Sept 19, 2014 Print Edition by ORU Oracle

Oral Roberts University · September 19, 2014 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 48, No. 13 www.oruoracle.com

-Anna Syptak

“The Diary of Anne Frank” PAGES 10-11

Photo by Austin St. John

NEWS ORU welcomes new dean PAGE 3

SPORTS Students attend high school football games PAGE 12

FEATURES New worship album premieres at ORU PAGE 6

NEWS

Page 5 GM recalls over 780,000 compact cars

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PAGE 17

Artist’s Corner

FEATURE PAGE 6 ORU alumna Suzi Land performs her new album for students and teachers

SPORTS PAGE 12 Intramurals kicks off with football

News

ORU welcomes new dean of online learning Kristy Sturgill

Managing Editor

Sergio Matviuk, new online dean, begins his work to take ORU’s vision and philosophy onto an interactive online platform in an effort to push forward the global initiative. “The challenge of a quality online education today is finding how to make a more interactive online classroom,” said Matviuk. “How do we facilitate live connections and timely responses?” Matviuk received his doctorate online at Regent University in organizational leadership and has worked since then to make the experience better and more effective. Matviuk has a goal to grow ORU’s online program by 1,000 percent in five years. Currently, ORU has about 200 enrolled online students. Before 2020, the vision is to have 2,000 online students. “We anticipate a lot of growth, but we have to be cautious not to outgrow the systems in place. If we do not have a satisfying experience, a student is just two clicks away from enrolling in another school,” said Matviuk. While working on his doctorate he was a consultant and worked full-time. He understands that online students are vastly different than traditional on campus students, and therefore require a different educational experience. “Online students are generally a little older, over 25,” said Matviuk. “They have different expectations. Some have families and many have jobs. We have to fit that reality. How can they succeed?” Matviuk emphasizes online does not mean easier, and can be more difficult because it requires a great amount of self-discipline. He said many of his assignments and papers were completed in hotel rooms and on planes. He had to remain very organized to successfully complete all of the requirements. Matviuk said that online require-

Photo by Kristy Sturgill

Courtesy Photo

Dean of Distance and Online Lifelong Learning Sergio Matviuk assumed the university position Sept. 1. ments are very different, and over the next few months he has to navigate existing systems, determine what can be reworked for online integration and what new systems must be established. “We have to integrate financial aid, admissions and recruitment. Some systems can directly integrate while others require new processes,” said Matvuik. The new online platform will offer two formats: life-long learning and online school. Life-long learning is geared for professional development and to facilitate training in leadership and executive development. Online school is to help students who cannot make it to ORU’s campus. Professors and external experts will be conducting courses. However, online education requires a different role for classroom leaders.

“The role of the professor is a little different. The professor is the moderator, guide and supporter in online education,” said Matviuk. To help professors successfully host online students, the university created an instruction design team. The professor will play the role as content creator, and the team will help in the development of online curriculum. Matviuk diligently studies the best online practices and quality standards. ORU hopes to continue global growth with Matviuk’s knowledge and experience. “I am excited that Dr. Matviuk is joining our team and believe he will be a great addition as we look to broadening our presence globally,” said President William M. Wilson. “His longtime experience in online education and international affairs

“We are expanding ORU’s ministry. I can see it.” - Sergio Matviuk

will assist us in extending the mission and vision of ORU around the world.”

MATVIUK’S CREDENTIALS Executive Director of Global Affairs at Regent University Bachelor’s and master’s in Education, master’s in Church Ministries and doctorate in Organizational Leadership Led education programs in over 14 countries

Fluent in both English and Spanish

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 3

New vice president of development prepared for $50 million anniversary campaign Brooke Thomas Features Editor

A newly named vice president of development and alumni relations will start the position Oct. 1 with a hefty $50 million anniversary campaign. Laura Brash Bishop will start as the new VP of development and alumni relations, bringing experience in grantwriting and providing public relations for Fortune 500 companies. “Laura’s relational skills, experience and professionalism will serve our alumni and friends well,” President William M. Wilson said in a statement. “Her leadership in this new role will be paramount during the celebration of our 50th anniversary and as we launch our $50 million anniversary campaign.” Bishop, an ORU alumna, graduated in 1991 with her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational/Interpersonal Communications and a minor in Business Administration. Bishop will be returning to her alma mater in time to lend her expertise in launching the anniversary campaign for the 50th anniversary celebration.

“In terms of development, I will be dealing with raising the funding necessary to advance the university to the next level,” Bishop said. “Also, I will be involved with the Whole Person Scholarship, helping to ensure that students who need some support or some scholarships are able to get that spiritempowered education.” The $50 million anniversary campaign will entail raising money for the Quest Whole Person Scholarship, President Wilson’s global initiatives, technological enhancements and grounds improvements. Regardless of her title, Bishop is excited to be returning to ORU for the simple reason of being involved again with the community. “Once you are a part of the ORU family, you are always a part of the ORU family,” Bishop said. “I’m looking forward to being there for our alumni: to encourage them, to use business connections to network, to pray with them and to help them always be a part of the ORU community.” Bishop was the previous executive director of the National Christian

Foundation (NCF) of South Florida. NCF was ranked the 12th largest charity last year by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. NCF distributed their 4 billionth grant dollar to charities last year, according to their website. Before her position at NCF, she was development and communications director for both Habitat for Humanity of Broward and Westminster Academy, according to NCF’s website. She also was a radio talk-show host of “Homeroom” on GRACE FM. Her undergraduate career at ORU began with aspirations of being a nursing major, but after talking to a school counselor, she decided to study public relations, which led her to start her own PR firm that served Fortune 500 companies. “I fell in love with PR and couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” said Bishop. But her love for ORU embodied more than public relations and stretched to every major and how the university uses those majors in the real world. “I think there is something else that is really exciting too, and that is where it

talks about going into every man’s world,” she said. “It’s not just talking about geographically but going into the business world, the medical world, the legal world, because people need to know Jesus in all these different worlds.” Bishop has been married for more than 20 years to her husband, David. She currently has a daughter on campus at ORU. Bishop said she received her daughter’s blessing before making a final decision to move her family to Tulsa. With a $50 million campaign ready for her desk on Oct. 1, Bishop’s agenda is already full, but she is intent on sticking with other goals like relationships in the workplace. “I think there is real power when we collaborate and share stories. I love to have students working with me just to give a different perspective on what I am doing,” she said. “I think it is really important to constantly be learning from each other and hearing different perspectives and having a good time while you are doing it.”

Yale chaplain’s resignation reflects larger mainline tensions over Israel

Religious News Service When an Episcopal chaplain at Yale University seemed to suggest that Jews were culpable for Israel’s actions against Palestinians and a related rise in global anti-Semitism, his comments not only led to his resignation but rekindled a debate within mainline Protestant churches about how to respond to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a letter to The New York Times responding to an op-ed by Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt

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about rising European anti-Semitism, the Rev. Bruce Shipman wrote that “the best antidote to antiSemitism would be for Israel’s patrons abroad to press the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for final-status resolution to the Palestinian question.” Several readers interpreted Shipman’s letter as an attempt to hold all Jews across the globe responsible for the actions of the Israeli state. Less than two weeks later, on Sept. 4, he resigned his post in New Haven. While the Episcopal Church supports a two-state solution and advocates for peace and reconciliation between both sides, Shipman’s flareup reflects ongoing debate within several mainline denominations about divestment from Israel, sensitivities around anti-Semitism and uneasy attempts to strike a balance

Advocates for peace between Palestine and Israel within the Episcopal Church see a growing divide, said Linda Gaither of the Palestine Israel Network within the independent group Episcopal Peace Fellowship. “There’s a gap between the leadership of the church and networks within the church,” said Gaither, whose group has defended Shipman’s comments. “It is not anti-Semitism to raise the question of the actions of the state of Israel. We must differentiate between the need for all of us to stand firm against anti-Semitism (and) the need to continue the Episcopal Church’s stance against occupation.”

Finish the story online at oruoracle.com

GM switch recall impacts students Madison McDaniel Staff Writer

Sitting in Dr. Gillen’s principles of management class listening to highlights from the newspaper, ORU junior Siyana Checkanov found out she was one of thousands affected by a recent General Motors recall. In February, GM announced the recall of more than 780,000 compact cars due to a crumbling ignition switch that was shutting off engines without warning and causing a slew of accidents. The recall was announced nearly 10 years after GM had discovered the defect and seven years after people had died from the glitch. “Initially I was freaked out. All this time, one of those car accidents that are now a statistic could have been me. Thank God it wasn’t,” Checkanov said. “It kind of put me in this state of paranoid fear however. I kept thinking that every time I drove it, I would crash. I couldn’t just stop driving altogether or buy a new car.” The shock of the recall sent those affected not only into a financial tailspin but an emotional one as well. “Every time I would get into my car, I was always a little tense and would say a prayer before pulling out of the parking lot or driveway. I tried not to think about it because I would psych myself out,” Checkanov said. “I would always be on the lookout for an out in case my car’s engine failed like the ones in the paper.” The government has demanded further information from GM regarding the recall as more and more of its vehicles over the course of the last

Internet Photo

Attorney Ken Fienberg is responsible for handling the GM compensation fund. GM is seeking to pay damages to individuals and their families that were hurt or killed in ignition switch-related accidents. seven months are found to be the cause of several spectrum of the recall as more and more deaths are accidents. being linked to the faulty GM cars. GM is offering a $500 cash allowance toward Kenneth Feinberg is the attorney handling GM’s fixing the faulty switches for claims filed before April. compensation fund where it has set aside between Checkanov was not able to get another vehicle, and $400 million and $600 million to pay damages to the influx of recalled cars has created another traffic jam those hurt and killed because of the ignition switch at approved dealerships that can fix her ignition switch. recalls. “It took forever to get the dealership to fix it. I was Nineteen deaths have been linked to the defect so on a waiting list for at least two months. I felt like far, but GM has received 125 death claims and 320 the dealership should have given everyone waiting a claims regarding injuries. Thirty-one claims have been “loaner” car, although that would probably be next to deemed eligible for compensation up to this point. impossible,” Checkanov said. Federal officials are continuing to reveal the full

New concentration equips students for urban ministry Solomon Williams Staff Writer

The ORU Graduate Theology Department is approaching missions and ministry from a new angle. This semester marks the arrival of the urban ministries concentration under the Master of Arts Practical Theology program. The program is headed by Dr. James Barber and Dr. Raymond Smith. “There was a young lady from the Bahamas who studied missions but was really disappointed because she had not had one class on urban ministry,” Smith said. “That is when I thought, sweet mother of Pearl, you have got to be

kidding me.” Dr. Thomson Matthew, dean of graduate theology, is confident in those leading the new program. “I am passionate about this because these teachers have passion and Dr. Smith and Barber have gifts that complement each other,” Matthew said. Barber is an associate professor of practical theology; Smith serves as associate professor of missions. “We wanted to revive an old course from about four years ago called Ministry in the Urban Setting and Dr. Barber and I wanted to team teach it,” Smith said. “We prayed and realized it

could spread like wild fire and wanted to teach another one.” The pair wants students to understand that urban ministry, like ministry done overseas, is a form of mission work. “Dr. Barber and I have long said that if you are not going to go to North Tulsa, why are you going to go to North Africa,” Smith said. Joy Sakwe is the first and only student enrolled in the program. “These professors hammer on the fact that we have to see beyond culture,” Sawke said. “Emphasis is placed on building relationships no matter where

you find yourself and understanding that we are not out to force people to come to church but to show the love of God,” Sakwe said. The concentration includes classes such as Communicating Christ in Urban & Global Contexts while still providing common seminary classes such as Intro to Pastoral Care. “If you are thinking seriously about ministry in the 21st century, either take the degree or some courses because without some urban ministry knowledge and skills you will not be effective to the maximum,” Matthew said.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 5

FEATURES

“Oh what love” Alumna Suzi Land releases her first album Dominique Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Suzi Land used to perform on the chapel stage for friends and classmates. But this time, she looked to the audience of unfamiliar faces wondering if she was ready for this moment. Then she went for it. ORU alumna Suzi Land released her first album “Oh What Love” on Sunday, Sept. 7. She led campus worship, performing some of her songs for the student body and Tulsa community. Land, who began the creative process in January, faced many obstacles throughout the process of recording and releasing the album. “The week before the concerts was one of the most crazy weeks of my life,” she said. “Everything that could have fallen through did. I’m cautious about using the term ‘attacks of Satan,’ but it had to have been. I think he knew the impact the songs and concert would make. He tried so hard to [prevent it from happening].” Land’s final thought before performing was “am I ready for this?” “Everything fell through,” she said. “But God naturally put everything back together. It was a testament to everything. Nothing that I planned happened. Nothing. It was all the Lord’s planning. Which ended up being, of course, way better than what I had planned. That’s just the way that he works.” Land started writing music when she was young and always enjoyed the thought of releasing an album. “It was never something I thought would happen,” Land said. “It was a ‘yeah that will never happen’ kind of dream.” Land said things started coming together as she began writing. She described the process as organic. The album includes songs like “Saturate” and title track “Oh What Love.” Funding for this project primarily came from her own pocket. She also received support from her family and friends. Two separate people wrote her $1,000 checks. John Coggins produced the album and worked as the engineer. Jon Grogan provided the artwork for the project. “My favorite lyrics from the album is, ‘How can

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Photos by Nick Conroy

Above: Alumna Suzi Land returns to the stage where she once led worship. The ORU worship department hosted her during campus worship. Below: Guitarist and alumnus Brice Reheard helps lead worship during the release of Suzi Land’s first album “Come Like a Flood.” someone so unworthy be so worth it all?’” Land said. “I had this moment with the Lord when I was writing that song. I was thinking about all he’s done for me and how unworthy I am for what he’s done. And he said, ‘You’re worthy because I made you worthy. You see yourself unworthy, but I call you worthy.’” Land said this project taught her the importance of patience and creating the album pushed her to finish what she starts. “I learned the importance of developing the gifts that the Lord has given me,” Land said. “It’s my responsibility to do something with it. If I let it stay in my pocket, it’s not going to do anybody any good. I think that’s the biggest impact.” As a student at ORU, Land led worship during chapel and campus worship services. She also went on worship-oriented mission trips. “Those experiences were probably the most impacting for me,” Land said. “Most of the experience I gained came from the worship program rather than the coursework.” Land also contributed to the ORU worship album “Come Like a Flood,” writing “Rest in Your Presence,” and co-writing “Your Answer” with Israel Sierra. People can purchase Land’s album or find out more about the project at suzilandmusic.com.

It’s dance, dance Ron-volution Dominique Johnson Editor-in-Chief Ronald Parker won’t stop dancing in front of strangers. Last week, he found himself standing on a chair in Saga, performing ballet for a table full of students. Last week, Parker started Dance-aGrams, a fundraiser to help his friend. “My friend Kaylei Atchley is going to YWAM [Youth With a Mission] and she needs to raise money to get there,” Parker said. “I saw a need, and I met it.” Parker’s Dance-aGrams last for 30 seconds. He approaches people, introduces himself, plays Photo By Dominique Johnson a song and starts dancing. Ronald Parker dances in the Claudius lobby. His He’s danced to songs like unconventional fundraising method earned him “All About That Bass” and $80 in one day. “Single Ladies.” “I did the robot once, and I started throughout this whole process.” doing the tango with someone who was Atchley’s ultimate goal is $10,000. walking by,” Parker said. She just started fundraising and has Parker launched his fundraising on raised $800. She is also selling T-shirts Sept. 11. On his first day, he made $80. that read “Mona loves Kona,” depicting “I didn’t think people would take a rendered version of the “Mona Lisa” [the Dance-a-Grams] seriously,” said in Hawaii. Kaylei Atchley. ”I just thought it would Parker plans on continuing the be something funny that my friends Dance-a-Grams throughout the year. would do. When he called me and told “It’s just been fun,” he said. “Yes, it’s me he raised $80, the best thing I could about raising money for Kaylei. But just do was buy him a pumpkin pie.” making people laugh is what I love to do. Atchley will travel to Kona, Hawaii, [Dancing] really puts me outside of my next semester to be trained in YWAM’s comfort zone, and it’s great to live outside Discipleship Training Program. After the comfort zone.” three months of training, she will be placed in another country to do mission work. Visit oruoracle.com “I didn’t expect people to rally to see Ron-volution around me and support me the way they in action. have,” Atchley said. “I’ve expected this to be so hard, but I’ve had so much fun

Mr. ORU Nominees Kristy Sturgill Managing Editor ORU Student Association collected over 50 nominations via Twitter for the Mr. ORU competition, and the results are in. Polling ended Wednesday at midnight, and now the 10 guys with the most nominations will compete for the title of “whole man” on campus. The pageant portion of the competition will commence Sept. 24, and features “ the most eligible bachelors on campus,” according to “The Manifesto.”

The Twitter feed told no lies. Here’s your top 10 nomination-getters who will compete for the title: • Josh Nanna -@joshnanna • Justin Day – @i_Jday • Jack Lucido @JackLucido • Arvin Sepehr @ArvinSepehr • Nathan Roberts @naterzgonnanate • Michael Clayton@itsmikeclayton • Kitt Herron @KittHerron • Spencer Sheets @303_spence • Daniel Jones @danielLjones • Wesley Ahrens @wesmeister96

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 7

‘Diligent and hard-working’ 16-year-old student will be training Boy Scouts Valeria Hernandez Staff Writer

Walking in the midst of those who are older, Emily Goelzer, 16, doesn’t feel an age gap. For her, age is only a number. Goelzer doesn’t hesitate to share her ambitious dreams. Determination resonates in every word as she states that one day she will become president of the United States. Only after being a United Nations ambassador and a member of Congress. “My name means hard worker and diligent,” said Goelzer. “That’s who I am. God made me hard-working. He gave me this drive for working hard and striving after excellence. That’s honestly a God-given gift.” Goelzer started school a year younger than most, and she combined her junior and senior year of high school. Her academic progress was always at an accelerated rate, resulting in her attending college much earlier than normal. “I had no idea [I’d] be going to college at 16,” said Goelzer. “It was a shocker. My mom didn’t want to let go, but she knew that God wanted me here this year for a reason.” At 14 she joined the Boy Scouts Venturing Program. The program influenced Goelzer’s life through a series

of leadership and communication skills making her the owner of two medals. It was her participation in Boy Scouts that prepared her for an early college experience. “It was through Boy Scouts that I got my drive for creating a vision and going after it; setting goals,” said Goelzer. After being in the program for two years, Goelzer’s outstanding leadership abilities gave her the unexpected opportunity to train adult scout leaders in the Interamerican Leadership Training (ILT) held in Houston this September. “Deep down inside, I really wanted to be on staff, but I told no one,” said Goelzer. “I didn’t tell my parents, I didn’t tell my brothers, much less the youth leader of this course. They accepted me as staff. That was a good surprise.” While most girls celebrate their sweet sixteen, Goelzer is getting ready to train alongside 14 international scout leaders from the American continent. Fellow ILT staff member and Eagle Scout James Britt said Emily is prepared for the challenge despite her young age. “[Emily’s] age is not necessarily what we would consider normal,” said Britt. “She will quite possibly be the youngest in the training, as well as in the course; that means participants too.”

ORU FALL CAREER

FAIR Career Fair ORU’s 2014 Fall

Wednesday - September 24 | Noon - 3 p.m. LRC/GC 3rd Floor

Tips: - Bring networking cards and copies of your resume. - Dress professionally! - Look up which job/internship openings interest you. Research employers attending the Career Fair at

hireORUgrads.com

8 • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • THE ORACLE

Courtesy Photo

Goelzer has come a long way, and college is one more step in the process of achieving her dreams. Her character honors her boy scout nickname—“Falcon.” “[The nickname means] I soar high. I like the nickname and the meaning behind it. It empowers me to do more, to keep soaring high, to soar higher and to bring others up with me,”said Goelzer.

#ORUFROSH50

Geneoh Photography

‘Parties and events planned with ease’ Frosted Field Events brings custom concepts and personality to Tulsa weddings Madison McDaniel Staff Writer

“We walked on frosted fields of juniper and lamplight; I held your hand.” ORU alumna Hannah Ekblad and her husband Trent flipped through the pages of a Simon and Garfunkel song book as they searched for inspiration for their event coordinating company. The couple officially launched Frosted Fields Events, “parties and events planned with ease” in June. “I got into event coordinating at ORU through Student Association. I started my sophomore year and I was a social work major because I really wanted to help people,” Ekblad said. Ekblad began to realize that although she had a heart for helping people, she felt like her passions were directed elsewhere. She changed her

major to Organizational Intercommunications and began to focus on how she could bring her love of design and planning into her career. “I love community and parties because I feel like those are times when people just get together and learn about one another,” Ekblad said. “Really cool things happen when people gather and setting the atmosphere for that is so important. I have a total love for seeing things come together the way the person wants it to.” Ekblad got engaged during her junior year at ORU. She started working for a former florist design company in Tulsa while planning her own wedding. “I love doing weddings because I feel like every personality is unique. Everyone has different tastes and you’re working with so many personalities which I think

Trigger Happy Images

is really challenging but exciting,” she said. By her senior year Ekblad was married and began looking for a new way to expand her experience in the wedding industry. She and a few friends put on the bridal fair “Hello Lovely: An Indie Bridal Fair” as a senior project. “I really began to see a need for more of a hand-crafted wedding fair. I felt like the bridal shows were really boxy and ‘here’s some pipe and drape’ at a convention center. It just wasn’t me and when I went it didn’t make me excited about planning my wedding at all,” Ekblad said. Over 600 people and 50 vendors attended the showcase. “Basically we just wanted to showcase those more creative vendors in town and kind of attract that type of bride,” she said. The road to Frosted Fields allowed Ekblad to better fine-tune her own vision for her event company. “Event coordinators all have different styles and different tastes. There are

some brides with other styles but I really wanted to appeal to a bride that has more of an earthy and eclectic style.” Weddings of Tulsa, an almost yearround bridal show, has opened up the opportunity for Ekblad to showcase Frosted Fields Events with her own booth. “There are brides who want you to hold heir hand and go to every single vendor meeting and have a lot of communication opened up,” Ekblad said. “They might know kind of what they want, but they need to be talked through and have it pulled out of them, while other brides will come to the meeting with a binder and know what they want. Then there’s the bride who just needs the event planner the day of the wedding to make sure everything runs smoothly.” No matter what the need Frosted Fields Events seeks to honor what the bride and groom really want.

Koes Bong Photography

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 9

Anne Frank, 70 years later

TIMELINE JUNE 12

1929 Anne Frank is born in Frankfurt, Germany.

MAY 10

WINTER

1933

Adolf Hitler becomes the chancellor of Germany. The anti-Jewish laws are established in Germany.

1940 Nazi Germany invades the Netherlands.

JAN. 8

1941

Dutch Jews are forbidden to use public transportation.

JUNE 12

1942

Anne receives an autograph book as a gift. She decides to use it as a diary.

ORU Theatre performs “The Diary of Anne Frank” through Sunday. Show times are Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. in Howard Auditorium. Above: Ian Harrup, Taylor Davis, Slater Ashenhurst, Christine Beaser, Anna Syptak, Madison Cole and Victoria Glasner. Below: Garrek Reed portrays Otto Frank in the production. The play is directed by ORU Associate Professor Courtneay Sanders. Dominique Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Seventy years ago, Anne Frank wrote the last entry in her diary. Three days later, Nazis raided the secret annex hiding Anne’s family. The theater department will bring the story of this girl’s diary to life. “The Diary of Anne Frank” opened Thursday and will continue until Sunday. Drama, Television and Film junior Anna Syptak plays the role of Anne Frank, marking her first lead role in a production. “I think it’s a really valuable experience for people to see what it was like for the Franks and the Van Daans,” Syptak said. “This did happen. These are real people. If you don’t do something, history repeats itself.”

Play’s impact on cast and crew

The play has personally affected many of the cast and crew involved in the production. Junior Taylor Davis plays the role of Margot Frank. “The show has made a huge impact,”

Taylor Davis said. “It’s crazy to see how Jews were treated. It’s crazy how monstrous we can be towards other beings.” Taylor Davis said the play has opened her eyes to the dangers of bullying. “I know that (bullying) is on a small scale compared to the Holocaust,”Taylor Davis said. “But that’s how things like that start. It’s really encouraged me to start small. To cut things at the very beginning so they don’t grow into huge monstrous things.” Director and professor Courtneay Sanders started researching for the play last April. “The ORU audience will really enjoy it,” Sanders said. “It’s really relevant to what’s happening today. It’s a beautiful piece. It’s going to touch a lot of people.”

A play full of hope

Cast members researched the Holocaust to better understand their characters. “We’re not playing this as if the Holocaust has happened, and we’re already dead,” Syptak said. “We’re playing this as if we’re expecting to get through the war. We’re expecting to be rescued and

Photos by Austin St. John

ORU Theatre’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” continues through Sunday. Photos top left and clockwise: Anna Syptak; Syptak and Garrek Reed; Justin Rose, Gary Varner and Quentin Harrup

A family connection

liberated. It’s a play full of hope.” Syptak prepared for her first lead role by reading Anne’s diary and researching her life. “I’m nervous, but I’m super excited,” she said. “I’m most happy to be working with this amazing cast.” The cast and crew have practiced every weeknight for the past five weeks. Syptac said being involved in such a heavy play has been “really hard at times.” “Sometimes you go home, and it’s

hard to get your head around the fact that you’re Anne Frank,” Syptak said. “But it’s also been really good. We got to go the Holocaust museum as a cast, and we really learned so much info about what it was like. Our tour guide was a Holocaust survivor. He doesn’t blame any one person. He blames apathy. I think this play is a call for people to stand up for what’s right, to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves and to defeat apathy.”

Crewmember Gloria Davis read the diary of Anne Frank when she was younger. “Anne Frank has always been an impact to me,” Gloria Davis said. “I was raised an agnostic Jew. I’ve had family that went through the Holocaust.” Two of her family members died while in concentration camps Auschwitz and Dachau. “Being a part of this touches something deep in me,” she said. “These actors are playing it so well. It brings tears. I think anyone who comes to see this will be impacted, for the better. People need to wake up. If we don’t learn from history, we do repeat it. That’s been proven time and time again.” For Gloria Davis, the play has a

deep, personal connection. “It’s hard [to watch the play],” she said. “And being a part of it is hard in some aspects. But it’s also fulfilling. It takes me back to that time with my family.” Gloria Davis said she needs to keep this part of history forefront in her mind. “People need to remember that it happened. People died. Not just adults but children.” Garrek Reed plays Otto Frank, Anne’s father. He hopes people see the truth in this play. “I really hope people enjoy it and understand how real this was,” Reed said. “That’s what the play does. Rather than just reading it in a history book, you’re experiencing it.”

AUG. 1

1944 Anne makes the final entry in her diary.

JULY 5

1942 Anne’s older sister Margot receives deportation orders to a forced labor camp. The Franks go into hiding in a place referenced as the “secret annex” in Anne’s diary.

AUG. 4

1944

1945

The German Secret Police arrest the residents of the “secret annex” and take them to Westbork Transit Camp for hard labor.

Anne Frank dies of typhus at the Bergen-Belson concentration camp at age 15.

SUMMER

MARCH

1947

1500 copies of Anne’s diary are published in the Netherlands.

Anne Frank, 70 years later

TIMELINE JUNE 12

1929 Anne Frank is born in Frankfurt, Germany.

MAY 10

WINTER

1933

Adolf Hitler becomes the chancellor of Germany. The anti-Jewish laws are established in Germany.

1940 Nazi Germany invades the Netherlands.

JAN. 8

1941

Dutch Jews are forbidden to use public transportation.

JUNE 12

1942

Anne receives an autograph book as a gift. She decides to use it as a diary.

Play’s impact on cast and crew

The play has personally affected many of the cast and crew involved in the production. Junior Taylor Davis plays the role of Margot Frank. “The show has made a huge impact,”

A play full of hope

Photos by Austin St. John

ORU Theatre’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” continues through Sunday. Photos top left and clockwise: Anna Syptak; Syptak and Garrek Reed; Justin Rose, Gary Varner and Quentin Harrup

A family connection

AUG. 1

1944 Anne makes the final entry in her diary.

JULY 5

1942 Anne’s older sister Margot receives deportation orders to a forced labor camp. The Franks go into hiding in a place referenced as the “secret annex” in Anne’s diary.

AUG. 4

1944

1945

The German Secret Police arrest the residents of the “secret annex” and take them to Westbork Transit Camp for hard labor.

Anne Frank dies of typhus at the Bergen-Belson concentration camp at age 15.

SUMMER

MARCH

1947

1500 copies of Anne’s diary are published in the Netherlands.

SPORTS

@oruoraclesports

ORU Football Survival Guide David Sauer Sports Writer

Football has returned to college campuses across the US, but not to ORU. Students will have to go elsewhere to get their football fix, and for those starving for football, have no fear, Tulsa is a great place for fans looking for a game to watch. When it comes to high school football, Tulsa has options galore. Look no further than Tulsa’s two biggest high schools. Every year, Jenks and Union boast the best football talent in the city. Close behind them are the Bixby Spartans and the Broken Arrow Tigers. All four have great stadiums, and will give fans high-level football to enjoy. Anytime two of these schools play each other it’s must-see football. Add in the high school atmosphere, a trip to the concession stand and the crisp fall weather and you have something out of “Friday Night Lights” for less than $10. For those used to small school football, Tulsa has plenty of options as well. Victory Christian and Lincoln Christian are both 3A schools that have great atmospheres. Their smaller size doesn’t mean they don’t field good football teams to watch. The University of Tulsa provides Division I college football if high school football isn’t enough. TU isn’t the most talented team in the nation, and their schedule isn’t the most exciting, but tickets are reasonable for students. An endzone seat will cost you $15. If you’re one of the many broke college students out there, there are still options. The Hammer Center screens every Thursday night NFL game of the season on the big screen. Several of the games on the schedule are classic division rivalries like the Vikings v. Packers, Jets v. Patriots, Chargers v. Broncos and the Saints v. Panthers. Many of these games should be the most entertaining football we see all year in the NFL. No matter what style, level or type of football fix you may be searching for, it’s well within your reach even at ORU.

In case you missed it: Union wins Backyard Bowl Ryan Woods Sports Writer

Union High School faced off against cross-town rival Jenks High School Friday in the ninth consecutive MidFirst Backyard Bowl ending in a Union victory. Playing at The University of Tulsa’s Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, Union defeated Jenks with a final score of 24-13. The Union Redskins dominated the trenches in the second

half. They were able to keep momentum on their side and put the game away in a second half that only saw six total points scored between the two teams. “Play after play after play they continued to play with a lot of effort and a lot of toughness,” Union coach Kirk Fridrich said. “We know we’re going to be tested and we look forward to seeing how our kids improve and we’ll put it out on the field again next Friday night.”

Photos by Austin St. John

Union defeated Jenks 24-13 thanks to two first-half interceptions by Union’s Tre Brown and quarterback Mason Farquhar’s 157 yards and one touchdown passing and 16 carries for 117 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

12 • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • THE ORACLE

Courtesy Photo

Left to right: Parker Dolezal, Anthony Skirk, Scott Newell, Will Paulsell, Trevor Torgerson and assistant coach Ben Belfield accept the trophy after winning the Derek Dolenc SIUE Invitational in Edwardsville, Illinios. It was the first team victory for men’s golf since the 2010 Summit League Championship.

Newell leads Golden Eagles to one-stroke victory David Sauer Sports Editor

The ORU men’s golf team put themselves back in the spotlight last week with a victory at the Derek Dolenc SIUE Invitational tournament. “It was nice to be relevant again,” said Assistant Coach Ben Belfield. “We’ve kind of talked over the previous few weeks about just restoring some pride in the program. First tournament in, it was really nice to be in that position.” ORU won the tournament with a three round score of 879, only one shot better than Missouri State and UT Martin who tied for second at 880. “We knew it was going to be pretty close coming down to the end so every stroke mattered. It’s a great start to the year,” said senior Scott Newell. “It’s nice to be able to get the ORU golf program back to where we would like it to be. Hopefully that will build more confidence and lead to more victories.” The victory was the first tournament win for the men’s golf team since the 2010 Summit League Championship and the first non-conference win since the 2006 Mean Green Classic.

Newell finished third overall at two under par. Parker Dolezal finished at three over and 10th on the leaderboard. “In all honesty we didn’t play that great,” Belfield said. “It’s a good sign that we’re able to not play our best or, in my opinion, near our best and still find a way to get the result we wanted.” The ability to grind through stretches of sub-par performance during a tournament proved paramount to the Golden Eagles’ success in the Dolenc Invitational. Dolezal sees something different in the way his team goes about their business. “I think if we put the work in, the sky’s the limit,” Dolezal said. “In the past year, I just don’t think we prepared as well. This year we are all pretty set on making the most out of our talents and seeing what we can do out there.” The Golden Eagles knew they were going to place in the top two, but they had to wait to see if they had been edged out. “We thought we had gotten it done but we didn’t know for sure until the final score was written,” Dolezal said. “It was a little bit of relief but at the same time just pure excitement and joy. The first team win in four years

allowed players to taste victory for the first time in their collegiate careers. “It was exciting,” Newell said. “I

haven’t been a part of a winning team here at ORU. It was the first victory for us in some time. It was a good feeling.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 13

Photos by Audrey Gray

CAPTION!

Whole person on quest to become ironman New HPE class prepares students for triathalons Solomon Williams Sports Writer

The infamous Ironman Triathlon combines a 2.4-mile swim, a 120-mile bike tour and 26.2 mile marathon on foot. The physical, mental and emotional endurance required to compete in the event draws athletes from all over the world to prove their determination. A class of ORU students meet every Monday and Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m. for a new triathlon training class instructed by Eric Hudgens. Students realize the demand of commitment and discipline that comes with being enrolled in the class but say they are really enjoying it. For David Bedinghaus, waking up for the class is like a dream come true. “Picture being in the middle of an epic dream – and then your phone starts to play epic music. You realize that you are no longer in your dream, but that’s okay because now you get to live it,” said Bedinghaus.

Sophomore Peyton Luke started running 5k races last year. She didn’t hestitate to participate in the class. “Last semester, I heard that ORU might start a triathlon HPE. I hoped it was true,” Luke said. “I was really excited, because I already wanted to start training on my own for a triathlon anyway. It was perfect timing.” The students are enjoying the carryover the class has in their daily lives. “After each class, you feel a sense of accomplishment and have a major metabolic and endorphin boost. It’s a great way to start the day,” Luke said. The class, like the triathlon itself, is not for the faint of heart, but it benefits the determined. “I felt prepared until I realized we had to do a 500m swim the second day. My answer was ‘YOLO’ [You Only Live Once],” Bedinghaus said. “Triathlon training keeps me accountable and the discipline that it demands is good structure for my life.”

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Photos by Audrey Gray

Top left: Students Bethany Mueller and Alyson Stoner warm up on the track. Top Right: Peyton Luke stretches before her workout during triathalon class. Right center: Students prepare on the excercise bikes in the AC. Right bottom: Sophomore Peyton Luke runs during triathlon HPE class. Professor Eric Hudgens believes the class develops determination to make an impact. “A lot of these students are pretty committed people,” said

Hudgens.”They’ve bought into the mind, body, spirit and the idea of developing their bodies physically and developing a temple that can be an impact on the earth a lot longer than just in their 40s.”

Not quite Division I

Intramural season kicks off with football rivalries renewed Kaylin Thompson Staff Writer

As intramurals last month, students have taken advantage of the opportunity to play football. “The games are extremely competitive. Even in B league, everyone wants to win,” said junior TJ McCarthy. “All the teams really want to beat Young Blood because of their history of winning.” Preparation for the games resembles the quiet before a storm. TJ McCarthy of team Blitz describes his experiences. Many teams hold several practices each week. “Before the games we warm up, stretch, prepare ourselves mentally to play and relax to be ready,” said McCarthy. McCarthy said the games can get “pretty physical.” “Although no one should end up on the ground, you don’t see a play go by where someone doesn’t. It’s physical, but

it’s fun,” said McCarthy. As in every sport, athletes are at risk of possible injury. “Sometimes the games get really intense. Two guys on my floor got injuries. One of them collided with another person on the field and had to get stitches on his forehead from being cut with a tooth,” said sophomore Alex Bradt. “Another player actually lost a tooth. He was defending for another person on the team when a guy hit him so hard that his teeth all got pushed back into his mouth. He got braces in his teeth to keep them in place now.” 12 teams will compete in Tuesday’s upcoming games. Catch the ORU spirit and come out to show your support.

Photos by Frank Whitaker

Top right: Adison Maddux runs the ball for Flint during their first intramural football game against Goodfellas. Bottom right: Players from Goodfellas huddle before a play.

Volleyball to play TU after three match skid Parrish Purnell Jr. Sports Writer

The ORU volleyball team will try to break a three match losing streak when they travel across town to take on the University of Tulsa tonight at the Reynolds Center. The Golden Eagles started with a 5-3 record, boasting wins against top seeded and nationally ranked teams Pepperdine, Milwaukee and Arkansas. “Its always a great accomplishment when you beat a ranked team, but its just another game. We can’t get the big head,” Head Coach Sheera Sirola said about the team’s early success. The Golden Eagles placed fifth in the Summit League Preseason Coaches Poll, but exceeded those expectations early on. “Since we’re playing so well at the beginning of the season, expectations for the rest of the year will be raised; I see this team exceeding those expectations,” said team captain Sara Pope.

Pope is the only returning senior on the team. While earning Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year honors in 2013, Pope led the team in kills with 3.65 per set. Pope is the team captain and the clear floor leader. All eyes are on her to see if she can lead a young team to success. “Sara has been a leader on and off the court since she got here,” Sirola said. “Once a leader, always a leader.” The captain’s seniority was on display in the match against Arkansas when she had the game-winning kill. “We got the win; that’s most important to me,” Pope said. “Individual accolades will come, but the team goals come first.” Pope may be the clear-cut leader on the floor but freshman Laura Milos has been making a name for herself. After amassing 63 kills in three matches at the Pepperdine Tournament, Milos was named to the Pepperdine Asics Classic All-Tournament Team,

and received Summit League Offensive Player of the week. “Im very excited about Laura,” said Sirola. “I knew she was good when we recruited her. She's been a great asset to the team.” Since the victory against Arkansas, the Golden Eagles cooled off significantly losing three matches in a row. Despite poor play recently, Sirola is encouraged heading in to the weekend matches at TU. Freshman Lucija Bojanjac is replacing one of the best volleyball players in ORU history, Laura Taylor. The big shoes seem to be fitting more comfortably for Bojanjac as she has continued to improve since the start of the season. During the last tourney, she amassed 46 assists and 15 digs, and leads the team with over 10 assists per game. The match with TU will begin at 7 p.m. at the Reynolds Center. The Golden Eagles will begin league play Sept. 26 against South Dakota State.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 15

SCENE

“When the Game Stands Tall” brings enriching story of triumph Victoria Atterberry Scene Editor

Nobody will forget the classic football rallying cry from “Remember the Titans”: “We are the Titans, the mighty, mighty Titans.” In a similar fashion, a new football movie, “When the Game Stands Tall,” pushes the audience to stand erect when times get tough, just like the Titans got the audience singing when racial tensions proved steep. Bringing powerful lessons of strength and courage, “When the Game Stands Tall” has joined the list of movies that have used a sport to powerfully move the audience. Based on the true story of high school football team De La Salle Spartans, “When the Game Stands Tall” presents the personal story of the team that had the best winning streak in American sports history. The Spartans had a reputation for one thing: 151-game winning streak. The De La Salle Spartans have always worked as a well-oiled machine, but life’s struggles begin to interfere with team chemistry and performance.

Loss, illness, fear and failure are just a few struggles that fall on the Spartans.It seems as if the Spartans will never be the same. In a final attempt to mend his broken team, Coach Bob Ladoucer, played by Jim Caviezel, pushes past his own challenges to lift up his team and give them reason to show others the heart of the game. Caviezel, known for his major role as Jesus in the “Passion of the Christ,” plays the team’s calm, cool and collected head coach well. Ladoucer focuses on teaching his team that football is just a game, and the moral values of humility, love and sacrifice are what truly matter. Many times it is difficult to capture the realness of true events on the big screen. However, Director Thomas Carter has put together a well-rounded movie. “When the Game Stands Tall” presents well done game scenes, helping the audience feel as if they were really at a football game. With authentic, passionate acting and a hint of religious themes, one can’t help but to find inspiration in their fight. Four stars for creatively uplifting, “When the Game Stands Tall.”

Internet Photo

Lecrae anything but an “Anomaly” on the iTunes charts Solomon Williams Staff Writer

On Sept. 9, 2014 Grammy award winning artist Lecrae, released his highly anticipated album “Anomaly”. The album has lived up to the awaited success, charting at #2 and #1 on the Billboard charts. The album was only behind One Direction’s “Four” on the iTunes top overall albums chart and #1 overall for Hip Hop and R&B albums. “Anomaly” marks as the seventh project released by Lecrae. Anticipation behind the record gradually rose as the third single, “All I Need Is You” charted at number one on the iTunes top songs chart. The song surpassed the likes of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Jessie J’s “Bang Bang.” Landing the number one overall spot made Lecrae the first artist within Christian Hip Hop to ever have a song chart at number one on iTunes.

The project also has the hit singles, “Nuthin” and “Fear” which both made the top 10 overall songs when released on iTunes. The album continues the mainstream sound Lecrae seems to have been aiming for since his classic mix tape from 2012, “Church Clothes” vol. 1. With features like Kari Jobe, Andy Mineo and Crystal Nicole, “Anomaly” has appeal to music fans of all variety. Songs like “Welcome to America,” “Runners” and “Timepiece,” provide crafty lyrics and bass lines for hip-hop fans, while “Messengers,” “Broken” and “All I Need Is You” is easy on the listener, great for radio and appealing to the ladies. From a statistical standpoint, Lecrae seems to be succeeding at his attempt to infiltrate the mainstream music culture with his faith, a goal that he has made known for several times since 2012 with his variety of musical

16 • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • THE ORACLE

collaborations. “Christian is my faith,” Lecrae said on BET’s 106 & Park, “not my genre.” Regardless of your musical preference, “Anomaly” is sure to have something for everyone. Lecrae has now worked with the likes of Big KRIT, Isaac Carree, Don Cannon, Mary Mary,

Paul Wall and B.O.B. Lecrae’s new album is released on the brink of “The Anomaly Tour.” The tour will feature DJ Promote, Andy Mineo, and other special guests based upon locations. The tour kicks off Oct. 2 in Tulsa at the BOK Center at 7pm.

Internet Photo

Improv act brings big laughs JJ Johnson News Editor

A new brand of funny has come to the Blue Dome District. Crayons Improv takes over the backroom stage of “The Comedy Parlor” downtown every Friday night and does what they do best. “I think we strike a really cool balance. We are pretty theatrical and we strive to play to the top of our intelligence. We do very smart comedy,” Crayons cast member Anna Bennett said. The one-hour show consists of shortform improvisation, the same type of comedy seen on the hit show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The five member cast plays games with names like “Twitter Surfing,” an original improv game based entirely on crowd recommendations.

The concept is simple. Members of the audience are asked for their names and three personal qualities. The talent on stage invents Twitter profiles on the spot and calls out their every tweetable thought over the reaction of the crowd. The desired result? Laughter. And lots of it. “If you can make somebody, you know, kind of pee their pants a little bit – you have something special,” ORU alumnus, Tony Schneider said. “The best experience I can have is when I have an audience and they are listening, they’re active, they’re giving you feedback; they’re involved.” Crayons was formed in 2007 by ORU alumna Nicole Miller. She is one of three ORU alumni on the team.

Artist’s corner: Jonathan Harper Staff Writer

If you want to check out Jonathan’s music you can follow him on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/j-harp

Parlor asked us to be weekly.” Crayons performs for anybody who walks in the door. It is not unusual to see young children, college hipsters and elderly patrons sitting in the same row. The diverse audiences create an environment where anything can happen. Schneider remembers the time a young man called to ask for a special favor. He was planning to ask his girlfriend to marry him. They hatched a plan to disguise the proposal as a part of the show. “It was a yes. It was a definite yes,” said Schneider. “The audience went pretty crazy.” Crayons performs tonight at 7 p.m. at the Comedy Parlor on 1st and Elgin. Tickets are $5.

Jonathan’s 10 tips for breaking into the music industry

Ann Chinworth Jonathan Harper sings and plays a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, drums and ukulele. He performs solo or with his sisters at local restaurants, hotels, festivals, cafes and anywhere else wanting to showcase his tunes. “When I go back home to Michigan for breaks, my two younger sisters and I perform a wide genre of music in a diverse range of venues,” Harper said. “We try to hook people in with secular tunes that they know and follow up with a couple of jazzed up hymns to get the gospel out there.” The piece Harper is most proud of is a song he wrote for his future wife, “Til She’s Here.” “Abstinence is a virtue that seems to be lost in our generation, so I felt led to make a public stand for it,” says Harper. The Lord really gave me this song. I can’t take any credit for it.”

“It came as basically a church function,” Miller said. “We just got together and created this.” Crayons is comprised of two drama teachers, a journalist, a therapist and a combustion engineer. For all the variety, the performers share one important trait; they all call Tulsa home. “There is definitely an awareness of keeping things local,” Bennett said. “There is not a lot of supply, and we are hoping to grow the demand.” The comics spent six years doing bimonthly shows at Agora Coffee and made the rounds at international festivals, private parties, ORU College Weekend and a baby shower. “Crayons’ audience was getting pretty big,” Miller said. “The Comedy

2 3 4 5

“Practice. A lot. And then PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.

Use your youth and (in the most appropriate way possible) good looks while ya still (have them). Seriously. People want to support young and fresh musicians. Sell yourself. Every single music gig I obtained, I had to walk into the business and sell myself to the owner, in person. An email can only go so far. They want confidence, but not some cocky punk. Be polite, but politely brag at the same time. Bring a demo CD of your best stuff and a flyer describing what you do. Even if they’re not a music venue, you can make them one! Learn the oldies. Beatles, Elvis, Sinatra, the list could go on. Our generation doesn’t have money yet. The older generations do, so that’s where the majority of the tips are going to come from.

6 7 8 9 10

Be friendly. Introduce yourself. Talk to people. Make each song personal. For example, “This next song goes out to everyone who likes ice cream, because this song reminds me of ice cream.” (I never said it had to make sense.)

Learn covers. I know it’s not “original” or whatever, but people want to hear songs that they know. Only play an original if you have a REALLY good story behind it. Remember to give all glory to God. In the good times, the bad, He’s the one that gave you this gift.

TITHE. Even on tips. It’s all God’s, and He will bless you more because of it, anyways.

Tell people how they can follow you. Whether by Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, etc., people will want to support you.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 17

MUSE

According to Jade: Fall Fashion trends Jade Schroder Contributor

Fall is the season that girls anticipate, plan for, and eagerly await all year because of one thing fall fashion. Fall turns the pages of style bringing in big comfy knits, long flowy angel-like fabrics, and layers, layers, layers (amen?). This fall/winter season has some exciting new styles for the ladies (and men) to keep their eye on. Let’s get started. To begin with, 60’s “mods” are coming right back to the forefront of fashion this fall. A full array of fun prints and feminine structures from this rad era are making a strong comeback. Fashion fanatics are instantly taken back decades with funky vintage prints, bright colors, and baby-doll silhouettes. From old-school mini skirts and trapeze dresses, to patent leather knee high boots and wide legged pants, 2014 fall fashion has some crazy fun pieces to play with. The 60’s vibe is

sweeping the fashion world, and it seems to be a big hit. Those looking to try this trend can visit Etsy.com or a local thrift store for some fun vintage knits. Now, ladies, be glad because the ohso-ever adored oversized trend is sticking around (as if you were going to get rid of your oversized flannels and knits anyway.) However, this year has a twist. Head-to-toe knits are taking over. This means the oversized chunky knit is no longer solely for sweaters, but dresses and pants as well (what?). Designer Marc Jacobs includes large chunky knit pants in their fall collections this year. Those bold enough to try this trend may get some odd stares, but hey, if you like it, rock it. Or maybe not. Both ladies and men will also want to keep their eyes out for rad statement coats this season. From eccentric, colorful, oversized furs and ¾-length coats, to men’s overcoats with a feminine twist, the coat “game” this fall is really stepping up. (Hint, hint: ¾ length “robe-like” menswear inspired coats are sure to be campus hits.) Make way for the gold rush again. Gold is coming back, from gold accents to full on gold-coated jackets. Gold and

Photo by Austin St. John PR student Jade Schroder runs a fashion blog and keeps with seasonal trends. other metallic fabrics splashed the fall/ winter runways this year. Saint Laurent, Prada, Chloe, and Moschino are some designers who joined the rush. The sportswear trend is here to stay for a bit longer, too. Dresses made of fleece and mesh are sticking around in stores, showing that “sportswear glam” is still in swing. Also, according to elle.com, designers have declared sneakers as the footwear of the moment. Yay! We’ve all seen the Nikes paired with classier pieces like dresses, sweaters and blazers, but there are endless ways to rock a pair of sick kicks with

fashion-forward pieces. Other hot styles to try this fall include black and white monochrome prints, ponchos, the color blue, shearling knits, big collars, fairytale-esk vibes, dark gothic-inspired feathers, and brimming cowboy-inspired hats. And boys, according to GQ, “if you’re going to invest in one item this fall, make it a felt fedora.” That’s about it, folks! Praise the Lord for fall weather and new clothes. Trend report over and out.

International Column Valeria Hernandez Staff Writer

“Why did you come to ORU?” It is potentially the toughest question for an international student to answer. Condensing one of the most crucial decisions a student has ever made into a simple response is a true challenge. There are over 70 countries represented at ORU. It is safe to assume there are a large variety of stories on how each student found ORU. The answer is simple, yet complicated—we had enough godly confirmation to leave home.

18 • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • THE ORACLE

When we tell family and friends about going abroad to attend college, their minds instantly think of an Ivy League school. Then they find out you’re moving to “the state above Texas,” to a city where the only existing skyscraper is across the street from campus. Apparently, my friends and family were not the only ones stunned by my decision to travel to this specific private school. As I was getting my student visa documentation checked in south Texas by the Department of Homeland Security, the officer interviewing me could not help but ask, “why Tulsa?” The officer was intrigued, waiting for my answer. I had no explanation for him other than God was calling me to ORU. Not only did the officer question my decision to move to Tulsa, but also advised me to “stay in Texas.”

Something I have found out during my time abroad is the fact people cannot seem to avoid asking if ORU is worth all the trouble. My answer; yes, ORU is worth every ounce of effort. Getting accepted to ORU is not the main challenge for international students. It comes after receiving the acceptance letter. Visa applications and travel details mean stepping out of every comfort zone. For many international students, getting here was a long journey that tested character in unimaginable ways. ORU means so much because the process starts long before our first footsteps are taken on campus. Why we choose ORU is the big question. Never in a million years did I think I would be here. Each one of us has a purpose and a specific calling, and for some reason, we could not escape it.

Five common misconceptions about girl gamers Cassandra Scott Contributor

It’s not every day that you come across a girl who likes to play video games more than she likes to shop or take selfies for her multiple social media accounts. Girl gamers are a rare breed, and whilst there are only a precious few, people still seem to come up with ways to categorize us. Here are five commonly misconstrued ideas about gamer girls:

1. We don’t exist.

It is true: girl gamers are extremely

uncommon. But I guarantee if you walk down the halls of ORU, you will see one of us wearing some sort of gamer merch. I often frequent the halls sporting my Legend of Zelda and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag paraphernalia.

2. We game because we want a guy’s attention.

First off, this is extremely heteronormative. While it is true that most game developers are not thinking of women when they sit down to plan their next game, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t just as interested in the new Assassin’s Creed game than any other fanatic. Sometimes we are even more worked up about it than guys are (take me, for instance. Bring on Unity!). Secondly, there is obviously no logical thought process behind

it. I don’t spend my entire weekend levelling up my Skyrim character to help me impress a guy, especially if I spend all that time on the off-chance that he might pay attention to me.

3. We only play certain genres. Girls are not limited to The Sims and silly iPhone apps. I am living proof that girls enjoy various platforms. From Runescape, a classic MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game), to The Legend of Zelda, a fantastically-crafted adventure series by Nintendo, I am completely obsessed.

4. We have pink gaming gear.

This is just all around insulting. No self-respecting gamer girl would ever buy a pink controller or a pink anything for that matter.

5. We can’t possibly be any good at the games we play because we’re girls.

There are several girls in my acquaintance that could whip anyone in a good match of Modern Warfare 3, regardless of their gender. I’m not saying we are good at every single game that has ever existed, but I am saying that you can’t base someone’s skill level on what their sex is. So now, armed with your new-found knowledge about the female gaming population, go out and find a girl who loves Black-Ops 2: Zombies just as much as you do, and either meet a great friend, or your future spouse.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sep. 19, 2014 • 19

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