of the day.

“Each step forward really pushes you think broader to consider an ever-larger

see PROVOST pg. 3

Graduating senior to give commencement address KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

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bout 692 students adorned in caps and gowns will be walking the stage at Kay Yeager Coliseum at 10 a.m. on May 13 — except for one.

She will be on stage giving the commencement address.

Megan Piehler, mass communication senior, was chosen as the first student commencement speaker in MSU’s history.

“Dr. Shipley [university president] mentioned to the

commencement committee that she wanted to incorporate students and the student perspective into graduation.

Someone mentioned the Hardin Scholar would be a good representative of the student perspective, and the committee agreed that I would be a good fit, having already spoken as the keynote speaker at the 2015 President’s Excellence Circle Dinner and the 2016 Maroon and Gold Connection,” Piehler said.

After university officials released the announcement on

April 25, Piehler said she was surprised and honored by the news.

“I was completely shocked to be chosen as the commencement speaker. You hear about CEOs, ambassadors and Nobel Peace Prize winners giving commencement speeches, so this is something I never even dreamt of having the opportunity to do during my lifetime,” Piehler said. “It is humbling to be giving the opportunity to speak to so many

see SPEAKER pg. 4

2 | April 26, 2017 |

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENES S M O N T H C OL UM N S

S TA F F E DI T OR I A L

Be cautious Let’s on campus OUR VIEW: Lock your doors, get the MSU Safety App and stay in pairs.

I

S

talk about sex

o, I’m a virgin.

Maybe that’s why I was so shocked when an LVN plopped a plastic penis on the desk in front of me and asked if I knew how to put on a condom.

With a frantic shake of my head, she then asked me to demonstrate how when I interviewed her last year about sex education in high schools. My jaw hit the floor, and my eyes were as wide as an owls. All in Cortney disbelief at her point-blank question.

Wood Or, maybe, it was when I was stunned by the giant orange-red biohazard bag full of 300 condoms and lube she thrust into my arms to pass out, or use, as I saw fit.

As weird and thoroughly awkward as that encounter was, I don’t think I would have been as dumbfounded had I received a proper education on sex. Although my face was as red as a fire engine, that day marked a shift in my mentality and I realized just how ignorant I am.

Seriously. I sure as heck didn’t know why people talked about birds and the bees and babies in the same breath. All I knew on the topic was, “Don’t have sex. You’ll get pregnant and die.” Yeah. Didn’t have to tell me twice.

However, the more and more I think about it, the more infuriated I get that American education contains many controversial methods of

n light of Sexual Assault Awareness month many events discussing how to remain safe on campus have presented themselves. There are many ways to remain safe on a college campus, but locking dorm rooms, always walking with a friend and using the MSU Safety app are the easiest ways to safe.

While loathing carrying around keys, it’s easiest way to make sure that no one enters. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, forcible sex offenses on campuses have been rising.

The buddy system might bring wish I knew your name so I could find you and flashbacks to elementary school hug you.

I can’t imagine what you must be dealing with. field trips, but they do serve a Hearing your story was heartbreaking. I think I speak purpose. Although during exam on behalf of many students when I say: you’re not week walking back from the library alone.

Picking up the pieces after a horrific crime against alone might be the only option, you isn’t something I’ll pretend to know about. What Jacklyn but that is where the MSU Safety I do know is, I’ll unapologetically stand by you.

York App comes in.

As someone who has walked a similar path, I want to extend the only help I can offer.

While controlling the Number one: it’s not your fault. Enough has been done to you. Don’t environment is nearly impossible, do more to yourself by finding a way to make it your fault. Don’t give this app allows you access to an him that courtesy by questioning your own choices and behaviors. arsenal of items.

It’s natural to search for an answer to the “why” question in your own These three simple things should mind, but the answer should never by something of your own doing.

Nothing you possibly could have done should ever provoke such an be used by all students, and they action. will lower the chances. Avoid Number two: rape isn’t sex. This is more for the other readers because I’m sure you’re very aware. Rape is talked about even less in becoming a victim and take your social circles but is driven by power, control and entitlement. Rape is safety into your own hands.

teaching, but I think it’s quite obvious that a quality education on the basic means of life has been neglected to students.

I get it. We live in the Bible Belt and people don’t want to talk about that kind of stuff because it’s awkward. When we talk about how the Center for Disease Control reported in 2014 that the birth rate was 24.2 per 1,000 women aged 15-19 which, the report stated, is “substantially higher than in other Western industrialized nations,” First and foremost, the discussions need to happen, and more than the basic “when two people love each other…” Tell students about the hormones like oxytocin, the bonding agent that deepens attraction between people that is released during sex. Talk about contraception, how to use said contraception and then go over the pros-and-cons.

Not everyone is able to go to the doctor and ask questions.

Sex is natural, and it’s the primary way people will continue to procreate and sustain life. Whether people want to talk about it or not, to have people knowledgeable about this most basic desire people have, the door needs to be opened to discussion and shouldn’t feel like they are attacked, or shamed for curiosity and interest.

I advocate for stronger sex education.

With luck, I won’t be blindsided by a nurse whipping out a plastic penis again if all I am trying to do is meet a deadline.

Cortney Wood is a mass communications freshman.

To the girl who said, “NO” I

wichitan

the

Vol. 81 | No. 27

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com • @wichitanonline

about feeling justified to violate another person’s body. It’s selfish and inhumane. Yet, society doesn’t do more to differentiate between the two and for that I am extremely sorry.

Number three: I don’t care about his almost football career. I can only imagine the insult on top of injury you must feel while reading some of these headlines giving glory to a criminal. Football stats are no longer his identifier. I’m sure his face is branded into your mind forever.

I hope you don’t feel re-victimized each time you have to see his face.

Once again, I apologize that we, as a society, give more importance to a helmet-clashing rather than questioning where, why and how this young man though it okay to potentially ruin someone’s life.

Number four: you will overcome this. This may be easy for me to say, but I hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. He ignored your “No” but keep saying it and don’t ever stop saying it.

When his picture creeps up in your mind, tell him “NO!” When you are ready to date, but find it hard to trust again, tell him “NO!” Each time the memory, pain or fear of him try to hold you back, tell him “NO!” I don’t even know you but I know a woman’s tenacity. He may have thought he could over power you physically, but a woman’s strength is so much more than meets the eye.

Jacklyn York is a mass communication senior.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre MANAGING EDITOR: Leah Bryce FEATURES EDITOR: Brendan Wynne DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kara McIntyre, Justin Marquart, Leah Bryce, Arianna Davis, Timothy Jones

DESIGNERS: Noah Fazekas, Cortney Wood ISSUE STAFF: Leonardo Gonzalez, Cortney Wood, Jacklyn York, Robin Reid, Lane Riggs, Greta Lazzarotto, Tyler Manning, Arianna Davis, Joanne Ortega ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

Copyright ©2017.

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

from PROVOST pg. 1 group of course. The responsibility is greater, but the opportunity to find the connections and help grow the university is enjoyable,” he said. “I miss being in the classroom but being in the administration to guide and direct the curriculum and mission of the school is just as great.”

Johnston taught a variety of science classes throughout the years and serving as a dean was one step removed from his home of radiologic science. He said he loved being in the classroom, but the opportunities kept connecting to him. An opportunity is one of the reasons he came to MSU. “I wanted to come to MSU because of the opportunity to research and teach which reminded my interest,” he said. “The community college doesn’t discourage research and scholarly creative activities but nor do they give you a lot of time for it.”

He said coming to the university gave him those opportunities.

“I’d enjoyed the administrative part as the department chair, it’d been the opportunity to grow in more than just one classroom or one group of students, which I truly enjoy,” he said.

Then the position as the provost was proposed for Johnston.

“I certainly believe that the committee and the president brought very strong finalists to campus, each of them were capable to get the job done,” he said.

“Fortunately, the university saw that I was the fit for where we are today with faculty and administration.”

Johnston said he was a little nervous, but very excited about having to be in an office at the same time with Shipley for official business.

“There’s a negotiation process with the president prior to the formal announcements,” he said. “When

it’s announced to the world then it’s an element where it’s real now.”

He said he was at a meeting in the health and sciences department when he received an overwhelming response from faculty, staff, and friends.

“Beginning with that formal announcement at the academic honors banquet, being a part of it, others congratulating me, wishing me well - it was a great day.”

Johnston has been working through the ranks of the university and challenges continue to come at him.

• Favorite color | “Shades of blue.”

• Favorite food | “I’m addicted to the steak that I cook.”

• Favorite movie(s) | “Dancing with Wolves, and for my hopeless romantic side, The Notebook.”

• Favorite music | “I appreciate all music, it just depends - I can go from Zac Brown Band to Dr. Martin Camacho’s classical music.”

• Hobby | “Raise and breed Arabian horses, also been riding competitively for six years, my wife introduced it to me when we got married and she’s been raising and breeding horses since she was about eight years old.”

• Favorite MSU tradition | “I try not to miss the fish fry and the boat race, but tailgates and homecoming overall just reminds me of the social part when I was a student.”

• Favorite place on campus | “I love the serenity and feeling around the fountain, it represents so much of MSU’s history.”

• If you were stranded in an island what thing would you bring | “It’s one of those where social media and stuff I can live without, I don’t consider my horses a ‘thing’ either, it’s not a thing but I’d bring my wife.”

Man behind the desk LEAH BRYCE MANAGING EDITOR

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ince 2003 Johnston has been in employed at MSU. He has advanced his career from being an Assistant Professor of Radiologic Science to Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Previously he worked as the Department Head and Program Director at Wharton County Junior College, after two years as an instructor of radiologic technology there. Before joining the academia faculty Johnston used his degree at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Highland Hospital.

Over his career he has contributed to scholarly publications by authoring two books, contributing to three books, reviewing three books, been published electronically four times and been published in print 34 times. He is working on two more publications concerning the effects of propofol and an abdominal compression device for medical imaging.

• PhD. in Health Studies- Higher Education Track; Texas Woman’s University 2006 • Masters of Science in Radiologic Science- Higher Education Track; Midwestern State University 2003 • Bachelors of Science in Radiologic Science- Midwestern State University 1993 • Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Science; South Plains College 1986

| April 26, 2017 | 3

UP C OM I NG E V E N T S 2017 Celebration of Scholarship

April 26 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. | CSC Atrium | Graduate student and Facuty presentations will be held today. Tomorrow will be the presentations by the Undergraduate students and the event will conclude with an awards ceremony and performance by the Wind Ensemble.

Native Voices: Native People’s Concepts of Health and Illness April 26 at 5 p.m. | Moffett Library | MSU’s Library will launch a six-week exhibit of the National Library of Medicine’s “Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness.”

Farewell Reception for Dr. Betty Stewart April 27 from Noon to 1 p.m. | Tom Haywood Foyer in Bolin | Come out to the farewell reception honoring Dr. Betty Stewart.

The History of Blacks in Burkburnett, Texas

April 27 at 6 p.m. | PY103 | Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society presents Pamela Dixon, “The History of Blacks in Burkburnett, Texas.”

WFMA at MSU: “Birds in Art”

April 28 | Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU | With 50 paintings and 10 sculptures depicting artists interpretations if avian themes.

Retirement Party for Mar Jo Distel April 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. | Dillard 189 | Come honor Mary Jo Distel at her retirement party in Dillard.

Retirement Reception for Dr. Rodney Cate

April 28 from 4 o 6 p.m. | CSC Kiowa Ex-Students Room | Come to the retirement reception to honor Dr. Rodney Cate for 39 years of work at MSU.

2017 Festival of StudentProduced One-Act Plays

April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. | Bea Wood Studio Theatre | The Department of Theater will present the Festival of One-Act Plays. General admission is $5.

21st Annual North Texas Area Student Conference

April 29 at 9 a.m. | Bolin 100 | The Department of Computer Science will host the North Texas Area Student Conference.

Silver Rose Ball

April 29 from 8 to 11 p.m. | Sikes Lake Ballroom | A formal evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate 20 years of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity. $20 at the door.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Meeting May 2 at 3 p.m. | PY Lounge |

Didzun Honors Recital

May 2 at 7:30 p.m. | Akin Auditorium | The recital features performances by singers, instrumentalists, and keyboardists – all students selected by their music teachers as the finest in their classes.

Annual Retiree Luncheon

May 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Wichita Falls Country Club | This year’s TACT luncheon celebrating MSU retirees at the Wichita Falls Country Club. Included in the “Chef’s Choice” menu is an entrée, vegetable, salad, starch, tea, and water. Price for the luncheon is $18.00.

CRIME LOG April 16

Sexual Assault | 10:55 p.m. | Killingsworth Hall | Suspect entered complainants room without permission and sexually assaulted her.

April 18

Wellness Center | 6:20 p.m. | Wellness Center | Complainant had money taken from his wallet.

April 19

Information | 7:56 a.m. | Bridwell Hall | A student came to the PD to inform us of an argument she had with another student on Monday.

PHOTO BY KARA MCINTYRE | THE WICHITAN

James Johnston, provost and vice president of academic affairs, reaches for a photo of he and his wife, Stephanie, riding two of their six horses in a competition. “They [the horses] are my therapy when I go home,” Johnston said.

April 20

Information | 5:43 a.m. | Killingsworth Hall | Female student was having an emotional breakdown. Housing and counseling responded. Student voluntarily checked herself into Red River Hospital. UPD transported.

April 20

Criminal Mischief: Misdemeanor | 3:02 p.m. | Sunwatcher Village | Student came to the MSU police station to report criminal mischief to his driver’s side door handle on his Dodge Charger.

April 20

Non-Criminal – Disturbance | 6:27 p.m. | Wellness Center | Subject yelling profanities at the Wellness Center.

4 | April 26, 2017 |

from SPEAKER pg. 1

National Model UN Conference in New York and the Great fellow graduates who are Plains Honors Conference going to go on and change the in Chicago, Illinois. She world.” received a scholarship from She said she received a lot the Advertising Education of support from family, friends Foundation of Houston and colleagues, especially and American Advertising on Facebook where the Federation-Houston. announcement was posted.

Piehler said she is most “The amount of support looking forward to using this I’ve received has been opportunity to encourage her overwhelming,” Piehler said. peers and other graduation “So many people are proud of attendees. me and I haven’t even given “Because I was the speech yet.” homeschooled, I’ve actually Piehler earned the Clark never been in an official Scholar award in 2015 and was commencement ceremony, named the Hardin Scholar in but I certainly never 2016, which are the two highest 2015 FILE PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY envisioned myself speaking at academic awards given by the RACHEL JOHNSON graduation. I feel incredibly university. She also served as Megan Piehler, mass the 2015-2016 student regent. communication senior, attends blessed and honored to be the She was a member of Student the Board of Regents meeting first student commencement Government Association and held in the Board Room in speaker, but I also feel a certain level of responsibility the Redwine Honors Society Hardin Building, Nov. 12. to make my graduating class Committee. She served SGA as senator for the American Advertising Federation and was and university proud. MSU has given me so named Outstanding Freshman Woman in many opportunities and has challenged me to grow in multiple ways,” Piehler said. “My 2014.

She is also a member of Alpha Chi National experiences with MSU have equipped me College Honor Society and Gamma Phi Beta with the confidence to change the world and sorority, where she was named Outstanding this commencement speech is a surreal and Scholar in 2014. She has presented at the exciting beginning.”

Students direct one-act plays LEAH BRYCE MANAGING EDITOR

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ouse lights lower as a soft spot light appears at center stage, while a light melody floats through the room. In the audience, holding their breath wishing the performance a perfect execution, is the director.

This Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. theater students are performing five one-act plays all directed by fellow students. Admission price for students and faculty will be $5.

“I think it challenges all of us to be better artist and better team players,” Jacob Turnbow theater junior said. “The Worker is an absurd play and the hardest part about that is that their reality is not our reality. The whole point of it is to shock people, and to see what can be taken from it.”

According to Autumn Dahl, theater junior, acting as a director is both new and exciting and has changed her occupational goals. Her one-act play “The M Word,” confronts societies issue of becoming a work-a-holic, through speech.

“I expected things to go a lot differently from what they did. I just viewed it as being crazy and whacky and it is, but in a different

PHOTO BY LEAH BRYCE | THE WICHITAN

Ellanor Collins, theater junior, and Denush Vidanopothirana, theater and mass communication sophomore, rehearse their lines for the student-produced one-act plays on April 28-29. way,” Turnbow said. “The way I wanted it to go was the wrong direction.”

According to Rachel Innes, theater junior after picking a drama, casting, technical working and directing the play each director learns a lot about themselves as a person, artist and a director.

Tennis advances to regionals

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Dillon Pineda, biology sophomore, returns the ball to the other side during a doubles game against Metro State at the MSU Tennis Center.

KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

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n Saturday, April 29, the men’s and women’s tennis teams will make their 15th NCAA Tournament appearance against rival Cameron University in the opening round of regionals. The Mustangs are the No. 3 seed in the tournament and the Cameron Aggies are the No. 2 seed.

According to a press release from the athletic department, “Saturday’s matchup will be the eighth postseason meeting between the two teams with the Mustangs holding a 5-2 advantage.”

Players said they are enthusiastic about the match.

“I feel that we have earned our spot to be there and I am looking forward to doing my best and getting the victory,” Dylan Hall, mass communication junior, said. “It is a special match for us because it is against our rivals, so we have a bit more desire to leave it all out there.”

Eirini Kontaki, sports and leisure sophomore, agreed with Hall.

“I’m very excited because it’s my first time going to regionals and having an opportunity to go to nationals,” Kontaki said.

Other players recognized the challenges that the team faced throughout the season and discussed how that will help the teams in regionals, especially against Cameron.

“I am satisfied with how we have fought through some struggles during the regular season. We have to recognize the opportunity to make it to nationals again and although we play at Cameron, the

Eirini Kontaki, exercise physiology sophomore, serves the ball to the other side during a doubles game against Metro State at the MSU Tennis Center. match starts at 0-0, so their previous wins are useless in that sense,” Ramon Toyos, mathematics and psychology senior, said.

“I am excited and up for the challenge.”

The Mustangs have advanced to nationals seven times, with national quarterfinal appearances in 2006, 2013, 2014 and 2016, according to the press release.

The men’s team had a record of 14-10 during the regular season and the women’s team had a record of 21-4.

Additional reporting by Greta Lazzarotto.

| April 26, 2017 | 5

New mass communication building to open in fall ROBIN REID REPORTER

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he mass communication department will welcome students, faculty and staff to its new home at the university, in fall 2017. While the plans for the building began in fall 2014, the ground-breaking began in February 2016. The building architect was Rees and the contractor was BufordThompson Company. Having an up-to-date facility is important to current students as well as prospective students. The first floor of the new building is comprised of two faculty offices, six edit bays, an audio room, the broadcast lab, the control room, TV studio, rack room and three collaboration areas for students to gather. There are also camera and equipment storage areas to ensure all equipment has proper storage.

“As technology evolves, we have to keep up with it or we are not properly serving our students,” mass communication chair, Jim Sernoe, said. “The current facilities did not allow us to do a lot of things we wanted to do.”

An addition to the Fain College of Fine Arts building, the new, two story building came at a cost of about $7 million, approximately $5.5 million of which went to the construction of the building itself. The remaining money was dedicated toward equipment and furniture.

The funding for the building was paid for through a combination of Higher Education Assistance Funds, as well as internal funds and donations. It is a hope that having the new building will increase the number of students choosing to study mass communication in the future.

“Facilities matter. Although we hope what goes on in a classroom or lab is more important than how it looks, visitors, including potential students and their families, form their impressions partially based on the facilities,” Sernoe said.

After being located in a hallway of offices and classrooms with no windows, one of the most anticipated features of the building is natural light. Additional space in the building is also welcomed because of the opportunity to allow students to work together.

“Having adequate space and up-to-date equipment, as well as natural light. I’m also happy that there will be collaboration spaces for the students,” Sernoe said. “We don’t have those things in the current facility.”

Assistant professor of mass communication, Jonathon Quam, is also looking forward to the changes arriving with the new building and hopes that having the building will provide a greater understanding of the concept of communication and media for students.

“I honestly hope that the students are able to understand the integration between all of the different aspects of the program better through this new building and that we have the opportunity to utilize all the new spaces in ways that we currently didn’t get to,” Quam

The new broadcast studio is allowing the art department to take over their previous studio. said. “The new building gives us another chance to see how our classes can interact with each other.”

Providing a real-life understanding of how production companies function and increasing students’ abilities to be competitive in the real-world is important to the purpose of the mass communication program. Quam said overall, his favorite aspect of the new building is actually the field equipment, which changes the way he will be able to teach his classes.

“This brand new set of field equipment will allow me to expand the projects we work on and the type of experience that the students get. It will also make sure that we have enough equipment that students can be working on projects in an individual or dual group basis,” Quam said. “Now I can make sure each student is gaining these skills and I can evaluate on a near individual basis.”

The new building is not only important for students in the program now, but also in the future. Training students on up-todate equipment keeps them competitive in the field and provides an opportunity for competition against larger universities.

“It takes us beyond the current state of media production and has us ready for a few years to come which will help us be competitive against these larger universities with more resources and making sure we get the exact same quality of education that

those programs have,” Quam said.

Former mass communication student, now the TV-2 director, Lisa Moore is also looking forward to moving into the new building. She has seen the many drafts of and setbacks in acquiring the building, both as a student and employee, so she said the building means everything to her.

“It truly means everything. This is not the first time we’ve ever started this process of designing a building. Since I’ve been here, it’s the third time,” Moore said. “Every time we had to stop and start over, it was a blow.

You find yourself thinking, I don’t think we’re going to get another chance, and your heart sinks a little bit. This building means a lot to us as a department and hopefully for the students as well.”

Moore has been involved with the new building since its inception, with the most involvement in the equipment. She had to find a way to invest the money now, for the future, which proved to be a somewhat of a guessing game and quite the balancing act.

“What we do now must last us for 20 years and it has to be able to grow with us for 20 years,” Moore said. “Overall, I cut over $1 million out of that budget to get us down to what we could afford and hopefully be able to give us space to grow.”

It is important to understand that where you are today should be appreciated while having optimism for the future. Due to the

PHOTO BY LEAH BRYCE | THE WICHITAN

rapid changes of the mass communication field, it’s important for students to be able to grow and change with it and the new building with up-to-date equipment and technology will provide opportunities for growth.

“We need to see where we’ve come from to appreciate where we’re going. I want us to be able to prepare the students better with the technology that’s out there than what we have now,” Moore said. “But I also want them to know it’s who they are and what we can teach them to do with what we have, that’s really important.”

Overseeing the process of the new building has taken effort, determination and planning from the department as a whole, where everyone played a part in making it happen.

However, Moore expressed special gratitude toward Fain Fine Arts Dean Martin Camacho and former Dean Ronald Fischli.

“Without Dr. Fischli starting this process, Dr. Camacho wouldn’t have even had the chance to finish it off. There’s no amount of thanks or ice cream, pizza parties or anything else that we could ever possibly offer to Dr. Camacho to thank him for making this building possible,” Moore said. “Dr. Fischli didn’t get to finish it off, but I know he’d be proud. Without the two of them sticking up and fighting for our department and our students, but also Fain and arts as a whole, we wouldn’t be where we are today, let alone where we’re going to be in the future.”

6 | April 26, 2017 |

Student brings passion for bo ARIANNA DAVIS REPORTER

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t’s a normal dorm room. There’s an oil warmer lit in the corner, inviting those into the room with a sweet and refreshing smell. Once inside, dozens of books line the walls on shelves. Books ranging from classics like Lord of the Rings to popular series like Divergent are stacked up along each other, waiting to be read. A white desk overfilled with make up supplies takes up another corner of the room.

Alongside the make sits a camera on top of a stack of books, the recording light turned on as Whitney Atkinson, English junior, sits in front of it and prepares for her next YouTube video.

Atkinson, or known as “WhittyNovels,” has took it upon herself to make book review videos on YouTube, along with other tips and tricks that go into reading and writing. Since 2013, she’s been making an appearance on the video sharing website, gathering upwards of nearly 45,000 subscribers.

“I was young, but I knew I wanted to do something with YouTube since I first began to become familiar with it around 10-years-old. It’s a free program for me to be silly and I can get attention for doing something I am passionate for; why not try and shoot for it?” Atkinson said.

She credits the success of her subscribers to the timing in which she joined YouTube. While it was a slow climb to the thousands she eventually earned, the website was a growing community when she first joined it which allowed her to expand with it and form a brand along the way.

“It took a lot of time to get to where I am now. I remember it took me six months to get my first 100 subscribers. At that time, I was so impressed with myself, “ she said. “I joined the website at a really fortunate time. YouTube was still a little bit small and it was growing at the time I had just joined. The timing, making sure I was doing regular uploads and creating an exciting area for my channel is what benefited me the most, I think.”

Since her channel has a large enough following, Atkinson does make revenue from her videos and gathers a paycheck every month from it. She said while it isn’t enough to live off of as of right now, it still helps with other expenses she has to pay off like food and gas money. She makes her money through the number of views she gets on videos with ads, as well as how many visits are made to the ads on the videos.

“My revenue comes from Google AdSense. It corresponds with the ads that pop up on videos.

The money I make comes from clicks and the ads that overlay on or near my videos. Most people close out or skip the ads, but I do make fractions of cents for every ad that gets clicked,” she said. “I also do sponsorships with publishers in which I get paid to talk about books, but AdSense is the majority of my earnings.”

Not only has she made a place for herself on YouTube, but Atkinson has also met with real life fans

Whitney Atkinson, English junior, holds her favorite book, “Shatter Me,” as she sets up her recording station on April 18. and gone to conventions for book signings which she has been personally invited to. One of these real life fans includes her current dorm roommate, Caylan Deutsch, early education sophomore.

“I had just recently followed her on Twitter and knew she also lived in Texas, so I got nosy and wanted to know what college she was going to. But, then she posted her acceptance letter to Midwestern and I had just gotten accepted the week before,” Deutsch said.

“I replied to her tweet announcing her acceptance and told her I was also going to Midwestern, and we just clicked after that.”

According to Deutsch, the first time the two of them met up was at freshman orientation in June of 2015. Roommates had already been picked for freshman at that point, but, the two were able to room together after the first year and now currently reside in Legacy.

“At first when we roomed together, it was pretty interesting being in the same area as she recorded her videos. But, now it just feels normal when she does it. It’s just an everyday thing,” she said. “I do make sure to make appearances in her videos. Lets just say her subscribers are also my own personal fans.”

Being an English major has helped Atkinson along the way of creating content for her channel.

While she said she “cheats” and will sometimes use books from her classes to review on her videos, she mainly just enjoys pouring out her passion for reading and writing and using that to educate her followers.

“Tackling both school and YouTube is a constant battle. I recently did a video on how to balance reading while in college. My channel isn’t just a YouTube thing. It’s not just about finding time to

film and rev order to ma then post it English maj to review,” A She said YouTube, h publishing decides to w “I would as I can, bu there will be my side,” sh and in an id publisher’s my life and for my job. long as poss

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WhittyNovels Twitter: https://twitter.com/whittynovels Instagram: https://www.ins

ooks to YouTube

PHOTOS BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

view a book. I also have to read books in ake content and then film a video and t. It’s a 3-part process, but my being an jor can make it easier for me to find books Atkinson said. d that through her experience with hopes that she can someday go into and make videos for a company that she work full-time with. d love to keep with YouTube for as long ut I don’t know if as soon as I graduate if e time to manage it with a full-time job at he said. “I want to work with publishing, deal situation, if I could make videos on books, I think it could satisfy that part of d I could detach from YouTube and do it But, it is something I’d like to keep for as sible since I have created such a following

for myself.”

Outside of her roommate, professors have also been aware of Atkinson’s success with YouTube.

One professor in particular, John Schulze, English assistant professor, has watched her grow for three semesters and has expressed how impressed he is with what she has done with her channel.

“I like the way she edits it, there’s a nice flow to the cuts. She keeps her videos funny and serious while also being smart. Her videos just blend so nicely and I enjoy watching them,” Schulze said. “She keeps her channel open-ended, uploading content that she feels like doing and still making it entertaining.”

Schulze said he sees her channel not only as a way to share her passion, but also as an asset to her work experiences.

“I pointed it out as an asset in a recent letter of recommendation because she’s so engaged in the conversation about books. She’s not waiting to have her degree or waiting to get paid, she’s doing it because she loves to do it. Those are the kind of employees that publishing houses want to hire. The people who are driven and self-motivated, who have a love for literature. So much so, they would do it on their own time. Which is exactly what Whitney is doing,” he said.

According to Schulze, her time on YouTube has also helped her to work toward an internship with HarperCollins, which is one of the world’s largest publishing companies.

“She earned an internship with HarperCollins in New York City, which is fantastic since she wants to get into publishing. To graduate with that experience would definitely help her in the real world,” he said.

For those aspiring what Atkinson has achieved, she gave the advice that in order for people to notice, it’s important to stand out and be different from the thousands of others who are also doing the same.

“There’s a lot of up-and-coming people, you have to make yourself stand out somehow. Whether you are being original or unique, do it for wanting to add something to the community rather than wanting the subscribers and the recognition. That authenticity will shine through more than anything else, I think,” she said.

Finally, for equipment purposes, Atkinson advises that a phone’s video recording works well as a beginner’s camera. Anything expensive at the start-up risks a chance of not becoming as popular as originally thought and possibly losing money in the process.

“For cameras, people assume you have to have this massive camera, but when I first started filming I used my iPhone’s camera. You don’t have to have this amazing camera or lighting set up. I literally just use my mirror lights as lighting for my videos,” she said. “If you can build up to buying nice equipment after seeing yourself seriously pursue in making videos, then you can start to think about spending money on fancy things. Just think financially how it will benefit you.”

stagram.com/whittynovels/ Tumblr: http://whittynovels.tumblr.com/

| April 26, 2017 | 7 UPCOMING VIDEO SCHEDULE: • • • • • • • • • • •

April 27: Idiot Verse by Keaton Henson review April 29: mUrder Song by AURORA Ukulele Cover May: 1 The One Memory I Never Want to Forget May 4: The Value in Not Finishing Books | Discussion May 7: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Book Review May 10: Book Haul May 13: Critiquing Your Favorite Books | Discuccion May 16: Books That Should Be Required Reading May 19: My favorite books of all time May 22: How to #Booksfortrade May 25: 5 series I Need to Start

Whitney Atkinson, English junior, reaching one of the many books shelved in her dorm room on April 18.

8 | April 26, 2017 |

Collection used for research, but only by two students LANE RIGGS REPORTER

The Rare Books Collection is not easy to find on the second floor of the library, so many students use the library without ever realizing that behind the inconspicuous door lies 1,200 rare books.

Nolan A. Moore’s collection of rare books was left in his will to a nonprofit institution, preferably a university. Midwestern State University was on the list of institutions he thought the collection would best fit, and the Moore family decided that it should stay permanently at MSU. The library is proud of the collection and hosts tours for incoming freshman every year, but after the tour ends, those students hardly ever come back.

“Tours are great, because they give an introduction,” Stacy Johnson, special collections assistant, said. “The tours average 25 people, but there’s only three or four students that are really interested. In a tour that size, it’s hard to connect the incoming students to the collection.”

Johnson said she thought there should be more assignments in classes so students would be more involved. However, one class that does involve assignments is the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, COPLACsponsored, Rare Life of Books. The class introduced the collection to two students on campus who were able to conduct research on first editions.

“It’s easy to get intimidated when you first come in. When you come in, it’s like, ‘I want to see everything,’ and that’s overwhelming.

It’s better to look at one specific area,” Johnson said. “The collection is such a good resource,

it’s a real world example, and it’s here for the students.”

Johnson and Associate University Librarian for Technical Services Cortny Bates said students should have more assignments to do with the collection in order to attract both students and faculty.

“Students are always coming and going, they never really stay and look at the books.

The tours are too short. There should be more of a connection to the books,” Bates said. “We’re seeing more use but it’s still not enough.”

Johnson said the collection is getting some attention through COPLAC, and is connecting with faculty both on campus and elsewhere through the program.

“There are a lot of fun pieces, and it’s really hard to pick one piece that I really like,” Bates said. “The printing press is a centerpiece. It’s a symbol and a mascot of the collection.”

Although the collection has many first editions and a printing press, many students rush through the tour and forget room 215 in the library.

“People always assume it’s a temporary set-up. But it’s forever, it’s never leaving,” Johnson said. “And it’s special because most people just have pages of first editions, and we actually have books that students can look at and do research with.”

Johnson said the collection is a “gift” to students and she said she wished there would be more research as well.

“MSU is really special, and this is a gift that students have right here. It’s important because students could do original research.

The library should flaunt the collection we have here and the opportunity to do

PHOTO BY KARA MCINTYRE | THE WICHITAN

Cortny Bates, special collections librarian, Stacy Johnson, special collections assistant, and Brittany Williams, English sophomore, look at one of the cases in the rare books section of Moffett Library. this research,” Johnson said. “The books are in really good shape, some are very delicate, though. But even though they are in great shape, no one from EURECA, the undergraduate research program, comes in.”

Bates said one student from an English class is doing research for an assignment and will present her research at the Celebration of Scholarship on April 26.

“The key is professors assigning this type of research in their classes. Students just don’t come of their own volition. It should be part

of a grade, and it should take more effort, take more time in the collection,” Bates said.

However, Williams said she wanted to do more research in the future, after her COPLAC class ends.

“It takes a little more to get students involved, but that’s what we’re trying to do,” Johnson said. “It’s what Moore wanted to happen when he left the collection in our care. Students coming in and seeing his collection was his final wish. We’re working towards fulfilling that wish.”

Fake rumor about students paying for printing GRETA LAZZAROTTO REPORTER

T

en people in line are waiting for an available printer. Class starts in 10 minutes. The person in front is printing 50 pages. The four printers available to students and faculty members around campus are often busy. The recycle bins under the printer have more paper than the actual printer. From here, the Information Technology Department wanted to develop a more functional and efficient printing system that students can take advantage of. A rumor spread on campus about students paying for every printed copy starting from fall 2017, scaring the student population. David Sanchez, chief information officer, reassures student that no extra fees are going to apply in the fall, dispelling this rumor.

“It is definitely a wrong rumor,” Sanchez said. “We started looking at other printing providers, such as WePA, because we want to

expand and improve printing efficiency on campus.”

The main idea Sanchez and the IT department have in mind is to incorporate better technology to facilitate the process for students.

“Technology can bring multiple solutions to printing on campus,” Sanchez said.

“Students would be able to use their own devices or just log in to their accounts to print their material.”

WePA, We Print Away, is a company that provides printing stations for various campuses across the nation. The advantages include printing from anywhere around campus, “Cloud” storage (similar to iCloud) for files, personal accounts where files can be uploaded, and more. It would also help with real-time monitoring and reporting, reducing waste, lowering costs and the university would not have to furnish all printers, toners, paper and other supplies needed. WePA will provide some. Normally, universities that

adopt this method require students to pay for their own copies. However, the IT department officials are trying to manage a system where a reasonable number of copies will be allowed to students each semester without additional charges.

“Students don’t have to pay for printing [right now], and we don’t want to disappoint them by charging for printing starting next semester,” Sanchez said. “We are simply trying to maximize benefits and minimize wastage.”

Students have a cap of 1,000 copies each semester. Lidenia Clarke, Spanish junior and student center computer lab assistant, said that this number is adequate to the needs of students.

“Last semester, 5 percent of the students printed 23 percent of the total amount, which is basically a quarter of all printing of the semester,” Sanchez said. “We believe that lowering the cap would only affect students who print excessive amounts of papers, which usually include materials not related to

school or [printing] entire books.”

According to Sanchez, last year students printed 2.2 million pages among the 4 printers available, with an average of 259 pages per student in the fall semester. He added that University of New Mexico’s students [about 25,000] printed about the same amount of copies, but among 30 printers instead. This means that our campus prints almost 3 times more than UNM. Sanchez said that a reason for this is that UNM students have to pay for their copies, making them more thoughtful and responsible when it comes to printing.

“The advantage is that, knowing they have to pay for their own copies, makes students more thoughtful,” Sanchez said.

Being more thoughtful about printing could result in a reduced wastage and better environmental sensibility. Currently Clarke said that in her opinion there is no wastage of paper in the computer lab.

Sanchez has a contrasting opinion on the subject.

| April 26, 2017 | 9

M O V IE REVIEW

Free Fire delivers laughs through violence TYLER MANNING FILM CRITIC

I

love going to the movie theater.

I know that it is incredibly expensive, people are loud, it can be kinda gross, Tyler Manning etc. These are all valid criticisms, but I feel like they often turn our attention from the real point of the theater. I have had a wide range of experiences with movie theaters from witnessing two men get into a fight during a Marvel movie to bawling my eyes out with five other people during a touching indie flick. There are some movies that are meant to be experienced in the theater; movies that play well with an audience and unite its viewers in shared emotional reactions. Free Fire is one of those films.

When I watched Free Fire this past weekend, I was surprised to come into an almost empty theater of around six people. Given that the film just came out, I thought my friend Jackson and I were going to have to settle for bad seats towards the front. However, this did not detour from the viewing experience and almost in a way enhanced it. Free Fire is an incredibly funny, well paced movie that had the whole theater unified in constant laughter.

After giving this film second thought, I saw elements of it that could have held the movie down, but didn’t: lack of a clearly defined main character, mixing of contrasting tones, and a narrative that ultimately revolves around a singular conflict.

The film itself still managed to stay engaging and fresh throughout. I ultimately attribute this to a few reasons: strong sense of vision, a good screenplay and great performances.

It is common for filmmakers to use the styles of other filmmakers that inspired them in their films.

Free Fire was clearly inspired by other great filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese (who was also executive producer on the film). When watching this film, I got the sense that this was the story that director Ben Wheatley wanted to tell.

He had a clear and direct vision for what he wanted to film and did just that. The film never felt inconsistent

and had a fun and kinetic style that served the material well. In my review for the film The Belko Experiment, I pointed out how the contrasting tones of humor and violence in that film were not handled well and ultimately took me out of the movie. This I feel is due to differing visions between writer James Gunn and director Greg McLean. Some films can benefit from having multiple different ideas at play; however, in this case the unified singular voice worked well.

What also helps enhance the style of the film is its wittily written screenplay. One can see the influence of such screenwriters as Quentin Tarantino and Aaron Sorkin in the dialogue. Vocal interplay between characters is fun, fast and humorous.

Characters are constantly quipping and each characters dialogue feels natural to who they are as a person.

The dialogue gives off a sense of realism and authenticity as they talk over each other. All of the conflict in this film revolves around contrasting motives. This is how you do proper action comedy that feels natural and organic. Maybe whoever writes Kevin Hart’s movies can learn a thing or two from Free Fire.

This film also greatly benefits from the wonderful performances from its ensemble cast. Each actor feels like an absolute fit for their roles. They all work incredibly well together, playing off each other with great fluidity.

Everyone has their own moment to shine and they only elevate the film’s great writing. I would point out who I felt were standouts of this film, but honestly everyone holds their own and gives a great performance. If any actor were subbed out of their role, I truly feel that the movie would be lesser.

I have been greatly impressed the caliber of films that studio A24 has put out in the past couple years. Films such as The Witch, Moonlight and now Free Fire all have been great pieces of art with their own distinct styles. Free Fire is a great example of how vision and focus can turn a movie that could have flopped, into a fun, engaging movie that plays well in a theater setting. I strongly urge you watch this in your local theater.

Rating: 8/10 Still out in local theaters.

PHOTO BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

Ruby Arriaga, cooridinator for office of student activities, and Christopher Cruz, theater performance sophomore, takes a shot at the smoothie blending bike that would be later given away. April 20.

Earth Day brings environmental awareness to campus ARIANNA DAVIS REPORTER

M

embers of the new eco-friendly organization, Environmental Student Organization, decided to celebrate Earth Day by bringing different local organizations together for students to come and learn more about on April 20.

Jalen Mavero, environmental science junior and president of ESO, wanted to organize the event for students to have a chance to learn more about what is around locally and know more about what the organization stands for.

“I hope they [the students] can become more aware of things happening locally. Being in Wichita Falls, people can think since we’re not near a jungle or major nature preserve, that there isn’t any kind of problem.

But there are things here in this city and on campus anyone can do to be nicer to the environment,” Mavero said. “It’s just little things you do everyday. My organization was wanting students to be more aware that there is more you can do than you think. All the booths we invited were earth-friendly, so we [ESO] hope students took a lot from that opportunity.”

Zack Westgard, radiology senior, said he made an appearance to support the organization and look at all the hard work Mavero put into it. While he went in with intentions of just checking things out, he came out learning about the importance of awareness and how the university could benefit from it.

“It’s good to know about the state parks and local places in our area. Compared to some other campuses we’re not as environmentally active. People just need to be more aware about issues like that. We’re a college campus, so it should be forward thinking. Respect our environment and the things around us,” he said.

Furthermore, Westgard said he was pleased to learn

about state parks and how close they actually are.

“The state park is closer than everyone thinks. It’s only 15 minutes away, and they have disc golf and mountain biking, which are two things I’m interested in. I’m sure other students are as well,” he said.

Mavero said while he aimed for students to come out and learn about their local services, he also wanted to reward people to walking out to the fair. There was a sheet of paper with all the booths representing groups and organizations in the Wichita Falls area that people could stop by and learn from. For every booth visited, a stamp was provided. After five stamps, participants could turn it in as a raffle to win the smoothie blender bike and other various prizes.

“There always has to be something that brings people out. Something a little extra for people taking the time to come out to the fair. We’ve given out the smoothie blender bike at previous Earth Day fairs, but never to this extent,” Mavero said. “We also put a lot of other prizes in the pool, like T shirts and goodie bag prizes that were donated to us by Waste Connections.

A lot of people will be getting something out of it outside of the bike.”

Ruby Arriaga, coordinator of student activities, helped in providing the grand prize bike, as well as ingredients to make smoothies. As students came and left, Arriaga allowed for them to try out the bike and make a smoothie during the event. Afterwards, sample cups would be passed out for anyone to enjoy.

“I think it’s cool to be able to have the chance to visit booths on campus and hear about the local services we have to help the environment,” Summer Ewing, business management sophomore, said.

“Before coming here, I didn’t realize how many local things are here that care about the environment in Wichita Falls.”

10 | April 26, 2017 |

Student drives

beyond hometown CORTNEY WOOD REPORTER

R

outine plagues him.

Wake up. Class at 9 a.m., and get out at 4 p.m.. Go to work, get home, maybe play with the dog a little bit. Then repeat the same thing day after day. Looking back, the only thing that really changes throughout his weeks are the restaurants he goes to.

Mass communication junior Taylor Morrison wonders what happened to the guy that joined the military at 17 and moved multiple times while he served. He tries to figure out when he transitioned from non-stop travel, from someone with little constants because he feels alive seeing the world, to the guy who goes to Texas Roadhouse every Wednesday to get the 10-ounce steak and two sides for $10 instead of the usual $16.

While the rigid schedule is excruciating for Morrison, an end is in sight and offers relief. In a school bus he renovated alone, Morrison is taking a minimalist approach this summer and plans to travel coast to coast across the United States. He faces many unknowns. But that is no deterrent.

“I’m excited to not know,” Morrison said. “I traveled a bit when I was a teenager for a few weeks to Colorado and got my first face time with what it is out there, and there was so much to do. Now, I sit at Kiwanis Park on a metal fence feeding prairie dogs getting pissed off that I’m not traveling. The moment I realized I had a routine here I knew I had to do something.”

Initially, Morrison and three friends were going to work together to finish the bus before the end of May. But as one friend after another left the project to Morrison, time has accumulated to more than 1,000 hours of work by himself. The plan was to move into the bus during May when his apartment lease ran out, but with the mobile home still in its “primitive state,” Morrison said the date has been pushed back to June 1.

According to Morrison, Wichita Falls is a black-hole to anybody who has grown up here, and because he got a taste of the world around him, he never planned on coming back and making a home here.

“When I found my way out, I took it, and I never wanted to come back,” Morrison said. “I was never in a place long enough to get bored, and here I sit looking at the last two years of my life and it’s sad thinking about how I was this guy who did all this stuff, but here I am. I have all the things that come together to make a comfortable life: a girlfriend, an apartment, a dog, but I want more.”

His girlfriend, Shalysha Finley, said this kind of spontaneity is right up Morrison’s alley, and while she didn’t fully believe him at first, the lengths he has gone to get this plan in motion have proved to be exciting both for him and her.

“At first I was iffy about it because I have never lived in a tiny house or a small area like a bus, but I’ve come around and I’m excited,” Finley said. “I haven’t been to very many places outside of Texas, and this gives me an opportunity to see all the places he talks about.”

Although he hasn’t gotten to work on it much, Morrison

said he still puts in about 10 hours of work a week on the bus and is a little more than a month to from finishing it.

He said one perk from working on it with his own hands is the ability to make it for his needs “as opposed to your everyday customer.”

From digitally PHOTO BY CORTNEY WOOD | THE WICHITAN designing the entire Taylor Morrison, mass communication junior, discusses the next phase in the renovation project bus on an online in the bus he will travel the country in. software program, to learning how to double insulate plexiglass windows, Morrison has obtained skills throughout the building process that he can use for the rest of his life.

While Morrison thrives off of adventure and plans for an eventual “Earth-bag house, or a super-adobe,” Finley said she hasn’t really gotten to taste that part of life, but can’t wait to Miles to Midlothian from Wichita Falls experience it first hand. The differences don’t stop there, Finley where Morrison bought the bus. said.

“Whenever we moved in together, I had to get rid of like 50 percent of my little knickknacks, and I love knickknacks,” Finley said. “Taylor is all about the minimalist approach and condensing down, so I have to get rid of the rest of the nonessentials since it Was spent to purchase the bus will be a small area.” initally.

More than anything, Finley said this whole thing started out as an idea for Morrison and he set out to accomplish it. There is a lot more progress to be made, but Finley said they are still “definitely going to get out there as soon as possible.”

Hours have been spent on the bus “With school and work being a major factor to consider, he so far. hasn’t been getting to work on it as much as he wants to, and that has been defeating him a little bit, but he works on the project whenever he gets the chance, whether that’s after work, school or on the weekends,” Finley said. “He finds time to get out there and make it happen for us.”

Days until until Morrison plans to With about a week left of school, Morrison said he will be move into the bus. hitting it hard in production of the bus once school lets out, but the blood, sweat and hours drenched on this bus aren’t appealing until the final product is revealed.

Morrison said this is a very romantic project because “there’s a lot of passion behind it,” and that’s what makes all the turmoil Will be living in the bus worth it in the end. throughout the summer trip “A lot of people romanticize living on the road,” he said. “Even I did until about three months in, and yes there is still a ton of romanticism about the idea of getting up and living anywhere and having a mobile home, but at the end of the day it’s a pain Total square foot of area on the bus. in the ass. It’s a labor of love, but it’s a labor. I’m moving into this thing one way of another. If it comes June and it doesn’t have plumbing, electrical wiring like I plan, I’m putting a bed in this thing and I’m sleeping in it.”

143.8

$2,500

>1,000 35

2-5

220

Moffett Library hosts Food for Fines

| April 26, 2017 | 11

PHOTO BY JOANNE ORTEGA | THE WICHITAN.

Moffett Library staff hosts annual food drive, Food for Fines, and set out a box for student donations.

food that have been turned in, but there are only about 20 items in the box.

Last school year, Brezina said they received about 265 pounds of food. s the school year comes to an end, students are taking action on the emails Although he hopes to have at least 250 pounds of donations this year, their they have received reminding them about their library fees. Whether a overall goal is to get students to participate.

After Food for Fines is over, the canned food is delivered usual visitor at the library or only go to study for and donated to Wichita Falls Area Food Bank in hopes to help finals, the big brown box in the front desk is something fight hunger locally. that can’t be miss when walking in. Moffett Library is “It’s good for the community. With the food bank being hosting their annual canned food drive, Food for Fines, short of donations and food, it’s just a good thing to do,” where students can donate canned food items to pay Brezina said. off their library fees. Students can donate one can to Brezina said he encourages students to donate even if they pay $1 or three cans to pay off $5. do not have fees they need to pay off and thinks getting the According to Circulation Department Manager word out to others will help with donations.

Jason Brezina, the canned food drive has been hosted Jennifer Omage, student assistant, said having the drive at every year since he started working at Moffett Library Moffett Library is a good idea because many students go there in 2005. and it helps raise awareness about it.

“We do it during national library week, and we JASON BREZINA “I think it’s a good way for people to give back to those usually do it every spring,” Brezina said.

CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT MANAGER who don’t have much,” Omage said.

The canned food drive started April 9 and will Natalie Ragland, biology pre-med sophomore, and continue until the first week of May. Brezina said there’s not a set date on when it will end, but it depends on the amount of canned Adanna Okoya, geology sophomore, said they had no idea the food drive was taking place, but think students should become aware of it. food they receive.

“If we don’t have very much, then we will usually expand it [the dates]. Most MOFFETT LIBRARY HOURS people don’t realize they have fines,” he said.

According to Brezina, in the first couple of years students donated a lot of cans, MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:45 A.M.- 2 A.M. but the amount has decreased over time because there have been less late fees.

“The computer system now sends out notices to people, so we don’t have as FRIDAY 7:45 A.M.- 5 P.M. many late fees as we used to. So people don’t really take advantage of it until it’s a SATURDAY 10 A.M.- 6 P.M. last minute thing,” Brezina said.

Based on the previous school years, Brezina said that students tend to wait SUNDAY 2 P.M.- 2 A.M. until the end of the food drive to turn their cans in. There has been a few cans of JOANNE ORTEGA REPORTER

A

“It’s good for the community. With the food bank being short of donations and food, it’s just a good thing to do.”

12 | April 26, 2017 |

PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY JONES | THE WICHITAN

Harlie David, psychology and pre-law sophomore, hitches a ride on Michaela Disher, radiology sophomore, at the 5K Color Run at Sikes Lake Trail on April 19. “It seemed like a ton of fun to do with friends and the fliers looked inviting, so I thought I would give it a try and it was very enjoyable,” David said. “Getting pelted with corn starch was pretty cool honestly.

It didn’t come out of my clothes, but it was worth it.”

5K COLOR RUN Ben Williamson, exercise physiology freshman, shows his colors as he smiles for the camera at the 5K Color Run at Sikes Lake Trail on April 19.

Alex Blake, finance junior, runs in the 5K Color Run around Sikes Lake on April 19. “Besides eating a few cups of corn starch, I thought it was a blast.

Great music, great company and a great turnout,” Blake said.

Lauren Gardner, pre-med sophomore and cheerleader, gets dyed corn startch througn at her while running in the 5K Color Run around Sikes Lake on April 19. “I love running and the cheerleaders participated as a group,” Gardner said. “I thought it was a lot of fun.”