Oral Roberts University · Sept. 18, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 3 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports
TULSA FASHION UNVEILED Tulsa Fashion Week brings high fashion to venues all over the city in preparation for weekend finale. PAGES 10-11
Competing for the Crown Alumnae take to the Miss America stage. PAGE 8
Intramural Revamp SA to introduce new rules and sports. PAGE 14
Rave Reviews Brownies aren’t just for dessert. PAGE 17
SPORTS
WOMEN MAKING THEIR MARK Address 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74171 Web www.oruoracle.com Phone (918) 495-7080 Email oracle@oru.edu
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NEWS ALL ABOUT THE NEW IPHONE PAGE 4
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SPORTS FROM RUGBY TO GOLF PAGE 13
News Student outreach adds locations SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief
Forty-nine years, 604 students weekly and over 10,360 hours serving Tulsa is only a small glimpse at the impact of the ORU Outreach teams that infiltrate the streets, homes and organizations with Christ’s light and a desire to meet practical needs. In 1976, Chancellor Oral Roberts established the ORU Missions and Outreach program to provide opportunities for students to show their concern for humanity and take an active part in bringing “healing to man in the totality of his needs.” “There are so many in Tulsa that need the hope that we have,” said Bobby Parks, director of missions and outreach. “And all it takes is making ourselves available, even if it’s just a couple hours a month encouraging a child who doesn’t have a positive influence in their life.” This year, three new outreaches are available to students. Tulsa Hills Youth Ranch allows students, faculty and staff to develop a mentoring relationship with a child between the ages of six and 17. Located in an authentic farm environment, the outreach requires a background check and two hours of mentoring per week. Volunteers can also provide other duties to the ranch like gardening, horse care and technical support. Project Manna is a ministry started by an ORU graduate in 2013 which connects with a small group of teenage girls who have been through the foster
care system. With around 500 children aging out of the foster care system every year, Project Manna helps these young women to adapt to a loving community and life of stability. Located at 61st Street and Peoria Avenue, the South Tulsa Community House works to restore self-sufficiency to individuals and families seeking empowerment. The non-profit social service agency assists local residents in food and transportation, GED education, computer job search and resume preparation. The South Tulsa Community House’s motto is “Help a Little, Empower a Lot.” If students don’t have time for a weekly outreach, Parks said there are also opportunities to serve online through LifeChurch.tv from the comfort of their dorm room. “Five years from now we hope to continue to be a consistent answer to prayer, providing laborers into the harvest field here in Tulsa, strengthening the longterm work of the local church and Kingdom-minded organizations around the world.” Outreaches began serving Monday, but it’s never too late to sign up. Visit oruoutreach.com to learn more about
Above: Brandon Jaquis helps a student with homework at the Tulsa Dream Center. Below right: Students shares time flying a kite in the courtyard of Laura Dester Children’s Shelter. the 15 different outreaches ORU offers and to become involved. “Through [outreach] you fall in love with the church all over again,” said Briauna Hoyt, student and volunteer at Thursday Night Lights, an outreach that serves Tulsa’s homeless families. “It marks your heart and the way you see the world. It forever changes the way you love the world.”
Right: Isabelle Robinson plays tic-tac-toe with a child at Laura Dester Children’s Shelter. The shelter, which houses children in the foster care system until another placement is available, is the most popular outreach on campus. Due to a lawsuit settlement, the shelter will close down this winter. Photos by Abby Friedman and Jessica Savercool
THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 3
3-D technology to make appearance in iPhone 6s ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
In one week, Apple will release the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, both updated with technology that turns the screen into a 3-D experience. “The only thing that has changed with iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is everything,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, in a press release. Apple has improved the new iPhone by adding Multi-Touch interface with 3-D touch technology, allowing users to “dip in and out of content without losing [his/her] place.” This concept is called “Peek and Pop.” “Press lightly to ‘Peek’ at a photo, email, web page or other content, and press a little deeper to ‘Pop’ into the content itself,” Apple said in a press release explaining the new software. The iPhone camera is also improved with the new phones. The camera introduces ‘Live Photos,’ 12-megapixel photos revealing the moments immediately before and after the shot was taken. It operates as a fluid image allowing the user to select the best moment in the shot. Other improvements to the camera include a new 12-megapixel sensor for truer colors and sharper images, new five-megapixel FaceTime HD camera and
front-facing flash for bright selfies in low light. iOS 9, the new operating system, will be paired with A9, Apple’s third generation 64-bit chip. Together iOS 9 and A9 will improve performance and energy efficiency for real-world usage. It became availabe for download on all devices Wednesday. The new operating system has improved Siri features, built-in apps, less space required to install and advanced security features. The new iPhones will have faster Wi-Fi and LTE for better worldwide roaming. Siri is also receiving improvements. Users will be able to say “Hey Siri” without the iPhone needing to be plugged into a power source. Siri will be more intelligent with proactive assistance and powerful search capabilities while protecting the user’s privacy. Apple is exclusively selling the new iPhones at their retail stores across the U.S. and online at apple.com. The
phones are available in gold, silver, space gray and rose gold metallic. Both iPhones come with the world’s strongest smartphone glass and 7000-series aluminum, the same grade used in the aerospace industry. With a starting price of $649 in the U.S., the 6s is the most expensive iPhone to date. Experts estimate it costs Apple $234 to make the phone, not counting manufacturing and distribution costs. iCloud storage prices have been slashed and will become available with the release of iOS 9. Less than half of students surveyed said they would purchase the new phone since they had recently purchased the 6 or 6 Plus. The new phones will stock the shelves of Apple’s 265 stores across the U.S. on Sept. 25 and is available for preorder.
6s by the numers: 16 GB: $649 64 GB: $749 128 GB: $949
Fire alarm 101: Here’s the back story ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
Fire alarms are common at ORU. A student’s first instinct is to stay in the dorms, but there are serious protocols to follow in order to ensure the safety of all. “Anytime the alarm goes off, exit the building by the nearest exit that leads outside,” said Tim Cooper, Oral Roberts University’s fire marshall. “Once you get outside you should get about 100 feet away from the building.” All the fire alarms are tied back to programs in the security office. Each residence hall has its own fire panel that reports back to a central receiver in security, which alerts dispatch. The panels do not always give an exact location. EMR and Claudius each have panels that give the floor and wing. Towers have panels that give the building and floor. Gabrielle has panels that give the 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
exact room number. According to Cooper, when dispatch is alerted, the security officers check out what is wrong. They go to the fire panel first to see where the alarm was set off. One officer reports to the floor to investigate. As soon as they find out what is going on they report to dispatch. “At the first of the year we always get some nuisance alarms,” said Cooper. “It’s people messing with people and messing with the fire alarm system.” Messing with the fire alarm system is a felony, which can be prosecuted if someone is injured during the process of evacuation. “The majority of what we receive are mischievous alarms,” said Cooper. “Following that you’ll have popcorn in a microwave that’s been [cooked] a little too long or somebody baking something in one of the few kitchens.” Gabrielle and Claudius are prone to
setting off the alarms by hairspray and straightening irons. The placement of the sensors makes them more susceptible to pick up small smoke particles from hair products. Typically EMR has the most fire alarms set off. “They have had a few this year, and most of them have been a mischief-type incident,” said Cooper. ORU has not had a fire in a dorm room in over two years. The last incident happened when a student in EMR had left a towel hanging over a light fixture and the towel ignited. “They had to call the fire department here, because they had actual smoke in the building,” said Cooper. Cooking fires are the number-one cause of residential fires nationwide. According to Cooper, because of cooking fires, the kitchens within the dorms were reduced, but students still manage to set off the fire alarms by cooking in
their microwaves. “It’s common. It’s expected,” said Cooper. “That’s why as soon as an alarm hits everybody drops everything and starts heading toward the alarm.”
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Selling magical moments Quest Disney College Program captivates students, provides growth certification programs begin ALYSSA LACOURSE
KRISTEN LEUPEN Contributing Writer
Community professionals gathered together in the Mabee Center yesterday to learn how to keep their companies cyber-healthy. This cyber security professional development event is the first of future events geared toward lifelong learners. This January, developments to online learning will become available with online certification programs and professional development events, collectively called ORU Quest. Through online training and interactive media, ORU Quest will provide professional and ministry development to all people, including non-students. Each course is projected to take a couple hours per week for a month. According to ORU Quest’s website, the first certification offerings will be in spirit-empowered ministry, personal healthcare management and continuing education. Dr. Sergio Matvuik, dean of online and lifelong learning, was specifically tasked with this program when President William M. Wilson hired him in September of 2014. Matvuik carries more than 20 years of experience in both online education and international affairs. “We are so excited for this program’s easy access and low cost for topics that are relevant to people today,” said Matvuik. The focus of the courses will be in professional development, ministry and leadership development, executive education and personal enrichment. The course will be available initially in English, but transition to other languages will happen in the future. According to Matvuik, Wilson believes these courses are the next step in equipping people to reach the uttermost bounds of the earth. The wheels are turning in preparation for the first certified course to be hosted by globally-known evangelist Marilyn Hickey on the topic of divine healing. This is the first of many certified courses to be offered. ORU Quest has already partnered with Hickey, Oklahoma Surgical Hospital and Ron Luce, president of Teen Mania International, to be leaders in their programs. “Personally I believe through this course people will be healed, and people will receive the gift of healing,” said Matviuk. According to the website, ORU Quest is offering a free class if you share your information and thoughts with them. Visit it at www.oruquest.com.
News Editor
select Walt Disney World and Disneyland dining, merchandise and recreation locations. Along with the cast member benefits, students get real industry experience in fields from dance and performance to actual technical production. Calandra said one of the most rewarding parts of the program is watching children interact with beloved characters. “I was standing in line to meet Mickey Mouse. The little boy in line was autistic and the parents had little expectations for him,” said Calandra. “The boy greeted Mickey Mouse with a hug and a warm smile. Seeing the two interact was pure magic.” The Disney College Program gives students a hands-on learning approach in the real business world by being a part of the Disney legacy. Many Disney College Program alumni have chosen to continue working with Disney because of their time during the program. The university does not give credit for this program, but encourages students to explore different educational and career options.
The Disney College Program allows students currently enrolled in an accredited university to take part in educational and business opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida or Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Through the Disney College Program, students have the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals and become part of a tradition of Disney excellence for up to seven months. Students learn firsthand how Disney does business by giving them internships within the parks or resorts. Disney is known as one of the world’s most profitable companies. The strict requirements placed on employees helps Disney deliver unparalleled service to guests around the world. “I decided to do the Disney College Program because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, take a chance and develop professional skills,” said Ashley Calandra, a Disney College Program alumna. Before being accepted into the program, there are three steps an applicant must follow: Send in an application, take an online assessment and partake in a phone interview. Once accepted, students will have the opportunity to live with As a student, you have a lot to other Disney College figure out, including your finances. Program students from Commerce Bank can help! around the world while working in the parks · Over 360 ATM and branch locations and resorts. · Mobile Banking “I worked at Holly· Make deposits from your mobile device* wood Studios at Sunset Ranch Market,” said · Online Banking & Online Bill Pay Calandra. “My role was · Instant issue debit, credit and pre-paid cards** quick service food and beverage. I took orders, Open an account with us today! handled cash, greeted Call, click or come by. guests and made magi918.492.2882 | commercebank.com cal moments.” Students participating in the program get the benefits of being a cast member and receiving discounts at *Fees apply. Subject to restrictions and limitations. **Available at participating locations, restrictions may apply.
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J17161-4 Student Ad for Oral Roberts U 5.125x5.4.indd 1
7/17/2015 2:19:32• PM THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 5
Features
Photo courtesy of Living Room Tulsa
MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor
ORU alumni Libby Elliot and Joseph Neville perform at a Living Room Tulsa event.
Two years ago strangers crammed onto couches together, stood in corners and took up every square inch of a living room as several local artists performed to a crowd of 45. Now, these same faces flock to various coffee shops as regional and national bands perform at Living Room Tulsa. ORU alumna Lauren Rockett began hosting house shows in her living room in 2013. What started as an attempt to collect good music, good people and good communion all under one roof launched the beginning of Living Room Tulsa (LRT). It is characterized as an experience seeking to “connect people with music and musicians to their audience.” “My roommate and I had just graduated and we were used to being around people all of the time, so there wasn’t a good way to connect unless you joined a singles group at a church or something,” Rockett said. “So this was bringing a lot of people that cared about a lot of the same things as us together.” After a handful of house shows Rockett decided to take this idea to a group of friends who shared the same passion for music and community and build off
of the foundation she had already laid. Chris Renick, a 2015 ORU alumnus and music technology major, was one of those friends. “Even before going to school at ORU I’ve always had my hands on art projects or been on stage,” Renick said. “It was interesting because I had all of this equipment that I had just accrued over the years from doing stuff. I didn’t even know half of it or why I had it, and we started doing shows. It was amazing how every single piece of equipment I had suddenly found a reason to exist.” Living Room Tulsa has hosted five shows since May in various locations including Tulsa coffee shop Hoot Owl Coffee. The short-term vision for LRT is to partner with different towns to host house-show tours, and, eventually, Rockett and Renick plan to open a living room venue in Tulsa. “Tulsa has a developing art community but it’s sort of in little pockets around town,” Rockett said. “So [we’re] just trying to be another thing to unite that.” The long-term vision of LRT is to build numerous Living Rooms in different cities giving artists
an opportunity to go on tour throughout the country, bringing their individual sound with them and connecting with audiences along the way. Until then, LRT remains local and reaches out to artists regionally and nationally. “There’s this abstract sort of idea that we have ultimately,” Renick said. “Historically, in families, living rooms have been this place where everyone comes together. Sometimes it breaks out into argument. I was reading something about the different mindsets today and how people aren’t really agreeing on things so much anymore, and one of the things we can do is come together, and we can agree on at least this one thing we all enjoy. There’s this one thing and that’s music. Our hope is that you’ll attend a show, hear music you love, be with people and feel at home.” Living Room Tulsa’s next show is tonight at 7 p.m. in Timko Barton featuring Oklahoma City band Tallows and Tulsa native band Sports. Students pay $2, and general admission is $5.
21 acts of kindness on student’s 21st birthday EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer
Senior Hadassah Weiss didn’t have a typical 21st birthday celebration. She didn’t go out to a bar, she didn’t get drunk and she didn’t end up forgetting the night. Instead, she chose to make it an unforgettable day by performing 21 random acts of kindness. “I was so proud. I could cry talking about it. My daughter thought of other people on her day. Most want to go party, but she gave to people instead,” said her mother Lisa Weiss. Weiss fulfilled her acts in her hometown in Colorado Springs where she began at the humane society. First, she 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
paid for an adoption fee for a dog and cat. While she was there, she bought dog food and a couple of beds for the animals. Next, she visited an abused women’s shelter. Weiss believed many of the mothers focused on escaping instead of grabbing their children’s toys, so she bought several and gave them out around the home Next on her list? Weiss picked up a pizza for some firefighters and the man at the register asked about her day. “When he found out it was my birthday, he asked me if I was ready to go party,” Weiss said. When he found out what I was doing, he said, ‘That’s crazy. We need more people like you.’”
The man shocked her, but the gift that moved her to tears was when she paid for a woman’s grocery bill at a rundown Walmart. “The lady was amazed and asked me, ‘Why are you doing this for me?’” Weiss said. “I told her that God told me to pay this for you. Please accept it. It’s God’s blessing.” Weiss spent around $350 during the day. Spending so much money was hard for her, because she had not earned much money over the summer, but she walked away richer and would like to be able to do it again. “If you bless others, you are going to be blessed,” Weiss said. “My parents
taught me that it is better to give than to receive.”
Photo by Cassandra Van Dam 21 acts of random kindness made senior Hadassah Weiss’ 21st birthday memorable.
Death of a handyman An increasing skills gap in ‘blue-collar’ jobs JJ JOHNSON
Senior Staff Writer
Sitting before the U.S. Senate in 2011, Mike Rowe could have kept to the statistics. He was there to talk about the increasing skills gap in the United States, a problem he witnessed personally in his years hosting the hit television show, “Dirty Jobs.” But instead of presenting a lackluster diatribe on the plight of the small man, Rowe told a story about the time he and his grandfather fixed the family toilet. “There was pipe welding, and there was picks, and there was shovels, and there were blisters and laughter and maybe some questionable language,” Rowe said. “It was one of my favorite days ever.” He then recounted an incident that occurred a few decades later when plumbing problems arose yet again in his home. That time, however, he simply paid someone else to do the dirty work. “I no longer thought about where my food came from or how my electricity worked or who fixed my pipes or who made my clothes,” Rowe said. “I didn’t think about who made anything. There was no reason to.” In 2015, there is a reason, as the
draw of blue-collar jobs shrinks in the glamorized limelight of the whitecollar American dream. “The skills gap is indeed real,” said Dr. Scott Williams of Tulsa Technology Center, a vocational education institution in Tulsa. “At a very basic level, employers will find it difficult to hire individuals with the appropriate skills for their occupation.” According to an Adecco survey, 30 percent of U.S. senior executives cited the manufacturing sector as seeing the greatest gap between skilled workers needed and those actually available. One of Tulsa’s primary industries is aerospace manufacturing, according to the City of Tulsa. The industry makes up more than 14,000 jobs – plausibly supporting 14,000 families – in Tulsa. “[The skills gap] affects the Tulsa workforce by hindering a company’s ability to successfully locate and hire a candidate with the skills necessary to perform the function of a specific job,” Williams said. In the past, Tulsa has developed a highly specialized economy concentrated in oil and gas in its first half-century and aerospace and medical in the present day. This historically meant prosperity for the region but, as Williams points out, can constitue a significant drawback.
“[Specialization] causes educational institutions, both secondary and post-secondary, to develop and maintain programs required to provide a skilled workforce for those industries,” Williams said. Google vocational training in Tulsa and a plethora of options pop up. Tulsa Tech, Tulsa Welding School and Spartan Aeronautics are some of the more prominent among them. As industry schools like these fade out or evolve in a region, the schools’ training programs can struggle to keep up with the changes. With 59 percent of executives in the Adecco survey blaming the education system in the United States for causing the skills gap, these factors present education leaders with a major challenge. Williams sees the future of the job training being both data-driven and needs-based. “The student [will] be able to advance through the career program at their own pace, based on demonstrated competency,” Williams said. “At Tulsa Tech we would like to change the vernacular and focus on the outcome, the career.”
Photos by Wyatt Bullard
THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 7
Alumnae compete for Miss America title Just two years ago Georgia Frazier and McKensie Garber were students at the same university. Now they have something else to add to their resume: They were both Miss America contestants. The pair represented their home states of Oklahoma and Missouri in Atlantic City last week. Garber met Frazier in an interview she was conducting for the school paper where the two discovered a common bond of pageants. Their friendship has only grown since then. “We’ve supported each other through the whole pageant process,” said Garber. “I think it’s amazing that we get to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience together. It’s very crazy since ORU doesn’t really have a pageant reputation. It’s so cool to get to do this with one of my friends from college.” Frazier entered her state pageant with her eye on education. The 2014 graduate planned on attending New York University’s graduate school for Sports Business and knew her passion would help on the financial side. “I graduated debt free due to this organization and want to be able to continue to inspire individuals to follow their dreams,” said Frazier. Garber always hoped for this experience. The media major had graduated a year early when her childhood dream became a reality. She started in dance at the age of three with pageants to follow. The sacrifice was worth it in the end for the 21-year-old. “The perfect situation was for me to win Miss Missouri right out of college,” said Garber. “I know I’m in God’s timing for my life. I know I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I’m in His plan for my future. I feel like I’ve worked my whole life for this.” Both contestants admit their favorite part of the experience is the people. They have served as spokeswomen throughout their home states in this process and developed friendships with their competitors. “I always try to gain the feeling of ‘being enough,’” said Frazier. 8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
“Parents are more likely to have a son play in the Super Bowl than a daughter compete at Miss America, and I think right there should provide the feeling of being enough. It’s hard in this day and age to feel pretty enough, talented enough and smart enough, but through this experience I have felt all three and more.” Garber credits her alma mater for her ability to perform under pressure. The 2015 graduate was involved in chapel creative, the school paper, radio station and many productions with the theatre department. “I feel like I’m at such an advantage, because I had such a unique college experience,” said Garber. “It was so rigorous. I felt like ORU produces the kind of people Miss America is looking for, because they’re so well-rounded. It pushed me to strive for excellence in every area of my life. You have to be well rounded in this organization, and you have to know who you are. My experience at ORU far surpassed any of my expectations. I’ve always wanted to feel like I was the best version of myself coming to Miss America, and I feel like ORU did that for me. I was surrounded by so many amazing people.” Garber was eliminated in the first round of cuts. Frazier placed top 10 in the pageant on Sunday evening. “It was a whirlwind, super fast and exhilarating. It was a dream come true singing on the Miss America stage and
wearing my dream gown,” said Frazier. “All these years of hard work finally paid off. I just glorified God all night.” Both Garber and Frazier will continue to represent their respective states until next summer when they will crown a new Miss for their states. Top: McKensie Garber is crowned winner of Miss Missouri 2015. Bottom left: Georgia Frazier is crowned winner of Miss Oklahoma 2015.
a
Senior Staff Writer
Mi ss Am eri c
ERICA LUDWIG
Courtesy Photo
Photo by David Pickering
Headshot Photos by Matt Boyd
REPRINT: ‘If the barn door needs paintin...’ Summer renovations give university face-lift
Photo reprinted from Vol. 29 No. 2
CAPTION REPRINTED FROM VOL. 29, NO. 2 - Suspended nearly 200 feet above the prayer gardens in the scorching heat, workmen repaint the exterior of the prayer tower at a cost of $33,000. This was only one of many renovations carried out this summer.
REPRINTED FROM THE ORACLE VOL. 29, NO. 2 PRINTED: SEPT. 5, 1995 “At a time when many universities face cutbacks in staff and finances, ORU found a creative way to utilizing their greatest resource-alumni,” said Lynette Troyer, Director of Alumni and Public Relations. For the third year in a row, Summer Spruce-Up has allowed alumni to join forces and help with valuable projects such as painting, gardening, changing light bulbs, carpet cleaning and performing repairs across the entire campus. “These alumni contribute 2,600 man hours during the spruce-up, which is far above what our regular staff could accomplish,” Vice President of Operations David Ellsworth said. “Their enthusiasm and eagerness to give to their alma mater inspires and encourages us long after they leave.” Throughout the entire summer, it
was not unusual to walk around campus and see the work in progress by many outside contractors that were hired to work on projects such as the resurfacing and sealcoating of Lots F and G, the Executive lot and Johnson and Maintenance Drives; removal of two of the much-loved speed bumps; repainting of the cafeteria serving area, the Classroom Center, EMR and the Prayer Tower (which had not been repainted since it was built in 1976); and the installation of four new elevators in Michael and Frances halls… …The end of summer does not mean the end of work. Projects in progress include revamping the Library, renovating the southwest entrances of the Graduate Center and Student Accounts and cleaning, dredging and aerating Lake Evelyn... as well as many other projects which contribute toward the enhancement of ORU, including what is done by the annual Summer Spruce-Up.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 9
Photos by Wyatt Bullard and Sarah Davis
Rachel Anderson and Francesca Vazquez
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Tulsa Fashion Week (TFW) made its debut this week as local designers and creatives come together to show Tulsa’s sense of style. With over five days of runway events held in Tulsa, the gap between local and national designers is being bridged through the interaction of both worlds. TFW provides an opportunity for local designers, models, fashion photographers and students who want to be part of the fashion industry gain experience in the field. Tuesday’s event held inside Jackie Cooper Imports Mercedes showroom exuded a lively ambience as electronic dance music played softly in the background and guests and models milled about the room. Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent makeup products were available to guests who needed a touch up. “Lee does contour, Debbie’s doing lips and I’m doing eyes,” said Becca Fuller, makeup artist from Saks Fifth Avenue. “They just called us and told us to come.” Tulsa World set up a dressmaking contest in which designers created gowns out of Tulsa World newspapers. Eight participants, including Raul Flores, Mventta Taylor, Carlos Collins, Krystle Curry, Enamual Durant, Kateri Burris and Ismir Pena worked hard to produce the pieces. Raul Flores won the contest with his dress titled “Crowning Midnight.” Flores won free tickets to the rest of TFW events. Wednesday night was an entirely different scene as Tulsans gathered
for the grand opening of K. Nicole boutique on Brookside. Guests sat in black chairs lined up along both sides of the 12-foot wide alley behind the boutique. Models walked the concrete runway and posed for photographers.The crowd especially enjoyed the final line presented by wardrobe stylist Atoria Jordan, applauding her bold structural choices.
10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
Ismir Pena
Black and white ruled designer Ismir Pena’s collection at the Mercedes event. Models wore her Fall 2015 collection with poise as they chatted with guests throughout the night. Pictured below is daughter of the featured TFW designer, Ismir Reynoso Pena and ORU concurrent student, Madeline Grace, 16.
Raul Flores Tulsa World competition winner 22-year-old, Raul Flores, beamed with pride as he explained his piece, “Crowning Midnight.” The Tulsa native shared the concept originated from French fashion designer, Thierry Mugler. Mugler is known for his fashion creations with unusual materials, including a corset constructed from car parts. “We loved the structure of the dress and how he used the coins pictured in the paper to emphasize the design and pattern...when we looked closely, it took our breath away,” said Judge and Tulsa World Community Engagement Coordinator Samantha Extance.
Black Wall Street Dennis Delemar, 30, brand president, featured his mission-based clothing line, Black Wall Street. Starting seven months ago, Delemar wanted to impart the tragic historic event of the 1900s Greenwood District massacre. His concept originated when he was invited to write a script and feature film for the Greenwood District story. “The idea behind the brand is to bring the rich history of Greenwood back through clothing but also to inspire people and to get them to rethink history and the social issues that are going on in the world today” Delemar said. His line features royal gold, black and white. Delemar’s goal is to uplift people with t-shirt graphics of metallic crowns and lions. The overarching vision of Black Wall Street is to remind apparel wearers there is, “a message behind every thread.”
DJ Runway Picks
Sherri Smith
Audience members, with smart phones in hand, anticipated capturing the multicolored wigs of Sherri Smith. Models strut the runway with four-inch heels decked in basic white tanks and high-waisted jeans. As they glided down the sunlit alley, their eyes were fixed intensely on an unseen focus. Their lips were glazed with a shimmering iced blue or metallic gold lipstick. Meant for the modern day woman, these wigs offer a simple way to enhance any look. “This collection in today’s age, women want to have a different style, a different look for weddings, anniversaries or just everyday, so the collection that you’re going to see can be worn for any occassion and at anytime,” Smith said.
Below are the top three songs that were played while models flaunted the designs: 1. “The Charade” by D’Angelo And The Vanguard 2. “Dress” by Sylvan Esso 3. “Standing On The Sun” by Beyonce Feat. Mr. Vegas
What’s Next? Atoria Jordan was the final collection showcased on Wednesday evening at the “Fashion Meets Art in the Alley” event. Utica Square held its own runway event Thursday night featuring more local designers at Miss Jackson’s. Friday and Saturday will conclude the week’s events featuring designers Joannelynn Hong, Designs by Jessica, Caycee Black, Nicole Moan and Danny Nguyen Couture at the Mayo Hotel from 7:30-10 p.m.. Alexis Monsanto, Orlando Dugi, Stephen Goudeau, Stevie Boi and Nine Muses Collection will be featured at the Cox Convention Center Ballroom A from 7:30-10 p.m.
Visit oruoracle.com for coverage of this weekend’s events. THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 11
SPORTS Internet Photos
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RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
2015 has been a groundbreaking year for women in professional sports. Becky Hammon, the first woman to coach in the NBA, is entering her second year as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, and Sarah Thomas has become the first female official in the NFL. Head Football Athletic Trainer Ariko Iso has seen men’s athletics change drastically in the last 15 years. Many would say she started it. Iso became the first full-time female athletic trainer in the history of the NFL in 2002. Her position with the Pittsburgh Steelers made her one of the first women directly involved in men’s professional sports. “It was difficult to become a female trainer when I started my career, but in the past 10 years I’ve seen more and more doors open for female athletic trainers,” said Iso, in an interview with the Oracle. “I 12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
was really lucky to work with a great owner, coaching staff and colleagues in Pittsburgh. Coach Cowher even has three daughters, so he was used to being around women.” Iso worked with the Steelers until 2011 when she was hired as the head football athletic trainer at her alma mater Oregon State. “If I never got my opportunity from the Pittsburgh Steelers, I never would have gotten the chance to be the head football athletic trainer at my alma mater,” said Iso. “As long as there is opportunity for female trainers to gain experience, there will be opportunities to find full-time training jobs as well.” Iso’s advancement into a man’s world through athletic training opened the door for women to move into the extremely male-dominated role of coaching. This summer, the Arizona Cardinals hired Jen Welter as a summer/preseason intern, making her the first female coach of any capacity in NFL history. Welter coached the Cardinal’s inside linebackers during training camp.
“You have to have dreams. I knew as soon as I started playing football that it was my destiny,” said Welter, in her introductory press conference. “I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew that God had put me on a path and that I had to be smart enough to put my head down, go to work and let him put me to work.” Sports have largely been dominated by men since their inception. Iso, Welter and Hammon have won significant victories toward the credibility of women in this realm. Experienced and qualified women will now be able to show why they belong. Women all around the world are seeing other women as an important part of sports and not just as spectators. “We show little girls all the time to be beautiful and to do it all the wrong ways. We show them as accessories, for no other better way to put it,” said Welter. “That’s what they grow up thinking that fame is or success is. I want little girls to grow up knowing that when they put their mind to something, when they work hard, that they can do anything regardless of those things.”
Former rugby player finds relief through golf JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
Golf is more than hitting a ball with a metal club in hopes to get it into a hole in the ground. Just ask senior golfer Ollie Penn. Penn found relief and success in the sport after losing his best friend, Kundai Chiundiza, his senior year of high school. “[Living in Sydney] definitely promotes an active lifestyle. Sports are huge in Australia; it’s what religion is to ORU,” said Penn. “When you learn to walk, you learn to play sports. I grew up playing rugby-it’s the number-one sport in Australia-but I stopped playing because I lost my best friend in a game. After that, it was just too much for me to deal with. I still love the game, but I’ll never play again, because, emotionally, it’s too difficult.” Chiundiza was hit illegally during a rugby game and suffered a shoulder charge from another player. “He went down and started coughing up pieces of flesh,” said Penn. “He was taken in an ambulance, rushed to the hospital and released that night. He died that night at home, on the couch, in his sleep.” Penn began playing golf at the age of 10, but did not take it seriously until after Chiundiza’s death.
Photos by Wyatt Bullard
Penn is beginning his second season with the Golden Eagles.
“It was hard at the time, but it’s pushed me into a place where I can use my competitive nature to do something that’s not as risky and not as dangerous,” he said. This experience awakened Penn’s desire to become a professional golfer. Every day is a step closer to reaching that goal. “I’m looking to play golf professionally, that’s the only thing I want to do,” said Penn. “I’ve been busting my [butt] to get where I am now, to set myself up for a good career as a professional athlete. I don’t see myself working for IBM or Apple or anything other than the PGA Tour as a professional, and I consider myself halfway there.” He has had the opportunity to play with the Australian National Team, travel to more than 10 countries and play under coach, Cameron McCormick. McCormick also coaches 2015 Masters and U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth. Penn and the rest of the men’s golf team are looking to rebound after their second place loss at the
2015 Summit League Championship where they led the entire tournament until the final three holes. “It definitely left a bitter taste in our mouths about conference this year, just in the fact that we can do it. We can get there and win a conference championship,” said Penn. “I think the guys are more fired up than they were last year. We know how good we are. We set a bunch of school records last year, but the guys have to be disciplined and really work for it.” Penn is excited for the upcoming season, where he sees himself in the future and thankful for what the past five years have taught him. “In golf, like life, sometimes things are going to go your way and sometimes things aren’t. It’s handling the disappointment, but not allowing it to bring you down and make you feel bad about yourself,” Penn said. “It’s all about being present. We don’t have anything other than right here and now.”
Senior Ollie Penn practices with the team at Southern Hills Country Club on Sept. 10.
Golf has served as therapy for Penn who lost his best friend, Kundai Chiundiza, after a rugby game in June 2010. THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 13
Intramurals introduce new sports and rules
Photo by Nick Conroy
Flag football and basketball are the most popular intramural sports, but Student Association promises to unveil an exciting new sport for 2015. PARRISH PURNELL JR. Staff Writer
The 2015-16 intramural sports program has undergone many changes to ensure a better experience for participants. New leadership, sports and a few surprise rules have been added in order to increase the level and quality of competition. 2015 alumnus Zach Swalley was hired over the summer as the new director of clubs and organizations. He
quickly overhauled several major rules. “I am really excited about this year,” said Swalley. “The rule used to be that Div. I athletes had to wait a year before participating in a specific intramural sport, but we got rid of that. Now if you’re not on a school team anymore, get on a team and get after it.” Intramural sports have seen a roller coaster of results concerning athlete participation and student spectators. “This year we [SA] are bringing back ‘all-school.’ I’m giving away
$1,000 to the winning floor for their banquet,” he said. The where, when and what of intramurals are changing too. The intramurals department is working with ORU facilities to secure new locations and amenities for the big games. “We’re working on getting many new things for the students,” said Student Intramural Coordinator Brendan Campagna. “We’re working on getting lights for night games and different things to improve the overall
experience.” Bright lights bring out the crowds of spectators, and several undisclosed new events will likely draw the athlete involvement SA is hoping to see. “I am pleased to announce there are some fun new sports coming this season,” said Swalley. “You can always expect something new and fresh to come out of the intramurals department because it’s going to be an exciting year.”
but after those two there is a trail of mediocrity. The inauguration of the college football playoffs last season might have been the worst thing to happen to the conference. The angry days of yelling at a BCS computer are gone. Decades of undefeated teams screaming their cases to the deaf ears of a computer are over. SEC teams dominating while a more deserving team gripes about the system are hopefully extinct, and an underwhelming Big Ten team embarrassing the conference on the big stage is no more. In the words of the rapper Drake, “The real will live forever and fakes will be exposed,” and the Big Ten is about to be exposed. The Big Ten is 23-33 against other Power Five Conference teams in the last three seasons. The Alabama routing of Wisconsin in week one reaffirmed
what we already knew about the Badgers: they are too slow for elite talent. Apparently Nebraska is still learning how to defend hail marys after the BYU circus. I’ll admit Mark Dantonio has done a fine job making Michigan State a respectable program, but being in the same division as the Buckeyes and Michigan will be an annual struggle. Speaking of Michigan, the Jim Harbaugh media extravaganza quickly deflated following his debut loss to Utah. It will take a few years for Harbaugh and company to turn it around. Over the last five years, out of the Power Five conferences the Big Ten sits fourth in total first-round NFL draft picks, only one player more than the fifth place, PAC-12. The Big Ten is the only conference out of the Power Five not to have a Heisman winner in the
last 10 years. Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith won the trophy in 2006. After the Spartans and the Buckeyes, who is truly afraid of what the Big Ten has to offer? After taking a year off, Urban Meyer’s move to Columbus proved to be brilliant. He no longer had to deal with the brutal schedule the SEC offers. After greeting the Big Ten with a 24-game winning streak against conference opponents, his squad looks primed to repeat as national champions. Fans should appreciate the fact their one-loss PAC-12 or SEC powerhouse no longer has to face a Big Ten team in a consolation BCS bowl. One or two losses in the Big Ten is no longer an accomplishment. There’s only two teams to be afraid in the Big Ten: Dantonios’ Spartans and Meyer’s Buckeyes. As Meyer proved last year, his team belongs. For the rest of the conference? I’m not so sure.
Big Ten loses luster despite Ohio State success
SOLOMON WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Campuses are flooded with excitement and students have their books tucked away. Saturday is every one’s favorite day of the week , but in the fall, Saturday’s are even sweeter because college football is back. The return of the season comes with high hopes and over zealous expections. The Big Ten has fallen into these categories too often. Michigan State and Ohio State sit atop the conference,
14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
Transfers bring diversity to athletics Nearly 20 percent of athletes are transfers JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
Forty-three student-athletes have transferred from colleges all around the world, and the reasons behind each one’s decision are what make ORU’s athletic program unique. Lakota Beatty, junior on the women’s basketball team, transferred this year in order to play alongside her sister, Ashley, again. “We’ve been playing together since we were four and six,” she said. “When we’re on the court, I know where she is at all times, and I feel like a different player when I’m with her. It’s better.” Joanie Jacks, sophomore women’s soccer player, transferred to ORU because of the Christian culture. “I loved the Christian aspect of it and how the heart and center is focused on God,” said Jacks. “I wasn’t even thinking about playing again.”
Nick Rotola, senior baseball player is in his second year at ORU. “I left [Eastern Michigan] because I got better,” Rotola said. “My coach also got fired, and I had a really tough decision to make. But, I knew it would be better for my career to come here and play for Coach Folmar and continue to get better in this historical program.” Obi Emegano, a redshirt-senior who will be joining the men’s basketball team for a fourth year, spoke similarly. “As I evolved as a player and got older, I started to realize Western [Illinois University] wasn’t the place to help me where I needed to go and where I wanted to be,” he said. “So I decided to transfer and ORU was where I thought I had a chance of getting to the next level.” ORU is known for having a large population of
international students, with 83 countries represented, and the athletics department is no different. “I think it’s like anything, if you grow up in a place for so long, you feel compelled to get outside and move around,” said Ollie Penn, senior golfer. “I’d been living [in Sydney] for 22 years, and it was long enough. I had a good opportunity to come to ORU and decided to take it. I’m somebody who throws myself into the deep end as often as I can. So that was a big thing, deciding to come to ORU. I had no idea about Tulsa, I had no idea about Oklahoma. I had never even heard of Oklahoma before I came here.” ORU has a total of 259 student-athletes, 17 percent are transfers and they are all making an impact as each team seeks to earn the Summit League title in their respective sports.
Transfer athletes by the numbers Mapping out the athletes 16 from Oklahoma
6 from California
6 from International Countries
15 from other states
Sports played Each icon represents one transfer athlete
Other 6 athletes
Golf 8 athletes
Basketball 9 athletes
Baseball 10 athletes
Soccer 10 athletes THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 15
SCENE Live action fairytales to take over box office AUDREY GRAY
Contributing Writer
Walt Disney Studios is on the fast track to recreating the classic fairytale movies many have come to love. Live-action movies are the next big thing for the multi-billion dollar company. Movies like “The Jungle Book,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Dumbo” are a few of the films set to be released in the near future. Tim Burton put his unique twist on “Alice in Wonderland” in 2010. Then viewers looked through a villain’s eyes in the 2014-film “Maleficent.” The most recent live-action remake of a childhood classic, “Cinderella,” was a huge success. The movie made nearly $68 million on its opening weekend and more than $200 million as of Sept. 14. According to IMDb, “The Jungle Book” will be the next live-action remake in theaters April 15. Stars expected to appear in the production include Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Bill Murray as Balloo and Christopher Walken as King Louie.
“Beauty and the Beast” is set to be released in 2017. Emma Watson (Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter”) has been cast as Beauty. The Beast will be played by Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley in “Downton Abbey”). Disney’s 1963 “The Sword in the Stone” is in the works as well. “Game of Thrones” writer and producer Bryan Cogman is rumored to be the scriptwriter for the story of young Arthur and Merlin. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tim Burton is expected to create the magical land where elephants fly and babies are delivered by storks in “Dumbo.” A date has yet to be announced. Many “Cinderella” film reviews have criticized the live-action remakes calling them “unimaginative” and “low risk.” “Now, thanks to Hollywood’s refusal to take risks in its search for bankable products, the next trend that is set to take hold of multiplexes will see Disney dipping into its past and reimagining its back catalogue
in live-action form,” said Patrick Grafton-Green, writer for the Independent. Famed film critic Roger Ebert has a more optimistic approach toward the remakes. “I realize Branagh [director] and company are probably making this version not just for us jaded adults, but for a generation of children who perhaps never had a chance to see ‘Cinderella’ on a big screen.” Regardless of the critics’ opinions, Disney will continue to move forward in the remaking process. “The key is risk aversion,” says Steve Gaydos, executive editor of the Hollywood trade magazine “Variety.” “Hollywood is desperate to find things that are essentially presold. They like films they can test-market and know there’s an awareness, an appetite and fan base.” The live-action “Cinderella” was released to DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday.
The concrete runway: A touch of elegance Like these looks? Log on to oruoracle.com to follow the concrete runway and see what looks are featured. Edgy Elegance - Ama Aniekwu pairs Ben Stenzel models a sports coat Classy Comfort - Sydney T. Elliott tough camo with elegant lace. with jeans for a more laid-back look. combines a denim jacket with lace and heels. 16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
Photos by Wyatt Bullard and Choyce Hays
Review: Brownies Burgers VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
Hamburgers, fries and shakes are the comfort foods many college students crave. When McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy’s don’t cut it anymore, take a drive down to Brownies Hamburgers. Brownies is a small burger joint with three locations around the Tulsa area. The store on 6577 S. 71st Street sits right across from Braum’s. Its interior will instantly remind you of an old-fashioned diner with booths and bar stools. Grab a seat and a waiter will come and take your order. Each meal is made to order, so expect a hot fresh burger with sizzling sides. The Theta Burger is Brownies’ most popular burger and rightfully so. Layered with double meat, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, mayo, pickles and onion rings, the Theta burger is a messy yet a delicious treat. The BBQ sauce and mayo give a sweet tangy taste while the soft meat and crunchy onion rings delight in your mouth. “I liked how the onions were fired into the burger,” said Lily Zaheer, a Brownies customer, about her selected burger. Tami Tarver, another satisfied customer, raved about her cheeseburger.
Freshman 50
“The burger was soft. I really like that.” Both ladies agreed that the onion rings were a good size and not “supersized.” The fries and onion rings are not heavily seasoned, but a few shakes of salt and pepper will make them come to life. Unlike many french fries, Brownies’ fries are more on the soft side with a little crunch. Coming straight from the fryer to the plate, these fries will dissolve in your mouth with one bite. The onion rings are lightly battered and each one is fried to perfection. For those looking for a different option, Brownies serves battered chicken strips. A regular meal comes with four chicken strips, two sides and Texas toast. Each chicken strip is nicely battered. Buttermilk ranch adds a creamy twist to the strips. The Texas toast is soft, buttery and the perfect addition to the evening meal. Brownies homemade root beer is the perfect complement to your dining experience. Sweetened with a small amount of vanilla, this fizzy drink is just right to wash it all down. Don’t leave without getting dessert. Enjoy a slice of sweet, cool and creamy coconut pie. Next time you’ve got a craving a burger, check out Brownies Burgers. For those of you who want a more
Photo by Sarah Davis
The Theta Burger continues to be the best-seller paired with onion rings and a cold root beer.
upscale gourmet burger, try Brownies Gourmet Burgers at Utica Square.
Dead Love
Courtesy Photo
Restaurant Week Photo by Wyatt Bullard
Freshmen Isabelle Robinson and Joe Cho reflect on their journey from day one to day 40. Joe Cho and Isabelle Robinson are 40 days into their first semester at ORU. Use the Aurasma App to see their first experiences picking a new church and continuing to immerse in ORU culture. To get a behind-the-scenes look at Cho and Robinson’s journey, download the Aurasma app and be sure to follow “oruoracle” for the full-length video interviews.
Sunday is the last day to get a taste of restaurant week, featuring the best of the Tulsa food scene. Restaurant week is presented by TulsaPeople and benefits the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. 10 percent of restaurant week menu sales will go straight to the food bank to fight hunger in Eastern Oklahoma. Participating restaurants include Andolini’s Pizzeria on Cherry Street, Queenie’s Cafe & Bakery at Utica Square, In the Raw on Brookside and 47 other restaurants throughout Tulsa. The menus are pre-fixed to include the best of the restaurant’s fare. Each restaurant will offer two- or three-course menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Lunch begins at $12.95 for two courses, and a threecourse menu for dinner starts at $25. Visit tulsapeople.com for a list of set menus from each restaurant.
Graphic by Christopher Hampton
The tragic love story, “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, is making an appearance in Howard Auditorium this Thursday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 27. “Romeo and Juliet” will be directed by Nora Swiney, an adjunct professor in the Theatre Department. Performances Thursday through Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday performance starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 17
Muse #twapel talks SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief
Pastor Craig Groeschel was the perfect mix. Blunt while being wittily funny; sweet and tender yet brutally honest. His on-stage selfie was endearing and his frequent glimpses into what life as a young adult looks like were comforting. He wasn’t just preaching to a crowd, he was living life with them. He understood. And in the midst of a hilarious message, where “sexy” was used a record-breaking number of times and toes were discussed in detail, Groeschel managed to peel back the layers surrounding the hearts of college students in the 21st century: self–obsessed, a little unaware and often terribly lost and disconnected. “We depend so much on ‘likes’ when what we’re looking for is love,” Groeschel said. And he was right. The digital age has impacted the way we
think, interact and see ourselves. Our phones are often glued to our hands and our notifications ping throughout the day, alerting us of an outside world watching our lives. But social media, the iPhone’s new front-facing flash or an Instagram filter haven’t done this to us; we have. What’s terrifying about Groeschel’s message was it didn’t just hit the nail on the head, it slammed it through a two-by-four. It was convicting and it was honest, but possibly not enough to sway us from our filtered and perfectly poised digital appearance. I’m always wary when #twapel or social media blows up with inspiring quotes and people addicted to a quote or a word. “This was applicable,” some say. “Wow, I feel challenged,” others say, but does that matter? Does it not just continue the endless cycle of getting a feeling, posting on social media and continuing on our way.
Backing the boys in blue
VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
In the past year, police officers have received oppostion due to their alleged disregard for black lives. Such claims have left many angry and bitter toward officers, resulting in a greater disrespect for those in blue. America needs a stiff reminder of how valuable police officers are to society. Police officers are men and women who put their lives on the line to protect innocent people and regardless
of what the media says, they are not the bad guys. We need police officers. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2013 an estimated 1,163,146 violent crimes occurred nationwide. Without our men and women in blue, those crimes would go unchecked and pose an immense threat to society. Policemen face perilous situations constantly. “I’ve been spit on, hit and kicked. Someone even tried to stab me,” said Officer Justin Brown of the Tulsa Police Department. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund over the last decade there have been 58,930 assaults against law enforcement each year, and a total of 1,466 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past decade. Officers’ job risks have intensified with the recent spew of police hate.
18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
Feel. Click. Forget. It’s a vicious cycle. It almost feels like that staged #CoffeeAndTheWord photo that graces an Instagram feed from time-to-time. Feel. Click. Forget. I don’t know where this attitude was adopted, and I don’t know how to fix it except through sheer willpower. No one can make us less self-obsessed. No one can force us to take a moment to place our phone in our bag for the day. No one can force us to move back to a simpler world, free of social media and the habitual thirst for attention. Only we can. And I hope we do. Students are right to tweet the moments they were inspired by and the thoughts that resonated deep within. Let’s hope they live by them as well.
An Arby’s manager in Florida recently refused service to a female police officer for her occupation. In Aurora, Colorado, a person called 911 threatening to shoot police officers. Officer, veteran and father of four, Joseph Glinieuicz was recently killed by three men during a pursuit. “We have targets on our backs just because we have shiny badges on our chests,” said Brown. The real truth buried underneath all of the controversy is police are human too. They need support and affirmation that their job is not done in vain. Social media is exploding with new movements and hashtags showing support and respect for police officers. Back the Blue, Police Lives Matter and Respect Law Enforcement are a few of the movements spreading around. People are encouraged to wear blue in support of law enforcement and to
spread encouraging messages. Kristen Brunson, a Texas resident and wife of a police officer, posted an emotional video on Facebook detailing how much her husband means to her. Brunson refers to him as “kind, loving and exquisite.” “Thank an officer today,” Brunson wrote. “They are someone’s entire world. They are human.” The video has already received nearly 16 million views. Several people support officers whose voices aren’t heard. Brown called those supporters the “silent majority.” Stop and think for a moment who our officers really are. They are people. They get out of bed every morning, put on their uniform, drive to work and pray that the day will end without incident. All lives matter, regardless of race and regardless of occupation.
‘Time wasted is time stolen’ If sleep should come first, why do I feel so tired?
MIQUEAS BARREIRO Staff Writer
In high school, I knew about the stereotype of college kids not getting enough sleep, and I promised myself I was not going to do that. When I got to campus, I started off with a nine-hour-per-night sleep schedule. The preliminary challenges, such as teasing from dormmates, grueling amounts of homework and the loud, distracting life of EMR did not sway me from my path. I was quite proud of what I had accomplished and thought I had overcome college sleep deprivation.
But like all dreams too good to be true, I had a rude awakening; Mandatory sleep deficiency every Monday night, otherwise known as community meetings. Given my Tuesdays start off at 7 a.m., there is no way to make the clinically advised eight to nine hours. Jamie Austin, one of the first chapel speakers of the semester made his first point about the importance of getting enough sleep. How can we achieve this when our sleep-time is taken from us? The same goes for studying. If we are required to show up for all the meetings and seminars that come with college life, how are we supposed to have enough time to get into the real workload of our classes? Some people see this “stolen time” as a benefit instead of a waste. “I have a ton of meetings. I could see them as stolen time, or I could see it as a chance to grow and develop,” said junior mechanical engineering major Christi Sleiman, who is the RA on Claudius 6 East. “Either way, you have
to go to the meeting.” The benefits? According to Sleiman, who is a self-described “social bug,” meetings can be a great time to connect with people, and no meeting is completely devoid of new learning opportunities. Are these mandated usages of our time a robbery, or an opportunity to grow? Performance and attendance will suffer if students can’t sleep the night before classes. When students have an opportunity to determine their bedtime, they should go “early to bed” so they can survive the “early to rise.” To help those of us with the need for more rest, maybe it’s time for Student life to reevaluate the schedule of meetings and events in the dorms. We all need to recognize the high value of time, and be sure to make every meeting and opportunity to rest count. Time wasted is time stolen.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 • 19
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