Vol. 53, No. 01
How to get through senior
year with no fear. Page 6 Getting involved in clubs Page #8
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Tulsa, Oklahoma • August 31, 2018 • www.oruoracle.com
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Sodexo’s Saga Shift by Lauren Brewington @laurenmonique_ Oral Roberts University has experienced some new variations over the past couple of months. Specifically, the Hamill Dining Hall, commonly known to the students as “Saga,” contains some of the latest campus changes. Students have expressed sentiments requesting more space for lines and tables. In response, Saga incorporated more tables by moving them diagonally which also helped to minimize tripping over chairs. General Manager of Campus Dining Alvin Tupas discussed the benefits of the new table setup in the cafeteria. “The purpose is to help with the flow of traffic. We wanted to make it harder to move the tables for stability, but students will be students,” stated Tupas. Saga previously seated 600 students and can now seat a total of 750 with the new layout. The purpose is to help with the crowd especially on chapel days when the traffic is heaviest. One of the most noticeable differences among
returning students is the absence of straws. The dining facilities wanted to follow suit from other businesses and universities by decreasing its environmental impact. Along with the chairs, tables and lack of straws have come new food stations. Saga introduced food options such as a “Taste of Home” section that is equipped with two self-serving stations, hoping to reduce the continuous lines. “Taste of Home” was incorporated to help mimic familiarity. We want the students to feel at home,” said Tupas. To help incorporate the familiarity aspect, students and international students can submit recipes to the cafeteria workers. Instructions for submitting recipes can be found on the television monitors in the cafeteria. “We try our best to mimic the recipes and even purchase the international spices,” Tupas added. On Mondays, the “Taste of Home” section also turns into “Meatless Mondays.” The station will only serve side items of vegetable assortments.
According to Tupas, phase one of the cafeteria renovations started in 2017. A year and a half ago, they received funding for new food stations and new countertops. In the summer of 2018, phase two of the refurbishing was completed. With the help of a student focus group and the effort of the workers, they were able to implement and introduce the new renditions to Saga. The improvements include a new dessert section, a beverage counter and self-serve options. Saga also contains more international spices, salad bars on both sides and options for cooled desserts like parfaits and Jell-O. Saga also provides a vegan and vegetarian station, the traditional burger and pizza station, the sandwich and wrap station and an international chef station. With all the new changes, their goal is to remain flexible. “The trends are always changing, and we want to be flexible,” said Tupas. “We want to meet expectations and support the mission of the university. Therefore, the students are our top priority.”
Saga features new locations for the fruit station, cooled desserts and a revamped “Taste of Home” section. Photos by Alejandro Contreras and Matthew Simonson
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 3
Trump splashes as summertime passes by Madeline Ewing @maddieewing3
Revocation of John Brennan’s Security Clearance As of Aug. 15, President Donald Trump revoked former CIA Director John Brennan’s security clearance. Brennan’s response was an accusation that Trump was trying to squelch “freedom of speech and his critics.” On Aug. 15, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders read a statement on behalf of Trump saying Brennan “has a history that calls his credibility into question” and that Brennan had been “leveraging” the clearance to make “wild outbursts” and claims against the Trump administration in the media. The statement Sanders read for Trump about Brennan’s “outbursts” indicated they relied on possible impaired psychological conditions to justify their decision, which is presented to be relevant during assessment in The Adjudicative Process’ 13 guidelines included in the Security Executive Agent Directive-4. Other former officials that have recently been accused of having “politicized” or “monetized” their public service include: former FBI Director James Comey, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former national security adviser Susan Rice and former CIA Director Michael Hayden, as well as Justice Department official Bruce Ohr, former FBI agent Peter Strzok, who was fired Aug. 13, and former FBI general counsel Lisa Page. There has been discussion on whether Brennan would be able to appeal the revocation of his security clearance. According to Trump’s executive order, employees determined “not to meet the
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standards” to have access to classified information shall be provided with a written notice of the right to appeal when receiving the notice of the review results. However, an agency head can determine that an appeal process cannot take place “without damaging the national security interests of the United States by revealing classified information,” stated the executive order. This order to revoke Brennan’s security clearance has met some opposition. Adam Schiff, a Democratic representative for California, tweeted “In adding John Brennan to [Trump’s] enemies list, Trump demonstrates again how deeply insecure and vindictive he is — two character flaws dangerous in any President.” On the contrary, several have also come forward to applaud Trump’s decision. One supporter, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, said he was “surprised it took so long.” Hatch claimed Brennan had “not been a friend” of the administration due to his repeatedly expressed disdain for Trump. CNN Editor at Large, Chris Cillizza, in reference to Hatch’s comment on Brennan, wrote “by this standard,” Hatch is implying that “the criteria for stripping a former senior intelligence official of his security credentials is solely how nice and supportive he is.” Oklahoma Legalization of Medicinal Marijuana Oklahoma State Question 788, the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, found its way on the Oklahoma ballots on June 26. Oklahoma is the 30th state to approve medical marijuana, with 57 percent of voters in support of legalizing the licensed cultivation, use and possession of marijuana for medicinal purposes, according to BallotPedia, a nonpartisan online political encyclopedia.
Under this new law, legal patients will be given state ID cards and are allowed a maximum of three ounces of cannabis in public and up to eight ounces stored at home. Several popular officials and groups, such as Gov. Mary Fallin, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association and the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council had campaigned against legalization of marijuana. Despite the opposition to Question 788 and some voting locations leaving it off the ballot, the majority still voted in favor of the new law. The promise for tax revenue going toward funding public education was also a reason behind the supporting votes for legalizing marijuana. “I’ve seen the economic growth in the slums of Oregon from legalizing marijuana and I want the same for Oklahoma. Plus, my mom is a teacher and in the bill it promised that a lot of tax revenue would go to education,” said Kayla Magnuson, a 19-year-old from Jenks. After the collection and conclusion of the ballots on June 26, Fallin expressed her opposition to the current provisions which had been approved by voters and her concern that the legalization of marijuana would be used for reasons that aren’t “valid medical illnesses.” This reflects a common concern among voters opposed to the legalization. “People are often perplexed as to why someone would say no,” said Emily Bishop, former student body president for ORU and staff assistant to Sen. James Lankford. “There are a lot of details that have been written very loosely in the bill.” Fallin tweeted she would be “discussing with legislative leaders and state agencies” about the best way to proceed in regulating medicinal
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Federal Perkins Loan program expired by Chae Woon Yoo @chaewoonyoo The reign of the Federal Perkins Loan Program is over. After 60 years of providing financial aid to low-income students, it came to an end when it expired on Sept. 30, 2017, and Congress decided to vote against having it renewed. The Perkins Loan Program began in 1957 and was the oldest federal loan program in existence. While there are still a wide variety of loans designed to help students with financial aid, the Perkins Loan offered specialized differences from other loan providers. It had a lower interest rate of just five percent. While the Direct Unsubsidized Loan accrues interest while the student is still in school, the Perkins Loan only accumulates interest after they have graduated. Additonally, it has a longer grace period of no repayment to the loan servicer. While most federal student loans normally have a sixmonth grace period, the Perkins loan had nine months. The Perkins Loan also added up to $5,500
every school year for undergraduates and could amount up to $27,500 throughout their four years of college. For graduates and professional students, it amounts to $8,500 annually. The program technically expired in 2014, but received a one-year extension until Oct. 1, 2015. Then in 2015, the program received another two-year extension called the General Education Provisions Act. Recipients hoped in those two years, Congress would reauthorize the Higher Education Act, address all types of federal student loans and notify people of the loan ending. While many, from both the House and Senate, supported the idea of extending the Perkins for another two years, many were still against it. Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican who is chairman of the Senate education committee said that keeping the Perkins Loan only maintained an overly complex financial aid system. The Perkins Loan also differs from other loans due to colleges and universities acting as the lender as well as the servicer. Whenever a student received
the Perkins Loan, the institution provided money to fill in remaining gaps from existing loans. While students were primarily impacted by the loan withdrawal, universities and colleges also felt its effect. The University of San Francisco wonders if the end of the loan will allow them to admit more low-income students than years prior. With suhc a big loan ending, the only available options are now direct loans and private loans. “Right now, most schools are giving students [financial aid] and it is not meeting the cost of education,” said Pam Fowler, the executive director of financial aid at the University of Michigan. “What happens is they start to work more, their grades suffer and they end up taking fewer credit hours per semester – which means they’re in school longer and borrowing more.”
State questions to consider by Grant Holcomb @GrantAHolcomb With election season in full swing and the Oklahoma primary taking place this past Tuesday, Oklahomans look ahead to state questions to consider for the general election. State Question 793 The campaign team, “Yes on 793,” describes itself as “a coalition of retailers, patients and free-market advocates that believe in common sense reform to Oklahoma’s eye care laws.” They are backing their question, which would grant optometrists and opticians the right to operate in retail. The advocates of the initiative say those in the eye care industry would be allowed to sell merchandise to the public. Eye care facilities would also be redefined in the state constitution as “retail mercantile establishments.”
State Question 794 Marsy’s Law Crime Victim’s Right Amendment was an initiative passed by five states and is now up for vote in Oklahoma. Question 794 would expand the rights of crime victims. Specifically, crime victims would be ensured the right to be heard, to reasonable protection, to court proceedings without unreasonable delay, to talk with a prosecutor and to refuse interview requests from the defendant without a subpoena. Under current Oklahoma statutes, rights of crime victims are also extended to their family members. This amendment would expand the rights to those directly affected by the crime. Adults and juveniles alike would be afforded the protections. State Question 798 In 26 states, governor and lieutenant governor are elected on one ticket.
Oklahoma is one of a number of states where both positions are voted separately. Question 798 makes gubernatorial races a joined ticket starting in 2026. Currently, ORU alumnus Matt Pinnell, candidate for lieutenant governor, has previously described the title as being a “salesman for the state.” The role is primarily focused on attracting new companies, investors and industries to the state, while also presiding as president of the Oklahoma State Senate. State Question 800 After years of continued budget shortfalls, Question 800 is another initiative to counteract the lack of funds. The question, if passed, would set aside five percent of the tax revenue collected from oil and natural gas and put into the Oklahoma Vision Fund, which would be invested by the Oklahoma State Treasurer.
The money would be invested in private companies and stocks. Additionally, “after July 1, 2020, 4% of the fund’s principal will be deposited each year into the State’s General Revenue Fund.” State Question 801 The final question on the general election ballot is regarding taxation. The text of the initiative reads, “This measure would provide a means for voters to allow school districts to expand the permissible uses of ad valorem tax revenues to include school operations.” “Ad valorem tax revenues” are also referred to as local voter-approved property taxes.
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 5
On the precipice of graduation, seniors still have to keep track of coursework as well as graduation responsbilities. / Illustration by Hyunjin Bae
The Final Lap by Grant Holcomb @GrantAHolcomb
Graduation is fast approaching and with it comes the burden of transitioning to full-time work in professional fields. Learning how to make senior year efficient and painless while keeping up with the relevant graduation news is widely overlooked. These tips are for those seniors who want to make sure they’re on pace to graduate in December or May.
Apply to graduate This can be completed on Vision. It will seem anticlimactic because the student will be waiting, almost in limbo, for a notification indicating they are in fact graduating. But when the student hits “submit” on the application to graduate, the student’s name and Z-number are placed on a master list of soon-to-be graduates. This list is found in the registrar’s office about a month away from the graduation date.
Schedule senior audit sooner rather than later In the past, students have waited too long to schedule their senior audit and then they’re a week away from graduation. No one wants to be the bearer of bad news to the student who neglected to take care of this important task. Go to the registrar’s office to schedule your senior audit. No need to bring anything to the meeting other than knowledge of how many classes one has left. Senior audit papers, which students get to keep, explicitly state how many credit hours they’ve taken and how many they have left to complete.
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Keep up with senior paper or senior project In general, if students think they don’t need to work on it, they probably do. Make sure to do it right the first time. It is the conclusive end to one’s undergraduate degree. Students need to feel utterly confident heading into their paper or project defense.
Keep track of ORU email After students apply to graduate, they will be receiving emails from Student Services and Financial Aid regarding exit loan interviews. This meeting is where students are told how much money they owe and how quickly interest will accrue.
After graduation, students don’t immediately recieve their diploma
For those graduating in December, diplomas will be printed and mailed throughout January and February. For those graduating in May, diplomas will be mailed later in the summer. The registrar’s office simply needs time to process every single graduate and make sure the mailing address is correctly labeled. While these are not the only tips to remember, these are the ones most seniors learn after trial and error. Become acquainted with the registrar’s office, student accounts and financial aid. They are here to help and they love it when students are already prepared.
Tulsa’s favorite sushi on a roll by Kayley Forshey @mybestfriendjo
I love sushi but honestly don’t know much about it. I know it’s usually raw and it’s almost always delicious. A Tulsa favorite I kept hearing raving reviews about is called Yokozuna. I always love an excuse to go downtown, so I piled my car with friends and headed to Second Street, where it only took me four tries and a few kind words from passersby to parallel park. Yokozuna’s downtown location is small, complete with a sushi bar where you can watch the sushi chefs create the masterpiece right in front of you. My friends and I started off with their signature Sweet Potato Fries, dipped in creamy wasabi mayo and chili soy sauce; I mixed the wasabi mayo and
chili soy sauce, creating the perfect blend of salty and spicy and creamy. We also ordered the Blackened Tuna Poke Tacos which I utterly mispronounced and completely enjoyed. The tuna and avocado were fresh and the chili ponzu and shichimi pepper provided just the right amount of kick. For dinner, my friends chose two of Yokozuna’s signature rolls, the Rising Sun Roll and The North Side. The Rising Sun is sweet, brightly colored and filled with coconut shrimp and a crab mix. The pink roll is also served with a pineapple rum sauce, the rest of which my friend unashamedly drank once her rolls were gone. The North Side isn’t as tame, containing salmon, jalapeño, avocado, mango and drizzled in spicy mayo. While I ordered two separate rolls for
myself, I couldn’t keep my chopsticks off their plates. They got me back though, and snagged pieces of my own while I wasn’t looking. The waiter recommended the Chef ’s Choice, a specialty at Yokozuna. With this roll, you let the chef get creative and surprise you, and I wasn’t disappointed. The roll presented to me contained salmon, tuna, jalapeño, avocado, spicy mayo, cucumber and was sprinkled in lemon zest. To put it mildly, it was delicious though a little pricey. Because I can’t really control myself around sushi, I also ordered the Hot Mess. Fitting, right? The name is spot on as the roll contains the Hot Mess crab mix along with spicy tuna and complete with jalapeño, kani kama and chipotle cream cheese. I left very full and very satisfied. And even though
Some of Yokozuna’s menu items include Sweet Potato Fries, The North Side roll and Blackened Tuna Poke Tacos.
The science of handwashing by Mariana Barreiro @oruoracle Handwashing is a simple, daily task that we do most of the time without thinking about it. Here are some tips and tricks for handwashing from a nursing student. 1. Before using soap, rinse your hands with water. This helps the soap create suds which are what traps the germs. 2. Find the perfect water temperature. Washing your hands with cold water can prevent the soap
from lathering but washing them with hot water can lead to skin damage. Find the balance. 3. It is recommended that you scrub your hands with soap for 20 seconds before rinsing. While scrubbing your hands, do not forget to wash in between your fingers, under your fingers nails and the backs of your hands. Scrub all the way to your wrists for ultimate cleaning. 4. Rinse with your fingers pointed downwards. This helps prevent the germs and bacteria from traveling to your wrists or forearms.
I don’t remember what my fortune cookie said, I know it was oddly vague and strangely encouraging. All in all, I recommend Yokozuna for date night, a night out with friends or just a good place for sushi snobs and noobs alike. If you choose to go later in the evening, take advantage of the large “Please Seat Yourself ” sign and pick a spot near the window for a view of the Philtower and Philcade buildings while you enjoy your rolls. The restaurant is set up with it’s own feng shui, and a strange side note: the bathrooms are really pretty. Yokozuna blends a casual feel with high-end cuisine, and now that I’ve experienced it in person, I understand why it’s a Tulsa favorite.
Photos by Rachel Leittzel
5. When drying your hands, try to avoid rubbing them. The best technique is to pat them dry. Rubbing can lead to dry skin and skin irritation. 6. Sometimes a bathroom is not available. In those cases, hand sanitizer is the perfect substitute. This can be purchased at any supermarket or convenience store. Now you can wash your hands like a professional and make your mom proud.
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 7
Photo proided by deadline.com
ORU alumnus directs film, Beautifully Broken On Aug. 23, one of ORU’s own alumni saw his film hit the big screen. Eric Welch directed and co-produced his first full-length feature film, Beautifully Broken. While this is a step up from what he is used to, Welch did not let that intimidate him. “I go into my little lab, create my little projects and throw it out there and then hide,” he said during a lecture to a class of ORU film students. The film is based off of the real stories of three families, two from Rwanda and one from the United States, and their intertwining struggle for unity and survival. It is showing at local theaters around Tulsa.
Graphic provided by Gathering Place
Tulsa unveiling new park soon
Tulsa’s Gathering Place, a new riverfront park in Tulsa, has built excitement throughout the community since the $465 million project began in 2014. The anticipated grand opening will be on Sept. 8. and open to all ages for free entry. Promoted events include: “Ride with the BMX Pros,” “Street Drum Corps” and a concert with The Roots and Hot 8 Brass Band. Besides scheduled events, visitors are welcome to stroll around the boathouse, nature trail or dozens of unique park features.
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Joining a club is a great way to get connected on campus, have new experiences and interact with others. Photo by Xavier Gonzáles
Join the club, kid by Hannah Nelson @avidr3ader ORU Student Association kicked off the first weekend of the year with the annual Partiestival and Club Rush. New and veteran students alike gathered onto the Armand Hammer Center lawn for live music, fun and to gauge the clubs across campus. However, Club Rush can be overwhelming. ORU has 53 groups and clubs spanning over several interests, from athletics to engineering. With the big crowd and long line of tables, it can be hard to pick the perfect club. Here are some tips to get the most out of clubs across campus and find the perfect fit: Try something new. Club Rush was designed for students to have fun and connect with their peers, according to Landon Walker, operations director for Student Association. He urges students to try new things. “Try anything out,” advised Walker. “Being a new student, it’s important to see where you fit in. Whether it’s for your major or some of the more fun hobbies as well. I think it’s important just to try something new. That is what this is for.” Clubs are one of the best ways to get to know likeminded people on campus. Join a club that shares your interests. Clubs help students connect with people who share the same interests according to Sasha Wells, president of the Caribbean Student Club.
“The friendships you make here can last a lifetime. You never know where you’ll end up,” said Wells. Students should pick a club that piques their interest and also provides new challenges and experiences. Know your limits. The time and commitment level of involvement is dependent on the specific club. For the most part, clubs don’t have to take up much time. “Some of the major clubs put more time into it with competitions, meetings and professional stuff,” said Walker. “But for some of the hobby clubs, it’s more just a group of people having fun together. It’s really up to you how much time you put into it, but the more time you put into it, the more you get out of it.” Students can find more information or join a group or club by going to the ORU Student Life app and clicking on the section called “Groups and Clubs.”
The Kuert’s in Kenya by Nina Lange @NinaForshea Starting at a young age, Bailey Kuert was in love with Africa. Even at six years old she admired the countries and the cultures of Kenya and Tanzania. She would write about them in school reports and doodle the Kenyan flag all over her schoolwork. Her family didn’t understand her obsession but that didn’t stop her from writing poems and stories about Africa. Despite not growing up in a Christian household, she was attracted to the faith when her Christian friends invited her to church. In sixth grade, Bailey Kuert was invited to a church where she said the salvation prayer. However, she didn’t understand what it meant to have a relationship with God at the time. “My cousin, who was my best friend growing up, battled cancer for seven and a half years and died when I was a freshman in high school, in October 2000,” Bailey Kuert recounted, struggling to remember the date. “She wouldn’t have wasted her life. She would’ve wanted to live it with so much purpose, and I think that helped keep my priorities focused and not fill it with foolish things.” In September 2002, Bailey Kuert was invited to Guts Church to hear a message about what it meant to have a relationship with God. “It was the first time somebody ever shared on having a relationship with God with me and I’m super outgoing and social and it just clicked. I was like ‘Yes, I understand. I don’t know why I’m raising my hand. Why is my hand in the air?’” laughed Bailey Kuert. “The pastor also shared that morning a message on Psalms 92:13, and I literally think, from the moment of salvation at that time, a passion was birthed in me for the local church.” From there she became deeply involved in the Guts youth program, which led her to join Victory staff and to volunteer for ORU missions training, where she would soon meet her husband, Stephen Kuert. Stephen Kuert was born and raised in Kenya, his parents based there as missionaries. As a high school student, ORU was not his first choice, despite the connections his family had to the school. In 1998, Richard Roberts, the son of Oral Roberts, visited Nairobi, Kenya, to hold a special meeting. At that time, Stephen Kuert and his family were based there. “[Richard Roberts] came to our house for dinner and asked me where I was going to school, and at that time I was not leaning towards ORU,” explained
Stephen Kuert. “I guess he didn’t like that answer so he asked if he could pray for me, and I said ‘Sure! Why not?’ So he started praying for me and began to prophesy. After that, during the next couple weeks, it became clear that I was supposed to go to ORU.” Stephen Kuert preached at an ORU Missions’ training session in 2011, where Bailey Kuert was volunteering. The two met and quickly realized they both had a passion for missions and supporting the local church. “Fast forward to when I flew to meet Stephen in Kenya where my dream to visit Africa would finally be complete,” recalled Bailey Kuert. “Stephen asked me to marry him on the equator in Kenya with African elephants and other animals in the distance.” Bailey and Stephen Kuert started Involved International to help grow the local church in East Africa and the French-speaking world. Their focus remains on helping pastors with church planting and bringing locals together to create a Christcentered community. As a freshman at ORU, Stephen Kuert visited Maasai Mara in Kenya, which is when he first dreamed of planting churches in that area. Fifteen years later, the community has now established 15 to 20 churches and continues to see people come to the Lord. “We want the church to be a center point for the community. Through some awesome connections, people are getting different burdens for different pieces of this to help out,” said Bailey Kuert. “There’s a guy who works for a playground company and is building these industrial sized playgrounds so there’s no reason that people in the community wouldn’t want to be a part of the church or a part of connecting there on the church grounds.” Their goal is to create a new culture within the community that Bailey Kuert calls a “mission’s kingdom mindset.” “It’s about bringing the kingdom of heaven and the realities of the kingdom of heaven and seeing them manifest in the earth. There’s just nothing like it, because it’s so countercultural. It’s so upside down. It’s a kingdom that you’re bringing,” said Bailey Kuert. Currently, Bailey and Stephen Kuert are stationed in Tulsa, OK, but frequently travel around the states to speak to supporting churches. They hope to soon be back in Kenya to continue the Lord’s work for that region. “It’s having the opportunity to make little kids smile and know you are giving them the skills for education to have any chance of life outside of poverty,” said Stephen Kuert, his eyes bright with excitement. “All of that is very rewarding.”
Bailey and Stephen Kuert visited Paris, France in November 2016. Provided by The Kuerts
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 9
What to do while Tulsa sleeps by Kendall Brown @oruoracle Depending on what someone is looking for, there are many places to hang out in Tulsa. The only problem is that every place seems to close around 5 p.m.— What about late at night? What about when it’s 9 p.m. and all the best coffee shops are closed? Here are a few places seasoned ORU students like to hang out late at night (without breaking Honor Code, that is.) Jessalyn Ulrich, sophomore writing major, shared some of her favorite places in Tulsa when everywhere else has shut down and Whataburger just won’t cut it. “I love going to Kilkenny’s Irish Pub,” said Ulrich. “It’s the cutest little pub downtown open late where you can sit and chill or have a late dinner. I also enjoy going to Coffee House on Cherry Street— or CHOCS. It’s open until 10:30 p.m. Y’all can catch me there on week nights doing homework.” Kilkenny’s Irish Pub and Coffee House on Cherry Street both have an authentic night-time atmosphere. Evidently, many students prefer going there later at night as opposed to the day. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub is solely for good dining, while CHOCS is scattered with indoor and outdoor tables to study at and
couches for laid-back nights. Another caffeine hub, Gypsy Coffee House, has a glumly lit atmosphere throughout the day, but a poppin’ ambience at night. ORU students and others alike, fill the shop to share tea, play games or work on things where they won’t be disturbed. They also have bands preform and often prop the doors open in the evening. Saralyn Olson, sophomore social justice major, suggested two of her favorite 50’s themed diners: Dilly Diner and Tally’s Good Food Café. “I like going to the diners at night,” explained Olson. “It’s a different atmosphere than a coffee shop, and I always bring people if I want to just have fun and relax.” Additionally, Hurts Donuts in Downtown Tulsa is the spot to get delicious donuts while not spending too much money. Although, it’s always packed with socialites, so it wouldn’t
be the best place to study. Hurts offers a variety of whimsical donuts 24/7 for those who have a sweet tooth past midnight. Movie theaters are also open later than most places in the city. AMC theaters offer five-dollar Tuesdays. On the weekends, Admiral Twin Drive-In shows movies throughout the evening. However, late night movies may not be ideal when someone is stacked with homework— if homework is a must then consider CHOCS or Gypsy. Tulsa is full of hidden gems, if only one looks hard enough. For students that get late-night cravings or thrive as night owls, a quality spot that is open past midnight becomes a necessity, so finding one will prove worth the hunt.
Worshipping while brushing teeth by Kayley Forshey @mybestfriendjo
“Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices for Everyday Life” can be found on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or as an ebook on Google Play Books and iBooks. /Photo by Alejandro Contreras
10 • Oracle • August 31 , 2018
In “Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices for Everyday Life,” author and Anglican Priest Tish Harrison Warren candidly walks her readers through the often mundane moments of a typical day in her life and finds the sacred blessings and forms of worship hidden in plain sight. The book is a simply, yet beautifully-written commentary on finding purpose and sanctification in daily life, in something as simple as eating toast and brushing our teeth. Each chapter follows the structure of Warren’s day, chapter one beginning with plainly waking, chapter two
with tediously making the bed, chapter three with brushing away morning breath and so on, into the final chapter on sleeping again. Her process is simple, pure and ordinary. And yet, Warren’s mind and spiritual journey provide her with incredible insights into the true proximity of the spiritual world, often closer than the plaque on our teeth and more real than the leftovers in the fridge. Liturgy refers to the form of public worship and can be synonymous with ritual or ceremony. However, in Warren’s book, she finds ordinary tasks like losing her keys or checking her email to be forms or reminders of worship. She reminds readers of God’s interest and demand of our whole
lives, not just the neatly packaged or perfectly rounded versions of ourselves we bring to Him in prayer and worship. According to Warren, God is just as present with us when we are sitting in traffic, screaming at other cars, as He is when we are on our knees in reverence. This book is barely 150 pages and very easy to read, as Warren uses both humor and profound insight, often together, to present her case that there really is no line between the sacred and the secular. For anyone seeking to live a more purpose-filled life, even in the mundane and monotonous, this book is a perfect read. It also contains discussion questions for each chapter in the back, making this book a great choice for a book club or discipleship group.
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August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 11
by Hannah Nelson @avidr3ader
It’s Friday night. All the homework is done, theoretically, and it’s time to socialize. Unfortunately, some places are over-priced, but touring Tulsa doesn’t have to break the budget. There are many fun— and cheap— places to visit in Tulsa.
Free Concert at The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place, located along Riverside Drive, has been under construction since 2014 and will open on Sept. 8. The grand opening includes a free concert featuring The Roots from The Tonight Show, Kirk Franklin and A Tribe called Red, among others. The park will have multiple playgrounds for visitors to enjoy, a skate park, a walking and biking trail, gardens and more.
Discount Food and Coffee
25 Percent off Theatre Tulsa
Theatre Tulsa is the seventh oldest local theatre still entertaining in the United States. Use the discount code “OKTOURISM” to purchase tickets and get 25 percent off any time. Upcoming Theatre Tulsa performances include: Barnum, the true-life story of the Greatest Showman, Beauty and the Beast and My Fair Lady.
Swing Dancing for $5
The Oklahoma Swing Syndicate is a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve and promote classical swing dancing. Every Saturday they offer a student discount of $5 for swing dancing, including a beginners lesson that starts at 7 p.m. The floor opens for dancing at 7:30 p.m.
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Coffee shops and good eats are scattered around Tulsa, some of which have hourly and weekly deals. 918 Coffee on 11th Street offers five percent off for students, 25 cents off for people who bring a travel mug and another five percent off for people who follow their Facebook. Foolish Things Coffee Company on Main Street has a 10 percent discount for all students. Starbucks has a happy hour starting at 3 p.m. every Thursday, offering various discounts. The restaurant Village Inn hosts Free Pie Wednesday weekly from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. An individual can buy a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream or an entrée in order to get a piece of free pie! For the night owls, Bricktown Brewery offers a five dollar menu after 9 p.m., or check out IHOP, which is open 24/7 and offers a “2 x 2 x 2” special for $3.99.
Cheap Movies
Circle Cinema is “Tulsa’s oldest-standing movie theatre,” according to the theatre’s website. Tickets are only two dollars for students on Tuesdays. The nonprofit and historic art-house theatre shows classics, independent films, silent films and live performances.
Music and Fitness at the Guthrie Green
Guthrie Green lies in the center of downtown Tulsa encircled by local restaurants and shops. Every Sunday night, Guthrie Green hosts free concerts from 2:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. They also offer free fitness classes five nights a week. Classes include boot camp, Zumba, yoga and more.
Free Philbrook
In the heart of Tulsa, the Philbrook Museum of Art attracts visitors from around the world. With a student ID, college students enjoy works from the medieval, baroque, renaissance and modern period— entirely free. Annually, 160,000 people wander around the gardens to enjoy what House Beautiful magazine deemed “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma.” Visit AHHA Tulsa, Wednesday through Sunday, for an immersive art experience. For $8.95, students gain access to The Experience, a series of interactive art exhibits, along with a full art studio where visitors can create their own masterpieces to take home.
Keystone State Park
When looking for a natural escape— other than Turkey Mountain— one can check out Keystone State Park. Forty minutes away from ORU, the park has 500-year-old cedar trees and many hiking trails and opportunities to see wildlife. One can also go swimming, boating and fishing on the vast Keystone Lake. The gates are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Photos by Faith Wilson
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 13
JOIN A RESEARCH STUDY
TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH NEUROSCIENCE
The Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) in Tulsa, Oklahoma is looking for volunteers to join our treatment studies that aim to personalize mental health care through neuroscience.
Volunteers are needed with and without symptoms of depression and anxiety. You will be paid for your participation. Your information will remain confidential. No insurance is required.
Call for more information: (918) 502-5100
www.laureateinstitute.org
14 • Oracle • August 31 , 2018
I
info@libr.net
I
6655 S. Yale Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dorm away from home by Staci McCoy @stacerslynn
Tapestry or shelf arrangements? White or grey? Snacks or meal prep? Transforming a college dorm room into a home demands new ideas and a creative mindset. Whether a freshman or a fifthyear senior, arranging a living space ushers in new expressions of one’s taste. ORU students are approaching their second month of school, which generates more and more ideas to add the finishing touches to a dorm room. It gives students a chance to dabble in creative expressions while taking on new responsibilities and stepping into adulthood. With 90 international countries represented on campus, there are endless tastes and styles displayed throughout the dorms. “The creative aspect of your dorm is my favorite way to express myself and utilize my creativity,” said Dom Demeo, a junior public relations/ advertising major. The strategy is found in wisely budgeting and planning; otherwise, late-night trips to Target result in overwhelming, spur of the moment purchases. It can prove a hunt to find unique items that are cheap, but an organized and well-decorated room is worth the effort. There is no system to maintain a perfect dorm room, but there are plenty of tips and tricks to make the most of a home away from home.
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 15
Sleepers, studs and duds of fantasy football Studs In fantasy football you need a good running back, so how could you go wrong in picking Le’Veon Bell? He won’t be on the board for long so if you have an opportunity to pick him, get him. Bell is entering his final contract year in Pittsburgh meaning that this year is an audition for all 32 teams. Not only will he ball out to make a team, but he will also be making a case to become the highest paid running back ever, something that the Steelers are reluctant to fulfill.
Sleeper: Deshaun Watson, 103.0 passer rating in 2017
Dud: Jarvis Landry, receptions last season
112
S T U D
Stud: Kareem Hunt, over 1300 rushing yards in 2017
D U D S
Stud: Le’Veon Bell, back-toback 1200 yard seasons
S
The NFL season has arrived and fantasy football with it. For the average Joe, fantasy football is just another American past time, but for past league winners and eager college freshmen, it’s the gateway to college dorm glory and potentially your next job promotion. Here are some nuggets for those who haven’t drafted yet: Sleepers When you think of a sleeper, you may recall Saints running back Alvin Kamara who, per NOLA.com, wasn’t even a top 25 running back to draft until he became the third most productive fantasy RB of the year. Or future MVP Deshaun Watson, who was ranked the 23rd best quarter back to draft last year, two spots higher than Broncos’ Trevor Siemian. Watson became the number one fantasy QB in a span of eight weeks before his season ending injury. Call me crazy, but my number one sleeper and must have this season is Will Fuller V. Being the number two receiver in a system mainly dominated by DeAndre Hopkins will not only open the field for Fuller but it will also allow the third-year man many an opportunity. Defenses will have to pick their poison this year as Fuller quickly became Deshaun Watson’s favorite target, recording multiple 40 plus touchdown receptions last season. Fuller and Deshaun are ready to pick up right where they left off, so don’t miss out on the offensive explosion brewing in Houston.
S L E E P E R S
Alejandro Arroyo @dro3686
Duds You heard it here first, Jarvis Landry is a fantasy bust. Not only has he been mediocre in the past while he played at Miami, but now he’s on a team that went 0-16 last year. Wow. Jarvis isn’t a big red zone threat and if you throw in big bodies like David Njoku, another fantasy sleeper, and Josh Gordon, Landry doesn’t even make a case. Especially if there is a QB battle between Baker Mayfield and Tyrod Taylor, his fantasy demise is only inevitable.
Sleeper: Will Fuller V, over 15 yards per catch in 2017
Sleeper: David Njoku, over 12 yards per catch in 2017
Graphic by Kayley Forshey and Grant Holcomb
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ORU soccer hits the ground running by Alejandro Arroyo @dro3686 Women The women’s team has had a similar experience as they have won both their preseason games, lost a game and won one. Just like the men’s team they are a young and exciting squad to watch as they too are finding their footing with new faces and different styles of play. Their most recent game on Sunday was just as impressive as their preseason wins. The girls capitalized on early mistakes and pressured Lamar University to force a solid 3-1 outing. However, again in the final five minutes of the game, the Golden Eagles gave up a penalty to give the Cardinals their second goal of the day bringing the tally to a final 3-2 win for the gold and blue. An impressive outing that gives the girls momentum as they take on Sam Houston State Friday night.
Men ORU soccer season is in full swing, and team United has moved on from their back-to-back preseason wins as the team mojo keeps rolling. Momentum builds as the Golden Eagles have started the season well. Coming off a 1-0 overtime win at Drake University the team seems to be coming together. Scoring in the 92nd minute, Tarik Nicholls notched his first goal of the season to send ORU home with a hard-fought “dub.” Regardless of their loss Sunday, the young ORU squad looks promising. They played another tough and exerting game only to fall short to a heartbreaking stoppage time goal, no thanks to Bradley’s Roman Schindler. His second of the day which came off a header that hit the goalkeeper but continued on in for the game winning score.
Graphic by Alejandro Contreras
Upcoming ORU volleyball games AWAY
HOME
Friday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. vs. Missouri St. Saturday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. vs. Ball St. Saturday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. vs. Grambling St. Friday, Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. vs. North Western Saturday, Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. vs. Abeline Christian Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. vs. Tulsa
Upcoming home games will be played at Kenneth H. Cooper Aerobics Center, so come support the Golden Eagles. Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. vs. Denver Sunday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. vs. South Dakota
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 17
Kickin’ it, Guatemalan style
Middle photo by Josh Crow
by Alejandro Arroyo @dro3686 Soccer is incredibly popular across the globe. There have been a plethora of events within the past few months to spur the soccer hype into the regular season. Events like the Champions League won by Real Madrid, followed by the most entertaining world competition, the FIFA World Cup, added to the fervor. The World Cup is a competition bringing many different styles of play and an overflow of different cultures to one stage. The Golden Eagles are keen on bringing their own similar atmosphere to Case Soccer Complex, and Pamela Caballeros is part of the momentum. Caballeros was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, a country small in size but large in heart. Bringing a boost of culture and a hint of flair, she is part of a new wave of change for ORU soccer. While the official roster lists Edmond, Oklahoma as her hometown, she still brings the Latin style of play to the pitch. “I would say Guatemalan style of play fits in with the Latin style of play, which is more technical on the ball,” said Caballeros. “I love the ball at my feet and taking people on.” It is a trait found in stars like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, players who have inspired the young midfielder. Even though Messi and “Dinho” are part of her inspiration, Caballeros credits most of her play and love of soccer to the men in her family. “I have three older brothers. I definitely have
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Side photos provided by Pamela Caballeros
to thank them and my father for getting me really involved and focused on the sport at a really young age,” she said. Caballeros started playing when she was four, two years after she moved to the United States. Moreover, she sees a stark contrast between the styles of play in the two countries. “In Guatemala, soccer is more technical, and in the U.S., I feel like it consists more of strength and speed in the final third.” Due to the Guatemalan national team not having much money within their organization, she saw greater opportunities to pursue a professional career, leading her ultimately to Tulsa, Oklahoma. “My journey was out of the blue,” she said. “I began getting offers and I had great opportunities, but I just didn’t know what to choose. I committed to a D-1 school in Louisiana but the summer before my senior year I decided to de-commit from there.” At the time, she didn’t know if her previous offers were still standing especially since she had already committed. “I was speaking to Sean Jones, coach and father to ORU alumna Lexi Jones, and I told him I de-committed and he mentioned ORU,” she said. Shortly thereafter, ORU and its coaching staff came to scout the young prospect during her state tournament, leading to an official visit. “When I met coach Roger Bush I just knew this
was where I was supposed to go.” She feels her decision to attend ORU was initially difficult, but turned out to be incredibly beneficial. “The past two years I have been out due to an ankle injury, so this will be my first college season,” she said. “There’s no room for nerves now. It’s time to get business done.” Caballeros’ mantra has permeated its way through the rest of the locker room. “This season is going to change the course of the women’s soccer program,” she said. “Each year it’s expected for the freshmen class to bring something different. I believe our freshmen class is doing so. There is a high standard on and off the field and the standard will only become higher. The entire team along with the programs’ staff are ready.” Along with her teammates, they are prepared to improve and surpass all expectations this year. A mindset infused through culture, dedication and an atmosphere created only by purpose to be the best ORU girls soccer team on the brink of unbridled success.
“Pamela Caballeros is part of the momentum.”
Letter from the Editor
Cicely Rubottom @cicelypixely If you took a peep into my life two years ago, you would see a young Music Production major lost in the windy maze of concrete halls known as the LRC. Clutching a crumpled post-it note with “LRC 175” scribbled on it, I searched in pursuit of a place that would be my creative outlet. After what took at least two separate attempts down to the basement, I finally navigated my way to the Student Publications office where I was introduced to a staff of incredibly driven and talented individuals.
The atmosphere of a newsroom is often fast-paced and hectic. It can make a worrywart out of a stoic, a night owl out of an early bird and, apparently, a journalist out of a music major. Today, I write to you in the same ol’ Student Publications office but now as Editor-in-Chief. And to be honest, I still feel just as lost as I did on my first day as a Staff Writer because, to put it in the words of Socrates, “the more I know, the more I realize I know nothing.” That’s college, though. No matter your major, we’re all a bit lost and trying to pretend to understand things we have only scratched the surface of. I can’t promise perfection this year as the Oracle team and I craft this paper, time after time. I can only promise that we will enter this office after our long school days and commit to creating relevant, honest and well-researched content that will inform and challenge the students of this university. From late-night study sessions, to panicking over where we’ll live next year, to juggling the ever-changing challenges of college life, we’re all in this together. Unified by the shared drive to reach our dreams and energized by the competitive nature of our peers, we are all a part of a tight network of individuals who are all feeling clueless from time-to-time as we sharpen our
crafts. The Oracle exists to capture these moments, to shine a light on what is left in the dark, to boost young journalists to reach their potential. Few care about this paper more than I and of this I am well aware. Not everyone will care about this paper as much as this staff or I and not everyone can or should. It’s not about getting everyone to care about this paper the way I do, it’s not about recruitment or shoving our self-proclaimed brilliant paper down your throats. It’s about telling your stories and keeping you informed on what you need to know in an honest and honoring way. You keep doing your thing, so we can do ours. Whether it be early-morning clinicals, the whiteboard covered in lengthy derivations or the piano practice rooms, we all have our own Student Publications office. Whatever it is, find your niche and make it better. Go do some impressive stuff this semester; we’ll be here as the eyes for what you don’t see and ears for what you need heard.
“The atmosphere of a newsroom is often fast-paced and hectic. It can make a worrywart out of a stoic, a night owl out of an early bird and, apparently, a journalist out of a music major.”
Graphics by Alejandro Contreras
August 31, 2018 • Oracle • 19
Waste not, want not
Nina Lange @NinaForshea As college students, we often feel the need to get involved in social movements to try to make a change in the world. However, it can be tricky with time and financial restraints. But there are plenty of options that could actually save you money in the long run. Many large companies and even governments are making a call to action to lower the amount of waste that casually gets thrown into minefields and oceans. On average, a person will produce 4.4 pounds a trash per day, equaling up to 1,600 in just one year.
“We’re facing an ocean Armageddon: Every year, we’re dumping at least 8 million tons of plastics into our oceans,” said U.N. Environment Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Erik Solheim to CBS News 2017. “At the current rate, we’ll end up with more plastic in the oceans than fish by the middle of the century, and ultimately that comes back to our own food chain. We need to understand that if we kill our oceans, we also kill ourselves.” We may look at this plastic epidemic and feel overwhelmed and unsure of how we can help, but there are small steps we can take to make a big impact. First, look at the plastic products you use in your daily routine and find practical replacements. Replacing your toothbrush with one made from bamboo is a cheap way to start. On Amazon, you can buy a box of four bamboo toothbrushes for only $10. The plastic we use daily can take anywhere between 450-1,000 years to biodegrade and continue to leave a chemical residue for even longer. Bamboo is one of the most natural elements and is environmentally friendly, decomposing naturally into the environment. Second, switching over to bar soap can decrease
the amount of hair and body wash bottles that pile up in garbage dumps. Lush offers a variety of products to choose from for any hair type. Third, you can make a big difference by purchasing a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. In 2016, more than 480 billion plastic drinking bottles were sold. The Euromonitor International’s global packaging trends show that the number will rise to 583.3 billion by 2021. If all the water bottles in the world were stacked on top of each other, they would reach more than halfway to the sun. Finally a small solution something that doesn’t cost a penny is to simply not use straws when eating out. California has become the first state to ban straws in public restaurants and many are hoping that other states will follow suit. Choosing to live a low waste life doesn’t have to become a radical, overnight change, but picking the non-plastic choice will begin a change reaction and make a significant difference.
Mind your mental health
Writer’s Name @Twitter Hillary Hurst @Hillary63033596 Stress is a normal part of life and can be an encouragement toward growth. However, once the stress and anxiety begin to get out of control, it can be a dangerous threat to one’s health. As a first-year college student, the rapid changes in life can lead to an increase in anxiety. For most students this is the first time being away from
20 • Oracle • August 31 , 2018
home for a significant amount of time. Everything is different. Adjusting to college can be a difficult experience for many and there is no shame in asking for help. Mental health issues tend to isolate us from those around us, but if you find yourself in need of mental or emotional support, it is important to know that help is available. Just like there are things you can do to take care of your physical health, there are many ways to take care of your mental health. First, get plenty of sleep, think positive, set goals, find an outlet, keep an agenda to manage your time better and talk to someone. If you are experiencing difficulties that persist for an extended period, or if you experience emotional symptoms that interfere with your daily life, consider seeking professional help. While asking for help may feel like an
act of weakness, it is really an act of strength. It takes courage to reach out in a time of need. ORU offers a variety of counseling services and mental health resources for students to help them achieve sustainable mental wellness. The counselors on campus are committed to providing safe environments for students to express and process their emotions. Counseling can offer help with a wide variety of issues including relationships, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, grief, trauma, disordered eating and much more. If you wish to seek professional help, the first step is to submit the appointment form which can be found on the ORU website under Counseling Services. You can also contact the department by email at counseling@ oru.edu. The counseling offices are on the fifth floor of the LRC.
Additional resources are available, including the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255) and the Crisis Text Line (741-741). If you or a friend needs immediate medical assistance, call 911. Mental health is necessary to leading a healthy lifestyle, and counseling services at ORU are available to help in any way possible. If you find yourself in need of such services, do not be afraid to reach out. It is okay not to be okay.
I’m taking it day by day
Kayley Forshey @mybestfriendjo It’s my final year at ORU, my fifth year of college, and this victory lap has already been a blast. My temptation is to run this lap full speed, ignoring the burning in my lungs, the weird pain in my side, is that normal? Sorry, I just had my field test so the nightmare is fresh in my mind, but the analogy still stands. I want to blow through it full speed, not because I want it to be over, but because I’m so excited for every possibility presented in these short 10 months. And maybe it’s the feeling of never getting to do this year again, never again living with
my awesome roommate in my soggy Susie dorm room, never again scream singing in a full car on the way to Target for things I really don’t need, never again experiencing this super senior year. I’m making myself sad and a little anxious -- I want to hug all my friends, high-five all my professors, run around Lake Evelyn, park in Lower Lot without a pass for a few minutes just for the thrill of it. But these bursting emotions that I’m not exactly sure how to process also remind me of the importance of slowing down. The significance of sipping it all in, rather than gulping, and savoring every moment. That’s difficult for me, a natural bulldozer covered in air horns and an outrageous amount of sparkles. And yet, God whispers to consider the lilies, in their quiet white and pretty stillness. He whispers, pull the bulldozer over, quiet the horns and watch the wind pass through the rolling fields of wheat or grass or cows or whatever is on the side of the road. The pause itself is more important than the view. Many friends my age have begun their adult lives, on their way in masters’ programs, married and settling down, excited to start the next chapter of getting older in all it’s new challenges. Some are already missing school, wondering why their daily jobs have quickly become such a grind, frantically
searching for something else to look forward to, wondering why adult life is often so mundane and monotonous. I’m noticing as I grow older, in my limited 22-year-old wisdom, that purpose and feeling fulfilled is a daily motivation of which I must consciously remind myself. Find your philosophical guiding, find your Jesus moment and remind yourself of it daily. Preach that Gospel to yourself. Because whether I speed up or slow down, my whatever-I’m-chasing doesn’t change. Christ is still there, my goal is still there, on the horizon, ready for me whether I run at full speed or whether I slow down and admire the lilies. So I think I’ll take it day by day, pick a few lilies, run when I’m excited to run and practice listening to that still whisper, gently reminding me that time is not my own and I can’t run out of what I do not have.
“And yet, God whispers to consider the lilies, in their quiet white and pretty stillness.”
Graphics by Alejandro Contreras
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