Sep 20, 2013 Print Edition

Oral Roberts University 路 Sept. 20, 2013 Tulsa, Okla. 路 Vol. 48, No. 3 www.oruoracle.com

MISSION FORWARD

University inaugurates fourth president.

PAGES 10-11

Photo by Austin St. John

SPORTS Sports Illustrated alleges misconduct in OSU football program pg. 14

FEATURES See how students are making creative cash pg. 9

NEWS Business professor and dean steps down pg. 3

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Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports 2 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

SPORTS PAGE 12 Volleyball boasts strong season opening

scene PAGE 15 Philbrook opens downtown location

PAGE 3

News

Greene steps down as business dean, leaves ORU

By Billy Burke & Parrish Purnell Jr. Dr. Steve Greene, former dean of the College of Business and dean of Distance Learning, announced his departure from ORU to accept the role of chief operating officer for Community Care College and its branch campuses, Clary Sage College and Oklahoma Technical College.

The notice of Greene’s resignation was made to the university community by email on Sept. 9. His last day at ORU was Sept. 13.

“This was not an easy decision,” Greene said while he broke the news of his departure to his Personal Selling class last Thursday. “This is something that I have been fighting God over for a while, and now is just the time.”

In a Monday address to business students and faculty, President Billy Wilson discussed the changes in the College of Business.

“Dr. Greene brought to us his experience in the business world,” Wilson said.

Wilson also fielded questions from students about the dean’s departure.

“Dr. Greene did not try to stay until the end of the semester, but opted to make this his last week,” Wilson said.

Some students responded positively after the meeting.

“I felt like Dr. Wilson did an effective job as our leader to communicate

the situation under the present circumstances and [human resources] restrictions,” said senior Andrew Choflet.

Choflet is a business minor and in the Business Fast Track program which allows undergraduate students to complete 12 graduate credit hours.

“In the meeting, [Dr. Wilson] also provided insight to the way the College of Business will move forward with globalization,” Choflet said.

Other students said the mixed messages from administration have prompted more questions than answers.

“That’s what’s frustrating — there are so many stories out there,” said senior Michael Cole. “I’m not entirely sure of the details of the quick exit, but I do know for sure that he did want to stay, teach and lead Enactus.”

Cole is president of ORU’s Enactus chapter. Enactus is an entrepreneurial student organization that helps set up sustainable businesses for people around the world.

Greene founded the group and has served as its adviser since he came to ORU four years ago.

Alexandra McDonald, vice president of Enactus, said she had the opportunity to develop a close relationship with Greene.

“Dr. Greene is more than a professor to me,” McDonald said. “I met him last

year in Internet Marketing and since that time he has been my friend and mentor.”

Prior to coming to ORU, Greene held a number of business positions, including serving as president of Greene Consulting and chief operating officer of Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe.

He retired from this role in January 2009 and joined ORU that summer.

During his tenure as dean, the College of Business saw changes that included a remodeled lobby, multiple faculty hires, new technology in the classroom and the construction of the $500,000 ONEOK Shark Tank.

“I think on a personal and business level, he’ll be sorely missed,” Cole said.

“Whether it was faculty or students, he had such a great impact in the lives of people here.”

Greene called his years serving ORU a “season of immense joy.”

“I have not worked a day at ORU,” Greene said. “I have loved every minute of it.”

Cole said students are trying to remain professional about the changes.

“I came here to get an education, and that’s what I’m going to focus on,” Cole said.

As the university begins the search for a new dean in the College of Business, Dr. Marshal Wright will lead

Photo by Chelsey Butler Dr. Greene addresses students during his last Personal Selling class Sept. 12.

the College. Wright currently serves as chair and tenured faculty in the Graduate School of Business. He holds degrees from ORU (BS 1983, MBA 1988) and Regent University ( JD 1987, Ph.D.) His area of expertise is strategic leadership and development in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Plane crash due to cabin heater, NTSB report states

By Meghan Drake On May 11, 2012, a plane crash killed three ORU graduates and a former instructor.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a probable cause report Sept. 5 on the plane crash that killed Garrett Coble, Luke Sheets and Stephen Luth.

Austin Anderson died shortly after being hospitalized. Hannah Luce survived after suffering from burns on 28 percent of her body.

According to the report, the NTSB attributes the crash to “the malfunction of the cabin heater, which resulted in an inflight fire and smoke in the airplane.”

The report states, while en route to Council Bluffs, Iowa from Jones Riverside Airport in Jenks, Okla., the

pilot (Sheets) turned on the cabin heater. An “unusual smell” was then detected by passengers.

The pilot then turned the heater off and dark smoke entered the cabin.

According to the report, the dark smoke interfered with the pilot’s ability to find a secure landing site.

During landing, the plane’s wing hit the ground, causing the plane to cartwheel in terrain near Chanute, Kan. The NTSB found logbook entries showing the heater as “inoperative during the most recent annual inspection.”

Although a work order on the heater indicated maintenance work was conducted, the NTSB stated

“there was no logbook entry that returned the heater to service.”

In a post-crash South Wind Heater exam, the report stated the heater showcased thermal damage, and the duct limit switch was misaligned.

A flight instructor who previously flew with the pilot stated he used the heater on the accident airplane at least once before the crash.

Because of this, the NTSB stated the heater’s “risk of continued use” and “inadequate inspection criteria” were also probable causes to the crash.

Luce’s book, “Fields of Grace: Faith, Friendship, and the Day I Nearly Lost Everything,” is set to release Oct. 22.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 3

Career services welcomes new director

By Dominique Johnson When Julie Headley was hired as the new Career Services director, she walked into an office with a high turnover from the year before.

After several weeks on the job, she became the most tenured employee in Career Services.

“Being so understaffed, new to the Career Services world and becoming familiar with the ORU world, it has been crazy,” Headley said.

Career Services functions in the areas of student employment, facilitating external employers trying to connect with ORU students and professional development. Professional development includes resume help, job search strategies and event planning.

“Right now, I’m doing all of it,” Headley said. “Once we get everyone

hired, I’ll be overseeing the supervision of the entire office.”

Until then Headley will be wearing all of the vacant hats.

“We’re kind of busy,” she said. “I’m learning three jobs at once because everyone turned over at the same time.”

Headley is about to start interviewing for a career counselor.

Before coming to ORU, Headley served as an admissions counselor at Evangel University in Missouri.

Three years later, she transferred to director of undergraduate admissions.

She then got married and moved to Tulsa where she and her husband serve as youth pastors.

“I intentionally didn’t look for a job,” she said. “I got to know all the kids all summer, got to know the church. I looked for a job for about two days, got

two job offers, and here I am.”

This is her first time working in career services.

“It’s been a huge challenge.

Luckily, it invigorates me instead of scares me. I’m really excited about Career Services.”

According to Headley employers seek ORU students because of their ethics and academic background.

“They can submit their resumes and apply online and actually get interviewed on campus,” Headley said. “That’s just candy for internships and jobs.”

Students can look for the Fall Career Expo on Wednesday, Sept.

25. 30 employers will come to meet with students. There will be another career expo in the spring and an education expo later in the year.

Photo by Dominique Johnson

Julie Headley, ORU/s newly hired director of Career Services, stands outside the office on LRC 5.

Alumni in Japan reflect on 2-year nuclear disaster

By Joshua Ellison On March 11, 2011 an earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, causing a number of damaged nuclear reactors to leak radioactive fuel into the ocean.

ORU alum Clifford Moore recalls exactly where he was on that day. When the quake struck at 2:46 p.m., Moore stood in his kindergarten classroom in Sendai, Japan.

Suddenly, pianos rocked and flipped on their sides.

Computers flew off the shelves. Ceiling tiles came crashing to the floor. The only children in the school were napping in a room where the ceiling tiles managed to stay intact.

“We immediately ran to wake them up and get them out of the building,” Moore said. “As for the actual quake, imagine being on a large ship encountering choppy waves and trying to stay standing...It felt like that, only we were on the ground.”

All of the students in Moore’s school survived, but two lost their parents in the tsunami.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) maintained a number of nuclear reactors on the east shore of Japan, even after the tsunami.

The disaster destroyed the systems keeping the reactors at a safe temperature, causing three to overheat.

Radioactive fuel contaminated the cooling system and surrounding floodwater at the plant. Three additional explosions launched radioactive material into the air allowing wind to carry it away from the mainland. Effects of this radioactive material continue.

Moore said the reactors were kept on for matters

4 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

of life and death.

“They generated electricity for many of the coastal towns affected by the quake,” Moore said. “Without that power, many people might have died of hypothermia.”

In August, TEPCO announced the issue was worse than they previously admitted. They revealed about 300 tons of highly radioactive water leaked into the Pacific Ocean, and more continues to leak every day from the flooded basements of the reactor buildings.

Many scientists criticize the Japanese government and TEPCO for hiding important details from the

Internet photo

The effects of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami continue. ORU alum Clifford Moore lived in Sendai during the initial destruction.

public and agree it will take decades to remove all the contaminated water.

The earthquake ranked as the largest in Japan’s history, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale.

The epicenter occured about 80 miles off the coast of Sendai, but people all over the country felt the continuous affects for almost five minutes, and the powerful aftershocks that followed.

Shortly after the main quake, a tsunami hit the shore, reaching up to 10 miles inland.

The tsunami completely destroyed structures already weakened by the earthquake. The Japanese government estimated damages costing $309 billion, more than triple the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Chelsea Dillon, an ORU alumna, visited Ishnomaki, Japan, during her senior year to help clean up damage done to the city. She saw the effects of the earthquake and tsunami firsthand.

“I was there a whole year after [the tsunami] and there were still tons and tons of homes that needed to be fixed,” Dillon said. “People were living in poor conditions in temporary housing.”

Dillon said she saw miles of cars stacked on top of each other along the coast.

“We cleared out houses because black mold was in all the wood and dirt under the house,” Dillon said.

“That would have killed them if it stayed.”

The Japanese government has not asked for outside aid in containing the situation.

Dinner with the Wilsons

By Hannah Covington His wife warned him about the eagle.

Still, he never dreamed the caramelcolored bird would swoop over the crowd, circle Christ’s Chapel and ride a pocket of hot air straight into one of the building’s large windows.

“I thought, ‘Well, I just killed an eagle. I’m a new president. Forget it, I might as well quit and go home,” said President William “Billy” Wilson during dinner on a quiet Tuesday night one month later.

Seated next to him, his wife, Lisa, raised her eyebrows and continued the story.

“All you heard in the microphone is, ‘It’s OK, it’s OK,’ and all I could think was, ‘How do you know it’s OK? The eagle just hit the window and is lying on the floor,’” she said. “I told him beforehand that Johnny Carson always said don’t ever have animals on. They’ll always upstage you.”

As ORU’s newest president ate Italian cuisine with his family, Wilson could only laugh and shake his head at the viral chapel blunder.

Tonight was not a time to talk about worries from work or the upcoming inauguration.

Wilson’s daughter, Sara Morton, 28, and granddaughter, Abi, 7, had just arrived in Tulsa from Paraguay and were joining “papa” and “nana” for dinner.

With his wife there, Wilson was only missing his son, also named William.

Wilson, the former vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, has four grandchildren in all. He said he considers “papa” the best title in the world.

Over bags of breadsticks and plates of chicken scaloppini, the Wilson family talked about memories from Tennessee, a lifetime of travel and the now-infamous eagle crash that even circulated around the mission field in Paraguay.

Morton had other missionaries calling her about the event.

At this, Abi perked up.

“I haven’t seen the video,” she said, shaking her bangs and looking around the table.

“We’ll show you,” her grandma promised.

News travels, but the Wilsons have had 30 years of ministry and marriage to learn to laugh about such things.

The pair met as Tennessee teenagers in the same high school English class.

“I was a pagan, and she was a good Baptist girl,” Wilson said. “I met Lisa by cheating off her test in a Western literature class.”

“American short stories,” she corrects him.

And with a bit of persistence and a lot of salvation, Wilson soon began dating his high school sweetheart. They married as students at Western Kentucky University several years later.

Since coming to Tulsa in June, ORU’s first couple have scoped out favorite restaurants and unpacked more boxes than they can count.

Wilson said the pair enjoys south Tulsa. It reminds them of their home in Tennessee. Except for the river.

Before coming to ORU, they had moved about six months prior to a riverfront home. Both enjoy water sports, and the family was excited to play around in this new aquatic backyard.

As the salads were being removed, Wilson began talking about his journey to become ORU’s fourth president.

Scraps of straw wrappers littered the table in front of him. He picked up a piece and began twisting it carefully between both thumbs and index fingers.

“I was a bit resistant to the idea [of president] at first,” Wilson said. “I hoped they would find somebody else.

When that didn’t happen, I really had to pray and seek God.” Wilson first became involved at ORU in 2007, shortly after Richard Roberts resigned as president. He had known Mart Green, now chair of the Board of Trustees, for many years.

Green had contacted Wilson before making his $70 million donation to the school and asked him to be on the Board as well.

When Wilson was named the university’s fourth president last semester,

Photo by Austin St. John

(From left): Sara Morton, Abi Morton, President William Wilson and his wife, Lisa, exchange stories over an Italian dinner. his daughter admitted the news came as a surprise.

Her first thought: no more house on the river.

But the shock soon gave way to excitement.

“I think both my brother and I, once we were able to think about it, were just thrilled,” Morton said. “Mom and dad have always loved working with college-

aged students and are passionate about investing in the next generation.”

Wilson said he feels as though he’s brought his family to the place they’re suppose to be: Tulsa.

“If the students of ORU understood my background, where I came from as a child to become president, they would know all things are possible,” he said.

“I’m very honored to be here.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 5

Baby Veronica fight continues

By Kristy Sturgill Veronica Brown, more commonly referred to as “Baby Veronica,” is still the center of a custody battle between a Cherokee father and adoptive parents.

The battle for “Baby Veronica” began in January 2010, four months after Veronica was born, and just days before Dusten Brown, her biological father, was deployed to Iraq.

Brown surrendered his rights to oppose any adoption of his daughter when he signed an “Acceptance of Service.” Brown said he was misled when signing the document and believed he was giving custody to the mother while still maintaining a role in Veronica’s life.

After being informed of the adoption, he immediately sought legal counsel to file a lawsuit to stop it.

Dusten Brown claimed his daughter was protected by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which prevents Native American children from being adopted into non-native homes without approval from the child’s tribe.

Congress enacted the law in 1978 to address the abuses that separated Indian children from their families through adoption or foster care.

Brown is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, but the Cherokee Nation did not approve the adoption for Veronica Brown to Matt and Melanie Capobianco. Giving the incorrect birth date and misspelling Dusten Brown’s name to the Cherokee Nation circumvented this important step for approval in the adoption process of a Native American.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Dusten Brown could not use ICWA in the fight to keep his daughter because of the “Acceptance of Service” he signed. By signing that document, he gave up his parental rights and was no longer a Native American parent in the adoption process.

Immediately following this ruling, a South Carolina court finalized the adoption of Veronica by the Capobiancos and two Oklahoman courts have certified the adoption order. Brown appealed to the state Supreme Court, and the court has issued an emergen-

cy stay; this required the girl to remain with Brown and his family.

The adoptive parents have a different interpretation of previous court rulings, insisting that the judges considered it in the best interest of Veronica to remain in South Carolina.

They believed the lower courts granted custody to Brown only because they thought the federal law mandated it.

South Carolina courts charged Brown with a felony complaint of custodial interference, and ordered Brown to be extradited to South Carolina. Brown turned himself into a Sequoyah County judge who released him on a $10,000 bond and set an extradition court hearing October 3.

Governor Mary Fallen signed the extradition order for Dusten Brown, stating that Brown “is not acting in good faith, and is in violation of Oklahoma and South Carolina courts.”

“Veronica’s human rights as a child and as a member of the Cherokee Nation, an indigenous people, should be fully and adequately considered in the ongoing judicial and administrative proceedings that will determine her future upbringing,” James Anaya, UN Special Rapporteur, said. “The individual and collective rights of all indigenous children, their families and indigenous peoples must be protected throughout the United States.”

The Cherokee Nation continues to provide support for Dusten Brown and his pursuit to custodially regain his biological daughter.

A statement from the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes said, “We will stand with Veronica, the Browns, and national tribal organizations fighting for fairness and justice.”

A similar court case is being considered as precedent for the upcoming state Supreme Court hearing. An Oklahoma judge has awarded custody of a four-month old Native American girl to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe following a South Carolina couple’s attempt to adopt the infant.

Key Events Sept. 2009:

Baby Veronica born in Oklahoma, taken to South Carolina for adoption

Jan. 2010:

Father signs away custody but files an appeal a few days later

Dec. 2011:

Baby Veronica returns to Oklahoma after a family court in South Carolina grants custody to the father

July 2012:

South Carolina Supreme Court upholds custody decision

Aug. 16, 2013:

Both sides appear first in Cherokee County court, then go to Cherokee Nation court

June 25, 2013:

U.S. Supreme Court rules that federal law doesn’t require that Veronica be given to her biological father

Sept. 6, 2013:

Brown files second appeal to Oklahoma Supreme Court to fight decision from Muskogee County

Lower lot pass availability sees drastic cuts

By Montaega Harrison Students returned this year to significantly fewer lower lot passes up for grabs.

“In the past you could just ask for them,” said Gerald Isaacs, Director of Public Safety and Security.

He said lower parking lot was originally designed for faculty and staff parking.

Saga workers and the clinic staff

were among the few allowed access to lower lot.

“Now with the building of the Hammer Center, we have had to make new parking available for visitors who want to visit the Hammer Center,” Isaacs said.

The Armand Hammer AlumniStudent Center is bringing more visitors on campus. Parking is already limited during the school day,

6 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

leaving those visiting the Hammer Center with few options.

Now, the only people who have access to lower lot on a permanent basis are the head resident advisers and head chaplains.

“They are taking care of the student body, and constantly doing something,” Isaacs said. “We want to give the people in leadership premiere parking so they can do their

jobs better.”

After 3 p.m., commuters can also park in lower lot.

Daniel Fowler, upper EMR head resident adviser, called his pass his “golden ticket.”

“I love it,” Fowler said. “It helps when you have a ton of groceries to carry back, or when you’re packing to go home. It just makes everything easier.”

FEATURES

Researching roadblocks: Students trip Internet filter

By McKensie Garber Whether doing academic research or browsing the Internet, students may find themselves staring at a blank screen that reads, “Web Page Blocked.”

Senior nursing major, Lauren Parks recently experienced this.

“About two weeks ago I was doing research for a paper on maternity obstetrics and gynecology, and I couldn’t get to some research content because the sites were blocked,” Parks said.

According to Dr. William Jernigan, Dean of Learning Resources, this problem can be easily resolved by contacting the reference librarians or the Information Technology (I.T.) Student Help Desk, located on the second floor of the GC. “It’s a problem that we face but if a student is doing research dealing with a sensitive topic, they can get through to it,” Jernigan said. “We work with them.”

Reference librarian, Peggy Pixley, has been at the university nearly 32 years, before the Internet was an object of regulation, or even an object.

“Sometimes things that are totally appropriate are blocked,” Pixley said.

“We let I.T. know and they correct it.”

According to manager of I.T. Services, Peter Kovaleski, the university switched to a new filtering system in June — Palo Alto.

“We’ve had an Internet filter for twelve-plus years to filter student Internet activity,” Kovaleski said. “Back in 2010, we started filtering the entire campus.”

Not all blocked sites are necessarily deemed inappropriate. The Internet filter also blocks malware, or unsafe sites that could cause malicious material to attack computers and park domains (sites that are no longer public).

Former student Laine Saunders once tried logging on to his home church’s website to watch the Palm Sunday service. He was faced with the white screen and ominous blue letters, “Web Page Blocked.” After contacting I.T., the site was unblocked within a day.

According to Kovaleski, if a student reaches a blocked-site page they feel is appropriate, they can click a link to email I.T. Services. They will then receive an automated email letting them know that I.T. is looking into it.

“90% of the emails we receive are usually concerned with malware.

Very rarely do I see a website blocked because a student can’t research something, unless they aren’t contacting us about it,” Kovaleski said. “We want to be very proactive and make sure that students can do the research they need to while here at ORU.” According to Kovaleski, human re-

Looking back Fritz Huber’s 25 years at ORU

Photo by Nick Conroy

Dr. Huber addresses a room of HPE 1 students.

By Amber Smith Fritz Huber, chairmen and head of the Health and Physical Education Department, has worked at ORU for 25 years now. But, what many may not know is that his journey did not begin teaching HPE 1 and 2. Rather, it started on the volleyball courts of the AC in 1988.

When ORU students were still the Titans, Huber was hired to coach the women’s volleyball team and teach parttime in the HPER department.

He began pouring his time and effort into the program. A year into coaching, the team showed signs of improvement.

That year, many programs had to be cut. Women’s volleyball was one of them.

Huber accepted a full-time teaching job with the HPER

sources and student life set the Internet filtering policies.

Under university regulations of the Internet, the Student Handbook states, “The Internet provides students with invaluable access to information.

However, with such great potential for education also comes some potential for abuse. It is a general expectation that ORU computer resources are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the mission of the University.”

While the campus Internet may be filtered, students are still able to surf the web as they please from their smart phones, using data rather than the university Wi-Fi. “We are trying to protect students from being attacked by malware,” Kovaleski said. “We are not trying to cause them any angst.”

department after the university noticed his efforts.

The transition between coaching and teaching involved two different environments.

The advantages of switching to a teaching job were apparent to Huber.

“The time and energy you have to put into a team to make a good program is astronomical, but you do it because you love it. It becomes your life,” Huber said.

“I don’t regret all the years of coaching, but as I moved further away from it, it became more evident that I was happy never to coach again.”

Being here 25 years, Huber has seen the ups and downs of ORU first-hand.

“My first year was the last year of the medical school,” Huber said.

“I can remember that next year walking down the hill, seeing all three towers just completely black, and thinking, ‘God, why is all this happening?’ I couldn’t envision ever going from that low point to being at the high point which we have now. It’s amazing at the times when you’re in the depths of despair, God can, in His own time and His own way, change what you can’t see and make things better again.”

Fritz Huber is continuing to leave a legacy here at ORU. “I have been blessed being here, and God has blessed me,” said Huber. “And hopefully, not all the students hate me, but maybe some of them have been blessed.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 7

Family, friends remember beloved ‘Papa Joe’

By Madison McDaniel Dr. Joe Berry Cannon, 77, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 9 in his Tulsa home.

Cannon’s loved ones describe him as encouraging, compassionate, gentle, wise and funny. While all of these words were synonymous with his character, “loving” is the word everyone used to define “Papa Joe.” He brought healing not only through his hands, but also his heart.

Before joining the faculty of ORU, Cannon owned and served as president of First National Bank in Blackwell, Okla.

In 1981, Cannon ran for mayor of Blackwell, and held the office for three years before going back to full-time banking.

Feeling a call to teach, Cannon sold First National Bank and began applying for teaching positions.

His experience and passion made him a perfect fit for the ORU college of business. Cannon joined the faculty in August 1992 and made ORU his home for 20 years.

“He was the kind of person who walked down the hall and stopped in almost every office to spread joy,” said Terry Unruh, assistant professor of accounting. Unruh worked with Cannon for the past decades. “[He was there]to encourage us, ask how we’re doing, tell a joke; he was just always full of life,” Unruh said.

Unruh said Cannon had the joy of the Lord. “No matter what he might be facing, there was a twinkle in his eye and a big booming laugh.”

A service was held in Cannon’s honor Sept. 13 at St. James United Methodist Church. Family, friends and

colleagues attended to pay tribute.

Cannon is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly Cannon; two sons, Joe Cannon II and John Cannon; daughter, Courtney Megli; and eight grandchildren, all of whom spoke at the service.

The eldest of Cannon’s children, Joe Cannon II, spoke passionately about his father.

“Dad had many important values which were as true and natural to his behavior as the air he breathed,” Cannon said. “He was a champion for his children. He truly loved us all.”

His grandson, Austin Megli, spoke of the unmatchable faith Cannon had in his family.

“My grandfather was a remarkable man,” Megli said. “Through all of his life, though he accomplished many great things, in my eyes his greatest accomplishment was making me believe that I could achieve anything. My entire life, all I ever heard was how proud he was of me, how much he loved me, and how much he cared about me.”

Not only was Joe Cannon beloved by his family, friends and colleagues, Cannon also had a love for ORU. “Dr. Cannon loved this place. Talking with his family at the services, he never wanted to leave here,” Unruh said.

“Even our chairman [asked] him once ‘why do you teach so much?’ because he had taught in the summer and taught his regular load in the semester.”

Megli stated how Cannon was motivated by the relationships and work environment at ORU. “It was really that he was energized by the people here; the students, the faculty, the administration. He just absolutely loved being at ORU.”

Joe Cannon

August 24

1936-2013

September 9

8 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Cannon taught marketing and business classes at ORU for 20 years.

College students cash in: Finding creative ways to profit

By McKensie Garber Who says you have to wait until after college to make bank? Some ORU students are doing that now, and in their own creative ways.

THE MUSIC ENTREPRENUER

Sophomore management major, Josiah Wiens has his own business — The Works: Guitars — a guitar repair, teaching and mentoring studio. Wiens started his business in August of 2012.

He has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old, making this his fifteenth year.

“I have always wanted to start a business, but it wasn’t until I got so frustrated with my old teacher several years ago that I decided I was going to seek a better way of learning how to play the guitar,” Wiens said. “In my process of doing so, I also realized that having the knowledge of repairs along with that would be very beneficial.”

Wiens attended a luthier (guitar building) school in St. Louis. He is currently working towards his professional certification from Berkeley College of Music in Guitar.

Wiens hopes to start building guitars in a few months. He is still perfecting his craft by working on electric guitars.

“Like any good entrepreneur, I believed that I could do it better than what was out there, so I did,” Wiens said. “It is so nice to be able to make my own decisions as to what I do in my studio.”

The Works: Guitars is located in Bixby near 134th and Memorial.

THE NON-PROFIT ENTREPRENUER Freshman marketing major Kaylei Atchley didn’t realize as a senior in high school that she would be aiding missions over seas, when she picked up a piece of copper wire one day and made a ring in the shape of a music note.

After many of her friends commented on her Instagram post asking where they could buy them, a bigger reality began to set in. She created her own jewelry business called Reecie B. Jewelry.

“I always felt a call of God on my life for missions, but I also loved anything business related,” Atchley said. “I began to give my profits from my jewelry to missionaries in India, sex trafficking rescue homes in Burma, Thailand and a community outreach in my hometown.”

Atchley would walk out of her high school in Jackson, Mississippi with over twenty orders each day. Local boutiques began to carry Reecie B. jewelry.

“God put website developers, graphic designers, and an accountant all in my path who created a website, logo and helped me become an official sole proprietorship company for free,” Atchley said.

Atchley is now selling fashion jewelry online at reecieb.com. When a customer checks out, they choose where to donate their money — towards church planting, sex trafficking or community outreach.

Photo by Julie Gonzales

Wiens started working on guitars from his church’s worship team.

Photo by Violet Mawanza

Canavesio blogs from her dorm to inspire and empower women her age. sign talents in the future to become a “We want the customer to be able creative director. to make their time with online retail To see some of Max’s work, worthwhile by allowing them to donate visit his website: maxkutz.com. the profits of their purchase to a cause they are passionate about,” Atchley said.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA ENTREPRENUER Currently, Reecie B. Jewelry has Junior public relations major, Emily teamed up with ORU Enactus as a Canavesio decided to share her love for main project for the year. fashion from her keyboard her fresh“We plan on doing a lot of work man year when she created a blog called with Syrian Refugee camps, and hope“Hush Fashion.” fully we will have a handmade jewelry From her title name, “Hush,” she line from the women in the refugee started her blog to give style and camp,” Atchley said. “The jewelry they makeup secrets for college-aged women make will be sold at reecieb.com to with photos taken mostly on campus provide an income for their families.” from her iPhone.

The pink and white polka-dotted THE PRODUCTION ENTRPRENUER Junior music technology major, Max pages became an outlet for even greater inspiration when she integrated inspiKutz is a freelance photographer, vidrational quotes and scriptures into her eographer, graphic designer and music posts. producer. His initial interest was in “I also wanted to incorporate my music until his high school art teacher faith into my blog, because I see my encouraged him to branch out into blog as a small form of ministry,” Caother mediums of art. navesio said. “I use fashion as an outlet He gained an interest in design to encourage and challenge women when filling the needs of a church back of faith.” home in Dallas, Texas. Kutz has now Emily created her blog for free using been designing for five years.

Blogspot. After her blog hit 10,000 “I started getting contract work views, she was asked by the site to allow about a year into it, and jobs just kept ads and has since made a profit. She can coming,” Kutz said. monitor her viewership by line graphs.

Kutz spent a few years after high In April she received 1,600 page views. school to sharpen his art skills before “I want to inspire my peers to live coming to ORU. life with pure, genuine inner joy and “From graphic design, photography beauty that comes from God,” Caflowed naturally, same with videogranavesio said. “I think beauty can change phy,” Kutz said. “Everything sharpens the world.” everything else. The more I improve You can visit Emily’s blog at in one area, the stronger another hushfashion.blogspot.com. becomes.” Kutz hopes to use his de-

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 9

MISSION FORWARD

By Meghan Drake The start of President William “Billy” Wilson’s term as ORU’s fourth president saw “globalization” become a new buzzword among faculty, students and alumni. But what exactly does having global vision mean?

“Globalization is the coming together of the world,” Wilson said in a recent interview. “Dividing lines between people groups are not as they used to be. The economies of the world are not as they used to be, and education is not as it used to be.”

The former ORU Board of Trustees vice-chair was inaugurated in a formal ceremony Friday afternoon in the Mabee Center. Wilson said technology, like cell phones and airplanes, has made the

world more accessible.

“Globalization is a process happening in the world, with or without ORU,” he said.

Wilson, along with the globalization task force, discussed implementing this process in seven steps to put the university on the global map by 2025.

These steps bring global focus on ORU’s campus through an emphasis on study abroad, expanded online and distance learning efforts and increased international student recruitment.

Members of the ORU faculty heard Wilson explain globalization goals at a forum earlier this month.

Rhonda Gallagher, assistant professor of communications, arts and media, attended the forum.

“Stretching ourselves in a more

global perspective is going to support [our efforts] on campus,” said Gallagher.

During the forum, Wilson said streaming lectures online is a way to showcase ORU through partnerships and contacts with educational institutions and churches all over the world.

“I want ORU not to be a university in Tulsa that reaches the world, but a global university that [happens to be] in Tulsa, Okla. There’s a definite difference in that,” he said.

The whole person curriculum will still be infused in the online class, with physical and spiritual components built into the curriculum.

A devotional and an exercise regimen could be next to a pending quiz, Wilson said.

Gallagher said this type of “intel-

lectual application of technology” is important in a college atmosphere where students frequent social media.

For Dr. William Collier, professor of chemistry, connecting with international professors is key to globalize ORU. “We can’t go out to the world until the world comes to us,” Collier said.

Collier had two sabbaticals overseas during his time at ORU, one through the Fulbright Program.

“ORU is one of those places that from the outside, people don’t [understand], but from the inside, everything opens up,” Collier said. “People realize how remarkable what we have is and want to take it back to their countries.”

This is Wilson’s hope.

“By 2025, ten years after our fiftieth anniversary, we will be able to have a vi-

able p Unive in the Sa puses eventu “W the th we jus calling missio Wilso

63 93 09 Oral Roberts

Elecetd President Investiture Last day as President Age 49, born 1918

Richard Roberts

11/1/63 Elected President 4/2/67 Investiture 1/27/93 Last day as President Age 45, born 1947

Mark Rutland

1/27/93 Elected President 5/1/93 Started 11/23/07 Investiture Age 62, born 1948

1/2 7/ 9/2

presence of Oral Roberts ersity on every continent e world,” Wilson said. atellite campuses or camwithin churches are an ual possibility.

We’re not sure of all hings that will happen, st know that God is g us to extend our on around the world,” on said.

28/09 /1/09 25/09

13 William Wilson

Elected President Started Investiture Age 54, Born 1958

1/28/09 7/1/13 9/20/13 Photo By: Austin St John Graphic by: Bruce Dixon

SPORTS

For coverage of last night’s game, go to oruoracle.com

@oruoraclesports

Seniors Laura Taylor (left) and Bruna Silva (right), who were both named to the SLC preseason team, are expected to lead their team both on the court and off.

‘POWERHOUSE’

By David Sauer ORU Volleyball is back and the Golden Eagles are off to an excellent start in pursuit of a Southland Conference Championship.

After a runner-up finish in last year’s conference tournament, the team is determined to finish the job they started last season.

“The mentality with my returning players is unfinished business,” said Sheera Sirola, head coach of the team.

“We are coming back strong. They are all playing for one thing, to win the conference this year and not get second.”

ORU is bringing back eight players from last year’s team, including seniors Bruna Silva, Jessica Pancratz, and Laura Taylor, who were all named to the Southland Conference preseason first team.

Silva led the conference in digs last year, averaging 5.66 per set, on her way to SLC Libero of the Year honors. Silva opened the season strong by earning SLC player of the week on September 9, for her excellent play at the UTEP Tournament.

Pancratz led the Southland Conference in blocks last year with 1.36 blocks per set.

Taylor, who was named a captain

ORU volleyball ready to claim Southland title

for this year’s squad, averaged almost 12 assists per game last year.

“She’s basically running the show,” Sirola said. “She’s the one that gets the ball. She’s the one that distributes the ball. She is the one that’s going to run the show and call the shots.”

Taylor comes into the season needing 1,039 assists to get her name in the ORU record books for the most career assists in school history. She comes into the season averaging over 967 per year.

Sirola said the preseason recognition is important to the team.

“It means [everything] to me, it means [everything] to the kids,” Sirola said. “They know that other teams actually acknowledge they’re good. We have a powerhouse coming back.”

The Golden Eagles added six new players during the offseason, including Sara Pope, a transfer from Albany who is originally from Jenks.

Pope made an impact right away for ORU during the TSU Invitational. The junior averaged over four and a half kills per set, on her way to SLC Player of the Week honors.

Sirola said that Pope is a great addition to the team.

“We have an additional person that is older that already knows the system;

12 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

that is comfortable with the players.

That is a big, big player coming in.”

ORU was picked to finish second in the conference in the Southland Conference Preseason Volleyball poll.

Sirola said that the ranking means the team needs to work harder and wait until the postseason to prove they can win the conference.

The Golden Eagles open their conference season by facing three new teams to the conference in their first three games.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Sirola said. “With new people in a conference you never know what to expect. They’re probably nervous just like we are.”

“No matter who they have we just have to play our game. And we have to basically cut down our errors and be consistent.”

ORU opened the season with two tournament wins. The first came at the TSU Invitational, where the team didn’t lose a set during the whole weekend.

The second was the El Paso Sports Commission Invitational, giving ORU two tournament wins in two weeks.

ORU split their two games in their third and final non-conference tournament, giving ORU an 8-2 going into their Southland Conference season.

Jessica Pancratz was one of the three ORU seniors to be named to the SLC preseason team.

Photos by Austin St. John

Freshman Nika Mostahinic is one of six new players on the team

For the love of the game: Caroline Arnould Walk-on sophomore makes good on opportunity

By Parrish Purnell Jr. Caroline Arnould understands what it means to be an underdog.

Arnould, a five-foot-eight sophomore from Tulsa, Okla., walked-on with the Golden Eagles in the spring of 2013. She made it her mission to get better, and fast.

“Basically all summer I lifted weights, did a lot of conditioning and played in open gym games with my teammates,” Arnould said. “I want to become a better player. I want to contribute as much as possible to help my team win.”

Arnould played high school volleyball right across the street from ORU at Victory Christian School.

She was a four-year letterman while leading Victory to regional championships and state tournament appearances every year.

She was honored to be named to the Tulsa World All-Metro Team and the OCA All-State Team as a senior. She also set school records for kills and blocks in a single season.

Naturally, after having such a successful career in high school, Arnould was ready to take her game to

the next level.

Her college debut came in a win against Southern University. She amassed four kills and recorded two solo blocks.

The Golden Eagles have been terrorizing their competition, their last win coming in the form of a 3-1 victory over High Point. Arnould has been able to make an impact in every game so far.

As a walk-on, Arnould’s life isn’t easy.

The walk-on lifestyle isn’t lavish. To remain a player, working hard is the only option.

Arnould would love to be placed on scholarship and knows that the only way to accomplish that goal is to work harder than anyone else.

Despite all that, Arnould is happy to be there.

“I love being on the team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play the sport I love at the division one level.”

Arnould’s goal is to improve as a player and significantly contribute to the team’s success.

Team goals for the season consist of winning a conference championship, and ultimately playing in the NCAA tournament against the other top college programs, the stage that every collegiate player dreams of performing on.

Photo by Austin St. John

Caroline Arnould is third on the team in kill percentage through ten matches

Not a sport? NASCAR begins Chase with controversy

By Jonathan DeFriess Most people will argue that NASCAR is not a sport.

Every year, the season begins with shouts of, “All they do is turn left!” “It’s so boring!” “There is no specific skill involved!” “It’s just entertainment!”

To start off, drivers don’t compete in just one series. Three quarters of the Sprint Cup Series drivers also race in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Some even participate in non-NASCAR associations.

Then there are the race teams that employ the drivers and members of the crews. These teams compete against one another, with major sponsor backing, all in hopes of winning the coveted Sprint Cup Championship.

NASCAR is a sport, and is now entering its championship series, its Finals, its World Series, its Masters, and its Stanley Cup Final. NASCAR is beginning the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only twelve drivers are usually able to achieve eligibility for the Chase.

NASCAR starts this year’s Chase with a lot of controversy coming in the final laps of the season’s final race before the Chase cutoff.

Near the end of the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Clint Bowyer, driver of the number 15 car, intentionally spun out to cause a caution. This gave drivers the opportunity to quickly visit the pit, adjust their cars, and utilize the restart to advance.

Ryan Newman, driver of the number 39 car, was leading before the intentional spinout, and thus would have made it into the twelfth and final spot in the chase. However, due to a slow pit stop, Newman lost multiple positions and could not recover to secure a spot in the Chase.

Although racing has its wrecks, Bowyer’s intentional actions caused Newman to fall out of the lead with seven laps left in the race, and enabled Bowyer’s teammate, Martin Truex Jr., to beat Newman out for the last spot in the Chase.

Because of Bowyers actions, NASCAR officials removed Truex from the chase and added Newman.

On top of Newman being added, NASCAR declared that the number 24 car of Jeff Gordon also had been a victim of the intentional spinout. Gordon fell out of position during the caution and missed the chase as a result..

The decision by NASCAR to place

Gordon in the Chase makes this the first Chase for the Cup ever with 13 eligible drivers to win it. It also makes for the most controversy NASCAR’s rulings have made.

Even though you may not watch NASCAR recreationally, at least now you know it is a sport. It utilizes a team to win an organized event, and, this year it even involves a little controversy.

Internet Photo

Clint Bowyer intentionally causes a caution during the Federated Auto Parts 400 to help his teammate make the chase.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 13

Sex, drugs and the fallout

THE SHOOTOUT

Sports Illustrated alleges foul play in OSU football program

By David Sauer The OSU Cowboys are reeling after Sports Illustrated (SI) released a five part series alleging rules violations by the football program.

The series, written by George Dohrmann and Thayer Evens, is based on a 10 month investigation into misconduct concerning money, academics, drugs and sex being offered to recruits.

The investigation quoted former players and anonymous sources on all four of the alleged issues.

Here’s what we know…

THE MONEY

In the first installment, SI claimed that OSU football players were being paid by coaches for performance, by boosters independent of play, and for jobs that required little or no work.

The article said that usually 15 to 20 players would receive payments in a year, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000.

The article quotes a former OSU player as saying that associate head coach Joe DeForest set rewards for special teams plays. DeForest said in the article that he “never paid a player for on-field performance.”

THE ACADEMICS

In the second installment, SI claims that 13 players admitted to academic misconduct and another 16 were said to have homework done for them between 2000 to 2011.

The article quotes former player Fath’ Carter as saying “The philosophy, the main focus [of the program], was to keep [the best players] eligible through any means necessary.”

In 2008, Dez Bryant received a second team academic All-Big 12 recognition. The article said former teammates and coaches “scoffed” at the idea that Bryant would be recognized for academics.

“You didn’t have no choice but to laugh at it,” Victor Johnson, a safety for OSU from 2008 to 2010, said in the article.

SI claims that Bryant had most of his work done for him. Bryant denies the allegations.

THE DRUGS

In the third installment, SI claims that OSU players were both using and dealing drugs saying that the team had on the roster, “an alleged or admitted drug dealer in 10 of the last 12 seasons.”

The article goes on to claim that coaches either encouraged or completely ignored the drug use.

Rob Glass, an assistant athletic director for speed, strength and conditioning, reportedly told a player multiple times “Hey, why don’t you come work out and then go hit your bong?” Glass claims he doesn’t remember saying that.

According to SI, OSU had a counseling program, referred to by players as the “weed circle.” Reserved for the top players, those who attended could continue to use marijuana without consequence.

THE SEX

OSU, like most programs, uses a hostess program to greet recruits when they come to visit the school.

Orange Pride, as it is referred to in Stillwater, is made up of female undergrad students whose job is to help with recruiting while a potential student-athlete visits campus.

Orange Pride, according to SI’s fourth installment of the series, did more than that. The article claims more than 12 players said members of the Orange Pride program engaged in

14 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

sexual relations with them and other prospects during recruiting visits.

None of the former players interviewed by SI knew if coaches directed members of Orange Pride to have relations with recruits, but they did sometimes determine which Orange Pride members were assigned to certain recruits. It was also alleged that former head coach Les Miles would interview potential candidates for the Orange Pride program before they were accepted.

THE FALLOUT

“I

t was crazy,” he says of the payouts to some of the most prominent players. “They were getting money like out of control. It was as clear as day.”

– Thomas Wright, DB 2002-2004

“T

The fifth and final installhe goal was not to educate, ment of the series talks but to get them the passing grades they about the impact the needed to keep playing. That’s the only thing it was about.”

OSU football pro– Fath’ Carter, Safety 2000-2003 gram has on its players. The investigation claims that the program only s long as you were performing cares about players if on the field, he could care less what you they make an impact did off the field.” on the field, and tells – Rodrick Johnson, DE 2004-2007 the story of mulon former head coach Les Miles tiple players who have had difficult lives after leaving he idea was to get [recruits] OSU. to think if they came [to OSU] it was What going to be like that all the time, with comes from all these girls wanting to have sex with the allegation you.” remains to – Artrell Woods, WR 2006-2008 be seen.

The NCAA will conam not aware of this ever duct an inhappening and am quite sure that no vestigation into staff member was aware of recruits the allegations. sleeping with this group of students or The question is whether any other students.” or not the accusations can – Les Miles Head Coach 2001-2004 be proven. OSU will conduct their own investigation as well.

The repercussions OSU could face Graphic By Matt Dean will likely make USC’s woes pale in comparison. As with all things legal, the Cowboys are innocent until proven guilty. Only time will tell what the final result will be.

“A

“T

“I

SCENE Philbrook brings art to urban Tulsa

By Chelsey Butler The classic Philbrook Museum of Art has been a popular off-campus getaway spot, but with a second location now open in downtown Tulsa, there is more for local residents to do and see.

The Philbrook Downtown, which has recently been converted from an old warehouse, opened on June 14.

Though the two related museums share the same name, they both have distinct art styles. While the Philbrook Museum of Art offers classic and Native American art, as well as a massive garden to peruse, the Philbrook Downtown has a more modern vibe with its collection of abstract sculpture and contemporary art.

“Our main goal with the new satellite space is to expand

the experience for our visitors.” said Online Communities Manager Jeff Martin.

Though seeming small outside, the downton gallery has two-story high ceilings and spacious floors.

The first floor is split into two sections: Native American art and modern art. The latter includes abstract art, pop art and a variety of sculptures.

The second floor is dedicated to Native American art and artifacts, such as woven baskets and articles of clothing.

This art collection originated from a split in the Eugene B. Adkins Collection and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum.

“With the Adkins Collection and our growing holdings of Modern and Contemporary Art, it was a great opportunity to take the Philbrook expe-

rience to a new level,” said Martin.

The opening of the Philbrook downtown campus didn’t happen overnight; it took much effort.

“The process of opening a new space such as Philbrook Downtown was a long and detailed process that spanned several years.” said Martin. “In that time, we were collecting new works, arranging significant loans and planning the curatorial needs for the new space.”

After taking time to celebrate thier grand accomplishment of opening a second campus, the Philbrook museum staff takes a chance to reflect.

“While we are always focused on the future, never more so than over the last year,” said

Martin, “it’s time to balance that with a glance back at our history.”

As a celebration for their 75th aniversary, they plan on opening a special exhibit, “Collective Future” at the main Philbrook campus. They also plan to arrange special festivities at both locations to honor those who made the forward progress of the Philbrook possible, and honor founder Waite Phillips.

“This will be a very exciting year for Tulsa and for Philbrook,” said Martin.

The Philbrook Downtown is located at 116 E. Brady St. and is open Wednesday through Saturday 12-7 and Sunday from 12-5. Admission is free for ORU students, though regular admission is $9.

Photo by Chelsey Butler

The Philbrook Downtown is located at 116 E. Brady St.

Elysium offers big thrills for action lovers

By Victoria Atterberry After producing the 2009 blockbuster “District 9,” Neill Blomkohp brings yet another entertaining science fiction drama to the big screen with his recent film, “Elysium”.

Set in the year of 2154, “Elysium” presents a surprisingly satisfying story of division and desperation. The main character, Max Da Costa, fights to bridge the gap between two worlds.

On Earth, intense poverty and illness are part of everyday life, while the floating world of Elysium offers perfection.

Struggling with a past that is pulling him in different directions, Max fights to survive in the midst of unbelievable odds and find a way to reach the untouchable, perfect world of Elysium.

Unshakeable friendships, dramatic battles, self-sacrifice and even a hint of romance are the aspects that bring reality and depth to this movie.

Internet Photo

In addition to its excellent storyline, “Elysium” also had an outstanding cast.

Matt Damon, star of the well-known “Jason Bourne” movies, fills the role of Max Da Costa as he draws the audience in with his desperate emotions and drastic measures. Award-winning actress Jodie Foster flawlessly portrays Delacourt Rhodes, a woman with an insatiable desire for power.

Even supporting cast members Alice Braga, who plays Max’s childhood friend, Frey, and Shanto Copley, who plays the psychotic and villainous Kruga, serve a big role and are excellent additions to the main cast.

Captivating from beginning to end, “Elysium” is an exciting drama with a great plot and cast. The film is well done with very few flaws. Moviegoers will enjoy watching this thrilling story unfold before their eyes, bringing them into a futuristic world of science fiction fantasy. This movie is great for those looking for intense action and thrills. Elysium will not disappoint.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 15

10 concerts to catch

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ to run Sept. 26-29 Top: Slater Ashenhurst, Zach Sherwood and David Anthony run through a scene.

Right: Anna Syptak, Caroline Sorunke and Natalie Spack at rehearsal.

Photos by Chandler Branzell

By Chelsey Butler The ORU Theatre department is starting out their 2013-2014 season with the classic Shakespeare show, “Much Ado About Nothing.”

This story follows the comedic love of two couples—Benedick and Beatrice and Claudio and Hero—and their adventures in courting.

“Much Ado About Nothing” has something for everyone: love, comedy, suspense and more.

“This show is a mix of new love, the revival of old love and a whole bunch of confusion along the way,” said Aly Reagan, a junior drama television film major, who plays Beatrice in the show. “The audience will love the wit and energy of the world of Shakespeare—and no one dies.”

Performances will be in Howard Auditorium Sept. 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 per student.

Monday, Oct. 14 Krewella Cain’s Ballroom $25 Advance / $31 Day of Show

Wednesday, Sept. 25 A Day To Remember with Pierce the Veil and All Time Low Tulsa Convention Center $37.50 Advance / $42 Day of Show

Friday, Oct. 18 Blue October Cain’s Ballroom $24 Advance / $28 Day of Show

Friday, Sept. 27 Steve Miller Band The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino $70 Advance/ $74 Day of Show Friday, Oct. 4 Blake Shelton BOK Center Ranging from $27.75-$52.75 Sunday, Oct. 6 Local Natives Cain’s Ballroom $17 Advance / $21 Day of Show

Pass the corndog

By Chelsey Butler Nothing marks the arrival of fall like the Tulsa State Fair, an annual event filled to the brim with delicious greasy food, gravity-defying rides and a variety of shows and events to catch.

The Tulsa State Fair runs from Sept.

26 to Oct. 6, and will feature some of the classic favorites, such as the livestock show, the wedding cake and sugar art competition, Disney On Ice and the two large Expo buildings filled with hundreds of independent vendors.

This year will include a plethora of

Sunday, Sept. 22 David Cook Cain’s Ballroom $19 Advance / $22 Day of Show

new events, such as a corndog eating contest and “The Corndog Classic,” a 5k costumed marathon.

There will be 11 musical acts performing at the fair. Admission to these concerts is free after a $10 dollar gate admission fee. These acts include large names, such as country star Lee Bryce, Disney Channel star Zendaya and classic rock group Kansas.

This yearly event is a great chance to get off campus, have a good time, and, like this year’s state fair slogan says, “Pass the Corndog.”

16 • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Thursday, Oct. 31 Coheed and Cambria Cain’s Ballroom $25 Advance / $29 Day of Sale Friday, Nov. 1 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ranging from $40-$50 Friday, Nov. 1 Relient K & Motion City Soundtrack Cain’s Ballroom $19 Advance / $23 Day of Show

Fair Hours: Thursday, Sept. 26 Friday & Saturday, Sept. 27 & 28 Sunday, Sept. 29 Monday, Sept. 30 - Thursday, Oct. 3 Friday & Saturday, Oct. 4 & 5 Sunday, Oct. 6

5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

11 a.m. - midnight 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

11 a.m. - midnight 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 26 Friday & Saturday, Sept. 27 & 28 Sunday, Sept. 29 Monday, Sept. 30 - Thursday, Oct. 3 Friday & Saturday, Oct. 4 & 5 Sunday, Oct. 6

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

11 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Expo Building Hours:

MUSE

Rhyme & Reason: Love unites

By Sarah Dinwiddie

Everyone knows about World War II. We’ve seen the grainy white on black film reels and heard the phonograph audio declaring war for the rights of man.

I never thought that I would see it so close.

Like a rain drop being sifted right through a pore in the skin of time and space, I was dropped unexpectedly at the feet of a stone tomb this summer, built to remember the American dead, covered in Belgian soil.

It’s called the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial, and it’s located near the Belgian-German border.

It was a temple to the god of freedom, surrounded by his many sacrifices.

When we left, our direction was border country.

As we drove, I saw graffiti written in Flemish for the first time. It was black, scribbled over the words of a Belgian street sign. I asked a local about it.

He explained, “This town is technically in Belgium, whose official language is French. The people living in that town are Flemish speaking.”

The whole country is currently experiencing tension between Flemish and French-speaking citizens.

The proposed reasons are the same there as they are everywhere: prejudice, mistrust, jealousy… though I cannot claim to know the whole story.

Petitions had failed them in changing the signs to Flemish, the primary language of the town’s occupants, simply because it wasn’t the official lan-

guage of the country.

In response, some frustrated locals had vandalized the street signs and written over them in their beloved language.

French and Flemish-speaking people believe in the rights of their own culture and language.

The earth that this town rests upon is an altar bowl which collected blood from thousands of dead Allies and Axis powers alike, so many years ago.

Upon hearing this explanation, I felt a numbing sensation.

Minutes before, I had been reading the story of different worlds uniting over this very soil, of French and Flemish, American and British, who believed in each other’s right to live free. I hoped it was true.

Now I beheld the flora grown from their dead flesh: disunity and closed ears.

I cannot speak to the rightness or inhumanness of war, or of different political philosophies; I haven’t got the wisdom. I can only observe real lives.

I’ve read that God allowed the possibility of sin because he placed so much value in freedom for mankind, arguing that freedom of choice created the choice to love freely—hence true love existing.

The history of our world or our religion often echo like the screams of innocent children, of soldiers, of Jesus himself, dying in an empty room.

Remembering these stories helps us to comprehend the cross—Christ’s and ours.

Just before his death, Christ prayed for unity in love among men; maybe day-by-day we will learn how to fight for love, and to honor this last request of a dying friend.

Taking time to remember America daily Editor’s note: Dr. Epperson is a professor of English.

By William Epperson Despite jeremiads decrying the moral decline of America, I remain both optimistic and hopeful about the health of our society.

In the 20th century, Americans made very significant progress toward realizing our ideal of equality of all persons under the law.

In 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s moral leadership of the civil rights movement in the 1960s led to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Racism and sexism still infect our culture, but today one rarely hears these attitudes expressed publically, or to an approving audience.

To appreciate the progress toward a just society we have made during the last five decades, we need only to see one of the fine films that testify to our history— the biographical film “42” revealed conditions when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in previously segregated professional sports.

“The Butler” and “The Help” each gave us pictures of what life was like for African-Americans prior to

the civil rights movement.

“Mississippi Burning” portrayed the violence that attended the early days of that movement, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showed how justice was seemingly unattainable in our courts when racial intolerance was the norm in areas of our nation.

I attended a Christian college in the South during my undergraduate years, a school where AfricanAmericans were not allowed to enroll and were not welcome at the worship services at the church that served the college.

I thought that to be un-Christian then, as I do now, but a few years ago my wife and I returned to that campus for a Homecoming reunion of her class.

We saw many African-Americans on campus, performing in a musical comedy production, playing on the football team and cheerleading.

That represents social progress that accords with the Christian view of human rights and dignity, and I thank God for that.

In many other areas we have a tradition of freedom that we must not take for granted.

The right to free speech, freedom of the press from government censorship, freedom to worship according to our faith and freedom from unjust imprisonment

form the foundation for the health of our society.

Awareness of other cultures’ limitations, which can be obtained most surely by living in one of them for an extended period, can stimulate fresh appreciation for the way our society deals with its citizens.

In many cultures, bribery and corruption are accepted ways of doing business.

Some cultures still demand arranged marriages, many have severe restrictions on the rights of women and many have politically and religiously biased justice systems.

I am proud of America and the progress we have made toward social justice.

I applaud that women can now become CEOs of major corporations, that African-Americans can aspire to high political office and that cultural diversity can be welcomed as enriching our society.

How should we remember America daily? I suggest by praying for our nation’s continuing progress toward its ideals. Pray for President Obama, for our congressmen, our governor and our mayor; become aware of and pray for the needs of other nations; and give thanks to God for the rights and freedoms available to us in our nation.

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Crisis in Syria Date Doctor: How does it affect me? The thirst is real Editor’s note: Dr. Libertus is an assistant professor of international relations

By Ruby Libertus

Horrific, tragic and heartbreaking are some of the words being used to describe what is going on in Syria.

With today’s interconnected world, we cannot ignore the terrific images of towns being leveled, children dying and people in the streets screaming, “United States help us. United Nations help us.”

After the Holocaust, the world community said, “Never again,” and we have had Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur since then.

Here we are again, faced with an ongoing genocide brought about with guns, bombs and chemical weapons.

It is sad that we, as a country, only take note of another country when the United States debates taking military action.

It would be refreshing if we were naturally interested and informed about our fascinating world, with countries rich in culture and history, other than when it is drummed up in the mainstream media.

The Syrian crisis is an extremely interesting and relevant international relations case to look at.

The crisis has many elements, and all require historical context.

Syria has an unnatural border created by a colonizing power, and various religions, ethnic and cultural conflicts.

There are tensions between Russia and the United States that may indirectly involve Israel and Iran.

A sectarian clash in Syria between Sunni and Shia members and radical elements in the opposition, such as Al Qaeda and Hezbollah add to the situation.

There are concerns of destabilization in neighboring countries, all while the

role of the United Nations is disputed.

Chemical weapons are present. The question of when and if the international community should intervene in the affairs of a sovereign nation remains debatable.

Syria is now requesting formal membership to The International Chemical Weapons Convention, an organization with the mission statement of elimating the production, acquisition, use and stockpiling of chemical weapons.

All of these elements are on top of the fact that this is the Middle-East, with all its complex culture, religion, economic and political environment.

The matter of when a US president can act militarily overseas without Congress and the War Powers Act remains disputed by a war-weary nation longing for diplomacy.

Some argue a preferable interest to focus and re-build America.

What we should find compelling and unforgivable is that if we fail to show we care on a human level.

With more than 93,000 dead and 2 million refugees, how can we idly stand by, especially as Christians?

Even if you consider the politics, one remembers the parable of the good Samaritan.

Reliable development organizations, many of which are Christian, have responded in compassion for the people in this tragic situation by doing important work.

We are planning to host an I AM SYRIA event on campus in October with World Compassion to show recent footage with information on how people are helping.

Please feel free to join us.

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By Caleb Koehler

Urban Dictionary states that to be thirsty is to be “too eager to get something.”

When applied to dating, this means that the “thirsty” party is craving attention— maybe even to an extreme.

Something about attending Oral Roberts University and hearing the phrase “ORU is meant for lovers” thrown around makes for a general atmosphere of thirsty people.

Just because you may meet your future spouse at college doesn’t mean you need to be too eager. Let them come to you.

Don’t go around obsessively searching for them, because then you will get a reputation.

Guys don’t like girls who hang all over every guy they see, and girls don’t like guys who follow them around like dogs.

Desperation is not attractive to either sex.

Just let each other breathe.

If you like a guy, don’t fall at his feet and beg for a single glance from him.

Don’t carry his stuff or follow him around everywhere.

Give him space; let him be who he is. If he likes you, then he will make efforts to hang out with you.

Don’t play games. No one wants to follow you around trying to figure out what mental traps you have set up.

Playing “hard to get” is never a good idea. A good guy will pursue you, but you don’t want him to go home and complain about how you are pushing him away.

People want to feel loved, not strung along.

If you like a girl, don’t fall all over her. Get to know her but don’t go throwing money around or begging her to hang out with you all the time.

Wasting all your time and money on someone you barely know shows obsession and will make things uncomfortable.

Sometimes being “committed” very quickly can seem cute or attractive, but that is rare.

You just can’t expect it to work for you.

In essence, this premature commitment is nothing but wanting a deeper relationship without first working for it.

Attempting a deep love too quickly is essentially desperation. It’s not noble or just something you do.

Nothing beats getting to know someone and emotionally growing closer to them. Savor the experience.

Wanting to move too quickly with anyone will leave you with little knowledge about them as a person.

Having said all of this, the backbone of everything in a relationship is to be yourself.

If you are a thirsty person, in general, you might have problems dating.

Finally, to all the guys: just ask her out.

Simply obsessing over whether or not someone likes you won’t cause the relationship to go anywhere.

Instead, get to know her, and then ask her out.

It doesn’t have to be on a serious date, but ask her to coffee and maybe a movie.

Guys worry about whether or not a girl likes them too much.

Asking them out is a simple way to get a “yes” or “no,” but guys are too scared to do it.

Instead of worrying about it, just do it.

The Syndicated Cynic

By Greg America Brown Quite frankly, I get tired of hearing about how terrible my generation is.

I want to bash my head with a brick every time someone says something about the increasingly depraved state of the world.

We are actually much closer to a utopia than ever before in the history of the human race.

Don’t get me wrong.

The world is still a violent place, but we are much less likely to die at the hands of another human being than any time prior to this.

I was recently listening to National Public Radio, as I do every day, when I heard this claim, and I could not believe

believe it.

This would go against everything I was taught about the state of our human existence.

After slapping a shocked look off of my face, I continued listening and researching, and I’m happy with what I discovered.

Joshua Goldstein, professor emeritus of international relations at American University, was speaking about “Talk of the Nation” that particular day on his book, “Winning the War on War.” He claimed the 1990s brought about double the amount of violence seen today.

He, along with Steven Pinker, a professor of psychology at Harvard University with his own book on the decline of violence, pointed out that the rate of violence in Europe has plummeted in recent times.

Even Africa has seen a decrease in regional conflict.

Simply said, we have a much smaller chance of being killed by people than those that lived in prehistoric times, biblical times, the Middle Ages or the 20th century.

It doesn’t stop with just death.

Smaller instances of violence, such as bullying, are at all-time lows and the advancement of technology and science, specifically where medicine is involved, is causing humanity to live longer and more comfortably than ever before.

Equality for all is on the rise. Things are actually getting better.

Even here in the United States, things are better than they have been in a very long time.

Last year, Gary LaFree, a criminology professor at the University of Maryland, told NBC this country is

experiencing the lowest crime levels since the end of World War II. The FBI’s database supports this, which probably sends a shock through many conservative Americans, who are still holding onto the idealistic vision of 1950s suburbia as a utopic America, where all was smiles and every door was left unlocked.

So, even though it is commonly spouted, especially in places like ORU, that the world, especially the United States, is going to hell in a hand basket at a much quicker rate than ever before, it’s safe to say that this isn’t the case.

We need to quit embracing the emotionally-charged argument that our planet is in the worst place it’s ever been, because, statistically speaking, the opposite seems to be true.

Our generation isn’t so bad after all.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 • 19

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