August 19, 2016 Back-to-School Edition

Page 1

SLIDING INTO A NEW YEAR Students Dustin Virgil and Brady Flynn celebrate the new school year with food, live music and a giant Slip’N Slide PAGE9

Face Off Professor in running to immortalize Van Gogh PAGE 8

Setting Up For Success Volleyball looks to improve with new additions PAGE 13

Play It Again Student releases the second of three albums PAGE 15

Oral Roberts University · August 19, 2016 · Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 51, No. 1 · www.oruoracle.com · @oruoracle @oruoraclesports


Address 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74171 Web www.oruoracle.com Phone (918) 495-7080 Email oracle@oru.edu The Oracle is the premier student news media organization of Oral Roberts University. Our mission is to serve the ORU community with accurate and relevant media content, integrity, creativity and a focus on continual improvement.

Faculty Advisers Linda Royall Director of Student Media lroyall@oru.edu

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Section Editors Alyssa LaCourse News and Online Editor Russell Dorsey Sports Editor Emerald Dean Features Editor Rachel Anderson Scene Editor Victoria Atterberry Muse Editor

Reporters Rejoice Christisking Staff Writer Callie Cotner Staff Writer Kristian Hughes Staff Writer Lauren Brewington Staff Writer Lydia Echols Staff Writer Nick Rotola Staff Writer Myaka Walker Staff Writer Josh McMinn Staff Writer

Graphics / Photography Jesse Paul Turner Design Editor Tabitha Levi Senior Designer Xavier Gonzalez Designer Sydney Stoever Photography Editor Abby Friedman Photographer Jeremy Luczak Photographer Rebecca Olvera Photographer

SCENE

Pinterest trend saves closet space and cash

NEWS

Fred Creek serves its protective purpose

PAGE 16

PAGE 10-12

Advertising Sarah Triplett Sales Manager Matthew Foster Sales Rep. Reginald Isaman Sales Rep. Robert Kayanja Sales Rep. Jovana Poljasevic Sales Rep. Bailee Thomas Sales Rep.

Corrections

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2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

SCENE

Smoothies are healthy and delicious

PAGE 16

9/30/16


News Saga gets a facelift MYAKA WALKER Staff Writer @myakacharles

Renovation of the Hamill Center, also known as “Saga,” began in June 2016. This was the building’s first major renovation in nine years. “I think it looks fresher, more contemporary,” said Chief Operations Officer of ORU Tim Philley. The renovation took seven weeks to complete. According to Philley, President William M. Wilson wanted Saga to look “more contemporary.” The inner walls of the building were painted orange, black, gray and lime green. Two picture walls were built showcasing students in moments of fellowship, studying and worship. “I like that it’s more alive,” said senior Naomi Jimenez. “I like that the vegetarian place is moved to the side and there’s more room for food.” A new food station was added near the front where the vegetarian station was previously. The vegetarian station was moved to the far side of the cafeteria near the soup and second entrance. “They’re putting healthier options at the front so it will be more accessible,”

said Philley. New plates are available for use as well as a coffee creamer machine with three different flavors of creamer. The coffee machines have also been repaired. A small monitor was placed near the new food station next to the salad bar as well as two new televisions near the picture walls. New tables and chairs were added. The same number of chairs and tables in the previous design were placed in the current one, but the new set up allows for more walking space. New carpet was put in as well as brighter lights that provide pendant lighting. “I like the color, and I like the feel of it,” said Deborah Sumo, senior at ORU. Multiple companies can be credited for the cafeteria’s improvement including: Carol’s Flooring, TLC Painting, L&M Furniture and Frederick Signs. “Everybody I’ve talked to, especially the students who have been here for a while, are very impressed and thought it was well done,” said ORU Director of University Relations Stephanie Hill. “I think that anytime you can upgrade, it will draw more students in.”

Photos by Abby Friedman

Bottom: Students enjoy a meal with the picture wall in the background. Top: Yasmine Janssen and Sam Gonzalez experience a newly renovated Saga.

Campus costs increase with student body ALYSSA LACOURSE News and Online Editor @AlyssaLaCourse

This fall, undergraduate ORU experienced the largest incoming freshman class and an increase in fees. Tuition and parking fees were increased. For residential students, the overall increase was 2.35 percent from Fall 2015. For commuters, the overall increase was 3.61 percent from Fall 2015. The residential increase was cushioned by a descrease in room and board fees. Many students faced challenges this fall with funds. Students worked through scholarship, grant and loan challenges due to the increase in tuition and fees. Financial information from the Academic Catalog. Student numbers from Registrar’s office.

Resident Tuition and Fees Increase Year

Commuter Tuition and Fees Increase

Tuition

General Fees

Tech Fee

Room

Board

Total

Year

2013-14

$21,696

$588

$224

$4,534

$4,762

$31,804

2014-15

$22,564

$588

$224

$4,300

$4,990

2015-16

$23,896

$648

$248

$3,650

2016-17

$24,750

$670

$256

$3,650

Resident Increases Year

Tuition

General Fees

Tech Fee

Total

2013-14

$21,696

$588

$224

$22,508

$32,666

2014-15

$22,564

$588

$224

$23,367

$4,990

$33,432

2015-16

$23,896

$648

$248

$24,792

$4,890

$34,216

2016-17

$24,750

$670

$256

$25,676

Total Number of Undergrads

Commuter Increases Year

Year

Parking Pass Fee Year

2013-14

4.23% increase from Fall 2012 - Fall 2013

2013-14

2,873

2013-14

4.32% increase from Fall 2012 - Fall 2013

2013-14

$50

2014-15

2.71% increase from Fall 2013 - Fall 2014

2014-15

2,947

2014-15

3.90% increase from Fall 2013 - Fall 2014

2014-15

$50

2015-16

2.34% increase from Fall 2014 - Fall 2015

2015-16

3,504

2015-16

6.10% increase from Fall 2014 - Fall 2015

2015-16

$50

2016-17

2.35% increase from Fall 2015 - Fall 2016

2016-17

3,800

2016-17

3.60% increase from Fall 2015 - Fall 2016

2016-17

$100

Graphic by Jesse Paul Turner

THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 3


Possible chemical exposure in Rio de Janeiro REJOICE CHRISTISKING Staff Writer @rejoiceck3

Many have heard about the potential environmental pollution in the water system of Rio de Janeiro, but the specific dangers and perpetual harm to the visitors and supporters of the Olympian athletes are just now being analyzed. William Ranahan, biology professor and ongoing researcher of breast cancer at Oral Roberts University, stressed the concerns of the Olympics are many, and choosing Rio as the location was mainly a political decision. “I would venture to guess health isn’t the number one thing that they are considering,” said Ranahan. Aside from the environmental health issues, Ranahan is also concerned with exposure to international pathogens. “An example of that would be when everyone comes back to ORU; what you have is everyone coming from their different countries and places and everyone is bringing their own bacteria

and viruses. Usually everyone is good with their own set. It’s when they see someone else’s that there’s a problem,” said Ranahan. Athletes and visitors in Rio are exposed to viruses, bacteria, molds and pathogens they are not accustomed to. They can then carry these back to their home countries and introduce a new set of problems. Ranahan encourages those non-sympathetic to the environmental conditions in Rio reevaluate their point of view. “It’s easy for us, now that we have money and the government to take care of and regulate things, to say ‘I’m not going to Rio, that’s crazy,’” said Ranahan. “There’s more than one way to raise awareness. You can do it and say, ‘Well, you’re terrible people,’ or you can be like ‘Alright how do we change this? Can we help people? Are there people[ in Rio] who are willing to take up this movement [and move it forward]?”

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Possible chemical exposure in Rio vs. effect on the human body Air Pollution

Asthmatic diseases, lung damage, adverse pregnancy outcomes

Algal Blooms

Toxins that lead to sickness and death

Acrylamide

Cancer - causing cells grow in body

Water Pollution

Cholera, typhoid, dysentery

Formaldehyde

Nasal and sinus cancer

BPA

Sex hormone mimic (estrogen), possible linkage to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer

Zika

Mild fever, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain, serious birth disorder, infant death, and Guillain Barre Syndrome.

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Graphic by Xavier Gonzalez and Jesse Paul Turner


The price of gold in Rio EMERALD DEAN Features Editor @et_dean

Winning an Olympic medal may not be as rewarding as it appears. Olympians make great sacrifices to qualify for their teams, yet there may still be a price to pay. The Internal Revenue Service taxes the value of the gold, silver, and the reward money athletes make each time a medal is won. The U.S. Olympic Committee awards the athlete based on their placement. First place is worth $25,000, second place $15,000, and third place is worth $10,000. If the Olympics were to make gold medals entirely of gold, at the current weight each medal would require more than $21,000 worth of metal, said USA Today. The medals are not solid gold, but silver with a gold overlay. The gold is estimated to be worth $565 while silver is worth about $305. Bronze is worth a negligible amount so it’s not taxed, according

to CNN Money. For example, Michael Phelps could owe approximately $55,000 in taxes from his five gold medals and silver medal from the Rio 2016 Olympics. The U.S. Olympic team not only must pay federal and state taxes on their earnings from their gold and silver medals, but they also aren’t provided with government funding for their travel expenses and unpaid leave from work during their visit to Rio de Janeiro. Most athletes are not fortunate enough to have an endorsement from a company to completely cover these expenditures, and instead must rely on the sponsorship of local businesses or income from their day jobs back in their home state. Many nations don’t tax their Olympians, but some countries, such as Britain, don’t give their contestants prize money at all. Steven Gill, a tax professor at San Diego State University, told CNN that American athletes receive

a fraction of the financial support of athletes in other countries. “When I think about why these prizes exist, it’s to compete with state-supported athletes from other countries. Cutting taxes isn’t going to fix the fact that these athletes don’t get paid enough—it’s a short-term fix,” said Gill to CNN. The U.S. Congress has proposed bills to give the athletes tax breaks, but these bills have yet to become a reality. According to NBC, accountants suggest there could be a way around the tax in question if Congress does not support the exemption. They suggest if the contestant treats his or her sport like a business on income paperwork, then some expenses may be deducted such as travel, training and equipment.

Illustration by Xavier Gonzalez

Courtesy Photo

Photo by Xavier Gonzalez

Photo by Jeremy Luczak

New Missions Director

Student dining schedule

Student services move

President William M. Wilson announced through Twitter Sunday Augustine Mendoza as the new Director of Missions and Outreach. Mendoza graduated in spring 2016 with a degree in Theology. He served in the missions deparment at ORU during his time as a student. He was the head missions coordinator for the 2015-16 school year.

Moe’s will now be closed on Saturdays following a new schedule. Other campus dining options such as Chick-fil-A and The Deli will continue with their normal hours. The student dining hall will also be open late Monday through Thursday 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Career Services and Student Retention Services have moved to the second floor of the LRC where the Business Center used to be. The Business Center can now be found on GC 2A01--the east side of the GC. The Business Center also purchased a new printer.

THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 5


Features

A girl in a boy’s world

LYNDIA ECHOLS Staff Writer @lyd_ecols

At first glance, Emily Goelzer seems to be your average ORU student: talented, smart, and destined to change the world. But there is more to her than just her amazing talents and grades. The senior International Relations major is a part of Venturing, a program within the Boy Scouts of America that involves boys and girls from the ages of fourteen to twenty-one. Goelzer’s interest in “scouting,” as she calls it, began when her two older brothers, Nathan and Matthew, were initiated into the Boy Scouts of America. They enjoyed hiking, camping, and climbing, all without her. “For the longest time I prayed God would make me a boy because I saw them having so much fun,” she said.

Photo by Rebecca Olvera

To some, the obvious alternative would’ve been Girl Scouts, but her dismissal of the program was quick. “I tried, but there weren’t as many adventures and activities,” she said. When Goelzer heard about the Venturing program, she counted down the days until she was fourteen years old and could join the same program as her brothers. It was a dream come true for her, but it wasn’t without adversity. Support from her family and friends encouraged her despite the difficulties she faced. She is more than a simple success story about beating the odds; her story has grown into one of exceeding her own expectations. Goelzer joined the staff in the National Youth Leadership Training Program, the National Leadership

6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

Program and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, all because of a connection she made through a chance meeting. “It’s been amazing how God has brought me through this past year,” she gushed. “I could not have planned it; I started out doing activities within a crew of six people, and then became its president for about a year.” A sparkle comes into Goelzer’s eyes, and her expressive gestures become even more animated when she talks about her passion for leadership. It’s easy to see how much she loves this part of her life—even in the devotion of hours of her day beyond her demanding school obligations and social life. The heart of the organization became clear to Goelzer when she joined the team.

“I became part of the staff of the International Leadership Course, where all of the Boy Scout organizations within the Western Hemisphere meet. Really, the heart of what scouting is within the entire world is to empower the youth. A lot of people have this perception of the Boy Scouts, but it’s so much more than that. I think that’s what a lot of people miss,” Goelzer said. The organization was more than just a chance to show everyone how she could succeed in a field where she fought to excel; to her, it was a chance to prove if she set her mind to it, then she could do it. “I’m only here to compete against myself. I’m here to push my own bar higher and higher. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Only aim to beat yourself,” she advised.


Every major to every person’s world we’ll be able to perfect that design and continue to invest in their business and improve their health.” This was just one of the projects Imagine clear summer skies, chilimplemented by the Healing Team dren playing in a dirt road, and the this year. They used the research from smell of cashews roasting over open the last team’s needs assessment in fires. This is what ORU’s second Brazil Healing Team experienced during their Carrilho to create other programs in the fields of business, nursing, social month-long trip to the smallest Brawork, environmental sustainability and zilian state this summer. Their team of education. They also focused heavily on twenty students, three faculty and one alumna went to bring complete healing implementing discipleship programs to the impoverished village of Carrilho. in the local churches to empower local “Our main focus was on this village,” Christians to carry out a long-term said David Brandt, the team leader and transformation for the village. “Oral’s original perspective on now ORU alumnus. “We had six teams missions was this idea of healing teams, of professional groups of different mawhere we send groups of doctors, jors working on projects, and we would business people, lawyers, social workdrive to the village almost every day.” Brandt also led the team’s engineer- ers, engineers and educators to poor communities around the world to bring ing group to build three cashew ovens for the village. The ovens were designed healing for the totality of human need,” said Kevin Schneider, assistant profesto reduce the amount of toxic smoke sor of business at ORU. emitted during cashew roasting. This Schneider started researching the will improve health in the village where history of ORU’s healing teams in an estimated 80 percent of people pro2013 and found that although the duce cashews for a living. concept was originally piloted in the “We selected three different groups 70s, a true multi-disciplinary team was that were really excited about it,” said never implemented. Schneider began to Brandt. “So for the next few months they’ll be using the ovens and giving us work with Bruno Teles, an instructor of more feedback on them. In future years, business at ORU from Brazil. Teles had KRISTIAN HUGHES Staff Writer @kristianphughes

a dream to help the village of Carrilho since he was 19 years old and hiked in the area. Their proposal to bring back healing teams was approved, and they started the five-year project in Carrilho in 2015. ORU Missions will continue to send healing teams to Carrilho for the next three years. According to Schneider, no matter who you talk to, ORU is passionate about reigniting Oral Roberts’ original vision to transform the nations through multi-disciplinary healing teams. “I think the most important thing we accomplished this past month was connecting with the local churches,” said Eugenia Phan, the assistant team leader. “Jesus didn’t tell us to go and build more effective ovens, or to put in sewage treatments, or to improve education. He told us to make disciples. So all these different things that we’re doing are very useful tools to do what Jesus told us to do.”

Courtesy Photos

Top left: The village cashew workers are presented with a prototype cashew oven. Top right: . Magaly Villegas, Jessica Zunwalde and David Brandt distributed Bibles to the villagers. Center right: Nate Monnier and Austin Short were two engineering students who worked on the cashew cooker prototype. Bottom right: Olivia Daniel and Ben Smith were part of the health clinic’s nursing staff. THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 7


CHRISTEN LATINI Managing Editor @latinispeaking

The hammer drives the chisel into a chalky, brittle shell. Dust flies as the various layers of casing shatter, chipping away to reveal a dull, darker likeness. Several treatments later a bronze bust of Vincent Van Gogh emerges from the ceramic pieces now lying on the floor. The journey from selecting a model with the likeness of Van Gogh to the artistic rendition appears tedious and overcomplicated, but every seemingly random change in medium lends to the wholeness of the final product. The stranger at Braum’s had been staring at David Farnsworth since he walked in the door. “Has anyone ever told you that you look like Van Gogh?” “Yeah, I get that a lot,” Farnsworth answered. From a local Braum’s to New Orleans’ French Quarter or picking up his son at Camp Loughridge, Farnsworth said people have begun to recognize him on a regular basis as a mimicry of the famous artist. “It really started about 10 years ago

when I grew a beard,” he said, “Fleta Buckles [instructor of humanities] mentioned her students picking up on the similarities. She always has a few students in her Art History class whispering during the Van Gogh unit, who have evidently had me in class before.” As random as the mix of mediums employed to create a permanent image from molten bronze, a former student spontaneously contacted Farnsworth, associate professor of Spanish at ORU, with the suggestion of entering into a worldwide Van Gogh lookalike contest. Artist Douglas Coupland began the “I Am Vincent” search as the first step to producing the first installment in a series of bronze busts of famous redheads. Coupland calls the redhead gene “the most recent, successful human mutation,” and plans to highlight the way this random gene selection makes humanity a constantly changing concept. “There is no way of telling when a gene is going to change, and what sort of characteristic it will bring about,” Coupland said in his blog. The random series of events which brought Farn-

8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

sworth to the competition is reflected in Coupland’s fascination with the phenomenon of the redhead gene. Being voted into the top-20 contestants has been a fun highlight in Farnsworth’s journey. He was recently contacted by Coupland, who asked for four or five more angles of his head and shoulders because of his ranking this month. Coupland will select a winner from the top 30 entries who will be flown with a guest to Vancouver for 3D imaging, awarded 5,000 euros, and named on the plaque accompanying the sculpture. “After all these years of everyone telling me just how much I look like

Photos by Abby Friedman

David Farnsworth is in the running to be the representation of Van Gogh in a bronze sculpture by Douglas Coupland. The decision will be announced Saturday. him, it would just be hilarious to be chosen to represent him in a permanent way,” Farnsworth said, “My wife and I would get a quick vacation to Vancouver, and ORU would get a little notoriety on the side too.”


How to use Aurasma 1. Download the Aurasma app. 2. Follow oruoracle. 3. Hold mobile device over designated photo to view videos or photos

Videographers: Sara Paula and Kayla Roettgers

Graphic by Tabitha Levi

Photographers: Abby Friedman, Jeremy Luczak, Sydney Stoever and Rebecca Olvera

THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 9


Brad Jackson, lead engineer of storm water design for the City of Tulsa. “The final channel section that was ultimately constructed incorporates several items, including a flood control component, a natural channel bottom to provide riparian habitat, and landscaping that incorporates into the ORU campus. The project was and continues to be a great success and has met and exceeded its goals.” The easement between ORU and the City of Tulsa turned Fred Creek into a 500-year flood storm water outlet by increasing the depth. Over time, trees and vegetation began to grow in Fred Creek, causing ORU’s insurance company to issue a warning stating it

EMERALD DEAN Features Editor @et_dean

Seven years of tolerating muddy ditches, commuter bridge installations and never-ending construction is paying off through the $15 million Fred Creek Rehabilitation Program. Prohibition of flooding became the mutually desired outcome, but not without some controversy between the city and the university over maintenance responsibilities. “The main goal of the Fred Creek flood control project between Evanston Avenue and Lewis Avenue was to provide flood protection from a one percent [one hundred year] flood,” said

but the run low, o t m e e s ek might Fred Cre fter every storm. sa increase

would not cover flood damage if the creek was not properly maintained. “Per the agreement, I think they [Tulsa] are holding up their side. It’s kind of interesting, for the first couple of years the city communicated to us that we could not touch the creek bottom because it was a habitat,” said ORU Chief Operations Officer Tim Philley. “Come to find out, they missed that a little bit. The purpose was flood control, so we came to an agreement. We can kill vegetation on the bottom.”

LRC flood initiates Fred Creek Rehabilitation Program ORU was founded in 1963 while Tulsa was experiencing a boom as the city’s population increased by as much as 25 percent. Over the years, the urbanization and development in South Tulsa made little Fred Creek into a turbulent river during flash floods. According to the City of Tulsa, floods struck every two to four years during the 1960s and early 1970s. Flash floods ate at Fred Creek’s banks over time. In May 2000, rain hammered down in Tulsa causing Fred Creek’s waters to rise at alarming rates, and pour into the first floor of the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Former ORU president Richard Roberts told Tulsa World the flash flood caused $5 million in damages to 200,000 square feet of the building. ORU invested $2 million into trying to address the creek damage, and Roberts reached out to the City of Tulsa for help. The intention was to enhance Fred Creek through Tulsa’s proposed $250 million general obligation bond. The proposal made the April 2005 ballot due to the persistence of Roberts, since the various shrubs and trees native to Oklahoma grow on the banks of Fred Creek.

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Graphic by Jesse Paul Turner

2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

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ORU donates Fred Creek easement to City of Tulsa The easement states: The City will perform non-routine maintenance to maintain the structural integrity of the project, remove blockages and, periodically, sediment from the channel bottom, the low water dams and the silt traps to maintain the flow of storm water, as designed. The Grantor will perform routine landscaping maintenance such as mowing, trimming and other vegetation maintenance. “The City of Tulsa has removed almost 8,200 cubic yards of silt from the channel between Lewis Avenue and Evanston Avenue. The last siltation removal was completed between November 2012 and May 2013 at a cost of $51,515.10,” said Jackson. ORU spends approximately $100 to $125 thousand a year on upkeep in Fred Creek. There are two full time employees gardening the top two tiers, and continually cleaning the creek bottom by clearing the vegetation. The City of Tulsa gets involved when the silt builds up. Jackson predicts the vegetation needs to be cleared shortly to maintain the flood conveyance capacity. Fred Creek continues to meet the standard envisioned for it. There is no cleaning scheduled at this time, but the university will continue to work with the city to solve the irregularity of maintenance on the creek bottom “It’s just going to be an ongoing process,” Philley said.

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THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 3


Sports Women’s soccer opens season tonight vs. UAPB RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor @Russ_Dorsey1

The ORU women’s soccer team opens the 2016 season tonight at home against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Golden Eagles capped off their preseason with an intra-squad championship last Saturday. After a disappointing 2014, the team made huge strides last season, improving by six wins, going 10-8-3 overall and finishing second in conference in 2015. The team made a dramatic change last summer after what Head Coach Roger Bush called “a change in culture” when the juniors and seniors took it upon themselves to help turn not only the previous season, but the program around. Bush believes the momentum built off of last season could mean even better times are on the horizon for his program, not only this season, but in the seasons to come. “That’s a credit to last year’s seniors and this year’s seniors,” said Bush. “When you’re developing or building something, if you’ve done a good job, then it’s going to keep getting better. That’s where we think we’re at in terms of our culture and expectations.” Both players and coaches are ready to begin the season after a successful

summer training camp and preseason. Senior defender Maria Stordahl is confident about the current makeup of her team heading into tonight’s match. “We’ve been playing well in practice and we’ve been really focused, which is good,” said Stordahl. “We have a lot of young players coming in; freshmen are stepping up. I think we’re ready.” Stordahl, who scored a pair of goals during Saturday’s intra-squad championship match, is one of nine returning seniors looking to compete for a conference championship this season. Also returning for the Golden Eagles is senior forward Brittney Lawrence. Lawrence led the team with 10 goals and 22 points last season. The team will have 11 newcomers providing a mix of veteran presence with youth and versatility. “We’re going to need good play from our midfielders this year. We’ve got some ‘synergy’ issues to sort out with our forwards and find out what combinations are going to work the best together,” said Bush. “We have the players to do it. That’s something that the coaching staff has to figure out, but it’s something that will develop throughout the season as well.” The match is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Case Soccer Complex.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Position: Forward Year: Junior Hometown: Claremore, Okla. Scored a career-high 4 goals for the Golden Eagles last season

Caitlyn Hanslovan Position: Midfielder Year: Junior Hometown: Polokwane, South Africa Member of 2014 South African U20 National Team

Nelly Mamabolo

Photos by Sydney Stoever

Left: Freshman Kelli Keller is the sister of former Golden Eagle Kayla Keller. Middle: Midfielder Nelly Mamabolo shoots toward the goal. Right: Junior midfielder Caroline Frank dribbles past junior Lexi Jones during Saturday’s Blue/Gold Scrimmage 12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016


Volleyball looks to recover after injury-filled season RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor @Russ_Dorsey1

The 2016 women’s volleyball team is looking to stay healthy after an injury-plagued 2015 season. The team lost outside hitter Nika Mostahinic for the 2015 season and libero Maggie DiPronio for a majority of the schedule as well. Head Coach Sheera Sirola believes the team’s depth benefited, despite the injuries it faced. “The two main injuries we had last year were freak accidents. You never know, so far everybody looks to be in good shape,” said Sirola. “The girls that jumped in last year to fill their shoes now have the nervousness out of their system so they know what we expect when we put them in.” DiPronio’s 2015 season was disappointing after the Texas native’s strong freshman start in 2014. She posted a team-leading 308 digs and 60 assists as a freshman in 2014. She played in 109 sets averaging almost three digs per set and was top-20 in the Summit League in digs. The team finished with a 14-16 overall record and finished sixth during the Summit League regular season.

Due to her injuries, DiPronio was only able to play in 69 sets during 2015, but she hopes those injuries are behind her and she can focus on this year. “I think [those injuries] have made me come back stronger this year. Having that feeling of only being able to watch and not play. It’s a privilege to be out on that court,” said DiPronio. “I think I learned every minute you get to be on the court is an opportunity.” Depth looks to be a strength for Sirola’s squad this season. Ten of the 15 members of the team are underclassmen: five sophomores who played significant time last season and five freshmen looking to make an impact. “We are going to be younger this year, but I feel like we have a good core of juniors and seniors who are going to be the driving force and the [underclassmen] will follow them and help them fit into their parts,” said Sirola. “It’s like having a puzzle. Those freshmen are going to have to find out where they fit in our puzzle.” The volleyball team opens the season with four tournaments beginning next Friday, Aug. 26 when the Golden Eagles take on in-state rival Oklahoma as part of the Nike Invitational in

Norman, Oklahoma. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Photos by Sydney Stoever Left: Freshman Taylan Nero going up for the hit during practice. Right: Junior Megan Doran receives the ball during team drills.

Sirola adds experienced assistants to staff JOSH MCMINN Staff Writer @JoshM_OK

Photos by Sydney Stoever Frank Craig and Kyle South, although new, have been working with the team during offseason.

ORU volleyball will have two new voices in the team huddle this season. Head Coach Sheera Sirola added Frank Craig and Kyle South to her 2016 coaching staff. Both were hired last spring and will coach their first full season for the Golden Eagles this fall. South will be Sirola’s new assistant coach while Craig joins as the new graduate assistant coach. Craig had an All-American career at NAIA Lourdes University, leading the Grey Wolves to the programs first 20-win season in 2015. “’I’m new to coaching, I’m one year out of college play. I relate a lot to the girls on the team,” said Craig. “I have the mindset of a player, so I am kind of the bridge between player and coach.” Craig comes with a solid resume as a player. The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference named him All-Conference in all four of his seasons at Lourdes University. He ranked third best in the nation his senior year with 4.07 kills per set. He compiled 77

blocks and 83 digs that same year. South brings several years of coaching experience to the Golden Eagle staff. He graduated from Manhattan Christian College before becoming an assistant coach. South spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach for Creighton’s women’s volleyball team. In his two seasons as assistant coach the Bluejays went 52-18 and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Craig emphasized the coaching staff ’s excitement with not only the return of sophomore and two-time All-Summit player Laura Milos, but also the five incoming freshmen. “I really do think our freshmen that came in are really good; they compete with the older girls,” said Craig. “What ORU students should be really excited about is the upcoming freshmen to step on the court and compete for us.” The Golden Eagles play their first home match against SEC-opponent Arkansas on Sept. 20. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 13


Rio 2016 Recap 31

32

31

94

21

21

13

55

19

15

20

54

12

14

15

41

10

5

18

33

Michael Phelps-Swimming • Gold-200m Butterfly • Gold-200m Individual Medley • Gold-4x100 Freestyle • Gold-4x100 Medley • Gold-4x200 Medley • Silver-100m Butterfly • Finishes career as the most decorated Olympian ever. Holds record for most total medals (28) and most gold medals (23) in history. Simone Biles-Gymnastics • Gold-Individual All-Around • Gold-Vault • Gold-Floor Exercise • Gold-Team All-Around • Bronze-Beam Katie Ledecky-Swimming • Gold-200m Freestyle • Gold-400m Freestyle • Gold-800m Freestyle (WR)* • Gold-4x200m Freestyle • Silver-4x100m Freestyle

Simone Manuel-Swimming • Gold-100m Freestyle • Gold-4x100 Medley • Silver-50m Freestyle • Silver-4x100m Freestyle • First African American Woman to ever win Gold in swimming Maya Dirado-Swimming • Gold-200m Backstroke • Gold-4x200 Freestyle • Silver-400m Individual Medley • Bronze-200m Individual Medley Notable Olympic Performances Usain Bolt ( JAM)-Track • Gold-100m Christian Taylor (USA)-Field • Gold-Triple Jump Wayde van Niekerk (RSA)-Track • Gold-400m (WR)* Shaunae Miller (BAH)-Track • Gold-400m

*Denotes World Record **Medal Count and Recap are updated as of Thursday, Aug. 18

Illustration by Xavier Gonzalez

Courtesy Photo

Photo by Nikolai Stophel

Courtesy Photo

Hildebrandt named new voice of ORU Sports

Women’s soccer tabbed third in preseason poll

Rodney Perry joins Scott Sutton’s staff

ORU Athletics hired Adam Hildebrandt to be the new play-by-play voice of the Golden Eagles. Hildebrandt was named to the position after longtime ORU broadcaster Geoff Haxton was hired as the new play-by-play voice at Texas Tech. Hildebrandt has spent the last four years calling football, men’s and women’s basketball games at both Central Methodist University and Truman State University in Missouri.

The ORU women’s soccer team was picked third in last week’s Summit League Preseason Coaches Preseason Poll. Last season, the Golden Eagles were picked sixth in the poll. North Dakota State and South Dakota State were voted to be first and second, respectively.

Men’s basketball Head Coach Scott Sutton announced the hiring of Rodney Perry to his coaching staff for the 2016-2017 season. Perry joins the men’s basketball staff after a successful stint as head coach at Avila University. During his time as head coach, he led the Eagles to their first ever Top-25 Preseason Poll ranking. Perry has also been successful as at the AAU level winning AAU Coach of the Year in 1995.

14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016


Scene New album boldly brings restoration REJOICE CHRISTISKING Staff Writer @rejoiceck3

Senior Jalen Thomas’ life picked up pace after recently releasing his second album, “From This Place.” Thomas reflects on his journey of becoming a twotime album-releasing music artist. “[It’s] kind of surreal that I’m getting it done. It’s really awesome and very relieving,” he said. “My prayer is that [the album] would move the Lord and man [closer] to each other.” Thomas works as an independent recording artist and writer who started self-producing his own music. “I would describe my genre as alternative Christian music,” he said. “From This Place” offers listeners the chance to see the promises of God’s restoration in the midst of today’s global pain. Thomas expresses his desire for people to understand how God recognizes their hurt while leading them into worship through the Holy Spirit. “We, as the kingdom of God, have an opportunity to address the pain and turmoil and communicate [God’s love] to the world,” he said.

Thomas’ inspiration is boldly using the gift God has given Him. He used negative experiences from his life to write “From This Place.” “I was going through some traumatic things and I wrote [the album] saying ‘I still choose you, Lord.’” His gift helps him find beauty in the hard times of life, and he hopes to inspire others to use theirs as well. “[The album] got such an amazing response, and the people wanted to hear it again,” Thomas said, recalling his experience at a church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Thomas is currently working on the third installment of what he calls his “Trilogy Project.” “It’s going to be the most ‘me’ sounding of all the three projects.” said Thomas. “It’s a different spin on worship [and] I think people will be drawn to the uniqueness of it.” Senior Jalen Thomas, member of the ORU worship team, works as an independent, self-producing musician. His current project is a three part album series.

Photo by Rebecca Olvera

Backpack essentials for everyday college life RAEGAN DOUGHARTY Staff Writer @r_doughartyr

ORU students like to keep an assortment of their favorite things in their backpacks for campus life. Here are the top 10 must-have items.

Photo by Jeremy Luczak

Within any student’s backpack is a variety of everyday items for class and life, as well as a few not so ordinary treasures.

1. Nalgene “I’m obsessed with water. Staying hydrated keeps me feeling energized, and I drink a ton of coffee so I need to counteract that.” -Victoria Hays, senior 2. A pack of gum “It keeps me focused, and typically you’ll remember better if you chew the same flavor in class and for that same class’s exam.” -Faith Rash, senior 3. Pepper Spray “My dad makes me keep it with me. What can I say?” -Ariel Gazelka, senior 4. Peppermint oil “Might sound random, but it is great for the occasional headache, a sore throat, when you start falling asleep in class or are desperate to get rid of your coffee breath and the person next to you doesn’t have gum.” -Macy Cochran, junior

5. Flashlight “It came in a cereal box and I thought, ‘hey, I should throw this in my backpack.’ I also have extra batteries for it.” -Alex Kinzel, senior 6. Yellowstone National Park newspaper “I like to get news about the park and what’s going on.” -Derek Bell, senior 7. A fork “I was eating mac and cheese and realized I was late to class. So I just ran out and finished it in class. Pretty sure it was in there for almost a week.” -Haley Harris, sophomore 8. Sunglasses “In case you decide to go out to lunch last minute, and it’s sunny out, so you don’t get in a wreck.” -Jamie Cole, freshman 9. Headphones “Just to listen to music if I’m walking someplace, or if I’m bored. Yeah, and for listening to videos on Facebook too.” -Briana Yancy, sophomore 10. ChapStick “I always have to have ChapStick because you never know when you’re going to be sitting in class and your lips get chapped, and it’s really distracting.” -Heather Sherrill, freshman THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 15


Closet trend encourages minimalistic lifestyle RACHEL ANDERSON Scene Editor @RachelLee66

Imagine living out of a closet with only 37 clothing pieces to choose from. This minimalistic wardrobe trend known as the capsule closet is the newest topic of interest among popular fashionistas and style bloggers. The modern capsule closet, made popular on Pinterest, is a collection of clothing including only pieces essential for a working wardrobe. A mix of 37 tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear and shoes is used to create outfits for all occasions. Workout clothes, accessories, purses, swimsuits and underwear are not included in the magic 37 piece limit. Each capsule closet is designed to last for three months, directing women and men to create different capsules for each new season, trading out their duds every three months with limited shopping. This wardrobe challenge caters to the newly chic minimalistic lifestyle by allowing individuals to maximize their closet space while limiting time spent getting ready for their day.

Here’s how to try it out: Step 1: Empty everything in the closet and go through the pile, only putting back the absolutely loved items. Step 2: Trash any pieces with stains, holes, tears and missing buttons. Step 3: Sort the clothes left on the bed into three categories: Love it: This includes any favorites or items which inspire the love for fashion. Put these back in the closet. Maybe: This pile is for the clothes hardly worn but can’t be parted with, such as ill-fitting items, anything with sentimental value or occasion items waiting for their stylish debut. Put all of these in a storage box and slide it under the bed. Revisit the box at the end of the three months and donate any items still deemed undesirable. No: Any item which no longer holds any sense of desire. If it’s still in good condition, take it to a local consignment store and make a few dollars. Seasonal: Items in this pile include anything season-specific, such as heavy winter items or light summer pieces. These are to be stored in the roomas well and revisited when the right season rolls around.

Step 4: Take a gander at the closet. Remove any unnecessary items. Choose 37 season (and dress code) appropriate pieces for the capsule closet. Put any duplicate items in storage and make a list of items needed to complete the mini wardrobe. Go shopping, but limit spending to buying only absolutely necessary items. Put everything left in the maybe box. Step 5: Experiment by putting together new outfits and see how many combinations are possible. The options are endless.

Keep in mind, the capsule guideline is simply a suggestion. There is plenty of room for adjustments and additions. The overall point is to maximize space, which is limited within the ORU dorms, and minimize spending.

Fall Capsule Guidelines: 4 Dresses 2 Skirts 4 Pants 3 Shorts 2 Light Sweaters 2 Blazers 4 Tanks 4 Button Down Shirts 6 Shirts 5 Pairs of Shoes 1 Trench Coat

Photo by Abby Friedman

The capsule closet was originally designed to be a woman’s yearround closet instead of changing out pieces every three months.

Smoothies give boost in between classes KYRA VALDERAS Staff Writer @kyra0324

Photo by Jeremy Luczak

Smoothies with protein are perfect for on-thego days and provide a filling meal replacement and contribute to the daily fruit and vegetable intake requirement. 16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

Living life on an empty stomach makes it hard to stay focused and relaxed. It’s essential to know the best places on campus to fuel up in between classes. A great place to cash in Sodexo bucks is Freshens, a smoothie bar located inside the GC. Freshens has a variety of smoothies to choose from to keep students and faculty alike energized throughout the day. One school favorite is “Mango Me Crazy”, a concoction of mango sorbet blended with mango, pineapple and a booster. This blend is a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while staying energized thanks to the added booster. When there’s no time for Saga after HPE but the hunger pains are calling for sustenance, order the Peanut Butter Protein. This includes peanut butter, bananas, chocolate and fat-free Greek yogurt blended with muscle-building, hunger busting protein. Smoothies are a great way to get the nutrients a body needs to thrive in college life. Whether sick

or just needing to curb that sweet tooth, there is a smoothie recipe out there to satisfy any craving. If there’s no time to stand in line, try making a smoothie straight from scratch before leaving for class in the morning, and take it on the go. Recipe for tropical tastiness: 1 cup of Mandarin Sunshine Blend frozen fruit 1/2 of a fresh banana 1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup of milk 1/2 cup of water Blend for 10 seconds twice. Other possible ingredients include: Vegetables: Kale, spinach, cucumber, celery Fruit: Peaches, mangoes, blueberries, kiwi Protein: Yogurt, chia, hemp seeds Healthy Fats: Peanut butter, avocado, nuts, seeds Liquid: Soy or almond milk, coconut water Sweetener: Raw honey, sugar


DIY Dorm: Welcome wreath adds a cozy touch Callie Cotner Staff Writer @calliejaneeee

Photo by Jeremy Luczak

Gather the floor squad, collect every random craft supply within reach and put together a quick and easy decoration to make those bare, cold hallways feel a little more welcoming. With every door personalized, be prepared to manage an onslaught of compliments and inquiries.

The time of year when students move back into their dorms has arrived. How students decorate their rooms says a lot about them. From picture frames to bedding, the goal is to be able to come back from class and relax in a welcoming environment. One of the best ways to add a personal touch to any dorm room, on any floor is to create a custom DIY door wreath. Easily liven up the hallway and show some personality with a few supplies and a little time. Any of the chosen decorative items can be interchanged with other items. This is a simple and fun DIY to do with friends or wingmates. Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Take inventory of any available craft items. Helpful supplies include scissors, sewing pins and a hot glue gun.

2. Head to a local craft store. 3. Locate a 16 inch foam wreath. 4. Pick out decorations: one yard of pink feather boa, assorted flowers, diamond studded branches, 1 yard of white yarn, pack of decorative butterflies. 5. Pay and get ready to craft. 6. Wrap pink boa around entire wreath. Cut off any extra boa. Secure with hot glue gun. 7. Wrap white yarn around 3/4 of the wreath, secure with hot glue gun. 8. Starting in the middle of the white yarn section, place 10-12 flowers by pushing the stem through the yarn and into the foam. Secure with sewing pins. Leave 1 inch of white yarn on both sides of the flowers. 9. Push in diamond branches amidst the flowers, securing with sewing pins. 10. Add decorative butterflies using sewing pins. 11. Place on a wreath hanger and hang.

Photo and video by Adam Glenville

Photo by Jon Bird

Internet photo

Coldplay comes to BOK

Chic shopping

The Obamas’ love story

Coldplay is making its first stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma for its “Head Full of Dreams” tour. The now 20-year-old rock band will be at the BOK Center on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. This is Coldplay’s fourth stop in Oklahoma, but the first since 2008. Alessia Cara and Bishop Briggs will be openers at the show. Tickets are still available at ticketmaster.com or bokcenter.com.

Utica Square has introduced plans to open three new storefronts at the upscale shopping destination this coming fall. Madewell, the sister store of J. Crew, will take the place where Talbots used to reside. This location will be the second Madewell shop in the state of Oklahoma. Athleta, owned by the Gap, and Evereve are also scheduled to open in the upcoming season.

“Southside With You,” a movie about Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date in 1989 Chicago, was released today. The film was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it received positive feedback from publications such as the Hollywood Reporter. Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter play the future president and first lady when they were young lawyers falling in love. THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 17


Black lives matter: Why race does not

LYDIA ECHOLS Staff Writer @lyd_echols

Black Lives Matter. Saying those words in a conversation will earn people mixed responses ranging from disgust to understanding. Others will express confusion or are simply unfeeling toward the movement. No matter what the reaction may be to those words, whether it is befuddlement or curiosity, there are plenty of ways the Black Lives Matter movement will affect everyone today and well into the future.

Christians have an obligation to hold every single life dear and near to their hearts. Race does not matter. Occupation does not matter. The Good Samaritan did not stop to ask the beaten man if he was a police officer or a man from Chicago. We must act the same toward our downtrodden brothers and sisters who cry out for justice in the streets and petition for help in a legal system that sometimes seems be so unfairly stacked against them. The Christian’s obligation lies within the words at the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:36-37. Jesus asks the expert in the law who the neighbor of the beaten man was in this passage. The expert says it was the one who had mercy on the beaten man. Jesus affirms this and tells the expert to go and do the same to those who are oppressed and abused. The Black Lives Matter movement does not promote, nor does it condone, police violence, retaliation or crime of any sort. The results of the pent-up anger and frustration of some of its followers, unfortunately, have given the entire movement a shameful reputation in the media and in the eyes of many Americans.

One lone wolf attack does not make the entire movement about killing all law enforcement officers. According to the Black Lives Matter website, the movement “advocates for dignity, justice and respect” and is “committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working vigorously for freedom and justice for black people and by extension all people.” These guiding principles–while there are various examples of people who do not follow these rules–are evidence of the deeper desire of the entire movement. This movement will not go away soon. The evidence of its effect on society was exemplified by the movement’s presence in TIME magazine’s Person of the Year edition in 2015 as number four on the list. The Black Lives Matter movement is multi-dimensional, each aspect of local chapters different than the other, whether they are on campuses, in underfunded neighborhoods, or near the hum of Wall Street. It is the church’s job to see the need for justice and love, and act accordingly, no matter how big or small, because all people are equal under the ever-watchful eyes of God.

Honor Code: More than signing away college life

VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Muse Editor @Tory2495

Students pile into chapel at the start of every year, recite the honor code and pledge to follow all the standards listed. The Honor Code is an integral part of ORU, yet many students fail to understand its importance. Signing the honor code is a serious commitment and while many may not see it, the rules and standards listed in it have created an atmosphere beneficial to students, faculty and staff. The Honor Code discourages toxic behaviors prevalent on many college

campuses. There are many physical, social and moral dangers college students face daily. Two blaring examples are drug and alcohol abuse and sexual assault. Students are specifically instructed to abstain from consuming alcohol as well as any immoral sexual acts. According to Gayle Wells, a Journal of American College Health contributer, students who attend a secular university are four times more likely to be moderate or heavy drinkers than students attending a religiously affiliated college. Sexual assault and rape is a growing problem on college campuses across the U.S. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1-in-5 women and 1-in-16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. More than 300 institutions are currently under federal investigation for Title IX violations and how they have handled such cases. The Honor Code is not a list of impossible rules and regulations set by a rigid administration: it is a way of

18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016

living unto a higher standard. Yes, students are adults, and there is freedom in being over 18 or 21. Before saying, “I can drink because I’m an adult,” understand being a true adult doesn’t mean getting to do anything and everything. The first paragraph of the Honor Code says, “It is therefore my personal commitment to be a person of integrity in my attitude and respect for what Oral Roberts University is in its calling to be a Christian University.” This statement is exactly what the Honor Code should mean to each member of the student body: a personal commitment. Pursuing education wholeheartedly, growing in Christ, taking care of the body and respecting fellow students should be daily goals. These commitments are nothing to sneer or joke about. Take the honor code seriously and strive to keep every word whether freshman or senior. The more students who take the honor code to the heart, the better the student body will be.

Graphic by Jesse Paul Turner


Letter from the editor: Be the hope you wish to see

JADYN WATSON-FISHER Editor-in-Chief @jwatsonfisher

The world saw more upsetting news this summer than it could keep up with. Shootings of civilians and police officers rattled the country. Terrorist attacks took the lives of those trying to celebrate freedom in France. A gunman killed 49 people at a nightclub in Florida. Suicide attackers killed and injured dozens during attacks in Turkey. Through the tragedies, however, there has also been hope.

Pokémon Go has been one such silver lining. While tensions have been high due to the national climate, people of different races, religions, sexual orientations, political beliefs and economic statuses were brought together through the game. Players are meeting each other as they explore their communities to find various characters. Experiences are now being shared by people of different groups—instead of fighting online about who is right and who is wrong—and a new cross-typical understanding has started to take place. Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were black men killed at the hands of police officers. These incidents—while heartbreaking—also served as a catalyst for the meaningful discussions about race this country has desperately needed for so long. Many are calling for reform and helping their peers understand the racial disparities found in the current system. Others are making it their mission to be the change needed in

government, education, sports and entertainment—revealing and attacking injustice where it still prevails. Sin is prevalent in society as the culture continually embraces actions and lifestyles the Bible does not condone. Yet news outlets, blogs and social media have been reporting revivals occurring across the country in the midst of rampant evil. The “West Coast rumble” began at the Azusa Now conference earlier this year and moved through conferences in San Diego and Seattle. Then schools and communities in West Virginia said they saw a growth in new believers and a renewed passion for Christ. It is apparent God is still moving in the hearts of His people. The Olympic games have brought people together in solidarity, Americans especially, despite the division being faced on a regular basis. Millions cheered on Team USA as it continued to make history. Michael Phelps broke a nearly 2,200 year old record by

earning a 13th individual title, adding to his collection of 28 Olympic medals. Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to earn an individual swimming medal. The Final Five, led by Simone Biles, dominated the gymnastics team competition with more than eight points separating first and second place. Sports analysts are calling them the greatest in history. Support overflowed for Biles as she earned the third consecutive all-around title and became the first American woman to win gold on the vault event. For two weeks in Rio, we have been “one nation” yet again. Students, faculty and staff of ORU, we face another year together. Let us look at tragic situations, but see hope. Let us demand justice for the oppressed, but forgive the oppressors. Let us witness division, but reach out a hand to build unity. Let us recognize evil, but pray for redemption. Let us see the worst, but know Christ will somehow make it great.

THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016 • 19


20 • THE ORACLE • Friday, August 19, 2016


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