Vol. 52, No. 5
Ringing in the holidays Page 3 Lights and sights Page 17
Origins of Duke’s tennis team Page 10-11
Tulsa, Oklahoma • December 1, 2017 • www.oruoracle.com
Don’t read this article Page 15
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
Section Editors Cicely Rubottom News Editor Emma Giddens Editorial Editor Kayley Forshey Lifestyle Editor Reporters Abby Zellmer Staff Writer Alejandro Arroyo Staff Writer Brenda Aldama Staff Writer Chae Woon Yoo Staff Writer Grant Holcomb Staff Writer Hannah Nelson Staff Writer
Kendall Brown Lauren Brewington Luis Cruz Lydia Echols Makenzie Trotter Natalie Wilkinson Paige McQueen Rejoice Christisking Staci McCoy Tori Taylor
Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer
Editorial Raegan Dougharty Haley Gibson Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor/Sports Editor oraclechief@oru.edu
Jeremy Luczak Photography Editor Anabell Torres Photographer Andrew Hartzler Photographer Caitlin Peach Photographer Hannah Mou Photographer Josh Crow Photographer Luis E. Fernandez Photographer Onneke Holland Photographer Tamika Wiley Photographer
Advertising Abigail Cole Sales Manager
Membership • Associated Collegiate Press • College Media Advisers • Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association Address Web Phone Email
7777 S. Lewis Ave. www.oruoracle.com (918)-495-7080 oracle@oru.edu
@oruoracle
Letters to the Have a thought or story idea you’d like to share? Send us an email at oraclechief@oru.edu Editor Corrections The Oracle strives for accuracy and integrity in all content. If you find a mistake, let us know (918)-495-7080
2 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Media
Photography
Joshua Martin Media Editor Alicia Crum Videographer/Editor Hayden Smalley Videographer/Editor Jessica Gough Videographer/Editor Trevor Garvin Videographer/Editor
Graphic Design Tabitha Levi Production Design Editor Xavier González Design Editor Alejandro Contreras Senior Designer
Anthony Labonté Contributing Cartoonist Quentin Harrup Contributing Cartoonist
Brandi Whitney Designer Charlie Jialin Liu Designer Nicole Meléndez Designer
Ringing in the holidays Natalie Wilkinson Staff Writer @nwilk17
The sounds of ringing bells and cheerful greetings filled the air as hundreds of ORU students, staff and faculty graciously adopted all 27 Salvation Army kettle locations in the Tulsa Metro area on Nov. 20. Dressed in ORU spirit beanies and bright red aprons, students, staff, faculty and administration stood for hours outside local businesses to encourage passing customers to donate to the Salvation Army. The funds that were raised during
this campaign will be dedicated to aiding the poor populations of Tulsa by providing specific programs such as “food, emergency shelter, job training, financial assistance, day-care and youth development initiatives,” according to the Salvation Army’s website. Though the goal of this volunteer outreach was to raise funds for the impoverished, many ORU students walked away having gained intangible rewards of their own. “It was such an encouraging experience being able to bring so much joy through ringing a bell,” said freshman Alyzsa Crosby. “People would come in so straight-faced and
determined to get their groceries, not expecting to be welcomed with love and happy faces. It made their days.” Ashley Gingerich, admissions staff member at ORU, encountered a woman who had been a frequent recipient of Salvation Army services in the past. The woman donated generously and said she wished she could give even more. “To see how many people were willing to give to our cause was really encouraging,” said Gingerich. This campaign was just one of the many volunteer efforts that students participate in throughout the school year. One of the foundational elements
of ORU’s mission is to serve people in every man’s world, including those who live in Tulsa. “I think it’s awesome that ORU sends its students out into the community to make a difference,” said freshman Madison Milstead. “Getting to interact with different people and bring them joy in the little things is so worth it.” ORU students were featured on three different television stations and collected more than $8,300 on the day of the event.
Oklahoma teachers head to Texas Nina Lange
Contributing Writer @ninaforshea
were in common education because other agencies took tremendous cuts.” Average Teacher Salary Over Decades Source: National Center for Educational Statistics Graphic by Brandi Whitney
1969-1970
1979-1980
1989-1990
1999-2000
Years
Oklahoma
2009-2010
2011-2012
National
2012-2013
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
They are the ones who taught us how to count, how to read and inspired us to be creative. They are also the ones living on an average of $42,460 a year. The teacher salary in Oklahoma has been one of the lowest in the nation since the late 1960’s. Teacher salaries have recently increased by $1,979 in Oklahoma, despite inflation, while other states have raised their salaries at a faster rate. With lower salary rates, there have been a plethora of teachers leaving Oklahoma for states offering higher pay. Shawn Sheehan, 2016 teacher of the year, left for Texas. There, he and his wife, who is also a public-school teacher, make a combined $40,000 more each year. Due to this exodus, Oklahoma has been left with a teacher shortage that has caused the number of issued emergency teaching certificates to skyrocket, rising 23 percent in three months. Emergency certificates are given to teachers who have not reached all the state requirements for a traditional or alternative certification. The certificate allows teachers who are
not fully trained to teach a subject or grade. Amid the shortage, Tulsa Public Schools have hired at least 185 applicants with emergency certificates. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister has expressed her concern for the 53,000 students who are on the receiving end of this shortage. “The teacher shortage is not going to go away. It’s not going to fix itself,” said Hofmeister in an interview with NewsOK. “In fact, it is getting worse, and we have evidence of that. We’re looking at a tripling of what we’ve had in the past. I am very concerned.” Aside from annual salaries, Oklahoma teachers also qualify for employee benefits. Upon becoming an Oklahoma public school teacher, teachers are enrolled in the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System pension program. Members contribute seven percent of their annual salary until they qualify for retirement. OTRS then offers retirees a percentage of their salary depending on how many years they worked as an Oklahoma teacher. Other basic benefits include health insurance, dental and vision plans. “It is still something unaddressed,” said Hofmeister in an interview with Tulsa World. “When we have a hole as big as $43 million cut even when there was an effort to keep funds flat, we realize how lucky we
Teacher salaries have recently increased by $1,979 in Oklahoma, despite inflation, while other states have raised their salaries at a higher rate.
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 3
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
Students and faculty on campus can easily report incidents directly to ORU’s Department of Public Safety and Security by calling the number (918)-495-7750. They are armed, trained, certified and licensed to attend to any kind of emergency.
“If you see something, say something.”
Safety measures on campus Abby Zellmer Staff Writer @absz3
With the 318 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, being prepared is the top priority of ORU’s Department of Public Safety and Security. “You can’t predict when something’s going to happen—when someone is going to walk into a church and start shooting people—but you can try to be prepared to respond, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” said DPSS Director Bill Hunt. Before he came to ORU six years ago, Hunt served as a police officer, a detective and a U.S. Marshal. He became the director of ORU’s DPSS a year and a half ago. As director, continually training ORU’s officers is of the utmost importance to him. All DPSS officers are armed, trained, certified and licensed by the State of Oklahoma Council on Law
4 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). They are also required to show proficiency with firearms on a shooting range. Hunt himself makes sure to keep up with his training, regularly attending conferences and training sessions, including campus safety seminars conducted by the FBI. “It keeps me up on all of the modern technology and the most recent procedures and protocols,” said Hunt. “Even one well trained officer can make a difference in an emergency scenario.” This principle was seen in action during an attack on students at Ohio State University in 2016. The first campus officer to respond was able to end the attack less than two minutes after it began. “We rely on all members of our community to be proactively involved in the reporting of any observed suspicious behavior. Basically, ‘if you see something, say something,” said Hunt.
“All students, faculty and staff should program our number—918-4957750—into their cell phones, so if they see something happening, they can immediately report it to us.” He also encourages everyone on campus to sign up for e-alerts, a program that will send out mass email, text and phone calls in the case of an emergency, whether that be a natural emergency like a tornado or a more violent emergency situation. However, in order for this system to be effective, students, staff and faculty have to sign up for the service at DPSS.oru.edu. “I take great pride in the fact that we’ve been ranked one of the safest campuses in the state and the region,” said Hunt.
Know net neutrality Cicely Rubottom
News Editor @cicelypixely
What is net neutrality? Net neutrality means that web traffic is equal to all consumers on all platforms. In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission put net neutrality into action by passing a set of rules in order to regulate the internet. In a nutshell, its goal was to level the playing field to “protect and promote an open internet,” by ensuring that all locations on the internet are delivered through equal speed, as explained in the 2016 net neutrality policy statement. Give me an example. Hypothetically, say a consumer uses the Internet Service Provider AT&T and the video streaming service Netflix. But Hulu, a different video streaming company, approaches AT&T and strikes a deal that AT&T will “favor” consumer connection to Hulu if they pay an allotted amount of money. Favoring would make videos on Hulu stream faster than videos on Netflix. AT&T, being an ISP, holds the ability to block or slow certain broadband connections to any website or online platform. The idea is to push consumers in the direction of the “favored” company by giving money to an ISP to slow connection on competing sites. Net neutrality regulates the money motive and restricts this exchange between ISPs and online companies. Why am I hearing so much about it now? On Nov. 21, current FCC Chairman Ajit Pai unveiled the plan to repeal net neutrality. The vote to repeal or continue with net neutrality is scheduled for Dec. 14. The new plan would allow for paid internet fast lanes and selective throttling, but would require ISPs to inform their consumers of said actions.
The defense: Those who favor net neutrality say that getting rid of it would grant too much power to already powerful monopolies. In addition, it could potentially suppress small businesses by favoring already dominant businesses and allowing ISPs to regulate what consumers see and do online. OpenInter.net highlights the concern that repealing net neutrality, opens the door for a potentially more divided internet ecosystem where consumers would have to pay separate fees for access to everything on the internet (social media, YouTube, etc.) “It ain’t broke, so why fix it?” said former Democratic chairman of the FCC Julius Genachowski to the The New York Times. “The core rules of no blocking, no discrimination and transparency have worked to create an ecosystem of innovation and investment that’s the envy of the rest of the world.” The offense: Those against net neutrality say that it keeps the government “micromanaging the internet,” according to Pai. People like Josh Steimle of Forbes magazine argue that it also discourages investment, suppresses large businesses by leveling the playing field and limits freedom and privacy. “We applaud the Chairman’s efforts to repeal the ill-advised and outdated burden of Title II classification, which has harmed broadband investment and innovation,” said Comcast in a blog post last week. What now? The proposal is expected to pass as Republicans currently dominate the scheduled vote 3-2. Protests and petitions are in full-throttle across the nation regarding the proposal.
Made with Ashby’s hand-dipped vanilla ice cream!
A V JA A E V HA ILLER ! S CH A M T S I R H C $4.59 Save 15% on any ice cream or bulk candy purchase with your ORU ID! Rustic Gate Creamery 101 W. Main St. in Jenks (918) 528-6227 Mon-Thur 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-7pm
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 5
Graphic by Nicole Melendez
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
The taxing process of the tax code
Zimbabwe rejects Mugabe Abby Zellmer Staff Writer @abszee
On the morning of Nov. 15, residents of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, awoke to find the downtown streets full of armored vehicles. On a TV broadcast, Zimbabwean military leaders announced that the army had taken control of the capital and placed 93-year-old President Mugabe under house arrest. While civilians were still allowed to go about their business as they usually would, the streets were abnormally quiet as people waited to see what would happen next. Three days later, citizens saw that change really was taking place, and the streets of Harare and Bulawayo, another major city in Zimbabwe, came alive with citizens waving flags, cheering, dancing and holding signs that demanded Mugabe resign after his 37 years in office. “The freedom march they had a few days ago in the capital, and in my home city, produced images and videos of people coming together, of all races, and classes. That, to me, is a rare sight for the most part. I have not seen so many people of different backgrounds standing for the same thing together in a long time,” said Rachael Ngwarai, an ORU senior from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Mugabe became president in 1987, after the country gained independence from Great Britian who had colonized the area (then called Rhodesia) for over a century. He has maintained power until now, watching the once-prosperous “breadbasket of Africa” slide into economic ruin as he and his wife, nicknamed “Gucci Grace,” lived lavishly and continued to rule the technically democratic country with a tight grip. “I remember one time we had elections, and people were really preparing to see a new president
6 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
come into power. We were all convinced we were going to see the opposition win that election. But, of course, it was rigged, and Mugabe won that election,” said Ngwarai. Zimbabwe Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was slated to take power next but was suddenly fired about a week before the military takeover began. This act was seen as an attempt to ensure Grace Mugabe’s position as next in line for leadership of the country. Commander of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces and ally of the vice president, General Constantino Chiwenga then took matters into his own hands, along with other leaders of the president’s political party, ZANU-PF. They arrested leaders around Mugabe, removed him as leader of the party and demanded that he resign by Monday or be impeached by Parliament. “The way the military took over the situation was unbelievably peaceful, which makes it evident that even they are in this for a better Zimbabwe,” said Ngwarai. Tuesday morning after the deadline passed, Mugabe addressed the nation with a speech that said very little except that he refused to resign. “People are pumped to see Mugabe step down from power. We know it will not turn everything over in an instant, but it will change some things. Mnangagwa is not everyone’s choice for president, but he is a better choice. It’s almost like a Clinton vs Trump situation, except one of them has been in office for way too long. We all want to see change happen in Zimbabwe, and we (both in and outside Zimbabwe) believe it will start when Mugabe leaves office,” said Ngwarai. “This has been exciting and hard to watch from the other side of the world. My heart is out there with my family, friends and fellow Zimbabweans.”
This week, the Republican tax code passed through the House and headed for the Senate on Wednesday. Overhauling the tax code has been one of Trump’s key campaign promises and it is packed full of changes. With this bill, Trump wants to lower corporate and income taxes and create fewer tax brackets. On Friday, the vote over the $1.5 trillion package was held. The ongoing debate between Democrats and Republicans is over the cost deficiency that would be spread over the next 10 years. Republicans believe that economic growth would offset the deficiency. Photo by Londonpicscapital
Prince Harry and the royal engagment
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their plan to tie the knot. In an unconventional fashion, the American actress will make history as a bi-racial, Catholic-raised and previously divorced woman enters the royal family. While it has been historically unaccepted for British royalty to marry an American or a Catholic, the marriage has been officially approved by the royal family. In May, the couple will say their vows at the St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. It’s safe to say Markle got her ring by spring.
Peacoats in pinky hues Staff Writer @makenzietrotter
The winter season is right around the corner, which means it’s time for Christmas music, movies by the fireplace, hot chocolate with marshmallows and most importantly, cute and cozy clothes. The winter look I am most excited for this year is faux fur. Faux fur complements many outfits and makes any ensemble look extremely chic. Whether you’re wearing pants, a skirt or even a dress, throw on a fur coat or vest and you will trend up right away. Not only are fur coats and vests super fashionable, but they also keep you warm in the cold weather.
If you are more into the traditional look for the cold season, then the timeless peacoat is the perfect outerwear for you. Peacoats are a classic winter piece that will never go out of style. They are a nice touch and add class to any outfit, leaving you feeling nice and warm as well. Normally when we think of the cold, we think of darker colors like black, brown and gray. But this year, the new popular color being added to the winter look is a pretty pale pink. If you’re feeling extra trendy this season, pale pink could even be the color of your fur coat. Or if you want to tone it down a bit, a pretty pale pink shirt with a peacoat or faux fur on top will look just as cute for your perfect winter outfit this year.
Photo provided by Makenzie Trotter
Makenzie Trotter
Campus’ own Old Testament guru Kendall Brown Staff Writer @oruoracle
Dr. William Lyons is arguably one of ORU’s favorite professors. As the associate professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Studies and of Undergraduate Theology and Ministry, how his quick rise to fame among the students happened is debatable. It might have something to do with how his quick Friday afternoon coffee runs at Hava Java turn into hour-long talks with students. It might also have something to do with the fact that his Old Testament course is a general education class, required for most students at ORU. In either case, he never fails to sit and talk with each student about whatever questions they have, whether they are about class or his latest trip to Israel.
Lyons grew up in Ohio with his mother and brothers, but life wasn’t picture perfect. “Growing up in a broken home, with a father who left me when I was 13, with four younger brothers, was my biggest struggle,” Lyons said. “Our Bibles tell us that our God is ‘a father to the fatherless.’” He graduated high school and headed to Tulsa to attend Oral Roberts University, where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Theology and later earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. Beyond his academic success, Lyons also met and married Trish Howard during his years at ORU. Howard lived on his sister wing. “She grew up as a missionary’s daughter in India, and although she was quite different from other girls on campus, we became the best of friends,”
Lyons said. “I believe that it was the Lord’s plan for our lives. It’s always a good idea to marry your best friend.” He went on to the University of Wisconsin for a Master of Arts in Semitic Languages. Lyons then took a faculty position at the New York extension of Christ for the Nations. After teaching at Christ for the Nations, Lyons moved to Florida to become an Associate Pastor at Christian Heritage Church, a large Pentecostal church in Tallahassee. As many students have probably noticed, nearly every class has moments in which his “pastor self ” gives inspiring pastoral applications. Lyons also taught at Florida A&M, Florida State and Regent University, eventually accepting a faculty position at ORU in 2014. In between, he has experienced many adventures, from teaching Old Testament studies to pastors in South Africa, Zimbabwe and
Namibia to joining an archaeological dig in Israel and working for six weeks in the heat and the dirt. For any students wondering, Lyons has many different rocks and pieces of pottery from his dig in his office, and his face lights up when he talks about them. Dr. Lyons has been to many different places and many different schools and taught thousands of different students. Yet he still takes his time to get coffee and visit with students here at ORU, tirelessly emulating the core of this university with his character and heart for community. He says he chose to follow God’s calling here, and here is where he will stay. “You want to be where the Lord wants you.”
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 7
‘Tis the season to be minty Staff Writer @vicoriafaith97
Ingredients • 1 mason jar or mug (optional) • 1/2 cup powdered milk • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup chocolate chips • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 3 candy canes) • 1/4 cup freeze-dried mini marshmallows
Steals for the season
ORU Dance presents “Cultivate” Showcase
Graphic by Alejandro Contreras
Since Christmas is quickly approaching, college students are looking for quick, easy and affordable gifts to give friends and family. Many people enjoy drinking a variety of hot beverages in the winter, like tea or coffee. But many others enjoy hot chocolate, so here is a minty twist recipe for a winter classic, packaged like a present. Instructions There are two ways this recipe can be prepared. The first involves layering all of the ingredients above in a mason jar. Be sure to pack each layer into the mason jar firmly, except for the marshmallows. Then decorate the jar as desired. In the other way, combine all the ingredients thoroughly and package in individual mugs or mason jars to be given as gifts. This is a perfect way to personalize a simple present. If this is not intended to be a gift but is to be enjoyed once it is mixed together, just add hot water to
create the perfect Christmas drink. Feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired; don’t be afraid to personalize it. For example, the crushed candy canes can be substituted for cinnamon powder for a savory flavor. Celebrate the holiday season with this chocolaty treat!
ORU’s Dance presents the ORU Dance Showcase called Cultivate. The show will be held next weekend in Howard Auditorium with three live performances. Dates and times are on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. There will also be a showcase by Arising Artists on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Support fine arts on campus by attending these showcases.
Graphic by Haley Gibson
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
Hannah Nelson
Staff Writer @avidr3ader It’s that time of year when frantic shoppers hunt through stores for gifts. However, college students know that finding the perfect gift at a decent price is not always easy. Here are some ideas for affordable gifts. Comfy Things With the cold comes the urge to cuddle, so who wouldn’t want to curl up by the fire in something comfy and cozy? Blankets, scarves and hats make for great presents, and these items are usually reasonably priced. Or go the do-it-yourself route and make something warm and fuzzy for a loved one. Smart Things For the friends who love reading or poetry, head to a used bookstore and find an old copy of their favorite novel. Used books are perfect gifts because they tell their own story in addition to the story inside, and they are inexpensive. Check out Gardeners, a bookstore in Tulsa, for affordable books. Sentimental Things For the more sentimental people in life, gifts that come from the heart will be cherished forever. Try telling that special someone just how loved and important they are with a handwritten letter. One last tip is to look for sale items and clearance. It is possible to find expensive items for a much lower price. Hopefully these ideas will help avoid breaking the budget as love is shown this holiday season through the gift of giving.
8 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Mike Gonzalez speaks on cultural assimilation
In continuation with the President’s Performing Arts and Lecture Series 2017-18, The Heritage Foundation’s own Mike Gonzalez spoke on National Sovereignty and why it is important in today’s culture. The lecture took place in the ORU Global Learning Center on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Gonzalez discussed his view on the importance of cultural assimilation in order to sustain America as a global power and influence. The series will continue next semester with a lecture by Dr. Ted London on Jan. 31, 2018 and a performance by violinist James Ehnes on Feb. 15, 2018.
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
Tori Taylor
Photo by Josh Crow
Lights and sights in Tulsa Hannah Nelson Staff Writer @avidr3ader
Tulsa has officially embraced the holiday season, so don’t miss out on these festive citywide events. Lights Rhema Lights When: Through Dec. 31 Where: Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W. Kenosha, Broken Arrow The annual Rhema Christmas light display is a local favorite. Featuring over 100,000 light bulbs synchronized to music, this display is fun to walk, or even drive through. Concessions sell hot chocolate, coffee and apple cider to keep you warm as you walk. The display is free to attend. Philbrook Festival When: Through Dec. 31 Where: Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, Tulsa See one of the most beautiful art museums in Oklahoma decked out in winter style. Wander through the halls of the Philbrook to view priceless artworks and special Christmas displays. Stroll in the gardens to see the Christmas lights. During the Christmas season, the Philbrook host festival nights
for only five dollars per person. Go during the day and get in free with a student ID. See the Philbrook Facebook page for specific events. Activities and Events Free Movies at Warren Theater When: Dec. 3 and 10 at 10 a.m. Where: Warren Theater, 1700 W. Aspen Creek Dr., Broken Arrow Get into the Christmas spirit with some free Christmas movies at Warren Theater. Showings include Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Tickets are free, but a limited number are available. Pick up your tickets in advance at the box office starting the Tuesday before the movie. Winterfest When: Through Jan. 7 Where: BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave W, Tulsa Celebrate the winter season with ice skating in one of the nation’s largest outdoor ice skating rinks. The BOK’s Winterfest is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Have fun “skating beneath the skyline” or order some hot chocolate from the concessions and warm up underneath the giant Christmas tree. General admission is 12 dollars. Music and Performances Nutcracker Ballet
When: Dec. 9-23 Where: Tulsa Performing Arts Center Tulsa Ballet is putting on a magical performance of the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score, The Nutcracker ballet features Marie, the Nutcracker Prince and 100 children who help to fight in the Mouse-King’s army. General tickets are 25 dollars. Parades and Runs Ugly Sweater Run When: Dec. 2, 3:30-6 p.m. Where: RiverTrail Plaza, 41st and Riverside, Tulsa Bundle up in your ugliest Christmas apparel and participate in the Ugly Sweater Run. It is free to sign up for the 5k or Fun Run. There will also be a photo booth and an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Tulsa Christmas Parade When: Dec. 10, 6 p.m. Where: Downtown Tulsa, 602 S. Boston Ave. Experience a wonderful annual holiday tradition at the Tulsa Christmas Parade. Since 1926, this parade has been entertaining citizens of Tulsa and surrounding cities. Sign up online (tulsachristmasparade.org) for seating to watch the floats go by, or sign up to become a volunteer and help this Christmas “miracle” come to pass.
Photos by
rtzler
a rew H by And
Jeremy Lu czak
9 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Graphic by Alejandro Contreras
Photo
Visit these holiday favorites around Tulsa this Christmas season.
Postcards from the first Duke of tennis Josh Crow
Staff Writer @jawsh_krow
In 1968, Coach Bernis Duke wrote by hand 50 postcards and sent them to students in South Africa, Australia, Finland and Czechoslovakia in search for ORU’s first tennis team. It was not an easy step for Duke or the university. Duke faced adversity in wanting to start a new team for the school, because of the bad character shown in many professional athletes at the time. Duke was fervent—he firmly believed if the school formed another good sports team, it would give ORU a respectable name. Oral Roberts told Duke, “In Oklahoma, we do wrestling. You can start a team for that.” Even though Duke was previously a boxer, he wasn’t passionate about fighting and didn’t have any experience with wrestling, so he suggested a tennis team to Roberts. As a previous college athlete, Duke attended college at Arkansas College, now known as Lyons College, where he played basketball and was eventually recruited to the University of Arkansas’ heavyweight boxing team. With a lot of effort, he held a state championship title for three years, facing off against notable athletes like Billy Ray Smith, who would go on to play football for the NFL team the Baltimore Colts. After graduating college, Duke taught and coached in Arkansas, but when the Korean War broke out, Duke was drafted into the army. At the end of his time serving and fresh out of the National Guard, Duke stumbled upon an open position as a basketball coach at ORU. “I started in 1965, on day one when ORU
10 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
opened,” said Duke. Three years into coaching, Duke was not satisfied with only having a baseball and basketball team. Duke thought this wasn’t enough. Eventually, in 1968, Duke asked Roberts if he could start a new sports team for the school. With Roberts’ approval for the new team, recruiting began. In Duke’s opinion, it was hard to recruit Americans because ORU was a young school, and most American tennis players desired to go to prestigious universities with established reputations. After searching the United States far and wide, Duke decided it was time to look for players overseas. Conflicts with international recruiting arose in Czechoslovakia, because of the country’s Communist party. Realizing this, Duke helped push to allow the Czech players to attend school in the United States. Later, in the peak of the Cold War, Czech government officials realized some of their citizens were in the United States and demanded that all Czech players return to the Communist nation immediately. To resolve the tension, Duke took a photo of the players holding a Czech flag that they had pulled down from the Circle of Flags. This picture was sent to the Czech leader saying, “We [ORU] are a Czech outpost loyal to the works of the Czech government.” The Czech leader responded to Duke’s postcard, saying, “Comrade Duke, we are puzzled. Nevertheless, because you are an outpost in America during the Cold War, we will allow the Czech citizens to stay for another six months.”
That same year, Duke’s team challenged the prestigious tennis team of University of Texas in ORU’s first tennis match. “They offered to let us play their intramural team, and I said, ‘nope, that’s not good enough’. Then they offered to let us play the junior varsity team, and I said, ‘nope that’s not good enough,’” Duke said. As he spoke to UT’s tennis coach, a confident Coach Duke refused to play any team other than UT’s varsity. The tennis coach of UT finally gave in, allowing the newly formed tennis team of ORU to play their varsity team. He warned Coach Duke that it wouldn’t be a fair match, but still gave ORU the opportunity to play. Duke seized the opportunity to play UT and left with a victory. Throughout the rest of the first tennis season ORU went undefeated. Many years later, Duke was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, reflecting his tennis career. Thanks to Coach Duke’s early efforts and relentless belief in his vision, ORU’s tennis team is a part of the NCAA and is still composed of skilled players who come from across the globe. As a coach, mentor and friend, Coach Duke’s legacy lives on through his players and coworkers, so much so that ORU named one of the recently completed tennis courts in his honor.
Photos Provided by Bernis Duke
Photo
sh by Jo
Crow
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 11
.
www.thevintagepearl.com 12 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Photo courtesy of ORU Athletics
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
This previous summer Emir Ahmedic decided to play AAU instead of staying home to play for the Bosnian national team.
Hometown Kladanj, Bosnia Alejandro Arroyo Staff Writer @Dro3686
Every NCAA coach looks to increase their competitive advantage each year, and more recently international recruiting has become a major game changer here in the states. Roughly 11 percent of the 2016-2017 NCAA rosters have athletes that were born abroad, a striking increase of about 40 percent over the past decade, and Oral Roberts University is no exception. ORU basketball has welcomed their newest gem, Emir Ahmedic, a 6’8” forward born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The journey to become a Golden Eagle has taken the European native 5,543 miles across the pond to his newest home in Tulsa. Ahmedic described how during his senior campaign as a part of the Arkansas Wings, the young European was noticed by ORU’s Associate Head Coach Rodney Perry, who invited him to visit ORU. “When I took my visit, I liked the campus and liked the people here.” Looking back at the young Bosnian’s career, Ahmedic has become one of the most interesting young athletes that ORU has stashed away on its roster. Shedding some light on where his passion for the game stemmed from, Ahmedic went on to say that his brother has always been his idol. He said when his brother picked up a ball for the first time
and started to play, Emir followed suit. “I wanted to be just like my brother, so I started playing,” Ahmedic said. Shortly after, he made the U16 Bosnian national team in 2013. “They watch you through the whole year, and if you are good enough, they select you to the first 30 people, and then they cut it down to 20 people and eventually down to 12 people,” explained Ahmedic. The championship squad beat every team by an average of seven points on their rise to stardom, until the young Bosnian club was edged by two points to an excellent Denmark team. “Some coaches came and saw me and watched my highlights, so I came to a prep school in Little Rock,” Ahmedic said. This eventually opened the door to become recruited as the next Golden Eagle. “There is a huge difference between the way Americans and Europeans play,” said Ahmedic. He learned and adapted to American basketball, and he elevated his level of play to become a formidable presence on the court. “Back home, basketball is more of a set play type and here it is more run-and-gun. It was different to adjust, but I adjusted.” Many international players go professional after finishing high school and 22 percent of the NBA is comprised of foreign athletes. For Ahemdic, dreams of playing professionally follow completion of his degree.
Women’s Golf signs new recruits for fall 2018 The ORU women’s golf team has officially signed on four new players for fall 2018. Sarah Bell of Jackson, Missouri was a four time all-state selection at Notre Dame High School. Rachel Dupree from Shreveport, Louisiana, winner for the HOBY scholarship in 2016, is also among the new recruits. Malaysia native Megan Lee will be joining the Golden Eagles as well. She is considered one of the top amateur golfers in Malaysia. The Golden Eagles will also be gaining Isabella Caamal-Solis from Mexico. Caamal-Solis earned a silver medal at the Olympics. Photo by Josh Crow
Golden Eagle Volleyball in postseason After achieving second place in the Summit League championship early this November, the Golden Eagles volleyball team accepted an invitiation to participate in the NIVC 2017 competition in Denton, Texas. Starting Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. the team will compete in a 32 team line-up. They will meet first with UNT’s Mean Green, with TCU and Wyoming on the other side of the bracket. This year’s tournament participation marks the 16th postseason appearance for the Golden Eagles ever, and the first since 2006.
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 13
Adversity in basketball regular season Managing Editor/Sports Editor @Gibson_hay After full time, and a brutal overtime section, it was a pair of free throws from the hands of the front line of Oakland University that resulted in a regular season loss for the Golden Eagles. The game took place on Monday night, Nov. 27, on the wood floors of the Mabee Center, starting at seven and not ending until after nine. Going into overtime 81-81, Oakland (3-3) caught a quick turn over towards the end off of a good shot in by Nick Daniels. Directly after shooting, Daniels received a foul from ORU’s Javan White and the free throws that resulted would create the score at the end of the game. The team shot 45 percent at both the field (33-72) and the three range (10-22). The night was a career high for senior preseason All-Summit League pick Albert Owens, shooting 33 and rebounding 10 for a double-double with seven blocks. The team emerged from the head to head with
Oakland with a record of 1-7, creating a seven game losing streak. “We had a chance, and I’m really proud of the guys after being down 10 at halftime,” said HeadCoach Paul Mills. “We will have to capitalize on what we saw in the second half. Albert did a great job. He made the right plays and unfortunately, the guys around him couldn’t capitalize.” As part of the 2017 Progressive Legends Classic, Emmanuel Nzekwesi was named to the sub-regional All-Tournament Team. On Wednesday Nov. 29 the Golden Eagles took on Big 12 team Kansas State and suffered 68-77 loss. ORU heads back on the road for the next three games, beginning with a trip to Kansas State on Wednesday. The Golden Eagles will then travel to Little Rock (Dec. 2) and UNLV (Dec. 5) before returning home for two more games. As December continues, the team looks to play other teams like Arkansas on the 19, Minnesota State on the 21, and conference starting match against Omaha on the 30.
MEN’S BASKETBALL DEC 2 LITTLE ROCK AWAY DEC 5 UNLV AWAY DEC 8 SNU HOME DEC 15 MISSOURI HOME DEC 16 FGCU AWAY DEC 19 ARKANSAS AWAY DEC 21 MINNESOTA AWAY DEC 30 OMAHA* HOME
14 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Photo by Jeremy Luczak
Haley Gibson
Summit league conference season for the Golden Eagles starts Dec. 30 against Omaha.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SPORT SCHEDULE
DEC 1 LONG BEACH STATE AWAY DEC 6 UMCK HOME DEC 10 MISSOURI STATE HOME DEC 15 ALCORN STATE AWAY DEC 16 CHICAGO STATE AWAY DEC 21 UTAH AWAY DEC 30 OMAHA* HOME
Implementing peer learning in education
Haley Gibson
Managing Editor @Gibson_hay The second hand on the classroom clock ticks much slower than my heartbeat, mocking my stare. My fingers wrap themselves around my pen, brush through my hair and rest on the keys of my laptop. My feet tap rhythms of untold uneasiness. In moments like these in lecture halls full of over a hundred-something students, I realize that there’s
no possible way the professor knows my name, my hobbies or anything about me. I am nothing but lost in the seas of thousands of students, all with one semi-attainable goal in mind. This feeling of discomfort can leak into any course. In the last few years of my college experience, I have learned to control my mind in an impersonal lecture environment—a skill that begs the question, does this oversized atmosphere harvest a learner of the material, or someone who just learns to sit well in lectures? The solution to this anxiety can be found in methods of peer learning. Peer learning is defined as students learning from and with each other without any authority applied to a particular individual. A study done by NYU states that “good teaching is a very personal manner.” The study, completed earlier in 2017, resolved that “it is necessary for teachers to work from students’ strengths and interests by finding out why students are in your class and what their expectations are.” The study concluded that individuals who understand that lessons are applicable beyond the
classroom are more apt to do their work and enjoy accomplishing their objectives. Some great examples of peer learning methods are already employed in fields of study. The effects of hands-on collective learning practices, like nursing students who conquer in clinicals together, result in a sense of purpose and value. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscience pioneer of brain theories that include steps to controlling healthy thinking and learning, supposes that “information is increasing exponentially, but the skills managing this knowledge is decreasing.” Perhaps these findings can lead us to be conclusive in the practice of relying on each other, and teach us that there are pieces in each individual that are made to complement those of similar thought. To solve the problem of knowledge management, we only need each other. Those activities—done in the effort of growing and learning from the same place—cultivate nothing less than a community in common pursuit.
Whatever you do, don’t read this article
Cicely Rubottom News Editor @cicelypixely
The present culture is simply a result of the infinite paradigms created from regime and revolution, oppression and opposition, conservatism and radicalism. In a 1975 study known as “The Effects of Censorship on Attitude Change” examined the attitudes of students from the University of North
Carolina before and after the Dean banned a speech that favored coed dorms. The study found that students were more supportive of coed dorms after the speech was banned. The psychological sobriquet for this innate reaction is appropriately referred to as “reactance.” The study concluded that when “freedom is threatened by censorship and not subsequently restored, reactance effects will overshadow balance attempts because subjects will act to restore their own freedom.” It is the tendency of censorship to result in a reckless chain reaction of insubordination. When faced with the challenge of censorship, we have two options, like everything else, we can either fight or take flight. Among those who chose to fight
were the writers who radicalized the way people thought about racism and gender roles through books that often ended up on the banned books list. In a satisfying coincidence, these books prove the reactance theory, as they are often some of the most successful books in history (think: 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird and Fahrenheit 451.) Picture all the successful figures giving their pompous speeches and thanking scores of people in their entourage and at the end, looking directly into the audience, brow furrowed, tears pooling in their eyes, conclude by thanking those who said they “would never make it.” A twisted sense of gratitude is often awarded to oppressors not because success was impossible without them, but because the motivational power of reactance
was impossible without them. Through the 1975 study, we can see the urgency within all of us to defend our positions, thus proving our hardwired refusal to accept authority, that deny our right to simple freedoms. With this invidividaul internal system of checks-and-balances, censorship cannot prevail. So, in a nutshell—only write what they tell you to write. Don’t think and infer freely. Listen to the man. And definitely don’t be tempted to push the big red button of insurgency every once in awhile. It might just take your and your writing on a one-way trip to the banned books list or better future.
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 15
100 years of communism in the world
Grant Holcomb
Staff Writer @grantholcombORU November 7 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, thus marking the 100-year anniversary of communism on Earth. Communism is one of the worst things to happen to civilization, yet there is a trend developing in the United States that’s bringing the century old political belief back into the spotlight. According to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation’s annual report and information collected by the data firm YouGov, approximately half of millennials would prefer to live in a socialist or communist country. Yet, according to the same information, 71 percent of those surveyed could not define communism. Now, I don’t think communism is making a comeback, but it is the trendy ideology preferred in some young political circles. Some may be screaming at this article right now because I’m using the words communism and socialism in the same light. Of course, because I believe socialism is the adolescent little brother of communism. There’s no denying it. Both advocate the idea of a utopian, post-state society, yet the only way to achieve such an ideal is the complete and total takeover of all facets of citizen’s lives, compelling them to bow down to the state. Even Vladimir Lenin’s teachings fall in accordance with what I’m trying to get across: “The goal of socialism is communism.”
16 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Here are some warning signs to know if your home country is on the verge of becoming a socialist state; government controled healthcare, and the ending of an armed citizenry. Sound familiar? In China under the communist regime, Mao attempted to collectivize agriculture and do away with any form of private property, the regime induced a man-made famine that led to the death of 45 million people. China, which is technically still communist today, outlaws Christianity because it doesn’t want the citizenry to have philosophies other than those of the Communist party. Last week, China’s Communist party leaders were threatening to revoke poverty relief packages designated for rural Chinese Christians if they didn’t replace images of Jesus with images of Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping with the aim to “transform believers in religion into believers in the party,” according to South China Morning Post. Altogether, 100 million people have died at the hands of tyrannical communist governments. Millions of people died in the Soviet Union’s Gulag camps, millions died in the “Killing Fields” of Cambodia and millions more under the communist Ethiopian government. The fact of the matter is that in a centrally planned economy, where the state regulates production and distribution of goods and services with high tax rates and no individual property rights, poverty ensues. A state of dependency ensues, in which the workers do as little as possible because there is no incentive for their work. The number of items produced decreases, which drives up the price of goods. The items produced go back to the state to be spread where they are needed. There is an old Soviet adage that can still be applied to this economic system, “we pretend to work, and they pretend to pay.” Socialists like to defend the northern European countries as the bastions of modern-day socialism. Yet, prosperity has occurred because Sweden introduced school-choice into their society, and Denmark cut their corporate tax rates as well as
partly privatizing their social security. Socialists hearken their economics to the utopian “I want free stuff,” economics. But unfortunately, there is no such thing as free. The United States’ spending deficit continues to skyrocket, and our combined gross national debt is hovering around $19 trillion. According to the National Review, if we wanted to fund social programs, like free college, singlepayer healthcare and enforcing a “living-wage,” we would have to double our federal revenue. I promise you, the “one percent” won’t be the only people getting taxed. Ever since the fall of the USSR, the global poverty rate has plummeted from 37 percent to 10 percent. Why? Maybe it’s because more and more countries are embracing the idea of working yourself to the top without depending on anyone else. The free market opens up opportunity to innovate in ways that the Communist state would not allow you to, because then you become competition to the state. Look no further than the auto industry of Germany. In the former West Germany, they had Mercedes-Benz. In East Germany, they had the Trabant. Has anybody ever heard of the Trabant? I’ll wait. Whether you like it or not, the United States of America was founded on the principle that no government ought to tell its people what to do. In fact, we are a system where “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” We seem to have lost the idea of personal responsibility and “We the People.” I don’t apologize for defending market-based capitalism, because it works. I don’t want this country to become a Venezuela or Cuba, because this is America. So for those millennials who would rather live in a socialist or communist country, take a lesson from the late, great Merle Haggard: “If you don’t love it, leave it.”
Au revoir, Paris
Paige McQueen Staff Writer @paigemcq23
“Travel tastes like a hot cinnamon roll to me. It’s like the rush of adrenaline you get when your eyes meet a handsome stranger’s, except it stays with you, keeping your feet moving and your eyes roaming.” I wrote those words on a plane to Paris over three months ago. Count on me to be dramatic, if nothing else. And obsessed with cinnamon rolls, of course. Time and experience haven’t changed my love of travel, although it has morphed the idea into
something less shiny and new, a compass whose sides are well-worn from handling. “These exits confused me so badly whenever we first came here, now they’re just a part of life,” my friend and fellow traveler, Cassandra Garza, commented to me just today, as we hopped off the metro at the Bastille stop, bent on coffee and bagels (you can’t take the American out of the girls). It’s true—we weave through the metro with ease, familiar with this dance, our pace quick and our gaze direct. We’ve changed, become a part of the landscape here, seven girls added to the evergrowing population of Paris. Just as I forget my American accent, though, the wind blows my scarf over my mouth as I gaze over the Seine River and I remember that this place of breathless beauty is my home for only a few more weeks. Many people have asked me what I’ve learned here, what my favorite part has been. I can say confidently that my favorite part has been Martin Luther King Church, to see this church thrive in the midst of a culture where God is equated with weakness and Christianity dwindles faster and faster. As to what I’ve learned, I don’t think I’ll know until my feet hit American soil. I aim to be present in each of these last moments, and there is little time
for self-reflection. I still have a few more adventures before I leave, after all. As you say goodbye to ORU for 2017 and I say goodbye to France and MLK, there are a few people who deserve some recognition. Thank you, ORU, for sending us on this adventure. Thank you for letting us stumble and for picking us up again. Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity. To the professors who worked with us, thanks for not giving up on us. To the Paris Project team, I appreciate you all more than I appreciate coffee, which is a lot. Thank you, Hannah Sink, for keeping me sane on our Facetime calls and, you know, being my best friend. Emma Giddens, you’re the real—and my favorite—unicorn. Cori, thanks for letting your maid of honor live halfway around the world when I should be picking out napkin colors with you. To those of you reading this, thanks. I really appreciate you for reading my scribbles. Here we are, at the end of the semester. We let out the breath we’ve been holding for too many weeks now. It’s time for jingle bells and hot chocolate and letting go of a year full of derailed plans. It’s time for a new adventure. ORU, we’ll see you soon. Just look for the berets.
Archived memories from the LRC
Tabitha Levi
Production Editor I’m sitting at home staring at my computer screen, trying to figure out how to write this farewell. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. So much has happened since I joined the Oracle staff as a graphic designer. There was a lot of learning, some entertaining moments and some tough times. I could start out with a funny story. Maybe, talk about
winning an award. Only, I don’t really think that a funny story or award tells how—or even why—I came to the Oracle. It also doesn’t explain what the Oracle really means to me. It was my first day on campus. There was excitement in the air and questions running through my mind—the main one being, will I be able to get a job on campus? That question was answered the very next day. God was working behind the scenes with Dawn Waterhouse, who worked in the Computing and Mathematics Department. She sent my photos of the Prayer Tower to the Student Publications office. Although I didn’t know what design entailed for a newspaper, I knew I wanted to learn more about design. In the end, those photos set in motion a life change, and a love for design. I can’t forget the quotes of shame
board, which catalogued so many memories that I could talk about. But I think the only thing I really want and need to say is this—the designer is there to enhance the story, not to outshine or take it over. That’s always been our goal. To narrow down so many memories is quite the challenge. I could talk about Russ’ hierarchy of “poorly written stories” to “just plain awful stories,” or Gerald yelling, “it’s all wrong. Start over.” And, of course, the inside jokes and the late nights we spent singing Disney songs down in the basement. It was crazy. It was wild, and I loved every moment of it. Even yelling the page number that you were working on in InDesign became a hysterical game of making sure everyone heard you. I will always hold on to these memories. I know that it’s hard to let
go of a piece of your life, especially when it’s a piece that you love. However, when it’s time to move on, you’d be silly not to listen. I also know that Father God will be with me, and He has a lot more for me. I just need to take that step out and follow. To my friends, coworkers and advisors at the Oracle—I want to thank you so much for your love, care and support. You have done a lot for me, and I will never forget it.
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 17
Sudoku
18 • Oracle • December 1, 2017
Solutions from November 10th edition
(FIND THE ANSWERS AT @ORUORACLE ON TWITTER) Photos by Andrew Harlzler Graphic by Xavier Gonzalez
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
December 1, 2017 • Oracle • 19
20 • Oracle • December 1, 2017