Valentine's Day | February 12, 2016 Print Edition

The 16th Street Crew A ‘90s sitcom comes to life in the lives of these university alumni PAGE 9

Funds Run Dry for Dry Gulch Church On the Move prepares to sell PAGE 5

Native American Advocate Basketball player inspires her people PAGES 10-11

To Kill A Mockingbird Students take PAC stage in a modern classic PAGE 17

Oral Roberts University · Feb. 12, 2016 · Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 10 · www.oruoracle.com · @oruoracle @oruoraclesports

Address 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74171 Web www.oruoracle.com Phone (918) 495-7080 Email oracle@oru.edu 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.

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FEATURES Disney’s modern Shanghai resort Page 8

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Reporters Rejoice Nwadiuko Staff Writer Emerald Dean Staff Writer Christen Latini Staff Writer Jordan Jones Staff Writer Grant Holcomb Staff Writer

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FEATURES

Twin’s legacy to last a lifetime Page 7

MUSE OP-ED: The weight of a purity ring Page 18

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Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @ORUOracleSports 2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

2/29/16

SCENE

Coffee shops study stops Page 15

News Engineering dept.

Codex advances to the final stage of the SpaceX Hyperloop competition in Hawthorne, California. transportation system consisting of a A few things set Codex above the CHRISTEN LATINI Staff Writer pod moving at the speed of sound (767 other teams in the pod design category. @jellybnspeaking mph) through a vacuum-sealed tube.

The levitation engines Braun created A team of engineering students, It could traverse from Los Angeles for the pod are stronger and more called Codex, competed in the SpaceX to San Francisco in 35 minutes—less cost-effective than similar products Hyperloop competition last weekend, than half the time it takes by plane. currently available. and earned the opportunity to compete The pod would levitate by motors using “Another unique aspect of our in the finals in Hawthorne, California magnetism to reduce friction and other design was our awareness of the future this July. impeding variables. application,” said Luke Waite of Codex.

Codex member AJ Troche said it’s The original proposal, drafted by The design includes adaptations for “the largest event in transportation Elon Musk, was budgeted at more than scalability, ensuring the prototype will history.” $60,000, but Codex’s pod will cost be effective in testable and full size Seventy-five teams from around the $35,000, nearly half the original cost. models. world competed in three categories at The team has four months to build Codex’s aerodynamic airfoil pod Texas A&M University. Twenty-two a working model and is already condesign will streamline the prototype. teams were selected for the final level of necting with local companies willing to The eight-member team is the competition at SpaceX headquarters. donate materials and services toward smallest team at the Texas competition, The Hyperloop is a proposed the project. but it is looking for more members.

Battle of the bands

ORU among most affordable online

Photos by Wyatt Bullard

“We have some great engineers on the school board giving us advice, but what we need most is student’s willing to join our team,” said Codex captain Brandon Braun.

Codex is looking for students with skills in business management, marketing, media and public relations—particularly fundraising.

Students interested in joining the team should explain why they are interested in the competition, what primary skill sets they can offer and in what projects or areas they have applied these skills by sending an email with an attached resume to codexhyperloop@ gmail.com.

“The One” date

BEST IN STATE ONLINE COLLEGES

ORU’s Battle of the Bands will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Mabee Center.

Six bands including the reigning champions, “The Roommates” were selected from auditions on Feb. 4.

Each band will have 15 minutes to perform a set including at least one original song and all lyrics must be approved.

The winning band will receive an award to split between the band members.

ORU was named one of the most affordable colleges among the Best Online Communications Programs by Affordable Colleges Online.

“It is very satisfying to see the ORU Online Communication program placing in the top communication schools evaluated by AC Online,” said ORU Provost Kathaleen Reid-Martinez. “This type of external review provides invaluable insight to the University’s continuous review processes.”

ORU ranked 15 out of hundreds of eligible programs. The AC Online rankings are scored on criteria including tuition rate, online bachelor’s degrees available, student-faculty ratio, six-year graduation rate and job placement services.

10 male students and 10 female students were chosen in chapel on Wednesday to participate in a group date tonight.

The students will go on an all expenses paid group date to Main Event in Tulsa Hills.

This date comes in the middle of President William M. Wilson’s “The One” chapel series. This series focuses on the second most important decision a person will make - choosing a spouse.

Two chapels were dedicated to finding a husband/wife with the characteristics God wants in a spouse. Popular scripture passages were used to give examples of godly men and women.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 3

The sprint to November picks up in New Hampshire ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

@AlyssaLaCourse The first primary Presidential elections took place Tuesday, Feb. 9 in New Hampshire. Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump won their respective parties.

These elections came one week after the Iowa caucus, the first major electoral event in the nomination process.

Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton won their respective parties as a result of the caucus.

“From day one, this campaign has been a movement, from millions of Americans across this country,” said Cruz in his victory speech, “and tonight is a testament to the people’s commitments to their yearnings to get back to our core commitment, free market principals, constitutional liberties and the Judeo-Christian values that built this great nation.”

The Iowa caucus is significant because it is the first state to show which candidates it supports and gives the candidates a reasonable look at how they will do in the following elections.

The night of the caucus, both Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum dropped out of the presidential race followed by Rand Paul the next day.

“It’s been an incredible honor to run a principled campaign for the White House,” Paul said. “Today, I will end where I began, ready and willing to fight for the cause of Liberty.”

Wednesday afternoon, both Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie suspended their campaigns after their losses in New Hampshire.

As Paul, Fiorina and Christie drop from the race, the rest of the candidates will campaign harder to gain their supporters. All of the candidates moved their campaign to New Hampshire over the past week, but as soon as the voting ended in New Hampshire they moved on to South Carolina.

Tuesday night, after winning the New Hampshire primary, both Sanders and Trump took their podiums in Manchester, New Hampshire to thank their supporters for their wins.

“Nine months ago we began our campaign here in New Hampshire. We had no campaign organization. We had no money. And we were taking on the most powerful political organization in the United States of America,” said Sanders. “We won because we harnessed the energy and the excitement that the Democratic Party will need to succeed in November.”

Trump took the stage minutes after Sanders closed his speech.

“We want to thank the people of New Hampshire,” said Trump in his New Hampshire victory speech. “We are going to make America great again and we are going to do it the old fashioned way.”

This is only the beginning of the primary elections. The sprint is on for the Republican and Democratic nominations and as each primary comes, the nation will be one step closer to the November elections.

Bernie Sanders

Donald Trump

Courtesy photos

Primary Election Dates: • Feb. 20: Nevada, Republican South Carolina • Feb. 23: Democratic Primary South Carolina • March. 1: Super Tuesday (12 states)

Uber: The next generation of transportation

REJOICE NWADIUKO Staff Writer

@rejoiceck3 Uber changed the world of transportation this past year. People all over the world can forego taxis and request a ride from a private driver using the Uber 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

mobile app.

Each ride is requested and paid for through the app. Customers and drivers each have their own account which automatically calculates the cost of the ride from the location to the desired destination.

“You only get paid in terms of your productivity, so good drivers will know what time they should be on the road and where they should be, so they will limit their down time,” said Steven Rydin, instructor of marketing and Uber driver.

When a customer requests a ride they can see the license plate, model of car, the name and picture of the driver that will pick them up. Then the driver will see the location of the customer via the map provided by the company.

“I like that you get to see the driver and see their ratings before you choose them,” said junior Madison Lewis.

After riding with Uber, riders can rate their expe-

rience and the driver. The driver can also rate the rider in similar ways.

Every driver who works with the Uber company undergoes a background check, where they are required to submit the insurance number of the car they bought and intended use for the job.

“That’s the purpose of the background checks, to give customers a sense of security that these people are not previous criminals,” Rydin said.

Once a driver is hired, he or she chooses the hours of driving and which route they will take. The Driver can opt to not pick up any customer or take in a fare within a few seconds of being notified of an Uber driver request.

“Use common sense,” Rydin said. “If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, then don’t do it. If you don’t feel safe in a certain area, then don’t go there. If you use common sense, or have a plan on how to protect yourself, then I think you’ll stay safe.”

Exploring the Issues: Tax reform

Donald Trump ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

@AlyssaLaCsourse People typically think of the money taken out of their paychecks and what they have to file each April when they hear the word “taxes.” Taxes, however unpleasant, are a large part of the American government and its political campaigns. The presidential candidates are no different than those in the past and each has a plan for raising or lowering taxes based on what they believe is best for the nation.

Ted Cruz’s plan is called the Simple Flat Tax. It is supposed to reduce the amount of taxes taken out of personal incomes. Cruz insists people will no longer be targeted based on their political beliefs or faith.

With the Simple Flat Tax, Cruz believes it will boost the economy, increase wages and create jobs.

“It’s a simple flat tax for everyone,” said Cruz in the Fox Business GOP debate. “It’ll produce enor-

Bernie Sanders

Ted Cruz

mous economic growth, and it eliminates every mandate, every subsidy, so there’s no subsidies for oil and gas, no subsidies for anyone.”

Donald Trump believes his tax plan will help the middle class keep their money. His goals include tax relief for the middle class, simplifying the tax code, growing the American economy and not adding to the deficit, according to Trump’s campaign website.

“Right now, we’re the highest taxed country in the world,” said Trump at the New Hampshire GOP debate. “Under my plan, we cut not only taxes for the middle class, but we cut taxes for corporations.”

Bernie Sanders believes the wealthy should pay their fair share in taxes. He plans on keeping corporations from sending jobs and profits overseas to avoid paying taxes, creating a progressive tax on Americans with more than $3.5 million and impose a tax on dishonest Wall Street speculators.

“So, what my first days are about is bringing

Hillary Clinton America together, to end the decline of the middle class, to tell the wealthiest people in this country that yes, they are going to start paying their fair share of taxes, and that we are going to have a government that works for all of us, not just big campaign contributors,” said Sanders at the Jan. 17 Democratic presidential debate.

Hillary Clinton plans to help working families get ahead by giving them a tax break. She wants to create jobs to help families and boost the economy.

“I’m not going to tell people that I will raise your incomes and not your taxes, and not mean it, because I don’t want to see the kind of struggle that the middle class is going through exemplified by these promises that would raise taxes and make it much more difficult for many, many Americans to get ahead and stay ahead,” said Clinton at the New Hampshire Democratic presidential debate.

Church on the Move to sell Dry Gulch, U.S.A.

Photo by Abby Friedman

Pastor Willie George announced the selling of Dry Gulch, U.S.A. during Sunday morning services.

Christmas Train, the church does not make a profit.

EMERALD DEAN Continuous renovations at Dry Gulch have been deStaff Writer manding on the church, especially because they wish @et_dean to touch the lives of the people of Tulsa through the Senior Pastor Willie George announced Church impact of COTM. On The Move’s plans to sell Dry Gulch, U.S.A. this Approximately 20 million people attended sumpast Sunday during church services. mer camps, retreats, and The Christmas Train in the “After five years of soul-searching, prayer, and last 30 years. careful deliberation with our leadership team, I have “When I think about all the time, and the energy, decided to sell our facilities at Dry Gulch, USA,” said and the attention, and the focus, and the drain that George. “This has not been an easy decision for us to this puts on our team and our budget, and I think make but we believe the timing is right.” about what it keeps us from doing, I am ready to say George said it may come as a shock to those who let’s let someone else take this, and reach kids with love their annual productions, but according to him it, and bless children, and do the same thing we were Dry Gulch has been a financial drain on COTM doing,” George said to his congregation. because, although more than 60,000 people go to

COTM will continue with its annual summer camps and the traditional Christmas Train, but this will be their last year. They promised their standards of service will remain the same. COTM and the staff hope another faith based organization will purchase the land.

“I can assure you that there will be no change in our excellent standard of service for summer camps, retreats, and The Christmas Train,” said George. “I am excited for the next chapter of ministry at Dry Gulch, USA and for the continued ministry to children and families through Church on the Move.”

Photo by Abby Friedman

Dry Gulch U.S.A. has hosted youth camps and the Christmas Train for 30 years.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 5

Features People of ORU:

IT TAKES TWO SYDNEY ILG Online Editor

@findingsydney An assortment of glass containers lines the beach in Nantucket. Small candles flicker inside, casting a yellow halo onto the sand as the sun sinks slowly into the horizon. The sky is gently turning a lavender color with stripes of vibrant pink snaking through the clouds.

Matt Price and Cassie King ride up to the dunes on bicycles. She sees the glass jars, the trail of light crawling up stone steps. The wind is blowing lightly, ruffling her soft blue dress and she approaches the candles. Beneath the first one a small slip of paper flaps in the breeze.

“What’s that?” Matt asked, pointing to the paper.

She unfolded it.

“Remember the time I ran up to you in the AC and I said your name and we first met?,” it read.

She climbs higher on the steps, grabbing another slip of paper. Another memory is typed onto it. She’s laughing and crying now, reliving the memories of her and Matt’s long relationship.

Finally, she nears the top.

“Hey, there’s one more,” Matt says.

Cassie unfolds it. “Remember that time I asked you to marry me on the beach in Nantucket?” it read.

“And I’m weeping,” Cassie said.

“Weeping is the word for it.”

“You know how I said I want to date you with the intention of marrying you?” Matt asks, down on his knee, the ring positioned in its little velvet box.

“Well, I want to marry you with the intention of being with you for the rest of my life.”

“And I’m just crying harder,” Cassie laughs. “And of course I actually have makeup on so it’s like, bleh.”

The whole beach clapped and a professional photographer, who happened 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

to be on the beach with her family, handed the couple her card.

The truly amazing part of the proposal was the amount of tiny lies that went into it, making it special.

The first was when Matt asked Cassie’s father for his blessing.

For one month he lived off of 10 dollars a week to afford a 600 dollar round-trip plane ticket from Tulsa to Chicago. Cassie was in Chicago at the time, so they had to hide it from her.

Matt told Cassie nothing of the plan.

“I flew to Chicago, had lunch with both her parents, bought them lunch, asked each of them separately [for their blessing].” He asked her dad first. “‘You’ve had my blessing from like, a year ago,’” her dad said sitting across the table. “‘Then we talked about my proposal,” he said.

His idea was to have a bunch of jars on the beach with notes chronicling their relationship underneath them.

Not his first idea, but definitely his most original.

To get the jars, Cassie’s mom sent Matt on a fake errand and distracted Cassie long enough for Matt to carefully package the jars in his backpack.

Matt had Kelsey, an old friend of the couple’s, type up the memories on an old typewriter.

The day before the proposal, during dinner, Cassie’s brother and sister planned the set up of the proposal. Before the proposal, Matt’s friend texted him every three minutes to hide the texts between Matt and her sibling’s.

Finally, when the candles were set up Matt asked if Cassie would like to see the sunset before heading home.

“She loves stuff like that, I hate stuff like that,” he says, scrunching his nose.

“They rode their bikes across the island to the beach. The sun was just beginning to set and the air was warm.

It felt like summer.

Cassie’s brother was crouched in the

tall grass, peering through trying to film the proposal with a camera.

Her sister Maddie was kneeling in the grass, her hair blowing in her face, trying to inconspicuously take photos. And suddenly, it was happening. A relationship that had worked through three years of trials and triumphs was getting its promotion. Three years of rough patches, big blowout fights that were always resolved. Three years of pursuit were ending in a final, satisfying catch. They were moving toward their dream together.

“From the very beginning I was like, ‘this is for life’ and I never even considered it not working out,” Matt said.

“When we got engaged it was nice because I thought, it’s our time now. I’ve seen so many people get engaged,” Cassie said.

“But I wanted to marry you for a long time. It’s our time now.”

Photos by Maddie King and Marion Photography

“Cassie and I are the exception, not the rule,” Matt Price says about his relationship with his fiancée. After three years together the two will wed this summer after graduation.

Twin’s legacy to last a lifetime

Courtesy photo

Photo by Nikolai Stophel

Tafara Sampunga joined his twin brother Tazkudwa at ORU in 2011. Originally from Kwekew, Zimbabwe, the brothers shared a passion for business and strived to be succesful entrepreneurs.

DAISHA FOWLER ContributingWriter

@daishalfowler “The last thing I said to him was that I loved him.

Face to face. I said it like four times. That’s the best thing I could say to him. And he said, ‘I love you too man’,” said Tafara Samupunga.

Tafara Samupunga, also knowns as Taf, and Tazkudzwa Samupunga, also known as T.K., came to Oral Roberts University from the small city of Kwekew, Zimbabwe. T.K. came to ORU in 2010 with his twin brother Taf trailing after him a year later.

“T.K. came to college a year before me. So it was the first time I realized I was close to my brother.

I was all tough about it too. I was like ‘Ohh... T.K. you’ll be fine.’ Then I realized I lost a part of me. It was crazy just to see him go away,” said Taf. The brothers were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. From painting their faces and shouting at ORU basketball games to causing harmless trouble on the Kingsman floor of EMR, their friendship was inspirational and undeniable. They were twin brothers and the best of friends.

As years went by their joy and enthusiasm molded friendships with the ORU and Tulsa communities.

They began volunteering at Victory Bible Church, greeting at the young adult service called IIID [3-D].

It would be hard to get through the door without a huge smile and a big hug from them. T.K. would put

on a show for people just to get them to laugh or dance. He went above and beyond to make people feel welcome.

“People literally came through T.K.’s door just to see him smile and dance,” said Taf. In December 2015, Taf and other close friends started to notice a difference in T.K. “I thought maybe he was just stressed out,” said Taf. T.K.’s energy started to decrease as he began losing weight and finding himself fatigued.

“He was coughing a lot too, but it was like once or twice a day and we overlooked it,” said Taf. On Dec. 11, 2015 T.K. started to run a high fever and the coughing became more frequent.

“We thought it was a minor issue. So we thought, ‘let’s take him to a clinic to get him checked, it’ll be fine.’ We go there and the doctor said, ‘I think we have to move him. This is a serious case’. I thought… ‘it can’t be. T.K. is going to be fine,’” said Taf. T.K. was transported by ambulance that night to St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. The news of T.K. going to the hospital was kept quiet because he did not want the attention. He was selfless.

After days of testing, doctors confirmed it. T.K. had Tuberculosis.

“We were shocked and confused,” said Taf. T.K. would be fighting for his life from this point on. The news was released, and the prayers began.

Hundreds of people were in and out of his hospital room. Facebook posts from all over the world dis-

played prayers for him. God’s presence filled the room and swept through the halls of the ICU floor.

“The nurses and the doctors were drawn to his room. They just wanted to be in there,” said Taf. After almost four weeks of being in ICU, T.K.’s condition was like a roller coaster, but the hope in God remained steady.

T.K.’s tremendous fight ended far too soon on Jan. 15, leaving a permanent mark on the hearts of many.

Hundreds of people gathered to remember T.K.’s life at a memorial service.

“He was so influential,” said Taf. T.K.’s death has dramatically impacted his friends’ lives, but Taf ’s sorrow is incomparable.

“Life is hard. I wake up sometimes just, you know, I used to wake up and look where T.K. would be watching TV and think wow this really did happen?” said Taf. Although there is pain, Taf is inspired by his brother’s life and is committed to continue the legacy he left. Losing his brother has molded him and pushed him to grow in his relationship with God. His heart is forever changed, and T.K.’s legacy and inspiration will continue to live through him.

“It’s been a roller coaster, but it’s been great. It’s a thrill, it’s scary, it’s got all the crazy turns in it, but it’s exciting that I still have something to do here to glorify God and T.K.,” said Taf. THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 7

Disney’s modern Shanghai resort EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer

@et_dean The new $5.5 billion Shanghai Disneyland Resort, planned to open on June 16, will encompass traditional Chinese culture, with a spin of Disney magic, based off recent Disney and Disney Pixar films.

“The resort reflects Disney’s legendary storytelling along with China’s rich culture, and showcases some of the most creative and innovative experiences we’ve ever created,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company.

The new Shanghai park is 998 acres, three times the size of Hong Kong Disneyland. It is co-owned by the Chinese government, but operated by Disney. Magic Kingdom has a maximum capacity of 100,000 people, and occasionally has to close their gates to guests while Shanghai Disneyland is expected to draw around 330 million guests on its opening day.

Shanghai Disneyland decided against the iconic Main Street USA, and replaced it with a new entrance called Mickey Avenue, where Disney characters own the businesses lining the entryway. Remy’s patisserie bakery, Tony’s Restaurant, the Three Caballeros themed to Ratatouille, Lady

8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

and the Tramp, and Donald Duck, among others will be placed. A Steamboat Willie fountain, the black and white Mickey Mouse, is the focal point of the Avenue.

The Gardens of Imagination” is set to replace the classic “Hub” of grass and water fountains seen in Disney World with seven gardens of a Chinese flair.

These gardens hold room for the classic Dumbo ride and a Fantasia Carousel with Pegasus horses. An entire garden dedicated to the Chinese zodiac features Disney-fied zodiacs such as Tigger as the tiger and Remy as the rat.

Every restaurant focuses on traditional Chinese food with a small menu set aside for other western cuisine.

The seven acre Gardens of Imagination offers the best viewing of the firework show called “Ignite the Dream.” The firework show uses an advanced form of projection mapping that wraps around the Enchanted Storybook Castle much like “Celebrate the Magic” on Cinderella’s castle in Magic Kingdom. There are disputes from the Shanghai fire department claiming if the air quality index is above 201, then there can be no firework display.

Disney, who is the second highest buyer of explosives next to the U.S. military, argued these fireworks are the most advanced and environmentally friendly fireworks yet.

The Enchanted Storybook Castle doesn’t

focus on just one princess but celebrates all of them. Marble statues of each princess are lined along the stair case leading to the Royal Banquet Hall full-service dining restaurant where Mulan, Snow White, Aurora and Tiana greet the guests. It will be the largest state-of-the-art Disney castle.

Technology continues to amaze as one store allows young girls to virtually try on any princess dress they wish.

Most of the beloved rides such as Peter Pan’s Flight, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Pirates of the Caribbean will look familiar but will have high tech surprises along the way.

Pirates of the Caribbean will have an entire land devoted to the high technology offered at Shanghai Disneyland, and the classic Tomorrowland will allow the guests to interact with characters through shows while including updated versions of old favorites.

Soarin’ Over the Horizon will allow the guests to feel, taste and see the world though a spherical screen that reaches the entire length of the wall.

“When it opens in June, Shanghai Disney resort will be a one-of-a-kind, world-class destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Iger. “We’re looking forward to showing it to the world and sharing it with the people of China for generations to come.”

Cultural celebrations ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

@AlyssaLaCourse Chinese Cultural Week comes to a close today with a Chinese movie showing until 4:00 p.m. Traditional Chinese tea and dumplings will be served all day.

Celebrate Spanish culture next week in the Cultural Center. The schedule will be posted on signs around campus. Check out all the activities at the Language Lab and Cultural Center in LRC 232C or contact David Farnsworth with any questions.

ORU will be hosting its 17th annual Cultural Event: A Global Celebration next Friday, Feb. 19 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. It will be held in Zoppelt Auditorium.

There will be music, food, dancing and literature readings from a variety of different cultures.

The celebration is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to experience the cultures, ethnicities and languages of the 84 countries represented at ORU.

Post-grad life: The 16th Street crew

Photos by Abri Summerer

From left to right: ORU alumni Trent and Hannah Ekblad, Lanae and Matt VanValin, Joe and Steph Krause, Jordan and Kate Thompson, Megan Toppins KELSEY LUETJEN Contributing Writer

@kelsey_luetjen Many college students are sad when the time comes to move out of the dorms where they have developed lasting friendships and community.

But a group of alumni have taken their sense of community over to 16th street.

Trent and Hannah Ekblad, Matt and Lanae VanValin, Jordan and Kate Thompson, Joe and Steph Krause and Megan Toppins live on the same street.

The group of friends randomly met throughout their years at ORU, but their friendships grew stronger once they all graduated.

Trent, an associate pastor at Triumph Worship Center, and his wife Hannah were the first to graduate and move to 16th street three years ago. They have slowly convinced their friends to move there as well.

The dynamic of these friendships is what makes their time together so enjoyable. They are all different, but somehow, it works.

“Trent is definitely the funny guy. He is always cracking jokes whenever he can get the chance,” said Hannah Ekblad. “Together though, I feel like we are the parents of the group. Having our baby, Everleigh, might have automatically put us in that position, but whenever there is a decision to be made, it is usually Trent and I who make the first move.”

Her eyes light up as she begins to describe the characters in their real live ‘90s sitcom.

“Lanae and Matt [VanValin] are almost opposites.

Matt is more cautious in certain situations. Lanae always says what is on her mind. They both make for great conversation.”

“Kate is very sentimental. If you’re having a bad day and Kate knows about it, next thing you know she has baked you a cake,” Hannah said with a smile.

Megan Toppins, who is a nurse at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, is seen as the little sister of the group. She is humorous, personable and fun-loving. Joe and Steph Krause, who are both engineers, are the quiet couple.

These friends, despite their busy lives, make time to be together every week. They faithfully spend time having dinner, Bible study and a movie at the Ekblad’s every Thursday. At random times, the group hangs out whenever there is time. Jordan Thompson is currently building a trailer, and the other guys longboard over to his house to help whenever they can.

“We aren’t very girly,” Hannah says about the girls. “Our favorite thing to do together is take walks around the neighborhood. We love the outdoors.”

The group sees similarities between living on the same street and being on campus during college. Lanae calls it “pure ORU without the rules.”

“Living on the same street made it easy to foster these relationships,” said Trent Ekblad. “I can just walk down to anyone’s house and ask them if they want to play darts for 20 minutes.”

Besides the easy access for social events, having friends a few seconds away comes in handy in more ways than one.

“Trent and I love hiking and Matt and Lanae don’t. So, when we want to go hiking at Turkey Mountain, I will just call up Lanae and see if they can watch Everleigh,” says Hannah. “Also, when one of us girls needs a baking item from the other, we usually have what the other needs and then we don’t have to go to the store. It’s awesome.”

Toppins is the Tulsa native of the group. They refer to her as the “gatekeeper” of the street because she takes care of the pets and plants when the others go out of town to visit their families. Toppins recalled accidentally giving chicken feed to the Ekblads’ dog

resulting in dog poop all over the house. Trent and Hannah always give Toppins a hard time about it.

“I just gave him a nice bowel cleanse,” Toppins says with a laugh.

Along with Thursday nights, the 16th street crew has talent shows, movie nights, game nights, walks around the neighborhood and frequent brunches.

“I think we all just really like each other,” Jordan Thompson said about how they have maintained their friendship.

“No,” Lanae VanValin said chuckling. “I think we’re all really weird. We’re just super accepting of each other.”

The four couples are all from other parts of the United States, but their friendship is why they decided to stay in Tulsa.

“As you get older, you begin to learn how important people are,” Kate said. “Tulsa isn’t the most ideal place to live geographically, but it works because of the community and friendships we’ve cultivated here.”

ORU created a family for this group of friends.

Here they found each other, learned together, fell in love and experienced life with one another. ORU gave them a starting point for the rest of their lives, but they have turned it into something lasting.

Log on to oruoracle.com and click on Features for more photos of the 16th Street crew.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 9

Ashley Beatty and her sister Lakota Beatty plan on hosting basketball camps for kids on reservations this summer.

Photos by Wyatt Bullard and Abby Friedman

Student athlete advocates for Native Americans JADYN WATSON-FISHER Editor-in-Chief

@jwatsonfisher Thousand year old badlands seem to effortlessly turn into 400 species of mixed grasses rolling through miles of land. Pine and cedar trees cover thousands of acres into dusty sand hills.

This is the landscape of many Indian Reservations located in North and South Dakota and Montana.

ORU Missions and Outreach has sent numerous teams to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to work with at-risk children and minister to families during spring break, but for women’s basketball player Ashley Beatty, members of her family call these reservations home.

“They [usually] don’t have a WalMart,” she said. “There’s just a little grocery store, one gas station and a lot of houses. Then, they have a gym and high school.”

Most reservations are located several hours from metropolitan cities and only small areas of land are suitable for agricultural development.

Many residents of reservations face financial issues, alcohol abuse and health struggles. Twenty-eight percent of all Native Americans live below the poverty line. Some reservations are dry, 10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

but not here. Approximately 4.5 million individual beers are sold annually to Native Americans from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, one of 326 American reservations. Death rates among Native Americans due to diabetes are three times higher than the national average.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Reservations have the poorest citizens per capita in the U.S., and aside from Haitians, have the shortest life expectancies in the western hemisphere.

Beatty recalls visiting Pine Ridge on multiple occasions and being heartbroken for her fellow Native Americans.

“My family was driving around town when we visited and there were cardboard huts that people were living in,” she said with sadness in her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get that out of my mind. [Another time] it was pretty chilly and they had trash cans that were on fire and there were little kids with tattered jackets and no shoes standing around the fire trying to get warm.”

Native Americans are not required to live on the reservations, but due to strong familial ties, many never leave, despite what the numbers say.

“Whenever you see your family going through struggles, you just want

to stay and help out as much as possible. That’s a really big part of people not leaving the reservation,” Beatty said. “Another reason is because I know people are scared. That’s all they’ve known and some get money from the government for being Native American and living off the land.”

She said while it’s easy to see only the negative, the bond of family and work ethic are two of the most encouraging things about reservation life.

“Every Native American I’ve ever met has been about their family and that’s just been ingrained in us,” said Beatty. “Family is one thing we pride ourselves on and being around that and knowing you have people that are going to love you unconditionally, that’s really beautiful.”

Eighty-three percent have high school diplomas or GEDs, 40 percent, 25 years and older, have a degree in math, science or engineering, according the U.S. Census Bureau.

But Beatty, just like many others, wants to change the statistics and the way people view the culture. She wants to be an advocate for her people and encourage them to follow their dreams.

“My dream job would be to travel around the U.S. and speak about

Native American reservations and the problems they are facing,” she said. “I think the more people hear about the stories of reservations that would push them to help. I know there are a lot of other Native kids that are in college right now that want to and are working toward the same goal I am.”

She is using her college basketball career as a vehicle to tell her story and the stories of many other Native Americans in order to bring to light the struggles many face.

“I know there is one girl who has told me she wants to go to college and she wants to leave. It made my world, even if it’s just one person,” she said.

Beatty is a freshman exploratory major, but she plans on making an impact on the Native Americans.

“It’s really big and it can be overwhelming if you look at the whole picture, and I know it sounds corny, but I believe even one person can make a change by just chipping away at the problem,” Beatty said. “We come from strong ancestors, we are strong people and we are survivors who have overcome a lot. But just like anyone, we need help too.”

“When I get to talk about Native American culture, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of myself.”

Ashley Beatty, a freshman basketball player from Anadarko, Oklahoma, hopes her story inspires others to follow their dreams.

Courtesy Photos

THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 11

Sports Baseball team ready to defend Summit title RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor

@AfroBroRD The ORU baseball team enters the 2016 season with a target on its back as the reigning Summit League champion. The Golden Eagles finished the 2015 season 41-16 overall and 25-5 in conference play. The team will look to find success again despite losing four key players.

Catcher/first baseman Audie Afenir, second baseman Matt Brandy, center fielder Derrian James and first baseman/pitcher Anthony Sequeira all graduated, but the team has experienced veteran players such as All-Conference third baseman Chase Stafford along with outfielders Rolando Martinez and Noah Cummings, who are ready to fill the void.

“We’re going to have to have several guys come in and step into big roles and have good years,” said head coach Ryan Folmar. “We lost some key pieces, but we have some good players returning and were excited about some of our new guys. The one thing we just lack is a little bit of experience.”

Sophomore All-American catcher Matt Whatley is expected to lead the Golden Eagles offense this spring. He led the team in batting average during his freshman campaign hitting a robust .355 with five

homers, 44 RBI and team-high 16 stolen bases.

ORU was one of the best offensive teams in the country last season ranking second in batting average, ninth in doubles and 18th in runs scored. Folmar says there will be a lot of different lineups and they will not commit to one right away.

“We’re just sticking to our process and our routines,” said Martinez. “We just wanna stay within ourselves and not look too far ahead.”

The biggest question mark for the team in 2016 will be the starting rotation. The Golden Eagles must find a way to fill the 247 innings lost with the departure of starting pitchers Xavier Altamirano, Guillermo Trujillo, Kurt Giller and Tyler Buss. Sophomore Bryce Howe will look to lead the staff after going 4-2 with a 3.93 ERA during his freshman season in 2015.

“I don’t think we’re in a position yet to say we’ve found the guys [to fill the rotation],” said Folmar.

“We have good pieces and we have good players, we just have to see how they fit.”

The schedule was announced on Monday. The season features match-ups against in-state rivals Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. ORU will travel to Frisco, Texas to face Texas Tech on March 8. The Golden Eagles will also have a tough stretch against *Michael Hungate (2015 JUCO Stats) BA: .377 HR: 4 RBI: 35 24 Stolen Bases

Rolando Martinez BA: .322 2B: 10 RBI: 25 Runs: 22 OBP .402

Chase Stafford BA: .301 2B: 8 HR: 3 RBI: 34 OBP: .426

*Trevin Sonnier (2014-15 Dallas Baptist Stats) BA: .185 2B: 4 HR: 2

*Stats from 2015 season at previous school **2015 Redshirt, stats from 2015 Coastal Plains League

12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

ORU Projected Starting Lineup 1. DH-Nick Rotola 2. 3B-Chase Stafford 3. C-Matt Whatley 4. LF-Rolando Martinez 5. RF-Noah Cummings 6. 1B-Brent Williams 7. 2B-Nick Roark 8. SS-Trevin Sonnier 9. CF-Michael Hungate Noah Cummings BA: .331 2B: 8 HR: 5 RBI: 31 OBP: .389

Nick Roark BA: .287 2B: 8 RBI: 14 Runs: 15 5 Stolen Bases

Matt Whatley BA: .355 2B: 16 HR: 5 RBI: 44 16 Stolen Bases

SEC powerhouses Auburn and Mississippi State during spring break before returning home to begin conference play on March 18.

“The tradition that ORU has, we’re always going to have a target on our back,” said redshirt senior pitcher Nathan Garza. “When it comes to the other Summit League teams they’re always gonna give us their best, but we just wanna take it day by day.”

The team will begin the season with a two-game road trip against Indiana State next Friday. The Golden Eagles will return for the home opener on Tuesday, Feb. 23 when they take on Wichita State. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at J.L. Johnson Stadium.

*Brent Williams (2015 JUCO Stats) BA:.415 2B: 37 HR: 7 RBI: 69 **Nick Rotola (2015 CPL Stats) BA: .357 2B: 13 RBI: 31 37 Stolen Bases

ORU soccer programs add 21 new recruits RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor

@AfroBroRD

Courtesy Photo

Gerber Chavez scored 14 goals for Irving High School this season. He finished the season with 33 points.

The ORU men’s and women’s soccer teams signed 21 players to the 2016 recruiting class this week.

The men’s soccer team signed nine players. The recruiting class features seven U.S. players and two international players from Columbia and France.

“I’m excited about this incoming class. On paper it’s going to compete to be one of the best classes, if not the best class in the history of the program,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Ryan Bush. “We are very blessed to add

the amount of quality, depth, talent and academic standard into our program.”

The Golden Eagles were also able to improve their offense by adding forward Gerber Chavez. The Dallas native is currently playing for the FC Dallas 98 Premier and adds instant impact to the roster.

“Gerber is one of the top forwards in the country. He’s also considered to be the top player on the top team in the country [FC Dallas 98 Premier],” said Ryan Bush. “He’s a great student athlete and there is no question he has professional potential.”

The woman’s soccer team signed 12 players to their roster for next season.

The recruiting class features 11 U.S. players and one international player from Ontario, Canada. The group includes two forwards, five mid-fielders, three defenders and two goalkeepers.

“The players come from a diverse range of backgrounds and from very strong club programs. This is exciting as it helps accelerate the transition to the college game,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Roger Bush. “It’s a group whose character, energy and enthusiasm we are eager to integrate into the current squad.”

Spring practice for both teams begin later this month.

Men’s basketball looking to right the ship GRANT HOLCOMB Staff Writer

@grantholcombORU The Golden Eagles are in the final stages of the season. They are trying to overcome a ten-game stretch in which they lost seven games.

ORU started the season 8-2 highlighted by a nail-biting win over in-town rival Tulsa in the annual PSO Mayor’s Cup. ORU needed every second against the Golden Hurricane. They beat Tulsa 70-68 with a last second shot by Obi Emegano.

The momentum was short lived. The team went 4-12 between Dec. 5 and Feb. 10, and currently hold seventh place in the Summit League standings.

The Golden Eagles are looking to right the ship before the conference tournament next month. In years past, the only Summit League team to make the NCAA tournament has been the conference champion. The team will have to undo the recent string of costly fourth quarter collapses and bad habits to make a run at the conference championship.

ORU will look to the senior leadership of Obi Emegano to further the chances of a postseason run.

“It’s about trying to win as many games as we can and turn this program around,” said Emegano.

Emegano will not be able to do it all by himself.

The young players on the team will have to step up and contribute down the stretch.

“There are things about the game that they’re not so aware of, and I think it’s my job to help them with the little nuances of the game and where to be,” said Emegano.

Head Coach Scott Sutton has reiterated the high quality of players on his roster despite the current growing pains.

“This is a good group of guys. They’re high character guys,” said Sutton. “They’re fun to be around. Their

Photos by Wyatt Bullard

Above: Jalen Bradley shoots over an Omaha defender during a Summit League game. Right: Obi Emegano hangs in the air mid finger-roll after driving the lane on the Omaha defense. attitudes, their effort, that’s a positive, and it will allow us to get out of this slump.”

The Golden Eagles will play tomorrow night against Western Illinois at the Mabee Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Follow @oruoraclesports for live tweets from the game THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 13

NBA All-Star weekend brings back memories

JORDAN JONES Staff Writer

@jonesman14 The NBA All-Star game is one of the greatest annual displays of human athleticism in professional sports. Most professional all-star games are normally considered a glorified scrimmage with grown men, but this show of skill is always impressive, despite the lack of defense on either side.

High-flying dunks, ankle breaking crossovers and spinning layups done with relative ease fill the game. The NBA All-Star game has been played every year since 1951, with the exception of the 1999 lockout, and has featured Hall of Fame players with amazing performances. There are too many to name them all, but there are three that stand the test of time.

Courtesy photos

Magic Johnson won the MVP trophy in the 1992 All-Star game.

14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

1. 1992 All-Star Game Magic Johnson announced he had HIV and would retire from the game of basketball prior to the 1992 All-Star Game. Many people believed he would sit the game out, but surprised everyone with his appearance. He scored 25 points, had nine assists and corralled five rebounds while helping the Western Conference to a 153-113 win as the game’s MVP. Johnson reminded fans and critics alike that basketball is just a game. There are transcendent things in life capable of rising above the narrative and Magic transcended adversity and society with this performance.

2. 1988 All-Star Game Michael Jordan had one of the greatest All-Star weekends in the history of the NBA during the 1988 season.

Even before the game itself, M.J. won the dunk contest with his iconic

dunk, jumping from the free throw line.

This historic dunk has been attempted by many basketball players, but never duplicated. He went on to score 40 points, grabbed eight rebounds, posted four blocked shots and four steals. It helped the East win 138-133 over the West and, of course, crowned Jordan game MVP. 3. 2003 All-Star Game The 2003 All-Star game was Jordan’s last appearance and the game did not disappoint. Rookie Yao Ming started the game and Kevin Garnett dropped 37 points on his way to the MVP for the West.

The game went into double-overtime, the only time it has happened in All-Star game history. M.J. scored 20 points in his last all-star go around including a key shot at the end of the first period of overtime. East teammates

Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady added 35 and 29 respectively, but it was not enough to overcome a 155-145 win by the West. Despite the loss, the effort shown by Jordan in his last game solidifies why he is the greatest basketball player of all time.

Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter sub into the 2003 NBA All-Star game.

Michael Jordan takes off from the free throw line as he throws down one of the most famous dunks of all-time.

Jordan shoots his signature fadeaway jumper in his final All-Star game in 2003.

Scene Coffee shops double as study stops

Coffee shops around Tulsa offer customers unique experiences and productive study stops.

Photo by Abby Friedman

KELSEY LUETJEN Contributing Writer

@kelsey_luetjen Coffee shops are a great way to get off campus, enjoy a favorite café drink and have deep talks with a friend. Many students utilize coffee shops as study spots. Here are five popular coffee shops to visit when study time comes around.

1. The Phoenix

This stylishly designed building has multiple seating options with big tables and electrical outlets.

The Phoenix has a homey feel, providing couches for a comfortable study time. It also has a great view of downtown Tulsa for those who enjoy a view while studying. Relaxing music is played at a low level for those who don’t prefer to listen. Local artists perform live music every Tuesday night.

• Most popular drink: Phoenix mocha • Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

• Friday-Saturday: 6:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m.

• 7.1 miles from ORU

2. Foolish Things Coffee

This coffee shop has an open feel with big windows letting the natural light shine in. The tables provide a large workspace, seating more than five people each. Bring some headphones to create a secluded environment and get those last minute assignments completed. Foolish Things has an outside patio optimal for a revitalizing study session on warm days.

• Most popular drink: Oak aged cold brew • Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• 8.5 miles from ORU

3. Topeca

Located downtown near the Mayo Hotel, this coffee destination has a classy and upscale feel. Although there is limited seating, it is typically not busy during the evening. The baristas are friendly and welcoming.

Topeca also offers delicious food for those who get study munchies.

• Most popular drink: Americano • Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

• Thursday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

• Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

• 7.2 miles from ORU

Students study by the window with their laptops and coffee.

Photo by Abby Friedman

4. Coffee House on Cherry Street

Nicknamed “CHOCS,” this neighborhood coffee house offers a variety of food items including roasted coffee, homemade breakfast and desserts. Musicians are welcome to perform live music; to sign up for a set, call 918-779-6137.

• Most popular drink: Polar Bear • Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

•Friday-Saturday: 6:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

•Sunday: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

• 7.1 miles from ORU

5. Shades of Brown

Shades of Brown, located on Brookside, takes on the area’s hipster character, grungy yet artsy, in a popular part of Tulsa. Dim lighting creates a cozy setting.

A wide variety of seating options, including the open first room, a coffee bar and the more secluded back room offer options to sip and study.

Commonly referred to as “Shades,” this coffee shop is popular among ORU students.

Photo by Wyatt Bullard

• Most popular drink: Chai tea latte • Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

• Friday: 6:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 7:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

• Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

• 4.5 miles from ORU THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 15

Drinkable book brings potable water to millions REJOICE NWADIUKO Staff Writer

@rejoiceck3 Approximately 97 percent of the world’s water is saltwater and 2 percent of the Earth’s freshwater is in the Polar Ice caps leaving only 1 percent of the earth’s water potable for 7.5 billion people to share.

Nonprofit organization, WATERisLIFE, is working toward efficiently making potable water more available to people through its new Drinkable Book.

“Each page can provide up to 30 days of clean water and the whole book itself will last about four years, depending on the turbidity of the water,” said Ken Surritte, Founder and CEO of WATERisLIFE. The pages are coated with silver nano particles which kills diseases like cholera, ecol and typhoid.

Chemist at Carnegie Mellon University, Theresa Dankovich designed the pages to purify drinking water working like a scientific coffee filter.

The book works in three steps: tear out a filter, place it in the filter box and pour contaminated water

into the box. What comes out on the other side is filtered water.

“The technology is really not new, but it’s just a new delivery and we have the bonus of being able to teach [the readers],” said Surrite. “The cowboys used to take a silver dollar and they would drop it into their canteen. Then they would fill up their canteen, shake it and then the silver would flake off the silver dollar and it would kill the bacteria in the water, keeping them from getting beaver fever.”

WATERisLIFE is currently determining the best way to distribute the book to water-deprived communities around the world.

“We are looking at a couple of distribution methods right now” said Surritte. “One [method] would be for students and utilizing the book as part of the teaching curriculum. Water sanitation and hygiene information can then be integrated into the school program and help create lasting change in those communities.”

WATERisLIFE hopes to provide millions with

clean water by distributing these affordable books.

The pages cost only pennies to produce making it the cheapest water cleansing option.

“We’re using water to open up the doors to bring life to the people, and it’s a great opportunity for people of faith to be able to share the One that will give you water that will never run dry,” said Surritte.

Courtesy photo

Cupid’s choice: Valentine’s day date ideas

Illustrations by Jesse Paul Turner VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

@Tory2495 Valentine’s Day is Sunday. It’s well past time to start planning, but it’s not too late. It can be a fun occasion for singles and couples, so grab a date or gather some friends and enjoy the day of hugs and kisses by attending some of these exclusive events: 1. “Hearts for Arts” at the Philbrook Museum - Midtown Tulsa Price: Free Philbrook Museum is hosting a 16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

Hearts for Arts event through Feb. 14.

Guests receive a paper heart upon arrival at the museum and can then place the heart in front of their favorite piece of artwork, take pictures and share them online.

2. Movie Night Price: Varies Take a date or go with friends to see a popular movie. StarWorld 20 offers $5 tickets for movies showing before 5 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 after 5 p.m.

Cinemark also offers student discounts.

New releases this weekend include

“Deadpool,” “Zoolander 2” and “How to be Single.”

3. Tulsa Zoo: Nature’s Night Owls Price: $30 The Tulsa Zoo is holding a singles event tonight. Guests will learn about being single in the animal kingdom as well as animal relationships. Snacks and drinks will be served. This event is exclusively for those 21 years and older.

4. Waffle House Candlelit Dinner Price: Varies Waffle House is offering a candlelit

dinner on Valentines Day for couples.

Tulsa and Broken Arrow are the only two locations participating in this event. Call the restaurant to make reservations today because space is limited.

5. Tulsa Zoo: Wild at Heart Price: $80-$150 The Tulsa Zoo is also holding an event for couples on Feb. 13. Wild at Heart will include dinner, live music and presentations about love in the animal kingdom.

Students takes the stage in Harper Lee’s classic

“To Kill a Mockingbird” features a diverse cast, including several ORU students.

Photo by Abby Friedman EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer

@et_dean Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” will be presented by The Playhouse Tulsa on Feb. 12-14 and

18-21. The Pulitzer Prize-winning story is adapted for stage by Christopher Sergel, and directed by ORU theatre professor and The Playhouse Tulsa Artistic Director, Courtneay Sanders.

The inspiring “To Kill A Mockingbird” tells the timeless story of courage in the face of skewed justice and hateful racism through the eyes of Scout Finch.

The tomboyish young girl experiences the wisdom of her father Atticus Finch, as he fights hatred with compassion in their small town.

“This is not a period play. It’s not something limited to 1935,” said Sanders. “The things that were the ‘big deal’ were literally because a black man was accused of raping a white girl. It wasn’t the act, but the color of his skin and he didn’t even do it.”

Sergel’s version of “To Kill A Mockingbird” isn’t traditional in a book sense. Sanders is adding a contemporary style which differs from the realism most plays offer to their audience. All of the actors stay on stage throughout the length of the play.

“There is an idea that the community is telling the story, and everyone is involved by using two continuous scenes with one intermission between them,” Sanders said. “The audience will watch actors turn into other characters right before the audience’s eyes by simply changing a hat or adding a sweater. It is

really important to me that they are always present because the community is telling the story.”

There are three children in the play. Scout is played

by Elle Kalcik, Jim is played by Tate Silver, and Dill is played by Benjamin Lee. Sanders loved getting to work with the children because of the innocence they bring to a story where they experience a “horrific” event caused by the “hate” of some of the adult characters.

“I really love the last moment at the end of the play,” said Sanders. “The way it’s structured and what the actors bring into the moment make it my favorite of the whole play. We also added a black female choir, and they sing periodically throughout the show.

At one point (the man who was accused of raping a white girl) Tom Robinson’s wife sings ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ as a transition, and it’s beautiful and filled with hope.”

“To Kill A Mockingbird” will be performed at the Performing Arts Center at 110 E 2nd St. in Tulsa.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 (in advance) for students and $10 for student rush (with a valid student ID). Tickets are on sale for Feb. 12-13, and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m., and also Feb. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. For more information call (918) 569-7111 or visit tulsapac.com

Netflix brings church to the small screen VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

@Tory2495 Well known pastors have found a place on Neflix. The popular video streaming website added sermons from four prominent Christian speakers to its repertoire in December. Ed Young, Steven Furtick, Andy Stanley and Joyce Meyer all have content available for streaming on the website.

“Our methods change, but our message doesn’t,” said Dustin Coble, media director at Victory Christian Center.

“Using things like Netflix can be a method to reach people you wouldn’t otherwise be able to connect with.”

Fellowship Church Pastor Ed Young initiated the movement.

“Jesus said that we should become fishers of men. If I’m going to catch the most fish, I’ve got to put a lot of hooks in the water. But I’m most excited about Netflix right now,” said Young.

Young and his team started dream-

ing of Netflix about a year ago. He says Netflix was receptive to the idea, and it was not hard to bring other Christian pastors on board with the plan.

Four pastors have sermon series available on Netflix.

Young’s five-part series called “Fifty Shades of They” focuses on fruitful relationships. Elevation Church pastor

Steven Furtick’s series “#DeathtoSelfie” speaks on identity in Christ. “Starting Over” by North Point Ministries pastor Andy Stanley teaches believers how to start over when life falls apart. Televangelist Joyce Meyer’s series called “Winning Life’s Battles” teaches viewers how to tackle adversity by using the tools God has given them to succeed.

Illustration by Xavier Gonzalez

Churches have been using media to give its members and people of the community convenient ways to hear their pastors. Victory is one of many churches providing live streaming of services and sermons for later viewing on the website. These new sermons on Netflix could be an added avenue to bring people to Christ.

“I think there’s a possibility of [bringing others to Christ],” said Coble.

“The pastors are trying to reach out to people who have never heard the gospel of Christ.”

Coble went on to say Netflix’s perspective is more than likely about gaining more Christian subscribers.

Meyer’s executive director of marketing says one guideline Netflix asked the ministries to follow is to avoid product promotion and invitations to donate money. Young’s Fellowship Church has a two-year contract with Neflix. Netflix currently has over 75 million members in over 190 countries.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 17

Muse

The weight of a purity ring

RACHEL ANDERSON

Executive Managing Editor

@RachelLee66 When I was 16, my dad took me to a pawnshop and helped me pick out a purity ring. I slid the black hills silver ring onto my ring finger, and I haven’t gone a day without it since.

It’s been five years since I walked out of the pawnshop, ring in place, and since then I’ve only taken it off for cleaning. When I take my ring off, I experience a strange sensation.

I feel lighter, less responsible, free.

Don’t get me wrong, my ring doesn’t convict or enslave, but there’s a freedom stemming from the release of a commitment made to God and myself. Even though I know my ring is only a physical representation of my abstinence, I feel more secure when I wear it, because it’s a tangible reminder.

With each passing year, my purity ring has become more and more weighted. Laced within the black hills silver is a weight

of commitment, a weight of sacrifice and a weight of accountability.

When I was 16, my ring was light and airy. I didn’t fully understand the importance of the commitment I made because I had never been physically tempted until I became a college student.

My ring sparks countless conversations with fellow classmates, my ring provides a reminder to others and myself. I constantly find myself in debates over my decision. Some people leave frustrated, others leave informed and sometimes I leave doubting myself. In those moments when I feel the faltering weight of my promise, I take off my ring to feel the freedom from responsibility I so despise. Without it I am naked and exposed but with it, I am comforted by the weight of

purpose my left hand holds.

Meant as a symbolic stand for abstinence, a purity ring defines a person’s character. There is a physical and spiritual commitment connected to the metal encircling the ring finger.

Unfortunately, abstinence is not a highly valued societal trait. Some consider it a character flaw highlighting superiority complexes and prudish tendencies. It is rarely commended.

According to AccuStatistics, only three percent of Americans wait until marriage to have sex and only 20 percent of individuals in highly religious groups remain abstinent until marriage. These statistics add to the societal weight of abstinence.

There’s always another side to the

story though. Just as purity rings can empower a person, they can also strip them of their worth. There is a negative weight twisted within the precious metal by society’s dark influence.

Some who once had a purity ring no longer wear it because they have been stripped of their purity by force or beguiled into giving it to someone who didn’t deserve it. What was once a symbol of worth now magnifies shame, collecting sorrowful dust on a shelf.

Here’s the thing, purity is both physical and spiritual. Even if someone has lost their physical purity, it doesn’t mean they aren’t spiritually pure. The beauty of silver and gold is its ability to be cleaned and made new. The negative tarnish can be wiped away, removing the painful weight and replacing it with heavy forgiveness.

No matter what commitment a person makes, there is always a social impact, a social weight, affecting those around the individual taking a stand.

Until I acquire my “Mrs.” degree, I will continue to wear my hefty purity ring, because I’d rather be heavy on the scale of commitment than light on the scale of accountability.

Illustration by Xavier Gonzalez 18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

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THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 • 19

20 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016