Vol. 52, No. 01
Explore local, become local Page 10-11 Susie North decisions Page 6
Denominations at ORU Page 8
Tulsa, Oklahoma • September 15, 2017 • www.oruoracle.com
Olympic potential Page 13
The Oracle is the premier student news media organization of Oral Roberts University. Our mission is to serve the ORU community with accurate and relevant media content, integrity, creativity and a focus on continual improvement. Faculty Advisers Linda Royall Jason Howell Director of Student Media Associate Professor of Art lroyall@oru.edu jhowell@oru.edu
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10/31/2017
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2 • Oracle • September 15, 2017
Advertising Abigail Cole Sales Manager Graphic Design Tabitha Levi Production Design Editor Xavier González Design Editor Alejandro Contreras Senior Designer Brandi Whitney Charlie Jialin Liu Nicole Meléndez Anthony Labonté Quentin Harrup
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An unforecasted Joint Resolution Grant Holcomb
Staff Writer @grantholcombORU On the surface, House Joint Bill 76 reads like just another legislative bill. However, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan believes Congress passed a law in direct violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. During the height of the news coverage regarding Hurricane Harvey and the Charlottesville backlash, Congress passed the bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law. The title of the bill states its purpose: “Granting the consent and approval of Congress for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the District of Columbia to enter into a compact relating to the establishment of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.” The bill would create the WMSC as a new branch
of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which would preside over primarily the train system in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. The commission would, “Review, approve, oversee and enforce the adoption and implementation of WMATA’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.” While the intention of the bill is not being debated, one stipulation within the bill caused one percent of congressmen (five Republicans) to oppose. The bill would give the WMATA the ability to enter any federally owned property adjacent to the metro rail system “without limitation” for the intention of “making inspections, investigations, examinations and testing.” H.J. RES. 76 article four. The five representatives who voted against the bill included Justin Amash, R-MI; Walter Jones, R-N.C.; Thomas Massie, R-KY; Alex Mooney, R-WV; and Mark Sanford, R-S.C. House Joint Bill 76 became a resolution on Aug. 22, 2017.
Five representatives question the constitutionality of a recently passed bill Courtesy Photo
A successful solution to peer advisment Abby Zellmer Staff Writer @absz3
It’s freshman move-in day. The ORU campus is flooded with cars full of bright-eyed students, nervous but happy parents and boxes of new dorm room decor. Student leaders are stationed throughout campus to greet, direct and assist new students all the way through the registration process. Thanks to a new ORU program known as “Eagle Teams,” it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere without seeing a smiling face and making a new acquaintance. When the Academic Peer Advisor program, an on-campus student leadership organization that provided academic and social support to students, was brought to a close, ORU needed a new plan to help new students. Sharla Roche, Assistant Director of Career Services and Peer Coaching Programs, was put in charge of designing a new program that would take its place. “Really my role was to get on my face before God and find out what his program was,” said Roche. “We want every student who walks onto our campus to feel valued.”
Roche’s plan included the implementation of Eagle Teams, a program that helps to bring new students into ORU’s culture, and keep them from being lost on campus as well as educate them about ORU’s mission to educate the whole person. “I’m very thankful for the things that have gone before us, but I’m excited to see what God is doing,” said Roche. Introduction to Whole Person Education (GEN 150) utilizes Eagle Teams as part of a one-credit-hour class required for all new students. The class meets twice a week, and is a combination of the original University Success course, the Whole Person Assessment class and the HPE 001 lab and lecture. Optional campus-wide Empowerment Series workshops will also be offered throughout the semester to teach students practical skills and help alleviate stress that comes with the new college atmosphere. The first workshop will cover on how to find and apply for scholarships. “If it was not for that class we wouldn’t know some of those things, we’d probably have to find them out on our own,” said freshman Kaitlin Gibson. Each Eagle Team will have one of 35 Peer Success
Coaches to lead students both inside and outside of class. Their job is to answer questions, encourage students to get involved with campus activities, check in on them, remember their name and be a familiar, smiling face. They can often be spotted on campus leading students in weekly team “challenges” such as scavenger hunts. “If you’re one of my students and you’re succeeding, I’m succeeding,” said Peer Success Coach Anna Mueller. Roche’s vision for this new course is to create a culture of students helping one another. “I can’t do what you can do, you can’t do what I can do,” said Roche. “Together we can do great things.” Each Eagle Team will also choose one male and one female from the group to help lead their classmates when the Peer Success Coach isn’t there, in hopes that these students will become Success Coaches themselves. In a year, the freshmen who were wandering around trying to find classes in the maze of the Graduate Center will be the ones confidently showing new students where to go.
September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 3
Courtesy Photos
Since taking office, President Donald J. Trump has been pushing his agenda to reverse Obamacare, handling investigations relating to ties with Russia and making actions to end the war in Afghanistan.
Political progress on Trump’s agenda Grant Holcomb
Staff Writer @grantholcombORU Obamacare: Since 2009, repealing former President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan has become a Republican Party campaign staple. Senators like Marco Rubio were elected to the Senate in 2010 centered on the promise of repealing “Obamacare.” However, for the last seven to eight years, the GOP has failed at its attempts to repeal one of Obama’s most recognizable pieces of legislation. The lack of action has led President Donald Trump to grow increasingly frustrated with the bill’s inability to pass through the Senate. “I will be very angry about it and a lot of people will be very upset,” Trump told Pat Robertson of CBN in late July. “But I’m sitting waiting for that bill to come to my desk. I hope that they do it. They’ve been promising it for years.” Mo Brooks, Alabama Rep., became so frustrated with it all, he submitted a one-sentence bill to repeal Obamacare. However, a full repeal and replacement remains on Trump’s priority list. Trump-Russia Scandal:
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After one full year of the FBI, CIA, NSA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence investigating Trump’s possible ties to Russia, most Americans have lost interest due to lack of evidence. Trump’s first director of national security, Michael Flynn, was fired early in the presidency due to allegations about his ties to Russia. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was also accused of having ties with Russia when he personally met Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak multiple times in 2016. Sessions did not originally disclose the meetings, and investigations were unable to prove what was discussed. Additionally, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, along with Rep. Maxine Waters have all confirmed that there is no evidence to any sort of collusion with Russia. Afghanistan: On Monday Aug. 20, President Trump announced his plan to claim victory in the 16-year war in Afghanistan. In a nationally broadcasted address from Virginia, Trump clarified that the United States will not be “nation-building” but rather “killing terrorists.” One of the military tactics Trump reiterated in many speeches was echoed in the Afghanistan speech. Trump will not publicize the number of
troops going back into Afghanistan, but has given the Pentagon the authority to regulate troop numbers. “We will not talk about numbers of troops or our plans for further military activities,” said Trump. “Conditions on the ground, not arbitrary timetables, will guide our strategy from now on. America’s enemies must never know our plans or believe they can wait us out.” Trump also called upon surrounding countries to assist the effort in eliminating the terrorists. While Pakistan is known for harboring terrorist cells, Trump encouraged the Pakistani government to reconsider their choices. “We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists we are fighting,” said Trump. “But that will have to change.” Trump called on India to do more to assist in fighting in the war. India has already spent billions of dollars on aid and progress in Afghanistan. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 American troops assisting 13,000 Afghan troops to combat the Taliban and Islamic State in Khorasan, the Islamic State’s Afghanistan offshoot, according to the Associated Press.
Charlottesville backlash trickles into Oklahoma Grant Holcomb
Staff Writer @grantholcombORU After protests and counter-protests over Confederate memorials led to the loss of an innocent life in Charlottesville, the discussion about why the protests took place and what this event means for the rest of the nation continues to be debated. The progressive left, namely the Black Lives Matter and Antifa (short for anti-fascist) movements, are calling for the removal of many Confederate monuments and memorials nationwide. This sudden uproar was caused by alt-right white nationalists proudly waving the Confederate battle flag in Charlottesville, VA, protesting the removal of a statue dedicated to General Robert E. Lee. The aftermath of the debacle has trickled into Oklahoma, with Tulsa Public Schools and Oklahoma City officials reviewing possible name changes of local elementary schools, including Lee Elementary School in Tulsa and Stonewall Jackson Elementary
in Oklahoma City, both of which bear the names of Confederate generals. Although Oklahoma was not a state during the Civil War, many American Indian tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole and Creek, sided with the Confederacy, and some members of the tribes were slaveholders. Throughout the state, there are approximately two dozen statues honoring the Southern cause. In Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the headquarters of the Cherokee Nation, stands a monument to General Stand Watie, a Georgia-born Cherokee Indian who supported the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and later signed the Treaty of New Echota, which ceded ancient Indian homelands in Georgia over to the United States government. Watie left for Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in 1837. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Watie took up arms with the Confederacy and became one of the highest-ranking Native Americans on either side of the war, achieving the rank of general. He led the Cherokee Mounted Rifles in the Battle of Pea Ridge
Handling hurricanes Cicely Rubottom News Editor @cicelypixely
As the concrete jungle on the southern border of America became submerged in flood waters last month, the nation stopped and stared. Numerous charitable efforts have reeled in help from far and wide to rebuild America’s fourth largest city and bandage the broken lives of thousands of victims. The aftermath of Harvey leaves countless areas of Houston in need of restoration even weeks after the storm hit. Attention and relief efforts are now also directed toward the victims of Hurricane Irma as it develops and sweeps areas on and surrounding the East Coast, Cuba and Caribbeans.
With the metropolis currently in damage-control mode, surrounding U.S. regions that rely heavily on Houston’s oil and gas industry are also guaranteed to suffer a ripple of after effects. According to GasBuddy, gas prices rose to a national average of $2.66 on Sept. 5 - the highest they’ve been in two years. According to the Associated Press, one Shell station in downtown-Dallas had ratcheted up its gas prices to a high of $3.97. However, energy experts such as Bruce Bullock don’t anticipate that Hurricane Irma will affect gas prices any further. Harvey also took a toll on car sales and increased jobless claims. With nearly half a million cars tainted with water damage, car sales are expected to be affected negatively in the coming months. Also due to water damage in
in Arkansas and was the last Confederate general to surrender to the Union, a full 75 days after Lee’s final stand at Appomattox Court House. In an interview with the Tahlequah Daily Press, Ty Wilson, Vice President of the Cherokees for Black Indian History Preservation, responded to the conversation surrounding the memorials to Watie and other Confederates. “It may not be something that we agree with, but it is something we need to know,” Wilson said. “We try to let people know about Cherokee history. We push Cherokee history because it is American history. Cherokee or not, we are all connected and a part of that history.” Wilson also admitted the memorials are polarizing even for Cherokees. “Stand Watie is controversial among the Cherokees,” he said. “Some may be happy with it and some not. Somebody wanted that statue there at one point in time. We always label each other, but in [Tahlequah] we are all mixed together and we need to deal with it.”
cars, homes, and roads, many people could not work and lost weeks of pay in the process. Along with oil and gas, Houston is a huge holder of Superfund sites. In the Houston metro-area alone, there are more than a dozen sites, filled with toxic waste that has accumulated over several decades. The sites are still considered to be one of America’s most intensely contaminated places by the Environmental Protection Agency. With 13 out of 41 Superfund sites densely flooded by the hurricane, many residents were concerned with the potential threat this could have on their community, human health and wildlife. The EPA has been absent from the scene, but announced that they will inspect the sites as soon as flooding recedes.
Even 500 miles away, this issue hits close to home for many ORU students and Tulsa residents. On Sept. 7, ORU Student Counseling Services hosted a meeting for students affected by Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane Irma. “I wish people understood how real it is,” said one of the students. “It’s a huge thing that’s happening to such a personal part of my life. It’s where I’ve always lived and now it’s altered and I’ve been away from it the whole time.” With 436,000 households having already applied for FEMA aid and Hurricane Irma in the works, the Senate has approved more than $15 billion in a disaster aid deal. As a result, the debt ceiling was also raised to side-step another government shutdown.
Photo by Dan Rubottom
September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 5
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
The decision behind Susie North Natalie Wilkinson Staff Writer @nwilk17
Students began arriving on ORU’s campus in early August to start the new school year. They noticed quite a few changes that occurred over the summer. One notable change was the conversion of Wesley, a male dorm, to Susie North, a women’s residence hall reserved specifically for freshmen. The result of this transition meant relocating an entire dorm of male students into the two remaining men’s dorms. Wesley Luehring Hall, which stood as a men’s dorm for over 30 years, exchanged its name for “Susie North” and redesignated its space to house only women. In a recent meeting with student leadership, Oral Roberts University President William M. Wilson called it a “business decision.” Dr. Nancy Brainard, Vice President of Enrollment Management, similarly recalled that the decision was made in order to accommodate the female students who had deposited money but were unable to select a room. She also stated that the three departments involved in this decision were Enrollment Management, Student Life and Operations. These three departments met several times to brainstorm possible solutions before deciding on a one-year solution that provided both additional female space and an opportunity to have more freshman floors. When asked if this would be a permanent decision, Brainard responded that a re-evaluation process would occur before the start of fall 2018. The deci-
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sion to convert Wesley into an all-women’s dorm was made in order to dissolve the immediate crisis of fall 2017 enrollment, but will not necessarily continue into following years. This might come as a relief for some students, especially the ex-Wesley residents. Stephen Ottaviano, who was asked to relocate from the second floor of Wesley to Michael, another men’s dorm, noted that the culture of the dorm is completely different because of the recent change. The fishbowl, a co-ed hangout spot that formerly connected both of the men’s dorms to both of the women’s dorms, is no longer a passing-point for Michael residents. Over the summer, a new entrance was built for Michael residents. “There aren’t as many people in the fishbowl, which was such a great gathering spot last year. I met a lot of people in the fishbowl lobby that have become my best friends,” said Ottaviano. “Also, the separation of the entrances makes the atmosphere more separated and secluded.” Ottaviano echoes the feelings of many male students throughout campus. “I miss the feeling and community of Wesley,” he said. For Lauren Kliewer, freshman resident of Susie North, this decision changed her life in a positive way. “My experience has been fantastic,” said Kliewer. “I love being on an all-freshman floor because everyone is so relatable and outgoing. I’ve met so many friends here.” Despite varying reactions, the decision seems to have served its purpose. Every student who applied
for a room has now been placed. Brainard also denied the rumor that male students are currently being housed in a local hotel. “As male spaces began to fill up, we noticed the potential for a similar problem,” said Brainard. “So we made a contingency plan with a local hotel to have space available should we need to house male students there for the first week of school while things shook out, but we did not actually use that.” With the potential for dorms to overcrowd, Brainard assured that no changes would be made to ORU’s generous acceptance rate. “Right now, ORU is committed to finding housing solutions for our students while growing the enrollment of the university,” said Brainard. “So we do not have plans to change the number of admissible students. We still want to welcome students to ORU if they are qualified and want to solve the housing problem a different way.” When questioned about the possibility of opening a new set of dorms, however, Brainard said the option is being discussed but has not yet been confirmed. “There is a lot of interest on the part of the alumni and current students about exploring building a new dorm, and that’s something that is presently on the table being considered. But plans have not been finalized for a new dorm yet,” said Brainard. However, she indicated that a decision will be made soon. So apparently, the Wesley to Susie North transition is the first of many changes yet to come at Oral Roberts University.
Bowlers are a special breed Photo by Alicia Crum
ORU Bowling Coach Christina Holcomb is United States Bowling Congress (USBC) silver level certified.
Kayley Forshey Lifestyle Editor @mybestfriendjo
Surviving a plane crash and owning a restaurant make bowling a 300 seem easy, but for ORU Bowling Coach Christina Holcomb, all three require a high level of dedication and passion. Now a silver level bowling coach, coaching for ORU and privately coaching, Holcomb is someone who doesn’t shy away from life’s challenges.
Her sense of adventure led her to one of the world’s top culinary institutes, and then to opening her own restaurant, gaining her pilot’s license and owning her own plane, and becoming a nationally ranked bowling coach. Holcomb has had no shortage of exciting experiences, and she has faced each one head on. A powerful example of this is when a mechanical problem caused Holcomb’s plane to lose power at 10,000 feet. She and her husband crash landed. “By all rights, my husband and I
ORU Theatre performs “Our Town”
A Thornton Wilder production set in a small town called Grover’s Corners, the play follows the everyday lives of its citizens over a 12-year span. Wilder’s metatheatrical style is evident in the production, incorporating audience participation and taking place on a predominantly bare stage. Show times are as follows: Sept. 21 through 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are 10 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for students.
should have died in that plane crash,” Holcomb explained. “The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) said ‘if you didn’t fly that airplane all the way to the ground, you both would have died.’ There wasn’t a scratch on my husband, not a scratch on him.” Holcomb herself walked away with only minor injuries, and the crash only served as a reminder of another adventure for her. “I honestly believe that God spared my life,” Holcomb said. “He wanted me to come to Tulsa and work with these special needs kids. It’s the best part of my day.” Holcomb coaches 14 special needs students and gives over 100 private lessons a month. She started working for the ORU Athletic Department 16 years ago when she noticed room for improvement in the bowling class. “There was a guy here who did the program when I first got here,” Holcomb said. “He was just having them come out and bowl. It wasn’t a serious class at all, even though they were getting credit. So I put together a syllabus and spoke with the owner here and they decided to make the change.” The class meets at Andy B’s once a week, and students get free bowling passes every class period. Holcomb
Paintball with ORU Gaming
Looking for some messy fun? Join ORU’s Gaming Society as they head to Paintball Adventure Games Inc. this Saturday, Sept. 16, for an afternoon full of paint-splattered fun. If you need a ride, meet in front of security at 1 p.m. Cost to participate is 25 dollars, which includes gear and 500 rounds of paint per person.
seeks to merge fun and real technique learning in her class. “I like to have fun with the students. But still, I want you to learn,” Holcomb said. “And when you guys are done, you’re gonna be able to take four steps, swing your arm, and run the ball down the lane, and you’re gonna knock down pins, and that’s what I care about.” For Holcomb, bowling holds a special place in her heart. Of all the adventures she continues to have, she finds a specific kind of fulfillment in coaching bowling. “Bowlers are a special breed. It’s kind of interesting, because it’s kind of like I’m a doctor and they’re coming to me to get healed,” she said. “Well, you know what, I think what I really like about working with the kids is the fact that I am giving them a lifetime skill. And it’s something they’re gonna take with them when they’re grown.” Holcomb is a living example of taking advantage of everything life throws at you, seeing challenges as new experiences. “If you ever say ‘what if,’ just go do it,” Holcomb challenged. “I just lived my life to that and it’s led me down many courses. I love it, everything I do; it’s like if I didn’t do it, I’d be sorry.”
Yoga with Jesus
Breathe in, stretch out and worship twice a week, every week for free at Salt Yoga in Tulsa. The organization is locally owned and named after Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth.” According to their website, the free yoga experience, called “Holy Yoga,” is focused on Christ and taking the mind, body and breath closer to the Creator. The Salt Studio South is located on Yale and 91st and hosts free Holy Yoga on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 7
Finding unity in diverse denominations Kayley Forshey and Tori Taylor Lifestyle Editor, Staff Writer @mybestfriendjo @victoriafaith97
Christianity may be subdivided by many denominations, but despite these “divisions,” unity can be found in mutual love for Jesus Christ. Christians are all here, mixing together, in order to learn from one another and grow in faith. Oral Roberts University is not affiliated with a particular denomination but claims Pentecostal Charismatic theology, resulting in an extensive range of more than 35 denominations represented in the ORU community.
The largest slice of students have a nondenominational affiliation, which comprises 33 percent of the student body. Following this group in size is the Assemblies of God denomination, making up 10 percent of students. There are many aspects of ORU’s Pentecostal origins that make the university unique, but perhaps the most distinct is its emphasis on speaking in tongues. Dr. Vinson Synan, current scholar-in-residence and one of the world’s leading historians on Pentecostalism, said that prayer language is an important part of the school’s classical Pentecostal roots. Synan has also been a long time friend and advisor to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which is a movement merging Catholic theology with Charismatic practices. He has seen first hand the unity that can be found in the diversity of Christian denominations. “He [Oral Roberts] wanted to serve the whole body of Christ, and this school expanded his vision far beyond the classical Pentecostal movements,” Synan explained.
ORU’s diversity of denominations allows for a wider spread of influence and welcomes those from various backgrounds to create a holistic understanding of the Body of Christ. Morandon Henry, a senior Government major, is a member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), which is a church in the Pentecostal Holiness tradition as well. He belongs to this denomination because of his family roots in the church. “We believe in the Bible in its entirety. We talk about the Holy Ghost and why it’s important in our lives,” Henry said. “We’re the church, we go outside the four walls to do outreach.” COGIC is in 83 nations across the world and its missions outreach extends globally, sharing ORU’s mission to send students “to the uttermost bounds of the earth.” “Each denomination has something special about it. Each one has something that another one doesn’t have,” Henry stated. In service to the whole body of Christ, denominations should unify rather than divide as each brings a different way of serving Christ the Savior.
Reverb Tulsa Jon Bellion (Dizzy Wright) Two Door Cinema Club Lany
The New York-based singer-songwriter will be in Tulsa headlining the tour for his debut album from 2016, “The Human Condition Tour,” at Cain’s Ballroom on Monday, Sept. 18. The Irish indie rock band returns to Tulsa on Monday, Sept. 25.
Tulsa’s hometown band is returning for their self-titled tour on Friday, Sept. 29.
Explosions in the Sky Lecrae
Friday, Oct. 6
After releasing his new album this month, the Christian hip-hop artist and rapper will perform at the Cain’s Ballroom on Sunday, Oct. 8.
The Head and the Heart Judah and the Lion Bleachers
Back from a two-year hiatus, the indie-folk band headlines their “Signs of Light Tour” on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The genre-bending band is returning to Tulsa on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The band returns to Tulsa for part two of their “Gone Now Tour” on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The Wright Brothers John Mark McMillan Janet Jackson
Friday, Sept. 15 John Mark McMillan brings his potent lyrics and unique style to Tulsa for “The Mercury and Lightning Tour” on Thursday, Oct. 26.
After rescheduling tour dates through the end of 2016, the world-renowned pop sensation will be at the BOK Center for her “State of the World Tour” on Sept. 17.
Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Kane Brown, Dee Jay Silver The Weeknd Guns N Roses Foo Fighters
Thursday, Oct. 12th
The Grammy Award-winning music artist will be in Tulsa for his “Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour” on Oct. 21. Tuesday, Nov. 14 After the release of their newest album, “Concrete and Gold,” the Foo Fighters are performing in Tulsa at the BOK Center on Nov. 15.
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September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 9
Explore Local
Photos by Jeremy Luczak, Alicia Crum, Anabelle Torres, Andrew Hartzler, Josh Crow, and Tamika Wiley Graphic by Tabitha Levi
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Kayley Forshey and MacKenzie Trotter Lifestyle Editor, Staff Writer @mybestfriendjo @makenzietrotter
Need a home church or a cool spot to study? Looking for something fun to do over the weekend? Feel like a real Tulsa native by visiting all these great local shops.
Churches: • Looking for a church to get involved with? Check out Victory Christian Center. It’s conveniently located right across the street from ORU. Service times include: Sunday 8:30, 9 and 11 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m. and Wednesday 7 p.m. There are many ways to get involved like, Victory Young Adults, cell groups, outreaches, volunteering and more. Victory’s new campus in downtown Tulsa hosted their first service Monday, Sept. 11. • Life church is another great church that offers many locations in and around the Tulsa area. Not only are there six different locations in and around the Tulsa area, but there is a variety of service times as well, including: Saturday: 4 and 5 p.m., Sunday: 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1, 5 and 6:30 p.m. At most locations there is also a Wednesday night service at 6:30 p.m. Life Church has many different ways to get connected, for example: LifeGroups, LifeMissions and working for the church. • Looking for a church with a younger environment and a community-based mission, then City Church might be a great fit. Sunday services meet at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m., and there are many ways to get involved, like attending a Dinner With the Staff, which is an opportunity to hear first hand the mission and vision of the church, or sign up for City Groups and Serve Teams. • Church on the Move, complete with three locations around Tulsa, is another great opportunity to get involved with a body of Christ. Their main campus, called the Central Campus, meets on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and on Saturdays at 6 p.m. They offer small groups, service groups, and opportunities for outreach.
Coffee Shops: • Love gelato? Or fresh crepes? Well Mods, located in the Deco District of downtown Tulsa, has both and coffee to go with it. The shop is located in the old and beautiful Philcade Building, and is surrounded by various shops, restaurants, and other old buildings, like the Philtower, all worth exploring with a cup of gelato. Mods is open until 2 p.m. on Mondays
and until 10 p.m. during the rest of the week. • With long tables and lots of seating, Foolish Things Coffee Company is a neat environment for studying. And don’t forget to bring a student ID for 10 percent off of any purchase. • Coffee House on Cherry Street, also known as CHOCS, is a great place for breakfast, brunch and dessert. And some of their specialty drinks are named after animals, like the Honey Badger and the Grizzly Bear. They may seem small, but there is no shortage in seating, outside and inside, so take advantage of the colorful lawn chairs and fluffy couches to hang out with friends or finish a paper. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. • Shades of Brown, located on the edge of Peoria, doesn’t just sell great coffee, but also local art. Their chill atmosphere is great for small study groups or quiet reading. They are open most days until 11 p.m, and Friday and Saturday until 12 a.m. • Topeca Coffee Roasters, often considered the mother of all coffee shops in Tulsa, outsource their coffee beans to many other coffee shops in Tulsa. The shop itself is very open, with massive windows and a Gatsby-esque feel. On weekdays, they are open until 7 p.m., on Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m., and Sundays until 4 p.m. • Cirque, a locally owned, experimental coffee shop, is known for their original signature drinks. They’re located on 6th street and Peoria and are open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Great Food: • For some yummy but moderately priced sushi, head over to Yokozuna’s happy hour, everyday from 2 to 5 p.m. Their happy hour includes half-priced appetizers and about eight different sushi rolls. • Craving some Mexican food? El Guapo’s has an amazing deal of one dollar tacos every Tuesday night. There are two locations in Tulsa, one off of 81st and Harvard and another in the Blue Dome District downtown, complete with rooftop seating overlooking the gorgeous Tulsa skyline. • For burger lovers out there, McNellie’s serves burgers for only four dollars on Wednesday nights. With an old Irish vibe, McNellie’s is perfect for a post-midterm celebration over burgers and fries. • For those who love breakfast food for any meal, Dilly Diner is the perfect place. The diner has an old fashioned feel and serves breakfast all day. They even stay open until 1 a.m. on the weekends, for when waffles and coffee are needed to finish a last minute paper.
• Hurts Donuts is one of Tulsa’s newest additions, located right next to Yokozuna in downtown. Their website proudly proclaims to be open “25 hours a day, 8 days a week,” so stop by anytime for a wacky donut or twelve. • The Rusty Crane is one of Tulsa’s more trendy restaurants and is great for larger groups of people. Though it’s more on the pricey side, they have halfpriced appetizers on Mondays through Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. On weekdays, they close at 11 p.m. and on weekends at 12 a.m.
Cool Places to Check Out: • Guthrie Green is an ideal place to visit for some free activities to enjoy or just a free place to hang out. It’s an urban park in the middle of downtown Tulsa offering Zumba classes on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and live local music at 6:30 p.m. Yoga is held on Mondays on the green at 5:30 p.m. and fitness on the green at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there is a boot camp fitness class at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays there are food trucks starting at 11:30 a.m. and yoga at 5:30 p.m. There is also a movie in the park at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. • For some fun activities on the weekends, ONEOK Field is where Tulsa’s professional soccer team, the Roughnecks, play. Their next upcoming game is on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. and tickets range from about 10 to 40 dollars. ONEOK is also the home of Tulsa’s minor league baseball team, the Tulsa Drillers, and tickets for this are about 13 dollars. Not only are there fun sports games to watch on most Friday nights, they end the game with a booming firework display. • The Philbrook Museum is one of Tulsa’s coolest places to visit, and the best part? It’s free for ORU students who flash a student ID. Their location on South Rockford Road, just a block east of Peoria, not only showcases a plethora of fantastic art, but also a massive garden, complete with a few garden cats. There is a new downtown location as well, in the Brady Arts District on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Both locations are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Didn’t see your favorite spot on our list? Tweet us what we missed @ORUoracle
September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 11
81 st & Lewis
. 918-935-2731
www.thevintagepearl.com 12 • Oracle • September 15, 2017
International contest leads to Olympic dream Haley Gibson Managing Editor @Gibson_hay
Photo Brandi Whitney
Over 30,000 individuals from all over the world were in attendance at the Universiade Summer Tournament 2017 opening ceremony this Augusr in Taipei, Taiwan. Barnabas Koncz, however, sacrificed being present at the opening ceremony for school preparation, as he was getting his work together for the start of the fall semester. The next day, he took off for the other side of the world. Koncz traveled to represent both his home nation Hungary and his university. The tournament is comprised as a “College Olympics” and is hosted every two years. “The athletes have their own village, and every event is full of people. It is all in a high level; even though they are in college,” said Koncz. “I couldn’t be more proud of Barni, he is truly a blessing to ORU and our tennis program,” said Head Coach
Mike Milner. Koncz was recruited as a freshman from Hungary to play tennis at ORU. In his youth he was ranked 15 in Europe leagues under 16. He has spent the past two years being first player in singles for ORU. “Then the Hungarian Tennis Association called me, and told me that they still remembered me and that they wanted me to go.” Koncz participated in men’s singles tennis, and men’s doubles tennis alongside a partner, another Hungarian who plays currently for Purdue University in Indiana. In the second round of singles, Koncz went up against an internationally ranked player. “I lost,” said Koncz. “But unfortunately, I didn’t feel that he was better than me. The problem was the environment was really hot and very humid. I have never felt that bad on the court before.” The Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire, is International Olympic Committee recognized in col-
laboration with the Olympics. “I would like to try to be a professional tennis player for Hungary,” said Koncz. When asked about the prospects of the Olympics being a possible future outlook Koncz responded, “For sure.” Due to an illness contracted in the final days of competition, Koncz did not finish the singles tournament. “We earned a rank of the best 16, out of 128 players,” said Koncz. Moving forward Koncz feels ready for the two remaining years he has at ORU. In October, the Golden Eagles prepare for the All-American Tournament, hosted here in Tulsa. After the tournament, they will travel to Stillwater for Regionals as the month ends. “I am ready for the new ORU courts,” said Koncz. “After that I want to graduate, and travel around the world playing tennis.”
“I would like to be a professional tennis player for Hungary”
Barni Koncz is a junior finance major at ORU September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 13
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Women’s soccer mid-season Haley Gibson and Luis Cruz Managing Editor, Staff Writer @Gibson_Hay @Luisec21
Mid-afternoon on Sunday, Sept. 10, the ORU women’s soccer team hosted the Central Arkansas Bears and fell short, losing 3-2 in the final minutes of the match. The Bears scored an early first half strike, taking the advantage until Golden Eagle senior forward Amanda Dial leveled the match with her equalizer in the 25 minute. “It was intense for sure. The freshmen, if anything, they are raising the upper classmen’s speed of play,” said Dial. “We just need progress and to move forward for the rest of the season.” Moments before halftime, Central Arkansas took another lead off of a corner kick and past the hands of goalie Ryliegh Bohnenstiehl. Saving nine goals against Central Arkansas, Bohnenstiehl played 90 minutes of the match. “We just have to get more decided, whether it is a good idea or not,” said head coach Roger Bush. “The kids that are in the attacking part of the game, they got to decide, and they have got to try something. We can’t be afraid to fail.” Throughout the night, the Golden Eagles would show intensity, constantly pressuring the Bears both offensively and defensively.
It was freshman Amogelang Motau, with an assist from Brianna McGowen, who showed the Golden Eagles persistence by scoring another equalizer in the 77 minute. Moments later however, the Bears took off with a winning goal from another corner kick. “We do some things that lead us to losing situations, but I’m confident in the level of play and energy that the team is bringing. We just need to execute,” said Bush. The Golden Eagles went on the road to face Missouri State on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Looking to come away with a visiting victory, the result of the match was 0-2 in favor of the Bears at full time. With a current record of 2-6-0, the women move on to finish the month of Sept. with a game on the road against the University of Arkansas, alongside two up-coming home games against UTRGV and their first conference game against Western Illinois, in the Summit League. Before that, the team will participate in the Spectrum Cup against hometown rivals the University of Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 15. Kick off for the annual match is set for 7 p.m. here at Case Soccer Complex.
Photo by ORU Athletics
New Men’s Basketball Coach sends Houston relief After the devastation from Harvey, Houston native and head men’s basketball coach, Paul Mills, took action with his resources here in Tulsa. According to NewsOn6, Mills spent over seven years coaching high school and college ball in the Houston area. His response to the needs communicated was expressed on social media through 100 shirts and “lots of prayers,” as the team tweeted out on Aug. 29 after the hurricane hit. Other teams in the state of Oklahoma, such as TU and OSU, are also contributing to relief efforts. Courtesy Photo
Women’s golf makes school history
Sophomore defender Brooklyn Eardely sets up for a free kick. Women’s Soccer has been shooting 14.3 shots per game, with a .096 percentage. Photo by Jeremy Luczak
During the Hobble Creek Fall Classic, on Monday, Sept. 11, ORU golfer Rebecca Hnidka created a new school record for the lowest 54-hole score at 212. The women’s golf team collectively ended the tournament in second place, and shot a mark of 869, nearing the previous team record of 872 from 2015. The team set a record with their 36-hole score of 574, along with their 285 shot in the first round being the best 18-hole score in school history. Hnidka shot her best rounds, 69-77, since being a part of the Golden Eagle team at the Fall Classic this week.
September 15, 2017 • Oracle • 15
Search for the why
Melody Allee
Mission & Outreach Media Assistant The Missions and Outreach office at ORU strives to serve the kingdom of God both across the world and in our own community. Outreach is a weekly commitment to serving the
hurting, broken and lost in our own city. The office serves to create opportunity for students to participate in the community, and to dig deeper into the bigger purpose in serving. “I arrived at ORU my freshman year yearning for an identity and place in the Kingdom of God,” said Cody Friedrich, an outreach coordinator. Friedrich, now a senior, has been involved in outreach for the past four years. During those four years, he has seen the power in serving those in need. “I was able to help homeless men and women, as well as orphans and young children, learn about the love of Jesus. God allowed me to be someone that could show others the permanent place in Heaven reserved for all of us, if we choose to accept it, thanks to the sacrifice and price Jesus paid,” said Friedrich.“I was able to grasp the concept of no longer needing to strive to earn my own salvation or prove to God that I deserved a place in His Kingdom. God revealed to me that He loves me unconditionally. All
The Paris project
Paige McQueen Staff Writer @paigemcq23
As you’re picking up this paper after chapel, the sun is beginning to set in Paris, France. The metro rattles by right outside my window, and the smell of fresh baguette signifies suppertime. It’s more beautiful here than I ever could have imagined, just as learning French is more challenging than I dreamed it would be. I’m in Paris for the maiden voyage
16 • Oracle • September 15, 2017
of ORU’s new study abroad program. With a goal in mind to integrate into the French culture and, of course, learn French. “The overarching distinction of this new [study abroad] program is that we are infusing ORU’s DNA into studying abroad,” Dr. Kevin Schneider, executive director of the newly founded office of Global Services, said during an interview. “Before this program, you might go overseas and have an amazing cultural experience, yet not feel like you are any way tied to ORU. This is different. We want you to have the experience and a dynamic spiritual environment.” Every detail of this seemingly massive undertaking has been laid out, every stone turned over by Dr. Schneider, the provost and many others to ensure our safety. ORU has partnered with Martin
I have to do is believe in Him.” As an outreach coordinator, Friedrich is giving even more of his time to outreach, working behind the scenes to make new opportunities possible for the entire student body to reach the city. “It’s my hope that other students would come to understand the incredible opportunity presented to them through ORU’s Outreach program. Often, God will speak to us and reveal things to us when we serve, and without [this] opportunity I wouldn’t be the same man I am today.” Outreach is just getting started this fall for Friedrich, the office and the serve teams, to receive more information on ORU’s Missions and Outreach programs, join us for Missions Chapel on Sept. 20. “My ‘why’ for this year [would be] to help the student body of ORU see and understand both the need for outreach and Jesus in our city,” Friedrich said. “As well as understand our ability and responsibility as the Body of Christ to fill this need.”
Luther King Church, located right outside of Paris, to immerse students in the life of a normal French citizen. We’re taking ORU online classes, as well as attending a local language school. MLK is housing seven ORU girls in flats that are connected to the church, where we have the opportunity to serve and get involved with a thriving French Christian community—and oh, what a community it is. The church is a home. People are there everyday, praying, fellowshipping and drinking gallons of coffee. This experience is distinct from other study abroad programs due to the community, service and missional outlook on everyday life. Rather than being solo overseas, our support system is extensive—the Paris Project, as I have unofficially dubbed it, has someone on call 24/7 in the United
States, as well as pastors and several contacts in Paris. Before I left America, I dropped in on a conference call with Team Paris. They encouraged us and gave us tips on traveling, serving, and a variety of other things. They prayed for us and promised they would be there if anything went wrong. They didn’t promise everything would go right, but they did pledge to do their best for us. ORU has created a program that enables students who feel called overseas to be able to combine study and calling. Without anything to gain for themselves, they invested hundreds of hours into the dreams of seven girls. I’ve seen the Father’s heart like never before, and for that, I am overjoyed. Until next time, bon voyage!
Love in the midst of tension
Rejoice Christisking Staff Writer @rejoiceck3
“God is the color of water.” That’s what James McBride’s Polish Orthodox Jewish mother told him when he was a child. He had questions. Questions that many of us have today. What does God say about the chaos going on in our world? What does He want us to do about it? Put yourself in Ilia Calderon’s shoes. A respected, hardworking African-Latina reporter at the height of her career with Univision, travels to North Carolina and, in an interview, is insulted for the color of her skin—in 2017, not 1963. Love can be an abstract, overstated word. We hear it in every sermon, in every religious meeting and definitely in every single chapel service, but do we know what it means? Or what it looks like? “In Tulsa earlier this year, love was demonstrated by St. Xavier’s Catholic Church, when they had the Mexican consulate come two weekends in a row to help register Mexican Americans and help them get their papers and get their children, who were already citizens, papers and passports and stuff like that. That sounds like Jesus’ work to me,” said Dr. Sherri Tapp, a full professor in ORU’s Graduate Program and an alumni of Tuskegee University. “Love thy neighbor as thyself ” couldn’t ring louder today than it did over 2000 years ago. That means brushing the blunt pain of insult off your shoulders when someone mistreats you, even in gesture, because
of the high dosage of melanin in your epidermal cells. While we’re called to brush off the pain, we are not called by God to condone it or ignore it, but to forgive it. “The Enemy doesn’t want us to stand up as one, whether that’s in the context of marriage, the church or ORU. The reality of the situation is that, if we know who we are in Christ and that this is a spiritual battle, we understand the word of God concerning us. We ought to be a light that cannot be hidden. We are the salt of the earth, and that’s a mighty call,” said Dean Boyd, Vice President of Student Life. “At ORU, we are a living example of what Heaven looks like [in the number of students from different countries], so we must learn to love one another. We must learn to respect one another, then we have the opportunity to educate each other about who we are, and that we are one heart and we serve one God.” We may not be able to join a peaceful, nonviolent protest, or create a flag, but we can write, we can sing and we can join community clubs for awareness and personal education, and of course, we can pray. After all, racial division and interpersonal hatred are signs of spiritual warfare and darkness in the hearts of men. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12, “For we are not fight-
ing against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Darkness can be split into two categories: darkness due to ignorance, and darkness due to the lack of light—the light of Christ. We are called to attend to both. “If I don’t speak up, really for all people, because we are supposed to be our brother’s keeper, and the Bible doesn’t say to only be your Christian brother’s keeper. It says to look out for everybody. If you don’t stand up against what’s evil, then you are helping...you are complicit,” said Tapp.
“Love thy neighbor as thyself”
September September15, 15,2017 2017• •Oracle Oracle• •17 #
Moment by moment intentionality
Raegan Dougharty Editor-in-Chief @r_doughartyr
It is a habit of mine to long for the days to pass. It is very possible that in my task-oriented way of getting through the week, I miss a million chances to partake in simple, glorious moments. It did not take much of my wishing away the weeks before senior year was here. I am a planner, and I worry until every little duck in my row is in place. However, life really isn’t
about ducks being in a row. I think God is less worried about our ducks than he is about seeing us look outside of ourselves to help someone who needs it. The allure of great exploits drives every move made by avid young people, and that constant prodding to go out and find greatness sometimes obscures the beauty in the mundane and the value in humility. I recently felt burdened when I saw a man outside of the grocery store with a cardboard sign, which simply read, “homeless, hungry.” I gave him part of my Sonic meal and a cup of lemonade, only to be completely shaken by the smile of appreciation on his face. I realized that the boundary set by my façade of having it “all together” robs me of being really kind to people. It’s not that I had never seen a person in need of something before. After all, I spent a month in a third world nation this summer. The high I got from that smile of appreciation was a feeling I want everyday. Don’t ever overlook the significance in kindness. Don’t forget to pay attention to the little things, or you might miss something glorious. A phone call from my mother in Texas always makes my heart smile, and has become an indispensable ingredient in my week. Perhaps we should take a look at
the trivialized, key elements in our lives that always seem to be drowned out consistently by the noise of daily drudgery. Even when peeking over the mountaintop, find joy in the little things. Shoot high, but don’t worship success. Excel, but do so with humility. Decide to be humble, to look more closely at the situations surrounding you. Aim to spend your attention on more than just the glamorous things. Choose to wake up every morning and decide to live today with eyes truly open, with sincerity and willingness to actually be alive in each chemistry lab, hall meeting and chapel service. Realize daily that today will never come again. For this next year of my life, this senior year, I choose to stop wishing away the time, because each season is unique. Each season has challenges and triumphs, but each season is still its own. With an open mind, learn all that can be learned. Be productive. Be sincere and smile. Listen with intent. Brokenness is everywhere, and it needs your touch. Remember to live today, and leave tomorrow until then.
Hello, it’s your childhood calling
Haley Gibson Managing Editor @Gibson_hay Pablo Picasso once said every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Where, then, is the disconnect between the mind of a twenty-something college student and the mind of a child who is willing to go to a place of unlimited imagination. I’ve learned that life never stops changing. Each year brings with it
18 • Oracle • September 15, 2017
textbooks of transitions that redefine my idea of normal. Starting in the realm of right-out-of-high-school higher education, it’s easy to believe that crazy life-change only happens between years 18 and 20, but as far as anyone is concerned, adaptability is something that never ceases to confront us. In response to a life that will always be in transition, one must continue to be ever-present in the inner dreaming of a child. I dislike the word “child”, because it makes me feel small. Nevertheless, big things come out of big dreams. Every person has felt a fire in them that consumes the fabric of possible and screams for them to move into a state of believing they can do something monumental. In this season, it’s crucial to believe in the capability. Feed the innovative child-likeness and jump off the side of
a cliff to see what God will do. Pay attention to the beauty found in daily life, in the sacred and the secular. Sit down and have a long phone conversation about something unimportant; breathe deep in painting-like scenery; go do something outside of the border of comfortable. Discover things. Be known by people. Be greatly creative. There is a balance formed by taking in the beauty of the small moments and the enormity of large dreams. Together, they create wonder. Is it impossible to believe there are things in this world each person was made for that will break eternal boundaries? As for journalism, writing and my concept of what life after college will look like— these moments writing here are mine. A few months back, I was working on a piece related to a historic music museum collection for a news maga-
zine, and they held a packed-out press conference for the general public. Amid the frenzy, I snuck out to see the rest of the gallery and ran right into a media relations representative for the organization. After introducing myself, I spoke with him for a bit and got information for my piece. As I exited the elevator we were sharing, he remarked that he himself used to be an aspiring journalist. “Keep being a journalist, keep doing what you are doing,” he told me, as the elevator doors closed. “The world needs reporters like you.” The affirmation from that moment is what I also want to say to the minds and eyes that have made it this far down the page and even this far in the paper. Keep doing what you’re doing; the world needs it.
Corrections The Oracle strives for accuracy and integrity in all content. if you find a mistake, let us know (918) 495 -7080 Letters to the Editor Have a thought or story idea you’d like to share? Send us an email at oraclechief@oru.edu Applications Want to work for the Oracle? Stop by LR 175 and fill out an application. Positions include photography, graphic design, multimedia and reporting
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