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Oral Roberts University â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, April 1, 2011

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Contents

6

ntramural soccer expands to a full-length season, experiences record participation

Sports: More A-teams have signed up for the new season than flag football

21

News: Students unite against anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church Twapel proves to be a unifying tool in the counter-protests led by Mitch Hull

7

Campus: Chick-Fil-A draws fire from college students nationwide Donations to pro-family groups have been called anti-gay, sparked protests

12

Faith: Jewish woman faces the horror of Auschwitz, World War II Unterman says she experienced best and worst of humanity’s potential

24

Scene: Late-night Tulsa has something to meet every need From light snacks and eating out to study stops and all-night hangouts

27 Photo by Ryan Meyer

At right, Freshman John Chau of Consuming Fire (Wesley 2) shoots on sophomore goalkeeper Keith Bouchard of United (Wesley 3). Consuming Fire won the match 7-2.

Forum: Chelsea Kimbrough Shares Her View on Mixed Friendships Can friendships across the gender gap exist without emotional promiscuity?

Web: International Crisis

It had been two hours. A murder was overdue.

Jonathan Hall’s fingers clicked on the keys of his laptop.

Seconds later, American DSS Agent John Rambo lay bleeding on the pavement of the Boa Vista airport, his body tossed from the cockpit of the plane.

Hall smiled to himself. That should get things going just perfectly.

Read the rest at oruoracle.com

CORRECTIONS

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•In the Mar. 4 print edition, the article “HPE Class Opportunities Vary” contained several errors about scuba classes. The class has no additional fee for non-certification.

Michael Conte has been the instructor since 1995, and his wife’s name is Lora. Also, lecture for the class is not for the first hour.

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 3

News

The Oracle News Editor is Beth Knier You may contact her with comments or questions at bknier@oru.edu For more in News, check out oruoracle.com

Team Japan Still Traveling for Tokyo Missions Japan’s struggle to recuperate from one of the world’s worst earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear radiation disaster is no secret.

Despite the country’s struggle to get back on its feet, Team Japan, one of ORU’s mission teams, will be traveling to Tokyo May 9 to minister to the Fuse Jesus Community young adult group. Team Japan’s team leader is Ashley Winn, and the assistant team leader is Stevie Ray Davenport.

Winn and the team have not let Japan’s recent events intimidate them but rather fuel their desire to minister to the people of Japan.

“My team has a huge heart for Japan, and I can see how the recent tragedies have lit a flame inside to help even more,” said Winn.

Elizabeth Bovenzi, a freshman on Team Japan, is worried about the risk but is more focused on what she and her team are going there to do.

“I’m more concerned about hearing God and communicating when ministering to the people,” Bovenzi said.

Daniel Gonzalez, a sophomore, and Bovenzi as well, stayed on top of what was happening in Japan when they found out about the earthquake and tsunami.

“We have talked about the situation and prayed about it,” Gonzalez said.

“When the incident first occurred, I was wondering if we were still going. I was listening to the news in order to keep learning about it.”

“I thought there was a slight chance they wouldn’t let us go,” Bovenzi said,

Keepin.

It.Brief Fire Alarms Turned on in Towers Dormitories

Courtesy Photo Three members have dropped out, but Team Japan is still excited about the trip. “but I figured it’s a month and a half away, things could change.”

“As of right now, we are still going to Japan!” Winn said, “Risk management has decided that it is still safe for us to go for now.”

So instead of backing out, Team Japan has continued fundraising, preparing, and praying for their trip despite losing a few members. Some parents expressed concern for their student’s safety, and some members even declined on going on the trip.

“We actually had three team members express to me that they are dropping because their parents do not want them to endanger themselves by going on our missions trip,” Winn said.

“So we will be down three team members. Also, a couple other parents are concerned but haven’t asked their kids to

ORU Mentioned on Game Show What do a pig farmer and ORU have in common?

Both shared a spot on a recent episode of “Jeopardy!”

On March 25, the popular TV quiz program included a reference to ORU in a category called “Colleges Named for People.”

The $1,200 question read: “This Tulsa school was named for the evangelist seen here.” A photo of Chancellor Oral Roberts was shown.

Contestant Eric Sebert, a pig and chicken farmer from Hominy Falls, W. Va., was first to buzz in with the correct answer: “What is Oral Roberts University?”

By LaJuana Brann Page 4 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

drop.”

“We have made sure to pray for Japan and for our trip,” Winn said, “We are using our team meetings to prepare for comforting those in Japan and for being flexible in doing what we can to help. It now seems that we are going at a perfect time!”

Bovenzi is excited about the trip and agrees that going in May is the best time.

“I cannot wait to go to Japan and share the love of God with a nation that has less than 4 percent of the population being Christian,” Bovenzi said.

“I think this is the best time to evangelize to those people.”

“We hope to touch the lives of the people there and help them with whatever they need,” Gonzalez said.

Team Japan leaves for Tokyo on May 9 and will return June 6. By Halle Byrams

A word of caution to all Frances and Michael dormitory residents: the alarms for the emergency-exitonly doors are finally turned on.

The alarm will sound upon exiting through one of these doors.

Cheerleaders Competing at Nationals in Florida ORU’s 20-member cheer squad will compete in the National Cheerleaders Association Nationals meet April 7 and 8 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The squad, which had to raise its own travel expenses, will compete against 15 to 18 teams in the Intermediate Co-ed Division. ORU previously finished second in the 2008 meet and eighth in 2009.

The squad will perform its routines at 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, in the Aerobics Center, before leaving for Florida. It is open to the public.

By Beth Knier

Petition for Extended Open Dorms Fails A petition by Damen Bell-Holter for extended open dorm hours gathered signatures this past fall.

It was then sent to the General Assembly. While BellHolter remained optimistic about the future of his petition, Student Association and the administration thought otherwise.

“We took [the bill], but the executive committee [doesn’t] actually approve or deny proposals or petitions.

In this case, it went to the General Assembly,” said Student Association President Dexter Sullivan.

“From there I do not believe it went any further as far as going towards administration due to the professional-

ism, or lack thereof. A lot of the signatures were repeated; it was just not something we wanted to represent the students.”

Other members of the General Assembly had input on the petition as well.

“The problem with a petition is that it cannot simply enforce or change a rule,” said secretary Ciera Trisch.

“Most of the time, petitions are flawed because you can’t prove who the signatures belong to.”

The General Assembly meets twice a week to discuss campus policies.

By Amy Lecza and Joseph Dorsey

Better Safe than Sorry: Springtime usually means flowers blooming, birds singing and beautiful weather. These are enjoyable aspects of springtime, but in Tulsa they are often accompanied by bad weather such as tornadoes and thunderstorms.

When dangerous weather threatens the ORU campus, what should students do?

Gerry Isaacs, head of Campus Security, said Security has a

procedure to follow in case of a tornado.

“If it appears it’s moving in our direction, we have in place a general emergency operations plan,” said Isaacs.

Many students are familiar with safety precautions to take during stormy weather. Freshman biology major Dakota Struense said she experienced tornadoes with her family growing up in Nashville.

!

“We went directly to the basement tornado shelter, brought radios and waited it out,” said Struense.

Katie Williams, a freshman drama/television/film major, said that though she has never experienced a tornado touch down in her hometown, she has learned to take precautions.

“I was always told that if I were alone and there were a tornado to stay away from

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Director of Security Gerry Isaacs Shares Tips for Staying Safe During Tornado Season windows,” said Williams. “If I’m outside and a tornado hits, I know to get to the closest building with a solid foundation or to jump into a ditch.”

Williams said she feels uneasy about not knowing exactly where to go on campus in case of a tornado emergency.

“I’m not a fan of being picked up in a swirling vortex and thrown about,” said Williams.

Struense said she is unaware of where to go during a storm at ORU. “I know the basics of what to do in any tornado storm, just not exactly the specifics here on campus,” said Struense.

Isaacs said that when the sirens sound in the neighborhood just east of ORU, students must be aware of the weather so they are not taken by surprise.

“Students should pay attention to weather reports during the spring in Oklahoma,” said Isaacs.

“It’s absolutely wise to monitor TV and radio reports.

We’re monitoring the weather

constantly here. If a tornado closes in on Tulsa, the sirens will sound. We’ll usually monitor 14 TV broadcasts.”

When the sirens are heard, students should adhere to the evacuation plan located in every building and go to the closest storm shelter.

Michael, Susie and Frances residents should go into the interior stairwells. Wesley residents should head to the basement level tunnel, and EMR residents should go to the basement.

Claudius residents should stay in Zoppelt Auditorium, and Gabby residents should remain in the interior hallway on the first floor.

If students are in the GC or LRC during a tornado watch, they should go down to the lowest level or stay in the stairwells.

Isaacs said he is confident in the emergency operations plan he and his team have set up.

“You can never plan for everything,” said Isaacs. “But you can have some measures in place.”

By Halle Byrams

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THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 5

Anti-Gay Church Scared Off By Counter-Protesters Tulsa area community and ORU students band together to ward off Westboro Baptist Church funeral picketers

Photo By Lauren Rockett

The Westboro Baptist Church is based out of Kansas.

A group of ORU students faced off in protests against picketers from the Westboro Baptist Church on March 23 during the funeral of Shane Reed, 20, a resident of Bixby.

The Westboro group from Topeka, Kan., is widely known for protesting at the funerals of military personnel and celebrities.

They are infamous for holding up signs such as “God Hates Fags” and “Fags Doom Nations.”

The group blames domestic and international problems on the American tolerance of gays, stating that military conflicts and even local tragedies are the result of God’s judgment against the U.S. The Bixby funeral was one of three resulting from a motorcycle crash in Bixby. Other victims included Kali Hull, 17, and Travis Flud, 20.

Junior Mitch Hull of the ORU band Carnegie heard that protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church would be picketing at Reed’s funeral on March 23, and he began to tweet about

his plans to form a human wall for the Reed family against the Westboro group.

“I was just trying to get as many people as I could in order to try to shut [the Westboro protesters] out,” Hull said.

After posts on Twapel, Hull recruited about 16 other ORU students to join him at the New Beginnings Church and then the nearby cemetery in Bixby.

“After more research I saw that other people had the same idea so I knew our numbers would be bigger than just the 16 I had with me,” Hull said.

Around 500 people had showed up to protest against Westboro, according to Hull’s estimation.

“It turned out to be a bigger deal than I first thought,” Hull said.

Ten Westboro members had arrived an hour before the funeral in order to picket as family members arrived at the church, according to the Tulsa World.

After 45 minutes at the church, the group was escorted

by the police to the cemetery, Hull said. Once counter-protesters, including the American Veterans Motorcycle Club, flooded the cemetery grounds and blocked off a number of entrances with motorcycles, cars or human bodies, the Westboro group disappeared.

As the family arrived at the cemetery, they were greeted by counter-protesters showing their support by silently lining the streets, some brandishing American flags.

Family members waved, saluted, and even blew kisses to supporters, thanking them for their efforts.

“A man from the family walked over to where we were and thanked us all for helping and that it meant so much to the whole family,” Hull said.

“He then proceeded to thank as many people as he could.”

According to the Tulsa World, Westboro members did not picket at the funerals of the other two victims of the motorcycle crash.

By Bryce Merkl

ORU Gets Some Curb Appeal, Refurbishes 81st Street Entrance “University Avenue” Project Completed $50,000 Under Expected Budget, Reconstructs with Style and Class The 81st Street entrance to ORU just got a makeover.

The entrance most used by ORU faculty, staff and guests has been under construction for the last eight months and was completed Friday, March 18.

The entrance consists of newly planted trees, 3,000 plants and a large display sign that reads “Oral Roberts University” with lights for the evening.

The beautification of the university projects are conceived and directed by Tim Philley, executive vice president of campus operations and George Perkins, director of building and grounds.

Philley came up with the idea to give the main entrance to ORU some curb appeal.

The Praying Hands and Billy Joe Daugherty Circle is the entrance mostly used by students. Philley and Perkins believed it was time to give the 81st Street entrance a facelift.

Philley said he and his team are using landscaping to draw people on campus and are trying to give the campus a “park-like theme and a boulevard effect.”

The project’s original budget was $150,000, but was finished under budget at $100,000. Some of the budget Page 6 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

consisted of funding left over from other projects on campus. The project had multiple contractors involved.

The entrance was scheduled to be finished after students and faculty returned from Christmas break, but the observation deck of the Prayer Tower construction got in the way of that.

The entrance was then scheduled to be completed for College Weekend in March, but the snow days pushed the completion date back even further.

Perkins said the main reason behind the entrance is to draw more people onto campus with curb appeal.

“81st Street is the second busiest intersection in Tulsa,” said Perkins.

Sophomore Bethany Stiefer said she likes the new entrance but also feels there is still a lot that can be done to improve campus.

“The sign is in a perfect place at that entrance of the school,” Stiefer said.

“It is very beautiful and needed. I feel that there is still more needed [on campus], but the things being done such as the sign and the renovations to the dorms are definitely coming along well.

“I’m excited to see what else the school will be doing around campus and how wonderful it will look after,” Stiefer said.

Freshman Brian Mathis noticed the new entrance for the first time on Sunday night.

“I was like shocked to see it,” Mathis said. “It looked really cool all lit up.”

“It was so funny,” Stiefer said, recalling when she first noticed the new entrance. “I looked over as we drove past and was like, ‘has that always been there?’ It was so nice with the way it was lit up and built with the bushes and stuff. I think it will pull more people in as they drive past on 81st.”

The new project also included officially naming the entrance “University Avenue.”

The university did not have to clear the naming with the city of Tulsa beforehand, Perkins said. “We’re private property, so we had the ability to name the streets and roads ourselves.”

Philley and Perkins have $6.5 million in projects for campus renovations this summer.

By Halle Byrams

Chick-fil-A Deep-Fried in Gay Marriage Controversy Food Donations to Focus on the Family Elicit Mixed Responses Chick-fil-A’s iconic marketing slogan “Eat mor chikin” was manipulated in graffiti located in Morgantown, W Va. to read “Hate mor gay people” in response to recent actions that have been described by some as anti-gay.

The controversy started when a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Silver Spring Township, Pa., donated food in February to a marriage

conference sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute.

According to their website, the Pennsylvania Family Institute supports marriage “as the union of husband and wife.”

Chick-fil-A then donated food the following week to an event involving the Focus on the Family Institute, another institution that explicitly states “God created marriage as a loyal partner-

ship between one man and one woman.”

Students on at least one university campus, the University of Illinois, were calling on the university’s administration to replace the campus’ Chick-fil-A restaurant, and students on college campuses across the U.S. armed themselves for battle in the war of words.

“Chick-fil-A is a private com-

pany and can support whatever group or organization it wishes,” wrote a student at Boise State University.

“When someone purchases a Spicy Chicken Sandwich, it does not come topped with the beliefs of the company, only pickles,” the student said.

By contrast, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University wrote in a letter to that school’s newspaper, “Chick-Fil-A’s public statements, charities and donations create an intimidating atmosphere and disruptive educational environment based upon a reasonable person for employees and students solely based on their sexual orientation, a protected class listed in FGCU’s non-discrimination and anti-harassment regulation.”

Since it replaced the Eagle’s Nest, Chick-fil-A has been one of the more prominent eateries on the ORU campus.

At least one student has changed dining habits as a result of the controversy.

Senior Alycia West used to go to Chick-fil-A about once a week, but has not eaten there since January.

“I would never donate to those companies or organizations, so I don’t want to do business with any company that

donates to them,” said West.

Arthur Greeno, who owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Tulsa, explained the actions of Chickfil-A as a marketing strategy to boost sales.

“The goal is to get people to eat more chicken,” said Greeno, who stated that his locations have not experienced any protests or drop in sales since the controversy began.

West agrees with the student from Boise State that Chick-fil-A maintains the power, as a private company, to make controversial marketing decisions.

“That’s their right, to support whatever organizations they want, but that doesn’t mean I have to support them,” said West.

Ashlee French, an alumna, will continue to support the company.

“They have a good business and make a quality product; that’s all that matters,” said French.

Greeno emphasized that the company does not discriminate potential or current employment based on sexual orientation.

“It’s not like Chick [fil-A] is out there yelling and holding up signs,” said Greeno.

By Rachel Whitlock and RoyGene MacIninch

SIFE Wins Big Again Students in Free Enterprise Defeat Others ORU’s Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team claimed first place for the second time during the SIFE USA Regional Competition on March 18 in Dallas.

The team is quickly diverting its competition goals to focus on nationals.

“Our goal is focusing on nationals, we’re really excited that we won regionals, but we don’t stop there,” said SIFE President Jen Cook.

“It’s good to be excited and celebrate, but we have to get back to practice and rehearsals of how we can improve.”

“It’s a bunch of schools that run their own their own little

business, with ORU we work with a lot of communities local and global”, said Jordan Moran, another team member.

This summer, SIFE will be traveling to the country of Paraguay to help educate local churches, schools and businesses grow by using a curriculum created by the students.

“We teach business ethics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business planning teaching them about how to start their business,” said Moran.

The SIFE nationals competition will take place in Minneapolis, Minn. on May 10-11.

By Joseph Dorsey

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 7

Tickling New Ivories

Brand-new Steinway Pianos in Timko-Barton Update Muchneeded Equipment and Set ORU Apart Among Music Schools Nationwide While Fulfilling Oral’s Founding Mission

With the purchase of 37 Steinway pianos, ORU became one of 120 All-Steinway Schools worldwide. What most people do not know, however, is that the All-Steinway initiative dates back to before ORU’s founding.

The pianos in the ORU practice rooms were a little rough around the edges—some were out of tune, and others did not have working pedals. This condition made it difficult for aspiring musicians to improve, but with the new Steinway pianos, students are able to perform with greater quality.

Sophomore music composition major Tom Bracciale said having old pianos was a hindrance for students to maximize their capabilities.

“Although our music faculty here are more than qualified for teaching and truly make the music department great, playing on outdated equipment made it hard for all of us to grow into our full potential,” said Bracciale.

Christy Redmond, a freshman music education major with a

piano emphasis, said that having Steinways changed everything for her as a musician.

“The difference is like day and night,” said Redmond. “Steinway is such an elite level. It gives me more motivation to practice.”

Three renowned Steinway artists have graduated from ORU including the late Larry Dalton, who played with the Oral Roberts ministry; David Osborne, pianist to the president; and Donald Ryan, current faculty member of ORU. The music department’s desire to be an All-Steinway School dates back to founder Oral Roberts’ vision during the tent crusades. In 1948, Roberts stated that he wanted the best Steinway pianos for his ministry. ORU Provost John Messick echoed this desire in 1965.

Since that time, the school purchased seven Steinways, but could not invest in more. Then in 2009, the music department really began working toward the All-Steinway goal. Music professor Joyce Bridgman said the

Page 8 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

purpose of their efforts was to achieve a higher status and fulfill Roberts’ vision.

“This initiative will allow ORU to purchase and maintain Photos By Shawn Bender Steinway pianos—the Senior sacred music major Karl Utz practices on a Steinway highest quality of pianos—thereby con- piano in the Timko-Barton Performance Hall. tinuing Founder and Chancellor Oral Roberts’ vision to enroll. thankful to see Roberts’ vision and standard of excellence in “The word Steinway is syncome true, but no one is as exall aspects of ORU,” said Bridgonymous with excellence,” said cited as the music students. man.

Guthrie. “This will give us the Sophomore Emily Hong, At the end of February 2011, prestige to attract the best and graphic design major with a the music department’s dream brightest students.” minor in music, said Steinway was finally fulfilled, and ORU Access to the Steinways is status makes her appreciate replaced all its old pianos with limited to students enrolled ORU even more. brand new, handmade Steinin music classes in order to “Being the first school in ways. Bridgman sold every old preserve the instruments’ Tulsa to be an All-Steinway piano except one grand in just quality. Students must unlock School is great,” said Hong. “It’s two days. the pianos with a key from the a privilege for me to be here.”

Steinway status not only gives department secretary and relock Redmond said being part of ORU prestige, but it also prothem once they finish practicing. an All-Steinway school is a great vides the opportunity to hold an The department is considering honor. annual concert in Steinway Hall, investing in hand scanners, fin“It makes the whole departNew York City, N.Y. gerprint scanners, or card swipe ment more proud,” said RedDepartment chair Randy machines to simplify access to mond. “It’s cool to have it as our Guthrie said ORU’s prestigious the pianos. own to say, ‘ORU is an All-Steinstatus will invite driven students The faculty and staff are way School.’”

By Beth Knier

Campus

The Oracle Campus Editor is Rachel Whitlock You may contact her with comments or questions at oraclelifeeditor@oru.edu For more in Campus, check out oruoracle.com

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

Dr. Robert Skinner, Chair of the English and Modern Languages Department, will be retiring this spring.

Beloved Department Chair Retires after 25 Years Skinner Leaves a Legacy of Touched Student Lives When Chelsea Spack is asked about Dr. Robert Skinner, she leans forward, her eyes animated as she describes the man who has been not only the chair of the English and Modern Languages department since 2002, but a mentor.

“He’s one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. He cares about every single student he has. Once you have a class with him, you’re friends for life,” said Spack.

Skinner is retiring at the end of the current school year from his post as both department chair and associate professor of French. He then plans on moving back to south Texas, a region he’s always called home.

“My wife is retiring, so we’re retiring together. We always do things together... that’s how we do our marriage,” said Skinner.

The high priority Skinner puts on family is evident in his other reasons for retiring and moving: two brothers living in south Texas who he will be able to visit much more easily, including one who is currently recovering from a stroke.

The caring nature that Spack described in Skinner has been a defining feature of his time at ORU. “I believe that sometimes we have to help students that they don’t bang their heads against the wall, and...I feel like they needed an advocate, in a lot of ways, to cut through the red tape, and that is something I will miss...I believe that’s my life story, helping students,” said Skinner.

These students haven’t just been at ORU. Skinner’s teaching career has spanned 25 years and nearly every level of education, from middle school to private Christian institutions.

Skinner was teaching at Texas A&M University at Kingsville when a Baptist preacher prophesied that he would “bring students up,” in wording strikingly similar to Oral Roberts’ original commissioning for ORU. Add in a connection between the chair of Skinner’s dissertation committee at Texas A&M and the then-chair of Modern Languages at ORU, and it became very clear where he was meant to be.

“The Lord orders your steps. I really believe that, because I had desired to teach at a Christian university,” said Skinner.

Now that his time at ORU is drawing to a close, Skinner looks forward to the next phase of his life, remarking on his love of the ocean, and the fishing and gardening that he’ll be able to do.

“I can really say that I’m looking forward to the wonderful south Texas weather,” said Skinner with a laugh.

Dr. Linda Gray, professor of English, will be taking Dr. Skinner’s position starting this summer, despite initial lack of interest on her part.

“I wasn’t seeking to be [department] chair. I’m happy in the classroom fulltime...What changed my mind was the number of people asking me to apply,” said Gray.

Having a successor already in place has proved to be an advantage for Gray and the department she will be leading next year.

“Most [department] chairs don’t have the opportunity to work with the previous chair before the job actually starts...this is a good opportunity,” said Gray.

Gray has been working directly with

Skinner since the fall semester to learn and better the skills her new position will require of her.

Gray’s previous experience with Skinner will also aid in the transition.

“We’ve worked together for nearly a dozen years and he’s always been so gracious, so willing to help students and faculty. He’s such a generous person [and] I really do appreciate it about him,” she said.

Spack, a theater arts major and French minor graduating this April, pointed out a unique personal connection.

“I have three sisters, and he’s taught all of us at some point or another.”

She has been impacted not just by the classes she’s taken, but his personality.

“I have a deeper understanding of God by [Dr. Skinner] demonstrating the really fatherly loving characteristics of God and the way God takes interest in our lives,” said Spack.

Skinner says he is at peace with his impending departure from the friends he has made among the faculty and students.

“In my going it will be like a big hug to all. They’re in my hearts. I will take them with me when I go.” By Rachel Whitlock

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 9

C. S. Lewis Conference Comes to Land of ORU Oral Roberts University, as part of the C.S. Lewis and the Inklings Society (CSLIS), will be hosting the 14th annual C.S. Lewis and the Inklings Conference on April 1 and 2.

This year’s theme is “The Face of Myth in the World of Reason.”

Kurt Bruner, author of “Finding God in the Lord of the Rings,” and Andrew Lazo, a writer and scholar with a focus on C.S. Lewis, will be the featured guest speakers.

Sessions will include a discussion titled “The Holy Spirit in the Works of the Inklings,” one discussing Lewis and science, and another on Lewis’ book “That Hideous Strength.”

The CSLIS, founded in 2004, the fifth year of the conference, was previously

headquartered at Oklahoma City University and has now been moved to ORU’s campus.

Last year the CSLIS began to start individual chapters in the member schools as an extension of the larger society, whose mission statement correlates with the topics that will be presented at the conference.

“Through literature and fine arts, the Society will reflect and further Lewis' and the Inklings' focus on Mark Hall Christ and ORU Professor Christianity and these authors' passion for developing the moral imagination and its effect on the understanding and appreciation of life.”

Dr. Mark Hall, professor of English and faculty sponsor of ORU’s chapter, teaches

I just think that these authors, especially Lewis and Tolkien, have such a strong word for our 21st century world.”

an English class that covers Lewis, Tolkien, and other Inklings associates such as George MacDonald.

“I just think that these authors, especially Lewis and Tolkien, have such a strong word for our 21st century world,” said Hall, whose enthusiasm is plain in the number of shelves in his office devoted to books by or about the Inklings.

Seth Swank, freshman exploratory major, joined ORU’s chapter of the CSLIS this year.

“I love the club because we get to discuss everything from the movies and books of Tolkien and Lewis to their lives and their personal beliefs,” Swank said.

Hall echoes the missions statement when asked why the Inklings are not only relevant in the 21st century, but to 21st century Christianity.

“They look at our reality with the power and story of myth...They convey to us in mythic terms the reality of the Christian message, [and] it gives it new power [and] new relevance,” said Hall.

The lecture portions of the CSLIS conference are free of charge.

By Rachel Whitlock

Photo by Marilyn Chau

The 14th Annual C.S. Lewis and Inklings conference will offer free lectures on campus.

Saga Food: Produced Just Down the Street or Across the World Hamburgers, rice, chicken, pizza, bread, peanut butter. Hungry yet?

All of these foods can be found daily in the cafeteria and in the eateries around campus, but where does it come from?

We all buy and eat all kinds of food every day with little thought of where the food came from and how it gets to ORU. As it turns out, the food and drink found in Saga, Hava Java and Freshens Smoothies all come from different places across the United States, and outside of the country.

The bulk of ORU’s food is found in the cafeteria. Many products from many places come together to make the food found every day.

Most of the cafeteria’s food comes from Sysco Foods, but fruits and vegetables come from Thomas Brother’s Produce in Oklahoma City.

ORU gets fresh deliveries of food every Wednesday and Friday, usually in the morning.

If you go to Hava Java and pick up a coffee, the beans that made it most likely came

from somewhere between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This is because Starbucks Coffee, which uses beans from that region of the world, provides the beans used at Hava Java.

Freshens Smooth-

Page 10 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

ies’ fruit comes from the Florida region, and all of the other assorted fruit such as berries and bananas comes from such places like California and even Brazil.

When asked about where the sizzling chicken wrap he ate for lunch came from,

freshman Joe Edens replied with a laugh “I don’t really know. Some chicken farm in Kansas?”

For the most part, students do not have the slightest clue where their food comes from.

“I like to think that it all just comes from some huge warehouse,” said freshman Kristine Towne. “I know that’s not true, but it’s a fun thought.”

The total amount of mileage that the food travels varies.

Produce can travel a dozen miles or hundreds. Other food and drink items can travel a thousands of miles from their point of origin.

Sodexo frequently tries to buy locally. This not only helps save ORU money but also lessens the school’s environmental footprint and helps out our local community.

The food served all around ORU comes from well, all around. Just like the diversity in students found in Saga and around campus on a daily basis, the food also has a certain amount of diversity.

So next time you grab a hamburger from the grill, take a moment to think about the incredible journey it took to get there.

By Chandler Elmore

Photo by Marilyn Chau

Academic Peer Advisors Change Their Strategy Student Leadership Position Will Be Divided into 2 Roles; Tutors Will Receive Scholarship While Advisers Won’t In the face of planned budget cuts to student leadership positions, the APA program will undergo changes.

Starting in fall 2011, the APA leadership position will be divided into two separate ones: Academic Peer Advisor and Academic Peer Tutor.

Until now the APA position has entailed a number of responsibilities including weekly tutoring, facilitating wing study stops, and serving in academic programs such as Study Night Live and One to One. After the budget change, the APA program examined where they were in light of where they wanted to be and decided to make changes.

Director of Student Resources Danny Ziriax said the changes were not a direct result of the cuts, but encouraged them to revise the program.

“The cuts made us relook at the program, and we decided there’s a better way of doing it,” said Ziriax. “Originally there were no scholarships for APAs. The changes really have nothing to do with the money.”

Senior English major Gretchen Knurr, who is the head APA in Gabby, said they were made aware of the changes from the start.

“It’s been very interactive,” said Knurr. “All the APAs have known what’s going on since the start of the semester.”

Junior multimedia productions major Abigail Chilton, head APA in upper Claudius, said the APAs were able to contribute to the changes.

“The program started to go in a new direction after we heard about the budget cuts,” Chilton said. “We had

a couple brainstorming sessions and now we’re actually implementing it.”

In upcoming years the APA position will be more like a social chair, being solely responsible for floor study stops, but still able to assist students with academic programs such as e-portfolio and D2L. Each dormitory floor will have an APA, but the position is unpaid.

Thirty to 40 Academic Peer Tutors will be hired on a small scholarship to tutor in the tutoring center from 4:30 p.m. until the library closes. They will serve six to 10 hours per week and have the opportunity to become nationally certified as a tutor by serving at local high schools. Certification is not required.

Initial interviews for APA positions have begun, however students can still apply to be in the program until Monday, April 25.

Chilton said having two positions will allow APAs to excel in the area they are most gifted in.

“By having two distinct roles it will be easier for APAs to find their nitch,” said Chilton.

Leadership for next year’s program will include Rebekah Cole as the head coordinator and Matthew Ortiz and Katherine Czinke as assistant coordinators. Ortiz, a junior nursing major, said he is optimistic about the changes being made.

“We kind of got forced into them because of the budget cuts,” said Ortiz. “However, I believe these are changes that should’ve been made with or without the money issue. They will raise the bar of the program.”

In addition to the APA and APT positions, the program

will have four core leaders overseeing One to One, SNL, growth and training, and internal management. Other positions include six head APAs and four assistants to the core leaders. Ortiz said the new leadership will be much more efficient.

“I think the model will better fit our objectives,” said Ortiz. “It’s like establishing a managerial staff for a business.

The core group will be selected based on their strengths, and it will be a lot more specialized.”

Ziriax said the APA program is a vital part of the ORU experience even with the university’s limited funds.

“ORU just doesn’t have the resources to have a big tutoring center like other universities,” said Ziriax. “Until we started this program there wasn’t help out there. We’re able to provide for a need for a fraction of what it would cost at another university.”

The APA program will be hosting academic sessions 30 minutes prior to SNL beginning in the fall. The workshops will be once or twice a month on a broad spectrum of topics ranging from time management to filling out taxes.

Chilton said she hopes the changes will expand the program’s impact on campus.

“I don’t think the school knows everything the program has to offer,” said Chilton. “Hopefully the changes will offer better services for the student body.”

Knurr said the changes should be viewed as an opportunity for growth.

“Change is change, but it’s not necessarily bad or great,” said Knurr. “You gotta just go with it.”

By Beth Knier

Video Editors Compete in a Flash YouTube Video Gets 22,000 Hits After Only One Red-Eye Editing Session Spontaneous singing, dancing and animated students surfaced during a seemingly normal dinner March 3 in Saga for the college weekenders visiting ORU. It’s called a “flash mob.” A group of people assembles in a designated location at a specified time to perform an indicated action before disappearing back into the surprised crowd.

Although flash mobs may seem spur-of-the-moment, hours and hours of preparation are required to have a successful and organized performance.

The audience merely sees the fun part with the singing, dancing and excitement that takes over as the performers carry out their message.

Don Eland, assistant professor of communication, arts and media, said he and sophomore

Faith Harris, who was the producer, director and lyricist in the flash mob, put in more than 150 hours to turn this project into a reality. Other team members averaged anywhere from four to 10 hours depending on the job assigned to them.

This project was a student conceived, created and published experience. Harris wrote the lyrics for “College Life,” which was used in the flash mob. The song is based on the popular Top 40 song “Dynamite”

by Taio Cruz. Cruz’s lyrics were replaced with the ones Harris had written and recorded by Ronnie Mills. The original song was re-orchestrated by using MIDI tracks and synthesizers.

While the song was recognizable, it was completely remadeabout 70 student dancers,

choreographers, gymnasts and musicians rehearsed for the flash mob in the ORU student cafeteria.

Aside from the performers, a crew of 28 photographers and six to eight videographers captured this event on film.

Following the flash mob in the cafeteria, the video footage was taken to the interactive media classroom, located on the first floor of the graduate center.

An eight-hour, all-night editing competition began for the students who shot the event. They had to sort, organize, rate and edit their own media.

These master editors prepared and created their own version of the flash mob video.

The winner of this editing competition, chosen by an online evaluation judging committee,

Courtesy Photo

Faith Harris (left) wrote the lyrics for “College Life.” would have their video uploaded to YouTube as the official video the following morning.

“Good editing isn’t enough.

Master editors must work fast at high quality,” Eland said.

All of the edited videos had to be published on vimeo by 6:30 a.m. the next day, March 4. A

committee comprised of students, faculty and administrators voted on the winner by 8 a.m.

The top two Vimeo links were then considered for viewing in chapel several hours later.

“The goal was to expose students to rapid work flow,” Eland said.

By Lindsey Buie

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 11

Faith

The Oracle Faith Editor is Hannah Covington You may contact her with comments or questions at hcovington@oru.edu For more in Faith, check out oruoracle.com

Holocaust Survivor Visits Remembering the Shoah, Vowing Never to Forget The little girl does not understand.

Her mother is talking to her, telling her about the trip they must soon take away from their home in Lodz, Poland in order to be “relocated.” Six-year-old Eva Unterman does not understand why being a Jew in 1939 Poland mandates relocation.

They could take as much with them as they could carry.

“Eva, take a doll with you,” her mother instructed her only child. But which one?

The young girl surveyed her beautiful collection of dolls lined up across the windowsill. She knew she couldn’t separate them because they were friends.

So, she left the beautiful dolls as they were and settled upon an old rag doll named Bodwyga instead.

Then, she turned each of the dolls around so that they could see the street from the window.

“I’ll be back,” she reassured them.

Eva had no idea that she would spend the next five years in a ghetto and multiple concentration camps and work camps.

She had no idea that she was about to face the Holocaust, or “the Shoah” as it is known in Hebrew.

She had no idea that over sixty years later she would be sharing her story with a group of people at ORU. In addressing the audience in the Holy Spirit Room on Mar. 9, Unterman said it is her hope that by sharing her experiences from the Holocaust, she is helping to ensure that the world can learn from the past by never forgetting the Shoah.

In the Holocaust, approximately six million European Jews were killed. Of these six million, about one-fourth were children.

“I am fortunate to survive, and it is my solemn obligation to tell about the 1.5 million boys and girls who were killed,” she said.

Unterman explained Hitler particularly targeted the Jewish children during the Holocaust. At this point, she asked the audience why.

“The future,” someone from the back answered.

“Yes,” Unterman said, “that’s right. Young children represent the future, and so Hitler tried to see to it that children were eliminated.”

When the war first began in 1939, Eva was a child herself.

After being relocated to the ghetto in Lodz, Poland, Unterman, her mother, her father and her one surviving grandmother were transported by cattle car to the concentration camp in Auschwitz.

She still remembers the piercing cries of the steam engine whistle and the sound of the doors locking, metal hitting metal. After arriving at Auschwitz, she, her mother and grandmother were separated into the line sent to showers where water came out of the showerheads.

For the people in the other line, it was poisonous gas.

She said she will never forget the day when her grandmother was killed. They were sitting on the floor of their barracks at another concentration camp when a few S.S. officers walked in.

They asked for volunteers who were willing to darn their socks in exchange for an extra piece of bread.

Her grandmother’s hand immediately shot up. Eva knew her grandmother wanted to give that extra piece of bread to her.

It wasn’t until much later that

Page 12 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

her mother told her that the S.S. men hadn’t needed any socks mended. It was a Saturday night, and they were bored. They had taken these women—including her grandmother—outside and shot them.

As a child, she did not know what to think of these individuals, her tormentors.

“I thought of the S.S. men and women as monsters because I didn’t believe humans could do this,” Unterman explained.

“But they weren’t monsters.

They were as human as you or me.”

Even in the midst of such senseless human cruelty, Unterman said that she still saw flickers of human goodness.

One example happened while she and her mother, along with scores of other Jewish prisoners, were being moved on foot from a concentration camp to other camps inside of Germany.

The allies were quickly approaching, so the Germans began what came to be known as “death marches” in order to hide their attempts at genocide.

While Eva and her mother were on such a death march, a German man slipped his way beside Eva’s mother and handed her a piece of bread. Unterman said she will never forget the kindness of that man who had risked his life.

The simple act reinforced the impact one person can have.

“Don’t ever, ever give up,” she said. “One person can make a difference.”

Eva and her mother were finally liberated on May 8, 1945 by the Russians. Her father also survived the Shoah, and the family was eventually reunited.

As her narrative drew to a close, Unterman welcomed questions from the audience.

“Do you blame God for what

Photo by Lauren Rockett

Holocaust survivor Eva Unterman tells her tale of survival in the Holy Spirit Room on March 9. happened?” one person asked.

Unterman adjusted her bangs and barely paused before responding, “I personally leave God out of all this.”

“It was people who did this,” she continued. “It is human beings who have done this and are doing it now.”

At this comment, a man from Iraq raised his hand and shared about the killings going on in his own country. Unterman nodded her head empathetically.

“We have to realize that we’re all in this together. That’s why

F

we tell about the Shoah and hope humanity will come to its senses,” she said.

Because of the Shoah, Eva Unterman said she learned just what human beings are capable of doing to one another—for better or worse. Before concluding, she looked at the few children seated in the audience before gazing back around the small crowd congregated in the Holy Spirit Room.

“This is my past. But it is your future.”

By Hannah Covington

easts & Fasts: Taking a

look at the Liturgical Year

Liturgical Calendar for April 1-April 15 April 1—Frederick Denison Maurice, priest, teacher of the faith, 1872 (Church of England).

April 2—Feast of Saint Francis of Paola (Catholic). Saint John of the Ladder (Eastern Orthodox).

April 4—Feast of Saint Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church (Catholic). Saint Zosimas of Palestine, monk (Eastern Orthodox).

April 5—Feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer, priest (Catholic). Saint Plato, abbot of the Studion (Eastern Orthodox).

April 7—Saint John Baptist de la Salle, priest (Catholic). Saint Nilus of Sora, abbot (Eastern

Orthodox). Tikon, Patriarch of Russia and Confessor, 1925 (Episcopal).

April 9—Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Pastor, martyr, 1945 (Church of England and Episcopal).

April 10—Fifth Sunday of Lent (all). James the Presbyter, martyr (Eastern Orthodox).

Feast of William of Ockham, friar, philosopher, teacher of the faith, 1347 (Church of England).

April 11—Saint Stanislaus, bishop and martyr (Catholic).

Saints Processus and Martinian of Rome (Eastern Orthodox). Feast of George Augustus Selwyn, first Bishop of New Zealand, 1878 (Church of England).

Lectures Bring Insight on Living as a Christian in a Secular World Following the call of Christ means living as a bold witness, but just how many ORU students can really share their faith? Have they examined their beliefs enough so that they will stand the test of time and trial?

The Christian Worldview Committee, led by ORU faculty, was created 10 years ago to help students examine and solidify their beliefs. They provide resources to faculty for incorporating worldview discussion into the classroom and invite speakers to give talks on campus.

Committee chair and English professor Barbara Law said the group’s purpose is to challenge students to examine their faith.

“Our mission is to teach students what a Christian worldview is and then teach them to apply it,” said Law. “We want students to be challenged to understand their worldview.”

The group of 15 faculty members meets on a monthly basis to discuss how to impact the ORU campus.

Assistant professor of drama Chris Martin, who is in charge of the committee’s public relations, said the group tries not to limit a Christian worldview to one denomination or perspective.

“Our purpose is not to say, ‘this is a Christian worldview,’ but rather ‘here are the variety of them,’” said Martin. “It’s prudent for students to discover what a Christian worldview is for them while in college.”

In addition to challenging students to understand

their faith, the committee provides “I was really happy ORU brought this resources for faculty to bring worldhere,” said Wilder. “It’s good to have things view topics into the classroom. teachers have said expanded on. It’s Martin said the group hosts an another way of opening your eyes to how all-faculty retreat at the start of much of a worldview you have.” each year to instill worldview as a Freshman writing major Sarah Thompfocus in the classroom. son said she enjoyed the lecture but “We help faculty embrace worldwishes it could have gone deeper. view in their classes,” said Martin.

“The lecture was very broad and I wish The committee hosted its seche could have been more direct, but I ond spring worldview lecture March understand the difficulty with the time 24 and 25 in Zoppelt. restraint,” she said.

The event attracted hundreds Senior international business major Amof students, faculty and visitors to ber Fouts said she finds it is important for hear guest speaker Steven Boumastudents to ask questions about their faith.

Predeger, a professor at Hope “I think it’s really important for us to College in Holland, Mich., share his analyze our worldviews from a Christian insights about living as a Christian perspective, especially when we come to in a secular world. college,” said Fouts.

The three lectures on topics Law said she hopes to attract more sturegarding Christian worldview, the dent involvement in upcoming semesters. care of creation and homelessness “We want to do things interesting to Photo by Beth Knier will be available on oru.edu. students that will mold and shape their Steven Bouma-Predeger Students had differing responsworldviews,” said Law. es to the lecture.

“Students can come to the faculty meeting by contactJunior English major Jasmine Wilder said she appreciing me. We’d love students to come to share their worldated the insights she gleaned from the lecture. view ideas.”

By Beth Knier

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 13

Spring Break Missions Assists Refugees in Atlanta Students Work With Local Ministries to Bridge Language Barrier Kudzai Shereni knew walking into the elementary school auditorium in Clarkston, Ga., that this was going to be the most difficult part of his day.

Some kind of concert or assembly was going on. All of the students sat amassed next to one another.

The paperwork had been completed.

The boy sitting in the assembly was officially clear to transfer schools. All that was left to do was to pick him up and take him there.

Shereni knew the announcement that the boy would be transferring may be hard, but he didn’t expect the second-grader to cry.

The teacher called the dark-haired boy out and explained to him that he was leaving.

The round-faced 8-yearold hugged her and began to cry as he looked back at his friends.

Watching the scene, Shereni thought about how he wished he could negotiate a different deal and move the boy’s family to a different apartment.

That’s why they were transferring their children to a new school. Refugees from Iraq, the boy and his family had not been able to figure out the bus system in Clarkston, making the trip to and from school too hard to manage.

They needed to move their children to a place that was closer to their apartment. But the parents could not speak English.

That’s where Shereni and his ORU team came in.

As part of their mission trip to Clarkston, Shereni and several other mission team leaders had been assigned to help this family.

Over spring break, 42 people on Team Atlanta drove more than 12 hours to reach out to refugees in Clarkston, assisting them as they attempted to acclimate to their new lives in America.

Clarkston, Ga. hugs the eastern edge of Atlanta. Serving as a main UN location for refugees, it has been called the most diverse 1.1 square mile area in America.

The group traveling to this center of diversity included summer mission team leaders, mission staff, regional coordinators, and International Worship Center leaders. They were separated into five different groups that each worked with one of five ministries: World Relief, Friends of Refugees, Hope for Atlanta, Friendship School and Family Heritage Foundation.

Like Shereni, Ashley Winn helped refugees run errands and

...We were just so glad we could help.

Ashley Winn Graduate student

complete tasks rendered virtually impossible for the refugees because of the language barrier.

The Christian counseling graduate student helped transport refugees to a health clinic and obtain Social Security cards.

Team leader of Team Japan, Winn said most of the refugees in Clarkston had fled to America to escape religious persecution.

To the Christian refugees, outreach teams offered prayer and encouragement.

To those who weren’t Christian, Winn said they would try to share the gospel, which was often challenging because of language differences.

“Most of them knew very little English. So it’s like, you want to tell them about Jesus, but you can’t,” Winn said.

Still, she said the teams made an effort to be warm and friendly with the refugees, showing them the love of Christ in ways that

Page 14 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

superseded any barriers erected by linguistic differences.

“Sometimes, all we have is a smile. So, even when we had to wait hours in the clinic, we always smiled when they came out, letting them know that we were just so glad that we could help.”

This was Winn’s third trip to Atlanta over spring break. She explained that each day, a new leader was selected for each outreach group.

On Tuesday, Winn served as her team’s leader on their trips to the clinic.

That same Tuesday, Shereni and his team had just taken the Iraqi family to the new school.

Once the little boy was settled in his new classroom, the Iraqi refugees wanted to say thank you.

The boy’s father turned toward Shereni and did the only thing he knew to do. He gave him a cigarette.

Even though it wasn’t a typical thank-you gift, the junior finance major and leader of Team Guatemala said he felt touched by what it represented.

“It was a sincere gesture of thanks,” he said.

The family proceeded to invite the team into their apartment.

Pulling all of their food out of the cupboard, they began preparing a large meal of traditional Iraqi dishes. Afterward, they also offered them tea.

On the same Tuesday that introduced Shereni to this Iraqi family, another missions group was creating the universe and re-enacting the fall of man.

In the short drama, students like junior Jonathon Baker acted out the plan of redemption in a skit for elementary students in an afterschool program.

At the end of the skit, 29 of the students received Christ, one of the largest responses in nine years.

Some of the children could repeat the story back to the team scene by scene, precept upon pre-

cept. Others couldn’t, but Baker said he was not discouraged.

“God used our lives in a week to plant the seed and reach people with his love,” he said.

For Baker and these other 42 individuals, spring break lacked beaches, sunbathing and days dictated by sleep.

But do they regret their choice to journey to Clarkston?

Not in the least.

“The entire week, I just kept thinking to myself, ‘I would not want to be anywhere else than here serving the Lord,’” Baker

said.

Shereni agrees.

He said the trip radically “changed my perspective on life.”

He learned that his place as a Christian is not merely in church, but in places that allow him to serve people like the Iraqi refugees and their round-faced son.

“It’s not really Christians who just sit in the pews, pray and do nothing,” he said.

“We have to pray and offer practical help. That’s where God does the supernatural.”

By Hannah Covington

Help fill the need this winter.

The John 3:16 Mission supports Tulsa-area families, children and the homeless at two ministry sites. The shelter operates year-round and currently needs the following: • Canned Foods • Monetary Donations • Gently Used Clothing • Functioning Electronics • Furniture (cannot accept mattresses) • Cookware • Toys Donations may be dropped off at or sent to: John 3:16 Mission, Inc. 506 N. Cheyenne, Tulsa, OK, 74103 OR 2027 N. Cincinnati, Tulsa, OK, 74106 For pick up of larger/furniture donations, please call (918)592-1186.

Monetary donations may be mailed to: 205 E. Pine Street, Tulsa, OK, 74106

www.john316mission.org John 3:16 Mission is a faith-based organization that strives to bring the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ to homeless and at-risk men, women and children in Tulsa by meeting their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

April Fools’!

“Any Other Universe” by Reid Peterson, Chelsea Boen, Darren Sorrels, and Jonathan Witt

We had you, didn’t we?

Unfortunately, the Fun Run will still be happening this Saturday morning, but the good news is that it’s only 2 miles! On behalf of Dr. Huber and the Oracle staff, we hope you have a wonderful April Fools’ Day! Photo by Kristina Simberg

Check out “Any Other Universe”’ on Facebook!

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 15

Scholarship Cuts Force Faculty to Re-evaluate Funds Academic full-tuition scholarships will be discontinued for new students after this year Senior Rebekah Cole was attracted to ORU for many reasons, but a full-tuition Fellows scholarship from the honors program determined her decision.

Cole, president of ORU’s honors council and SA chief operations officer, said she was offered a full-tuition scholarship from another university and would have attended that school, had ORU not offered her the same benefits.

With financial pressure playing such a significant role in educational choices, many students are faced with the same decision.

Starting in the fall, changes will be made to honors program scholarships which may affect these choices in the future. Incoming students won’t have the option of a full-tuition benefits.

Students may still be able to cover full tuition by combining a larger award with a smaller one, but the scholarship for honors fellows will be set at a constant rate of $20,000 per year.

While the $20,000 scholarship is just $60 shy of full tuition this year, tuition increases can be expected for future years. However, current students who already have full-tuition scholarships will retain them.

Scholars Awards In 2011, the honors program will also add a number of awards for scholars. While the program admits around 16 Fellows per year, the number of scholars is much larger.

Scholars must meet certain GPA requirements to renew their scholarships and must take 24 credit-hours of honors classes. Fellows have higher academic requirements in addition to taking five required seminar classes.

Nancy Brainard, vice president of enrollment management, said scholars awards will most likely be set aside for new students.

Previously, honors program scholars received a 50 percent tuition award which was based on their GPA and

tests scores, not on their being in the honors program.

Non-honors students also received this scholarship.

Cole, who is the president of the honors council, said she is concerned the lack of full-tuition scholarships for fellows will negatively affect the honors program’s ability to compete for bright students against other universities.

Michael Bellew, another member of the honors council, chimed in.

“The realm of academia is very competitive,” he said.

Myself and the other Fellows, future and present, are often offered much more aid from other institutions.

I personally was offered four full rides.”

Honors Admission Standards Lowered More changes have been worked into the Honors Program over the past year. In fall 2010, the minimum ACT score was lowered from 29 to 28 and the SAT score from 1280 to 1250.

Cole said she doesn’t see this adjustment as a good thing for the university.

“The Honors Program scholarships are in place to reward the students who dedicated themselves to academic and personal excellence, leadership, and service in high school,” she said. “Lowering the ACT score is indicative of an alarming trend in the reduction of academic standards across the University.”

Last fall, admissions tried a different approach in order to attract more students to the honors program.

[They] sent letters to everyone who had the qualifying test scores and said you qualify [to be in the honors program],” Brainard said.

“That was perceived by some as, you don’t have to do anything to be in the honors program any more. It was really just a communication strategy.”

Both Brainard and John Korstad, who directs the honors program, said this approach will not be repeated in fall 2011.

Illustration by Chelsea Boen

Honors Successes Despite past and present scholarship shifts, honors program students have proven themselves successful both on ORU’s campus and beyond it.

Korstad spoke of the successes of honors students, including several who studied abroad at the University of Oxford in England, commonly ranked among the top schools in the world.

Sarah Mirkin, 2010 honors program graduate, currently attends graduate school at Brown University.

“The Honors program is trying to attract more students who have done the leadership, have done the services, and who have a proven track record of not only that but excellent grades and tests well,” Korstad said. “We don’t want it to be a bunch of nerds who are all it’s about me and nobody else.”

Students agree that the honors program has made a difference in their education.

“Being a fellow has had a strong impact on my academic career, due to the relationships I have been able to develop with faculty and peers, as well as the quality of the fellows classes,” said Chelsea Dean, honors council event coordinator.

“I have made my best friends in the Honors Program and am currently serving in leadership positions across campus with many of them,” Cole said. “Almost any organization on campus will have some of its best and brightest leaders come from the Honors program.”

By Katy Miller

Courtesy Photo

The Honors Student Council consists of members of the Honors program from all majors.

From left: Joe Ninowski (VP), Chelsea Dean, Melanie Wespetal, Rebekah Cole (Pres.), Ashley Sweeney, Lauren Wells, and Michael Bellew.

Shutter

Photo by Jaclyn Ogle

Signs of spring begin to bloom around Tulsa.

The Aviary There’s a preposterous ostrich escaped In my thoughts, ruffling and shaking Her feathers as she blazes by The blue-footed booby’s nest Of my well-formed, logic-born thesis.

The warbled harmony of the dove’s cheers Wars with the squawking hawk in my ear But the oblivious ostrich runs on.

I’ve been chasing her all day but Ideas are not meant to be caged.

By Keren Apura Poem courtesy of...

Page 18 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

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Sports

The Oracle Sports Editor is Nathan Porter You may contact him with comments or questions at n8thegr8@oru.edu For more in Sports, check out oruoracle.com

Slam Dunk Hosting WNIT

Two Best Audience Turnouts in ORU Women’s History Although the ORU women’s basketball team played on March 21, the athletic department experienced all of the pressure and anxiety of the game in the days before it started.

ORU hosted two games in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament last week. In the first game held on March 21 ORU competed against Tulane University in the Round of 32, and in the second game held on March 23 ORU competed against University of Arkansas.

Sixty four teams are selected to play in this tournament each year. Unlike the NCAA tournament, the games are not played on a neutral court, and the WNIT does not give seeding to the various teams participating.

So how does the tournament decide who receives home court advantage?

Each team has the opportunity to submit a bid to play on their home court.

In this bid the WNIT is not looking for the team with the highest point total or winning percentage over the year. They are looking for the team with the highest financial offer. In order to host a game, the school must submit the WNIT with 85 percent of the ticket sales from the game or a minimum financial guarantee.

In the first game of the tournament ORU lost the bid to its opponent, Texas Christian University. However, after beating TCU and advancing to play Tulane in the next round, ORU’s bid was accepted.

The ORU athletic department worked hard to get this bid accepted, but once it was accepted the athletic department was faced with the daunting task of advertising this home game on extremely short notice.

“When we beat TCU Thursday night I got a phone call within 30 minutes of the game saying that we’re hosting the next game, and it could be on Saturday,” said Director of Marketing and Ticket Sales Mike Minyard. “I automatically started putting together a list of things in my head in order to execute things for ticket sales and marketing.”

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 19, the same day the city of Tulsa was hosting the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This national event

would compete with the ORU women’s game, so Athletic Director Mike Carter managed to push the game to Monday evening.

Although this relieved some stress, ORU was faced with the possibility of actually losing money as a result of the game being played on our home court.

In addition to the fixed rate ORU had to pay to the WNIT, the school had to pay for workers and the various expenses that come with hosting a game. These expenses made gaining a profit highly unlikely if the game had poor attendance.

Minyard and the athletic department developed a marketing plan to make sure this didn’t happen.

“Basically all we could do was newspaper and radio ads, email blasts and make sure our website had easy to find information,” said Minyard.

The women’s team won its game against Tulane, and the athletic department found out that they would be hosting another game 48 hours later.

The department had to decide whether or not to refuse the bid and play an away game in order to save expenses. This was a tough decision because “although refusing the bid alleviates the risk of losing money, playing at home gives the team the best chance to win and creates a more memorable experience for the student athletes,” said Minyard.

The department decided to accept the bid.

Minyard and the athletic department also made a large effort to market specifically to donors of the school. “The last thing you want is for someone who donates a good chunk of money to the school to say ‘I didn’t even know ORU was playing,” said Minyard.

Overall, 47 fans bought tickets online for the Arkansas game and 175 bought tickets the night of the Tulane game.

These tickets accounted for all of the diehard Golden Eagle fans, but the crucial question was whether the general public and student body would show up?

The answer to this question was a resounding “yes.”

The two games produced the two best turnouts in ORU women’s basketball his-

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

The Lady Golden Eagles beat Tulane and faced Arkansas. tory. The March 21 game against Tulane narrowly broke the record set in 1997 and the game against Arkansas on March 23 doubled that record. Also, nearly 550 students attended the game against Arkansas, which is more than the average men’s game.

Although the women’s team lost to University of Arkansas 78-59 the two games held at ORU were a success for the women’s team and the athletic department and proved to be worth every penny spent.

By Nathan Porter

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 19

Students Enjoy NCAA Despite Busted Brackets Teams Aren’t the Only Ones Competing This year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament is underway, and over the past week the top 68 teams in the nation have competed against each other with the hope of being the last team standing. However, make no mistake, the teams are not the only ones competing.

Digital brackets of this year’s tournament are available on various sites online giving college basketball fans the opportunity to project the winner of each game throughout the tournament. Each participant is scored based on the accuracy of their picks.

This year more than 30 million fans competed to see if they could predict the most accurate tournament outcome. This includes everyone from your nextdoor neighbor to the president of the United States.

The most notable bracket competition is the ESPN Tournament Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to have a perfect bracket, but the surprising upsets throughout the tournament each year make this highly unlikely.

There is a 1 in 9 quintillion chance for someone to have a perfect bracket once the tournament is done, yet fans still try for a chance to win.

Many ORU students attempted to predict the madness of the tournament by submitting a bracket online. Sophomore Ibukun Olayinka is one such student.

Olayinka is a huge college basketball fan and has filled out a NCAA Tournament bracket for the last two years. He filled out his bracket this year based solely on his knowledge of the game, yet he admits that so far it has not been very accurate.

Olayinka picked University of Pittsburgh, a No. 1 seed in the Tournament, to win the championship. However, Pitt lost in the second round to No. 8-seeded

Butler University. Out of the four teams Olayinka picked in his Final Four, only two remain.

Sophomore Levi Stewart’s bracket is not quite as damaged. Each of the teams Stewart selected to make the Final Four have made it to the round of the Sweet Sixteen, however, his bracket is not flawless.

Stewart picked Summit League representative Oakland University to beat Texas in the opening round, but they suffered a heartbreaking three-point loss to the Longhorns.

He also picked Michigan State to advance to the Sweet Sixteen, but they lost in the first round as well.

“Whenever UK loses, it’s always kind of rough on me for a few days,” said Stewart, regarding his beloved University of Kentucky Wildcats.

“Last year, UK lost in the Elite Eight and went 0 for 20 from behind the 3-point line,” Stewart recalls. “I thought to myself, ‘I wish I could be out there’ because I knew I could’ve made at least one.”

Olayinka, a huge University of Syracuse fan, was also disappointed by Syracuse’s loss this year in the second round of the tournament to Marquette.

“There are a lot of good teams, but it could come down to a game where one team doesn’t play hard enough, so you don’t really know,” said Olayinka.

“It makes it interesting but also challenging to pick.”

So why do people exhaust so much energy in predicting and watching the games of the tournament?

Despite the occasional disappointment and the unpredictable events, most fans still love and enjoy the thrill of the tournament. Both Stewart and Olayinka filled out three brackets in order to get the most out of the NCAA Tournament experience.

By Nathan Porter

Page 20 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

The men’s basketball championship will be played in Houston on April 4.

Internet Photo

th

Soccer Intramurals Surprise with Massive Participation of only three seasonal intramural sports offered at ORU. Although soccer wasn’t always in such exclusive company, just last year it had to split a sixweek season with volleyball.

So why was volleyball pushed aside in favor of soccer?

According to Jason Ketchum and Joy Wentz, the directors of men’s and women’s intramurals, volleyball just wasn’t as popular,

In the past year, ORU has been diagnosed with an international disease: soccer fever.

The “other” football has swept the school in a frenzy, causing pick-up games to appear all over campus and the Aerobics Center.

However, its influence goes far beyond casual games played between a few friends; soccer has quickly risen to become one

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and there was a higher demand for an extended soccer season.

The numbers don’t lie either, according to Ketchum; in the one year it has been given a full season, soccer has had more A-teams signed up than in flag football.

When asked what caused the surge in demand, Ketchum gave two reasons for the change: the 2010 World Cup and the population growth of international students at ORU. The 2010 World Cup was different from past Cups because even with its elimination, team USA’s berth onto the international stage as a legitimate contender spiked Americans’ interest in soccer.

“It was very noticeable that after the World Cup, soccer just became more popular at ORU; everybody wanted to play it,” said Ketchum.

Another angle that spawns from both of these factors is one that although often overlooked, plays a very large role in our society today: video games.

Be sure to get your yearbook photo taken for the 2010-2011 yearbook. This year you have the option to take your photo with up to two other people. Maximum 3 people per photo.

perihelion

I

the oru yearbook

According to video game publisher Electronic Arts, FIFA 11 recorded the biggest opening week for a sports game in history.

The game sold more than 2.6 million copies and generated

It’s about winning, but it’s more about having fun and getting to know your wingmates.

Brandon Sherrill ORU student more than $150 million in retail in Europe and North America between its release on Sept.

28 and Oct. 2, based on internal estimates.

With more people coming off World Cup fever, and the influence of international countries, it’s only natural that soccer’s popularity is reflected in virtual reality as well as reality.

The influence that other countries are giving is that soccer isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life.

Brandon Sherrill is an ORU

student from Costa Rica who has played soccer since he could remember.

“We never didn’t play soccer; it was an everyday thing,” he said.

When asked what stood out about intramural soccer, Sherrill wrapped it up in a nutshell: “Obviously it’s about winning, but it’s more about having fun and getting to know your wingmates better. Most likely you won’t be on the same wing as them next year, so it’s great to go out there, build chemistry with each other, and compete and build rivalries against other wings like real [soccer] clubs.”

Intramural soccer is an emerging craze at ORU; it’s filled with people who are passionate about the game and their teammates.

Maybe there’s another reason for the sudden growth in soccer’s popularity.

Perhaps it’s our way of connecting with the rest of the world through a sport that everyone loves.

Whatever the cause for the increasing popularity of this sport, it is clear that it’s not going away soon. If anything, it’s only a sign of things to come.

By Billy Burke

April 1 EMR April 4-8 in the Fishbowl April 11-15 Graduate Center, 3rd Floor Pit April 13 & 15 Before/After Chapel in Christ’s Chapel

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 21

Courtesy Photo The mission team includes, front row from left: Desiree Frierson, Rachel Guttman, Tammera McClenton, Mike Fletch, Kaytlynd Spanger and T.J. Altekruse; and back row from left: Bobby Baehr, Patrick Reside, Mikey Manghum, Aaron Bennett, Bradley Hinton and Jocelyn Swier.

Brazil Missions Spreads Love Through Basketball mnThis summer, from May 9-23,the ORU Missions department will send a group of students to Brazil in an effort to share the gospel of Christ through the medium of basketball.

The idea originally came from sophomore Kaytlynd Spangler, who went on an ORU worship missions trip last summer.

One day on the trip following a worship session, Spangler broke away from the team and began playing soccer with some of the children in the area.

She noticed just how passionate the kids were about sports and how observant they were of her character.

She made a conscious effort to play with integrity and over time the children began to notice.

Spangler remembered one child in particular who after observing Spangler play said “wow, you’re honest.”

At that moment it clicked for Spangler. She knew that she had to find a way to incorporate

sports into the mission field at ORU. When Spangler arrived back on campus in the fall, she approached Tammy Schneider about the possibility of a sports mission team in the future.

“I never expected to go this year when I first brought it up to Tammy,” said Spangler.

However, after verifying potential contacts and receiving interest from students, the trip was accepted by the missions department.

The missions department has done a soccer missions trip in the past, and for a while the department was unsure whether this trip would be soccer or basketball.

Basketball was chosen as the best option, and the next step was rounding up a group of students willing to participate.

Spangler was apprehensive about gathering

Page 22 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

the right group of students for the team, but once the team was organized everyone bonded together fairlyquickly.

“I’m just amazed by the people on this team,” said Spangler.

The team, composed of mostly male students, is made up of students who share a passion for the sport.

Although there is no requirement for the amount of basketball experience needed to be a member of this team, everyone is talented.

“I’ve seen everyone on the

team play and they are all really good,” said Aaron Bennett, senior recreational management major and member of Team Brazil.

Bennett played basketball all throughout high school and is excited to add ministry to his skills on the court.

“The basketball side will come. We just have to go out and have fun,” said Bennett.

The team is led by junior Michael Fletcher, who played for ORU’s men’s basketball team for two years.

“Fletch is really helping us prepare spiritually, and then of course he’s really good at basketball, too,” said Bennett.

Another person who is doing a great deal of work to prepare for this missions trip is Regional Coordinator Jacob Lewandowski.

Lewandowski has helped train the team and plan the trip.

During the early stages of planning for

the trip it appeared as if Sao Paulo, Brazil, would be the best place to go, but after a few contacts closed, the location was changed to Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil.

While in Brazil, the team will work with a professional basketball team to conduct basketball clinics and school assemblies for youth in the area.

The team also hopes to help build a gym for a local ministry in Brasilia.

“We want to always partner our short-term team with some long-term work that is going on,” said Lewandowski.

By working with other ministries, team Brazil hopes to make an impact that can be felt long after they leave.

Spangler hopes that this concept of sports missions can be something that grows throughout the missions department.

“Athletics is so important in adolescence,” said Spangler.

“So why not use it?”

By Nathan Porter

Scene

The Oracle Scene Editor is Becky Knight You may contact her with comments or questions at rdknight@oru.edu.

For more in Scene, check out oruoracle.com

Spring Brings Live Music

Swimming with Dolphins, and Since Forever. Tickets are $18 in advance and $21 on the day of the show.

Winter Is Over; Shows Mark Start of Summer Tours Love live music? Well, the spring season is coming, and it’s bringing many popular musical acts to Tulsa. From Three Days Grace to Kings of Leon, pop-punk to rock, Tulsa’s venues will be flooding with music lovers in the coming month. Here’s some that you might want to check out: Three Days Grace The grunge hard-rock act has been together since 1992, and their latest album “Life Starts Now” was released in 2009.

They will be performing at the Brady Theater with opening acts My Darkest Days and The Pretty Black Chains for Z-104.5 The Edge Birthday Bash on Friday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35.

Forever the Sickest Kids This pop-punk band has just released their sophomore self-titled album March 1, 2011 and will be out promoting it on their headlining Spring Break Your Heart

A Day to Remember With the success of their latest album “What Separates Me From You” released in November last year, this metal core/ pop-punk band is now out promoting the release with The Gamechangers tour.

They will be performing at Brady Theater on Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m., and openers include Pierce the Veil, Bring Me the Horizon, and We Came As Romans. Tickets range from $22.50 to $25.

tour. They will be playing downtown at The Marquee on Wednesday, April 6, at 7 p.m., and their openers include Breathe Carolina, This Century, and Before Their Eyes. Tickets are $16.50 each.

Kings of Leon Ever since the alternative rock group came out with their fourth studio album “Only By the Night,” they have enjoyed great success. They recently released their fifth studio album “Come Around Sundown” in October 2010. Now they are currently on their headlining tour with Band of Horses as their openers and will be coming to BOK Center Friday, April 4. Ticket prices range from $35.50 to $47.50.

Family Force 5 The crunk rock quintet is coming back once again on their headlining Tourantula tour and, even though they haven’t

Internet Photo released a full studio album since 2008’s “Dance or Die,” they have been touring almost non-stop. The band also released a Christmas EP called “Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant” in 2009 and had a single on the “Punk Goes Pop 3” compilation this past year. The show will be at Cain’s Ballroom on Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m., and the openers are Stereo Skyline,

Bowling For Soup Originally formed in 1994, this pop-punk act will expect to release its 11th studio album “Fishing for Woos” sometime this spring. To promote the new album, they are going on a headlining tour and coming to Cain’s Ballroom Thursday, April 28 with The Dollyrots and Kick Tree as their openers. The band is expected to perform songs from their previous albums as well.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 on the day of the show.

By Francesca Bee

Student Showcase Showdown Don’t want to pay to see a play? Come to Showcase!

This weekend, directing class students will perform “Talley’s Folly” by Lanford Wilson, a story about a couple with a troubled history who are confused about their feelings for each other.

The production is directed by 17 students, and the whole play consists of only two roles--”Matt” and “Sally,” but there is a different cast every scene.

Four directors put on their particular scene each night. It is a unique experience, because the audience will see the dynamics change throughout the play as the cast changes.

The play follows one evening of courtship between the two unlikely lovers. Sally is from a wealthy family living in a small town.

Matt is a Jewish accountant who is 12 years older than Sally.

Since “Talley’s Folly” has such a small cast, the interaction between the two characters is intense and each must play off the other quite well to make the scenes believable.

There is also no set change, which forces the main focus to be on the characters.

“It’s definitely entertaining,” junior Grace Stump said. “I get to be sarcastic and fight for control.” Stump’s character “Sally” is very stubborn and headstrong.

Even though the play is labeled as a “romantic comedy,” it has serious themes that make it seem like more of a drama.

Matt and Sally’s lives contain significant amounts of hurt and past regret, which makes it hard for them to admit their true feel-

ings for each other.

The story shows how they become brave enough to reveal their most painful secrets.

With various casts, the audience is sure to experience a variety of emotions and feelings. Some scenes will be humorous, and others will be more serious and melancholy.

Stump’s scene has a Photo by Marilyn Chau little bit of both.

Natalie Spack and Nathan Payne star in a night of Showcase.

“It’s an amusing, yet arises from Sally’s lack of good secrets to Matt, the audience stressful scene,” Stump said. “It sense and foresight. members will understand why starts with yelling, and the charMatt is the one who encourshe is the way she is. acters instantly begin fighting for Showcase performances control. It’s also kind of the intro- ages Sally to express how she feels, and she continues to push will continue through Saturday, ductory scene because it’s the him away until near the end.

April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Howard first time you see them together, Despite this, the audience will Auditorium. Admission is free, and it shows how complicated find itself sympathizing with Sally but seating is very limited. their relationship is.” because, as she reveals her

By Francesca Bee The main source of conflict THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 23

Tulsa Late Night Eats and Hang Outs All right, we understand. You’re sick of Sonic. You’ve reached your QT run limit, and last time the milkshake machine was out of mint chip. Hall meeting’s over, and you’re hungry again. What to do?

Tulsa has more places to find food after 9 p.m. than you might initially suspect. Skipping the standard fallbacks that Sonic and QT provide, and the always-available pizza delivery, we’ll attempt to give you the skinny on how to get fat. Here’s a review and hours for Tulsa’s best late-night stops.

Quick and (Relatively) Cheap:

Light Snacks:

With a roomy, open area and television screens everywhere, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar makes a fun place to visit with a large group of friends. Choose from many different sauces with various levels of spiciness for your wings. Buffalo Wild Wings is open 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. daily and is close to the university with its location on 7568 S. Olympia Ave., which is right down 71st over the river.

For a fun atmosphere and excellent pizza, try out Joe Momma’s pizza, open 11 a.m.-midnight on weekdays and until 3 a.m. on weekends. (It’s open until 10 p.m.

Sundays.) “It’s a great place to get together with your friends and compete with local Tulsans while enjoying fire-baked pizza,” says Jessica Eggemeyer about Joe Momma’s Thursday Trivia Nights. Joe Momma’s also offers many specials, including 10 percent off on Sundays with a church bulletin, 50-cent wings on Mondays, and $5 pizzas on Tuesday, as well as half-off appetizers daily between 4-6 p.m. and after 10 p.m. There are two locations: 112 S. Elgin Ave. and 10309 E. 61st St.

If you have not yet visited Cosmo, take the time to visit one of Tulsa’s most unique hang-out spots. Providing many different options for drinks, including an entirely separate menu of teas, Cosmo also offers wireless Internet, a bookshelf full of games, and many late-night snacks. Cosmo is open Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and is located on 3334 S. Peoria Ave.

Tucci’s Cafe Italia

Real Food: For a taste of Ireland, visit either Kilkenny’s, open Mon-Tues 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Wed-Thurs 11 a.m.-midnight, and Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m., or McNellie’s, open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Both provide lively Irish atmospheres, great meals, and special deals. Located on 409 E. 1st St, McNellie’s offers burgers and fries for $3 on Wednesdays, although frequenters often recommend upgrading to sweet potato fries for 50 cents more.

Pricing: The meal was much too over-priced for the quality.

Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover

Study Stops: For a late night coffee or a place to stay a couple hours past 10, the Gypsy provides an attractive atmosphere for restless college students. The Gypsy is open TuesdayThursday 11 a.m.-midnight, weekends until 3 a.m., and Sundays noon-10 p.m.

Students planning to work early in the week should be aware that it is, however, closed on Mondays. Free wireless and a Tuesday open-mike night make this coffee place an entertaining place to frequent. Buyer beware: the Gypsy is relatively hidden. Located at 303 N Cincinnati Ave., finding the Gypsy requires a bit of faith in Google Maps and a good eye.

Looking to do an all-nighter?: There is always IHOP, but Village Inn is a viable alternative. Without wireless, the restaurant provides fewer distractions and attracts far fewer college student frequenters and thus works wonderfully for a student working directly from books. Plus, it offers free pie on Wednesdays until 10 p.m. with any purchase.

Denny’s provides a distraction-free all-night alternative as well, assuming willingness to drive the nine miles to reach 45 N. Sheridan and the presence of enough books to work without wireless.

By Rebecca Knight

Dress: Casual Reservation Policy: Available Please call for hours of operation.

Tucci’s Café Italia 1344 E. 15th St. Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 582-3456

Tulsa Does Italian: Authentic Cuisine or Knock-off?

The independently owned and operated Tucci’s Café Italia was established in 1995. The staff exhibit sincere pride in their location almost immediately from their demeanor, menu selection and originality. The staff seemed pleased to sit and talk about the atmosphere they try to create at their intimate 15th Street café.

The modern twist of neighborhood café and old Italian is observable throughout the interior.

Throughout the warm summer months, Tucci’s offers an intimate outdoor patio seating surrounded by delicate greenery. The interior is dimly lit with simple accents. Antique black and white photographs are scattered across the deep burgundy and black walls.

The house salad was mouthwatering and by far my favorite part of the meal.

The variety of chopped, green crisp lettuce and Bertolli Olive Oil vinaigrette was simple, but coupled with the shredded Parmesan cheese, it created a delicate

combination. With a pinch of finely ground black pepper, the salad was delicious.

The Chicken Scaloppini, Tucci’s “prize dish,” was served with a lemony cream sauce, salty capers, and artichoke hearts over angel hair pasta.

The presentation of the food was pretty, and the edges of the round, red plate were garnished with finely chopped fresh basil. The chicken was rather dry and much too overdone, unfortunately.

I questioned the originality of the recipe but, the portion of the dish was quite filling.

Tucci’s Spaghetti Bolognese, a meatbased sauce originating in Bologna, Italy, strongly emphasized the American cooking style. The simmered ground beef in tomato herb sauce was served over a bed of spaghetti. The dish was mediocre and did not emphasize the “hearty” feel typically presented by a traditional Bolognese.

By Francesca Lucido

Page 24 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

Photo By Francesca Lucido

Tucci’s atmosphere creates a feeling of intimacy among patrons.

Lawton’s Meer’s America Restaurant an Okla. Icon Day trips to any exciting place in Oklahoma aren’t common. There’s the ever-intriguing Oklahoma City, several state borders, and abundant farms to see. But wouldn’t it be nice to travel to somewhere new? Here’s your chance.

Claiming to be an Oklahoma icon since 1901, Meers America—a burger place located beyond Oklahoma City and in an old miner’s town into the closest substitute Oklahoma can provide for mountains—is the place to go. Voted the best burger in Oklahoma by the Tulsa World, Travelocity’s editor’s pick, and one of the Top American Restaurants by the Food Network, and sporting a line that can wrap around the block waiting for the next 7-inch burger, Meers is known for its juicy, cooked-to-order food. Meers is also near a wildlife refuge, Fort Sill, and

the Holy City, as well as two air-force bases.

Curious visitors can take a drive up Mount Scott as well.

Using 97 percent lean Longhorn beef from the restaurant’s “own Longhorn herd,” which supplies 36 steers and 50 bulls to the restaurant annually, the restaurant provides what it calls “Cowboy” burgers, “Sissy burgers,” and “Yankee” burgers. The favorite Cowboy Burger is cooked medium-well and topped with mustard, dill pickles, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. A Sissy Burger is similar to a Cowboy, but has mayonnaise instead of mustard; a Yankee burger has ketchup.

The restaurant contends that although some people ask for mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup, “these poor souls are simply confused.” According to the restaurant itself, the cooks “don’t care how you like your

burger fixed,” but you should be “patient” if you alter the original Cowboy burger.

Meers also has many fried appetizers, including okra, corn on the cob, green tomatoes, green beans, bread and butter pickles, and peaches, as well as cheesy fries, potato wedges, and Texas toothpicks, a salad bar, soup and chili, marinated beef bits, and onion rings. Other options include baked potatoes (dinner only), hot wings, hot dogs, brisket, spare ribs, chicken, many varieties of soda—keep in mind refills are only available on tea, lemonade, and coffee—and several desserts, including cobbler, coconut cream pie, and ice cream. After 5 p.m., steaks, chicken-fried steaks, and “Grubsteaks” (16 ounces of hamburger steak) are available. Meers also provides sandwiches.

If you bring an extra 20 dollars, you can

purchase a souvenir in the form of a Meers T-shirt or cap. Checks are accepted from approved banks as well.

The address for Meers is 26005 Oklahoma 115, Lawton, OK 73507-8576. Start early—it is a three-hour drive down I-44 west from Oral Roberts University.

Beware of what day you attempt to visit this famous restaurant, however. Meers closes on Tuesdays and opens every Sunday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and weekends until 9 p.m.. The restaurant also does not allow separate checks, charges a gratuity for groups of six or more, and does not take credit cards, so come prepared. To call ahead for take-out, dial (580) 429-8051. Check out the restaurant at meersstore.com.

By Rebecca Knight

Cafe Cubana: Hidden Tulsa Gem Coffee Shop off 15th St. is a Great Place for a Delicious Drink or a Quiet Study Session

Photo by Francesca Lucido Cafe Cubana is located at 1328 E. 15th.

The entrance of Café Cubana is a series of glass windows with bright red borders. These windows offer a scenic view of the busy 5 o’clock traffic that occurs on 15th street each day. Immediately after entering the large glass doors, the rich, strong smell of Cuban coffee fills the air, and the urban atmosphere becomes dominant. The scattered tables and cushioned chairs create an intimate and casual setting. Café Cubana’s textured, light-brown, brick walls have bright photographs hung at random, adding a wonderful addition to the relaxed urban atmosphere.

The demeanor of the staff was pleasant and open for conversation. After giving a brief history of Cuban coffee, they willingly described the highlights of the menu; a menu and method that have gained the loyalty of countless customers. Since 1999, when the café first opened their

glass and red-rimmed doors, customer loyalty has been among the leading success factors.

The rich dark chocolate color of a muffin caught my eye as I walked up to the small glass display case in the center of the café. As I ate it, I found the mouthwatering flavors completely intoxicating. The moist texture coupled with the light and airy sweetness created a perfect balance.

Needless to say, it was quite scrumptious.

My first sip of the caramel macchiato was completely shocking. The light frothy foam was deceiving; a prevailing flare of bitterness shot through the white creamy foam at an overwhelming pace. Nevertheless, I continued to chase after the intense flavor sip after sip.

The Berry Banana smoothie was also delicious. The name portrays a childlike dessert drink, but the Berry Banana is

anything but. Packed with powerful fruity flavors, it strongly reflects the urban atmosphere. The pale pink, smooth texture and delicate appearance contrasted with the tiny, brown, berry seeds in each sip, creating a delectable drink.

I can find little that I did not enjoy about Café Cubana. This little artisan café had timely service and an appealing menu selection. The environment was filled with urban accents and the menu reflected accordingly.

By Francesca Lucido

Café Cubana

1328 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-584-2233 Monday – Saturday 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 25

OneRepublic Wants to Perform at ORU Chapel ORU Alum and Lead Singer of OneRepublic Ryan Tedder Shows Interest in Chapel We all know chapel has its entertaining moments--remember shouting “Esther” and booing Haman?

President Rutland’s infamous paper snap and the weekly shout for the offering aren’t the only reason students attend chapel, but they decidedly add to the joy.

Yet, the happiness may not end there.

OneRepublic, the lead singer of which graduated from ORU about ten years ago, has expressed interest in wanting to play at ORU chapel.

As the band’s lead singer, Ryan Tedder, lightheartedly told the Tulsa World, “I keep wondering when they’re going to have me play for chapel.”

OneRepublic played an impromptu performance on the top of the Mayo Hotel this past Saint Patrick’s Day, as at least 100 fans who follow the band on Twitter found out and attended.

According to the Tulsa World, fans brought drums and lights, although the band had intended to play a low-key set with just acoustic instruments. OneRepublic hopes to play either at the Mabee Center or the BOK center sometime as well.

Tedder told the Tulsa World he prefers the Mabee Center, “because it’s ORU.”

Growing up in Tulsa, Ryan Tedder graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2001, his parent’s alma mater, back in the days when female students at the university still wore skirts and dresses, and male students were required to wear ties.

He majored in Public Relations and Advertising and minored in History, and

Internet Photo he participated in the Music Ministries program, as “Music to the Nations” was called.

Tedder moved to Los Angeles after graduation. The band’s biography page explains how Tedder’s father had been a singer and a songwriter back in the 70’s for acts such as Sandi Patty.

Tedder began to play piano at age three and to sing at age seven.

As Ryan Tedder told the Tulsa World, “Going from the ORU dorms to Manhattan is a huge shock[ …] I couldn’t calibrate the two worlds. In the summers I was interning in L.A. or Nashville. My entire senior year, I was into and out of L.A. and New York City while taking classes.”

Ryan Tedder’s fame has spread along with his bands’, after he met Timbaland through an MTV contest.

He helped with Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love,” co-produced and co-wrote Natasha Bedingfield’s “Love Like This,” assisted with Beyonce’s “Halo” and Jordin Sparks’ “Battlefield,” and has even written songs for the 2006 film Step Up. With its beginnings through popularity on MySpace, the fame of the band and their songs has spread worldwide. The band currently includes five members—Ryan Tedder on various instruments, including guitar and piano, Zach Filkins as lead guitar, Brent Kutzle on bass guitar and cello, Drew Brown on rhythm and acoustic guitar, and Eddie Fisher on drums and perscussion.

The band will be touring Europe for most of April, playing in cities varying from Moscow to Prague.

By Rebecca Knight

“I don’t believe it’s reliable or accurate because the system has changed in recent years,” sophomore Jessica Holcomb said.

“The amount of nudity in rated “R” movies used to be reserved for rated “X” (or NC17). It makes it very challenging for families to decide what movies are appropriate based on the MPAA rating because it is inconsistent.”

It can be argued, however, that one shouldn’t just rely on the rating of a film to determine it’s appropriateness. People have different opinions, morals, beliefs, and standards that influence the way they watch certain material. Sometimes a per-

Internet Photo son won’t watch a movie simply because of it’s subject rather than what it contains.

Some people will watch an explicit film because it only contains a certain element (like drugs and alcohol) instead of something they don’t want to see (like sex and nudity).

Whatever a person’s view is on the rating system, they should take into account that it is a system of opinion. The people who created it are ordinary people and have differing views that they rely solely on to determine what a film should be rated.

It’s up to the viewer to decide whether they should watch it or not, not just the rating.

By Francesca Bee

Movie Ratings Explained What Makes an R-rated Movie Different from PG-13?

‘What’s it rated?’ This is the question many people ask before going to see a movie to make sure that it doesn’t contain certain inappropriate material.

In recent years, though, audiences have relied much less on the system, criticizing that it doesn’t accurately rate films with the content they display.

The way the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) works is it only applies to motion pictures that are submitted for rating. The Classification and Rating Administration consists of a broad demographically diverse panel of parents who view the movie, talk about it, and vote on what the film’s rating should be. Specific information about the board is not really known because they operate in secret.

As years progress, movies tend to be getting more and more explicit with it’s content, especially because of the advancement of film technology. Some audiences argue that they do this so the movie gains more of a profit. Believe it or not, the movie making industry in America thrives

on putting inappropriate material in films.

This has come to make viewers not rely very much on the MPAA rating system.

“I feel that they have become more relaxed with the ratings to help the film industry make more money at the box office,” junior Elizabeth Turner said. “They continue to add more questionable material into lower rated films without making the public aware of these changes.”

Some of the reasons for this was highlighted in the 2006 documentary “This Film is Not Yet Rated.” The film explores the MPAA’s rating system and it’s effect on American culture. It discovers that many members of the ratings board have children over 18 and over or not children at all, that they receive no training in deciding ratings, and are deliberately chosen because of their lack of experience in media literacy and child development.

Much of what movies contain today is viewed quite different. What a rated “R” movie contained three decades ago is now considered “PG-13.”

Page 26 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

Forum

The Oracle Forum Editor is Daniel Tsubota You may contact him with comments or questions at oraclemuse@oru.edu For more in Forum, check out oruoracle.com

[ Lessons Not In The Syllabus ]

Healthy: what an excellent word to cloak what I used to hold dear. Although I had never had a close guy-friend before I came to ORU, I never once considered close friendships with guys to be wrong. I strongly adhered to the notion of “strictly platonic friendships” and would vehe-

mently defend my position at every challenge. After all, I genuinely felt nothing for my best friend and he had a girlfriend.

What could be safer than that?

Then came the day when I discerned between physical and emotional promiscuity: I felt a twinge of jealousy for his girlfriend. I knew instantly that I had crossed some boundaries. The next day we were no longer friends.

There is nothing healthy about spending copious amounts of time with a person of the opposite gender with whom you have absolutely no intention of dating or marrying. I am not saying that girls and guys hanging out is in any way wrong. I would go so far as to encourage it. Nonetheless, consistently sharing your deepest thoughts, struggles and dreams is not OK. It is even worse when you’re constantly alone together. In fact, it’s quite promiscuous. People just don’t think of it that way because they can’t physically see it.

Almost any person who has been in an affair will tell you, however, that it all began with an emotional need that was

“Mixed Friendships”

not being adequately fulfilled.

We all have emotional needs; it is how we choose to meet those needs that either entangles us or liberates us.

Fortunately for us Christians, we have a God who not only can, but also desires

Strictly platonic friendships are simply not possible in the long run. Eventually, one of you is going to get really hurt to make us whole. He wants us to have a solid, immovable relationship with Him foremost. Then He wants us to have deep, fulfilling friendships with people of our own gender. After that, He wants to bless

us with a profound, meaningful relationship with only one person. That person shouldn’t have to constantly compete for your heart.

There are such things as heart-ties, and if you’re single and have any intention of entering into a relationship any time soon, I would strongly encourage you not to be having a bunch of “best friends” of the opposite gender.

Strictly platonic friendships are simply not possible in the long run. Eventually, one of you is going to get really hurt.

If you are already in a relationship in particular, do not be spending an inordinate amount of time with a person of the opposite sex. Please take it from me: it’s not worth it.

Chelsea Kimbrough offers insights into lessons she has learned outside of the classroom. She is a senior biomedical chemistry and French major.

[Pixel Perspectives] “What does Filla Proso mean?”

Whereas I normally review recent works, today’s subject is the “Filla Proso,” an ancient text that is becoming something of a phenomenon. It is currently one of the best-selling ancient texts and is being translated from its original languages into an increasing number of languages around the world. The text, rath-

er than being a cohesive story, is an amalgam of poetry, prose, history and letters, describing the development of a nation and its shaky relationship with its patron deity. It’s that relationship that holds significance for us as Christians.

The content of the “Filla Proso” is often brutal and explicit. Especially in its portrayal of the violence of the nation, its deity and the depraved nature of many of the nation’s citizens.

For example, early in its history, the nation razes one city and the deity instructs it to destroy everything. When one individual decides to keep an insignificant portion of the loot rather than destroy it, the deity

becomes angered with the nation, causing the death of many innocents, the perpetrator and his entire family.

Other portions of the text are twisted, complex and sexuallysaturated enough to rival a soap opera. For example, one story tells the tale of a woman whose husband died without leaving an heir. As was the custom in that culture, she then lay with the husband’s younger brother—in order that the dead husband might have a proxy-heir. The brother, not delighted with the prospect of fathering a child who will not be his own heir, does not follow through on providing a son. As a result, the woman does not become pregnant, and

the deity kills the brother for his actions. However, still wanting to produce an heir, she seduces her deceased husband’s father secretly. When she finds out she is pregnant, she confronts him in front of the rest of his family, revealing his deed and her pregnancy: truly not a happy model family.

Of course, once these questionable bits of content are set aside, a larger story appears within the text. It is, in essence, a love story. Not the twisted affairs of a somewhat demented family, but the love story between the deity and his nation.

Ultimately, in a world-changing course of events, the deity takes on human flesh in order to

display his love to the nation. Yet in response, the nation convicts and crucifies its own deity as a blasphemer. But, in one of the most dramatic events of history, the deity rises from the dead, creating a way for the nation’s individuals - and even the entire world - to have a personal relationship with the deity. That is why, despite its often X-rated content, the Bible is still worth reading. Happy April Fool’s Day, everyone! Remember, God too has a sense of humor.

ORU Alumnus Benjamin Thome (’10) investigates secular media through a Christian perspective (usually).

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 27

Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor: The Oracle encourages letters to the editor.

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Often times, we feel happy.

Happy in our own little way. In a way that seems very much “disconnected” with reality, yet so connected with the Spirit. We go off on tangents and direct our attention to things not of this world. Then, as we engage in those worlds, we become happier and happier. A sense of euphoria takes over, and we find ourselves acting like we’re on hallucinogens.

That new utopia you’ve just dreamt, so foreign and alien to others (sometimes even scaring them), has become your new reality. Now you’re laughing and smiling about something everybody is scratching their heads

and giving you dirty looks over.

Here is how you enter such an elated state, this upward spinning path I call the Inspiration Spiral. First, it requires a break from reality (or, if you’re feeling especially bold, doing something harmlessly stupid while feeling loved by both God and yourself all the while): Breaking from reality and pursuing what you love -> discovering utopian fragments -> adding these fragments to your dream world -> imagining yourself living inside that new dream word -> exploring new territory as a result -> adding these newly discovered fragments to your dream world -> imagining yourself living inside -> ...

All the dreaming and fantasizing, as you may have noticed, pertains heavily to the things you love and the things that bring you peace and joy. Many writers experience this regularly (a process called world-building), but I believe everyone has the capacity to manufacture this creative process on a daily basis, whenever one feels the need for inspiration or refreshment.

On a walk to class (or while in

Page 28 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

Ask ANY question about ORU and the Oracle will answer it in the next edition. From student life, food and housing to ORU urban legends, we want you to be informed.

Sample questions include: Does ORU have a helipad on campus?

Why do we call the dining hall Saga?

Who decides when classes are canceled?

Are the stories about Citiplex and Noah’s Ark true?

facebook.com/oraclemuse

[ Stairways & Spirals ]

Have a question about ORU?

Email or text: oraclemuse@oru.edu

“Holy Spirit Eclipsing Reality”

class, as is the case with many of us), we can break from reality and enter a fantastic oasis inside our minds - a “heaven” where we can discover new things that lie outside the realm of “normal” and dance to new music inaudible to those living in “real life.”

All it requires is the self-ac-

Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we can learn to reject the toxic effects of a fallen world and escape into a heavenly world. ceptance of your hidden creative abilities (i.e., not being afraid of your imagination), and a redefining of your reality.

Often times in life, we’ll find reality painful and too much to bear. We can feel “stuck in a rut,” and since we’ve been taught that it’s “reality,” we feel like there’s no way out. We’re trapped. However, thanks to the

Holy Spirit, we can learn to reject the toxic effects of a fallen world and can escape into a heavenly world.

Here God’s love, peace, and joy abide. I believe it’s a place that resides in our imagination, which may consequentially affect the way we see the real world, possibly leading us to change it for the better.

Some people -- the extreme pragmatists being one such group -- will try to stop you, labeling you as “weird,” “loopy” or “illogical.” But if it gives you strength and courage, refreshing your spirit and making you fall in love with life again (as your spirit has now been recharged), then by all means hop on board this Inspiration Spiral.

In an adequately harmless environment, I’d say this act is totally legal. Also, remember that the reason people attack you is because they’re afraid: afraid of losing themselves (or you) to the dangers inherent in a fallen world.

It’s a fear that is legitimate, but if you’re in a place where people don’t have the reputation of being cutthroat murderers,

then I really don’t see the point of accepting this fear as something valid.

If someone mocks you or gets upset while you’re “stoned in the Spirit,” saying it’s not reality, then you’d probably be too happy and too “into your world” to listen to them anyway.

However, in any event you are pulled out of the Inspiration Spiral, you should retort, “Yeah, it’s not reality. But it should be.”

In fact, let their ridicule be even more of an incentive for you to explore your heaven, and to bring your fantasy world to the realization of others. Then not only you, but also they, can abide in the joy and peace as well.

Be inspired, and don’t be afraid to be imaginative!

Sophomore computer science major Mark Jones

shares his views on how attitudes and choices either lift us up, or bring us lower in life. Follow his blog at: http://stairwaysandspirals. blogspot.com/

[Think on These Things]

We are a culture of extreme and seemingly irreconcilable contradictions.

We long for intimacy but we spend hours in the most soulless kinds of communication ever invented. Millions of dollars are spent every year on prenatal care and geriatric medicine but we slaughter the unborn at will and dehumanize our elderly.

Likewise, our philosophy of work is

conflicted. This unresolved tension may very well prove to be the final ax at the root of the economy and ultimately our culture. For all the revisionist scorn heaped on the founders of this great republic, especially the Puritans, their understanding of the place of work was holistic and redemptive. They saw work as meaningful, fulfilling, significant – and most important – glorifying God. They believed that humanity is ennobled in work and afforded the opportunity for creative expression. Work was not an enemy to our ancestors. It was the proper occupation of humanity and a means by which they provided for their families. Furthermore, work was the path of personal and family advancement.

The old European socioeconomic system of aristocracy, which was inaccessible to most of our founders, was replaced in the new world with an earnest veneration of work. The “idle rich” saw no true value in work. They thought it demeaning, beneath them, and the sad lot of the unwashed masses. Our forefathers saw it as the way up, and a noble way at that.

[ What I Lay Down]

Is there a Biblical view of work? First of all, work was not the tragic result of the fall, as some have wrongly stated. In Eden, before the fall, God put man in the garden to till it. Furthermore, the saints worked. Abraham was a herder. Paul was a sailmaker, Peter a fisherman, and Luke a physician. The Lord himself sanctified work with his own 30 years in a carpentry shop. Beyond all that, scripture admonishes us to do all that we do to God’s glory. That includes work.

The book of Proverbs could even be characterized as a book about work.

Whether we clean floors or do brain surgery for a living, we are called to do it to the best of our ability and to take pride in our work. We are certainly forbidden to look down on anyone else’s work, but to appreciate it and affirm every worker’s dignity.

Called as we are to true charity, we must help those who are out of work. Yet we ourselves dare not become charity mongers, refusing to work, and willing to live off of those who do work.

Finally we are to embrace our work

with pride and satisfaction but not to be owned by it. The lazy and the work obsessed are two sides of the same dysfunctional coin. One despises work, the other worships it. One may have more material success than the other but neither is more whole than the other.

In John 21, Jesus cleaned and cooked fish for his guests, working that they might be affirmed, comforted and nurtured.

That simple meal, memorialized in God’s eternal word, teaches us that humble work performed that others may be blessed and cared for is Christ like.

Work is not some curse to be endured until we can go play video games. Work with dignity, now, here, at this university and throughout your life. Use the fruit of your work to bless others and use your work itself to glorify God.

The Oracle welcomes back guest columnist Dr. Mark Rutland to inform and inspire the ORU community, as well as spur conversation.

“Personality Matters”

female fall into this trap. We are completely enamored by the opposite sex’s look that we forget to see if their personality meshes with ours.

Some may say that it takes time to grasp someone’s personality. Honestly, that’s a lie we tell ourselves because we want to stick with this person who fulfills all we want physically in a mate.

Generally, you can tell a lot about a person just by having a conversation. If you’re conversing with an individual and all you can take away from the conversation is how good they look, then that’s a problem.

If you get completely wrapped in the looks of a mate, what happens when you get older and good looks fade?

When the beauty fades and all that’s left is the personality of a person, would you still be with them? Those are questions you need to ask yourself.

Relationships based solely

off looks tend to peter out very quickly and lead to disappointment.

We are all guilty of falling for people solely off their looks.

Human beings can be shallow at times, but we have the capacity to have great depth.

I believe it’s time to have more depth in our relationships and not just base them off another person’s looks. You want a relationship in which you can be attracted to someone physically, but be attracted to his or her personality as well.

I believe there are four reasons why relationships work. You have to be able to connect with them spiritually, respect them mentally, be attracted to them physically, and be able to attach to them emotionally.

Robert Butler presents fast views on relationships. He is a senior media major - MMP concentration.

FUN & GAMES

Let’s go through the checklist. She has a great smile: check. She has eyes that I can get lost in: check. She looks extremely good in whatever she wears and that includes sweats: check.

How about her personality?

Well, her personality is somewhat lacking. Which leads me to say that personality truly does matter.

It’s interesting how sometimes we overlook personality when we are blinded by someone’s beauty. Both male and

“A Theology of Work”

THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 29

Timko-Barton Performance Hall, Free SHINE TWENTY11 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, 7 p.m., Victory Christian Center, Event continues through Saturday, Free, Luncheon tickets $15 SOULS A’FIRE “UNQUENCHED” 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, 7 p.m., Christ’s Chapel, Free

04.01 - 04.14 04.01 FRIDAY THREE DAYS GRACE, 6:30 p.m., Brady Theater, Tickets start at $25

Run a free classified ad in the Oracle.

Submit your classified to oraclemuse@ oru.edu. Please include a contact phone number and classified section. Only valid ORU e-mail addresses will be considered for publication.

Classifieds

ORU CHAMBER SINGERS AND LADIES & GENTLEMEN OF VOCAL JAZZ IN CONCERT, 7:30 p.m.,

04.02 SATURDAY STARS GO DIM, 7 p.m., Osage Events Center, Free

Methodist Church, Free REAL: TRANSPARENCY IN LEADERSHIP, 7 p.m., Christ’s Chapel, Free 04.05 TUESDAY ORU JAZZ COMBOS IN CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Timko-Barton Performance Hall, Free 04.06 WEDNESDAY SPANISH CLUB MISSIONS NIGHT WITH RON LUCE, 7:30 p.m., Zoppelt, Free

KENNY CHESNEY, 7 p.m., BOK Center, Tickets start at $25

04.08 FRIDAY BIG C ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT, 7 p.m., Mabee Center, Free

04.03 SUNDAY ORU UNIVERSITY CHORALE IN CONCERT, 3 p.m., First United

“JOY” SPRING CONCERT BY WIND ENSEMBLE, 7:30 p.m., Timko-Barton Performance Hall, Free

SITUATIONS WANTED:

Need a ride around town or to the mall? I will give you a lift for a flat rate. Call Ken at 918.688.4415 Licensed Cosmetologist! I cut and color. Reasonable rates. Please contact me at 918.760.3778 or at michellemills@oru.edu

TEXTBOOKS:

Dr. Guthrie’s Fall worship class textbooks incl. “Wor-

SA Buzz

ship Old & New” & “Worship Team Handbook.” $5 ea. Text 760.382.8662 Sayre “Humanities: Culture, Change and Continuity Books 4, 5 & 6. “Art Fundamentals” for ART101. $10 ea. 918.200.9151 Books for Faith & Civ (HONR301): “History Through the Eyes of Faith,” $8, “A Primer on Postmodernism,” $5, “The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History,” $5. Good con-

KINGS OF LEON, 8 p.m., BOK Center, Tickets start at $37.50 04.09 SATURDAY DEFIANT REQUIEM CONCERT, 8 p.m., TCC, Prices vary, featuring the Chamber Singers with Signature Symphony 04.10 SUNDAY CAGE THE ELEPHANT, 8 p.m., Cain’s Ballroom, $19 04.11 MONDAY A DAY TO REMEMBER, 7 p.m., Brady Theater, Tickets start at $22.50 04.14 THURSDAY “CONTINUUM” SPRING DANCE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Howard Auditorium, Prices vary. Event continues through April 16

dition. Email veritas@oru.edu

FOR RENT / REAL ESTATE:

Male roommate wanted for off-campus apartment 1 mile from ORU. Rent & Utilities will be under $400. From May needed.

Email dtsubota@oru.edu

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Announce your engagement or celebrate a birthday in the Oracle! Email oraclemuse@oru. edu

There are now classes on campus to teach English to immigrants. The classes are on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon on GC 4. Contact Tracy Jackson at tjackson@oru.edu

MISSIONS / FUNDRAISING:

Get the word out about your fundraising event or recruit volunteers for your nonprofit! Email oraclemuse@oru.edu. Valid ORU e-mail required

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

SA Buzz is provided by Kathleen Kelly Contact SA with comments/questions at frontdesk@orustudentassociation.com For more info about SA, check out orusa.org

Transparency in Leadership

Event features leadership perspectives from renowned speakers such as John Bevere, Tim Elmore and Tim Ross

Hey there all you frantic and worn out students. Happy April Fools! We could print something in this section about a second annual Canada Geese Roundup, but we thought we would leave that to the administration. We have some encouraging words for both the seniors and the underclassmen. Underclassmen, it’s almost summer. Seniors, you are almost graduated and sent off into “every man’s world.” Congratulations to both groups of

appropriate time to openly discuss the need for transparency and integrity in leadership,” said Sullivan. “The REAL conference presents a platform where that can happen with relevance and energy.”

ORU is hosting the leadership event featuring renowned speakers such as John Bevere, Tim Elmore and Tim Ross REAL is an event that is free and open to the public so bring your family members and friends that live in the greater Tulsa

students. At Student Association, we are excited to let you know about the REAL: Transparency in Leadership conference coming up this Sunday, April 3, at 7 p.m. in Christ’s Chapel. This is a great opportunity for you to spiritually refresh yourself at the end of this grueling semester. SA President Dexter Sullivan is excited about the opportunity being for students interested or involved in leadership.

“At ORU, there has never been a more

Page 30 • Friday, April 1, 2011 • THE ORACLE

area.

For more information or to register, visit www.orusa.org or go to www.orureal. com.

On another interesting note, SA is hiring for next year, so if you are interested in working for ORU Student Association, check out applications and information at www.orusa.org.

Best of luck to you in your final projects and test preparation.

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THE ORACLE• Friday, April 1, 2011 • Page 31