June 3, 2020 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

SUMM E R EDITIO N June 3, 2020 | thewichitan.com | Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 84 No. 14

SPORTS: Pg 9

Find out what’s new at the Wellness Center.

NEW LIBRARY WHO DIS? NEWS: Pg 11

Moffett Library was under construction during the entire Spring 2020 semester. The renovations, which RECIPES : Pg 12 are close to completed, are expected to have a big impact on the students’ study environment. Try out these delicious recipes for the summer!

THE NEW CHIEF: Pg 2

THE HISTORY OF MSU: Pg 4-5

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Pg 8

Bridget Reilly is The Wichitan’s new Chief Editor.

Know your university history.

Kayla Khan; psych graduate and cancer fighter.

@WichitanOnline

@wichitanonline

@TheWichitan

Kristin’s goodbye

E DI TO RI A L

How’s it going?

eya! My name starts with Bridget and ends in Reilly. I moved to Wichita Falls five years ago from New South Wales, Australia. In December 2020, I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in criminal justice. Why the paper if this is my major? ‘Cause the nerds at The Wichitan are actually the most encouraging and inspiring folks on this PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN campus. One time in Bridget Reilly, New Chief Editor of The Wichitan. high school, my father got into it with a teacher because she said my writing skills were subpar, and while I loved his spirit, it was true; I couldn’t write. So, fast-forward six years, and I guess they’ve hired me to run the show at the student organization I’ve called home for the past four-and-a-half years. Not so subpar now, are we? The Wichitan has watered me since a wee chap, and I am grateful to have learned and gained experience from seven editors. Starting off as a baby photographer in 2016 and being given the reins in 2020 is a step I never thought I had. As Chief Editor, I feel it is my responsibility to tell you, I am bloody nervous to do this, and I’m sure the advisors made a mistake, but we’re just gonna roll with it. This fall semester senior staff roster is deep and mighty talented. We will provide you with accurate and fair news, feature pieces on our students, staff and faculty, and keep the streak running with fun activities and comics that’ll give you a good giggle. With all that said, happy reading, and we hope you come back! P.S. I will forever and always stand by the Oxford comma.

KRISTIN SILVA FORMER CHIEF EDITOR y time as a college student has ended and so has my title as Chief Editor for The Wichitan. Since joining this student organization as a reporter in Spring 2018, I’ve learned so much about leadership, management, communication and interpersonal relationships in a professional environment. Additionally, I met some of my best friends by being a part of the student newsmagazine. However, now that I am graduating and moving into the “real-world,” a new leader is ready to take my place. At the start of Fall 2019, the senior staff began rebranding and rebuilding this student organization from the ground up. We have practiced various forms of recruitment and have maintained retention by building relationships with those who chose to volunteer and be part of The Wichitan. We put in place a team-oriented atmosphere and continuously encourage each other to continue improving skillsets for real-world careers as well as life after college. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to end the semester the way we originally planned, but with the pandemic came many new opportunities to learn and grow in leadership abilities within the organization. We were able to publish online editions and statistically see if those were a costbenefit to the organization as well as learn how to produce content

completely virtual. I am definitely bummed about not having face-to-face interaction with each staff member multiple times a week for the backhalf of the semester, but I am so proud of the work that each member put in to continue informing the MSU Texas population. The group that is in place at The Wichitan is only going to continue growing, and I have no doubt in my mind that a legacy will be left by each and every one of them. I am so grateful to have been able to meet and get to PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN know each and every Kristin Silva, Former Chief Editor of The member of The Wichitan and to have had Wichitan. the opportunity to I’m so glad that I took a chance gain so much experience within a and continued persevering when niche that I found such passion in. things got tough. As this organization is completely Thank you to each and every student-run, it truly prepares mentor in the Mass Communicapeople for real-world situations tion wing of the Fain College for by teaching responsibility, time- continuing to pour into me and management and accountability. grow my leadership abilities. I If you’re a student at MSU and would not have been able to be still haven’t found your niche, in this position without each of come try new things at The Wichi- them allowing me to always ask tan and see if this could be your questions, and constantly giving niche. I would have never guessed me tips, advice and support when it would have been mine, but things went wrong.

CHIEF EDITOR: Bridget Reilly MANAGING EDITOR: Amos Perkins Vol. 84 | No. 14 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER: Colin Stevenson DESIGNER EDITOR: Omar Combie BUSINESS MANAGER: Jeri Ware

ISSUE STAFF: Taylor Anderson, Jeri Ware, Kristin Silva, Khirstia Sheffield, Stephanie Robledo, Dallas Wabbington ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

Copyright ©2019. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. 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.

A graduating senior’s perspective ing sadness for a variety of reasons but mostly because I feel selfish when I’m not the only one affected by things. I hate that so many students worked so hard for this moment to have it disappear. I hate that so many people are sick and dying from a disease we don’t understand or know how to prevent/stop. I hate that my family won’t get to share this amazing experience with me. Being a first-generation college student has meant more to me than almost anything else in my college career. I was getting to earn the degree my parents worked their whole lives to proPHOTO COURTESY OF CORTNEY WOOD | THE WAI-KUN vide. I had to turn away Cortney Wood. so many opportunities to go on trips, spend CORTNEY WOOD time with and have fun together so I could say FORMER WAI-KUN EDITOR that we did this. I was in school for me, yes, but truly thought I was okay today. I was doing it so that my nieces and nephews I knew I wasn’t going to walk across the stage on Saturday, May 16. I knew there could say they’ve seen someone come from their weren’t going to be documentary screenings, the backgrounds achieve something like this. I did mass communication final capstone project, the it to show my sisters they can do it, too, if they night before even after dropping one documen- want. I did it so people could see that even withtary to start another midway through the se- out footsteps to follow you can do something exmester and hours upon hours of work being put traordinary. Now, as contradictory as this sounds, I’m a in. I knew there wasn’t anything anyone could shy person when it comes to attention. I love do to change the situation at hand. I also knew this was the right call to keep people safe during talking and interacting with people, but when it comes to attention solely on me, I shrink back these extraordinary times and try to place the attention elsewhere. I’d rathBut it hurts anyway. What I didn’t know is how heartbroken I er spend time talking to someone about them truly am. I didn’t know the last time I would rather than me. I love celebrating others’ accomsee my colleagues would be two months ago. I plishments and highlighting their achievements didn’t know I wouldn’t get to be in my favorite rather than looking at my own. I always said I classes again after spring break. I didn’t know didn’t want to do documentary screenings, but how much I would miss getting to give each and I knew my colleagues were eager to show what every professor a personal thank you note for we’ve worked so hard on, so it was fine with me. I did NOT want to walk that stage, but I knew pushing, believing in and challenging me. In negative circumstances, I tend to acciden- it was important for my family, so I was willing tally fall into over (unintentionally toxic) positiv- to do it. I didn’t want to hear applause or have ity to counter serious uncertainty and surround- eyes on me, so as thoroughly as I didn’t want to, I would do it for for those who have supported

me. They would get to see that I did this for their dreams. I did this for us… but I also did it for me, too. So many tears out of frustration have been spilt over projects that took four times as long as necessary because I was trying to figure out software in the MCOM department. Hours have been spent planted in the library in one position trying to finish 10-page essays that were procrastinated on far too long. Many, probably dozens, of Einstein’s bagels have been eaten within minutes as I haul ass across campus to get to class before I hear the signature Dr. Sernoe “9:30, please” in polite reprimand for being late. Yet, I wouldn’t trade any of it for a second. I wouldn’t trade the moved classrooms for construction on incredible multi-million dollar buildings that will help students for years to come. I loved seeing the massive progress on campus just in the four years of me being here. I’m proud of the way students, faculty and staff mourned together through numerous tragedies like the hurricanes that devastated the Caribbean and impacted our international students or the tragic death of Robert Grays who, to this day, reminds thousands to pursue dreams and life to the fullest. One thing I have learned about being a Mustang is that this truly is a home for many. I’m grateful I grew up in Wichita Falls and finally got to experience the campus that people move thousands of miles to be a part of. I’m impressed at the marketing campaign from MSU Texas, because it really became my university, and I hope others feel that sense of community too. It’s even more exciting to see people coming together over

these hard times. Because everyone is in isolation, people are desperately trying to stay connected in whatever way they can. Families are having weekly FaceTime dates. Musicians are hosting virtual concerts. Heck, even former President Barack Obama is hosting a virtual commencement for 2020 graduates. While we are #PhysicallySeparate, we are #DigitallyTogether, and that reminder of the good of technology is just as evident as the potential negative uses. I know things will be better. I know in the grand scheme of things, not getting to have a graduation ceremony isn’t a huge deal when we’re talking about spikes in COVID-19 cases when large groups gather. But right now, it stinks, and this is a bittersweet moment for millions internationally. Though social isolation is an omnipresent thing right now, it feels good to not be going through this alone. To the class of 2020, we have succeeded despite the circumstances, and that definitely is something to celebrate… Even if it’s over FaceTime.

Comic by Dallas Wabbington

THE HISTORY O horology courses

1928 Hardin’s donation

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAI-KUN

Wichita Falls Junior College. 1925.

Burkburnett educational philanthropists John G. Hardin and wife Mollie C. Hardin signed a statement saying, “[They] will give $400,000 dollars for the purpose of building a four-year college in Wichita Falls, providing the citizens of Wichita County will raise another $400,000.” Ultimately the citizens were able to rise to the challenge.

During this time, in an attempt to help the war effort, voc programs were established at the college. HJC became on first schools in the south to offer horology courses. The also entered a partnership with the Wichita General Hos train nurses; the majority of the class became a member of t Cadet Nurse Corps. Hardin opened aviation programs f men and women: a Corporate Aircraft Association progra a total of 112 enlisted men and a women’s aviation progra courses to prepare women enrolled in various fields conne aviation.

1922 FOUNDED AS WICHITA FALLS JUNIOR COLLEGE

1939-1945 GROWth during THE WAR

Before Midwestern State University, there was Wichita Falls Junior College. Founded in September, 1922, Wichita Falls Junior College became the second municipal junior college in Texas. Developed as part of the Wichita Falls Independent School District under the direction of superintendent Randolph Lee Clark it welcomed 55 freshmen, 10 teachers and a liberal arts curriculum of seven subjects.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAI-KUN

Hardin Junior College underwent growth World War II. The establishment Sheppard now Sheppard Air Force Base, during this brought in more public to the college and con to in the present day.

John G. Hardin and wife Mollie C. Hardin. 1935.

2005 WITH GROWTH COMES CHANGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAI-KUN

Street names for streets around campus.

While many aspects of the university changed through the years, it was the Indian mascot that stayed the same since the university was founded in 1922. That is, until 2005, when the NCAA banned the mascot because it was deemed offensive. MSU tried to appeal by stating how they were adopted into the Kiowa tribe and how the Indians were never depicted negatively. The appeal was denied.

New NAME?

Over 180 suggestions were sub new mascot, but ultimately the new was the Mustangs. The new mascot reviews from students and staff at A concern was if the names aroun relate to the old mascot would chan not because it is a way to continue “h Native American friends” as state Rogers, the president at the time.

1970 CAMPUS EXPANDS, STREETS ARE NAMED

It was also during this time that campus streets were named Indian Drive, Tejas Avenue, Warrior Drive, Tom-Tom Lane, Kiowa Drive and Pow-Wow Drive. In 1975, Midwestern University was renamed to Midwestern State University.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAI-KUN

A university sticker with the college’s previous logo.

OF MSU TEXAS

cational ne of the college spital to the U.S. for both am with am with ected to

1946-1950 MSU is born

This prompted the case battle et al v. Wichita Falls Junior College District during the fall of 1951. On November 27, 1952, Judge William H. Atwell gave court order for the university to desegregate. Midwestern appealed to the United States Supreme Court which was accepted June 29, 1953.

1951 Racial TensioN

due to Field, s time ntinues

bmitted for the w mascot chosen t received mixed t the beginning. nd campus that nge but they did honoring MSU’s ed by Dr. Jesse

1970 National Recognition

1952 Push to Desegregate

Following WWII the university experienced changes. In 1946, junior and senior college divisions were added which changed the named to Hardin College. In March 1948, the university became a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In 1950, the name changed to Midwestern University while the junior division remained Hardin Junior College.

Since the university was first founded it has grown and attracted many students; 18-yearold Helen Thursby was no exception. In 1951, Thursby had applied and was accepted but her application was revoked when she came to campus due to the color of her skin. The following year, five additional African American students applied and were rejected for the same reason.

In the early ’70s, Midwestern became a nationally recognized and accredited school by being a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. On the university’s 30th anniversary, Midwestern celebrated its adoption into the Kiowa tribe and from then on “be known as the Midwestern Kiowas instead of just Midwestern University Indians,” Dr. James B. Boren, former president of Midwestern University, said.

1954 Brown v. Board

It was Brown v. Board that desegregated all forms of public education on May 17, 1954. By the fall of 1954, 12 African American students were accepted at Midwestern University. Even though the university had desegregated, the racism did not stop.

2017 NEW LOGO

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAI-KUN

Side by side comparison of university in 1937/1960.

2015 KEEPING CONSISTENCY

The mascot and logo are not the only things that changed; so did the school colors. In 2015 to ensure consistency the maroon shifted into a redder tone like the official color in 1987. This is not the first time the school colors have changed; originally when the school was founded the school colors were red and white, until December 1924 when the colors changed to maroon and gold.

In 2017 a new logo was unveiled, but it was only to be used for the comprehensive capital campaign. Outside of the campaign, it could be used for the brand extension. In 2016, the board of regents approved a new branch in Flower Mound to raise enrollment and awareness of MSU.

2020 A BRIGHT FUTURE

As of 2020, MSU is a campus of 255 acres and 70 buildings that offer a wide variety of academic programs in liberal and fine arts, mathematics, sciences, business and applied sciences. The future is bright for MSU with the possibility of joining the Texas Tech University System and other future projects to come.

2018 FLOWER MOUND OPENS

MSU Texas Flower Mound opened in 2018. The branch partnered with North Central Texas College and allows for NCTC students to take MSU courses. The Flower Mound facility mainly focuses on offering upper level and graduate-level courses for the working adults. PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

The campus sits under a blue sky, June 2.

GRADUATES SUM UP TH IN ONE WORD AND EXPL Jocelyn Miranda|

BRENDA Wynne |

Business Administration

mass communication Word: WORRIED.

Word: WORRIED.

“Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be

“I chose the word worried, be-

more thrilled to be done, but I didn’t

cause I have always been the type

realize that March 11 was the last day

of person to know what comes next

I was going to see most of my class-

and who always has a plan, but

mates, you know? I didn’t realize that

graduating was really the last part

the whole world would suffer a pandemic, or that my graduation would

of my life that I truly had planned

be null and void.

for. I’m not sure what the future

“I didn’t get the chance to make

holds, and it’s kind of intimidating

the documentary that I had intended,

to not know what comes next es-

but I got to make something very dif-

pecially with everything going on

ferent and unique in its place. So, I

right now in the world.”

am also grateful.”

Hannah Mattinson|

Yelena Nemchen-Rueda|

EDUCATion

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Word: EXCITED.

“I know that’s corny and about as ““There is so much more to exbasic as can be but I’m ready for the next step in life. I had a great time at MSU but I think I’m ready to move on and start what I’ve been preparing

plore in this world, and I will finally be able to have a weekend to do whatever I want and not spend

for. We’re leaving Wichita Falls and

it doing homework and getting the

getting jobs and it’s exciting to have

assignments done.”

this huge change and to keep moving forward.”

HEIR MSU EXPERIENCE LAIN THEIR ANSWERS... AShma Henry | COMPUTER SCIENCE

Alexis Walsh| Nursing

Word: FULFILLING.

Word: ACCOMPLISHED.

“I use this word as in most cases individuals don’t know their own

“I’ve worked really hard to get to where

strength until strength is the only

I am at today, and this achievement just so-

thing you can rely on to get through the semester. These past years have

lidifies that all the struggles were worth it!!”

definitely pushed me past what I thought was my limit, allowing me to develop the abilities and characteristics that I assumed were dormant: fulfillment not only in the educational field but also as it pertains to being well rounded. Joining different organizations and working with different personalities has definitely changed my perspective of life and I will always value this experience.”

Ramon RUEDA |

Javier Fuerte |

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Sports and leisure

Word: MOTIVATION. “I think that now I have sufficient knowledge as well as experience

studies Word: PROUD. “[I chose proud] because I am a first-generation

to share with children as I want to

Hispanic

student

and it brings me and my family a

teach high school and coach track

ton of emotions and overall feeling

and field.”

of pride to be able to have achieved this goal.”

CONGRATS TO ALL GRADUATES! WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!

A DAY IN TH E LIF E:

Kayla Khan and her battle with cancer was completely unaware that her journey would consist of battling against cancer. “I started feeling pain in my chest,” said Khan. “My family begged me to go to the emergency room, but I was too scared to go. I went to bed that night thinking I wasn’t going to wake up, but when I did, I went to the emergency room. They transferred me to United Regional and told me I had anxiety, heartburn and a heart condition. I got released early and then got the call about a tumor in my heart.” Her entire world was shattered into pieces. Right after her diagnosis, out of fear Khan told her doctor that she wasn’t going to go through with treatment. She was afraid to lose her hair, but the doctor reminded her that without treatment the cancer would spread. “I was severely depressed,” said Khan. “Some days it was kind of like living in a movie, when you know you’re sick or dying.” In spite of being diagnosed with cancer, she had tunnel vision when it came to pursuing her goals and she never gave up on herself. Khan prevailed through six rounds of chePHOTO BY KAYLA KHAN | THE WICHTIAN motherapy in the midst of taking six Hardin building. April 21. courses. KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD “Right after I had my tumor removed, I had FEATURE EDITOR to go in and take five finals,” said Khan. “I didn’t n Nov. 27, 2019 her life changed. She know what was ahead, but I’ve always loved a walked into UT Southwestern Dal- challenged. My whole family told me not to do it, las hopeful, and walked out uncertain but I knew that everyone has their own battles. of her destiny. A life that was once centered So many students have various challenges and around freedom, invincibility and youth dras- push through them, and I wanted to be one of tically transitioned into a life tied to constant them.” doctor’s visits, fear and depression. Kayla Khan, Khan described every single day as a constant psychology graduate, was only 21 when she was battle against her own strength and health. diagnosed with Thoracic Non-Hodgkin’s Lym“I honestly didn’t have much motivation now phoma. that I think about it,” said Khan. “Every day was “I truly thought I was invincible before every- a struggle for me. When it came to studying, I thing happened,” Khan said. “I had just got a job had to find different techniques, but my profesat the state hospital and was healthy.” sors stepped in and made adjustments as needed Khan was a young, happy and persistent for me. Chemotherapy negatively affected my woman who wanted to make an impact on so- memory, but the disability office helped me treciety. She spent her youth focusing on her big mendously.” dreams that could fill the entire world, but she Outside of battling against the side effects of

cancer while juggling her course load, Khan said port until then. Hopefully I make it to that point.” she experienced exclusion from her own peers. Although she fears that the cancer will come “When I got diagnosed I assumed that a lot back, Khan doesn’t let that stop her from living of people would judge me,” said Khan. “I got out her dreams and impacting those around her. bullied a lot, but you can’t let the negatives “I still have swollen lymph nodes all over my outweigh the positives. You just have to try to throat and armpits, so that worries me, but I’m be kind to yourself in this crazy world; no one trying to stay hopeful. I know I will always worry makes it out alive, so make it count to the best that I’ll find another lump,” Khan said. of your ability.” Her fears won’t diminish her desires, and Despite being excluded from her peers, Khan Khan still plans to start pursuing her master’s said her family was always supportive of every degree for clinical psychology. decision she made. “I want to help others who have had cancer “I wouldn’t have beat my cancer and gradu- or are experiencing it now. I was treated at UT ated without [my family],” Khan said. “I was so Southwestern and Texas Oncology and all my quick to want to give up, but they pushed me. My doctors were so inspiring, and I’d love to do what grandmother passed away from cancer last year they do,” said Khan. and my aunt currently has cancer. I figured it This is only the beginning for Khan, and she would be selfish of me to not try to fight it, how- said she will not let this part of her journey deever, I understand why people end up giving up.” fine her but only motivate her. Throughout the constant support, Khan and “I’d like to be cancer free, no more scans or her family struggled financially between paying surgeries,” said Khan. “I’d like to have my defor medical bills and her education. grees and help people. One of my main concerns “Financially it has been extremely difficult,” besides losing my hair was not being able to be a Khan said. “I had to quit my jobs, and my dad mom. I found out I’m still capable of being one, and sister have been paying for the majority of so when the time is right I’d love to be a mom.” my bills.” In the midst of her struggles, Khan still strives to focus on the positives. She focuses on the light at the end of the tunnel. “It sounds cliché, but I truly try to wake up and go to bed grateful for at least one thing,” said Khan. “I’m big on New Year’s because so many people start the year with hopes and dreams, and don’t make it out. I’ve learned that cancer and life itself does not discriminate.” Khan’s fight against cancer is not over; she still has to wait five years to be officially cancer free. “I still have scars from the tumor removal and my port,” Khan said. “I’m technically not cancer free until five years pass, so I can’t PHOTO BY KAYLA KHAN | THE WICHITAN have surgery to remove the Khan recieves chemotherapy treatment. April 21.

THE NEW SPORTS

BLOCK

ON THE

TAYLOR ANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR he Wellness Center administration hired a new team member, Cody Ford, as the assistant director. Ford started his journey at MSU in 2014 where he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in sports administration. Starting as a recreational sports player his freshman year, then moving on to intern and now assistant director, Ford fell in love with this career before it even started. “I absolutely love it. {Being assistant director} is something I’ve been wanting to do since my sophomore and junior year while I was in my criminal justice program. Luckily, when I was going to MSU, I participated in rec sports all the tim,”Ford said. “Caleb [Hannon] was the assistant director for a few years and he ended up being an interim director for a while. I learned a lot from him when I worked for him. I worked at the Wellness [Center] when I was a freshman and sophomore. I learned what he was doing. As a sophomore, I was like ‘that would be awesome where your job is to help other students play sports.’ I fell in love with that idea.” Ford’s personal connection to the Wellness Center inspires him to help students like the program helped him.

“I can speak from experience now, not only am I running the program, but I went through it for six years. 90 percent of my friends now, I met them when I was a freshman and I only knew like two people here. I saw them playing footPHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN ball on the field one day and Social work senior Chris Smith attempts to evade defenders in a reational sports intramural flag football asked to play with them. They competition. Sep 18, 2018. were like we have a flag football team, and I didn’t think outdoor soccer. We have outdoor basketball Manager. Ford will be teaching an officiating any of it. Now six years later, I’ve been to two courts. Right here by the Wellness Center, we course to train managers on how to properly refof their weddings, and they are coming to mine. share the turf practice field, and we usually do eree all the games. It’s just lifelong friends that I made through rec ultimate frisbee and flag football out here. We “Nobody is unqualified necessarily if they are sports. I got lucky that day when they were out have two basketball courts, where we can run a student here. It says manager because you are there,” Ford said. two games at a time. We have an outdoor sand expected to help manage the games that go on. volleyball court,” Ford said. I don’t want anyone to feel discouraged if they Students can expect a new sport on the block The Redwine Wellness Center offers student- coming in the fall. Ford had the privilege to add based intramural sports in the fall and spring tetherball to the selection. semester for all current MSU students. Students “It’s really cheap to buy and it’s a lot of fun can enjoy women’s, men’s, and co-ed (containing because you think it was easy but you go swing at least three females) flag football, volleyball, at the ball and you hit the rope and you’re out. indoor soccer, dodgeball, kickball, softball, bas- I played it all the time as a kid in school. So we ketball, table tennis, and pickleball. are adding that to our list in the fall,” Ford said. “We have two free playfields that we use for Students can sign up at IMLeagues.com and choose Midwestern State University. After creating an account, students can create teams or join pre-existing teams. Players can access signups, schedule change, and the roster through IMLeagues website and mobile app compatible with Apple Store and Google Play. “People can create teams or they can join as a free agent. So if you have a bunch of friends that want to play, you can create your own PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN team. Or if you don’t know a lot of people, you A member of ‘The Royal Family’ shoots a floater can join as a free agent and any team can pick while pressured by team ‘SNG.’ March 5. you up,” Ford said. “We offer a lot of different sports. I know in might not have enough experience for that. If the past there used to be like five or six sports you have a passion for sports and you have expeonly. We’ve been trying to broaden the horizon rience in actually officiating or running a score and getting to each demographic. The graduate table then this will definitely be a perfect fit for students want to play this sport but the underyou,” Ford said. grad wants to play this. We are trying to reach Students can send their suggestions to Assiseveryone so they can all participate,” Ford said. tant Director Cody Ford at his email cody.ford@ Since intramural sports are student-based, msutexas.edu all officiating is done by students. “We like to tell students to give suggestions. “I did this when I was a sophomore here and If there is a sport that we are not offering but you that’s what helped me get into the position I am think we should. We love to get suggestions,” now. I saw how everything was run, I learned Ford said. how to set up and take down different equipStudents can also stay connected with the ment,” Ford said. Wellness for notifications of upcoming seasons PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN Students can apply through MustangsLinks and signups at their Twitter, Facebook and InRecreational sports assistant director Cody Ford sits at his desk in the Wellness Center. June 2. under Recreational Sports as the Rec Sports stagram.

The upcoming season

STUDENT WELLNESS CENTER REOPENS WITH RESTRICTIONS

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Criminal justice graduate Jared Malone lifts weights while the wellness center encourages social distancing. June 2. AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR uesday, May 26 marked the reopening of the Student Wellness Center with limitations and adaptations set to prevent of the COVID-19 virus. “[Reopening] was kind of interesting, because the governor said May 18th was when gyms could reopen, so it pushed our timeline up a bit. When we decided on the 26th, it was only after deciding it was safe for students,” Angie Reay, director of recreational sports and wellness center, said. When students pour back into the gym, they can expect the setup to be very different than what they’re used to. The layout of equipment has been changed so that students will be able to better practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart, but while face-masks are recommended, students are not required to wear them. “We have every other piece of machine shut down, or every couple of machines in some cases. Some of our treadmills have at least three [shutdown machines] in between them. It’s all rearranged,” Reay said. “People can still check out equipment. When they return [the equipment] our staff will clean it.” Another change coming to the wellness center is the implementation of a screening process to admit students into the gym. Students will

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Wellness center staff Sallisa Wyatt cleans equipment to help keep visitors healthy. June 2.

have to answer a few questions and get their room and classes are all closed, and the maxitemperature checked for a fever before entering mum capacity is set at 25% of the original capacin order to ensure the safety of other students. ity in each individual area. There will also be Students will also have to wash or disinfect their hourly cleanings of each section. The situation hands before entering, and the only open en- at the wellness center will be continuously retrance will be the southeastern entrance. evaluated and monitored, and changes will be “One of the new [implications] is the screen- made gradually. ing process. You’ll have to answer a few ques“It will all kind of be phased in. We’re gotions such as ing to make sure we can ‘Have you had manage the gym effecany signs or tively, before reopening symptoms?’ and other parts of the Well‘Have you been ness Center,” Reay said. around anyone “We want to make sure who has?’ If you when we do it, we do it have a fever on the right way. The fourth the first read[and final] phase is going ing, you can back to normal. We don’t retest after five know if that will happen minutes. We unbefore the fall semester, derstand it’s the but that’s the goal.” PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN summer so it will While many busiThe wellness center encourages social distancing be really hot outnesses and shops have with stickers on the floor. June 2. side. We’ve got a reduced their staff, the holding area [while you wait], but you won’t be wellness center has actually added student posiallowed in the gym if you fail the screening pro- tions. Much of the roles of these new positions cess,” Reay said. include cleaning equipment, monitoring for The hours Monday through Friday have social distancing, screening and operating the changed to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the weekend check-in desk. Staff are also required to mainhours are now 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pool, locker tain six feet between themselves and patrons.

Staff will also have to self-screen, and they will be sent home as soon as they exhibit any signs of sickness. “We’ve

added

student

positions:

three

cleaners downstairs and two upstairs deep cleaning every hour on the hour,” Reay said. Despite all the changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reay feels that the university has done a good job handling the situation and putting the students first. She also said that students only need to reach out to receive help. “I sit on a lot of committees [and I can tell] MSU cares about their students, staff and alumni. I really like the different ways people have been able to get together. Just the support shown is incredible. You just need to pick up the phone, and anyone will help you with anything,” Reay said. Students who paid for the Spring 2020 semester will not receive refunds, but they will receive extended membership at the wellness center through the summer. This change applies to alumni and seniors who graduated as well. More information on changes made to the wellness center can be found here: https://msutexas.edu/student-life/wellness-center/wellness-center-re-opening-proposal---website-1.pdf

NEW AND IMPROVED MOFFETT LIBRARY STEPHANIE ROBLEDO NEWS EDITOR offett Library was under construction during the entire Spring 2020 semester. Up until March 23, students have only had access to the second and third floors, now students have access to all the floors at the library again and are able to enjoy the new and improved library. “We are planning on April 7 doing an open house; it’ll actually be finished by the end of March,” Clara Latham, university librarian, said earlier in the year. According to Latham, the construction was ahead of schedule, and the set date was the final date. Once opened, students were able to enjoy the changes that made the space more inviting. “They’re kind of subtle [changes]. It’s a lot more inviting and up to date space,” Kyle Owen, associate vice president of facilities services, said. The renovations are expected to have a big impact on the students’ study environment. “We added a couple of study pods like what is on the second floor, so the students can gather. We made an effort to move stacks away

from them, so there are seating areas for students to study near windows instead of looking at a blank wall,” Owen said. Students now have more open areas to study in and focus on. These changes have not gone unnoticed by students. “Yes, I think [the renovations are] making a change. The new study rooms are really nice, and they’re a nice place I can go with my friends to study, get more done,” Celeste Riveros, nursing sophomore, said. The changes have been noticed by students and have been receiving positive feedback. “I go to the library four times a week,” Joanna Torres, accounting sophomore, said. “I think it looks nice; I like the way they have the study rooms because it gives you your own space so you can study.” Students now enjoy the new changes done to the library, which

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Computer science sophomore Dominique Shephed checks out a book in the renovated Moffett Library. June 2.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

There is plenty of seating for students on the first floor of the renovated Moffett library. June 2.

is possible with the money they paid for tuition. Many of the things added to the library are expensive, such as the furniture that Owen said was almost $400,000. “I think [our money is] going towards a good cause,” Riveros said. A concern during construction was if the extended date was costing the university extra, but Owen reassured that the extended time under construction did not cost more money due to the contractors progressing well with the new date. Another change made within the library has been moving the special collection department to one area. “We’ve actually moved across the building. We were on the other side of the floor and moved over so now our space is bigger and we can have all of our collection to-

gether, before it was in three separate rooms, so it was real spread out,” Rachel Stokes, library assistant of the special collection, said. “It is easier for us to get the items that students are looking for because we don’t have to go from room to room looking for things, and it’s all just gathered together so students can see how large our collection actually is.” There are many things for students to enjoy with the whole library open including the fact that students now have more space to study. “We want[ed] it to be inviting but also comforting,” Latham said. Students are already taking advantage of the refurbished study environment. “Yea [it is comfortable] because the chairs, they’re pretty comfy...and the desks are [a] pret ty good size. Then inside the study rooms, they have the boards you can write stuff [on] and you can check out markers so I think that’s pretty cool, I like it,” Torres said. Full access to the library was long-awaited and by the end of the spring semester even after the campus closing, it was possible. Students can take full advantage of the entire library. “We work[ed] diligently, trying to finish it up. I think [students] will be pleased, it looks a lot better than it used to,” Owen said.

Broke Student Recipes SUMMER EDITION

DALLAS WABBINGTON CARTOONIST/REPORTER

Here are some delicious recipes to try out over the summer. If you followed any of these recipes, post a picture and tag us on Instagram or Twitter @WichitanOnline. Happy cooking!

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta This dish is a fresh, summer recipe ready to take over dinner and any event. This pasta is a simple take on a recipe that seems harder than it is, but tastes like time was dedicated into making it. Ingredients: - 4 cups diced tomatoes - 4 cloves garlic minced

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

The Bruschetta Chicken Pasta makes for a tasty meal. May 30.

and pepper before letting it sit for 15 minutes. 2) Bring a large skillet to medium-high heat and heat the last tablespoon of olive oil. 3) Season chicken with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper then per side. Let it rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing.

- 1/2 cup torn basil

4) Add tomato mixture and chicken to the angel hair and toss un-

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

til completely combined. Top it off with Parmesan and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready

- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

to serve.

- 2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

switching between different meat and side dishes. This is my

- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) Steps: 1) In a large skillet, combine the ground beef and garlic and cook on medium heat until no longer pink. 2) In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes and pepper. Pour over the ground beef and let it simmer for another minute.

- 3 garlic cloves minced

3) Serve beef over rice. Another option is garnishing with green

- 1/4 packed brown sugar

onions and sesame seeds.

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

tomatoes, garlic, basil and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt

add to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink for about 10 minutes

to. I discovered this recipe last semester and have used it often,

- 1 pound lean ground beef

dente. Drain then return to the pot. In a large bowl, stir together

- 1 pound angel hair pasta

These bowls are easy to make and easy to become addicted

Ingredients:

Steps: 1) Boil a large pot of salted water and cook angel hair pasta until al

- 2 chicken breasts

Korean Beef and Rice Bowl

take on a simple meal with a bold flavor.

- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

I also use chicken instead of beef for a healthier option. In-

- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

stead of rice, you can cook mixed vegetables and coat them in

- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

the sauce. There are many ways you can switch up different

- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

protein and sides using the sauce. The options are endless!

No-Bake Cookies This is a childhood recipe, one that I remember making with my family often. These salty-sweet cookies are chewy and more fudge-like than a regular cookie but with half the time and effort. The recipe is easy and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require many ingredients, only patience. Ingredients: - 2 cup granulated sugar - 8 tablespoons butter - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup smooth peanut butter - 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN - 1/2 teaspoon salt The No-Bake Cookies take almost no effort and taste - 3 cup regular oats delicious. May 31.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

The Korean Beef Rice Bowl is addictive and easy to make. May 29. Steps: 1) Bring a saucepan to over medium heat and combine sugar, milk, cocoa and butter. When the mixture starts to boil, continue to boil for another minute. 2) Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined. Stir in the oats. 3) Place parchment paper or wax paper on a large baking sheet then drop spoonfuls of mixture onto the baking sheet. Let it set at room temperature until cooled and hardened for about 30 minutes. These salty-sweet cookies are perfect for those without the time to bake and is basically foolproof.

ACTIVE SHOOTER PROTOCOL

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Patrick Coggins, chief of police, answers questions from students at the Open Forum about campus safety in CSC Comanche on March 19.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU/POLIC

How to setup a cell phone number to receive MSU emergency alerts.

BRIDGET REILLY CHIEF EDITOR

s MSU gets ready to welcome incoming freshmen and transfers for the Fall 2020 semester, The Wichitan would like to remind returning students and inform new Mustangs of the university’s emergency policy in case of a threat on campus. Patrick Coggins, chief of Police, explained a number of actions that would take place if such a scenario were to occur. “Our on-duty police units are immediately notified of that call. They would constitute the initial response,” Coggins said. “Officers are going to literally flood the location until we are sure the situation is stabilized. In addition, there are notifications that would immediately go out to notify the campus to take some sort of action.” Sending a notification is situationally dependent, however, federal laws are in place to determine when the campus gets notified. Patrick Coggins, chief of police, answers questions from students at the Open Forum about campus safety in CSC Comanche on March 19. (Bridget Reilly) “MSU Alert is the primary platform that we would use to notify the campus community of an emergency in which they need to take some sort of action, whether it’s protective or an evacuation,” Coggins said. “We have an internal policy

that is based on the Cleary Act, which is federal legislation that deals with notifying the campus community of an emergency. Once we are able to verify or confirm an emergency is taking place, we will make the notification.” In the event that a notification is needed to be sent, Coggins wants students and employees to remain calm and follow the directions given in the notification. “The notification would come along with instructions on what to do,” Coggins said. “For instance, looking at Commerce, they chose to do a lockdown, or what they call a shelter in place, where everybody is told to stay put and shelter yourself until further notice. That is just one potentiality that may exist. It may be that depending on the situation, the emergency notification includes instructions on a certain portion of the campus to leave or evacuate, but what it boils down to is remaining calm and following directions as they are put out.” The MSU Texas Police Department has an instructional video pertaining to an active shooter situation, located on their website. It gives three potential options for surviving. “The first step, run, is intended to create distance between yourself and the assailant, which is one of the best things you can do in protecting yourself from becoming a victim,” Coggins said.

“If you can get out of there safely, get out of the location and get to a safe location.” QR Code for the instructional video on how to survive an active shooter situation. The next step is to hide. “If you can’t get out of the location without crossing paths with the assailant, the idea [of hiding] is to barricade yourself, make yourself safe, whether it’s in an office, a bathroom, a classroom or anything like that in order to secure yourself and keep yourself safe until law enforcement can arrive on scene,” Coggins said. If running or hiding is not an option, the video instructs the viewer to fight. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter, act with physical aggression, improvise weapons and commit to those actions. “The last step is to fight. If confronted by the shooter and there’s no other option to secure yourself or run, then it comes down to fight,” Coggins said. Every semester, by state law, anyone who qualifies as a student or employee is automatically enrolled in the MSU alert system. This system is powered by e2Campus OMNILERT, a mass notification solutions provider. However, to receive text notifications, students and employees are encouraged to upload their mobile numbers to this database.

“You can go to the webpage - msutexas.edu/ police - on the left-hand side column there is a link that will take you to MSU Alert. In that link, if you follow the instructions precisely, you can enter your information,” Coggins said. “It also allows you to enter other phone numbers, so if for instance, you want to enter your parents’ information, you can go into your account and enter their phone numbers so they receive the same text as you would.”

QR Code for the instructional video on how to survive an active shooter situation.

MEET THE STAFF AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR

Hi ya’ll. My name is Amos Perkins and I will be returning next semester as the Managing Editor of The Wichitan. I joined the school paper Fall 2019 as the sole sports reporter, and I was made Managing Editor the next semester. I joined the paper because fraternities aren’t my thing, but I really wanted a place in college that I could PHOTO COURTESY OF AMOS call my own. The members of The Wichitan PERKINS | THE WICHITAN have become like family to me, and I can’t Amos Perkins. imagine what my freshman year of college would have been like without them. I am an early childhood - 6th grade education major, and I am working towards becoming a fourth grade teacher with the hopes of maybe becoming a principle someday. My true passion however is writing, and my hope is to get a book series published in the future. I am getting married to my high school sweet heart, Emma, over the summer break and am looking forward to juggling married life and school life next semester.

STEPHANIE ROBLEDO NEWS EDITOR

Hi! I’m Stephanie Robledo, an English and mass communication junior. I have been part of The Wichitan since I started at MSU Texas in the Fall of 2019. Coming into MSU I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger and The Wichitan was it. I chose to be part of the newspaper because I enjoy writing and wanted to meet people with similar interests. In PHOTO COURTESY OF the past, I have been part of other newsSTEPHANIE ROBELDO | THE WICHITAN papers, but none as amazing as The Stephanie Robeldo. Wichitan. Through The Wichitan, I plan to improve my writing skills and use it as a stepping stone towards a career in journalism. Outside of the newspaper, I enjoy going on adventures with friends and family. I also love to travel and hope to do more of it in the future.

OMAR COMBIE DESIGN EDITOR

Hey there! My name is Omar Combie, a mass communication sophomore. I was born in the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia #758. Before coming to the US, I worked as a copywriter at a local digital marketing firm. I’ve been a part of The Wichitan since I came to MSU Texas in Fall 2019. I wanted an avenue to improve my graphic design skills PHOTO COURTESY OF OMAR and The Wichitan was just what I needed. COMBIE | THE WICHITAN Apart from graphic design, I enjoy videograOmar Combie. phy and photography. My goal is to run my own media company. My hobbies include playing basketball and video games and reading mystery novels. Looking forward to an awesome year as the new Design Editor.

TAYLOR ANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR

G’day! I’m Taylor Anderson and I will be returning back to the Wichitan as the Sports Editor. I joined The Wichitan during my first semester at MSU and absolutely loved it. I was able to be a part of the staff as Sports Editor in Spring 2020 and I’m so excited to continue growing as a writer and editor. I am a mass communication and public COURTESY OF TAYLOR relation junior. I dream to be a sports editor PHOTO ANDERSON| THE WICHITAN at ESPN so this is an awesome way to start Taylor Anderson. practicing. I live the best of both worlds as I balance being a student-athlete and an editor. I’ve been playing volleyball for more than five years and it is my first love. It does get a little hectic juggling everything but all my family members at The Wichitan support me through it.

Hello! I am Colin Stevenson, the Chief Photographer for The Wichitan this fall semester. I have been working with The Wichitan for close to a year now, as I joined soon after coming to MSU. Here, I found a great community and an opportunity to use my abilities for the benefit of the campus. I am honored to already be taking on this position in my second year, and I will do my PHOTO COURTESY OF COLIN best to provide good content for people to STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN see alongside our team’s amazing writing. Colin Stevenson. Beyond my role with the paper, I am a mass communication sophomore, a professional photographer, a tech geek and a bit of a goofball. I tend to have a camera on me or in one of my bags as I always try to be ready.

KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD FEATURE EDITOR

Hey ya’ll! It’s Khirstia Sheffield from the greatest city, Dallas, TX. I came to Wichita Falls to stir up the pot and step outside of big city living. I am a Mass Communication senior and joined The Wichitan fall of 2019. I never thought I’d be a part of The Wichitan, but I have fallen in love with covering such diverse stories. In fall of 2020, I’m taking on new responsibilities as the PHOTO COURTESY OF feature editor and I’m so excited to continKHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD| THE ue to spread my wings as a writer. I never WICHITAN saw myself as this great writer, but someKhirstia Sheffield. times when we step outside of our comfort zones beautiful things can take place. Like Thomas Jefferson said, “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” Cheers to change and I’m excited to go along this journey with you guys. This is only the beginning, and this won’t be the last time you hear my name because I plan to fill up the big screen as a news anchor. So... see you soon! xoxoxo

JERI WARE BUSINESS MANAGER

PHOTO COURTESY OF JERI WARE | THE WICHITAN

Jeri Ware.

My name is Jeri Ware, I’m a mass communication senior, and I’m the Business Manager for The Wichitan. When I’m not trying to sell ad space, I’m trying to pitch in with stories or reviews from time to time. My hobbies are gaming, hiking, cooking, and I’m also a gardener. So far, through gardening, we’ve cut one-third of the grocery budget and learned that more parts of the plant are edible than what we’re accustomed to eating. The goal is to make it to growing three-quarters of our grocery

budget. I’m not really from any one place, as every few years I move. I can’t stay in one spot for long. The world is a big place and I want to walk as much of it as possible. Becoming a journalist is a dream I’ve had ever since I was 5 years old and obsessed with Barbara Walters. It felt like her job was one of the most important jobs in the world and I knew this was what I wanted to do too.

DALLAS WABBINGTON CARTOONIST/REPORTER

My name is Dallas Wabbington and I am an English senior. I joined The Wichitan my sophomore year in 2019 with hopes of meeting new people and improving my writing skills. I started out writing columns then became a reporter my junior year. I also became the official cartoonist for The Wichitan which was so exciting, because I am used to creating realistic art, so it took a PHOTO COURTESY OF DALLAS while to get used to the dramatic change in WABBINGTON| THE WICHITAN art style. While I have a love for art, I want a Dallas Wabbington. career in publishing with hopes of becoming an editor. I have always been in love with novels and poetry, so I want to have a career where I can be surrounded by literature.

MEET THE PRESIDENT: SUZANNE SHIPLEY

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

President Shipley hands the executive committee Chairman Caven Crosnoe the budget reports at the conclusion of the Nov. Board of Regents meeting. Nov. 7.

She is the 11th president of MSU Texas.

She earned her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin.

All of her degrees are in German.

Grew up in Lubbock, Texas

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

President Suzanne Shipley sits down to talk. Feb. 28.

She lives in Wichita Falls with her husband, Randall Wadsworth, and her two dogs.

In five years, she sees herself on a beach under an umbrella.