April 5, 2017

April 5, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 81 No. 25 Chris Thompson, Mike Eli, James Young and Jon Jones.

Art Walk

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Artist and businesses join together to bring entertainment to the public.

PHOTOS COURTESY BY ELI YOUNG BAND

The Eli Young Band will perform at Denim and Diamonds April 14 as part of a concert series before D&D finally closes its doors.

Mike Eli and James Young goof around onstage at a concert.

Country stars back in town

Downtown

Eli Young Band helps close out country club Denim and Diamonds KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

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Mayor and university officials work together to make the downtown area more student friendly.

Cell phone laws

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New city ordinance states to fine $500 for cell phone use behind the wheel.

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nswering the phone with a raspy, tired voice, Mike Eli of Eli Young Band admitted he partied a little too hard the night before.

“I’m a little hungover, if we’re being honest,” Eli said in between laughs.

Eli Young Band, American contemporary country music band, has been performing in Wichita Falls for more than 10 years. The band started out opening for country artist and longtime friend, Deryl Dodd, at Outskirts Nightclub off Jacksboro Highway.

“At that point, we were basically a glorified garage band,” Eli said. “We had to ask where the on/off button was on the equipment, if that says anything about our expertise [at the time].”

Eli and bandmates James Young, Chris Thompson and Jon Jones met at the University of North Texas through their fraternity, Sigma Nu. Their first shows’ crowds included friends, family and fraternity brothers.

“Sigma Nu brought us together,” Eli said.

“Without it, we wouldn’t even know each other. None of this [the band, the tour] would even be happening.”

He said when they can, the band members participate in alumni activities and donation to the fraternity.

“We try to do alumni stuff,” Eli said.

“Obviously we’re pretty busy, but we want to do what we can to thank Sigma Nu.” After three No. 1 hits, a Grammy nomination, an Academy of Country Music award and five albums with a sixth in progress, EYB has been on tour for almost six months.

Eli said it can be hard to be away from family for that long, but it’s worth it.

“We never really leave the road, man,” Eli said. “We’ve been at it for awhile, and it gets hard, but we have really cool jobs.”

Eli and his wife, Kacey, welcomed a baby daughter, Kline, into the world in 2012. He said leaving them makes touring even more difficult.

“Leaving my girls makes me think about being away all the time,” Eli said. “Then I remember what I’m doing and it’s worth it.

Not everyone gets to do this for a living.”

Eli said the band members have always enjoyed coming to Wichita Falls because of the people.

“We love the people here. They make the shows what they are,” Eli said. “They’re all so

welcoming and that’s why we love performing here.”

Eli said he was unaware that Denim and Diamonds, popular country western dance hall and bar, will be closing its doors after its remaining concert shows.

“Now that I know it’s closing down, that makes me kind of sad,” Eli said. “I’m sure we’ll play at another location, but D&D has been the place to perform.”

The bar first opened in December 2011 and has been a popular bar among college students because of its college-night specials on Wednesdays.

“I’m a little bummed out [that it’s closing] honestly,” Hannah Schulte-Bisping, radiology junior, said. “That used to be the place to go out on a Wednesday before Lonestar and Whiskeyta became popular. I’ve made a lot of memories there.”

Despite the venue closure, Eli said he and the other bandmates are excited to perform April 14.

“We’ll be playing a mix of old stuff and new stuff,” Eli said. “We want everyone to come see us play. It’ll be great, like it always is.”

Their new album will be available for purchase in June.

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STAF F E D I T O R I A L

Campus closing does more harm than good OUR VIEW: Students were safer on campus than on the roads — last week’s campus closure was a waste of students’ time.

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ast Tuesday, university officials collaborated with the chief of police to close campus at 3 p.m. due to predicted inclement weather. All night classes were canceled and afternoon classes were shortened due to this decision.

We put out a Twitter poll asking if campus should have been closed, hindsight being 20/20, and the answer was a resounding “yes” — but of course students want campus to close. That means no class and/or shortened classes.

While this may have been a benefit, for others it was a complete waste of time. Students lost part of or an entire workday for their classes, setting projects, classwork and/or tests back another day. It also took away valuable class time.

We understand that the safety of the students, faculty and staff is the most important reason behind the decision to close campus, but most students were safer here than they would have been on the road. The student center and Moffett Library remained open and events weren’t canceled, which were indicators that the weather wasn’t too much of a concern.

Hindsight being 20/20, the closure was a waste of time.

CORRECTION In the story titled “Campus closed in advance of potential storms,” we incorrectly labeled the closure as 3:39 p.m. instead of 2 p.m.

wichitan

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Vol. 81 | No. 25

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

Learning on the field vs. learning in books

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’ve been an athlete my whole life. Even before I was able to catch a ball or hold a racquet, my parents exposed me to sports. My journey began a long time ago.

And it has been a long one.

On the way, I’ve encountered many different obstacles. At the beginning, they were mainly socially-focused, such as Greta fitting in with teammates, understanding Lazzaroto how to behave with other kids, or how to respect a superior (my coaches). Later, they became more related to handling wins and losses, how to deal with pressure and how to perform well.

But one thing that has always been an issue is combining school and sport. In my case, the problem is not on getting the work done or passing a class; it’s more on how teachers and professors see me or treat me.

For most of them, playing a sport means having fun and having a great excuse not to do my job, which is to be a student. Instead, they don’t realize how much more there is to an athlete who plays competitive sport. Important life lessons can be learned on the court or on the field in an effective and more powerful way. They can’t be learned in books.

The skills required to be a great athlete are no different from the ones needed to have a successful career and to be a

well-rounded person. Hard work, respect, problem solving, winning mentality, time and resources management and self-awareness are just some examples of it. No book can be a better teacher for those abilities than actually practicing these things in reality.

As athletes, we are not asking professors for privileges or shortcuts. We would appreciate a better collaboration sometimes, but always respecting and being fair to all other students. It should be extra work for us trying to combine both things, not an instructor’s duty. Missing a day of class should be a disadvantage to us — we are losing something that other students have the opportunity to learn better. Early due dates to turn in assignments should be harder to us, having to concentrate all the work in a shorter amount of time.

Personally, being used to alternate classes and practices, I find it easier to study on training days, rather than on off-days. If I know that I only have an hour and a half to study, during that time I’m going to focus on getting the job done, not wasting my time on my phone or watching TV. I have no other choice.

In the mind of an athlete, getting a degree while still practicing every day is a new challenge, a new battle to be won. I hope more and more professors will also consider this aspect of being a student-athlete.

Greta Lazzarotto is a business management sophomore.

SATI R E

Language department adds Parseltongue

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tudents are lining the halls and sidewalks of Bea Wood, like squatters on Black Friday outside a Best Buy, to register for the language department’s newest course: Parseltongue. The line of more than 90 students formed at 5 a.m. the day after the fall 2017 class schedule was posted. Jeffrey Oxford, chair of foreign Caleb languages, is giving each student the Martin opportunity to interview for a spot in the course, which maxes out at 35 students.

“Each student is given 10 minutes to tell me why I should give them a seat in my course,” Oxford said, as he swung his green and silver striped scarf over his shoulder.

“If a student can convince me that they are prepared and are ready to accept the responsibility that comes with knowing and speaking the language of the serpents, then I will allow them unto phase two of my interview.”

Oxford’s two-phase interview process is comprised of the general interview followed by an introduction to to

his pet: Mexican black king snake, Truffles. Some students barely make it one minute into Oxford’s interview, Jessica Mowrer, social work junior, spent nearly 20 minutes in his office.

“I’ve always thought I could hear snakes talking to me, but now I know I’m not crazy like they [the voices] said,” Mowrer said. “You never know when it will come in handy, I’ve yet to be bitten by a rattler.”

Mowrer also believes she could use her skills for self defense and revenge.

“My real passion in life is releasing snakes onto my unsuspecting friends and family,” Mowrer said.

Oxford has teamed up with William Cook, biology chair, who has agreed to house the 35 snakes that Oxford will be transporting from around the world for the class.

“We don’t normally house animals for other departments, much less animals longer than 8 or 9 meters,” Cook said. “I’m not even allowed to keep a squirrel after what happened to Jeremy.”

Caleb Martin is a mass communication sophomore.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre

Copyright ©2017.

MANAGING EDITOR: Leah Bryce

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.

FEATURES EDITOR: Brendan Wynne DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart PHOTOGRAPHERS: Timothy Jones, Arianna Davis

ISSUE STAFF: Caleb Martin, Greta Lazzaroto,

Robin Reid, Cortney Wood, Ryane Hatten, Tyler Manning, Sarah Graves, Noah Fazekas

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

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.

MOVIE REVIEW

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Short Term 12: a Netflix gem

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUDRA LAMBERT

Wichita Falls residents peruse the artwork at last year’s After Hours Art Walk.

After hours art walk invites public to explore downtown ROBIN REID REPORTER

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ntering into Frank & Joe’s on bright, sunny, clear-skied Monday with her paint stained clothing, a friendly smile graced her face and reached her eyes. Wichita Falls Art Association president and muralist, Audra Lambert entered into the building wearing her red framed glasses, ready to share her story.

“I want to encourage artists to come and let the public know about what they are and what they’re doing, and I want to encourage the public to come and have an art experience because I think it’s very important for both the artist and public to have that shared experience,” Lambert said.

The Wichita Falls Art Association along with many artists and businesses downtown, will be joining together to host the first After Hours Art Walk on Thursday, April 6. The AHA walk began in 2016 as a way to collaborate with artists and businesses in the community and expose the public to art.

“It started out with a few locations on one block and then we had invited some artists to set up on the sidewalk at The Yard, last year,” Lambert said. “We had a lot of other galleries, studios and supporters of the arts join up this year.”

Each AHA walk begins at the farmers market with a spotlight performance beginning at 6 p.m. and this month it will feature Gymnastics Unlimited. However, attendees are encouraged to join the event at any time until 9 p.m. The hours were set to appeal to more people after

business hours.

“Hopefully people will come downtown and explore all the different shops. Wichita Falls has an amazing art scene and this is a great way to come out and see how much talent the community has,” Jeanette Charos, Wichita Falls Downtown Development Marketing Director, said.

One art student raised attention to a deeper meaning behind the purpose of art, beyond just entertainment, or a decoration for walls.

“Art is a passion. It is a pursuit that can take that which is wrong and ugly in the world and portray it beautifully, bringing awareness to the issues that are so often overlooked,” Emma Griffiths, painting senior, said. “Anyone can do art. It is is earned process, just as learning how to do addition and subtraction are learned.”

The event is free for artists and public to attend, and there will be a trolley available to take attendees around to the other participating locations that are not within walking distance. Street artists will set up on Ohio Street, between 7th and 8th streets.

“This is also a great event that showcases downtown businesses, so I encourage everyone to come out and explore downtown Wichita Falls,” Charos said. “It is amazing to see all the studios, galleries and businesses coming together to put on a fun event for the community.”

The remaining AHA walks will take place on May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7 and conclude on October 5.

always wince when I hear the phrase: “Netflix doesn’t have any good movies.”

One reason that I think many people come to this conclusion is because they overlook a major film genre that is incredibly important: the indeTyler pendent film.

Manning You see, I can agree that Netflix did not provide many well known properties at one point in time; however, it still offered a plethora of great “indie” films.

One independent film in particular that I always recommend people to watch on Netflix is Short Term 12.

Short Term 12 is a film that tells the story of Grace, a young woman working at a residential treatment facility for children and teenagers. She is confronted with a patient that shares similar background to her and through her interaction with this patient, she learns to confront her own inner struggles. The film stars Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr, Rami Malek and Stephanie Beatriz. Short Term 12 is also written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

What I admire most about this movie is that it is a genuine study of abuse and the

harmful effects it has on the mental health and growth of a child. It tells people abuse is not something to be looked at negatively and should be given critical thought and attention.

This movie features a handful of exceptional child actors. Usually, I am skeptical when younger actors are featured in film, just because of the inconsistencies in their performances; however, they all do a good job and only elevate the quality of the film.

What also helps add to the quality of the film is the writing. Dialogue between characters feels natural, never feeling forced or unrealistic. The interplay between characters is fluid and overall the chain of events in this film feels like it is a product of characters’ decisions and not in service of a story.

Overall, I cannot get over how much I adore this picture. Rarely does a film captivate me in such a way as this did. Short Term 12 is the epitome of how powerful a character driven narrative can be while also being a strong example of great indie film making. If you have yet to watch this movie and have a Netflix account, wait no longer and give this movie a watch. You will not regret it.

Rating : 9/10

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PHOTO BY AJ LOPEZ.

Skyline photo of downtown Wichita Falls, taken from the university drone.

“Cleopatra’s Eyes” mural in down streets.

Downtown upgrades made ROBIN REID REPORTER

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s he sits behind his desk, he cannot help but speak with enthusiasm in his voice and a twinkle in his eye while he shares his vision for downtown Wichita Falls.

He smiles as he communicates his ideas of buildings bathed in light, choreographed to the sounds of music as they dance along and dazzle up the cityscape. For visitors near or far, Stephen Santellana, Wichita Falls mayor, has plans to light up the downtown area of the city of Wichita Falls.

Like moths attracted to flames, he believes people will spend more time downtown, and he’s making it his mission as part of a revitalization effort to restore downtown and give it a fresh facelift to attract the community to the center of the city.

Captivated by the charm of the old buildings with original fixtures, he likes the idea of adding modern touches while still keeping the exposed brick and concrete floors found in many old buildings. He also knows that there is a resurgence of people wanting to have a central common shopping area and the mall model is dying.

“There’s just a multitude of things that are going to be heading in our direction in the next six to 18 months. What we’re trying to do is accelerate that. We spent 16 years kind of developing downtown, we’re about to just light it on fire,” Santellana said. “It’s a revitalization and it’s key-- people want it. I think some of the older folks here in town don’t understand it, but people want it. It’s the heart of your community.”

While downtown development has been in the works for more than a decade, it’s hasn’t gone this quickly before and Santellana plans to make good use of the time he has as mayor over the next two years, because he is determined to strike while the iron is hot.

“We’re trying to light the place up. I’ve got some renderings of some buildings, but literally when I say lighting up, we’re talking about lighting the buildings from the bottom all the way to the top, 100 percent,” Santellana said. “When I say lit

up, I’m talking about completely up the sides of the buildings, the tops of the buildings; it’ll look like a glowing green structure or a glowing pink structure.”

Students took to Twitter to share their interest in downtown development.

While Santellana wants to see the city cloaked in color, both Santellana and Suzanne Shipley, university president, have a vision for downtown Wichita Falls that invites students to become more of a part of the community.

Q: WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD INTEREST MSU STUDENTS?

A: Stephen Santellana, Wichita Falls mayor: Right now we’re looking at having some student housing downtown. It would be located right above The Highlander.

We’re trying to get with Will Kelty and Claro Villanueva and they have those units above Crescent Plaza hotel. If they can get 100 to 150 students down there, I think it’s going to help in those endeavors for the downtown development. Maybe also a dedicated bus line. Maybe MSU, some way to get the students back and forth.We’re also looking right now we’ve got The Yard that’s opened back up, The Highlander just opened, Odd Duck Coffee just opened, we’ve got a pizza and craft beer place fixing to open, then we have a brewery fixing to open. These are all with the mindset of having the millennials come down there, and the MSU students.

A: Suzanne Shipley, university president: Artistic and entertainment venues are good but especially if the downtown could become a vibrant work destination for students who could also reside there it would enliven not only the town but the university. New employment options would also be wonderful to keep our graduates in town.

There is both work and play involved in Santellana and Shipley’s ideas for downtown development and they each have their own personal views of what would attract students downtown.

“The Parrot” mural, painted by l cated on the Hall Building at the c Scott Avenue.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU PERSONAL ATTRACT STUDENTS TO SPEND T STUDENTS TO MIDWESTERN STA

A: Santellana: You know, We’ve got bars, we’ve got a p wanted a five to ten lane bow warehouses. Keep the old war alley in the middle and really n TVs, a couple lounge areas. He the whole building is gigantic. here, and really nice roller bar that’s one thing.

A: Shipley: I think it’s up t they want and us to try to assist bars but about fun and safe opt Students shared their own downtown more attractive.

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PHOTO BY JEANETTE CHAROS

ntown Wichita Falls, painted by local artist Ralph Stearns, is located at the corner of 8th and Burnett

to attract MSU student life PHOTO BY JEANETTE CHAROS

local artist Ralph Stearns, is locorner of Kell Boulevard and East

LLY LIKE TO SEE THAT WOULD TIME DOWNTOWN AND BRING ATE?

, a guy came to me yesterday. pizza place coming, but a guy wling alley in one of the old rehouse, put the new bowling nice bars on the side. Big sports e had a pretty good vision and . He said ‘I could put ten lanes rs, and a really nice porch.’ So

to the students to decide what t. I would hope it’s not all about tions for everyone. n ideas for what would make

PHOTO BY JEANETTE CHAROS

Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred mural, painted by local artist Ralph Stearns, is located at 104 Scott Avenue on the corner of 2nd Street and Scott Avenue.

Santellana and Shipley are working together with city so does the opportunities available to students. officials to make a collaborative effort to raise more awareness “The more aware an area is of the university’s reputation, of MSU and celebrate its importance to the town. the more value your degree has for you. It is important to spread “A small leadership group meets each month to discuss the word inside and outside of Wichita Falls that MSU offers a ideas and consider their implementation. We are creating high-quality degree so that graduates will be seen as attractive banners now with the MSU logo on them to place downtown to employers and further educational opportunities,” Shipley to heighten awareness that we are a college town,” Shipley said. said. “Businesses have also implemented wearing maroon and Santellana shares that progress is being made in downtown gold on Fridays to support us, which can assist development and there is a team working students who graduate from MSU in being together to achieve much more for the city and accepted as future employees.” students.

Mayor Santellana also supports displaying “I think right now, our focus, is to get these the colors maroon and gold for university millennials down there. When I spoke to a small awareness. group, 90 percent of them raised their hands “The way that relates to MSU is I want when that they wanted downtown development they’re either winning a football or basketball to happen. I thought jobs was going to be the game, those buildings are lit up in maroon primary focus and jobs came secondary. They and gold,” Santellana said. “We’re trying to wanted a cool place to live, and then they’ll hopefully do that. We’re going to start placing find a job,” Santellana said. “We have a strategic some flags around campus and maybe some plan with the city staff and with city council flags downtown, make it a little more MSU and downtown development came out as our friendly.” number one priority for the city of Wichita Falls While downtown development would be in the coming years.”

STEPHEN SANTELLANA new for all residents of Wichita Falls, Shipley Santellana wants students to know their WICHITA FALLS MAYOR believes students could have a successful future input is needed as plans continue to be made. here, aside from attendance at the university.

“It seems more than anywhere, my “It is important that students are able to access all the inspiration base comes from MSU. I really want MSU students options Wichita Falls can give them. It’s great if students who to help me develop these ideas. I don’t know how I can are residential or international are able to spend weekends here reach out to them, but I know that every time I talk to them, rather than returning home. It creates a better connection to everybody is so fired up about downtown, Santellana said. “I this area for them,” Shipley said. “For students who live off was like you know what, there’s 6,000 of you kids running campus, having appealing things to do in town can keep them around here. A handful of the best of the best, whoever has living and working here after graduation as well as helping us interest, I need some help down there so when I sit down retain them as students.” with a committee full of city leaders, I have a handful of MSU Shipley said she wants students to know that as awareness students saying ‘yes, this is what we want.’” of the university increases in the city and surrounding areas,

“There’s just a multitude of things that are going to be heading in our direction in the next six to 18 months.”

6 | April 5, 2017 |

Ruth Morrow: the piano woman, marathon racer SARAH GRAVES REPORTER

CORTNEY WOOD REPORTER

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apers, books and folders piled 15 inches high all across the office with a only a small path to the desk and computer. At first glance, it's hard to even notice the two pianos in the office.

Ruth Morrow sat at her desk with a wide grin across her face, ready to discuss the adventure she calls life.

Ruth Morrow, professor of music and Dolores P., D. Phil and Aurora S. Bolin Distinguished Chair of Piano, said she has known since fourth grade that she wanted to teach music at a collegiate level, and she has always been passionate about classical music. Though she said her father never wanted her to pursue a career in music, she was fortunate enough to have a piano teacher at Whitman College, Jose Rambaldi, who guided her musical career.

"If it weren't for him, I'm not sure that I would be in music," Morrow said.

Morrow began teaching here in 1989.

She said she stayed here at a smaller university as opposed to somewhere like University of Texas or University of North Texas because of the opportunity to teach each individual student.

"I have accepted a number of students who haven't had much of any training, but I just take them and run to see how far we can get in the four years," Morrow said.

"There are no promises — none of us can promise someone else a job at the end of four years, six years, or graduate school, but I think everyone deserves the opportunity to chase their dreams before deciding to do something else."

She said she never felt going to a larger university was necessary because she is useful where she is now.

"I've never felt the need to chase being at some school with a big reputation because to me that's not the music. It's the music that's important," Morrow said. "I love my colleagues here. I love the students, and I love truly being of use here."

Jessica Simek, music education freshman, takes private piano lessons from Morrow. She said Morrow is why she chose to attend this university.

"I hadn't really considered going to MSU, but she came to my audition, walked all over campus with me and showed me the music department. Her personality is just amazing," Simek said. "She's the reason I came, and every day in lessons she just proves more and more why I should be here."

Nahye Byun, music junior, also takes private lessons from Morrow. She said

Just Dance; it’ll be OK E

PHOTO BY SARAH GRAVES | THE WICHITAN

Ruth Morrow, professor of music, plays her piano in preparation for the Faculty Forum tomorrow.

Morrow led her to love music and major in it.

"She is my advisor and mentor," Byun said. "She really changed my life because I wasn't thinking of majoring in music at all. I was still doing music and taking piano lessons from different teachers, but I wasn't serious about it."

At Indiana University, Morrow became a Doctor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. She earned her Master of Arts in Musicology and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. At Whitman College, Morrow attained her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Philosophy.

She is also a certified instructor of the Feldenkrais Method from the Southern California Movement Institute.

In addition, Morrow teaches young pianist at the Indiana University Piano Academy, which she helped establish, every summer.

Morrow is working on a new research project that she hopes will continue long after her professional life. The research is over solo piano music that heightens awareness of human rights issues such as the Underground Railroad and the Armenian Genocide.

She said she hopes this will make people realize these genocides keep happening.

"We can make music about something bigger than just entertainment value," Morrow said.

Morrow remains in demand as a recitalist, collaborative pianist and lecturer, and she performs around the United States and Europe. She is traveling to Spain, Sweden and France this summer to discuss the papers she has written over this subject

and perform a lecture recital.

"Dr. Morrow is a fantastically optimistic pianist. She is very well prepared, and it's a pleasure to play with her," Dean of the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts, Martin Camacho said.

Morrow, born at the former army base in California, Fort Ord, has traveled since a child. She continues to travel and expand her cultural knowledge every chance she gets.

"I love traveling. I love to meeting people and trying to learn as many words as possible in a different language because I think it's important. I don't want to drag my culture with me. I want to find out how different people live and what's important to them," Morrow said.

Morrow is also an avid runner.

She said she would run for fun in high school, but music became more important as she became older, and she stopped running.

"I have discovered that when I really started studying piano, I just stopped doing a number of things I used to do. I quit running because I had the piano as an outlet," Morrow said.

In 1996, she said she began working out once again. She participated in the first annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Wichita Falls and won her age group.

After this, she competed in her first halfmarathon.

"I did everything wrong. I went out too fast. I just died in the last four miles, but that wasn't long enough," Morrow said.

She signed up for her first marathon and retired creative writing professor and runner, James Hoggard, mentored her in the running.

ven before anyone reached the Legacy Multipurpose Room, the steady rhythm of a song pulsed through the entry way and invited dancers to join the University Programming Board event. Neon decorations scattered throughout the room complemented the colorful music videos that played overhead on the projection screen.

Laughter erupted from the audience as Maria Pinzon, chemistry freshman, and Devin Osting, radiology freshman, danced to the classic “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes while the crowd shouted ooh-ed and aw-ed as they performed the classic Dirty Dancing sequence.

For a night full of fun and laughter, UPB members hosted a “Just Dance-Dance Off” for students to compete in singles, group, couples and Ultimate Dancer competitions on March 30. Between competition, “free dance” was offered to get as many laughs in the time frame as possible before members raffled off the prizes — two Just Dance video games.

Savannah Luna, late night and weekend chair, said events are centered around student interest and through that, members can create events that generate genuine public interest.

After the success of the night, Luna said this will probably become an annual event for UPB. “My friend Kenadi Campbell and I play Just Dance all the time — we know all of the dances,” Luna said. “We thought if we love it, then other people probably like it too, and overall, the people that came to the event had fun and made it a successful night. Next year it’s going to grow even more.”

During the competitions, Luna said it was “hilarious to see people have friendly beef” with one another to win the competitions.

The board organizes university programs that are free for students and administration, and according to Ruby Arriaga, UPB advisor and coordinator of student activities, this event was one of the lower-cost events.

“This whole event cost less than $150, even with the give away,” Arriaga said. “It wasn’t a costly event at all. It was a pretty good crowd and everyone that came seemed to really enjoy themselves, and that’s what we want.”

Around 35 people came to the dance off and Arriaga said that was the ideal size for a smaller event to make sure there is enough space for everyone.

According to Arriaga, the next “huge event” UPB is putting on is the annual weeklong event, Humans Vs. Zombies, which starts April 17. Students can sign up within the next couple of weeks for the campus wide hunt.

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Wichita Falls one of 100 Texas cities to ban cell phone use behind the wheel

RYANE HATTEN REPORTER

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ichita Falls City Council members unanimously passed an ordinance banning the use of cell phones while driving inside city limits on Feb. 21. The ban went into effect March 23. Drivers are still allowed to use hands-free devices including speaker phone or Bluetooth.

“My understanding is that if this is violated, the consequence includes a fine up to $500 in city court,” Patrick Coggins, chief of police, said.

According to Texas Department of Transportation, one in five crashes involves distracted drivers. Drivers that use their cell phones while operating a vehicle are at a higher risk of collision than those who don’t.

Although Texas has no statewide law banning the use of cell phones while driving just yet, many local areas prohibited the use of cell phones while on the road.

Keri Corsaut, pre-pharmacy junior, PHOTO BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN gave her opinion as to what she agrees and Alex Babu, biology senior, holds her phone while driving. disagrees with regarding the ordinance.

“I’m very much aware of the new law and whether that is speaker phone or Bluetooth, answer to prevent distracted driving.

“I don’t necessarily think there is a I do agree with the no texting and driving which is allowed according to the ordinance part,” she said. “As far as the new rules requirements,” Coggins said. “With that sufficient way to prevent it. People will with talking on the phone while driving I technology being available I don’t think it continue to do it no matter the law because completely disagree with because it’s not will be a significant inconvenience to people. cell phones are an addiction these days,” she giving Americans their normal freedom. I The intent is to reduce incidents of distracted said.

Although the effectiveness of this law may just don’t see the difference of talking on the driving as well as accidents, if anything it’ll be questionable, Neel believes it can provide phone while holding it or using hands-free, it secure safety.”

According to Dail Neely, student conduct better education. can both be just as distracting.”

“I hope it will be effective. However, at the According to Coggins, the main purpose of director, the enforcement of this law is to keep this law is to generate more safe drivers on the drivers safe is something he’s looking forward end of the day drivers are still going to text and to. drive and put others in harms way,” Neel said. road without the distraction of electronics.

“I’m excited for this law to be enforced. It’s “It will surely be effective in providing better “I see this being valuable because it forces important to establish safety education in driver’s ed courses and towards people to put their phones on the roads,” Neely said. “I’m those kids trying to receive a license because down and pay more attention a cyclist and the thing with they’ll have to be aware of the new law before to driving,” Coggins said. riding a bike up next to a car heading out on the road. I also learned that However, Coggins doesn’t is you can actually see into the the fine for violation here is double as much believe that people will car and most of the time the as the fine in Austin so I think that might play suddenly stop texting and driver is usually texting and a big factor in drivers deciding whether to risk driving. driving, which can be scary for it or not.”

“I’m not so naïve as to us cyclists in the other lane.”

Neel also said it’s important for drivers to believe that texting and To inform all drivers of the exercise their right to hands-free devices or driving won’t continue,” he ordinance, notifications are even simply keep the phone out of sight. said. “There’s still going to being sent out and posted near “Put the cell phone out of reach. It’s so be a certain proportion that city limits. tempting to check a text or phone call if will do it. Unfortunately “The city has sent out it’s anywhere near you, but if you place it for them, they’ll continue TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF notifications using a Nixel somewhere you can’t get a hold of, then to be distracted drivers and TRANSPORTATION service that alerts people who you’re putting yourself and others in a safe suffer the consequences. are subscribed to it about this position,” he said.

City officials are responsible Although drivers put themselves in for all components of this because it is not new law. It’s also being advertised around town on billboards,” Coggins said. “As far as dangerous positions while texting and applicable on state university campuses.”

Although there will be drivers opposing informing the students, I sent out an email driving, Corsaut believes it could be even or arguing the new law, Coggins said it is the end of the week prior to all faculty, staff more so of an issue by trying to hide it and and students notifying them of this going beat the system. necessary for the safety of all drivers.

“I would hope drivers know how unsafe “I don’t think there is any downside to this into effect and providing them with a direct it is in general,” she said. “But for example, law. Most people these days carry a device link to the text of the law.”

However, Corsaut said there is no effective my dad texts and drives all the time and he that is capable of being a hands-free device

“More than 100,000 traffic crashes in Texas each year involving distracted driving. ”

knows he’s bad about it but does it anyway. So anybody that’s going to do it will continue to do it, they’re just going to hide it more which could be more dangerous.”

Laramie Walton, Legacy Hall resident assistant, sees this ban to be more on the negative side and the effectiveness of this ordinance will be limited for students living on or near campus considering the city is partially a college town.

“The accidents might decrease but I don’t expect it to actually decrease,” Walton said.

“I suspect that the City of Wichita Falls will definitely gain some decent revenue from the fine of up to $500 plus court costs for violation of this.”

Corsaut believes the ordinance won’t necessarily be followed by younger drivers opposed to older drivers.

“I say that because I’m a much older student and the younger students in my class have practically grown up with cellphones and it’s pretty much second nature to them,” she said. “As for me I was an adult before smartphones even came out it, so I know more on how to survive without it even while driving.”

8 | April 5, 2017 |

SOFTBALL UPCOMING HOME GAME: APRIL 13 VS TEXAS WOMEN’S AT 6 P.M. TEAM RECORD: 17-20

PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY JONES | THE WICHITAN

Taylor Bermudes, exercise physiology senior, hits a ground ball toward left field. She went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and one run on March 31.

Peyton Helton, undecided sophomore, pitches the ball at the softball game on March 31 against Western New Mexico. The Mustangs won the game 8-3.

MEN’S TENNIS

Dylan Hall, mass communication sophomore, focuses on the ball as he unwinds to return serve.

Mustangs won 8-3 versus St. Edwards in men’s tennis doubles competition at the MSU Tennis Center on March 31.

Dillon Pineda, biology and pre-med sophomore, gets fired up after winning set. The Mustangs won 8-5 versus St. Edwards in men’s tennis doubles competition on March 31.

MEN’S TENNIS RECORD: 10-5 NEXT HOME GAME: APRIL 7 WOMEN’S TENNIS RECORD: 12-3 NEXT HOME GAME: APRIL 7