Sept. 21-27, 2021 by OU Daily

W E E K LY E D I T I O N | S E P T. 2 1 - 2 7, 2 0 2 0 | O U D A I LY. C O M

Afghan students express fear for families back home

OUDAILY

The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

OU President Joseph Harroz is presented the presidential collar by representatives of the Student Government Association during his Sept. 17 inauguration ceremony.

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

Harroz officially inaugurated

15th OU president celebrated in formal ceremony JILLIAN TAYLOR @jilliantaylor__

OU President Joseph Harroz was officially inaugurated as the university’s 15th president on Sept. 17 in the Lloyd Noble Center. Senior Vice President and Provost André-Denis Wright, Vice Provost of the Health Sciences Center Administration Jill Raines and OUTulsa’s interim President James Sluss served as the inauguration chief marshals. Gov. Kevin Stitt and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) were also present at the ceremony, alongside the deans of OU’s colleges. OU Board of Regents Chair Michael Cawley was the first to speak and give thanks to everyone who came. He recognized the state’s congressional delegation, represented by Lankford, Stitt, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05), members of the Oklahoma legislature and tribal nation leadership, and Harroz’s family. Lankford said Oklahoma depends on OU’s advances in research, science, energy, medicine, engineering and arts. He said the university should help people think, but not in the same way. “It should not require we all think the same,” Lankford said. “A diversity of opinions (and) an honest examination of the facts should be a hallmark of a university that leads the nation, not just follows our drifting

culture. This university is foundational to our state’s economy into future prosperity. Harroz, don’t mess it up.” He called on Harroz to “lead with wisdom, use his influence for good and set the example that others should follow.” Stitt congratulated Harroz and said his inauguration is a “monumental day.” He said he watched Harroz “endear himself” to all of OU’s law students as its former dean, and he appreciates his “honesty, fairness and ability to connect with everyone.” At OU, Stitt said students have an opportunity to receive a “top-notch education,” and he is impressed by Harroz’s ability to provide that. He said a picture of that materializes in Harroz’s ability to sell the university to “our great state.” “I’m really proud of what you do, Joe,” Stitt said. “Proud of how you are training the workforce for today’s companies and tomorrow’s startups. Keep it up, Joe.” Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education Jeffrey Hickman said a university president must be a “Joe of all trades.” “The university president is expected to be a friend of the students, a colleague of the faculty, a good fellow with the alumni, a sound administrator with the trustees, a good speaker with the public and astute bargainer with the foundations and the federal agencies, a politician with the state legislature, a persuasive diplomat with donors, a champion of education, a spokesperson, a scholar, a public servant at the state and national levels, a devotee of the arts and football and a decent human being,”

Hickman said. It is Harroz’s opportunity, Hickman said, to leave a legacy “for all of us.” He said he believes Harroz is equipped to take on this task. “There’s been growth in research, record freshmen class student successes, which is what is most important at the university,” Hickman said. “All of this directly speaking to the vision and leadership of our new president. … Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. The state regents and I are excited to watch and partner with you as this university flourishes, and thus, our state flourishes.” Cawley said, on behalf of the OU Board of Regents, the board pledges its willingness to work with Harroz to create “a legacy of excellence” for the university. “I would like to say that, by the powers vested in me, by the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, the State Regents for Higher Education and the laws and statutes of the state of Oklahoma, and on behalf of my fellow regents, the University of Oklahoma and the people of Oklahoma, I charge you to maintain the trust of all those who have come before us, to give of yourself and your talent to preserve and strengthen this institution and to lead … in our pursuit of excellence.” Harroz said he believes in OU’s purpose, which is “to change lives” and “pursue service to students, the state and larger society. ”He said he was “honored” to accept Cawley’s charge. Cawley formally installed Harroz as the 15th president of OU. Cawley provided Harroz with his collar of office, which “symbolize the

links which bind the president to faculty, staff and students.” He also received the presidential mace, which represents his “authority and responsibility” to the university. A document reciting Cawley’s charge was presented to Harroz by OU Faculty Senate chairs. Harroz thanked Cawley, Lankford, Bice, Stitt, tribal leadership, Oklahoma legislature and representatives, the Higher Education Regents, the Board of Regents, delegates from other colleges, faculty, staff, alumni and his family for attending his ceremony. The ceremony, Harroz said, is in no way about the individual, as there will be future presidents who fill his seat. He said the pageantry of today can be attributed to the institution and its roots. He said the charge of the university, most critically, includes the rights and duties of its citizens. He said these moments are about pausing and “rededicating and recommitting ourselves” to the reason behind “great universities.” Universities are important, Harroz said, because of the individual, state and society. Harroz said, as an individual, he is a product of OU as an institution, not just because he was a former student, but because of his father and grandfather, who came before him. His grandfather, Nicholas, worked through poverty to provide for his nine children, one of which was Harroz’s father. Harroz’s father then went on to receive his undergraduate degree from OU. That legacy, Harroz said, is a picture of how OU “creates opportunity.”

The second role of a university, Harroz said, is to drive the state forward. He said education is “a catalyst to a better life.” “The University of Oklahoma is not sufficient on its own,” Harroz said. “It has to partner with our federal delegation with our state delegation with the governor. We are necessary, but not sufficient, so we must work together always, and never adopt an arrogance that we single-handedly can do it all.” The third role, Harroz said, is to teach students how they can change society. He said he hopes to see the university continue to teach understanding, not agreement. Although the university faces challenges, Harroz said many positive things are happening at OU. He said it is important for the institution to not shrink from the challenges it will face now and in the future. Harroz said he is the beneficiary of his family’s legacy, and he hopes to commit himself to OU. “The challenges are great, and the work is hard, but I know without a doubt, we can do it together.” The pandemic, Harroz said, will compare to nothing, with the exception of the Dust Bowl. He said OU accepted the challenges it brought by continuing its mission by “providing a life-changing experience.” The song “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles played after Harroz left the podium. Harroz said it was chosen to symbolize the “optimism and hope” he feels for “better days ahead.” jillian.g.taylor-2@ou.edu

Rattler leads Sooners to narrow victory over Nebraska OU quarterback shows maturity in slow-moving, low-scoring win MASON YOUNG @Mason_Young_0

After a 14-play, 75-yard drive exhausting nearly seven minutes, Spencer Rattler plunged into the end zone. The redshirt sophomore quarterback’s 1-yard touchdown run completed a drive that swallowed half the first quarter and gave No. 3 Oklahoma a 7-0 lead over Nebraska. In a sluggish three-hour-and-fiveminute clash, the Sooners (3-0) proceeded to outlast the Cornhuskers (2-2) 23-16 in Norman on Sept. 18 despite a stagnant first half where Rattler’s score was OU’s only.

Rattler finished 24-of-34 passing for 214 yards and a touchdown. Oklahoma’s low-scoring affair against the Cornhuskers (2-2) harkened to their rivalries of old, like Nebraska’s 17-14 upset of the Sooners in 1978. Rattler’s performance, which showed little flash but plenty of grit, recalled that of OU’s wishbone quarterbacks of yore, who discovered multiple means for achieving victory. “We’ve always had good quarterbacks (at OU), and I’m very proud to be mentioned in that group, and Spencer’s definitely in that category,” said Thomas Lott, the Sooners’ passer in that 1978 defeat. “Now, he still needs to grow though. … There’s some miscues there, and he’s so talented that sometimes he does some things you wouldn’t teach your

quarterback to do.” In Oklahoma’s season opener against Tulane, Rattler forced two interceptions and nearly tossed one or two more. His production didn’t match the hype that garnered preseason Heisman Trophy favoritism, No. 1 NFL draft pick projections and lucrative name, image and likeness deals. “There’s been some things that’ve changed, but if you think there hasn’t been a pretty intense spotlight on the quarterback position every year that I’ve been here, you just named the challenges, they’re there,” said OU head coach Lincoln Riley, who trained Heisman winners and No. 1 picks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and Heisman finalist Jalen see RATTLER page 4

EDWARD REALI/THE DAILY

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Spencer Rattler during the game against Nebraska on Sept. 18.

NEWS

• Sept. 21-27, 2021

Afghan students feel ‘helpless’ OU community expresses solidarity after fall of Kabul

MARIEN LÓPEZ-MEDINA @MELopezMedina

On Aug. 15, Wahid Haidari’s worst nightmares materialized while he was in his room in Norman — 12,179 km away from his family — as Taliban fighters seized the presidential palace in Kabul following the collapse of the country’s government. Though he knew of the Taliban’s presence in Afghanistan, he never expected the group to seize power in his native country in a matter of days. Haidari, a computer science junior, is caught between two worlds. While he attempts to live the life of a college student, a brutal U.S.Afghanistan conflict, following the removal of troops from the U.S. and its NATO allies, is tearing his home country apart. President Joseph Biden acknowledged there’s never been a “good time” to remove U.S. forces, but the country failed to produce an Afghan army that could uphold the fledgling government. The Daily spoke with several Afghan students about the impacts of the Taliban resurgence that have traveled across borders, continents, oceans, all the way to their lives in the U.S. ‘I felt like I was having a nightmare.’ Haidari said as his country’s government collapsed, so did everything else familiar. He remembered his parents describing the Taliban when they controlled Afghanistan in the 1990s as “a violent, irrational, extremist group who does not believe in human

rights, woman rights, freedom of speech and democracy.” “The last few days before the Kabul (government) collapse, I could see the rapid improvement of the Taliban, but I never expected … Afghanistan (to) collapse within a few days,” Haidari said. “I felt like I was having a nightmare.” Just a week away from starting his junior year at OU, Wahid’s only thought when he heard the news was to evacuate his family as soon as possible. He said he called and wrote emails to anyone he thought could help, but he felt “very helpless.” In fear for his family, who are Hazaras — a Persianspeaking ethnic group from Hazarajat, Afghanistan that the Taliban persecuted during their first takeover in the 1990s — Haidari contacted Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) hoping for “any possible way” to evacuate his family in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul. Inhofe and Lankford made statements criticizing Biden’s plan to evacuate U.S. troops from Afghanistan, claiming the withdrawal has not met the conditions proposed by former President Donald Trump in February 2020. L a n k f o r d ’s o f f i c e l e t Haidari’s family know they should go to the airport as soon as possible because there was a non-governmental organization who could evacuate them. To his surprise, the NGO was not there when his relatives arrived at 3 a.m. Aug. 27. They decided to return home after the Islamic State terror group detonated explosive belts at the airport’s gate, ultimately killing 13 U.S. service members and at least 95 Afghans. Through this, Haidari said Lankford’s office was “hardly reachable” due to

the time difference. Haidari said his oldest brother is in danger because he previously worked for a company in Afghanistan that had cooperation with U.S.based organizations as an engineer. “My family has been trying to stay at home, hide any documents that could endanger them and destroy my brother’s artwork,” Haidari said. “We are afraid that if the Taliban find out, they will kill him and the rest of my family.”

‘The main power that resides within us is our voice.’ Haidari said his stress and worries since the Taliban takeover haven’t allowed him to eat, sleep or study well. However, he has received help from the OU International Student Services office to contact the offices of Lankford and Inhofe, and to notify the OU Student Affairs office of the reason behind his absences. The OU United World College organization hosted a Sept. 3 silent march in solidarity with Afghanistan, starting at the south entrance of the Bizzell Memorial Library. It demanded an open-door policy and expedited processing for Afghan refugees coming to Oklahoma. “I believe, as students, we do not have a lot of power, but the main power that resides within us is our voice and having friends in Afghanistan,” OU psychology and business management sophomore and TUW President Shubhashree Sathe said. “We wanted to do something (that) shows that we know about this issue (and) we care about them.” Sathe, along with the TUW executive board and Haidari, thought a silent march was better to avoid retaliation. They made sure the Afghan students were emotionally

ready to participate. OU Associate Dean of Student Services Rebecca Cruise spoke at the beginning of the march, offering the university administration’s support to Afghan students. “Please know that you and your families are part of our community, and when our community is in pain, we are all in pain,” Cruise said. Mukarram Lillard, an OU Sponsored Student Programs coordinator, said during her speech she is in solidarity with Afghan students, as a Palestinian who was in their place before during the ongoing attacks on Gaza and violence across Jerusalem in May. “It is absolutely essential that we always speak up against all forms of oppression around the world, whether it is happening in the (U.S.), or in Afghanistan and/or in Palestine,” Lillard said. “No one is free until we’re all free.”

U.S. government did not accomplish its goals of counterterrorism, instead making the Taliban stronger. “The U.S. did not show the world that we take actions in accordance with our values such as women’s rights, freedom of speech and liberty,” Dawkins Yazdani said. “We did not accomplish counterterrorism like our leadership claims.” Dawkins Yazdani organized an online fundraiser to help evacuate the family of her husband and OU alumnus Ali Yazdani from Afghanistan. Her goal is to collect up to $14,415. Haidari and his friend Hamid Mubariz from Afghanistan organized another fundraiser to evacuate both of their families. Their goal is to reach $30,000. “My family is trying to immigrate to one of the neighboring countries,” the fundraiser by Haidari and Mubariz read. “As refugees they will not ‘We did not accomplish be legally able to work. The counterterrorism like our money from this fundraisleadership claims.’ er will be used for passports, Taylor Dawkins Yazdani, visas, transportation, accomOU psychology and music modation and other costs of performance senior from resettlement.” Norman, Oklahoma, said she is supporting Afghans as a U.S. ‘Let us all commit to welcitizen for the sake of world- coming them in all ways that wide human rights. She said we can.’ her goal is to advocate for “an Blake Allen, a former meminformative and humane” ber of OU’s International approach. Human Rights Clinic, said “If this were happening to Oklahoma is preparing to welus, we would want people come 2,000 Afghan refugees who are capable (of helping),” in the upcoming weeks. He Dawkins Yazdani said. “It is said that nonprofit organizaeasy for us to look away when tions in the state — Catholic we are not directly impact- Charities of Oklahoma, Tulsa ed and these events are hap- Metropolitan Ministries, pening on the other side of Spero Project and CAIR the world, but the truth is we Oklahoma — made it possible. are impacted. If you are not The Oklahoma City metro impacted through empathy, area will host 1,200 Afghan then you should be through refugees, while Tulsa will fear and frustration.” host 800. Allen said the fedDawkins Yazdani said the eral government, along with

the charities, are working to provide employment assistance and resettlement costs. However, they are currently struggling with housing and furniture arrangements. “There is a high cost burden that the government had not planned on,” Allen said. “The Biden administration three days ago asked for Congress to allocate $6.4 billion to assist in resettlement efforts. Not all of this will go towards direct resettlement costs, with the bulk of it likely to go towards U.S. bases hosting refugees, but a lot of funds will eventually reach localities (in the country).” The Biden administration is expecting the arrival of 65,000 Afghan refugees by the end of September and another 30,000 over the next year. Allen hopes most Oklahomans are welcoming to Afghan refugees as they arrive. “As with most questions around refugees and immigration, there will be some people who push back against new arrivals,” Allen said. “Thankfully, these viewpoints are in the minority in the state and for the few loud anti-immigrant and islamophobic voices there may be, the vast majority of Oklahomans will be accepting of their newest neighbors.” Cruise said during the march she encourages all to offer their support to the Afghan refugees, especially by advocating for quicker U.S. visa processings. “Let us all commit to welcoming (the Afghan refugees) in all ways that we can,” Cruise said. “We can do this by advocating for quicker emergency visa processing and more access to the United States and elsewhere, should they wish to come.”

GEORGIA BOMAR/THE DAILY

Solidarity with Afghanistan march on the South Oval on Sept. 3

OU names new senior vice president, CFO Potential hire to bring financial service experience

vice president and chief financial officer Sept. 16, pending the OU Board of Regents’ approval. According to an email MARIEN LÓPEZ-MEDINA from OU President Joseph Harroz, Brockwell has 35 @MELopezMedina OU announced the ap- years of experience in the fipointment of Matthew D. nancial services industry, inBrockwell as its new senior cluding 21 years as a partner

at PricewaterhouseCoopers in its Washington, D.C., New Jersey and New York offices and has served as a member of a variety of not-for-profit boards. He currently serves on the Eagle Bancorp Inc. board of directors. He will begin working in December, if approved.

Brockwell earned his BBA in accounting from OU in 1983 and his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business in 1992, according to the email. He continued serving at the OU Price College of Business as a member of the Steed School of Accounting Board of Advisors and the

Arthur B. Adams Society. As the new vice president and chief financial officer, Brockwell would lead all areas of the administration and finance department across all three OU campuses, according to the email. “As CFO, he will oversee vital university-wide work related

to our budgets, expenses, accounting, and financial performance,” Harroz wrote. “He will also have oversight of Information Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, Bursar Services and Student Financial Services.” marienlopez-medina@ou.edu

OU Daily outstanding records requests Inquiries from past year remain unfulfilled The Daily often requests records from OU and other public bodies in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act to broaden the scope of its reporting and sourcing. The timely fulfillment of such requests is important not only to

preserve the public’s right to “prompt, reasonable access” to public documents as stipulated in the law, but to keep communities as aware as possible on topics such as COVID-19 and public spending to facilitate informed decisions. The Daily has made several such requests in the last year, many of which have gone unfulfilled in that time span. A few of these include:

PUT YOUR STATE FAIR FUN ON THE FAST TRACK Sep. 24 – Oct. 17, 2021

• Emails between OU President Joseph Harroz (ouharroz@ou.edu), Vice Provost for Instruction and Student Success Mike Morvant (mmorvant@ ou.edu), former Interim Provost Jill Irvine (jill.irvine@ ou.edu), former Provost Kyle Harper (kyleharper@ou.edu) dated from June 1 to July 27, 2020 with keywords “remote accommodation, criteria, decide/decision, faculty,

staff, traige, department, committee, reopen, online teaching, request, Category A, Category B, Category C, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), risk.” This request was submitted July 27, 2020. • The contract between OU and Elsmere Education for OU Online. This request was submitted June 23, 2020

• Any contracts between Tripp Davis, or his company Tripp Davis and Associates, and the University of Oklahoma, as well as any contracts between Course Crafters and the University of Oklahoma. This request was submitted Feb. 11, 2021. • Security recordings from Headington Hall dated from April 15, 2021 at 11 p.m. to April 16, 2021 at 1 a.m. This

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request was submitted April 19, 2021. • Communications between Dean Mary Margaret Holt (marymholt@ou.edu) and former director of the American Organ Institute Dr. John Schwandt (jschwandt@ ou.edu) made between Dec. 1, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020. This request was first submitted on July 25, 2020. – From staff reports

NEWS

September 21-27, 2021 •

COMING UP AT OU

Wednesday

Cleveland County Health Department vaccine clinic 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Couch Storm Shelter The Cleveland County Health Department will return to campus to offer another chance for free walk-in Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to students.

Friday

University Theater “Mad Forest” opening night 8 p.m., Weitzenhoffer Theater

OU College of Arts, Sciences renamed to honor donations of Dodge family

From playwright Caryl Churchill, “Mad Forest: a Play from Romania” is a story set during the 1989 Romanian Revolution. A livestream of this performance will be available. Tickets at the door are $35 for adults and $15 for students, and advance purchase tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for senior adults and $12 for students.

Namesake alumnus commemorated in naming ceremony

Cleveland County Health Department vaccination clinic 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., First floor of Bizzell The Cleveland County Health Department will be on campus to offer all three vaccinations to students. Visit them in the Bizzell Library to get your vaccine.

TAYLOR JONES @wrongtailor

OU’s College of Arts and Sciences was renamed the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences in a Sept. 16 ceremony, in response to a donation made in the legacy of an OU alumnus. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, Homer Dodge was an OU physicist and administrator. He came to the university in 1919, where he served as the sole faculty member and head of the department of physics and astronomy, rebuilding it as one with a “growing national reputation.” In 1926, he was appointed the second dean of the university’s Graduate College and served in that position until he left Norman. He was also the principal founder and director of the University of Oklahoma Research Institute until he left the university in 1942. OU’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Wrobel said the Dodge family’s donation was given to the university as a result of an agreement with the Alice Dodge Wallace

Fall Family Weekend Join OU’s Campus Activities Council for a weekend of family friendly fun. Friday will have events around campus like letters to loved ones, escape room, parents reception, trivia night and more. Visit ou.edu/sga/cac for more information including times and locations.

Saturday

Football vs. West Virginia Watch the undefeated Sooners take on the Mountaineers for their fourth consecutive home game and the conference opener. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. and gates open at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit soonersports.com. Fall Family Weekend Join OU’s Campus Activities Council for a weekend of family friendly fun. Saturday will have events like a watch party, scavenger hunt, tailgate and more. Visit ou.edu/sga/cac for more information including times and locations.

By Eugenia Last

Soccer vs. Texas 7 p.m., John Crain Field

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last

The Red River Rivalry will hit the pitch as the Sooners host the Longhorns in Norman. Fall Family Weekend Join OU’s Campus Activities Council for a weekend of family friendly fun. Sunday will have yoga, brunch, ghost tours and more. – From staff reports

Trust belonging to Homer Dodge’s daughter, who died in April 2020. At the request of the family, the exact number of the donation is unknown. “Our closing wish is that the contributions by the Dodge family will enable the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy to flourish,” William Wallace, Homer Dodge’s grandson, said during the ceremony. Wrobel said due to the scale of the gift, administrators were able to name the college and use the donation for funding that impacts the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers about three quarters of the general education curriculum on campus. “It’s a huge, huge moment,” Wrobel said. “There are only a tiny handful of colleges of arts and sciences at universities this size across the country that are named. You know, it takes a substantial name and gift to pull this off for an entity as big as the (OU) College of Arts and Sciences.” In a speech, OU President Joseph Harroz said the donation will be divided equally between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The largest part of the donation will go towards

HOROSCOPE

Sunday

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KATHRYN STACY/THE DAILY

OU students, President Harroz and donors stand for a photo outside of Evans Hall Sept. 16.

2 8 7 4 3 6 #1

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Listen to what others have to say before you make a decision that VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) will alter your financial situation. Put more thought into what you Pay more attention to the want to accomplish and press consequences you’ll face if you forward without giving in to make a move that others do not interruptions. A unique approach to favor. handling meaningful relationships will give you the edge you need. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Emotions will be difficult to control. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) A positive attitude will make a Pour your energy into things that difference in the outcome of a make you happy. Expand your personal situation. Be mindful of interests, and you’ll meet people others before you share your who stimulate your mind and push thoughts. you to be your best. Share your feelings and thoughts. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You’ll have a change of heart. Look SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) at what you are up against and Dig in and don’t stop until you are weigh the pros and cons before satisfied with what you accomplish. agreeing to something questionGive whatever you do your special able. Leave nothing unfinished. Use touch, and you’ll gain recognition. your energy strategically. An enthusiastic attitude will help. GEMINI (May 21-June 20 SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21 Prepare to question everything and Focus on home, family and everyone before you agree to finishing what you start. A change something that will disrupt your of pace will spark your imagination life. Put your energy into and encourage you to consider a fact-finding, organizing and new and exciting way to use your expanding your chances to skills and experience. advance. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) CANCER (June 21-July 22) Avoid getting in the middle of Mood swings will cause problems at someone’s dilemma. Distance home and work. Getting along will yourself from family feuds. Make be half the battle if you plan to get personal changes that will things done. Alone time will give encourage fitness and health. Don’t you a chance to work through restrict your plans to please sensitive issues. someone. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Stay in touch with people who A chance to team up with someone challenge and motivate you. will grab your interest. Crunch the Getting together with an old friend numbers to figure out the best way or relative will spark your to utilize your cash and come out imagination and help you confirm ahead. Don’t take a risk with your what you can do to make your life health. better.

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scholarships and awards within the College of Arts and Sciences, like the Dean’s Undergraduate Scholars Fund, Harroz said. The donation will also go toward the creation of the Dodge Family Graduate Fellows Fund, the faculty research fund, the funding of two research chairs as well as “a stunning set of gifts to go to the College of Arts and Sciences.” The majority of the amount going towards the Department of Physics and Astronomy will benefit the Dodge Family Postdoctoral Research Fellows Fund, followed by the Research Faculty Fund, the Strategic Research Investment Fund and the Dean Student Recruitment and Bridge Fund. The remainder of the allocation will go to the Distinguished Visitor and Workshop Fund and the Dean’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Research Attention Fund, according to Harroz’s speech. “This historic gift really positively impacts just about every student on the campus,” Wrobel said. OU foundational sciences of life in the universe and pre-med senior Devin Brown said during the ceremony he’s depended on financial aid throughout his college career. “Moving into those oh-so

luxurious dorms in Walker Tower in my first semester, I had no clue how the following three years would unravel, and I stand here today, unable to predict how my future looks,” Brown said. “But I do know one thing: none of this would have been possible without the financial help that I received from this college. My second semester of freshman year, the resources offered by the now Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, along with its selfless staff, with (Dean Rhonda Kyncl), pulled me out of a financial hole that, otherwise, I would not have been able to escape.” Brown also said during the ceremony he is grateful for what the gift means to him as a student and for OU’s future generations. “This gift provides the College of Arts and Sciences family with opportunities to create themselves, explore their passions and find solutions to the problems around them,” Brown said. “When we look at the world in the decades to come, I hope you can know that this gift is responsible for not only creating better students, but better people in a better world.” taylor.p.jones-1@ou.edu

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg September 21, 2021 ACROSS 1 Criticize harshly 7 In ___ of 11 Pizzazz 14 Musketeer of note 15 Shows for wannabe performers 17 “Blonde” author (In this clue’s answer, notice letters 8 to 5) 19 Donkey 20 Revealed 21 Weight-loss plan 22 Dad 23 Significant span 25 “Go ahead, say it’s my fault!” (... letters 5 to 2) 31 Microwaves 32 Paintballs or snowballs 33 Gift for a new employee, maybe 36 Drink made with ice cream 37 Iota follower 39 Bird last seen in 1662 40 Where to get a salt scrub 41 Steady boyfriend 42 Type of mustard 43 ’90s “Star Trek” spinoff (... letters 5 to 1) 47 Down ___ (memorized) 48 Wheels of fortune, perhaps? 49 Pastrami place

9/21

52 Put on, as a protest 54 Boxing ref’s call 57 Timely response time, and a theme hint 61 Like an Etch A Sketch or a whiteboard 62 Cleaned in a finger bowl, say 63 ___ Perignon 64 Point of view 65 Fuels, as a fire DOWN 1 ___ California 2 Son of Ares 3 Fish with flat bodies 4 “Better Call Saul” network 5 Neckwear clasps 6 Daydreaming, for some 7 Oral history 8 2001 Apple release 9 Symbol of slipperiness 10 Number one card game? 11 Tubular pasta 12 Drink with a Tropical Fusion flavor 13 (Listen up!) 16 Respectful address 18 Medina resident, most likely 22 Get the ball rolling? 23 “Avenger” Peel 24 ___ Speedwagon 25 Resistor measures

26 Proverbial bucket of bolts 27 The jackfruit dish tam khanun, for instance 28 Accept eagerly 29 Volumeboosting box 30 Vulcan Salute symbol, e.g. 34 Thick Japanese noodle 35 No longer there 37 Held on to 38 Certain batteries 39 Jurassic beast, for short 41 “Come on, ___ pal!” 42 Negative aspect 44 Films with large casts 45 Mathematician Turing

46 Humidor items 49 Barred from competing, informally 50 Capital of Italy? 51 Actor Hemsworth 52 Wear a pouty face 53 Shade “thrower” 54 Mammoth growth 55 Joint with a cap 56 Long ones are unfavorable 58 Fox’s “Call Me ___” 59 Up in the air, briefly 60 “The Coda Collection” co-founder Yoko

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

9/20

Runback by George Jasper

SPORTS

• September 21-27, 2021

‘With football, you can never stay stagnant’ Pat Fields’ 2nd half block demonstrates Sooners’ mentality CHANDLER ENGELBRECHT

@ctengelbrecht

Eight seconds remained in the third quarter when Nebraska’s extra-point attempt ricocheted off defensive lineman Isaiah Coe’s hands toward safety Pat Fields. After hauling it in with plenty of room, as well as blockers, in front of him, the senior captain took the No. 3 Sooners’ “Speed D” moniker to the next gear as he raced 100-yards into Nebraska’s end zone for a defensive two-point conversion. “(Our coaches) always track our speeds,” Fields said afterward. “Every single week, we’re competing for who has the fastest in-game time. So, whenever I get the ball, I’m trying to go 23 mph.” It was OU’s first defensive two-point conversion of a

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Hurts. All are now NFL starters. “But I think Spencer’s handled it well. He’s practiced his tail off. He’s getting better as a player.” Rightfully, not much was made of Rattler’s five-touchdown, 243-yard walloping of FCS Western Carolina last week, but his play against a stout Nebraska defense exemplified his growth. Aside from two dangerous throws to freshman receiver Mario Wi l l i a m s t hat c ou l d’ve been intercepted, his decision-making appeared rock solid against the Cornhuskers. Oklahoma’s offense stalled until halftime, but Rattler struck after Nebraska missed a field goal to open the second half, engineering a 10-play, 80yard drive that ate 5:29 off the

blocked PAT since cornerback Zack Sanchez’s return during the Sooners’ 37-33 loss to TCU in 2014. Fields’ score widened OU’s lead to 16-9 and proved pivotal in a 23-16 win for Oklahoma (3-0) over the Cornhuskers (2-2) in a game reminiscent of the 1971 matchup it commemorated. Afterward, Fields said the return embodied the

we flip that, and instead of it being a four-point game it’s a seven-point game. “We tell our guys all the time, you never know when the big ones are coming. But, if you’re mentally into every one and you’re playing it like it’s your last, you’ll be ready to seize the moment.” Redshirt junior linebacker Nik Bonitto, who finished with two sacks and five tackles, praised Coe’s ability to cut through Nebraska’s protection and Fields’ speed. Bonitto felt the play reengaged the Sooner faithful of 84,659 after the prior play saw Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez score on a 4-yard run to slice OU’s lead to five points. Bonitto credited OU’s coaching staff for the team’s preparedness on special teams. “I don’t know how most teams in the country are, but we take that part of the game really seriously,” Bonitto said. “We never take a snap off.” Defensive coordinator Alex

Grinch said he was thrilled that Fields scored. A Tulsa native, Fields’ team captain status stems from his hunger to instill a relentless work ethic in his teammates. Though he missed the Sooners’ spring camp due to an undisclosed injury, Fields made it a priority to check on his teammates. He put in extra hours participating in 6 a.m. individual workouts with Bennie Wylie, OU’s director of sports performance, throughout fall camp. “There was so much more football left, but what a critical play,” Grinch said. “That’s one of those things where they score a touchdown, you can have an emotional reaction (and) you can give into your feelings, or you can go make a play out there. There’s still an opportunity to make a play and what we tell them is play the play.” Fields was thrilled to make the play. In fact, Grinch joked about reminding Fields that the run counted for only two points, not six, to keep

him from getting “a little

Senior safety Pat Fields returns a blocked PAT during the game against Nebraska on Sept. 18.

Sooners’ growing desire to give it their all on every play, something that hasn’t always been consistent through OU’s first three games. Multiple offensive and defensive miscues nearly cost Oklahoma its season opener against Tulane. Now, a week removed from a 76-0 win over Western Carolina, their highest scoring performance under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Sooners delivered the lowest score in Riley’s reign. Nonetheless, a play like the blocked PAT — featuring perfect all-around execution that swung momentum OU’s way — could signal the Sooners may be close to finding their stride. “It was a huge play, and I think that just goes back to our mentality,” Riley said afterward. “I think that’s a sign of our mentality growing as a football team. Some people think, ‘Oh, little extra point, (no) big deal.’ I mean, how many teams do you see take that play off? All of a sudden,

clock. That included flea-flicker trickery from Rattler to Williams to sophomore receiver Marvin Mims, which perplexed Husker Blackshirt defenders like former OU coach Barry Switzer’s triple option did decades ago. “It’s something we worked in practice, and the look was perfect for it,” Rattler said of the play. “It was a split second where I had to get that ball out, Mario threw me a good ball and Marvin was wide open, I just had to get it to him, and luckily I didn’t get blown up on that. But we made it work, and it was a huge spark for our offense to get going. ... I think you could see that after that play.” That possession resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Rattler to redshirt senior H-back Jeremiah Hall. Grinding his way through Cornhusker coverage, Rattler drained the third-quarter

clock to 3:50 and put the Sooners up 14-3. Though Saturday’s contest was hardly worthy of the 1971 Game of the Century it commemorated, the sellout of 84,659 inside Gaylord FamilyOklahoma Memorial Stadium brimmed with excitement and an old-timey feel. Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez replied to Rattler’s score with a 4-yard touchdown run on the next drive, although junior defensive lineman Isaiah Coe blocked the extra point and senior safety Pat Fields returned it for two points. Rattler then commandeered another lengthy drive capped by redshirt junior running back Kennedy Brooks’ rushing touchdown, giving the Sooners a 23-9 lead. Brooks finished with 75 rushing yards while junior Eric Gray added 84, and Oklahoma averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Since the Sooners let off the gas offensively against Tulane, they’ve now kept the pedal down on two-straight opponents. “Overall, we responded in the second half well, we took what they gave us and we dominated in the run game as well,” Rattler said. “Having a balanced flow like that, it makes it easy for us. We’ve just gotta finish and that’s something we’ve gotta strive for is finishing.” Rattler’s final possession resulted in a punt, putting the game in the defense’s hands with only a touchdown to spare before defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s Speed D successfully sealed the victory. It was OU’s lowest-scoring game since a 2016 loss to Houston and its fewest points under Riley, but it was nonetheless good enough for a win. “I don’t think he would have handled today the same

way a year ago, just with the way the game unfolded,” Riley said. “Playing quarterback’s about learning to win, and he’s learning to win in different ways and getting better.” Last fall, Rattler regularly flung passes 50-plus yards downfield, exciting crowds with his explosive arm. But he has only one such completion this season, and he never threaded a pass over 23 yards against the Huskers. Rattler’s flashiness as a five-star high school prospect and redshirt freshman college starter captivated fans. However, the determination Rattler displayed against Nebraska has further endeared him to his coach, who said he geared several of his late-game play calls to his faith in his quarterback. “I think for him, it’s the wanting to make a play and knowing he can make a play versus staying within the

scheme, and so he’s getting better and better with it,” Riley said. “I trust him. I do. … I thought he saw it well and had a good feel for it today. The execution’s just gotta be a little bit sharper.” As the Sooners enter Big 12 play next weekend against West Virginia (2-1), Rattler’s continued development is vital to OU’s national championship aspirations. If he can pair his talent with sharper precision, all that’s expected of him remains within reach. “As he watches more and more film, he’ll start to see the little things that he needs to tighten up on,” said Lott, who won a championship with Switzer’s Sooners in 1975. “And other than that, he’s definitely as good a quarterback as anybody in the country. There’s no question about that.”

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

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big-headed.” With the Sooners welcoming West Virginia to Norman on Sept. 25, Fields was anything but big-headed when addressing how his team can improve entering Big 12 play. “With football, you can never stay stagnant,” Fields said. “It’s like a behavioral thing, it’s either good or bad. I have to say that we’re not comfortable, because we have to keep winning, excelling and improving or we’re going to quickly fall into complacency. “We’re always continuously hungr y and ambitious to keep on going and keep on improving.” chandler.engelbrecht@ou.edu

masyoung@ou.edu