The Oklahoma Daily

LIFE & ARTS • PAGE 5

SPORTS • PAGE 8

Sooners soar to academic success

Robinson leads Sooners to big victory

Aviation students learn their craft thousands of feet above ground. Read more about the major inside.

Danielle Robinson (shown right) scored 20 points as the women’s basketball team destroyed Western Illinois, 84-43, on Friday at Lloyd Noble Center.

The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

Monday, November 22, 2010

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OU’s United Way campaign fails to hit goal Deadline extended to Dec. 10 in hopes of avoiding donation cuts to Norman organizations CHASE COOK The Oklahoma Daily

OU’s United Way of Norman campaign didn’t reach its intended goal of $215,000 by its self-imposed Friday deadline, said Kathy Holder, United Way of Norman’s vice president of operations.

Holder said United Way of Norman’s overall campaign is doing well, but budget cuts and rising health care costs

Oklahoma ranks 3rd in daily smokers

may have contributed to a dip in fundraising this year from OU. As of Friday, OU’s campaign had raised $148,302.23.

That’s 69 percent of its intended goal of $215,000.

OU participates in the program with individual pledges from faculty and staff. Student organizations also contribute by holding events and fundraisers, Holder said.

Holder said organizers plan to push the deadline back to Dec. 10. She is confident they will reach their goal.

“We still haven’t counted money from individual pledges or money from some of the other fundraisers,” she said.

However, she stressed how important OU is to the United Way’s overall campaign.

It is the biggest single contributor to the campaign, she said. OU’s goal of $215,000 is 11 percent of the United Way of Norman’s $1.95 million goal.

“If OU doesn’t come in at [its goal], we probably won’t make it,” Holder said.

Holder said if organizers don’t reach their goal, they will have to find a way to make up the money. The United Way of Norman contributes to 26 different organizations throughout Norman.

SEE FUNDRAISING PAGE 2

FOOTBALL | SOONERS PUMMEL BEARS, 53-24

On-campus smoking ban won’t happen without student, faculty support, spokesman says

Sarah Swenson

TREVOR SHOFNER The Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma has the third-highest percentage of everyday smokers, following Kentucky and West Virginia, according to a recent survey from Slate Labs. Seventeen percent of Oklahomans smoke every day, compared to the national average of 13 percent. In Cleveland County, 23 percent of residents smoke daily.

With 32 percent of 18- to 24year-olds still smoking on a daily basis, some officials at college campuses in the state are making an effort to help students curb the habit.

Eighteen universities in the state of Oklahoma have adopted smoking bans on their campuses, including Oklahoma City University, the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, said Doug Matheny, Oklahoma State Department of Health Tobacco Use Prevention Service chief.

The Oklahoma Smoking in Public Places act, which went into effect Nov. 1, allows campus police to fine students not in compliance with the school’s tobacco policy anywhere from $10 to $100, said Yvon Fils-Aime, OSU’s tobacco health educator.

OU, however, currently has no

28th OU Rhodes Scholar to study English, history en route to med school

MATT CARNEY/THE DAILY

True freshman running back Roy Finch, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring an eight-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Sooners’ 53-24 win against Baylor on Saturday in Waco, Texas. The Sooners have never lost to Baylor and lead the series 20-0. OU now turns its attention toward Saturday’s Bedlam matchup against Oklahoma State University in Stillwater with the Big 12 South title on the line.

For additional coverage of the OU-Baylor game, see page 7.

Zoology senior Sarah Swenson was announced among the 32 new Rhodes Scholars on Saturday in Colorado Springs.

Swenson, who is involved in the UOSA Integrity Council and worked as a genetics research lab assistant and a history of science department researcher, hopes to attend medical school to become a physician.

As one of her district’s Rhodes Scholars, she is planning to study for a second bachelor’s degree in history and English.

“A pretty new thing to be coming to medical school is education and narrative medicine, which uses literature to help doctors listen to patients better to better diagnose,” she said. “I think the second bachelor’s at Oxford will help with that.”

Swenson is OU’s 28th Rhodes Scholar since the program’s inception in 1902, and she will now have the opportunity to study abroad for two years at Oxford University in England. Each year, only 32 scholars from the U.S. are selected.

“I think the most important thing is to do what you’re passionate about and also to maintain balance and try more than anything to achieve success,” Swenson said.

— Danny Hatch/The Daily

SEE SMOKING PAGE 2

State Question 755’s implications unacceptable, panel says Sharia law amendment a ‘blunder’ that will harm Oklahoma, professors say TREVOR SHOFNER The Oklahoma Daily

Though State Question 755 received 70 percent of Oklahomans’ support, it has received considerable criticism from both inside and outside the state. One such criticism, a lawsuit accusing the amendment of being unconstitutional, will be decided today by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

To help inform and engage the student body about this issue, the School of International and Area Studies held a panel discussion

Friday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union with four professors in relevant fields.

The opposition to the question has been largely reactionary, something panelist Keith Gaddie, political science professor, blames on the media for failing to expose the public to the question’s nature and implications before the election.

“I think a good general discussion of the matter would have been good before the election, but for being such short notice, this panel was good even though it was after the fact,” international and area studies senior Jesse Emanuel said.

The panelists agreed that while

A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW AT Visit the multimedia section to watch a video about OU’s Darwin Student Society and evolution’s importance to biological sciences

the language in SQ 755 is very ambiguous, it sends a clear message to Muslims.

“There is no sophistication or clarity in the legislative thinking of this mess,” said panelist Rick Tepker, law professor. “[SQ] 755 is a blunder.”

Tepker said the rhetoric of religious intolerance used by “political opportunists” in the recent elections has “tracked mud and bigotry on the constitution of Oklahoma.”

Gaddie said the recent set of DUKE GOULDEN/THE DAILY state questions were more than OU law professor Peter Krug, left, and political science professor Keith Gaddie, just gimmicks to draw out the

right, discuss the effect of State Question 755 during a panel Friday afternoon in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule on SEE SHARIA PAGE 2 the amendment’s constitutionally today.

THE OKLAHOMA DAILY VOL. 96, NO. 67 © 2010 OU Publications Board www.facebook.com/OUDaily www.twitter.com/OUDaily

INDEX Campus .............. 2 Classifieds .......... 6 Life & Arts ........... 5 Opinion .............. 4 Sports ................ 7

TODAY’S WEATHER 76°| 46° Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high of 71 degrees Visit the Oklahoma Weather Lab at owl.ou.edu

2 • Monday, November 22, 2010

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

CAMPUS

ReneÊ Selanders, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

FUNDRAISING: OU needs $65K to reach goal Continued from page 1

Today around campus  The Criminology and Sociology club will host a self-defense event 6 to 10 p.m. in the Huston Huffman Center.  Ballroom Dance Class will take place 2 to 10 p.m. in the Union’s Molly Shi Boren Ballroom.  The Chairs and Directors luncheon will take place noon to 1 p.m. in the Union’s Frontier Room.  OU women’s basketball will host Fresno State at 7 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center.

Tuesday, Nov. 23  A Bible study hosted by Christians on Campus will take place noon to 1 p.m. in the Union’s Traditions Room.  Sooner Servants will meet 7 to 8 p.m. in the Union’s Weitzenhoffer Room.  Students for Apostolic Light and Truth will have its weekly meeting 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Union’s Alma Wilson Room.

Wednesday, Nov. 24 Âť Thanksgiving Break begins. University closed.

Thursday, Nov. 25 Âť OU and Norman community members are invited to attend SOULfull Thanksgiving from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at McFarlin Methodist Church. Activities begin at 3 p.m. and food will be served at 4 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 26  OU women’s basketball will host the University of Texas-Pan American at 7 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center.

Saturday, Nov. 27 Âť No events planned.

Âť This day in OU history

Nov. 22, 1949 President Cross invites Shah of Iran to campus Mohammad Reze Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran and first oriental monarch to ever visit the United States, was invited by OU President George Cross to visit the university.

Ahmad Kianpour, chemistry graduate student and Iranian, met Pahlavi in 1941 in Tehran and sent him an invitation to visit OU. The Shah’s visit to the U.S. was a symbol of the friendly ties between Iran and this country. During World War II, Iran, allied to the United States, Great Britain and Russia, contributed to the utmost of her resources in the Allied war effort. *Source: The Oklahoma Daily archives

ASHLEY WEST/THE DAILY

United Way staff members Candice Jones, Renee O’Leary and Jed Dembowski meet to discuss their goals to raise more money toward their cause Friday at the United Way offices.

SHARIA: SMOKING: No ban plans at OU Law called Continued from page 1 ‘political ploy’ Continued from page 1

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focus on automobile emissions.

Maggie Pool, OU Health Services spokeswoman, said she sees a lot of support for such ban. The current rules stipulate smok- the movement and expects to see tobacco ing occur outside only and at least 25 feet banned on campus “in the next couple years,� but that it would take “a lot of supaway from doors. “OU has not received concerns at this port from the students and faculty.� “Everyone has a decipoint, but the university sion and a choice to make would be open to this considabout whether or not to eration if it were supported smoke,� Pool said. “You by students, staff and faculty,� can’t tell anyone not to university spokesman Chris Students who want to smoke, but it is my desire Shilling said in an e-mail. stop smoking can register to help people who want Mary Dewers, letters jufor Health Services’ to quit.� nior, said she doesn’t smoke free smoking cessation While Oklahoma has inside or near doorways and classes at Norman historically had one of the even avoids areas with heavy Regional Hospital. highest smoking rates in pedestrian traffic. the country, “we do have “It’s a question of common some good news in that courtesy, not whether or not smoking should be completely disallowed,� we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked,� Mathney Dewers said.

Dewers said that banning smoking on said.

The number of packs of cigarettes sold campus would have little to no impact and would serve only to alienate student smok- per year in Oklahoma decreased from ers. She said a more worthwhile way to im- 313 million packs in 2008 to 262.5 million, prove air quality on campus would be to Matheny said.

To get help

vote, but rather are part of a greater movement “to move discourse� and shift the interpretations of state and federal constitutions to a “very conservative, pre1930s direction.� “Oklahoma is a good laboratory for this because of our electorate,� Gaddie said.

In different social and historical contexts, Sharia law has had a wide variety of definitions, said David Vishanoff, religious studies professor.

Because of this, he said, Muslims living in Oklahoma have a definition of Sharia that is culturally compatible with their non-Muslim counterparts. “Most of them grew up here, learned how to think and behave in Oklahoma,�

Vishanoff said. “Sharia as constructed in Oklahoma cannot be a threat to Oklahoma’s cultures or values.�

SQ 755 has the potential to also hurt Oklahoma financially, said panelist Peter Krug, law professor.

This stems from the prohibition against “international law� in the amendment. Krug said that SQ 755 contains two distinct areas of law, and that the international law prohibition, while originally posing no tangible threat, will serve only to discourage foreign investors from Oklahoma’s economy.

A temporary restraining order has been placed on the amendment, following a lawsuit filed by a member of the Center for AmericanIslamic Relations challenging its constitutionality. The results of SQ 755 were, consequentially, never officially verified.

More than 40 people attended the panel discussion Friday afternoon.

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“If we don’t make our goal, these programs may have to make cuts,� Holder said.

Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, a mentoring program for kids, have faced hardships from lack of funding in previous years, President Kristin Collins said. “One amount of money can have an enor mous ripple effect,� Collins said. “If the dollars aren’t there ... the consequences can be huge.�

Candice Jones, vice president of resource development, said they are going

to make a big push to reach their goal before their victory party on Dec. 3. The OU campaign’s deadline will extend past that, but Jones said the dates don’t really matter.

Anybody can give at any time, she said. “We want people to understand that they still have the opportunity to give,�

Jones said.

Holder said United Way of Norman has made extra efforts to reach out to different companies and organizations to make sure they have enough money to support all of their programs.

The official end date of the 2010-11 fundraising campaign will be on Dec. 3.

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The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

Monday, November 22, 2010 • 3

RELIGION STATE BRIEFS

Pope’s speaks on condoms, AIDS

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, has introduced two resolutions that he says will restrain the growth of property taxes.

The resolutions call for voters to decide on the questions that have failed to pass the Legislature.

One would ask voters to freeze property taxes at the rate they are when the property owner turns 65. The second would ask voters to reduce from 5 percent to 2 percent the amount by which property taxes can increase each year.

Public school officials that include superintendents, the state School Boards Association and the Oklahoma Education Association oppose the proposals. Schools rely heavily on property taxes for funding.

Comments about morality, not changing stance regarding abstinence C O LU M BU S, O h i o — Some American Catholics greeted Pope Benedict XVI’s comments on condoms as a sign that the church was stepping into the modern debate in the fight against AIDS, though the church was adamant Sunday that nothing has changed in its views banning contraception.

Vatican officials strongly emphasized Sunday that the church’s position on contraception has not changed.

The pope spoke in an interview with a German journalist. Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano on Saturday published excerpts from the book, “Light of the World,” three days ahead of publication. In the interview, Benedict says that in certain cases, such as for a male prostitute, condom use could be a first step in assuming moral responsibility for stemming the spread of the virus that causes AIDS. T h e Ho l y S e e’s c h i e f spokesman, the Rev. Federico

Convicted officers could lose pensions if new bill passes NOAH BERGER/AP PHOTO

A processional starts mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Sunday in San Francisco. Some Catholic believers in the Americas greeted Pope Benedict XVI’s recent comments on condoms as a sign that the church was stepping into the modern debate in the fight against AIDS. Lombardi, stressed that Benedict was not “morally justifying” the unbridled exercise of sexuality and the church’s main advice in the fight against AIDS remains the same: promoting sexual abstinence and fidelity among married couples.

The fine distinctions in the

pope’s comments were clear to Cliff Krieger, 68, of Lowell, Mass., who said it was good that the discussion on preventing disease was taking place, though he generally approves of the church’s position on contraception.

“I think that the church is saying that use of condoms is

missing the point about what sex is about,” he said. “There are a lot of people who are ... just using it for pleasure for themselves, as they might be using cocaine on the weekend.

So I think the church’s stand is generally a pretty good one.”

— AP

SECURITY

TSA chief says no change in screening Despite passenger complaints, pat-downs and body scans still in use WASHINGTON — The head of the Transportation Security Administration on Sunday acknowledged that new full-body scanners and thorough patdow ns can be invasive and uncomfortable, but he said the need to stay a step ahead of terrorists rules out changes in airport screening procedures.

John Pistole said despite the public uproar over new

screening techniques, “we are not changing the policies” that he said were the best ways of keeping the traveling public safe.

TSA screeners, he said, are “the last line of defense” in protecting air travelers.

Pistole’s comments came a f t e r P re s i d e nt Ba ra c k Obama on Saturday said he understood people’s frustrations and had asked TSA officials whether there’s a less intrusive way to screen U.S. airline passengers.

Obama said he told the agency “you have to constantly refine and measure

whether what we’re doing is the only way to assure the American people’s safety.”

“We know through intelligence there are determined people, terrorists, trying to kill not only Americans but innocent people around the world,” Pistole said.

People who go through the new advanced imaging machines are usually not subject to pat-downs, Pistole said.

Passengers also have objected to the advanced imaging machines because they produce a virtually

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naked image of the person’s body. The screener sits in a different location and does not see the person’s face or know the traveler’s identity.

“Clearly, if we are to detect terrorists who have proven innovative, creative in the design and implementation of bombs that are going to blow up airplanes and kill people, we have to do something to prevent that,” Pistole said.

TULSA — Municipal police officers convicted of felonies could lose pensions if a bill passes.

Sen. Mike Mazzei is requesting the bill be considered during February’s legislative session, and it could include municipal firefighters and other city employees.

Currently, police officers would receive retirement pensions even if they’re convicted of a felony and sent to prison.

Mazzei said the bill would mirror a 2009 Senate bill that revised pension laws for county and state workers. That bill stated that any county or state official convicted of bribery, forgery, perjury, corruption “or any other crime related to his or her duties, office or employment” would forfeit all benefits, including pension benefits.

Lawmakers push for immigration laws that would mirror Arizona’s OKLAHOMA CITY — Some state lawmakers from south Oklahoma City have been pushing harder for tough immigration laws as the city’s Hispanic population has grown.

The Oklahoman reports the lawmakers come from an area with a rapidly growing Hispanic population. Oklahoma County’s Hispanic population grew by 67 percent between 2000 and 2009, according to the U.S. Census. Much of that growth was in south Oklahoma City.

New Sen. Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, is among those seeking a crackdown on illegal immigration. He has announced plans to file legislation that would mirror an Arizona law requiring police to question the immigration status of people they suspect are in the U.S. illegally.

“Nearly all I heard when I was out knocking doors was, ‘We want the Arizona law here,’” Shortey said.

Other lawmakers like Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, are working on what Terrill calls an “Arizona-plus” law that would keep the children of illegal immigrants from becoming citizens even if the children were born in Oklahoma.

— AP

—AP

4 • Monday, November 22, 2010

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

THUMBS DOWN ›› 17 percent of Oklahomans smoke every day, state ranked third smokiest (see page 1)

OPINION

Jared Rader, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-7630

OUR VIEW LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Okla. not recession proof On Nov. 8, Newsweek ran a feature on the states that are One organization that could see cuts is Norman’s Big having it easier than others, even doing better as a result of Brothers Big Sisters branch, a non-profit youth mentorship the current recession. organization.

The article named Oklahoma as one of the “Heartland When United Way of Norman didn’t reach its fundraising Honeys” because of its low unemployment and growing goal in 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters had to cut staff due to energy and aerospace industries. lack of funding.

Sounds like news to us, after an election season that There’s still time for United Way to get close to its Dec. 3 made it clear to Oklahomans that, while we may have campaign deadline, and anyone can donate. We strongly avoided some of the situations facing other encourage everyone in the OU commustates, it’s not going to be easy forever. nity who can to give, because United Way’s During the Nov. 2 elections, voters struck work is important.

If you are among the down a measure that would have raised Despite the perception of Oklahoma’s fortunate ... don’t foreducation spending to the regional average supposed “recession proof” nature, keep get those with empty because public officials constantly remindin mind that there are businesses, organicups, and don’t forget zations and individuals who have suffered ed everyone that the state was facing a $400 million budget shortfall and would have to the charity groups like because of it. United Way of Norman’s situcut funding to already starved state agenation is one small example.

United Way ... ” cies to fund the increase.

It’s true that Oklahoma’s unemployment A clear example of the recession’s impact rate — 6.9 percent, according to the Bureau on our state can be seen in the United Way of Norman’s of Labor Statistics — is lower than the national average of fundraising campaign.

9.6 percent, but that doesn’t mean everyone is living the United Way is an international non-profit organization dream. that identifies problems and issues in specific communities The number of Oklahomans living under the poverty in an effort to improve them. line increased from 15.9 percent in 2008 to 16.2 percent in OU is traditionally United Way’s single biggest donor, but 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. was unable to reach its Friday goal of $215,000. As of Friday, As the state continues to suffer from the impacts of the OU had only raised $148,302.23. Because of this, OU’s cam- recession, these numbers could likely increase. paign is extending its deadline to Dec. 10.

If you are among the fortunate experiencing the benefits Budget cuts are one of the likely reasons OU failed to of the “Heartland Honey,” don’t forget those with empty meet its goal, said Kathy Holder, vice president of opera- cups and don’t forget the charity groups like United Way tions for United Way of Norman. This is understandable, that battle the conditions that lead to poverty. because as tuition and fees increase and departments preWith the state struggling to fund each agency, these nonpare for possible budget cuts due to a lack of available state profits are more important than ever, because they ensure funds, it’s not likely that members of the OU community are that Oklahoma’s most vulnerable people receive the care willing to give as much as they have in the past. they need.

If United Way doesn’t meet its goal, organizations that benefit from its funding could see cuts.

Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

SQ 755 violates U.S. Constitution Editor’s note: This letter is in response to Nicholas Altieri’s Friday letter to the editor, “Oklahomans passed SQ 755 in good faith.”

The fact that SQ 755 singles out a single religion and it’s prophet and holy book is extremely unconstitutional at it’s core. For the 30,000 plus Muslims living in Oklahoma, this is a direct attack on their faith and way of life. Altieri said Islam “instructs” it’s followers to spread Sharia law throughout the globe, but isn’t America the one who has waged actual war in the name of democracy?

The fact is that the general population is not “well aware” of Islam and its teachings, as Altieri said. Also our cultural foundations are based on the constitution; and last time I checked, freedom of religion is the big number one in the Bill of Rights.

The legal ramifications of this bill in regards to the Muslim community are staggering: affecting legal wills, business arbitration and numerous more. It’s not like there was a state question that said Sharia law would be the law. Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, has a legal system quite similar to our own.

The uninformed picture that is put into Oklahoma’s non-Muslim minds is one of the ultra-conservative Islamic nations of Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Let me tell you, this is America and we are better, or at least that’s what I thought until this bill was voted in with such a majority. I find it funny that the Bible instructs to love thy neighbor, but I, an atheist, am capable of demonstrating more compassion and understanding toward the Muslim community.

— Nolan Kraszkiewicz, political science and religious studies sophomore

COLUMN

Working conditions at OU less than ideal This semester, I spent a significant amount of time trying to learn about the lives STAFF COLUMN MN of workers at OU as a member of the student coalition Matt Bruenig nig behind the Living Wage for OU campaign.

In my time working on the campaign, I have stumbled across issues workers here are put up against that have surprised me. I knew going in, just by looking at the OU budget, that the university is paying some of its employees wages below the federal poverty line, and well below the living wage line.

One thing I had not considered about this fact is that these low wages have forced some campus workers to rely on various forms of government aid to actually get by. This of course is an obvious result of paying poverty wages, but it is especially absurd when you recall that the staff at OU are state employees.

Consider how nonsensical this is. The state of Oklahoma, via OU, is paying some of its employees so little that the state, via welfare programs, has to extend them aid because they are impoverished. As a policy, this is almost laughable.

It doesn’t cut costs for the state, it just shifts the costs to other accounts, and perhaps shifts some of it to the federal government, which funds some of the aid programs.

Beyond that little observation, I also was stunned by what workers told me about the firing policies at the university,

and how those policies affect them in their daily jobs. even giving names. Whether they actually were fired maliOU operates under an employment-at-will policy, which ciously, I cannot independently verify, but the at-will policy means the university can fire any employee at any time leads people to think they were, which poses its own probfor any reason or no reason at all. More than that, during lems. Reacting to a perceived firing of his colleague, one Wednesday’s OU Staff Senate meeting, it was mentioned worker told me that since the day of the firing, he has felt that the administration is working to remove language in like the workplace was hostile and that he or she is in conthe staff handbook, which states, “It is the policy of the uni- stant fear of being fired. versity to provide stable employment to its employees,” to This brutal working climate is completely unacceptable, underscore their dedication to the atand I am not sure the administration fully will doctrine. comprehends this is going on. After all, On its face, stripping employment When people are constantly the most prominent consequence of emstability from the workforce at OU is an ployment-at-will is that people are fearfearful they may be fired, unconscionable action, especially in ful to speak out to their bosses, because they are less likely to speak they cannot afford to stand out and risk an economic environment as brutal as the current one. But there also are some termination. up about legitimately hazlesser-known impacts this policy has on Ultimately, I hope to see wages imardous work conditions, or working conditions more generally. proved at this campus. But at minimum malicious supervisors.”

When people are constantly fearful and for the time being, the administration they may be fired, they are less likely to really should rethink its employment-atspeak up about legitimately hazardous work conditions or will policy or construct some way to fix the negative impacts malicious supervisors. One might think working at OU is it has on worker morale and safety. Unlike providing a living not very dangerous, but remember there are still buildings wage, improving the at-will policy has the added benefit of and tunnels on this campus that are insulated with asbes- being budget neutral. tos, and multiple employees who I have heard from have — Matt Bruenig, mentioned occurrences of asbestos spills.

Additionally, such a policy can theoretically lead to ma- philosophy senior licious and wrongful firings. Workers have told me stories about people they believed were fired maliciously, some Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

COLUMN

Let’s examine Mother Nature to solve the world’s problems Anything you can do, nature can do better. Nature did it first. Of course such a claim appears to give nature a bit too much credit. After all, animals have been around for about 600 million years, and that’s not even counting older forms of life. Most of my readers have only been around 20 or so years, giving nature a bit of an advantage. That aside, nature does it better, faster and first.

The Internet and computers can find their source in a vast amount of complex systems that were already flourishing on planet Earth long before the properties of silicon were discovered. Current computer systems are just an imitation of nervous systems.

PVC, neoprene, nylon, silicone and a multitude of other polymers have revolutionized the way modern man goes about his or her daily life. That being so, the shell of ants, the oak tree in your backyard and the potato in your fries are all sets of simple polymers that have been optimized for their specific purpose: Strength, structure and storage.

Sonar and radar are simply replications of whale and bat behavior. E. Coli has been using biological warfare for centuries. Mustard gas is merely a modification of the chemicals contained in the anal scent glands of skunks and dogs.

It is common knowledge that the inspiration for the Wright brothers’ airplane originated in their observations of pigeon flight.

Meredith Moriak Reneé Selanders LeighAnne Manwarren Jared Rader James Corley

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Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Assignment Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor

If you have ever gone hiking through the woods, you probably have memories of pulling countless burrs off of your clothes. Those STAFF COLUMN UMN burrs, as frustrating as they are, were the inspiration for the creation of Velcro. Velcro John Bestt may not be the most interesting of inventions, but it did play its own small part in taking man to the moon.

A new swimsuit design has recently revolutionized the world of competitive swimming. While wearing these suits, swimmers will practically glide through the water.

During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, records were smashed because of this swimsuit. The inspiration for this suit? The structure of sharkskin. With all of the thousands of brilliant scientists involved in the various fields of materials science, the real genius was an animal that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs.

Antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine. Many once-deadly conditions became treatable with a few small pills. Scientists are working around the clock to develop new drugs to fight resistant bugs, but most of these are what are called semi-synthetic antibiotics, which means they are just slightly modified versions of antibiotics already found in nature. Not to mention the drug that started it all, penicillin, was taken directly from a naturally growing fungus.

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Even one of the common forms of delivery of antibiotics, intravenous injection, is not a man-made creation. There are hypodermic needles in snake fangs, bee stingers and mouths of mosquitoes. Even further back in the evolutionary tree however, it becomes clear the design for hypodermic needles can be found in the structure of viruses.

Biomimicry is an actual field of science that devotes itself to creating new objects, materials and systems based on inspiration from nature. It is essentially replication and modification of what Mother Nature has been doing for millions of years.

When we look at the world and believe we can “fix” the problems that we have created, or believe we have “conquered” nature, we are making a huge mistake. There is nothing we can do that nature hasn’t already done better. If we’re going to take steps toward solving Earth’s major environmental problems, we must look for wisdom and inspiration in the natural world.

— John Best, biochemistry and Asian studies senior

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LIFE&ARTS

Monday, November 22, 2010 • 5

« OUDAILY.COM RRead about Thursday’s midnight premiere of ‘H ‘Harry Potter’ at the Warren Theatre

Dusty Somers, life & arts editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-5189

FEATURE

Aviation majors find freedom in the skies Unique program prepares students for jobs with the military, commercial airlines, private corporations CAITLIN TURNER The Oklahoma Daily

The life of an aviation student doesn’t exactly fit the mold of the typical college experience.

Aviation students still attend football games and have a social life, but much of their degree-seeking experience happens three miles away from campus — at Max Westheimer Airport — or even further — in the sky.

“I get in the airplane, and I get to forget about everything on the ground — no stress at all, just pure enjoyment and freedom,” said aviation senior Rob Melzer.

As part of their degree, aviation students complete hours of flying, working their way up from private pilot to certified flight instructor.

The curriculum also includes a business component that adds classes like accounting to students’ schedules.

While some find the business- and management-related classes painful and tedious, others delight in the variety.

“About half of an aviation degree is business; I know that the classes will be useful for me,” said aviation junior Andrew Steinle.

After graduation, most professional pilot aviation majors choose one of three options: joining the military, working for a commercial airline or flying corporate airplanes for private companies.

Students who complete the certified flight instructor rating are then able to teach other aviation students, making it one of the few degrees in which the student really becomes the teacher while still an undergraduate student.

Becoming an instructor is a good way to accumulate the hours of flying experience that are necessary to get a job as a commercial or corporate pilot.

Evan French, aviation senior, has a different outlook than many of the other aviation majors. A tattoo of the Wright Flyer spans the length of his forearm, and for him, it is a daily reminder of his goals.

“I’ve wanted to be a fighter pilot since I was 5, and I am still going after that dream,” French said. “I am the freak who wants nothing to do with big business or commercial airlines.”

French wants to fly the very best planes out there, and the only way to do that is to join the military.

“It’s dangerous, but all flying is dangerous, and when you come out of the military, flying jobs are basically at your disposal,” French said.

A common word pops up when aviation students start talking about flying: freedom.

“Flying is definitely very freeing, especially when you

DUKE GOULDEN/THE DAILY

Andrew Steinle, aviation junior and president of the Sooner Aviation Club, shows off airplanes at the University of Oklahoma Max Westheimer Airport. The airport is about three miles from campus, making for a unique on-campus experience for aviation majors.

are by yourself in an airsomething that they love, and plane,” Steinle said. “It gives you can tell that everyone is I get in the airplane, and I get to forget about you a different perspective everything on the ground — no stress at all, just excited about what they are on things.” studying,” Steinle said. pure enjoyment and freedom.”

French describes flying O ne aspect of the proan airplane as a completely gram that regularly deters — ROB MELZER, new experience every time people is the cost. Fees for AVIATION SENIOR he flies. some classes can be as high “I know that it ’s never as $3,000 when plane rentals going to get old,” he said. and fuel costs are added.

Logan Clark, aviation sophomore, was inspired to deThe price tag didn’t scare off Steinle, who regularly apclare the major after living with French for a while. plies for scholarships, takes out student loans and works “When I was a kid, I always liked planes, but I never every summer to pay for his education. thought that it could be my major,” Clark said.

For Melzer, perhaps his biggest struggle now is flying Though Steinle describes aviation majors as a “diverse commercially, where he’s relegated to a passenger seat group,” he admits there is a personality trait that ties rather than the cockpit. them together.

“I hate it,” he said. “I feel like a backseat driver, except I “They are all united by the fact that they are doing can’t even look out the front.”

6 • Monday, November 22, 2010

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Is it All in Her Head?

Help Wanted ads in The Oklahoma Daily are not to separate as to gender. Advertisers may not discriminate in employment ads based on race, color, religion or gender unless such qualifying factors are essential to a given position.

Depression isn’t something that’s “all in your head.”

It’s a serious brain illness. Left untreated depression can lead to suicide. By knowing the signs of depression you may be able to save the life of someone you care about.

All ads are subject to acceptance by The Oklahoma Daily. Ad acceptance may be re-evaluated at any time.

To learn more call 1-888-511-SAVE today.

Symptoms of Depression • Change in sleep • Low energy • Indecisiveness • Weight change • Lack of interest • Loss of focus • Thoughts of death • Low self esteem

Prevent suicide.

Treat depression.

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Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) - Take whatever measures are necessary to make sure you are in charge of your own affairs. If you want to be the victor, you can’t permit yourself to be swept along by just anything.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Keep your nose to the grindstone, because it is likely to be a better time than usual to accomplish your aims. Even jobs you usually have trouble doing will proceed like rich, creamery butter.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) - When making some social arrangements, it would behoove you to include an old friend whom you’ve been too busy to see much of lately. Good things could come from this association.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Something you usually have trouble handling will come much easier to you. It won’t be Lady Luck intervening; it’ll be you doing all the right things the right way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Get involved in ways to better your material well-being, because this is likely to be one of those rare days when things will live up to your financial expectations.

5

1 3 4 9 7 2 6 3 4 8 8 1 6 2 2

6 1

5 5 4 9 1 6 8 8 2 2 7 9 6 7 3 9 5 8

Previous Solution 3 6 5 2 9 4 1 7 8

2 7 1 6 5 8 9 4 3

8 9 4 3 7 1 2 5 6

9 2 6 8 4 7 3 1 5

5 8 3 9 1 6 4 2 7

4 1 7 5 3 2 8 6 9

7 5 2 4 8 3 6 9 1

6 3 9 1 2 5 7 8 4

1 4 8 7 6 9 5 3 2

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

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.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) - After much searching, finally the solution to a vexing problem will be found.

The revelation won’t come as a hunch, but from all the work you put it into solving it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) - Do not delegate an important job or assignment, no matter how busy you are. The results will only live up to your expectations if you T.C.O.B. yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) - It might finally be the day when you’ll be able to get together with someone who has been impossible to see. It won’t be by chance, but from your diligent effort in trying to contact this person.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Something you’ve been concerned about working out to your satisfaction will turn out just fine if you keep a positive mindset.

Your thinking will manifest itself in your work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - This is one of your better days for advancing your aims, so don’t waste your time on insignificant objectives. Focus your efforts on something important that doesn’t usually come easy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Friends and associates can be relied upon if you need their assistance, so don’t be reluctant to go to them.

The best one to turn to, however, will be someone you helped in the past.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - Challenges tend to bring out your better qualities, so put all your efforts into developing something that is extremely important to you. You’ll get what you diligently go after.

ACROSS 1 Rash protection 5 One way to go to a party 9 Bean and Shepard 14 Kind of tradition 15 Bullring figure 16 It may follow a benchclearing 17 Bean used in a Japanese sauce (Var.) 18 Sea shade 19 It gives a little hoot 20 Like 38Across, perhaps 23 ___ for Africa (“We Are the World” group) 24 Loaf for reubens 25 “Don’t be fuelish,” for one 26 Burning 29 Pound bits 31 Actor George C. ___ 33 Vase relative 34 Greek “H” 36 Andiron coating 37 Hilarious fellow 38 Commencement speaker, often 42 Aretha Franklin’s genre 43 It’s stranded in your body 44 Glass or

Silver 45 Peach stone 46 Grab at 48 Milk dispenser?

52 Ruckus 53 Flaxseed byproduct 54 Porridge bit, perhaps 56 Night before the big day 57 Postgraduate pursuit 61 Kind of dresser 63 Give as an example 64 Mapmaker McNally’s partner 65 Holmes who married Cruise 66 Something for a rainy day 67 Decorative sewing case 68 Flawless concept 69 Blind segment 70 Mourned openly DOWN 1 Tough call for a bettor 2 Stir up 3 Pro’s counterpart 4 Chowder morsel 5 Keach who played Mike Hammer 6 Brimless, close-fitting hats for women 7 Jack-in-the-

pulpit, e.g.

8 Gridiron upright 9 Line on a money order 10 Beyond racy 11 Shout from the pews (Var.) 12 Word in alumni bios 13 Math grouping 21 Sharpcrested ridge 22 Name on the cover 27 Steamemitting appliance 28 It can blow things to smithereens 30 San Quentin quarters 32 Chocolateyielding tree 35 Quick-witted 37 Orange leftover 38 Word on a

sample check 39 One way to decrease the work force 40 Changes one’s tone of voice 41 Mail carrier’s territory 42 New Age music player, often 46 Unquestionable truth 47 Speakers’ platforms 49 Lower the grade of 50 Settle 51 Go over again, as text 55 Well-suited to the task 58 Met moment 59 Tehran currency 60 Expanded 61 Item on a car roof, sometimes 62 Used to own

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2010 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

HIGHER LEARNING by Claude Remmey

(Editors: For editorial questions, contact Nadine Anheier, h i @ li k )

HOROSCOPE

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker November 22, 2010

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

SPORTS

Monday, November 22, 2010 • 7

OUDAILY.COM ›› The OU men’s basketball team opens the Maui Invitational today against powerhouse Kentucky Oklahoma

53

James Corley, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

Baylor

24

Sooners stay undefeated against Baylor Team wins 20th straight game against Bears, stays alive in Big 12 title hunt

COLUMN

Let Bedlam ensue in the Big 12 South Division.

Along with in-state bragging rights, the South title and a spot in the Big 12’s last scheduled championship game will be at stake when BCS No. 9 Oklahoma State and No. 13 OU play their regular season-ending rivalry game Saturday night.

The Cowboys (10-1, 6-1 Big 12) have their first 10win season and clinched at least a share of the division title after a 48-14 victory at Kansas on Saturday. With a win over OU, they would claim the South outright and go to the Big 12 championship game for the first time.

The Sooners (9-2, 5-2) have been to seven of the league’s last 10 championship games and have won the last seven games in the Bedlam series. Last year, when OSU was in position MATT CARNEY/THE DAILY to possibly become an atlarge BCS team, the Sooners Senior defensive back Jonathan Nelson celebrates with fans after the Sooners’ 53-24 win over Baylor on Saturday in Waco, Texas. dispatched the Cowboys in Norman 27-0.

This year, the Sooners are coming off a 53-24 romp at long before kickoff Saturday night if the winner of their Baylor on Saturday night.

S e n i o r r u n n i n g b a c k game is going to the Big 12 DeMarco Murray turned title game — or if there could a short pass into a 76-yard be a three-way tie atop the LANDRY JONES: A touchdown when he sprint- South Division.

“We’ve been in this posiIt seemed to be just another road game after sophomore quarterback Landry Jones threw a firsted up the left sideline untouched, then scored on a tion nine times: going into drive interception on a fourth-down attempt. However, Jones finished the game with 325 yards, 13-yard run minutes later, the last game looking at an three touchdowns and hit 26-of-39 targets. giving Oklahoma a quick opportunity to be in the championship,” Stoops said.

14-0 lead over Baylor.

RUNNING BACKS: AThe Sooners also got their “So they ought to be excited Senior DeMarco Murray finished the game with 182 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, while first defensive touchdown of about it.” true freshman Roy Finch added another touchdown out of the backfield. True freshman Brennan No. 17 Texas A&M (8-3, the season on sophomore Clay and senior Mossis Madu also saw some action. However, the four backs combined for only a linebacker Ronnell Lewis’ 5-2) beat North Division3.4 yards per carry average, keeping the unit from receiving a higher grade. leading Nebraska 12-yard intercep9-6 Saturday tion return to start WIDE RECEIVERS: A+ We’ve been in night. The Aggies the second half, Junior Ryan Broyles finished with 113 yards and a touchdown from 12 receptions. True freshman carry a fiveforced a safety on Kenny Stills added 74 yards and a touchdown on four receptions, while true freshman Trey Franks this position game winning a kickoff return continues to emerge as a reliable option for Jones. nine times: streak into their and led 53-10 after going into Thanksgiving three quarters.

DEFENSIVE LINE: A“ We j u s t d i d the last game night game against Baylor sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin III was under pressure all night with senior defensive what we usuend Jeremy Beal leading the way. The short-handed defensive line held Griffin in check and kept looking at an Texas, which they have to win to stay ally do, and it was senior running back Jay Finley under 100 yards. Sophomore converted defensive end Ronnell opportunity in the title mix. about playing like Lewis also grabbed an interception. to be in the If there is a we’re capable of,” OU coach Bob championship.” t h r e e - w a y t i e , DEFENSIVE BACKS: A+ it w ill be setStoops said. “We OU’s secondary held Griffin and the Bears in check all day, allowing Griffin only 124 passing h a d a n o p p o r— BOB STOOPS, tled by the BCS yards. Furthermore, the quarterback had no easy targets as he went 20-for-33 and had just one standings. tunity to come touchdown. Even more impressive, Baylor’s leading receiver had just 37 yards.

OU FOOTBALL T h e h i g h e s tdown here and COACH ranked team give ourselves a SPECIAL TEAMS: A+ most likely goes chance to stay in Junior kicker Jimmy Stevens converted all three field goal attempts, with a long of 33 yards, and the championship hunt, and to the title game. But if the nailed all six extra points. Sophomore punter Tress Way, in usual fashion, pinned Baylor twice top two Big 12 South teams that’s what we did.” within their own 20-yard line, and had a long of 56 yards. Baylor lost four yards on just two punt Sophomore quarterback are back-to-back in the BCS returns. The Sooners even added a safety on one kickoff. In short, the special teams did everything Landry Jones completed 26 standings, the winner of the they were asked to and then some. head-to-head matchup will of 39 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns, in- play for the league title.

— Clark Foy/The Daily In the BCS standings recluding a 5-yarder to junior wide receiver Ryan Broyles, leased Sunday, OSU is ninth, who became the first OU OU 13th and A&M 17th.

OU is ending the regular receiver with more than 100 season with consecutive catches in a season.

The Sooners have won road games for only the third all 20 games in their series time in 25 seasons. against Baylor.

OU and OSU will know — AP

OU football report card

7

OU using different, new plays STAFF COLUMN LUMN

Aaron Colen olen

For the second week in a row, the Sooners’ offense showcased a new formation, and the Baylor Bears had no answer for it.

After OU’s opening possession, the Sooners came back with a diamond backfield formation that put senior running back DeMarco Murray, freshman running back Roy Finch and freshman fullback Trey Millard on the field at the same time.

The Sooners scored three times with the formation: once on a Murray run, then on misdirection to Finch and finally on a short pass to junior wide receiver Ryan Broyles after a fake hand-off to Murray.

Last week against Texas Tech, OU unveiled its own version of the Wildcat offense, using direct snaps to Murray. The Sooners also used an option pitch play.

There has clearly been a concerted effort by OU’s coaches to get more creative offensively.

After Texas A&M took away the Sooners’ typical swing passes and bubble screens, OU has been finding ways to get its most dynamic offensive players together on the field in position to make plays, and the results have shown on the scoreboard.

OU averaged 49 points and 512 offensive yards in their last two wins after the 19point output against A&M. OU’s offensive resurgence has come just in time for what could potentially be a highscoring Bedlam matchup in Saturday Stillwater, where the Cowboys have been using the diamond formation that the Sooners borrowed.

If offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has any more tricks up his sleeve, he will likely show all his cards against Oklahoma State with the Big 12 South title on the line.

— Aaron Colen, journalism senior

Gift Guide will appear as an insert in The Oklahoma Daily on Nov. 29.

days until giftguide 2010

Gift Guide is a publication of OU Student Media, a department in the division of Student Affairs.

SPORTS

8 • Monday, November 22, 2010

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Sooners decimate Leathernecks, 84-43 Freshman starter sparks the team’s momentum, attributes performance to chemistry, feel for each other’s styles

pass to sophomore center Joanna McFarland in the low post sparked a 15-0 run by the Sooners. McFarland finished the game with nine points.

Late in the first half, senior guard Danielle RJ YOUNG The Oklahoma Daily Robinson found her way into the game with a steal at half court. Robinson’s first act of theft The famed sports film “Remember the allowed her to pass LaTrenda Phillips for fifth Titans” has a quote that describes the kind all-time among lady pick-pockets at OU. of offensive output and crushing defense Robinson added 18 first-half points and the No. 9 Sooners displayed led all scorers by finishing with against the Western Illinois 20 points.

Leathernecks: “Leave no doubt.”

OU coach Sherri Coale’s Finishing the game with an 84-43 blistering brand of man-todrubbing of the Leathernecks, OU man defense helped OU hold » The Sooners face made that statement take on life. the Leathernecks to 14-of-51 Fresno State at The Sooners got off to a rocky shooting from the field and 7 tonight inside start, missing their first two at0-of-11 from behind the arc.

Lloyd Noble Center. tempts at the basket. However, “I thought we played well dewith an early substitution of Arryn fensively, I thought we fought Ellenberg for Morgan Hook, the Sooners hard, and we played smarter than we did in got hot. Ellenberg finished the game with Milwaukee,” Coale said.

13 points in only her second game as a colSophomore center Lyndsey Cloman had legiate player. a breakout night, scoring a season-high 13 “I feel like we all have a good feel for how points in just 15 minutes on the floor. each other likes to play,” Ellenberg said. “It “Joanna and Lyndsey were both real steady, kind of comes natural at some points because and part of the credit goes to the guards putSUE OGROCKI/AP our off-the-court chemistry is great.” ting the basketball on the spot where they Senior guard Danielle Robinson (13) drives around Western Illinois guard Anne Borgertpoepping Junior guard Jasmine Hartman’s timely could do something with it,” Coale said. during the second half of the OU-Western Illinois game Friday at Lloyd Noble Center. OU won 84-43.

Tonight

VOLLEYBALL

OU cautious of losing focus with tournament bid clinched Team defeats Kansas State, looks to finish regular season strong GREG FEWELL The Oklahoma Daily

The Sooner volleyball team played a solid match Saturday to take dow n Kansas State in four sets at McCasland Field House.

The win moves the Sooners’ record to 20-9 this season, 12-6 in the Big 12.

With OU’s record, the team already knows it will compete in the NCAA tournament at the end of the season; the remaining two

games will only affect how the Sooners are seeded.

OU ’s final two opponents are already out of tournament contention and have nothing to lose.

Under these conditions, one of the biggest challenges for the Sooners will be to stay focused and win these final matches, coach Santiago Restrepo said.

“It ’s actually hard to play knowing that you’re already in, and all of the teams that we’re playing have nothing to lose, so it’s hard to stay motivated knowing that,” Restrepo said. “ That ’s one thing we

That’s one thing we talked about at the beginning of the week — we have to keep focused, and we still have to go out there and compete.”

— SANTIAGO RESTREPO, VOLLEYBALL COACH talked about at the beginning of the week — we have to keep focused, and we still have to go out there and compete.”

The Sooners did not show any signs of lacking motivation in Saturday’s game.

Outside of the second set, OU dominated the Wildcats for most of the

match. There were only five ties the entire afternoon and no lead changes.

OU won the first set 25-18, but Kansas State turned the tables in the second to beat the Sooners by an identical score.

The Sooners came out of intermission with a renewed defensive resolve.

The Sooner defense held

the Wildcats’ hitting percentage to 15 percent lower in the third and fourth sets than in the first two.

“We are a very defensive team,” Restrepo said. “We rely a lot on digging the ball and [junior Brianne Barker] setting the ball, and that showed tonight.

The girls did really well.”

OU won the final two sets 25-16 and 25-19.

Sophomore defensive specialitst María Fernanda led the Sooners defensively with 20 digs, followed

by Barker and freshman defensive specialist Eden Williams with 17 a piece.

Ju n i o r h i t t e r C a i t l i n

This week Wednesday at Missouri Saturday vs Kansas Bold games are in Norman

Higgins led OU with 17 kills, and sophomore hitter Morgan Reynolds added 15.

The team will need to keep its focus and composure in its final two games to improve its seeding and roll into the postseason with momentum.

Thank You!

Peggy and Charles Stephenson For your historic $12 million gift for the Oklahoma Cancer Center, the largest public-private biosciences initiative in Oklahoma history.

OU Regents Rick Dunning and Max Weitzenhoffer (from left), join Charles and Peggy Stephenson and OU President David L. Boren at the announcement of the Stephenson’s gift that will benefit cancer programs for all Oklahomans.

Peggy and Charles Stephenson of Tulsa have committed a $12 million gift, which will provide $5.5 million to complete the construction of the seven-story cancer facility located at the OU Health Sciences Center, $6 million to fund two endowed positions and $500,000 to endow a Healing Garden. This gift will help the state achieve the goal of bringing world-class research and cancer care to all the people of Oklahoma.

OU thanks the Stephensons for their generosity and lasting impact on the health care of the state and region.

- The Pride of Oklahoma