F I N A L S W E E K E D I T I O N | M AY 8 -12 , 2 0 17 | T W I C E W E E K LY I N P R I N T | O U D A I LY. C O M
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A YEAR IN REVIEW Looking back on the year’s most influential stories STAFF REPORTS
The news of the 2016-2017 academic year was anchored by the election of President Donald Trump, but lots of other noteworthy events occurred, too. Relive some of the most impactful stories of the academic year below. 1. MIXON VIDEO RELEASED The video of former Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon punching a female student in the face in summer 2014 was released to the public Dec. 16, 2016, by his attorneys. The video depicts Amelia Molitor, the student Mixon punched, walking into Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, followed by Mixon, who strikes her after they exchange words and after she slapped him. The video’s release was contested in court for two years. The City of Norman did not want to release the video, arguing that it was not a public record. Molitor and her legal team had also filed motions to keep the video sealed from public view. Mixon went on to play in the Sugar Bowl against Auburn University, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns and netting 89 receiving yards. He was selected 48th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2. ANTI-BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST ON CAMPUS Hundreds of students turned out to oppose two anti-Black Lives Matter protesters on the South Oval Nov. 16, 2016, capping off a monthlong string of racist incidents on
campus. The protesters, who were on campus without notice and without a permit allowing their presence, wore pro-Donald Trump material and sported a sign that read “BLM Rent A Riot” on one side and “BLM Are Racist Thugs” on the other. One of the protesters’ shirts also read “Allah is Satan.” In the middle of the escalation and anger, OU President David Boren approached the scene, megaphone in hand, and told the protesters: “You have no place to be here.” The protesters eventually made their way to an OU Police Department vehicle and were taken away.
3. BEDLAM SEALS THE CONFERENCE Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 38-20 to clinch its second consecutive Big 12 title and head coach Bob Stoops’ 10th conference title. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for three touchdowns and receiver Dede Westbrook racked up 111 yards receiving in the game, which put the Sooners in position to go to the Sugar Bowl against Auburn.
4. BOREN’S COMMENTS ON SEXUAL ASSAULT SPARK PROTEST
OU President David Boren’s comments in an Oct. 3, 2016, story by The Daily provoked outrage on campus. Boren said in the story that sexual assault cannot be eradicated “any more than we can eradicate human nature.” The same day, Boren reiterated his stance that it is wrong to place the blame of sexual assault on a victim. A group of students later threatened to protest in Evans Hall, where Boren’s office is located, demanding Boren apologize for his remarks. Boren eventually met with the students, saying their meeting was constructive.
5. BOREN HAS HEART BYPASS SURGERY OU President David Boren underwent successful heart bypass surgery March 20. He has continued to serve as president of the university during his recovery, although he did not return to campus until April 17. He has been working part-time in his office for a few hours a week since then and told The Daily when he returned that he was happy to be back.
6. OU STUDENT DIES IN OKLAHOMA CITY Kyle O’Brien, a former finance sophomore at OU, died accidentally of multiple blunt force trauma in
Oklahoma City on Feb. 3. O’Brien was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at OU, which held a vigil for him Feb. 7.
7. DONALD TRUMP ELECTED PRESIDENT President Donald Trump shockingly defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, taking home more than 300 electoral college votes despite losing the popular vote by about 3 million. The win puzzled polling experts and political analysts everywhere, and it sparked protest and fear on OU’s campus.
8. OU STUDENT SHOOTS AT FRATERNITY HOUSE BEFORE SHOOTING HIMSELF On March 22, Vincent Peter Valentin, a former pre-law studies and English junior, drove through the fence of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house and fired two rounds at the house and one inside of his vehicle. Valentin was confronted by members of the fraternity after firing the shots, and then he fired and threw a hatchet at them. Police found Valentin after he left the scene on foot with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead.
PICTURED ABOVE: A. ANDREW CLARK/THE DAILY A crowd surrounds two antiBlack Lives Matter protesters around the Seed Sower statue Nov. 16. B. PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY Students mess around with the Al Roker face masks as they wait for the show to start, March 27. C. PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY A vigil was held in remembrance of Delta Upsilon member Kyle O’Brien, Feb 7. D. PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY The Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team won the 2017 NCAA National Championship, April 15. E.ASSOCIATED PRESS Then-presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. F. SIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY Junior quarterback Baker Mayfield and senior wide receiver Dede Westbrook pose for a photo after interviews with about being Heisman Trophy finalists. G. HARLEY HARRELL/SOONER YEARBOOK Students lay on the floor during the die-in Sept. 22 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. H. JULIA HARTH/THE DAILY Senior wide receiver Dede Westbrook celebrates his touchdown in the Dec. 3 game against Oklahoma State.
see TOP STORIES page 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS: Still not sure where you’re supposed to go for convocation this weekend? Check out page 2 for help. NEWS: Check out page 5 for a roundup of what Student Government Association has accomplished this year.
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SPORTS: The softball team has a new teammate — his middle name is Champ, after his parents made a bet with the team that they’d name their baby Champ if the team won the national title. Read more on page 7.
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• May 8-12, 2017
NEWS
Andrew Clark, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CONVOCATION STAFF REPORTS
Not sure when or where your convocation ceremony is taking place? Check out our list of every college’s service below. COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH When: 1 p.m. May 13 Where: McCasland Field House Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at noon in Lisa and Cy Wagner Hall Reception: 10 a.m. to noon in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Molly Shi Boren Ballroom Speaker: Dean Kevin Rudeen, student Melissa Carr, alumna Linda Alfred COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE When: 6 p.m. May 13 Where: Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 5:15 p.m. Reception: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Gould Hall Gallery Speaker: Christopher C. Gibbs COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES When: 10 a.m. May 13 Where: Lloyd Noble Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 9:15 a.m. Doctoral Reception: 4:30-5:30 p.m. May 12 in Ellison Hall, room 132 Speaker: Daniel Pae, Carl Albert Award recipient and former Student Government Association president COLLEGE OF ATMOSPHERIC AND GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCES When: 11 a.m. May 13 Where: Reynolds Performing Arts Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 10 a.m. Reception: 4 p.m. May 12 in the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History Speaker: Katie Rich, OU alumna MICHAEL F. PRICE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS When: 7:30 p.m. May 13 Where: Lloyd Noble Center Reception: immediately following the ceremony in the Chesapeake Energy Courtside Club, Lloyd Noble Center Speaker: Gary Pierson, president and CEO of Oklahoma Publishing Co. AVIATION UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM Recognized at the Price College of Business convocation (above) Reception: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Max Westheimer Airport Aviation Department Hangar COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY When: 10 a.m. May 13 Where: First United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City Speaker: Raymond Cohlmia, dean of College of Dentistry
MEWBOURNE COLLEGE OF EARTH AND ENERGY When: 6:30 p.m. May 13 Where: McCasland Field House Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m. Reception: immediately following the ceremony in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom in the Oklahoma Memorial Union JEANNINE RAINBOLT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION When: 4 p.m. May 13 Where: McCasland Field House Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive 3 p.m. at Price Hall Reception: immediately following the ceremony in Collings Hall Speaker: Outstanding senior Ashley Hosek GALLOGLY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING When: 1:30 p.m. May 13 Where: Lloyd Noble Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive 12:45 p.m. Reception: immediately following in the Chesapeake and Legacy Lounges, Lloyd Noble Center WEITZENHOFFER FAMILY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS When: 9:30 a.m. May 13 Where: Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES When: 1 p.m. May 13 Where: Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive 12:30 p.m. Reception: immediately following in Molly Shi Boren Ballroom in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Speaker: Robert Andrew, diplomat-in-residence of the Department of State GAYLORD COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION When: 10 a.m. May 13 Where: McCasland Fieldhouse Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 9 a.m. Reception: immediately following in Gaylord Hall Speaker: Renzi Stone, OU Regent COLLEGE OF LAW When: 10:30 a.m. May 13 Where: The Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 10 a.m. Reception: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 12 at the College of Law, Sneed Lounge Speaker: Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL STUDIES When: 3:30 p.m. May 13 Where: Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center Speaker: Dick Pryor, general manager KGOU radio COLLEGE OF MEDICINE When: 2 p.m. May 21 Where: Lloyd Noble Center Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 1 p.m. Speaker: Dustyn Williams FRAN AND EARL ZIEGLER COLLEGE OF NURSING CONVOCATION When: 4:30 p.m. May 13 Where: Lloyd Noble Center Arrival: 3:30 p.m. GRADUATE COLLEGE RECEPTION When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 12 Where: National Weather Center Speaker: Randall S. Hewes, OU Graduate College interim dean HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER GRADUATE COLLEGE CONVOCATION When: 2 p.m. May 13 Where: David L. Boren Student Union, room 170 Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 1:15 p.m. Reception: immediately following in the Robert M. Bird Library Foyer Speaker: Russell G. Postier, OU College of Medicine dean COLLEGE OF PHARMACY COMMENCEMENT When: 10 a.m. June 3 Where: Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City Arrival: Candidates asked to arrive at 9 a.m. Speaker: JoLaine R. Draugalis, OU College of Pharmacy dean COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONVOCATION When: 10 a.m. May 13 Where: Embassy Suites, Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center Reception: immediately following at the Embassy Suites Speaker: Terry L. Cline, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health
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May 8-12, 2017 •
NEWS
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Andrew Clark, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
OU applicants getting better GPAs, test scores Admissions sees increase in number of hopeful students ANNA BAUMAN @annabauman2
HANNAH PIKE @h_pike_
As members of the senior class prepares to cross the stage at commencement to receive their diplomas, firsttime students are now entering OU with higher grades and better test scores than their predecessors. The past four years have shown a rising trend in incoming students’ average ACT and SAT scores and high school GPAs, according to research published in the OU Fact Book. “The last few years, the quality of the entering class has continued to go up,” said Daniel Hamrin, director of admissions operations at OU. “Not significantly, but a little bit every year, just a tiny bit every year.”
Average ACT composite score
2013: 25.8 2014: 26.3 2015: 26.3 2016: 26.4 Source: OU Fact Book
Most of the seniors graduating this year entered OU in 2013 and had an average ACT composite score of 25.8 and average high school GPA of 3.59, according to the OU Fact Book. In comparison, students who entered in fall 2016 had an average ACT composite score of 26.4 and average high school GPA of
3.62. Hamrin said there has been an increase in the applicant pool, contributing to a slightly more competitive admissions process that has yielded more competitive average scores and grades. Despite the larger number of applicants, the university has maintained a steady number of first-time students between 4,052 and 4,200 over the last five years, according to the OU Fact Book. “Two years ago we had 12,000 students (apply) and now we’re ... almost at 17,000 submitted applications,” Hamrin said. “We’ve had a lot more people apply in the last two years.” Even though incoming students’ test scores and grades have increased, the admissions process places greater emphasis on the entire individual rather than just the numbers, Hamrin said. In 2013, the admissions office began using the holistic review process for some students, and as of 2016 it has transitioned into using it for all students in order to keep up with national trends. In the past, various cut-off ACT and SAT scores or GPA requirements were set in stone. “Everyone thinks, ‘Do you need certain numbers to get in?’” Hamrin said. “The real question that we’re looking at is, ‘Do we really think we can set this student up on a path to succeed at OU?’” Instead of abiding by strict test scores or GPA requirements like they did in years past, admissions counselors evaluate a student’s grades, essay, test scores and recommendations holistically to determine whether the applicant will be able to succeed at OU, Hamrin said. “Historically, OU did have basic standard cut-offs ... that’s kind of how the process exclusively was done,” Hamrin said. “If you had certain scores, that’s how admissions decisions were made.”
Hamrin said the holistic review process allows admissions counselors to view the applicant as an entire person rather than just his or her test scores, which provide a “oneday snapshot.” Admissions officers view a student’s grades throughout high school — red flags
“The last few years, the quality of the entering class has continued to go up.” DANIEL HAMRIN, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS OPERATIONS
include a declining GPA or several D’s on a transcript, Hamrin said. However, a student’s essay describing difficult life experiences might be taken into consideration when these red flags pop up. “It gives us a little bit more leeway to really dive into finding those students that we think are going to be successful and looking at the whole story rather than just those numbers. So it’s a very personal process,” Hamrin said. Ben Kannenberg, chemical biosciences and international studies junior, said he thinks this style of admissions allows OU to have more students from a variety of high schools and backgrounds. “I think that in general, recruiting with a holistic approach yields a more varied student body,” Kannenberg said. “I think that it in general, in the future ... it will lead to a more diverse student body.” Hamrin said the admissions process has also gotten significantly faster, with decisions coming just four to five weeks after all materials are submitted, benefitting both students and admissions.
Since it now has more application materials to review, the staff has increased in number since last year when the Office of Admissions combined with Prospective Student Services, allowing for more people to review applications, Hamrin said. “I think it helps the institution plan better if they have a better idea of who’s coming earlier in the summer,” Hamrin said. “It also helps students plan for college better rather than just trying to hustle up and get in at the last minute. We want to make sure that students have all summer to really prepare to start well in the fall.” Kannenberg said he knows students who have chosen OU over Ivy League-caliber schools and OU students who are attending selective graduate schools, proving that OU has high-quality students. “I’m surrounded by brilliant people who are doing amazing things,” Kannenberg said. “I think that most people on this campus would say the quality of students has risen, and not just in terms of test scores.” Anna Bauman
anna.m.bauman-1@ou.edu
Hannah Pike
hmaepike@gmail.com
NORMAN CAMPUS ENROLLMENT
2013: 27,303 2014: 27,278 2015: 27,445 2016: 27,937 Source: OU Fact Book
Student enrollment by state in fall 2016
Number of students enrolled from each state less than 24.6 24.6 to 45.6 16,581
5,129
45.6 to 77.6 77.6 to 142.4 more than 142.4
Source: OU Fact Book
DANA BRANHAM AND HANNAH PIKE/THE DAILY
COLOR THIS PAGE: This illustration by Noor Eemaan originally appeared with an article about adult coloring books. We figured it’s pretty timely for finals week, too. Don’t forget to share your masterpiece with us — tweet @OUDaily!
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• May 8-12, 2017
NEWS
Andrew Clark, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
Students still stressed after dead week reform Policy changes intended to leave more time to study MITCHELL WILLETTS @MitchBWilletts
NICK HAZELRIGG
Andrew Clark News Managing Editor
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Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of 10 student editors. The board meets at 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday in Copeland Hall, Room 160. Board meetings are open to the public. Tim Crisp (right) laughs after the Faculty Senate approves a proposal to reform the university’s “dead week� protocol Oct. 10, 2016. The proposal says no work worth more than 3 percent of a student’s total class grade may be assigned during that week.
freshman Konner Harkey also found that despite the reforms the difficulty in her classes during dead week was still high. “I think that this dead week has been a lot harder for me than last semester’s. I just wish we didn’t have to go to class,� Harkey said.
“I wish this week could be about studying and reviewing.� CLAIRE HIGHTOWER, BUSINESS MARKETING FRESHMAN
Grace Barber, a geology sophomore, has been working hard to prepare for her finals, but is also learning new material in her classes during dead week. Barber said she wishes OU’s dead week was devoted to preparing for finals, as it is for many other universities. “I know at other universities it’s actually ‘dead week,’ but here I’m still learning new information and still handing in assignments,�
Barber said. “So yeah, not the most time to study for my exams, but I’m making it work.� Daniel Pae, former Student Government Association president and a driving force behind the dead week reform bill’s writing, said he’s heard from friends that they had less class responsibility this dead week. “I’ve heard from friends who have difficult classes that their pre-finals week obligations are less than pre vious s emesters, s o that’s encouraging,� Pae said. Pae said he did not want to speculate on the success of the dead week reform until the results of an SGA survey regarding the effectiveness of the new policy are available. Mitchell Willetts
mitchell.b.willetts-1@ ou.edu
Nick Hazelrigg
hazelriggn@gmail.com
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.
• Quizzes may be given during pre-ďŹ nals week, but cannot account for more than 3 percent combined total of the ďŹ nal grade • Exams may not be given during preďŹ nals week
my friend’s got mental illness
• Special cases deviating from the pre-ďŹ nals week policy must be in the course syllabus and approved by the chair of the department
To a friend with mental illness, your caring and understanding greatly increases their chance of recovery. Visit whatadifference.samhsa.gov for more information. Mental Illness – What a difference a friend makes.
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 Stay focused on whatĘźs important to you this year. Refuse to let outside influences intrude on your agenda. Be bold, but donĘźt feel the need to take control or be responsible for others. Be cautious while traveling or dealing with official business or foreign entities.
Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard
VOL. 102, NO. 62
Š 2017 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢
• No assignments or projects may be due on the last two days of pre-ďŹ nals week
Copyright 2017, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board.
One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business ofďŹ ce at 405325-2522.
• Assignments or projects worth less than 10 percent combined total of a student’s grade may be assigned at any time prior to pre-ďŹ nals week and may be due during pre-ďŹ nals week
By Eugenia Last
Previous Solution
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Source: OU Faculty Handbook
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Do your own thing and protect against anyone or anything that threatens you or your success. Subtle changes will help bolster your confidence and improve your position.
DEAD WEEK POLICY
HOROSCOPE
A page 3 story in the May 4-7 edition of The Daily about the owner of Crimson & Whipped Cream incorrectly stated that the owner, Ashleigh Barnett, graduated from OU. Barnett did not graduate from OU — she left the school in 2002 to move to New York City to attend culinary school. The error did not occur online.
The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.
Corrections: The Daily is committed to accuracy in its publications. If you ďŹ nd an error in a story, email dailynews@ ou.edu or visit oudaily. com/site/corrections .html to submit a correction form.
SIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY
CORRECTION
Jesse Pound Enterprise Editor
contact us
@nickhazelrigg
Despite changes to university policy aimed at reducing students’ workload during dead week, some students have already reached a consensus: dead week is still anything but dead. The new policy, passed by the Faculty Senate in fall 2016, states that during pre-finals week, there can be no quizzes worth more than 3 percent of a student’s final grade, no assignments worth more than 10 percent of the final grade and no exams. Classes with no scheduled final exam and laboratory classes are exempt from the new restrictions, but professors for all other classes can request permission from their department chair to deviate from the guidelines, as long as they state in the syllabus that this deviation has been made. While the goal of the policy was to give students more time to study the week before their final exams, some students have still found it difficult to meet the demands of dead week. Claire Hightower, a business marketing freshman, found she had many assignments due during dead week, making it more difficult for her to find time to prepare for her finals. “I learned new material all week long. I had several graded assignments due, and it was pretty hard,� Hightower said. “I’ve barely had time to study this week because of all my homework. I wish this week could be about studying and reviewing.� Pre-med biology
Dana Branham Editor in Chief
be erratic and will overreact without notice. Choose your words wisely, and exude diplomacy. Keep the peace and make love, not war. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- There will be plenty of unspoken words that will keep you in the dark. When dealing with contractual, financial and health issues, ask questions that are pertinent and will clear up confusion. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Get out and engage in things you believe in and enjoy doing. Set a schedule that includes what motivates you, and start living life to its fullest.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- DonĘźt wait for someone to intervene in a situation or put pressure on you. Make CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) up your mind and move in a direction -- When dealing with institutions or government agencies or traveling that will help you live life your way. to foreign countries, you should be cautious. Overreacting will not work CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Say out well. Sticking close to home and little and do a lot. Work quietly on your own and accomplish your goals. tidying up loose ends is a better alternative. DonĘźt let anyone meddle in your affairs or take advantage of your AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Make kindheartedness. good and uphold an old promise you made to yourself or someone from LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- An open your past. Attending a reunion or mind and a warm-hearted approach repaying an old debt will make you to life and the people you encounter feel good. Romance is highlighted. will help you keep bullies at armĘźs length. Greater involvement in peace PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- If you and environmental organizations is are honest about the past, it will be favored. easier to face the future. Reconnecting VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Contracts, with someone will have an impact agreements and home improvements on your life. A healthy sense of compromise will improve important will spring up out of necessity. An relationships. unexpected expense should be dealt with smartly. DonĘźt overspend when ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Keep a you can find a way to cut corners steady pace and an eye on what you and save. must accomplish. Letting personal matters deter you from taking care of LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Proceed your work responsibilities will leave with caution when dealing with you in an awkward position. domestic problems. Someone will
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy Parker May 8, 2017
ACROSS 1 Group of seriously smart people 6 Hourglass or diamond, e.g. 11 Obese 14 At full speed, aboard ship 15 Uses a keyboard 16 Opinionated rep ending? 17 Result of spilling a drink at your desk? 19 Kevin Durant’s org. 20 Stole during a riot 21 Lab gas burners 23 Emulates a certain lawyer 26 Performed at the scene, as training 27 Great classical works 28 December birthstone 30 Adams, Knotts and Johnson 31 Far from wordy 32 Moo ___ gai pan 35 Mo. that makes people boo 36 Spanish town districts 38 Male 39 Quiet “Be quiet!� 40 “Hasta luego� relative
5/8
41 Spew backtalk 42 Sonata finales 44 Newborn’s knitted item 46 Becomes a parent, in a way 48 Most moist 49 Mail carrier’s beat 50 Black eye, in slang 52 Carpet 53 What the track team’s get-together consisted of? 58 Fire residue 59 Zola or Griffith 60 Pays to play poker 61 “Affirmative� 62 Performs carbon testing 63 Ascends, as an eagle DOWN 1 Make imperfect 2 Large Aussie bird 3 One of the Bobbsey twins 4 Like Jesus, famously 5 “___ for tennis?� 6 Sports figures, for short 7 Publicrelations bluster 8 Copied, gorilla-style 9 ___ capita 10 Perfumes
11 Partner in pranking? 12 Chance to get a hit 13 Mock 18 Pea containers 22 “General� of a Chinese chicken dish 23 Blockheads or some extinct birds 24 Unit of geological time 25 Rehearsals of comedic plays? 26 “... ___ I’m told� 28 Numbers that mean nothing 29 Type of flower or part of the eye 31 Group of three 33 Fertile tracts in deserts
34 Beginning or early stages 36 Joshed back and forth 37 Does a bit of math 41 Highest female voice 43 Make a choice 44 Group of musicians 45 Alphas’ opposites 46 Impressive display 47 Put out, as a fire 48 Sups 50 Minor argument 51 In good health 54 Thurman of films 55 New York transit org. 56 “Musket� ending 57 Sound of escaping air
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
5/7
5/4
Š 2017 Andrews McMeel Syndication www.upuzzles.com Š 2017 Andrews McMeel Syndication
RUN FUNS By Timothy E. Parker
May 8-12, 2017 •
NEWS TOP STORIES: Continued from Page One
OU was met with criticism after the incident for not sending out an emergency alert message as it was taking place. The criticism prompted OU to review its emergency response procedures, including considering sending an “all clear” alert even if no prior alert was issued. Valentin had also tweeted about death the day of the incident. Valentin’s mother said in a Facebook p o s t a f t e r t h e i n c i d e nt that Valentin had struggled with mental illness.
9. BOREN SUSPENDS STUDENT AFTER RACIST MESSAGES On Nov. 11, 2016, OU President David Boren indefinitely suspended a student, who has not been identified, after it was determined that the student was involved in a series of racist GroupMe messages circulating at the University of Pennsylvania. On Nov. 15, 2016, Boren said in a tweet that the suspended student was no longer enrolled at OU. A Tu l s a C o m m u n i t y College student was also suspended for their involvement in the messages.
10. TWO OU FOOTBALL PLAYERS FINALISTS FOR THE HEISMAN TROPHY
Andrew Clark, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
in the final voting. Mayfield finished this past season with 3,965 yards passing and 40 touchdown passes, while Westbrook finished the season with 1,524 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches. Mayfield will return for his senior season, while Westbrook, a senior, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 110th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
11. OKLAHOMA MEN’S, WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS TAKE HOME TITLES The Oklahoma men’s and women’s gymnastics teams both took home national titles this past season. It was the men’s team’s third straight title and the women’s team’s second straight title.
12. CAMPUS CORNER CHANGING RAPIDLY It’s been a topsy-turvy year for Campus Corner. While new businesses such as Coolgre ens and The Baked Bear have opened t h e i r d o o r s t o c u st o m ers, many businesses have closed theirs. The former CVS closed March 25 and Chimy’s closed in fall 2016, and before that, Pita Pit and Crooked Crust also shut down. To make matters worse, Othello’s, a Norman landmark since 1977, was badly damaged in a fire April 29 and has not reopened since.
13. OU REVAMPS EARLY RETIREMENT Q u a r t e r b a c k B a k e r PROGRAM
Mayfield and receiver Dede Westbrook were both finalists for the Heisman Trophy in 2016, although neither could defeat L ouisville quarterback Lamar Jackson
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For the second year in a row, OU is offering eligible employees an incentive to retire early in an effort to save money amid budget
SIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY
Campus Corner has changed throughout the school year with new businesses being added and others closing.
cuts. The university has lowered the age requirement to be eligible for the program from 62 to 60. As of April 14, 427 employees were eligible to take the incentivized retirement program. The program will pay those who decide to take part an amount equal to 75 percent of their annual base salary in effect on March 15. It is expected to save $9.4 million this year. The Daily has been repeatedly denied access to records that indicate the names of employees who are eligible for the program. The university, although it gave the same records to The Daily in 2016, has claimed
that releasing the records would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. The Daily will continue to pursue these records as we believe they are important in demonstrating the program’s potential effects on the university.
14. STUDENTS, OU EMPLOYEES HOLD DIE-IN AFTER TERENCE CRUTCHER SHOOTING
many OU students decided to do something about it. They held a die-in in the Oklahoma Memorial Union food court, lying on the ground and chanting “black lives matter”. Jabar Shumate, vice president for the university community, joined the die-in. Shumate knew Crutcher personally, and the incident had great impact on him.
nationally known weatherman Al Roker as part of his nationwide “Rokerthon” tour. OU students broke the world records for largest human image of a cloud and largest human image of a lightning bolt, with 490 people forming the cloud and 280 forming the bolt. Roker also meant to give an OU student a $5,000 scholarship, but when another student approached him after mishearing who the winner 15. OU STUDENTS SET WORLD RECORDS was, Roker decided to give them both scholarships. WITH AL ROKER
Terence Crutcher was shot and killed by Tulsa police ofOU students broke two ficer Betty Shelby on Sept. Guinness world records with 16, 2016. On Sept. 22, 2016,
SGA pushes change in 2017 The 2016-2017 school year has been a period of tremendous growth for The Daily’s arts & entertainment desk. We’ve not only strived to cover the artists, special events and quirks that make the OU comSTAFF REPORTS OU elects J.D. Baker as Student Government Association president • J.D. Baker and Cameron Burleson were elected Student Government Association president and vice president Nov. 4, 2016. Baker and Burleson ran on a platform championing menCARLY ROBINSON/THE DAILY tal health awareness, sexual Members of the Student Government Association raised assault prevention and con- their hands to vote on a bill, Aug. 30, 2016. tinuing the work of the previ- • The Campus Climate Board, formed the “It’s On Us” task ous administration. which includes student lead- force to raise awareness of ers from campus organiza- sexual assault. SGA completes initiatives tions such as the Hispanic • The campaign involves set in motion by previous Student Association and seeking student pledges to administration the Disability Inclusion and become active bystanders • Various long-term projects Awareness group, will re- and intervene in instances from the previous SGA ad- lease reviews on the legisla- that could lead to assault. ministration, headed by for- tion passed by SGA at varimer president Daniel Pae, ous points in the upcoming SGA passes resolutions came to fruition during spring semesters. supporting minority stu2017. dents, student activism • A bike share program was SGA president turns in op- • In several resolutions this introduced to campus April erating budget late, issues year, SGA moved to support 4 with thousands of students apology after missing out marginalized student popuriding the bikes in the first few on roughly $35,000 in lations and student action. weeks. The OU food pantry • At its Nov. 29, 2016, meethad a soft opening on Feb. 22 primary funding ing, the Undergraduate • During the primary funding and served eight OU commuStudent Congress voted to period, where student organity members, then it held an support those protesting nizations apply to SGA’s budofficial opening on March 22. the Dakota Access pipe• The Student Legal Services getary committee to receive line, acknowledging the funding, SGA President J.D. program became available hardships encountered by at the beginning of spring Baker submitted the opera- North Dakota’s Standing tions budget for SGA late, re2017, allowing OU communiRock Sioux Tribe and enty members to have access to sulting in it not receiving pri- couraging student activism mary funding. free legal consultation. and conversation about the • This was also the first semes- • The operations budget cov- issue. ers the costs of running the ter SGA’s dead week reform • After President Donald was implemented. Professors SGA offices, including print- Trump’s executive order ing costs and travel expenses were required to follow reinstituting temporary travstrictions on the material they for SGA leaders when they go el restrictions, congress reto SGA-related events. The ofcan assign or cover during the fices will have to run on left- solved to support and show week before finals. over money until fall 2017 to solidarity with immigrant and international students apply for future funding. OU SGA implements a at OU. Congress also passed Campus Climate Board SGA creates ‘It’s On Us’ legislation condemning to meet with student task force to advocate for cuts to higher education in organizations Oklahoma to give state legisvictims of sexual assault • In spring 2017, SGA lead• A national campaign against lators a clear understanding ers started an initiative to put sexual assault on college of students’ positions on the together a board of advisers campuses came to OU spring issue. to give SGA and students in 2017 under SGA leadership. other organizations a chance Staff Reports Undergraduate Student to work closer together. dailynews@ou.edu Congress chair Kaylee Rains
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SPORTS
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Spenser Davis, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
Team welcomes Champ
OU softball coach’s promise to players decides baby name JADYN WATSON-FISHER @jwatsonfisher
The sun was going down on the ASA Hall of Fame stadium on a warm June evening as the Sooners led the top-seeded Auburn Tigers 2-1 with two outs in the seventh inning of the Women’s College World Series title game. Junior pitcher Paige Parker was one throw away from a national championship. With her eye on Auburn senior batter Jade Rhodes, Parker focused on junior catcher Lea Wodach. With one last wind of the arm, she released the ball with a hard-hitting drop curve. Ground ball. Second base. Three outs. They did it. The smiles, the tears and the excitement were unforgettable. The team yelled, “Champ, champ, champ!” And for just a moment, time stood still. The Sooners won the 2016 national championship, but in that moment, in that one play, they also changed a life. ··· Two months earlier, it was a normal afternoon in April. The team got together to watch scouting reports of the pitchers and hitters it would face that weekend against Texas. Then assistant coach J.T. Gasso said something that threw the team off. “There’s also a player that you guys need to know,” he said. “There’s no video, they’re going to be brand new. They’re here now, but you probably won’t see them until the fall. We don’t have any video, we just have this one picture of them and there’s no stats, there’s no nothing.” There was obvious confusion. “How do you not have any film? You can find that anywhere,” junior outfielder Nicole Pendley thought. Then J.T. reached into his pocket. He pulled out the picture — it was an ultrasound. He and his wife, volunteer assistant coach Andrea Gasso, were going to have a baby. “ E v e r y o n e ’s c r y i n g , screaming and laughing and freaking out,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “Just off the top of his head (he) said, ‘You guys check it out, if we win the national championship, our child’s middle name will be
SHANE BYLER/THE DAILY
Joseph Champ Gasso, son of J.T. and Andrea Gasso, the women’s softball team’s assistant and volunteer assistant coaches.
Champ.’” Oklahoma was only 31-7 and ranked No. 12 in the country. It didn’t seem like it would happen — it still had to get through Big 12 and NCAA regionals, after all. “I think all of us were like, ‘Well, that’s never gonna happen,’” Pendley said. “I don’t think anyone in their right mind thought we were (going to win), not even coach.” She wasn’t wrong. Patty had her doubts, just like everyone else. Then the Sooners went on a 21-game win streak and found themselves at the Women’s College World Series. Their chant of choice through the success? “Gracie Champ.” Many were convinced their newest player would be a girl. The closer the end of the season became, the more nervous Andrea got about the gender of her baby. But they couldn’t go back on their deal. “I looked at J.T. and said, ‘I hope and pray this is a little boy, because I don’t think I could do this to a little girl,’” Andrea said. ··· It was game day. The final one of the season, and it was against Auburn for the national championship. When it was time to step on the field, it was a like a dream. The team was competing for the highest honor in college softball. Patty took a minute to absorb what was happening, and Andrea got checked out by a team doctor to make sure she wasn’t over-stressing herself or her baby. It was a hard game, and the Sooners had to fight for it. The anticipation was palpable and the team was ready for the finish. Then came the final pitch. “The only thing I really
remember was just looking over at our dugout and seeing everyone’s hands up and just being really locked in with (Coach Lombardi) and knowing there was no way we weren’t going to get that girl out,” Parker said. It was a magical moment for Andrea, too. “It didn’t hit me until we came onto the field as a coaching staff and looked at the girls,” she said. “Nicole Pendley ran up to me with her arms wide open and kind of squeezed more of my belly than me. I think that’s when it really started to sink in.” ··· While gender reveals are typically exciting for parents, this time it was for the team, and it wasn’t going to be denied. “We told them we’re not doing a gender reveal, we’re going to know,” J.T. said. “The girls were like, ‘We don’t care if you know, you do it for us.’” That’s exactly what happened. The day after the national championship, with a chalkboard filled with guesses on the gender of the team’s newest member, the Sooners were ready to know. “We actually met the team here at the field. I bought one of these little gender baseballs. It was plastic on the outside. I tossed it up to J.T.,” Andrea said. He hit it and blue powder rained down on the field. Four and a half months later, it was time. J.T. and Andrea arrived at the hospital on an early October morning. Baby Champ was coming. Andrea anticipated having a natural birth — it’s what she’d envisioned, but she needed an emergency
cesarean section. “I’ve played sports my whole life. I’ve never broken a finger. I’ve never twisted my ankle. I’ve never had stitches. I’ve never undergone any type of surgery before,” Andrea said. “So I was a little panicked, to say the least, but I would do it all over again.” Joseph Champ Gasso was born at 12:13 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2016. ··· It’s been a little more than a year since J.T. announced Andrea was pregnant and the bet was made with the team. “It was pretty cool to look back and see Andrea. You see her and see that her belly is showing and that’s like ‘Wow, Joseph wa s t h e re,’” J.T. s a i d . “(Champ) was there for almost the entire season. He was there for the ups and downs. He was there for the championships.” He also thinks about the “Gracie Champ” chant and what could’ve been, had his baby been a girl. “It was funny because in hindsight, our girls are like it was just meant to be because Gracie Champ is an awful name,” J.T. said. Now Joseph spends his time at the field or at home. Marina Clifton, sophomore infielder Caleigh Clifton’s mom and the nurse at his birth, watches him during games. He comes to practice and sees his daddy J.T., “Oma” Patty and the players. “ He’s ju st su c h t h e sweetest baby, and he’s been such a blessing to our team,” Parker said. Sometimes it still feels like maybe everyone imagined it. “I still can’t really believe it,” Andrea said. “I see sometimes his birth certificate and social security card and am like, ‘That’s it. There’s Champ.’” For Patty, though, she looks back at that moment with love and pride. “He was the reason why we played free,” she said. “We did it out of love, we did it out of desire, but it was fun. It was all about that little baby. He doesn’t see it, but he’ll never forget this moment and that is something I’ll never forget.” Jadyn Watson-Fisher jwatsonfisher@ou.edu
PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY
The Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team won the 2017 NCAA national championship, April 15. The Sooners are now back-to-back champions.
OU athletes triumph personally, as team In what has been a wild few months for Oklahoma athletics, here are The Daily’s top five stories of the spring semester: STAFF REPORTS
1. OU WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Sooners dominated the competition in St. Louis en route to their second straight national championship, defeating the likes of UCLA, Alabama, Florida, LSU and Utah. K.J. Kindler’s squad used the mantra “infinity” on the season’s final night, representing its “limitless potential.”
2. PIERRE-LOUIS EXCELS ON COURT WHILE EYEING RETURN TO HAITI
Vionise Pierre-Louis was one of Sherri Coale’s best players on the OU women’s basketball team this season, but her story is even better. She hopes to travel to Haiti some day and has dreams of running her own hospital.
3. KRISTIAN DOOLITTLE STEPS UP AS FUTURE PILLAR FOR SOONERS In what was a lost season for the Sooners on the court, freshman forward Kristian Doolittle emerged as a future pillar of the program. One of the highest-rated recruits of the Lon Kruger era, Doolittle figures to be a force in the Big 12 for years to come. Doolittle averaged 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Sooners, but it’s his knowledge of the game and his unselfish attitude that have people excited for his future in Norman.
4. SOONERS’ PITCHER PAIGE LOWARY THRIVING AT OU AFTER ON-FIELD ACCIDENT, TRANSFER Shortly after the Sooners won their third national championship in program history last summer, ex-Missouri Tiger Paige Lowary announced her transfer to Oklahoma. Lowary immediately teamed up with fellow lefty Paige Parker to become one of the most dominant pitching duos in the Big 12. But Lowary had to overcome a scary injury — a come-back line drive to the head that she suffered at Missouri — to get where she is today.
5. AFTER TWO DEVASTATING INJURIES, RODNEY ANDERSON POISED FOR BIG PLAYING TIME IN 2017
With two years under his belt in Norman, running back Rodney Anderson has just one career carry, but it’s not for lack of talent. He’s suffered a pair of serious, season-ending injuries in consecutive years — a broken leg and then a broken neck — that have kept him off the field. His re-emergence this spring indicates he could be the Sooners’ starting tail back this fall.
THE SOONER
THE BETTER
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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT
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Chloe Moores, a&e editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/a_and_e • Twitter: @OUDailyArts
Local art shows quirk, strength The 2016-2017 school year has been a period of tremendous growth for The Daily’s arts & entertainment desk. We’ve not only strived to cover the artists, special events and quirks that make the OU community unique, but we have broadened our scope to Norman as well. Here are the a&e editors’ top 10 picks for the desk’s best stories of the school year. CHLOE MOORES • @CHLOEMOORES13
1. OU student creates initiative to donate feminine hygiene products to local women in need
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Joy Douglas, modern dance and performance sophomore, started the Kitty Kat Kollective after watching an Indian man make a menstrual pad for his wife. Douglas realized women in need often go without feminine products because they can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per year. Douglas set up boxes in seven different locations on OU’s Norman campus to collect pads, pantyliners, tampons, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant. The donations were given to YWCA and FIRSTEP, a women’s shelter in Oklahoma City, after being collected April 21. Douglas hopes to turn the Kitty Kat Kollective into an OU student organization in the future.
2. OU School of Drama students seek more colorblind casting
OU’s School of Drama did not cast any black men in mainstage productions this semester. This lack of representation in mainstage shows brought up a lot of issues black actors face within the School of Drama, like the lack of professors of color and the desire to not be “counted out” based on race. The student actors interviewed all wanted to have conscious discussions about race, and Judith Pender, professor in the School of Drama, said the school was making a good faith effort to provide all actors opportunities.
4.
SIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY
Joy Douglas, modern dance and performance sophomore, holds a flyer for the Kitty Kat Kollective, an initiative she started earlier this semester to give feminine hygiene products to women in need.
3. Future OU student overcomes serious brain condition to pursue passion for baton twirling
Haylee Chiariello, homeschool high school senior and incoming OU student, found out she had congenital obstructive hydrocephalus at the age of 14. After undergoing brain surgery, Chiariello had to relearn a lot of basic functions, such as walking and talking. After a long road of recovery, Chiariello discovered she excelled in her baton twirling, piano and drawing skills more than she had pre-surgery. She has since competed across the country in baton twirling and will attend OU in fall 2017 on a scholarship due to her ACT score.
4. 2017 Norman Music Festival: Glamorous synth band GGOOLLDD shines as force of electro-pop CHANDLER KIDD/THE DAILY
Margaret Butler, GGOOLLDD’s frontwoman, sits on a pair of drums at the Fowler Main Stage on April 29.
5. Norman-based Gold Hand Girls promotes women’s success in music industry worldwide
A locally based rock ‘n’ roll empowerment platform, Gold Hand Girls gives women who want to make an impact in the music industry an opportunity to do so. Creators Alexa Stinson and Courtney Lashar both grew u15p in Norman, so they decided they wanted to keep the organization local, but the group hosts shows across the United States and in the U.K. Gold Hand Girls helps build events from the ground up in order to give women a taste of what it’s like to work in the music industry.
GGOOLLDD, a Milwaukee-based electo-pop band, was set to take the stage at Norman Music Festival. Before GGOOLLDD came to Norman to play, lead singer Margaret Butler talked about the band’s formation at a Halloween party she threw, how being “best-friend business partners” makes for a better band and how to write a song without taking yourself too seriously. NMF coordinators thought the band brought something different to the table, and after discovering the band’s fun, dynamic stage performance, they offered it a spot as one of the headlining acts of NMF 10.
6.
6. OU student shows fount of body confidence in unique senior photos
Logan Sloan decided to take his senior pictures in style, so he jumped into the South Oval fountain with nothing but a swimsuit, a margarita glass and a smile. After working out for the past year, Sloan finally felt confident enough in his body to take the ultimate plunge. His senior pictures took the internet by storm, as did our feature on him — with more than 11,000 readers, it’s clear to see Sloan’s daring paid off.
7. OU student creates vintage denim business based on body positivity
Jobeth Solis is a film and media studies senior with a talent for repurposing denim. Solis runs a business, The Joraffe, through which she works individually with clients to give the jeans the precise makeover that the customer wants. She uses her platform to encourage women to “stand tall” like a giraffe, after growing up feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. The business revolves around body positivity and a personal denim experience. PROVIDED BY LOGAN SLOAN/PHOTO BY CHLOE ANNE FERGUSON
Logan Sloan, dramaturgy senior, kicks back in the South Oval fountain for his senior pictures. Sloan wanted to show off his previous eight months working out at Koda Crossfit Norman.
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8. Local diner serves food that has customers soaring
This story featured the local diner that makes its home in the Max Westheimer Airport in Norman: Ozzie’s Diner. The diner is owned by a local family and keeps up its old-style diner charm by serving dishes like Indian tacos and homemade onion burgers and by only accepting cash. The diner has become a staple in the Norman community.
9. Latin-pop artist Lincka gives ‘best show yet’ at 2017 Norman Music Festival CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Waitresses Linda Hendrix and Karen Maples stand inside Ozzie’s Diner on Feb. 8. Ozzie’s is located in the University of Oklahoma Max Westheimer Airport.
Local artist Lincka Elizondo is one-third of the Latin-pop band Lincka. Lincka was one of the 2017 Norman Music Festival headliners, and Elizondo garnered the approval of a rained-soaked audience with her colorful performance and the help of backup dancers and a saxophonist. Lincka was recently featured on NPR for her song “Gardenias.”
Chance, Chili Peppers to headline ACL Texas music festival announces lineup for October shows CHANDLER KIDD @chanannkidd
The Austin City Limits 2017 Music Festival lineup was announced at 10 a.m Thursday. The ACL Music Festival will take place in October at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. General admission tickets for each weekend of the festival are $255, VIP tickets are $1,100 and platinum tickets are $3,600. The festival will release a one-day general, a VIP and a platinum ticket in the upcoming months. The festival will take place Oct. 6-8 and Oct. 13-15. A few crowd and festival
favorites will be performing, including headliners like Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chance the Rapper. Gorillaz released its first studio album in seven years on April 28. The album shows the band’s hip-hop electronic inspired sound. The band is known for its quirky sound and getting audiences moving. The Red Hot Chili Peppers has been touring its latest album, “The G e t a w a y ,” t h r o u g h o u t 2017. The album sparked a tour with high energy and crowd favorites from new and old albums. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have headlined a few festivals, such as Coachella and Lollapalooza. Ultimately, many fans of festivals and music are excited to see Chance the
Rapper, the independent rap p e r w i t h su c c e s s f u l hits, such as “No Problem” and “All Night.” Chance is known for his “3 hat” and merchandise, but he is also known for being a gracious person. Chance the Rapper recently donated $1 million to the Chicago public school system to provide aid for national education problems. Chance also refuses to sign under a label due to wanting to operate on his own time. Many other artists will be taking the ACL stage, such as The Killers, The XX and Foster The People. Festival lovers, gather around for the 2017 ACL festival. For more information, visit aclfestival.com/lineup. MICHAEL ZORN/INVISION VIA AP
Chandler Kidd
chandlerkidd@ou.edu
Chance The Rapper performs at The Budweiser Made In America Festival in Philadelphia Sept. 4, 2016. He will be a headliner at the 2017 Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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• May 8-12, 2017
OPINION
Audra Brulc, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion
Editor says goodbye to place that shaped him Andrew Clark
andrewclark@ou.edu @Clarky_Tweets
I can’t believe this journey is finally over. I’ve written five drafts of this letter trying to find the best way to convey my eternal appreciation for The Daily and all of the people in it who helped me along the way. I can’t. The impacts The Daily have had on my future career and my growth as a human being are immeasurable. When I got to OU in fall 2013, I wanted to go by Drew, instead of Andrew. New environment, new me. But when I met my random Couch Center roommate, his name was also Drew, so I had to stick with the old me. I’m glad I did, because The Daily shaped Andrew into somebody not only others can be proud of, but more importantly, someone Andrew is proud of. There were some weeks that I and others may have spent 50 or more hours in the newsroom — SAE, President Donald Trump’s election, Ohio State football and many others. I think I could have spent less time working in those weeks, but I didn’t want to. These are not only some of the most talented people I’ve ever been around, but they are also some of the friendliest — folks I hope I maintain
done more than anybody else to improve my technical ability as a writer and reporter. I’ve never written a piece in which Judy hasn’t found something I could have done better, but it’s supposed to be that way. So thank you, Judy, for believing in me and challenging me. I could go on forever; Jesse for always setting the bar high. Page, Daisy, Anna, Emma and Kayla for working tirelessly alongside me to make sure The Daily is as great as it can be. All of The Daily’s reporters for giving me the opportunity to help them improve at what they’re passionate about. Our readers for reading. The relationships we create here are more and deeper than any of us probably ever pictured when we first startSIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY ed. I didn’t know I wanted to The OU Daily newsroom during production Jan. 16. do this for the rest of my life when I stumbled inside the relationships with forever. I this university. So thank you, newsroom in fall 2013. But love them. Dana. Never change. More people than I can reSecond is Seth Prince, one because of all of you and all the work we’ve done, I came member made me the person of The Daily’s advisers. Seth to realize that I didn’t want to and journalist I am proud to and I never connected until do anything else. be today. I don’t have enough shortly after he arrived my My college career is coming space to thank all of you, but sophomore year, but he and I to a close. The average gradI’ll thank those of you who ab- have developed a relationship uate could probably review solutely deserve it and more. that I hope will last for a long their previous four years and First is Dana Branham, our time. Thank you for being a editor-in-chief. I don’t even mentor, a shoulder to lean on, find actions they’d do difknow where to begin. She is a brain to pick and for not let- ferently. Me? Nope. You all are the best thing that’s ever such a badass. She’s our lead- ting me quit all 58 times I felt happened to me. Thanks for er, and she can literally do our like giving this irreplaceable own responsibilities as well as experience away. You worked letting me join the circle for four years. I wish I could do it or better than any of us can. hard to convince me that again. She is a mega-talented jack as tough as it was, through of all trades, but not only that, and through, it was worth it. she’s also perhaps the most Thank you, because it was. Andrew Clark is the news generous, graceful and kind Third is Judy Gibbs managing editor for The person in the organization. Robinson, the other adviser Daily. This summer, he will She’s covered for me when for The Daily. Judy was the work as a metro desk intern at I’ve fallen short, picked me first person at The Daily who The Indianapolis Star as part up at my lowest and always I felt truly believed in me — of the Pulliam Fellowship. been one of my best friends at even before I did. She’s also
will never be done. This is just one of many finish lines we’ll make it to, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team that got us here. There’s this story in The New Yorker one of my advisers had me read during Dana Branham a particularly rough sedanabranham@ou.edu @danabranham mester and summer, when I hadn’t been working at I’m pretty sure I’m the The Daily for too long. It’s luckiest editor-in-chief about the man who deThe Daily’s ever had. signed the Sydney Opera I’ve been so lucky to House, and I come back to have the staff I’ve had — this story often, mostly for the editors I’ve gotten to the last three paragraphs. work with are incredibly He talks about the “fanthoughtful and driven. tastic ballet every day” They care as much as I I’m done as — hundreds of people do about this magnifiworking on “the most exeditor, but The cent, endless project we citing and difficult project Daily will never work on. you can imagine,” moving I’m also lucky that huge pieces of concrete be done. This just happened to be edthrough the air so they’d is just one of itor-in-chief during The meet exactly where they Daily’s centennial year. many finish were supposed to. For our 100th anniversaHe talks about how an lines we’ll ry, Daily alumni from all engineer on the project over came back to their make it to, and compared it to climbing old stomping grounds to Mount Everest: “You get I couldn’t be reminisce and reflect. I a glimpse of Everest, and prouder of the remember sitting by the then it disappears. For a woman who was Daily edlong time, all you see are team that got itor in 1968 and just being the rows of hills in your us here. amazed — how in the way, and you can’t imagworld did I end up here, ine that you will ever get getting to talk to this inWe redesigned our website there. And then, suddencredible person? How cool to be more mobile-friend- ly, you see Everest again, is it that I have the same ly and built a new websparkling in the sunshine.” job she had? How cool is it site for our best work. We Full disclosure: I’ve that our goals for the place covered the hell out of never climbed Everest or weren’t so different, even Ohio State weekend and built an opera house. But though the worlds we live Norman Music Festival. this year, this fantastic in very much were? How We covered how the presi- ballet — there was a lot wonderful is it that people dential election shook out of sunshine. I hope we’ll like her paved the way for at OU and a hundred other never stop climbing. me? topics. We covered stories I’m prematurely nosof fear, of tragedy and of talgic for this past year, Dana Branham is a hope. We wrote about the just because I love this dozens of things that hap- journalism junior and staff and I’m proud of this pen on this campus every the 2016-2017 editor-instaff — in a few more days, day — all the things that chief of The Daily. After a we’ll never quite be this summer at the Cincinnati make it fascinating and staff again. But that’s really inspiring and, at times, Enquirer and another the beauty of this place, I semester back at The Daily infuriating. think. Nothing is ever the as enterprise editor, she’ll So to me, it feels like a same for too long, and finally graduate and leave feat of strength. I’m done that’s what encourages this place. as editor, but The Daily
“
Many of The Daily’s graduating seniors have written goodbye letters, but we only had room to print a few. Read the rest at oudaily.com/opinion. In the meantime, here are some excerpts from the letters: Rachael Maker, copy manager “I started on the copy desk as a wide-eyed junior copy editor with just a hint of assurance that it was where I belonged and was always meant to be.”
Kate Bergum, copy chief “I’ve learned how to keep moving forward, even when I don’t want to, even when catastrophes strike.”
Chloe Moores, a&e editor “I didn’t know anything about journalism, but knew I needed a whole lot of help. I’ll be forever grateful I chose to seek that help at The Daily.”
Spenser Davis, sports editor “(The Daily) gave me friends who will populate the aisles at my wedding someday. It gave me people I could lean on.”
Derek Peterson, assistant sports editor “The Daily saved me in more ways than one. It might not do that for everyone, but you have to find the thing that makes you happy.”
PHI BETA KAPPA
Editor-in-chief reflects on joy, never-ending job and empowers us to keep improving. Looking back at this year, I’m amazed at what we’ve accomplished. We set out to be more engaged in the OU community and to tell stories that mattered thoughtfully, beautifully and visually. And while there’s always room to grow, we somehow did those things. We hosted our first live forums and co-programmed events and debates with organizations around campus.
GOODBYES FROM THE DAILY’S GRADUATING SENIORS
the premier honorary society for the liberal arts and sciences is pleased to announce the students elected to membership for 2017
Sean Abbott Bayan Abdallat Jordan Abney Travis Alford Parker Allan Jeremy Allen Stephanie Allred Savannah Ames Stephanie Amorim Alexander Anderson Grayson Audette Amanda Awad Nicholas Balderas Jacob Bardell Jared Barton Luke Bartz Julia Bauer Mariel Bednarek Alexa Beemer Morgan Behm Kelsey Belden Kate Bergum Ryan Bird Jeffrey Bogard Jared Bond Jonathan Borsky Breanna Boss Brianna Bouterse Caroline Breit Christian Brewer Lindsay Briggs Dante Brooks Hayden Bryan Austin Budd Nathan Bugg Persua Bump Kelsey Burd Anthony Burrow Jessica Butler Alex Buttram Madison Butzer Parker Cain Maricela Cardenas Juan Cervantes Melissa Chanderban Angela Chang Jason Clark Jeremy Cleveland Mitchell Clough Akayna Cobbs Jesse Coker Connor Colclazier Claire Collins Natalie Collins Alanna Courts Gary Cox Emily Curtis Melissa Dang Megan Daniel Beau Deaver Jacob Downs John Downs David Dunlap
Amanda Duvall Jaden Edwards Kayla Effinger Elizabeth Ennenga Weston Ernst Nicole Farha Bailey Farmer Caleb Farris Sharleen Flowers Cedar Floyd Jacob Fox Dalton Frazier Megan Gage Rahul Gaikwad Catlin Gardner Rijutha Garimella Jonah Gellman Austin Gish Kayla Gollihar Roberto Gonzalez Alexandra Goodman William Goree Bridget Graham Monica Haddock Elizabeth Hadley Cassidy Hall Meagan Harden Allison Harmon Hunter Harwood Matthew Haught Samantha Haverkamp Kelsey Hawk Raven Hayworth Hannah Henry Sydney Higar Kathryn Hill Andrew Hiller Candace Hinnergardt Ethan Holaday James Howell Garett Hueffed Nikita Hussain Jena Jasman Amy Jenkins Merit Jennings Madison Jolly Sarah Judah Gabrielle Kasner Kathryn Kearns Gerald Kern Jacob Khoussine Kate Kientz Michelle Klein Parker Kneis Marisa Kometas Hannah Kraemer David Kruger Jacob Kruse Koby Le Dasol Lee Jeongwoo Lee Rachel MacAskill Samuel Madaj
Sydney Maes Rosemary Mahaffey Mustafa Mahdi Madison Malget Jill Manning Krishna Manohar Katherine Martin Reagan Martin Tanner Martin Christopher Masse Julie Mathis Hunter Mattocks Kyle Mccauley Elizabeth McCready Kelsey McKee Kaitlin McMahan Shelby Mcmillin Olivia McNaughton Shelby Meyer Landon Mignardi Mackenzie Mills Amy Mims Charlotte Mitchell Monique Mogilka Jackson Monroe Mason Moran Cameron Morgan Jenna Morris Michaela Moses Danielle Mueth Kendall Munoz Eszter Nagykaldi Katherine Neal Sydney Newlin Lily Nguyen Phoi Nguyen Thien Nguyen Ryan Nigh Joseph Noble William Norlin Rachel Norris Rachael Nunes Jimmy Ogden Kelly Jane Ompad Johnson Ong Aurianna OricchioGilley Jon Otto Daniel Pae Kaitlin Peach Matthew Peters Brooke Pettibon Alexander Petts Richard Pippin Jessica Pope Taylor Porchey Heather Postma Michelle Poteet Bianca Prentiss Meherzad Rahimi Vijay Raj Shelby Ranger Jacob Rapp
Robin Rapp Kristen Rhoads Arianne Rick Jason Riddle Alison Roeth Jonathan Rogers Anna Sahlstrom Olivia Salsbery Arshia Samandi Amber Sams Martin Satrio Jack Schaefer Grant Schatzman Gabriella Schneider Joleen Scott Afzal Shakir Mackenzie Skinner Timothy Smith Sarah Stagg Benjamin Stampfl John Stout Christy Strauss Emma Sullivan Claire Switzer Jeanie Ta Sean TemplemoreFinlayson Maria Thomas Benjamin Thompson Elena Thompson Taylor Thurston Patrick Vallely Sarah Vaughan Rita Velasco Gloria Vertin Katherine Voss Sierra Voss Alexis Walker Samuel Wang Sabrina Waugh Emily Webb Devon Weidner Lisa White Margaret White Rachel Wilkinson Audrey Wilson Claire Winfrey Julia Ye Nathaniel Yokell
Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, and the University of Oklahoma’s chapter, Alpha of Oklahoma, was chartered in 1920. For over two hundred years, election to Phi Beta Kappa has been a recognition of intellectual capacities well employed, especially in the acquiring of an education in the liberal arts and sciences. Phi Beta Kappa — recognizing OU’s excellence. For more information, please contact Susannah Livingood at slivingood@ou.edu or Craig Hayes at rchayes@ou.edu
NEWS
May 8-12, 2017 •
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Service, sports top good news In a day-to-day news cycle, it can be easy to get bogged down with the bad stuff. The Daily has compiled a taste of some of the good news from the spring 2017 semester as a reminder that a lot of great things have happened, too. SIERRA RAINS • @SIERRARAINS PRIDE OF OKLAHOMA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE DRUM MAJOR After 112 years of men holding the position, Julie Siberts, musical education sophomore with an instrumental focus, became the first woman elected as the drum major for The Pride of Oklahoma marching band. “It’s a huge honor to stand JULIE out in this way and to show SIBERTS that this position isn’t about what you are. It’s about who you are,” she said in our Feb. 1 story.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS TEAMS BRING HOME NATIONAL TITLES Oklahoma has dominated collegiate gymnastics for the past two years, as this year the men’s gymnastics team brought home its third straight national title and the women’s team brought home its second consecutive title. OU STUDENTS HONOR PROFESSOR DURING RELAY FOR LIFE NOOR EEMAAN/THE DAILY
Campus Activities Council’s philanthropy event, Soonerthon, raised $808,021.17 over the course of the year.
SOONERTHON 2017 RAISES MORE THAN $800,000 FOR CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK OU’s annual dance marathon had the highest number of participants ever this year. All together, these participants were able to raise a substantial amount of money to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: $808,021.17. Despite falling short of the $1 million goal set this year, the amount raised was received with cheers, tears and hugs. “That’s not a number. That’s lives saved in Oklahoma,” Jason Hart, the father of a Miracle Child, said of the money raised in our March 4 story. O U S E T S R E T E N T I O N R AT E RECORD AT 96.8 PERCENT OU achieved its highest freshman retention rate ever with 96.8 percent of freshmen who enrolled in fall 2016 also enrolling in spring 2017. “The high retention rate is an achievement of the whole OU family,” Kyle Harper, OU senior vice president and provost, said via email in our Feb. 16 story.
The Health and Exercise Science Student Association, one of 157 organizations to participate in OU’s 2017 Relay for Life, came together to remember a late faculty member and professor at this year’s event. Previously established to support cancer awareness in general, the team’s purpose switched to honoring one of ITS own after hearing about the passing of Travis Beck, an HES faculty member. More than 25 OU students and faculty members joined the team to honor a man who touched many lives in the OU community. “Obviously there are a lot of people in the department that are grieving,” Brett Chase, health and exercise science senior and president of HESSA, said in our April 30 story. “If it can help in a way, seeing everyone come together like this, whether it be his parents, seeing and knowing that OU is still here doing this for their son, or if it’s instructors in the department, knowing that students are doing this for one of their colleagues ... that’s great.”
ALEX KAELKE/THE DAILY
Participants for Relay for Life stand with a sign at the beginning of the event in the Everest Training Center April 28.
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Students who help put together the OU Food Pantry pose for photos for the grand opening of the pantry March 22.
OU FOOD PANTRY OPENS March 22 marked the official opening of the OU Food Pantry with a ceremony that drew people from all over campus to support its mission to help students combat hunger. On its first day, the pantry received around $1,000 in donations from the Norman community. “We had people from all over campus and from different departments here, and I did not know we had this big of a crowd, so it’s really cool to see that and just know that everyone is supportive of what we are doing,” Matt Marks, director of the OU Food Pantry, said in our March 22 story. OU’S BIKE SHARE PROGRAM SEES THOUSANDS OF RIDES After its launch on April 4, OU’s new bike share program saw a remarkably high ridership compared to that of other universities using the program. The program saw around 7,000 rides in its first few weeks of existence, causing the program organizers to consider expansion.
OU REDUCES CARBON EMISSIONS BY MORE THAN HALF Nine years ago, OU began a commitment to strive for carbon neutrality. In 2017, OU has been able to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 50 percent. OU met its goal of 20 percent carbon reductions by 2020 through an agreement with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric company to only purchase energy for the university from renewable sources and to upgrade efficiency in supplemental activities. OU President David Boren said in our Jan. 31 story that though he is pleased with DAVID what the university has acBOREN complished, there is still more to be done. “The University of Oklahoma feels a very strong sense of obligation to set a good example as responsible stewards of the environment,” Boren said in a statement provided by OU press secretary Matt Epting. “I believe that colleges and universities have a special obligation to be role models for the rest of the community.” Sierra Rains
sierra.m.rains@gmail.com
START HERE WHO ARE YOU?
My name is Baxter Holmes. I’m 28 and I cover the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA for ESPN. I live in downtown Los Angeles.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I graduated in 2009 and began my post-graduate journalism career at the Los Angeles Times, where I worked for 3 1/2 years as a sports reporter before being hired by The Boston Globe to cover the Boston Celtics. I spent two years at the Globe before being hired by ESPN in the fall of 2014, at which time I was relocated back to LA.
WHO WERE YOU IN COLLEGE?
I majored in journalism and worked as a sports reporter at the OU Daily for three years and then at the yearbook during my final year. I also spent one semester as a sports editor for the Daily.
HOW DID WORKING FOR US HELP SHAPE YOU?
baxter holmes
There’s no better way to become a journalist than to practice journalism on a daily basis, and working at the Daily helped me tremendously in that regard. I was lucky to work along some fine students who carried themselves in an extremely professional manner, which helped elevate all of us to that level. I was also lucky enough to learn from our editorial adviser at the time, Jack Willis, a longtime newspaperman and an outstanding professor who groomed many OU alumni who are working as professional journalists to this day. He fostered an an environment that led so many of us to love and truly believe in the mission of journalism. Lastly, there are numerous journalism professors at OU who provided wisdom and daily encouragement that is invaluable.
NOW HIRING:
WRITERS, DESIGNERS, EDITORS, AND AD SALES STAFF
END HERE
VISIT STUDENTMEDIA.OU.EDU/JOBS TO APPLY OU
force OU Student Media is a department within OU’s division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For accommodations on the basis of a disability, call 325-2521
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