Q&A
Photo by Austin St. John
with Student President-elect Ooceeh Afame
Ath let wo for m ic sho me en rts n a an cam llowe d pus d on .
Pages 10-11
Tulsa, Okla. • Vol. 47, No. 14 Oral Roberts University • April 5, 2013 www.oruoracle.com
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LIFE Legacy journalist Tom Brokaw reflects on country’s strengths and 21st century challenges By McKensie Garber On April 2, Tulsa residents filled the Mabee Center and experienced the nation’s history through the eyes and ears of a man who has witnessed half a century’s worth firsthand. From being knee-deep in the rubble of Ground Zero to reporting from the streets of the civil rights movement and serving as NBC’s White House correspondent during the Watergate scandal, Tom Brokaw has found some stories worth telling. The man who has been with NBC since 1966 refers to himself as a “main-street journalist.” He took the stage as part of a speaker circuit put on by the Tulsa Business Forum and Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. In 1998, the distinguished television journalist published “The Greatest Generation,” which he says, “Is the single most important thing I’ve ever done professionally.” Born in 1940 with his earliest memories being of WWII, Brokaw recounted the way our nation once was—united the most during trying times, such as the constitutional crisis of the Watergate scandal and the devastating event at Pearl Harbor. “All over the country, people who had been in isolation the day before poured into the recruiting offices,” Brokaw said. “They didn’t ask each other, ‘Are you a blue state or a red state guy? Are you a Tea Party member or Republican?’ They knew that they had a common cause.” This, to him, was the greatest generation. He sees America today as sadly divided with a narrowed vision. “There is a kind of fractured political landscape from the likes which I have never seen before,” Brokaw said. “Unfortunately, those spirits of pluralism, of finding compromise and ways to advance the common interest of all of us, have been greatly diminished over the past couple of years.” He believes a reason for this is the instrumentation of the digital age, which offers a means for people across America to organize themselves around very narrow social interests. “I think part of the problem we have at the moment is that we’re too divided by too many small ideas,” Brokaw said. “The genius of America, going
back to the very origins of this country, is that we were united by a big idea.” In the 1770s, he recounted, two men from entirely different backgrounds, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were able to find common ground on the ideas of liberty and a constitutional government. That, to Brokaw, was “a big idea.” Remembering a time when the entire nation was affected by war, he feels this generation is disconnected from their country. “We didn’t even have to pay attention to the war in Afghanistan if we didn’t want to,” Brokaw said, while families waited at home in constant fear. Some soldiers who returned home alive were emotionally or physically damaged and felt disconnected from a society that had no efforts underway to welcome them back into the modern Photo By Jennifer Jost economy. In conjunction with the OSU Spears School of Business, the Tulsa “That’s not just unjust,” Brokaw Business Forum’s speaker circuit brought acclaimed journalist Tom said, “that’s immoral.” Reflecting on the GI Bill, which Brokaw to the Mabee Center April 2. The nationally-acclaimed journalist believes a mahelped facilitate soldiers from jor societal objective should be to connect this generaWWII into the economy after the Great Depression, tion to their country. Brokaw himself has a “big idea.” “They connect with their friends on Twitter, FaceThis idea is to have six to eight public service acadbook and LinkedIn, but they don’t have an organic emies across America, attached to land-grant schools connection to their country and their obligation as like OSU. This, he believes will facilitate eager young people who want to step forward and help the country citizens,” Brokaw said. “We’ve been so bedazzled by during events like the bombing of the federal building this technology that we’ve let it lead us, instead of taking charge and taking hold of it to see how can we in Oklahoma City, the Joplin tornado and Hurricane make it work to our collective advantage.” Katrina. With nearly three and a half centuries of history “We put far too much a burden on our military,” behind our young nation, the 21st century looms Brokaw said. “What we need to do is find a way ahead of us in the unknown. that we can encourage all the members of the rising “For us to be the masters of our destinies,” Tom generation to get additional training, because in the Brokaw said, “we have to rise up out of our comfort American workplace, there is a desperate need for a zones and take charge of our future. new skillset.”
THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 3
Thunder up: Alumna dances for NBA team By McKensie Garber “All of us were standing backstage, holding hands with our eyes closed. When they called my name, I just stood there in disbelief.” ORU 2011 health and physical science graduate, Dominique Barnett, then took the stage to join the 2012-13 Oklahoma City Thunder Girl dance team. “I remember standing on stage, looking out into the crowd and thinking I am literally on this team,” Barnett said. “It was scary and everything I wanted at the same time.” She competed with 200 other young women during a week-long process of interviews along with jazz, hip-hop, “pom” and free-style routines. The Bartlesville, Okla. native started dancing at the age of five, and was a member of the ORU dance team in 2010. While at ORU she interned with a trainer at a gym, who asked her what she wanted to do next in her life. “I told him I would ultimately like to dance for the NBA,” Barnett said. He informed her about the upcoming Thunder Girl auditions, and she started preparing for a spot on the 20-member team. She now performs for crowds by the thousands while she cheers on the OKC Thunder basketball team. “I went from having this conservative personality to being in the spotlight,” Barnett said. The Thunder Girls began rehearsal in August. They sometimes learn a dance in just one day, with only one or two practices to memorize the choreography. The dancers are also required to have personal exercise regimens. Previous professional sports team dancer and second season manager and choreographer of the OKC Thunder Girls, Paige Carter, said, “Dominique has exceptional work ethic in the gym as well as at practice. She expects a lot out of herself.” The other Thunder Girls agree. “As a team member, Dominique helps keep the group together with her positive attitude,” said Michelle Langford. “She is so strong and is always there for everyone with good advice.” (Continued on the next page) Barnett was unsure of how long she would stay with the Thunder Girls at the beginning of the season,
Photos by Austin St. John
4 • Friday, April 5, 2013 • THE ORACLE
Above: ORU 2011 graduate Dominique Barnett performs at half-time during the March 19 game. (Below) Barnett signs a Thunder program for a young fan before the game.
but plans on auditioning for another season. The whole organization has become more personal to Barnett than just a team. “Emotionally, there’s so much that goes into this with the girls and the community,” Barnett said. “It becomes a part of you.” Barnett believes that ORU played a vital role in preparing her for this new phase of her life. Barnett said that the ORU community helped her accept herself. “People may never guess this about me, but I used to get social anxiety,” Barnett said. “I feel like ORU was a place of healing and acceptance.” Barnett said the most influential and inspiring person to her has been ORU student Dillon Coggeshall. Coggeshall passed away Sept. 25, 2011 from injuries he received five days earlier falling from his longboard. “His legacy was ‘living fearless,’” Barnett said. “By doing that, I feel that God brought me to this place in my life, and I’m excited see what He has for me in the future.” Photo by Austin St. John
OKC guard Russell Westbrook drives the lane in the March 24 Thunder 103-83 win over Portland .
Alumnus coordinates media for OKC Thunder By Ryan Woods This passion led him to reach out to the “… Where my light is seen dim, and Thunder where he began freelance work my voice is heard small…” These words while at ORU. The success and relationships are the end to a call that started it all. he developed as a student worker helped him Oral Roberts University is founded on land the job after graduation. a call to go after God-sized dreams in Now in his third season with the “every man’s world.” Thunder, Nate recently gave the Oracle an ORU alumnus Nate Dies is the video all-access look at his job and all the work production coordinator for the Oklahoma that goes in a single NBA game. City Thunder. Dies and his team are in charge of ORU Graduate Nathan Dies For Dies, Oral Roberts’ “every man’s everything seen and heard from the world” has become his work in one of the arena’s “jumbotron” before, during and after largest entertainment industries on the planet: The games. He is also responsible for all crowd prompts, National Basketball Association. promotional videos and pre-game introduction videos. Dies attended ORU from 2006 to 2010, where he While fans cheer and scream for their team during was a student in the Multimedia Institute (MMI) and the game, you’ll find Dies in the video loft working served as Sports Editor for the Oracle in 2008-2009. diligently to give fans the best experience possible. Dies was first involved as a freshman, where he During a walk-through on March 19, Dies showed ran a camera for former President Richard Robert’s off various video sources located throughout the television show, as well as weekly chapels. His passion arena that run directly from his station. These include for sports media grew as he worked camera on the screens in the club-level seating, the arena’s “UFO” sidelines of the Golden Eagle basketball games. (the circular screen that welcomes fans into the arena)
and the concourse level “wedges” that run promo ads for sponsors and upcoming events for the arena. Dies said the experience at ORU helped prepare him for where he is now. “It helped tremendously,” Dies said. “ORU provided the drive and initiative I needed.” One way Dies prepared himself for a job after ORU was by getting involved in as many areas as he could. Those areas led to the relationships among employers that he says were crucial in making the next career step. “Just being willing to learn and be flexible has gotten me a long way, and ORU had a big part in that,” Dies said. In looking to the future, Dies said that in five years he could see himself with more responsibilites at the Thunder, or somewhere like ESPN. “ESPN is the number one worldwide sports network, so my desire to work there is a given,” Dies said. Dies hopes the relationships he develops while in Oklahoma City will propel him into whatever part of “every man’s world” God has planned for him.
THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 5
Supreme Court to decide future of marriage to discriminate against gay By Amy Lecza couples. If you’re on When polled, ChrisFacebook, Twitter tians showed split support or Instagram, the for gay marriage. Accordpink equal sign ing to the Pew poll, only 19 overset on a red percent of white evangelical square is a familiar Protestants favor gay marimage. Instigating riage. Catholics are those hope and anger most in favor of same-sex alike, the Supreme marriage among Christian Court is in the groups with 54 percent in process of deciding support. the results of the Cardinal Timothy two same-sex marDolan, the archbishop of riage cases heard Internet Photo New York and a top U.S. last week, and The Supreme Court will decide the results of same-sex marriage Catholic prelate, says that almost everyone which will set the precedent for future marriage law cases. he would tell members has something to of the LGBTQ community that God say about it. Forum of Religion & Public Life, 48 loves them and they’re “entitled to Whether you’re for or against the percent of Americans support samefriendship.” But, he says, “Marriage is fight for equality, chances are good you sex marriage, up from 35 percent in a union between a man and a woman can log onto Facebook and see your 2001. A Gallup poll in December 2012 where children can come about natuGreat Aunt Clara arguing with Cousin showed 53 percent of Americans suprally.” Will about these landmark decisions. port gay marriage. Dolan also says the church could But what does it all mean for the The LifeWay poll also found that a work on being more welcoming to gays Christian community? Polls from all majority – 58 percent – of respondents and lesbians, noting it “hasn’t been over the country show that religious believe gay marriage is a civil rights too good at that.” He said the Roman people everywhere are changing their issue. The survey asked people whether staunchly anti-gay platforms of old various individuals or companies should Catholic Church has to make sure its defense of traditional marriage is not toward a more accepting mindset. be able to refuse services to same-sex reduced to an attack on the LGBTQ According to a study by LifeWay couples. Sixty-three percent of responcommunity. Research, a Nashville polling firm with dents said that clergy should be able to Francis DeBernardo, executive ties to the Southern Baptist Convensay no, and 58 percent said the same for director of the gay Catholic group New tion, almost two-thirds of Americans photographers. Minorities of AmeriWays Ministry, which has often been at believe same-sex marriage will eventucans believe that rental companies (40 odds with the hierarchy of the church, ally be legalized. percent), landlords (20 percent) or emcalled Dolan’s remarks “nothing short of In a poll last November by the Pew ployers (14 percent) should be allowed
Mumford and Sons refuses Christian label (RNS) In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Marcus Mumford, the 26-year-old lead singer of the wildly successful British band Mumford & Sons declined to claim the “Christian” label as his own. The music of Mumford & Sons, for which Mumford is the main lyricist, is laden with the themes and imagery of faith – often drawing specifically upon the Christian tradition. They explore relationships with God and others; fears and doubts; sin, redemption, and most of all, grace. During an interview last month, the Rolling Stone reporter, Brian Hiatt, asked Mumford whether he “still consider(s) himself a Christian.” Mumford gave the following answer: “I don’t really like that word. It comes with so much baggage. So, no, I wouldn’t call myself a Christian. I think the word just conjures up all these religious images that I don’t really like. I have my personal views about the person of Jesus and who he was. … I’ve kind of separated myself from the culture of Christianity.”
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an Easter miracle.” “This is the first time that the cardinal has made such a positive statement about God’s love for lesbian and gay people,” DeBernardo said. “Such a statement is a refreshing change from the usual harsh rhetoric that the church hierarchy uses when discussing LGBT issues.” Nine states and Washington, D.C. have already legalized gay marriage. The Illinois Senate recently passed a bill to do the same. Eleven other states, in addition, allow civil unions or domestic partnerships. Currently, there are no federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, 21 states and Washington, D.C. have laws that prohibit employment and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Oklahoma is not among these. The state of Oklahoma ties for last place in the country with Mississippi and Alabama in regards to LGBTQfriendly states. Oklahoma does not outlaw hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation, does not recognize civil unions, does not permit marriage licenses to be issued to samesex couples and does not prohibit bullying of children based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Only in 2003 did same-sex sexual activity become legal in Oklahoma when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all sodomy laws in Lawrence v. Texas.
Dark-skinned Satan stems from tradition (RNS) When some people recently started questioning whether the Satan character on “The Bible” miniseries resembled President Obama, others posed a broader question: Why does Satan need to be dark-skinned at all? Religious experts and historians say the controversy points to a centuries-old tradition where dark is bad, light is good. “It’s just part and parcel of the stereotyping and the encoding of dark and black, particularly of African descent, as negative in American popular culture,” said the Rev. Paula Matabane, an African Methodist Episcopal minister and associate professor of television and film at Howard University. Scott Poole, author of “Satan in America: The Devil We Know,” says the linking of Satan and race predates American history. “The series was produced with an international and diverse cast of respected actors,” the History Channel added in a statement. “It’s unfortunate that anyone made this false connection.”
FEATURES
“The Bible” jumps to cable’s top spot By Billy Burke The Bible is a book found atop nightstands, tucked away in hotel drawers and put on display in museums around the world. It has been a trusted canon for historians, caused wars and persecution throughout the centuries and has been a source of comfort and encouragement for many generations. Last month, The History Channel released “The Bible,” a mini-series that chronologically depicts the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In its debut, “The Bible” recorded over 13.1 million viewers, the highest television audience of 2013. In the weeks to follow it would rack up over 70 million viewers, making it the highest rated cable television show of 2013. Produced by Roma Downey (“Touched By An Angel”) and Mark Burnett (“Shark Tank,” “Survivor,” “The Voice”) and musically inspired by renowned composer Hans Zimmer, (“The Dark Knight,” “Inception”) the quality of the production stands “shoulders above the rest” compared to other biblical adaptations, according to pastor and author Dr. Rick Warren, an advisor to the production. The series features several popular Bible characters such as Abraham, Moses, David and Daniel en route to the focus of the series, Jesus. Junior Rick Fenimore has watched the series, and has enjoyed it. “To be able to see the stories that we grew up hearing about in Sunday School and then seeing them shown through such a graphic representation gives me a fresh perspective of what they endured and overcame,” said Fenimore. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado plays Jesus. Jesus is portrayed as more human than previous adaptations, which lends a more human element when he’s on screen.
Junior Rachel Long saw the show and was impressed by its realism. “After seeing Jesus portrayed cinematically, it was if I was seeing a picture of a friend I’d only talked to, for the first time,” Long said. The audience was not solely impacted by Morgado’s interpretation of Christ. Morgado was Internet Photo touched by playing Diogo Morgado plays the part of Jesus. The last episode of the series aired March 31 on the his role. “If the goal of an History Channel. actor is to tell the best story ever, there’s no higher story makers in Hollywood and the methan Jesus Christ,” Morgado said. “It’s dia business are getting the message,” the ultimate love story, and the way he Cooke said. “It’s simply good business can touch people, it’s just a privilege, it’s to respect that audience, and I think the just beyond words, having this opportu- vast majority of media leaders I ennity of doing this.” counter totally get that.” Wigs • Clip-in Hair “It was really a personal journey and The Bible series rolled away the a spiritual journey and it touched me, in stone on something Christians have ponytails • JeWelry a way that I’m still digesting,” Morgado been craving: a well-produced represensaid. “It didn’t end with the shooting. tation of their faith and the Scripture It’s still alive.” they hold dear. The series ended on Easter Sunday, Producers are also seeing that the and according to TVB.org, the show return on investment for tapping into earned a 3.3 rating among adults ages this niche is could reap untold benefits 25 to 54 years of age. This 3.3 rating while impacting lives in the process. earned it the number 20 spot of most After production had ended, watched network and cable TV shows Downey reminisced over the completed for the week ending March 24, 2013. project. With adults 18 to 49 years of age, the “It struck me that we had stepped series took the number 18 spot. out on this journey together to bring It is a trend that Hollywood the Bible to the screen, from Genesis 8209-A S. HArvArd Ave. producers are starting to catch on to, to Revelation, and here we were on TulSA, OK 74137 as producer and ORU alumnus Phil the last day bookending, shooting the Cooke pointed out in his interview beginning and the end, the first and the with the Christian Post. last, the alpha and the omega.” www.wigsandmoretulsa.com “There’s no question that decision
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THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 7
Don’t let a spring twister blow you away By Ian Harrup Springtime is here again. While this time of year is generally known as a season of flowers and marriage proposals, it’s also the time for Oklahoma to experience the effects of cold, dry air from the North combined with warm, moist air from the South, added in with the warm, dry air from the Southwest regions and some jet stream from the West Coast. This can only mean one thing: the tornado. According to Weather Questions, the intense spinning of a tornado is partially the result of the updrafts and downdrafts in a thunderstorm (caused by the unstable air) interacting with the wind shear, causing a tilting of the wind shear to form an upright tornado vortex. Cyclonically flowing air around the tornado helps the process along, while it’s already spinning in a counterclockwise direction, before it converges inward toward the thunderstorm, spin-
ning faster. This is the same process that causes an ice skater to spin faster when she pulls her arms in toward her body. Tulsa, Okla. has always been in as much danger of tornadoes as any other Oklahoma town, because it lies in Tornado Alley. While the exact number of states included in Tornado Alley is a matter of dispute, the general area of states affected by tornadoes traditionally consists of Kansas, Oklahoma and northern Texas. As with any facility built in Tornado Alley, ORU has a safety shelter system across campus. For those in the Towers, Susie, Wesley and the Fishbowl have basement levels and tunnels, while the staircases are the safest places in Frances and Michael. EMR has a basement as well, but those in Claudius should evacuate to Zoppelt Auditorium (which is also the safety zone for the Hamill Student Center). The first floor hallway
8 • Friday, April 5, 2013 • THE ORACLE
is the safe zone in Gabby. The only safe places in Timko are conference rooms 34 and 33N. Those in Howard Auditorium should evacuate to Timko or the Hamill Center. In Christ’s Chapel, the hallway by the music ministries and the restrooms are the main safe zones. The Prayer Tower Auditorium is a safe zone as well, and those in the Hammer Center should make their way there. The entire first and second floors in the GC/LRC are safe from the weather, and the LRC tunnels are the destination for those in the J.L. Johnson Stadium. The AC’s entire racquetball court
and swimming pool area are safe zones, and those also at the Case Soccer field should make their way there. Those in the Stovall Administration Center should remain in the first floor stairwells and restrooms. The arena and practice gym are both safe in the Mabee Center. Tulsa’s citywide alarm system will always sound in the event of a tornado warning. If these alarms sound, get to the nearest safe zone and stay there until the tornado is confirmed to have passed by.
On or off campus? A financial comparison Have you ever wondered if it’s cheaper to live off campus? By Chelsey Butler Living off campus with a roommate could be up to $3,000 cheaper than living in the residential dorms at ORU, according to a comparison study conducted by The Oracle. Though finances are a key concern in the discussion of college living options, students also cite issues of space, lack of curfew and independence as reasons to leave the dorms. “It’s great to live off campus because you get to learn how to relax and be happy without other people,” said Rachel Curylo, senior communication major and commuter. Getting permission to leave, however, isn’t easy. The housing office did not respond to comment on living off campus but recommended students refer to the university handbook. According to the student handbook, there are five ways to be eligible for approval to live off campus. • Your parents live in Tulsa, within a 50-mile radius of the school, and you plan to live with them. • You’re married. • You’re a single parent with custodial responsibilities over your child. • You’re attending ORU as graduate student. • You’re attending as a part-time student, enrolled in 11.5 or fewer hours. If a student meets one of these requirements and desires to move off campus, he or she must still petition with the dean of men or women to become a commuter student. Aside from the reasons listed in the handbook, some students have obtained special permission to live off campus due to health and medical concerns. Senior Janey Ebener suffered from
allergy-related breathing problems and chronic coughing after moving to the dorms in fall 2009. Her respiratory problems persisted. With a doctor’s documentation in hand, she obtained special permission to move off campus. This is Ebener’s second year to live in her own apartment. “I’ve never had problems before I moved to school,” she said. “I don’t have any problems now that I’m off campus.” Though the reasons for living off campus vary from student to student, many dorm residents see money as the bottom line when thinking about petitioning to leave the dorms. The key question then becomes: Which is actually cheaper? When comparing the financial cost of living with a roommate on or off-campus, The Oracle found the estimated off-campus to be $3,276 cheaper. That includes a large food budget, gas and other amenities such as cable and Internet. Still, living off campus may present drawbacks of its own. Commuter Curylo misses living on ORU campus and the camaraderie from living so close with other students. “Also, I miss being able to get food whenever I want,” Curylo said. Sophomore international community development major Kelsey Prather, who is also a chaplain on Frances 6, enjoys living on campus. “I love living on campus because it builds so much more of a feeling of
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community,” said Prather. “Living on campus gives me the opportunity to stay spiritually, physically and mentally disciplined with there being easy access to the gym, a track, the library, the Prayer Tower, devotions and frequent prayer and worship events,” Prather said. “I
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think there is a totally different ORU experience for students who choose to live on campus.” It’s this element of student experience that the ORU housing office cites as the main reason they want students to remain in the dorms during their four years in school.
THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 9
Q& A
With Student Association President-Elect
Photo by Austin St. John
Ooceeh Afame What are you promising the students? We are big on attracting more financial donations that would go towards students’ scholarships. We are building community by integrating every segment of ORU community—athletic teams, administration, faculty, staff, graduate students, commuters and international students. What is something we might not know about you? To many students on campus I am just “that nice and smiley guy.” To others who know me closely, they see me as a determined and hardworking young man. To others who have been influenced by my leadership style, they see me as a visionary. However, because of the widespread publicity about my life story, a lot more outside ORU know my life story than within ORU. What or who has inspired you to be in leadership? I have always been inspired by the sacrificial lifestyle of Jesus, how he loved people with so much passion and desired people’s well-being more than anything else. I also learned that Jesus was always contributing to every environment he found himself in. So I took it as a personal responsibility to love people with passion and always seek for ways to be a blessing to them, even if it means going overboard or sacrificing something precious to me. Every environment I get into, I don’t sit around, fold my hands and watch things happen. I just get involved. Anywhere I am placed, I work everything that works. Over time, I have come to recognize that organizational leadership is my calling, and that’s something I want to use on a large scale as a physician in the field of medicine to serve many nations. How did the Ooceeh-Green team come about? I did not choose Tyler Green because he is my friend. I do not mix business and pleasure together. Among 10 other people I interviewed to run with me, he was the best fit for the job.
What do you admire most about Tyler Green? Tyler is very passionate about seeing change on our campus. He desires to leave our campus better than he found it when he arrived here as a freshman. His meekness and humility is humbling. He understands that there are sacrifices to be made and prices to be paid and he is willing to give it all it would take to make the process. His work ethic is superb. His integrity is unflinching. He is a great team player who walks the talk and believes in building community. Did you ever dream you would achieve as much as you have at such a young age when you came to America? I had no dream of achieving anything when I was on my way to the U.S. I just knew within me that God was leading me to my land of Canaan. Things were scary when I first arrived here three years ago. I came with no money, just a change of clothes. I did not know anybody in America…There is no way your mind would go to achieving anything under such prevailing conditions. The only thing I thought of was: ‘how would I survive?’ During the orientation of new students, I heard from Dr. Clarence Boyd, ORU’s dean of spiritual formation, that there is an anointing for greatness on the campus of ORU and that if you make a demand for that anointing, God would place it in your life. That was the spark I needed to position myself with a cheerful and confident disposition for God to write my story. Do you get nervous in front of large crowds? Coming to college without a high school education was a scary experience for me, and I made it my top priority to learn American English when I got here. At first I was nervous speaking before dignitaries, but as more opportunities rolled in, I got used to it.
Where do you hope to see the student body in one year? We want to leave a legacy. We are determined and believe God for help that the next two semesters would be the best year ever for the ORU student body in all ramifications. Which of your goals or platform positions is most important to you personally? We want to have more money come in for students’ scholarships. More scholarships would increase enrollment and continuous retention of enrolled students. We want operational changes in the cafeteria (saga) with meal options and meal plans. We desire a revised structure where students will be more involved in deciding what they eat, when they eat and where they eat. We want to take care of our commuters and graduate students. This has been a neglected part of our community over the years. We want every international student to feel welcomed here. We desire that students would experience transformation while at ORU. Each of these goals would improve student life experience. Only a transformed life can be an agent of healing to a hurting world. Is there anyone you would like to thank? ORU administration has been very supportive of my stay here. The staff has been incredible. Right from my first day at ORU, each office I walked into, they just treated me as a king. I would not have been where I am today without our phenomenal faculty. They have made stellar investments in my future, and my heart can never forget them. I am especially grateful for my research and academic advisor, Dr. Connie Sjoberg, for her exceptional kindness; professor Sonny Branham, who took me as his own son, Dr. Larry Walker and Dr. Randall Feller whose fatherly advice has seen me through very difficult moments. I am thankful to Matthew Olsen, ORU’s dean of men for hands-on leadership opportunity and mentoring me through the RA program. By Amber Smith
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Debate coach brings team to fourth place in national competition By Greg Brown The Oral Roberts University debate team won fourth place in the National Christian College Forensics Invitational at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. Several individual competitors also took home awards for their feats in the March 8-10 tournament. Among those that placed at John Brown was sophomore communication and government major, Rosina Albanese. Albanese placed first in her division in IPDA, which is an individual-based debate, as well as first in the speaking section of NPDA, a debate composed of two-person teams. This being her first semester on debate, Albanese credits much of her success to debate coach and ORU adjunct professor Molly Brown. “She’s always encouraging, teaching everyone from where we’re at because of all of her experience. All of us love her. She’s really great,” said Albanese. Brown teaches debate and an oral communication class at ORU. She also brings professional background as a lawyer to her role as debate advisor. “She’s been through law school, so she’s really wise in that way,” Albanese said. “She’s very personable,
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easy to talk to and easy to relate with.” Others that did well in the competition include Albanese’s partner, senior pre-law government major Aba Hammond. Hammond earned second place in her NPDA division. Hammond and Albanese also made it to the semifinals in the tournament. Junior Angela Dance received second in the IDPA section. Senior Josh Wagoner, the sole ORU student to compete in the “varsity” category, earned third place in his IPDA division. Freshman communication major Amir Curry was very pleased with his experience with the debate team and is excited for the future. “The amount of competition that comes from all over the United States was phenomenal. I had never seen anything like it before,” said Curry. We got to travel, and I got to get know my teammates a lot better,” said Curry. Albanese also enjoyed getting to know her teammates via debate. “We really bond as a group from going on trips on different weekends and stuff. There are people on the team I wouldn’t typically get to end up bonding with
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or talking to otherwise, but it happens through debate,” she said. “It’s definitely full of team spirit, even though it’s not really an athletic thing.” Though the program has recently grown, both Curry and Albanese would like to see it continue to do so, bringing more success to the ORU debate team. “It’s a great program,” Curry said. “I would really encourage other people to join.”
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THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 13
SPORTS
Eagles savor post-season success
By David Sauer Despite losing in the Southland Conference Tournament, ORU’s men’s basketball team wasn’t finished with the season yet. The Golden Eagles participated in the collegeinsider.com tournament and finished by adding two wins to their season. ORU’s first round matchup was a game on the road against UT Arlington. The team broke an 11-game postseason losing streak with an 84-76 victory. Free throws made the difference late in the game for the Golden Eagles. UTA was able to cut a 20-point lead down to seven, but each time ORU responded to keep control of the game. Of the 84 points ORU scored, 30 of them came from the free throw line and 25 of those came in the second half. Freshman point guard DJ Jackson was a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line. Senior Damen BellHolter went 9-12. Head coach Scott Sutton was happy with his team’s performance, and said that this was how he “envisioned this team being able to play.” “I knew they [UTA] were very capable of making a comeback,” Sutton said. “I thought our guys did a good job of keeping them at a distance.” ORU’s next game was at home versus UC Irvine. Hot shooting and solid defense helped ORU open up an 11-point lead at halftime. A 10-2 run to start the second half allowed ORU to cruise to a 76-62 win. Jackson said after the game that there was no pressure on the players, and the team was having fun. The win gave ORU its second consecutive 20-win season and tenth home win of the season. Forward Steven Roundtree recorded his third double-double in four games, with 21 points and 13 rebounds. The third game for ORU was a rematch of the ESPN Bracketbuster against Weber State. Unfortunately, ORU’s season came to an end with a loss, 83-74. ORU kept the game close most of the way, but it slipped away at the end. The game ends the successful careers of seniors Warren Niles and Bell-Holter. Niles finished his career eighth in career points at ORU with 1,984. Bell-Holter finished fifth in career rebounds with 878 and fourth in career blocks with 139.
14 • Friday, April 5, 2013 • THE ORACLE
Photos by Austin St. John
Clockwise from top: DJ Jackson had 26 points and 8 assists in the CIT. Steven Roundtree had two double-double games. Damen Bell-Holter fights for a layup. Mikey Manghum shot 39% three pointers for the season, 2nd on the team.
Who to watch in this year’s MLB pennant race By Billy Burke AL Contender - Toronto Blue Jays After bringing in Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Melky Cabrera and Emilio Bonifacio, the Blue Jays could be mistaken for wearing pinstripes. However, the Blue Jays still play in the AL East, a league where every team is a threat to make the playoffs for the first time in recent memory. Combined with the injury history of both the established players and the players acquired, their season could turn into a slippery slope in a hurry. Should they stay healthy, they’re a potential powerhouse. If not, they might be watching October at home. AL Contender - Tampa Bay Rays After losing B.J. Upton, James Shields, Wade Davis and several key bullpen pieces, the Rays had a very busy offseason. In a trade that sent Shields and Davis to Kansas City, the Rays acquired the top-hitting prospect in baseball, Will Myers. Though risky, Myers’ potential could pay huge dividends for Tampa who has long been looking for a bat to complement Longoria. Add that with reigning National League Cy Young Award winner David Price, 2011 Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson and lights-out closer Fernando Rodney, and the Rays’ success on the mound should continue. AL Dark Horse - Cleveland Indians Cleveland’s off season boosted its lineup significantly with the additions of Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher and Drew Stubbs. That, in conjunction with Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana and Asdrubal Cabrera, makes for a potent offense. The Indians also added low risk, high reward rotation pieces in Brett Myers and Scott Kazmir. The Indians’ pitching will probably rank towards the middle of the pack in the league, but the offense still makes the team a formidable wild card candidate.
NL Contender - Atlanta Braves For the first time since before I could speak, Chipper Jones will not be suiting up for the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta countered this move by signing free agent B.J. Upton and trading for Justin Upton to go with Jason Heyward. With this, the Braves have arguably the best outfield in baseball. The Braves’ rotation features Projected Rookie of the Year Julio Teheran, Mike Minor, Tim Hudson, Brandon Beachy (DL) and Paul Maholm. Although it may not sound as star-studded as other teams, its mix of young talent and experience is a potent mixture that could wreak havoc in the NL East. NL Contender - Los Angeles Dodgers With all the hype of Washington, people seem to forget that looking at the Dodgers roster is like looking at the NL All-Stars: Andre Ether, Adrien Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Zack Geinke, Clayton Kershaw and the list goes on. Although health is always a concern when dealing with as many veteran players as the Dodgers have, the potential reward well outweighs the risk. Plus, with the NL West being a two-dog race, LAD should get enough wins to at least get their foot in the door. In LA, you can be an Angel or a Dodger. This year you may have to choose a side. NL Dark Horse - Pittsburgh Pirates The Buccos have been so close the past few seasons but seem to falter at the end of the season. This is the year that changes. Andrew McCutchen is capable of having an MVP season, blue chip OF prospect Starling Marte will be making his rookie season debut, and Pedro Alverez seems to finally be living up to his hype as a power 3B. Plus, with off season moves that added C. Russell Martin and S.P. Francisco Liriano, the Bucs might have what it takes to finally bring back a pennant to the Burgh.
ORU BASEBALL UPDATE: SLC season begins By David Sauer The Golden Eagles baseball team opened its firstever Southland Conference schedule with success. The first Southland series was a three-game sweep of Central Arkansas, the 23rd ranked team in the nation at the time of the game. Game one was an 8-1 victory for the Golden Eagles. ORU’s Alex Gonzalez started at pitcher, played eight full innings and struck out eight. ORU scored eight runs for the third straight game. Austen Colt led the way with two doubles and three RBIs. After missing four consecutive games due to injury, Jose Trevino returned strong with two hits and two scores. Game two of the series was a 3-2 win for ORU. Senior pitcher Drew Bowen started the game, playing six innings and throwing six strikeouts. The difference for ORU in the close game came in the bottom of the fifth, when Logan Domenico hit a two-run home run over the right field wall. It was the first career homerun for Domenico and gave
ORU the lead needed to win. Game three of the series required a late game comeback by ORU. The bottom of the ninth started with the home team down 3-2. Jose Trevino quickly tied the game with a home run over the left field wall. Tyler Boss followed Trevino with a single. Four batters later, with Boss on third, Nate Goro hit his second ball of the day to bring Boss home to score the winning run. Domenico was named SLC Hitter of the Week for his success. Through five games, Domenico had 11 hits, a homerun, six RBIs and six scores. It was Domenico’s first career weekly award. ORU’s second Southland series came on the road against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. ORU went 1-2 in the series to put its Southland Conference record at 4-2. The Golden Eagles won the first game convincingly, 8-2. Gonzalez pitched the full nine innings to earn his third win of the season. He struck out eight batters and threw 75 strikes in 105 pitches.
Four different players had two hits. Matt Brandy led the team with two RBIs and added two runs. In game two, ORU trailed in the ninth but couldn’t make the comeback, falling by one run, 6-5. Garrett Greenwell scored his first homerun for ORU in the top of the ninth, driving in another runner in the process. Nate Goro hit a lead-off home run in the first inning of game three, but they weren’t able to hold on, losing 9-3. It was the first game-opening home run for ORU in three years. Alex Gonzalez received the Southland top pitcher award for the week following his complete game. Gonzalez has struck out 58 batters this year, the most in the conference and just short of his entire 2012 total of 66. In the first six Southland games of the season, Domenico leads the team with eight hits. Colt leads the team in RBIs with six. The Golden Eagles will be back in conference action April 5-7, playing at Stephen F. Austin.
THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 15
SCENE
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival comes to town By Madison Trout Fishing in America, AnMcDaniel nie Guthrie, the Burn Sisters, Since its Sam Baker, Vance Gilbert, inception in John Fullbright and many 1998, folk artists more. from all over the Along with the array of country unite to performers, the festival also commemorate hosts several activities and the late folk icon, contests for attendees. Some of Woody Guthrie. the extra events include a folkEvery sumoriented songwriting contest mer, the Woody promoted by The Oklahoma Guthrie Folk Songwriters & Composers Festival is held Association. close to Woody’s Not only does the festival birthday, July 14, target hopeful musicians, but Internet Photo other events reach out to the and in his homeThe Woody Guthrie Folk Festival is held in Okemah, Okla. town, Okemah, attendees that will be attracted Okla. This summer, to this four-day festival. the festival will be held July 10-14. Events for children attending the artists like Jimmy LaFave to Ellis Paul Most commonly referred to as the festival will take place July 12 and 13. from the very beginning. Joining the “Woody Fest,” this festival has attracted line-up of performers this year will be Native American storytelling and crafts
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will follow Friday’s line-up of musicians. “Bring Your Own God” is an event that will be held Saturday, July 13. This session is dedicated to focusing on the religious aspects through the study of the book, “Bring your Own God: The Spirituality of Woody Guthrie,” co-authored by Reverend Steven Edington and Woody Guthrie. A compilation of letters, drawings, songs and scribbles, this will allow attendees to explore the life of Guthrie encompassing all things religious in his life. The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival will attract not only avid listeners of Woody Guthrie, but will entice listeners of the folk genre as a whole. For more information on the festival visit www.woodyguthrie.com
TV favorites to return in 2013 By Chelsey Butler Lift your remote controls in celebration, for some classic favorites of American television are returning to the screen. “Boy Meets World” has begun filming a new spin-off show called “Girl Meets World,” with several of the original cast members, but no official air date yet. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will return this summer with its original comedian trio. When mentioned in conversation, “Boy Meets World” garners both enthusiasm and nostalgia among college students. It ran for eight years with seven seasons and 158 episodes. The original show followed the life of Cory Matthews and the love of his life, Topanga Lawrence. This Disney Channel spin-off show takes place 10 years after the last episode of “Boy Meets World,” and will revolve around Topanga and Cory’s daughter, Riley Matthews, as she learns youthful lessons like her parents did in
the original series. One of the exciting parts of this new show is how some of the members of the original cast are returning. Danielle Fishel and Ben Savage will be reprising their roles as Topanga and Cory. The classic role of Mr. George Feeny, the beloved principal and professor, will once again be played by William Daniels. Rider Strong and Will Friedle who played Sean and Eric were spotted on set, but deny rumors of their present involvement. The class improvisation show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will begin airing new episodes on The CW this summer. This show originally aired in September 1988 and ran for 10 years. This show features a cast of three comedians who play a series of comedic acting games with a new guest star every week. Audience participation plays a large role in this show, because audience suggestions are used to prompt actors. The comedians then use the spark of
inspiration to come up with characters, scenarios and even songs on the spot. This show was recreated from the U.K version of the same name. The best part of the “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” revival is that three of the most famous cast members are returning to the show. Audience favorites Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie are all once again taking the stage to continue the legacy of the games they once played. The only thing needed to complete this perfect comedic entourage is the original host Drew Carey, who will unfortunately not be returning. The host of the new show will be actress and comedian Aisha Tyler, who is currently a co-host on “The Talk.” With the advent of new and innovative television programming every season, programs revamping old programming can be refreshing, and gives viewers plenty to look forward to.
Boy Girl Meets World Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Top row: Ben Savage and Danielle Fischel will return to Girl Meets World. Bottom row: Comedy stars, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady, and Colin Mochrie will bring back the laughs in the new version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
ORU Theatre presents:
“Almost, Maine” By Alejandro Segovia ORU Theatre is holding its performances of John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine,” continuing the semester tradition of allowing students in the directing class to showcase their newly learned abilities. Showcase will take place over three performances from April 11 to April 13. Each performance will be at 7 p.m. and admission is free. If you plan on attending, be sure to come early, because the turnout for this event is usually large and latecomers are turned away. “Almost, Maine” is a play that consists of nine short scenes that weave together to form an entire play. This show focuses on different characters going through emotional stages in their lives and dealing with different kinds of love, presented in a very figurative, allegorical fashion. The high number of scenes allows for a very diverse acting range amongst all actors. “Unlike ‘Educating Rita’ where we all had to portray the same two characters across the entire play, the short plays in ‘Almost, Maine’ allows all of us to embody different characters and their unique personalities in what I think will be a better showcase than the last one,” said showcase actor David Anthony, playing Dave, a young man in love with his best friend. “The play will be just as funny as ‘Rita,’ but with an added sense of emotion and heart warmth that I think will speak differently to anyone to that sees it. I hope they get a lot out of it and enjoy it as much as we are doing it.”
THE ORACLE • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 17
MUSE
Student heads up “green initiative,” seeks change By Shawn Dieckman Kermit the Frog might say, “It’s not easy being green,” but I have a bone to pick with Kermit. It’s really not that hard being green, or going green for this matter. You might want to ask, “Well what’s the hype over going green anyway?” I asked that question too, until I realized that we have to share this Earth with future generations. Our children will inherit the Earth as we leave it. Then it made sense to me why going green may be important. Going green is beyond a political statement— it is an act that declares that we want to live in a better world and take care of our environment. It also means that the generation that we are a part of has the power to leave our
beautiful Earth better than we found it. We have an opportunity to start a movement on this Earth that is much bigger than ourselves. As a recent transfer student to ORU, I have noticed the lack of awareness of recycling on campus. Arriving last semester, I was shocked that there aren’t more recycling bins around campus and in our dormitories. Sometimes, I will buy a drink in a plastic bottle and waste so much more time and energy trying to find a recycle bin to throw it in, that it usually ends up in the trash. As a student body, I challenge that we change our current situation. I have been collaborating with different faculty members on my vision and ideas for a better campus recycling
RAFFLE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
On March 15, the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) held a blood drive hosted by KORU in Fireside in the Hamill Center. During the drive they handed out free t-shirts and coupons to Genghis Grill. Most importantly, the OBI held a grand prize drawing for a free Samsung phone from Verizon Wireless which was awarded to Danielle Thomas. Ariel Flores was awarded second prize, a Golden Eagle sports package. Congratulations to these students on their prizes, and to all students who participated in the blood drive.
18 • Friday, April 5, 2013 • THE ORACLE
program. My ideas include blue recycling bins for every dorm room, central concentration recycle bins for each dormitory and several other easily accessible containers inside and outside of major buildings. My vision has been this, and I now challenge you to express your ideas about making ORU a greener campus. I encourage every student to visit the ORU Green Facebook page and share any ideas or further interest. March 28 will be ORU’s monthly Green Committee meeting, where we have the privilege to meet and communicate directly with staff members who are excited to hear our ideas about bettering this campus. All students are welcome, and I encourage us to move on this opportunity.
Shawn Dieckman is a junior premed major from Colorado. To get involved with the ORU Green movement, email Shawn at dieckman@oru.edu.
Subjectively Objective: Truth on Trial By Nathan all can relate to jury members. Porter In a way, jurors model our daily I’ve been attempt to put events, situations and intrigued by the experiences into their proper context Jodi Arias trial. and arrive at a truthful verdict. In this case, the Rarely does a moment go by that 33-year-old we’re not forced to make a judgment Calif. native was call. charged with Whether it be judging the sincerbrutally murder- ity of an apology, evaluating the merit ing her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. of a sermon, revising the structure of a The case has provoked widespread research paper or assessing the conmedia attention and aroused vast public stitutionality of a proposed law, we interest. constantly operate based on our various For me, however, it’s not so much claims to truth. the crime itself that intrigues me. Like jurors, however, we quickly find While I’m saddened by the loss of life that most, if not all, of our judgment and sympathize with Alexander’s famcalls are made on limited information. ily, ultimately it is my own fascination I certainly believe in absolute Truth. with this trial that I find intriguing. I also realize that neither I, nor anyone Whether it was Oscar Pistorius, I know, have ever been able to continuCasey Anthony or ally walk in it. O.J. Simpson, This might be If truth sets us free, over the past two one of the most decades Americans does partial truth leave us problematic rehave been given a alizations in all of partially chained? plethora of trials to human history. follow on the news, It’s been repeatedly and thus a plethora of court decisions proven that, despite all of our attempts, to criticize via the perceptively flawed humans have been utterly incapable of judicial process. telling the whole truth. Although I often find it rather So I ask this: if truth sets us free, easy to throw stones at the intellect of does partial truth leave us partially judges, I find it much more difficult chained? to release those stones when they are Verdicts based on partial truth lead aimed at jury members. to injustice in the courtroom and in life. I know there are many times the It’s difficult to find true justice when final instrument of justice in the the truth can seem dark and murky. courtroom and the decisions they come Still though, there is hope. to directly affect the quality of life of As I sit in the jury box of life, I victims and alleged criminals. humbly remind myself that I know in Still, when I look at my peers elepart and see only as if through a murky vated to the position of juror, burdened glass, dimly. with the responsibility of discerning I trust that in due time, the true truth, I not only sympathize with them, judge will bring all the discrepancies to I feel that I can relate. light. Maybe one of the reasons these trials get so much attention is because we
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20 • Friday, April 5, 2013 • THE ORACLE