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‘You really miss the connection’ OU community expresses concerns, hope as university prepares for return to in-person classes at full capacity amid strong vaccine rollout
RYAN POLK @ryanpolkou
OU faculty and students shared their concerns and readiness to return to campus following an announcement sent by OU President Joseph Harroz discussing the university’s plans for the fall 2021 semester. On March 2, OU President Joseph Harroz announced the university’s plans to resume in-person courses at full capacity for the fall 2021 semester. According to the announcement, the decision is being guided by advice from OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler and was made possible by OU’s vaccination efforts. According to OU’s COVID-19 dashboard, 5,715 vaccination series have been completed by OU Health Services at this time. According to the announcement, the university will still monitor COVID-19 infections in Oklahoma, “ensuring that all appropriate health and safety measures are in place.” “We know that this will be an adjustment for many, and many of our return efforts remain a work in progress,” Harroz wrote in the announcement. “We will communicate additional updates for our summer and fall operations in the coming weeks and months.” OU anthropology professor Tassie Hirschfeld said she has yet to hear from the university regarding further information about the fall semester. Hirschfeld said she has rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, and recognizes both benefits and drawbacks in returning to in-person courses. “The isolation of being home all the time is one source of stress, but the risks of being around people is another. I’m very comfortable and familiar with the isolation stress, and so the people stress will be something different that I’ll sort of have to figure out as I go,” Hirschfeld said. Hirschfeld said she feels uncomfortable being indoors with others who are unmasked. If there
WELCOME FALL ‘21
GRAPHIC BY ALAYNA WELDON/THE DAILY
are no new COVID-19 cases on campus or in Oklahoma after the fall semester begins, though, she said she would feel comfortable going maskless in the future. OU communications freshman Claire Grace said she is unconcerned about campus returning to full capacity if masking requirements are enforced in classrooms. Grace has health concerns, including asthma, a vitamin D deficiency and a blood type that is suspected to be highly susceptible to COVID-19. She decided to live at Cross apartments during her freshman year, rather than the traditional dorms. “I do feel comfortable with being in-person, but as long as ... we stay vigilant with masking and with social distancing. Without that I would not feel comfortable,” Grace said. Even if the university does not require masks, Grace said she will be wearing one. OU Director of Media Relations Kesha Keith wrote in an emailthere has yet to be a decision made on whether a campus-wide mask mandate will continue through the fall semester. “The university will seek the counsel of our health professionals, including (Dr. Bratzler), and
consider current CDC guidelines to determine safety protocols for the fall,” Keith said in the email. OU meteorology junior April Allen said she believes the university made the announcement too soon, considering the existence of multiple virus variants. Allen, who is registered with the OU Accessibility and Disability Resource Center and works in a pharmacy retail store that performs COVID-19 testing, said she is currently enrolled in online classes to reduce the exposure she could bring to campus or work. Allen said she also feels concerned for those who are immunocompromised or need accommodations and wonders if Zoom will still be provided to those students. “I would love to see a more systematic approach from the university. … Just offer more options to everyone, regardless of whether they’re registered with the (ADRC). Not everyone can get the documentation — some people can’t even afford health insurance.” Keith wrote in the email students who want a fully online or remote schedule will need to discuss it with their advisors. “For fall 2021, there will be
more online and remote courses available than were available prior to COVID-19,” Keith wrote. “The availability of an all-online or remote schedule will be dependent on the student’s required courses and available online and remote courses in their area of study.” Allen said she feels masking enforcement has been “lacking” at OU, and she is scared many people won’t be getting the COVID19 vaccine. OU professor of history and women’s and gender studies Sandie Holguin said she would like to see vaccinations being enforced at a university level, where students, faculty and staff are required to provide documentation of their vaccination. According to an Apr. 11 NPR article, some universities are requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2021 fall semester, including Rutgers and Duke universities. OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler said, in a previous interview, it’s unlikely OU will require COVID-19 vaccinations. It is possible some university-sponsored activities like studying abroad will require vaccination. Joyce Coleman, OU Rudolph C. Bambas professor of medieval English literature and culture
and director of the Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies, said she feels comfortable with campus plans for the fall and thinks the campus vaccination program has been good. If given the option to teach online, Coleman said she would rather teach in person. “You really miss the connection,” Coleman said. “The atmosphere of people together trying to learn, trying to discuss (and) understand things.” For instructors who do wish to teach online for the upcoming session and semester, Keith wrote faculty can request an online or remote format for the summer and fall with their chairs and directors. “The goal is to offer most classes in an in-person or blended format,” Keith wrote in the email. According to Harroz’s announcement, the university is remaining optimistic toward the fall 2021 semester but is still encouraging everyone to continue taking proper COVID-19 precautions. “To help us keep making strides forward, we urge you to continue practicing healthy behaviors, including masking, frequent hand washing, and social distancing; to get vaccinated when you are eligible; and to keep supporting one another through this challenge,” Harroz wrote in the announcement. Hirschfeld is also encouraging the OU community to stay vigilant during this time. “So far, at least the students I’ve interacted with, are being very conscientious and very thoughtful about protecting themselves and protecting each other, and I just hope that that goes forward because I don’t think we’re quite out of the woods yet,” Hirschfeld said. “So, I just want to encourage everybody to hang on. I know everybody’s tired of it, but I just encourage people to hang on a little longer, and hopefully, we can really start to put this behind us.” ryan.e.polk-1@ou.edu
Adult businesses find growth, support Owners see success despite challenges posed by pandemic SAM TOMPKINS @samanthatonkins
Despite social media rumors, Suger’s on Campus Corner is not closing — it just changed ownership. “It was literally turnkey,” said Elizabeth Shuler, the club’s new proprietor. “We took over that morning and (were) prepared to open that weekend.” Shuler began operating the club in September 2020. However, a month later, a tweet from Twitter account @SugersNorman claimed the business would be closing. “Remember us … Tell our story through your memories … and through your memories we will live on. Goodbye friends,” the tweet read. Shuler said the account is not associated with the club and that Suger’s never discussed closing. “We just think maybe an OU kid … created a Suger’s account because if you look at it, it’s pretty inactive of an account,” Shuler said. “And it goes back pretty far with just random tweets that make no sense to the business.” The tweet gained popularity though, and Shuler said the club was “bombarded” with phone
SHELBY REASOR/THE DAILY
The alley on Campus Corner where Suger’s is located on April 15.
calls from people wanting to commemorate the business. “It made us realize how much of an impact Suger’s has had in Norman, on Campus Corner,” Shuler said. “We started getting phone calls from so many states away saying, ‘We hear you guys are closing. How do I buy a shirt?’ ‘How do I buy a bumper sticker?’ ‘Like, when’s the last day so I can come in before it’s closed?’” Shuler said the overwhelming support shocked her, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Local adult businesses such as Suger’s and Adam & Eve on Main Street have adjusted operations to follow COVID-19 guidelines and keep customers safe. And, despite the pandemic, these businesses have seen a steady flow of customers and support from the Norman community. Suger’s has made several adjustments to follow COVID-19 guidelines. There are fewer tables on the floor to allow for social
distancing and hand sanitation stations spread throughout the club. “That is the utmost importance, that not only our staff feels, but that our customers feel safe as well,” Shuler said. Shuler said the business has had “ebbs and flows” during the pandemic. Governor Stitt’s November 2020 executive order, which forced bars to close at 11 p.m., hit Suger’s hard, as the club does 70 percent of its business after 11 p.m., Shuler said. “It was hindering to our revenue, but we’re past it,” Shuler said. “We’re back open again — full hours.” In addition to these pandemic changes, Shuler has also worked to modernize the club, bringing the drinks menu and the decor up to date. “We just wanted to breathe life into it,” Shuler said. Shuler said she was glad to be able to keep the business
women-operated, and said it provides a sense of “security and safety” for the workers. “(Employees) were able to feel safer working in an environment to advance whatever they’re doing,” Shuler said. “A lot of these kids are going to college too, and they just felt safer that it’s working under a woman.” Suger’s is a staple of the OU community, and Shuler said she has not had any problems with negative feedback since she took over. “It’s like it’s tradition. If you’re going to go to OU, you will go to Suger’s. … Everybody I’ve met has to have that experience, girls and guys,” Shuler said. “One friend leads to the next friend that says, ‘I celebrated my birthday here.’ ‘I turned 21 here.’ ‘I celebrated my anniversary here.’ ‘We celebrated college exams here.’” Other adult-oriented businesses in Norman have also been impacted by the pandemic in surprising ways. Lennox and Andrew RyersonGonzalez are the owners of Adam & Eve on Main Street and another location in north Oklahoma City. Lennox said they got involved with the Adam & Eve franchise seven years ago. After moving to Oklahoma from Arizona, Lennox said the adult stores were smaller and more conservative than he was used to. “Everything magazine-wise
had little stickers covering privates,” Lennox said. “You couldn’t display anything that was phallic shaped or anything like that. It seemed like everything in the stores were just pretty much basic, and the people behind the counter just didn’t have any interest in educating the consumer when they were purchasing a product.” Lennox said he wanted to open a store that could work to negate the stigma surrounding adult stores while also providing a level of sexual education for its customers, and the Adam & Eve business model reflected the kind of store he wanted to run. At the start of the pandemic, the Norman location was closed for a month due to the city mandate, but the store in Oklahoma City remained open. Andrew said there was confusion as to whether the store qualified as an essential business. “I’m going to say that we are essential, but there’s definitely things about what we do that are probably not essential, Andrew said. “But certainly, I feel like we proved that we are essential as time went on.” Lennox said the store saw a “dramatic increase” in customers. At first, they assumed the increase was due to other stores not being open, but even after the mandates were lifted, business did not slow see ADULT page 2
CULTURE
May 11-May 17, 2021 •
ADULT: continued from page 1
“As the case counts went down in the summer, business continued to be very strong,” Andrew said. “So we saw, every month, month after month, ... our revenues were very high, higher than they’ve ever been, that included the third wave of the pandemic on into the holiday season.” Now, Lennox attributes the increase to the disruption of people’s routines. Before the pandemic, everyone’s day was very structured, and people had something to do every minute, which led to them often neglecting sexual desire, Lennox said. “We’ve become the society that, when it comes to that, it’s instantaneous,” Lennox said. “We just go online, we find our favorite site where we can find porn to consume, and we have pretty much just carved out just a tiny little sliver of our time for that really important aspect of our brain, which is sexual satisfaction.” However, with the pandemic changing people’s daily lives, Lennox said there’s more time for couples to have conversations about their wants and desires and to “expand (their) horizons when it comes to sex.” These conversations and personal reflections have led to people coming into the store and being more open with what they are looking for, Lennox said. “People have had these conversations that they’ve been meaning to have forever, and now they have the time to do it, and they’re coming in and buying and experimenting, asking the questions like never before,” Lennox said. The increased revenue allowed Andrew and Lennox to expand the business. Andrew said they’ve taken around half of their recent profits
and channeled them into employee benefits, starting a (401)k program for all employees and giving full-time workers medical, dental, vision and life insurance. There was also a pay increase for all employees. “We need to make sure that our employees and all our future employees are also taken care of in that process as well,” Andrew said. “So that’s what we did with a pandemic.” Andrew and Lennox are also planning on opening a third store in the area. Despite this unexpected revenue, Andrew said the store experienced difficulty stocking products, as the pandemic has caused problems at various stages in the supply chain. The store did not want to compromise quality. “There are times where we have just been out of certain types of products,” Andrew said. “And we could get something, but if the quality wasn’t correct, or we didn’t feel the product was up to the standards, we would not allow it to be in the community, at least as far as being sold from our stores.” Andrew said the pandemic brought many “unseen landmines” that forced the store to adapt and overcome. “It’s very strange to think that we could be so fortunate to have such good revenue and yet be facing so many simultaneous challenges and difficulties,” Andrew said. “I don’t have a frame of reference for it. … I think that if it were any one challenge, we could easily face it. But I think that we probably faced easily 10 years of challenges in the past year alone.” Lennox said Adam & Eve has taken several precautions to protect customers from COVID-19. “We protect ourselves, our employees and the families of those who come shop with us,” Lennox said. “It’s not for us to debate policies or science or anything like that. We are just doing our due diligence to make sure that
everybody that comes into our building is protected.” Testers, which used to be out on the floor for customers to see and touch, are now in the back, and employees can bring out a tester for a customer to see. They are then sanitized when the customer leaves. The store has shields in front of the registers, hand sanitizer by the door and social distancing markers on the floor. It is also limiting capacity, but Lennox said that
want to make sure that all of our employees are able to speak with some knowledge behind (them).” Adam & Eve also partners with OU adjunct professor Terry Dennison as a field trip for his Human Sexuality II classes. Each semester, students can visit the store and ask questions. Dennison said the Human Sexuality I class is an introduction to human sexuality, providing an educational background about sexuality,
SHELBY REASOR/THE DAILY
The Adam & Eve storefront on Main Street on April 15.
normally is not an issue. “ It ’s not a Walmar t,” Lennox said. “You don’t have people rushing in here. Probably at the most, you’ll have a good seven people in the store at one time.” Customers are also encouraged to ask questions and have a “consultation style” interaction with employees. “We’re kind of like your Google,” Lennox said. “We’re not loyal to any of these companies — we are loyal to the customer. You can ask us any question, and we’re going to tell you if it does or does not do what you as the consumer are looking for.” Lennox said each employee is certified to talk about sexual health and complete a 16-part series to better help customers. “They’re certified to do that so that way they have a foundation to be able to speak about these topics beyond the basics,” Lennox said. “I
whereas Human Sexuality II is geared toward people’s feelings about sexuality. “We work to try to get people to be sensitive about the experiences of others,” Dennison said. “A lot of our students are planning to go into the health field, and so, I want to enable them to talk to patients about sex, to answer questions about sexuality, whether it’s emotional health or physical health.” The field trip to Adam & Eve was designed to allow students to see the diversity of human sexuality in a realworld setting as well as removing the negative stigma associated with it. “I wanted folks to be comfortable with some of the things that are out there, that can help couples, that can help individuals, regardless of orientation, regardless of gender identity, regardless of ability,” Dennison said. “I wanted people to get kind of familiar with some of the
things that were out there and then also comfortable and not feel like it’s icky or dirty, or that there’s something wrong with it.” Before visiting the store, students can submit questions anonymously that the owners of Adam & Eve will answer during the field trip. “They get to ask anything and everything,” Lennox said. “They ask things about relationships or things about the store, funny stories, sad stories, triumphs, failures — it’s all over the gamut.” Dennison said if students are uncomfortable and would prefer not to go, he has alternative assignments, but most students end up participating. “I’ve had a few people who were kind of hesitant at first but then, by the time we were finished, they had learned so much and were so thankful that they had had the opportunity to go on that field trip that I’ve continued to do it each year,” Dennison said. Since classes have been online during the pandemic, Dennison said the field trip takes place virtually, with the owners of Adam & Eve recording themselves answering the questions and providing a virtual tour of the store. “Even if the students don’t get to actually be there as a group, they can get an idea of what’s there and get their questions answered and have an opportunity to see what the store looks like,” Dennison said. “And then, if they want to do any more exploration after that, of course they can always do that on their own.” Andrew said the Adam & Eve store on Main Street has a good relationship with the Norman community, both with the leaders of the city and with the public. When an anti-abortion group began protesting when the shop first opened, Lennox said the city advocated for their business. “We’re pretty proud to say that when we came into the neighborhood, Norman
actually received us with open arms,” Lennox said. Andrew said the store tries to be “good stewards in the community.” Unlike many adult businesses who black out their front windows, Andrew said the store displays merchandise you’d expect to see walking through a mall, like lingerie. “It shouldn’t matter what your political ideology is or if you have somebody that is under 18 on a sidewalk, it’s OK. You don’t have to come into the store,” Andrew said. “But we’re also saying that we’re not hiding what we do or who we are. And we feel that’s important. We’re just trying to normalize that, at the end of the day, there’s nothing to be hidden here.” Lennox also said the store works to beautify Norman by having students and local artists paint murals along the back alley of the store, and it is now a popular spot for photos. “It kind of made our alleyway a destination for people who were coming to town,” Lennox said. Adam & Eve has been called “one of the anchors of Main Street” by leaders of the community, Andrew said. “Main Street is a wonderful place,” Andrew said. “There is an eclectic, amazing bunch of people here. … If we can have events here, and you can bring a family out, and they can go through the streets here and the alleys and feel safe, and feel like there’s something for everybody, that’s what community is.” Lennox said Adam & Eve is an important element of the community and is committed to continue serving Norman. “We’re not just an adult store who is just here to sell dildos, so to speak, but we are very much involved with our community, helping in any way that we can to make people’s lives a little bit better,” Lennox said. samantha.tonkins@ou.edu
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IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
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SPORTS
May 11 - May 17, 2021 •
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Former Sooners face arrest warrants Bridges, McGowan see felony charges after alleged robbery
assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The filings come one day after O k l a h o ma h e a d c o a c h Lincoln Riley announced he dismissed both players from the team. L at e Ap r i l 1 5 at t h e Crimson Park apartments, Bridges, McGowan and another unidentified suspect allegedly robbed a man who refused to sell marijuana to McGowan. The victim alleged Bridges threatened to kill him after hitting him with a gun. Jewelry, marijuana, high-dollar shoes and cash are among other items allegedly stolen by Bridges,
MASON YOUNG
@Mason_Young_0
Felony arrest warrants for former OU wide receiver Trejan Bridges and running back Seth McGowan were filed in Cleveland County on Friday, as first reported by The Norman Transcript’s Joe Buettner. According to records obtained by The Transcript, McGowan and Bridges are being charged with counts of robbery, conspiracy, and
McGowan and their accomplice, according to the filings obtained by The Transcript. McGowan reportedly entered the NC AA Transfer Portal on April 29, while Bridges was in the process of being evicted from his apartment at the Cottages of Norman for firearm possession and other violations of his lease. According to court documents filed Tuesday, the Cottages of Norman revoked its lawsuit against Bridges. mason.e.young-1@ou.edu
JACKSON STEWART/THE DAILY
Then-freshman wide receiver Trejan Bridges celebrates a touchdown during the game against Iowa State on Nov. 9, 2019.
Riley emphasizes hard work over rankings Sooners ‘confident’ in return to normal travel, play
“ P re s ea s o n ra n ki ng s are completely meaningless,” Riley said. “It’s about t h e w o r k t h a t y o u d o. Appreciate that some people out there have respect for our team and the guys coming back. But, we have pretty high expectations within these walls, and we got a lot of work to do to be able to have a chance to meet them.” Riley said he doesn’t think he’s had a deeper roster at OU than the one he has now. Every position seems to have a player or two with big-game experience, Riley said, and the team isn’t lacking strong leaders. More than anything, Riley’s ready to get this season underway. “A lot of guys here just want to find any and every way that they can to contribute,” Riley said. “That’s a great start, and they do seem to really enjoy working together, kind of pushing each other. So, there’s a good vibe about the bunch right now. … We’ve challenged them, and not every moment’s been perfect by any stretch, but they’ve been a fun group to coach so far.”
MASON YOUNG & CHANDLER ENGELBRECHT & AUSTIN CURTRIGHT @Mason_Young_0, @ctengelbrecht, @AustinCurtright
Entering his fifth year as the Sooners’ head coach, Lincoln Riley expressed confidence that the 2021 season will be more normal than 2020 as COVID-19 cases decline. Here are three takeaways from what’s likely Riley’s last media appearance until summer Big 12 Media Days: ESPN POWER RANKINGS
Despite the Sooners coming in at No. 1 in ESPN’s Top 25 post-spring power rankings on May 4, Riley believes his 2021 team still has a long way to go. As spring practice comes to a close and summer nears, Riley said there are still a lot of questions remaining for Oklahoma. Riley said he wants to see his group grow more consistently to ensure it can reach its full potential. Being ESPN’s top-ranked team reflects such potential, but Riley said the Sooners still aren’t satisfied.
ROSTER CHANGES
Even after its April 24 spring game, Oklahoma’s roster continues to evolve. P r i o r t o t h e c o nt e s t,
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Previous Solution
Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
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OU football head coach Lincoln Riley during practice March 24.
sixth-year senior receiver Obi Obialo disappeared from OU’s online roster. Obialo played in just two games during the 2020 season due to an undisclosed injury and didn’t register any catches after transferring from Marshall. Riley confirmed Thursday that Obialo has decided to retire from football. “Obi came to us maybe midway through the spring semester and told us that his career may be coming to a close, and made the decision to leave the program,” Riley said. “My understanding at that point, and I don’t believe anything has changed, is that he was
ready to hang up his cleats and move on to the next phase of his life. “(I) hate that things didn’t work out better for him. It’s one of those things that, especially with the injuries, never really timed out, but he was a really good kid here. I wish him the best as he jumps into the next chapter of his life.” Riley also announced Thursday that redshirt senior walk-on wide receiver Colt Atkinson has been placed on scholarship. Atkinson has appeared in just one game for the Sooners in two seasons since transferring from Trinity Valley Community
HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last
Copyright 2020, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Let your intuition lead the way. You cannot stop change, but you can make the most out of whatever comes your way. A philosophical mindset, dedication and discipline will help you conquer whatever you choose to pursue. Take physical action, and turn your passion into something tangible. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -A change of plans will turn out to be in your favor. Take the plunge and work to make your life better. Figure out how to improve your qualifications to raise your earning potential. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Distance yourself from obsessive or indulgent individuals. Focus on what you want to achieve, and don’t stop until you are happy with the results. Honor your promises. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You’ll receive help if you ask for it. Share your ideas with someone who can help you implement them. An investment or joint venture looks promising, as long as you don’t go over budget. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Emotions will escalate quickly. Avoid making rash decisions without thinking matters through. Take a step back and rethink what’s transpired before you do something you’ll regret. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -You’ll pick up valuable information that will change the way you do things. Let your intuition be your guide when dealing with someone or something that concerns you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Focus on learning. Live within your means while working to stabilize your personal or professional life. Self-improvement and diversifying what you have to offer will pay off. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Uncertainty will mess with your mind. Keep the big picture in mind. You have more going for you than you realize. Put together a plan, use your charm and make things happen. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Put more time and effort into your relationships, and share your intentions openly and honestly. Confront anyone who is causing confusion or sending mixed messages. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Nothing is out of reach. Channel your energy into making lifestyle adjustments. You can clear up an emotional situation if you address issues head-on. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don’t make assumptions if you don’t want to be disappointed. A change someone makes will leave you wondering what to do next. Don’t dwell on what you can’t change. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Listen and observe. Concentrate on fulfilling your responsibilities and maintaining financial and emotional stability. Take better care of your health and well-being. Avoid risky situations. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -Pay closer attention to what’s going on around you. Consider the best way to use your skills. Collaborate with people who share your vision. Make personal improvements and lifestyle changes.
College. The Denton, Texas, native made one catch for nine yards in OU’s spring game. RETURNING TO NORMALCY
Riley believes 2021 will be a far cry from a strange 2020 season amid COVID-19. The Sooners travel to play Tulane (6-6 in 2020) in their Sept. 4 season opener. Tulane, based in New Orleans, would have been an unlikely opponent in the 2020 football season, as it only played one non-conference game and canceled or postponed the other two. “(I’m) very confident
we’ll be able to travel and play that game,” Riley said. “I think with where we’re headed in this pandemic and our players and staff getting back are either already vaccinated or in the process of doing that, so that number will continue to climb.” Riley said maneuvering through last season with travel procedures was a good learning experience to build upon for this season, although it wasn’t always fun. “Things are a lot closer to normal,” Riley said. “Certainly anytime we’re outside, they’re virtually normal. … We still don’t have position groups back in our meeting rooms, they’re still spread out all throughout this entire facility to still promote as much social distancing as we possibly can. But we’re closer — we definitely are.” “And our goal is, hopefully, that we can get to herd immunity within our football program sooner rather than later and then potentially — it’s not done - but potentially with that would come some loosening of the restrictions within our program.” mason.e.young-1@ou.edu chandler.engelbrecht@ou.edu
austincurtright@ou.edu
Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg May 11, 2021 ACROSS 1 Des Moines’ home 5 Texting format, briefly 8 Convert into a movie script, say 13 Mall business 14 ___ Lane (Superboy’s mom) 16 Sidestep 17 Insignificant amount (notice letters 5 to 8 in this answer) 20 Scold loudly 21 Where a child may learn canoeing 22 “Alas ...” 23 Hasbro game with voice commands 24 Number of capitals Bolivia has 27 Approximately 28 Reporter’s retinue (6 to 9) 30 Positive or negative particles 31 “Common Sense” author Thomas 32 Develop a plot? 36 Offers bait to 37 Texas’ Battle of the ___ 38 Money plant? 40 Not be yourself (3 to 5) 43 Gala who inspired a surrealist
47 Visualize 48 “Home ___” (film about a failed burglary) 49 Exorcist’s target 50 Lambs’ fathers 51 “Very neat!” 52 Colby, for one (8 to 11) 57 Disney’s “Little Mermaid” 58 Painter Francisco 59 “Yeah, sure!” 60 Drive back 61 Not gross, financially 62 Covers, as a highway DOWN 1 “Because ___!” (parental justification) 2 “Good heavens!” 3 Earthlike planets 4 Moon landing program 5 Narrow cut 6 Day after Sun. 7 “Friends” and “Modern Family” 8 Program that finds homes for cats and dogs 9 Medic 10 Suffix with “Gator” 11 Drivers’ grp.? 12 What half the letters of “twenty” spell
15 Square, usually, for a crossword grid 18 ___ through the nose 19 Middle Eastern ruler 23 Prohibition 24 “Journey” for your ego 25 Came and ___ 26 Is under obligation 28 Liberal arts college in 1-Across 29 Surveillance device, briefly 30 Boast heard at the roulette table 32 Drains of strength 33 Pointer to an answer 34 Really, really dislike 35 Brooding rock subgenre
36 Mine explosive’s letters 38 Large, imposing house 39 Word before “cream” or “crystal” 41 Comedian King 42 Menu reassurance 43 Good liar’s skill 44 One-celled organism 45 Slacker? 46 Features along a coast 49 Play-___ 51 “Go away!” 52 All’s fair in love and this 53 Anger 54 Taste of a beverage 55 Average grade 56 12/31: Abbr.
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Measured Words by Prasanna Keshava
The Members-in Course Committee and the officers of the Alpha of Oklahoma chapter of Phi Beta Kappa congratulate the students who have been elected to membership this year. Founded at the College of William and Mary on December 5, 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest honor society and one of its most prestigious. Phi Beta Kappa recognizes undergraduate achievement across the liberal arts disciplines: the humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences, languages, and mathematics. To be eligible for election, students must be ranked in the top ten percent of graduating seniors in the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences, the College of International Studies, the Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication, and the Conoco Phillips School of Geology & Geophysics. A very small number of outstanding juniors are also considered for membership. Elected students are recognized not only for their outstanding grade-point averages but also for the breadth of their academic programs. The University of Oklahoma’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter was one of the first one hundred chartered. Established on May 24, 1920 in Norman, founding members included Stratton Brooks, James Felgar, and Julien Monnet. Alumni members elected to the chapter in 1920 included Roy Gittenger, Edgar Meacham, and Angie Debo. Distinguished members of the Alpha of Oklahoma chapter include Lynn Riggs, John Joseph Mathews, and current OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. The chapter is also proud to announce this year’s honorary member: Professor Honorée Fanonne Jeffers of the Department of English. Professor Jeffers was elected in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in and advancement of the liberal arts and sciences inside and outside of the classroom. Congratulations to Professor Jeffers and the following students: Megan E. Abraham Marcus Christopher Ake Drake M. Allen Esther Amanda Anderson Carlee M. Apel Allyssa M. Arens Isabelle Jacqueline Ariai Sydney Dawn Ashton Rachel Anne Averitt Julie E. Bahr Alex G. Baldridge Caitlin Marie Ball Carson Donald Ball Max Allen Balla Zsofia Balla Monjezi Abigail Marie Barkley Justin Ryne Barnett Emily Kate Barton Kelsey E. Basler Natalie Creel Bayer Mirza Zeeshawn Beg Grace Rebecca Benham Jack Marlin Bennett Michael David Betrus Ananya Vivek Bhaktaram Shannan E. Bialek Hannah Elaine Bigbee William Derek Bixler Mary Faith Groark Blank Martino Ranaldi Boggs Sophie Noelle Bondurant Sarah Elizabeth Bonitatibus Brevan Chase Bonnet Breanna EvieMarie Boor Joseph C. Bouchard Sharon Michelle Bouvette Myah L. Bowen Olivia Lynn Bowles Troy Aaron Broussard Elena BaileyBrown Erin Elizabeth Bullock Allana Gabrielle Caldwell Alec Jovanni Camacho Jenny Alejandra Cano Pascual Natalie Anne Carlson Tanner Ray Carlson Brandon Loyce Carroll Anna Sofia Caruso Jed Thomas Casauay Robert Hemant Cascella Catherine Elizabeth Cash Taylor Kathleen Casper Conner J. Caughlin Akansha Chandrasekar Abigail Rose Clarke Cole Brent Cloyd Alexandra N. Cobb Noah Michael Coen Devon H. Colby Caleb Andrew Conaway Natalie C. Cook Skye Liane Eduarte Coronel McKenzie Christina Maureen Cowlbeck Dustin Du Dang Jacob Rance Davis Lee Ryan Davis Matthias Daniel Day Zoie Lee DeFehr Brady William Dehnert Christian V. DeMaio Thomas Gregory Deppong Danielle Marie Digoy Emma Ann Dillard Hannah Elisabeth Dillenbeck Christopher Adam Dixon Christian T. Doan Kathryn Grace Donnell Madison J. Doyle Jason Saul Draper Elliott J. Druten Madison Reaugh Eaton Donna C. Edwards Zachary Aaron Edwards Kirsten Kinsey Engelke Allison Grace Farhood Taraneh Fazel Evan James Feeley Rachel Therese Fisher Brianna Nicole Fleshman Elizabeth K. Fox
Nikolas Gary Fraid Cassidy Erin Gaddie Chase Christian Gaddis Benjamin Jacob Ganucheau Jarret Loy Garbrecht Nishit Garg Jacob A. Genuise Gladvin G. George Kaylee Marie Gibbons Hamza Salim Gillan Kayla Ashton Gillespie Carter Dean Gillett Isaiah Willoughby Gilley Emily Rebecca Grace Kiki Danielle Greene Shauna Christine Griffith Daniel Carl Groeneveld Austin L. Gronewold Jonathan David Gushing Fawaaz Mohsin Hameed Mackenzie Reagan Hanna Madison Rose Haraway Simran Bharat Hari Gillian Rachel Hasty Dorothy He Marti Lynn Heit Mark Harrison Herdade Kathryn Anne Herklotz Antonieta Cristina Hernandez Heidi Elisabeth Hesjevoll Gregory Getty Strecker Hesse Gavin Avery Hetzler Bailey Anne Hightower Emma Catherine Hillermann Jacob E. Hitchcock Sarah Ashley Hobson Megan Yawen Hsieh Nathan Lee Hubler Jessica D. Hurley Raja Mohammed Jamal Kada Reghan James Madison Nicole Jarboe Kaeli Johnson Danielle Madison Kaletta Feross Fadl Karrit Daniel A. Kavelman Susan Louisa Kerr Adam Khan Olivia Ruth Kirklin Rajveer Rahul Korpe Logan Elizabeth Krivanek Ritu S.Kulkarni Spencer Matthew Kunz Bianca A. Kurien Hannah Marie La Mack Jake E. Laubach Benjamin J. Laurencig TeresaThao Le Thi Dang Le Caleb Robert Leach Sophia Siew Lee Elizabeth E. Leibbrand Colin Jake Leonard Parsa Nicholas Lessani Megan Noelani Lloyd Rachel Elizabeth Lobaugh Carlin Leila Lockwood William Rowley Lorton Matthew Howard Lugibihl Sona Maan Sophie Christina Machalec Trace Miller Maddox Mary Katherine Mason Munashe Miranda Mataranyika Ryan Fisher McAlister Alexis J. McCalla Emily Kathryn McCollum Samuel Douglas McDonald Abby Jayne McKee Clara Harris McKinley William Patrick McNulty Joseph B. McWhirter Reid Eugene Meadows Eleanor Sophia Mendelson Emily Adele Miller Skyler Kay Miller Chloe Mitchum Mitchum Jay S. Modi Erika Lynn Moen Rohan Sachin Moghe
Amelia Niloufar Momtazzadeh Jacob Cameron Moser Alexis A. Murray Karley Jacqueline Nadolski Chinyere Maria Neal Kaleb Dean Neal Andrew James Neel Long Quang Ngo Aivi N. Nguyen Matthew T. Nguyen Michelle Thi Nguyen Nancy T. Nguyen Vivian V. Nguyen James Wil Nightengale Brenna Rose O’Hara Nicholas W. Oldham Zachary Steven Olsen Sophia Jade Parker Mansiben Patel Savanah Kelleigh Patterson Leah AliceLou Pearman Antonia Danica Personette Karaline G. Petty Josie Annabelle Phillips Veronica R. Piscitelli Laura Nadine Pott Crimson Rachelle Putman Sara Camille Raines Gabriela Ramirez-Perez Neal Rangu Bradley Robert Rann Sana F. Raza Peter J. Reilly Tyler Joseph Riat Adelaide Catherine Risberg Kevin Michael Robb Olivia Hope Robson Allison Grace Rodrigues Cooper Michael Rogers Madison Grace Rogers Kaley Anne Romero Marjorie Mary Rooney Nickhil Anesh Rugnath William Robert Runion Caitlin Hillary Russell Colton C. Sandvik Austin Roy Satrio Ashlynn N. Schipper Brody Elias Schomaker Angelica S. Scribner Mya Jocelyn Sears Chante Dominique Sexton Lexie Nicole Shepard Shane Thomas Skinner Katherine Elizabeth Anne Sloan Erin C. Stanley Connor R. Steenbock Allison Kendall Stern Brianna Rochelle Stotts Ashley Elizabeth Strain Read A Streller Mary Rose Tappel Jaycie Jo Thaemert Krista Nicole Thompson Kathrin C. Thorisch Samantha Marie Tonkins Christian James Trent Julia Grace Turner Landon Edward-Whitaker Turner Ian Tiberius Turpin Jackson Chadwick Tyler Jacob Randall Uhland Muhammad Usman Emma Marie Van De Wiele Madeline Taylor Wade Mckinney Hudson Waggoner Alexander Samuel Warner Jason Lee Webb Abigail Frances Wegrzynski Hailey Faith Welch Victoria Paige White Rachel Diane Williams Francis Stephen Winter Lindsay Brooke Wiseman Julia Caroline Woltjen Cassandra Lynn Wouters J. Alexander Orion Yates Katherine Michelle Yut Elaine Elizabeth Zack Ryan Z. Zhuang