Dre Murray talks SNU and being a Christian hip hop artist
Why Pinterest isn’t just for girls anymore
Read more on page 9
Read more on page 6
April 19, 2013 Volume 84 Issue 25 echo.snu.edu
TheEcho
6612 NW 42nd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 491-6382
Human Rights Awareness Week to focus on child protection Kira Roberts, Layout Editor Human Rights Awareness Week (HRAW) is a week that happens twice a year where the Campus Ministries council chooses a cause that could be relevant to students, and creates opportunities to promote awareness and hopefully action. “Some might remember last semester when we working with the Imel 2 theme house to promote their homeless ministry. This semester, we are working off the
passions of Jennie Liles (junior) and Jordan Leibold (sophomore) focusing on child protection,” Jake O’Bannon, SGA vice-president for campus ministries, said. Each day will have an individual theme under this umbrella of child protection. These will include foster care, orphan care, and adolescent sexual abuse awareness from Tuesday to Thursday. Liles said, “My passion for child protection and human rights stems
from my belief that we are supposed to live in raw community with one another. There are people in the world who can’t help their own situations in life. I believe that God has given us the abilities and motivations to help those who can’t help themselves. And I truly believe that we are touching Jesus when we do so. There are so many people in the world who are vulnerable without choice, and children make up such a huge popu-
lation of these people. Since kids can’t advocate for themselves, I feel as though I have been called to be an advocate for them.”
“God has given us the abilities and motivations to help those who can’t help themselves.” Liles became involved with foster care during her high school years working at a day care in a small, low-income town. There were two kids that stayed in their same foster home for two years and Liles was able build a relationship with each of them as she fell in love. “They have been adopted by an amazing family, and I am honored to say that I am still in their lives and always will be. They inspired me to go further and get a job at the Department of Human Services. I worked in the Child Welfare unit and learned so much about the foster care system, which gave me an even bigger desire to advocate for foster children,” she said. “We are planning on putting up ribbons around campus for each of those days (blue for foster care,
Jennie Liles (center) poses with two children. Photo provided by Jennie Liles.
Continued on page 3
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Campus security: 405-491-6309 SNU Security discusses its role, students share experiences Grace Williams, Guest Writer Normally, we are taught not to trust people we don’t know roaming around campus. Luckily, some of these people are here to protect us (the ones in uniform). Meet SNU Security. SNU Security consists of a team of three full time officers, two part time officers, one full time dispatcher, four part time dispatchers and one director who are all in process of or have completed certification through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). There is always a minimum of one officer and one dispatcher on duty, and there is always someone else on call if an officer needs assistance. The officers and dispatchers work eight hour shifts, sometimes longer according to the activities on campus. Security officers patrol the campus on a consistent basis. They use motor vehicles including golf
Stubbs, director of safety and security/transportation, said. Stubbs also mentioned that if students have any suggestions for how to improve security, they should email him at jstubbs@snu.edu. SNU Security also provides other services. “Students can call for vehicle assistance (jump starts, help with flats,etc), unlocking buildings, safety escorts in the evening, assistance with theft, vandalism, etc.,” Stubbs said. Students have had a variety of experiences on campus with security, leaving some wondering about the purpose of security. “I don’t see campus security enforcing anything or even walking around. I only see them sitting in the dispatch center.” said Miesha Fuller, freshmen physical therapy major. William McDonough, junior psycoverage for large events on campus. BPD also provides extra coverage of chology major, said, “I’m not sure patrol in the evenings to compliment what the point of having SNU seSNU Security coverage,” Johnny curity is. I feel that we could just use carts along with foot patrols. During these patrols, security enforces parking, building access, as well as ascertaining information about any crime, threatening actions or illegal activity they see or hear about on campus to pass on to the Bethany Police Department (BPD). “We work with BPD and the Office of Student Development concerning any activities in this area [campus]. We work in conjunction with BPD in handling and investigating any crimes or incidents. We also work together providing security
“I only see them sitting in the dispatch center.”
the police.” Othe students, however, have experienced the benefits of security’s services.
“they came within three minutes to help me.” Meagan Green, freshman biologychemistry major, said, “I have security’s favorited in my phone, and I remembered from NSI that they will jump cars. I called them one night to jump my car, and they came within three minutes to help me.” “I have had good experiences with SNU security so far. I mainly just ask them for access to the Science building after hours,” Jamie Williams, sophomore biologyContinued on page 3
Campus Question QUESTION: “Why did security switch from using the blue SUV to the van? How has this affected gas usage? Are there any plans to change the vehicle in the future?” ANSWER: “There are several reasons we have gone to the use of the van as opposed to the SUV. 1) The SUV has been regulated to back up duty because it’s age and continuing mechanical difficulties. 2) The van was being rotated out of the van pool and we decided to move it to Security because it would be more cost effective to do this than to go out and purchase a newer vehicle. We feel this, along with the van being a much more dependable vehicle, offsets the difference in fuel cost. 3) The van has an area in the rear that is large enough to accommodate equipment we keep on hand for parking and other needs. There are plans to have the van re-lettered this summer to make it more identifiable.” --Johnny Stubbs, Director of Safety & Security/Transportation
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SNU Security, continued Continued from page 2 chemistry major, said. Jacob Cervantes said, “I’ve never had a bad experience with SNU security. I think they are very nice and friendly. I always talk to them when I see them.” Several students that were interviewed reported that they wish they knew security on a more personal level as Cervantes describes. Ronna Fisher, Junior English major, said, “ I’m not sure if I always trust them for what I need. Part of me would hesitate to call them if I ever truly felt in danger, just because I don’t really know them, and I’m not sure how reliable or quick they would be able to help. I think a meet and greet would be help so I know them and can hear from them that they are committed to help.” Stubbs responded, “We have never tried a meet and greet, but would be open to it. It would be a great way for our staff to become better acquainted. This is a very good idea and we will work with Student Development to do this.” Many students interviewed expressed that they would talk to an R.A. or R.D. about any issue they had on campus. An R.A. who wished to remain anonymous said, “I have had positive interactions where they are a good presence on campus. But I’ve also had a situation where they
Continued from page 1 purple for orphan care, and black for adolescent sexual abuse). We will be doing a Ping-Pong tournament to raise money on Tuesday night, a prayer vigil all day Wednesday, Kingdom Come on Thursday, and an outdoor activity on Friday night,” O’Bannon said. Liles said, “The three topics for next week are known, but are sometimes hard things to advocate for because of confidentiality reasons. I’m excited to see how
gency situation.” Stubbs responded, “I think we have a good working relationship with the R.A.’s. However, we usually work through Student Development and the Resident Directors on issue concerning campus safety and security.” All the students interviewed feels safe on campus except very late at night. Most attributed this to our safe location in Bethany and lack of crime as evidenced by SNU’s crime report. “I generally feel safe around Hills and the Commons, but beyond that area, near Snowbarger, Imel, or Chapman, I don’t always feel safe,”
said Williams. “However, I don’t think that’s because of a lack of security presence, I think it’s because of a lack of security features, i.e. deadbolts in apartments, lighting on walkways, cameras in key areas, etc. I think the security officers do an excellent job; my concern lies with safety features on campus.” Members of the cabinet promised students that lighting would be improved especially by Marchant, Bracken lawn and Imel to help students feel safer at night at Cabinet chat on March 12th, 2013. Stubbs reported that the lightening update has already began and is being handled by Ron Lester, Director of Facilities Management. At the Cabinet Chat in fall 2012, a cabinet member stated that $30,000$40,000 was being spent on camera improvement across campus. “As far as cameras, the process has already started with upgrading equipment, daily checks of all cameras to ensure they are all operational without delay of service and we repair them quickly, if not. We are also in the process of converting our video to digital. This should be completed in the near future. This will enable us to check past video on an as needed basis for an unlimited length of time,” Stubbs said. Several students interviewed (and others who simply overheard me discussing writing an article about campus security) reported that secu-
rity often interrupts two people of the opposite gender when talking in their cars at night. Jordan Leibold, sophomore urban ministries major, said, “One night a guy friend and I were in my car talking and security came and shined a light on us. My friend got out and talked to the member of security. He was nice and said it was just for fun.” Stubbs said, “Our officers check anything that might look a bit out of the ordinary. Most often, the officers will approach vehicles with occupants when the vehicle is parked in Fire Lanes, Handicap Parking, or areas that are out of the way, such as back areas of parking lots, at or around the stadium, etc.” Besides protecting SNU’s immediate campus, security is also responsible for patrolling the baseball, football, soccer fields and the horse barn each hour. This has at times led to unusual circumstances. “One incident that recently took place was when we received a call from BPD to let us know we had horses loose close to the baseball field,” Stubbs said. “It was pretty comical watching and being a part of several members of the security staff, along with several Bethany PD officers trying to keep close to 20 head of horses off of 39th Expressway. With some needed guidance from the Equine staff, the horses were run back into the pasture and the fence repaired.”
students respond to the details of these topics and how their compassion and love surface during this week of awareness.” Students can be involved in any of the above mentioned activities, as well as being able to write a note to children in OKC foster homes at a booth that will be set up in the Commons all week. O’Bannon said, “I am most excited about the opportunity to let students use their passions for good, and that campus ministries
ministries will be able to act as a platform for students to share with other students what is on their hearts. It’s always nice to raise money for programs that are in need, but this week I am hoping the most that people become aware of different stories of those involved in these areas so that they can be in prayer for them in the future. I hope and expect that through our letters, prayers, and small funds that we will be able to create awareness and hope during this week. I
invite all students to join in the exciting process in some way!” Liles added, “My biggest hope is that each individual can realize the impact they can have in the life of a foster kid, an orphan, and someone who has experienced sexual abuse. I also hope that through all of the activities happening next week that students might dig deep into themselves and find what sparks passion in them. I pray that this week might ignite people’s passions in a newfound way.”
were difficult to work with due to the seemingly lack of interest and motivation. In the future, I would like to see a connection between the leaders on campus and the security. For instance, having a time where the RAs can connect with the security staff. I feel that that would ease their mind and actions in any emer-
“I don’t always feel safe... I think it’s because of a lack of security features”
Human Rights Awareness Week, continued
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Reflecting on SNU: Our interview with Dr. Mary Jones Ronna Fisher, Assistant Editor Dr. Mary Jones, SNU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, announced her resignation, effective June 30, in February. She has worked at SNU since 2006 when she taught in the School of Business for two years. In 2008, she accepted the Provost position. Dr. Jones talked about her time at SNU in an interview with the Echo. The Echo: What brought you to SNU? Dr. Jones: We moved here from the mission field in 2006, specifically I served as the chief academic officer at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya for five years … I had a decision between four different positions during this transition… and this seemed to be the best place for where I was in my life at the time. I chose SNU and Oklahoma… and I have no regrets! It’s a wonderful place. TE: What has been most meaningful about your time at SNU? Dr. Jones: I have reflected a little bit about this questions. For me,
the relationships are the most meaningful part of my time at SNU… from the cabinet, to the deans, the faculty, and the students. I have enjoyed meaningful work with great colleagues who share a calling to make SNU a wonderful place of learning and preparing graduates. TE: Why are you leaving? Dr. Jones: I have accepted a similar position at MidAmerica Nazarene University where I was previously on the faculty for ten years… that area is “home” for me. TE: What is one of your favorite memories from your time here? Commencement is my all-time favorite day! That day holds my best memories as we celebrate the achievements of our students and the faculty. It’s a great day! I am thankful to have celebrated with graduates at almost 20 difference ceremonies in these short years at SNU. TE: What impact have the students made on you? Dr. Jones: The best impact a student makes on me is to leave SNU
Provost Mary Jones (left) poses with Melody Harding at the Fall 2012 commencement. Photo provided by Melody Harding.
with a sense of mission and purpose for his or her life… and to have a meaningful life. Seeing this lived out in multiple students is all I need to keep me focused on our mission. TE: What impact do you hope to have had on the students? Dr. Jones: My impact is most usually indirectly felt through the
faculty… and I have done by best to support the faculty and our academic programs. TE: What will you be doing next? Dr. Jones: Pretty much the same thing… just up the road on I-35 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. I will miss SNU very much.
Christian hip-hop artist and alumnus performs, speaks in chapel Brad Crofford, Editor-in-Chief Christian hip-hop artist and SNU alumnus Dre Murray performed and spoke in chapel on Thursday, April 11. In addition to performing several songs and involving the audience, Murray shared his testimony. Murray attended SNU from 2000-2004 for the basketball program and played all four years. A highlight of Murray’s performance was his audience involvement. Brooklyn Spindle, one of campus pastor Blair Spindle’s children, had the opportunity to beatbox for Murray while he rapped. This was not her first time beatboxing, according to her father. “Brooklyn is always beat boxing around the house,” Blair Spindle said. “It’s always impressed me that she can do it though I don’t know how she learned really. We had
talked about Brooklyn beat boxing for Dre at an event last Spring but it never happened so, yes it was planned. She did a pretty good job plus she’s just so cute.” Students appeared to appreciate
“Dre Murray’s one of the best Christian rappers alive.” Murray sharing his testimony. “I always enjoy getting to see Dre share his music and his testimony,” senior music business major Zach Lucero said. “I’ve worked with him on the technical side of shows, and he is consistently a great example of what it means to be a Christ follower. He is super genuine and I am glad that he is finding success in
music!” “He is an awesome witness for Christ and has a great message of how we are to live as servants like Jesus did. I’m a fan,” junior network engineering major Laura Kouts said. His performance also earned the praise of freshman music business major, Demarkie Roy. As Murray sought audience participation on the song “We Live As Kings,” Roy was one of the few students already familiar with each phrase the audience was to respond with. “In my opinion, Dre Murray’s one of the best Christian rappers alive,” Roy said in an email to the Echo. “If I had a chance to do a song with him, I would.” A rapper himself, Roy performed a song as his talent during the Who’s The Man 2013 competition. Roy says he listens to Murray’s music because he can relate to a lot of it,
such as coming from a single parent home and knowing what it’s like to live in a rough neighborhood. “His chapel presentation music and testimony got to me because not too many people make it out of a bad environment and live for god,” Roy said. Anna Welch, a freshman mass communications major, attended chapel and had the opportunity to interact with Murray in the Commons while he signed her copy of “We Live As Kings.” “I loved his testimony and music...he brought a whole new style of worship to the table,” Welch said. “His honesty about not wanting to be at SNU and the mistakes he made were encouraging to friends and myself. He showed his good heart while we chatted during the signing and I really hope he can return again.”
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Faith-Based universities receive grant to fund health care internship Genie Funk, Guest writer The Consortium of Oklahoma Faith-Based Universities has partnered with the Butterfield Memorial Foundation to establish the 2013 Christian Pre-Healthcare Provider Internship. This is a sixweek internship for students who are pursuing a health care career. The recipients will work with faith-based clinics in Oklahoma City which service at-risk residents. The purpose behind establishing this internship is to encourage graduating health care providers to serve the growing number of Oklahomans who cannot receive health care through traditional means. The Consortium of Oklahoma Faith-Based Universities is a partnership of five faith-based universities in Oklahoma who work together to enhance collaboration in increasing Christian health care professionals and accessibility to health care in Oklahoma. Members of the Consortium are Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Oral Roberts University, and Southern Nazarene University. Of the 24 applicants, one intern from each university was chosen with the sixth intern chosen from the remaining candidates. Amanda Six, a junior in the School of Nursing, was surprised when she received the email from the Consortium announcing her selection for the 2013 internship. When asked her feelings regarding the selection, Six stated, “I feel thankful and blessed that I have the opportunity to serve Christ and the at-risk populations of Oklahoma while gaining valuable shadowing experience in the field I am pursuing.“ After undergraduate graduation from SNU in 2015, Six plans to continue on to a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Sciences through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Cen-
ter in Oklahoma City. Southern Nazarene University’s (SNU) campus will host the interns from May 20 to June 28. During that time, the six interns will rotate between three medical clinics in the Oklahoma City area which serve residents who can either not afford insurance or can’t get coverage. Crossings Community Clinic, Open Arms Clinic and Good Shepherd Clinic will be working together with Professor Deanne Latham of SNU to establish a rotation schedule for the interns. Interns will rotate between clinics, assisting the medical staff by providing basic clinic needs and shadowing medical providers. The rotation schedule provides the greatest exposure to the diverse variety of people who are served at the clinics. In addition to clinical hours, the interns will be attending the Institute for International Medicine (INMED) Conference in Kansas City. Dr. Winslow, Program Coordinator and Dean of SNU’s College of Natural, Social and Health Sciences, believes that this internship will be a benefit to the students as well as the clinics. He is hopeful that the program will be able to continue and expand to other Oklahoma cities in future summers. The idea of the internship evolved from a desire of members of the Butterfield Foundation who wanted to establish an internship focused on encouraging young Christians in healthcare education toward practice in Christian and charitable care settings in Oklahoma City and throughout the state. John Martin of the Butterfield Foundation believes that the internship is the best opportunity for students to discover they can serve God in Oklahoma by providing access to quality healthcare. The Butterfield Memorial Foundation is a Christian chari-
table organization serving the health needs of the community in harmony with the tenets of the Free Methodist Church of North America. Funding for the 2013 Summer Christian Pre-Healthcare
Provider Internships is provided through a $10,000 grant issued to SNU, for the benefit of the Consortium of Faith-Based Universities, by the Butterfield Memorial Foundation.
Congratulations to the Mortar Board Inductees! Jordan Hepler Patrick Bonham Patricia Juliuson Robbie Diaz Tesica Starkey Austin Schultz Jamie Williams Austin Troyer Jordan Jones Kate Srader Benjamin Siems Terra Frederick Emily Gammill Amanda Wachtel Jeremy Acre Kristin Milster Blake Jordan Emma Carley Daxten Pruter Cynthia McDonald
OPINIONS TheEcho
April 19, 2013
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Why Pinterest isn’t just for girls anymore Kira Roberts, Layout Editor Confession: I am a quote person. This is one of the many reasons I love Pinterest. One of my favorite pins ever was an e-card that said, “Someday we’ll all find out Pinterest is a conspiracy created by a group of men who are tricking women everywhere into cooking, cleaning, and working out.” Leave it to this site to constantly provide me with things that make me laugh! But really, this quote (like many) is so funny because of its truth. Or at least that’s how Pinterest used to be! If I’m being honest, I know that this probably isn’t going to convince any guys to actually join the Pinterest bandwagon (I’m not even sure I would encourage it because of the associated social stigma), but I think it’s important to recognize how quickly this site is growing and how many different kinds of groups and
Photo from Pinterest.com
individuals it appeals to. Pinterest was started early in the year 2010 and is already becoming one of the leading social networking sites. For those of you who don’t know (I’m assuming mostly guys), Pinterest is an online “content sharing service that allows members to ‘pin’ images, videos and other objects to their pin board,” according to their website. From what I gathered, it is right behind Facebook and Twitter, even rivaling Twitter in many areas. As with most statistics on the Internet, everywhere I looked had different numbers for the percent of women versus men who use Pinterest. However, most sites showed a rise in the number of male users during the past year, going from about 80% women and 20% men to around 70%
Photo from Pinterest.com
women and 30% men. Not only has it risen in popularity for guys, but it has also become a prime outlet for business branding and promotion. In fact, I would even be bold enough to say that businesses are lacking a well-rounded online presence if they aren’t active on Pinterest. While wedding boards and dream shopping carts are prominent for women wasting time in class or work, this site is especially inspiring when it comes to avenues like photography and design. Statistics show that the most popular categories tend to be Food and Drink, DIY projects, Art and Design, Women’s Fashion, and Photography, but Travel, Film/Music/ Books, Humor, and Education are also common (www.repinly.com/ stats). As for guys (and many girls I’m sure), the Cars/Motorcycles, Sports, and Technology categories seem to becoming more popular as there are constantly more and more options to look at and similar people to follow. We are in an era of ‘trending’ and Pinterest perfectly accommodates this desire to connect with other people through similar thoughts and interests. Unfortunately, there
are a few downsides to the site as well. One pitfall of a common place filled with so many unique ideas is that it inadvertently stifles individual creativity as people are able to simply recreate already existing ideas. Not to say this is always the case as looking at others ideas can often stimulate originality as one thought leads to another, but sometimes it proves to be an obstacle. Another complication that is automatically connected to Pinterest because of its comprehensive sharing opportunities is copyright infringement. It can be dangerous for businesses to post things that they may not earn any revenue from and risk having individuals not credit the work to the rightful owner. Despite these risks, I believe the benefits of sharing, inspiring, encouraging and connecting to other people through this most creative of outlets far outweighs the danger. I have no doubt that Pinterest will continue to grow in popularity for both men and women of all different ages and associations and that business use will increase exponentially in the coming years.
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Advice from students and faculty to their past selves
Dear Freshman Me, . . .don’t be so stressed, make friends, and have fun.
~Melodi McWilliams, CCS Administrative Assistant . . .don’t get married your freshman year, and find out who the teachers are that you will remember twenty years later and get in their class somehow.
~Dr. Peggy Poteet, Chair of the English Department
. . . show up. ~Dr. Frank Johnson, Chair of the Modern Languages Department . . . get more sleep.
~Tim Rice, senior, English Spanish Translation major . . . Appreciate your education; it’s incredible how much you can learn from being present in class. And, you don’t have to do everything; take time to find peace.
~Maia Brown, Junior, Elementary Education major . . . do your homework; you are here for the education. Discover the things you love and pursue them. Go ahead and cut off your hair. And, love everyone.
~Piper Ramsey, junior, theology major . . . be more outgoing.
~Kristen Hodges, junior, social studies education major . . . make a lot of friends. ~Joshua Achipa, Library Coordinator of Reference and Instructional Services . . . Admit that you need help with life, and really commit yourself to your relationship with God, your studies, and making friends third. And, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
~Katie King, Library Director
. . . become more involved on campus, take advantage of opportunities, and don’t get too caught up in being a perfectionist.
~Jenna Johnson, senior, Human Relations major
STORMSPORTS TheEcho April 19, 2013 Page 8 Golf ends season at GAC championships
SNU Athletics, Men’s Golf HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Southern Nazarene shot a 309 on the final day of the Great American Conference Championships and ended with a 914 three-round total. That would have left SNU in seventh place in the final tournament of the year if the Crimson Storm were eligible by GAC standards. Blake Jackson finished in a tie for seventh as the senior shot a 78 in the final round to bring his total to 222. He finished just nine strokes back Arkansas Tech’s Brian Belz who took the individual title. Michael Hearne nearly cracked the top 10 as he was just one stroke back of Jackson at 223 after he fired a 1-under par 71 on the 6,713-yard course. The 71 was the lowest round of any SNU player at the tournament. Hearne finished in a tie for 11th. Eric Smith finished at 234 and in a tie for 32nd while John Eischen closed at 235 and in a tie for 35th. Matthew Folsom finished in 50th at 248. Arkansas Tech also claimed the team title as it held off Southwestern Oklahoma State by just one stroke. ATU finished at 891 while the Bulldogs shot an 892. East Central took third at 902. SNU Athletics, Women’s Golf HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Jordan Leibold had her best round of the week as the sophomore shot a 3-over par 75 on the final day of the Great American Conference Championship. The 75 left her at 238 over three rounds and put her inside the top 10. Southern Nazarene as a team shot a 1,010 over three rounds and shot a 335 on the final day. The final score would
Hearne fired a 71 in his final round. Photo from snuathletics.com.
have put SNU in sixth place at the conference tournament if the Crimson Storm were eligible. Laura Quevedo and Marion Broedys both finished in the top 25 as Quevedo shot a 250 and Broedys shot a 255. Quevedo finished in 21st with an 83 in the final round while Broedys shot an 88 and finished in 25th. Kacey Acker shot an 89 for the third straight day to finish at 267 and in 30th place. Jamie West rounded
out the top five with a 285 shooting a 91, her lowest round of the tournament. Harding won the overall title with a 933 and finished 23 strokes ahead of second place Henderson State. HSU’s Kendall Earp took the individual title with a 227, just one stroke ahead of Harding’s Emily Plyler. Arkansas Tech and SW Oklahoma State finished in a tie for third at 961. East Central was ahead of SNU at 975.
SNU Keep up with results and scores at snuathletics. com Athletics
Arts
ENTERTAINMENT
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April 19, 2013
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Dre Murray speaks about SNU and being a Christian hip hop artist Brad Crofford, Editor-in-chief Garvis Long, Staff writer Christian hip hop artist Dre Murray came to SNU to share his music and talk to students about his story of growing up, playing college basketball and becoming a rap star. After chapel, Murray sat down with The Echo for a brief interview in the Commons between signing copies of his newest collaboration, We Live As Kings. The Echo: You mentioned during chapel that you had a turning point while you were at SNU. How would you describe yourself when you came to SNU and when you left? Dre Murray: It’s all about perspective... I just think it was more about the perspective and the way I was, because I was already that person on the inside but I was running from it. When I left, I embraced that person inside, and also the things that I knew were true; I paid more attention to them and actually saw clearer than I did when I first got here. TE: Is there anyone in particular at SNU or in this community that impacted you significantly?
tors at the first church that I went to while I was here. He spoke into my life. [Also] Larry and Judy Mills... he and his wife do Angel Tree ministry here in the community, and that really impacted me to see people, you know, showing and displaying the love of Christ...those people were key in my transformation. TE: What were the first few years like after SNU? What was your journey like? DM: I had an album while I was here [at SNU]. I used to sell it in that store over there [the SNU Bookstore]. Right after SNU, my wife went five years; she graduated a year after I did, so I was still on campus a year after I graduated, and so I still was around the same environment. I started using the facility here to record a project, and tried to reach out into the community a little bit more and kind of got connected with some of the organizations and ministries here like Angel Tree, and just grew. My faith just grew, and I started linking up with more and more people who helped my faith to grow. That year was kind of like training camp almost to prepare me for us eventually leaving and going to Tulsa and, you know, being away from this environment.
DM: There was lots of people, man. I mean, I played basketball so there was coach Martin, who is the athletic director now. There was a guy by the name of James Mann who was a TE: Some people think there is transfer from OU. He played basket- baggage with words like “Christian ball, and his mom and dad were pas- movies” or “Christian artists,” just
putting the word “Christian” in front meaningful for you? of another word. Do you accept the label “Christian rap artist”? How DM: As far as collaborations go, I think Lecrae. Obviously I’ve collabwould you describe yourself? orated with him, but the most imDM: ...Early on I really embraced pactful relationship I have had has the name. I was very zealous about been with my producer, who I view it; I wanted people to know. But then as my brother now. His producer as you grow and you get older... it’s name is Wit. His real name is Elvin not really about the name, but it’s [Shahbazian]. We’ve grown outside about what you’re saying and how of music as well as inside of music... you live it...I don’t tell people not to building a relationship with him has call me that, but if they don’t, if they basically taken my ministry and cajust say I’m a hip hop artist, I accept reer to heights that I didn’t think I that as well, because I am both of could get to in such a small amount those things; I am a Christian as well of time. I had worked so hard to try to as a hip hop artist... Whatever people want to call me, get there, and all it took was God as long as they listen to the music leading me to him, and we created and get what they need to get out of a sound that kind of allowed me to be who I wanted to be all along. it, I’m fine. He’s definitely the most impactful TE: During your career, you have as term of collaborators. I really had a chance to collaborate with don’t let anybody touch my music if some other artists. Are there any of it doesn’t go through him first, bethose who have been particularly cause he is like my ears now.
Dre Murray and Anna Welch pose for a photo. Photo by Brad Crofford.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
Brad Crofford, Editor-in-Chief Students took home multiple awards at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition on April 6 amidst a field of over 300 competitors.
Alex Bolerjack, fifth year senior with a double major in vocal performance and history, placed first in the adult category. Steve Stark, sophomore with a double major in vocal performance and music
business, placed third in the soph“We are thrilled that our students omore men category. Ryan Smith, are competing at such a high level freshman music performance and against schools such as OCU, UCO, music education double major, OBU and 15 other major colleges placed third in the freshmen men Continued on page 11 category.
A&E
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Garrett crowned “The Man” on night of videos, talents, improv Macy Sliman, Staff Writer This past Friday, the biennial (every other year) event called Who’s the Man? took place. Who’s the Man? is an entertainment show specifically for the men of SNU to showcase what they’ve got. The students and the SGA council selected two men from each grade to participate. After a barrage of humorous covered music videos, nail-biting improvisation acts and extraordinary talents specific to each contestant, the audience along with the three judges, decided which man had what it took to be The Man. The show was well-attended, according to SGA president Zach Bond. “It was more [than usual] because we had those College Days kids in attendance. It was a good crowd,” Bond said.
The show started off with a smartly choreographed piece introducing each man and his escort of choice. From the freshmen class were Felipe Simoes with Mallory Redwine and Demarkie Roy with Brooke Williams. Andrew Leahey and Steve Stark represented the sophomore class with their escorts Angela Zanotti and Charlotte Wilczek, respectively. The junior class was represented by Jake Garrett with his date Allison Purdue and Ben Siems with his niece. And last but not least, Chase Howard with Kara Pirog for the senior class. (Senior Trey Cloud did not participate due to being sick.) After the introduction, four men presented their music videos and their talents. Ben was the first to present his video of his rendition of Taylor Swift and then his walkthrough of the “History of the
Alma Mater.” Sadly, Cloud was ill and unable to attend, but the audience enjoyed his country music video despite his absence. Next, was Steve Stark with his version of Justin Timberlake and a magnificent Violin/Dubstep mix. Simoes’ music video was a “manly” rap battle and his talent was a live fruit ninja demonstration. Following the first three men were the set of improv acts which showcased the men’s quick wit and humor in a few outlandishly funny situations. Each man did wonderfully at this and offered the crowd a few good laughs. Due to Cloud being sick, one act of improv was left. Previous winner Carson Calloway was called from the crowd to participate. His genius reaction to a “pregnant wife’s cravings” sent the audience into a fit of laughter.
After the last improv was complete, the last four men performed fearlessly. Howard was entertaining in his “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and then his Native American interpretive dance. Roy presented a battle rap between “Obama” and “Romney” as well as performing his own original rap. Leahey followed with his version of “Thrift Shop” and then wowed the audience with a daring escape from tight ropes while facing down a crossbow. To end the video and acts, Garrett charmed the audience with his “Farmer’s Daughter” and a slew of exotic animals, including a kangaroo. Wrapping up the show, the encore act consisted of last year’s LipSync winners performing Titanic. The show ended with the crowning of this year’s man: Jake Garrett.
Clockwise: Ben Siems perfoms a humorous history of the alma mater (Photo: Brad Crofford); Demarkie Roy performs a rap song (Photo by Terra Frederick); the candidates, escorts and people behind the show await results (Photo: Crofford); Jake Garrett poses with his escort, Allison Pardue (Photo: Crofford).
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National Association of Teachers of Singing, continued Continued from page 9 in Oklahoma,” Rebekah Ambrosini, a professor in the School of Music who helped prepare some of the competitors, said. “There were over 300 participants in this year’s competition, only three students in each age category place in the top three, and SNU had three such winners!” According to Ambrosini, students spend many hours preparing three classical pieces in English, Italian, French and/or German for competition. Students selected
their pieces carefully. “When I made it to the second round, I chose to sing “Kenst Du Das Land” which translates as “Do You Know The Land,” Stark said. “I sang this piece because I really love the story line that is involved in this piece in Mark Adamo’s “Little Women,” plus this piece is in a very rich and full part of my vocal range.” Beyond choosing pieces, students practiced to provide their own interpretation of the music. “It took hours of preparation
not only correcting notes and rhythms, but attempting to add my definition to the pieces that I sang,” Bolerjack said. “There’s no “cookie-cutter” approach to music; I had to make each piece my own.” While it was students who performed, they say they owe a lot to their vocal instructors. “We wouldn’t have stood a chance without the fantastic vocal coaches we are blessed with at SNU. I personally owe a lot of thanks to Rebekah and Jeff Am-
brosini as well as Andrea Hansen,” Stark said. Other SNU students who competed at NATS include Chesney Dodez, Melanie Cooper, Hannah Kinsey, Laura Miller and La Quana Sango. According to its website, NATS is “the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,300 members in the United States, Canada, and over twenty-five other countries” and was founded in 1944.
Jake’s Movie Review: Secret Jake O’Bannon, Columnist You know that feeling you get right before you do a movie review about a Chinese film? It’s a feeling of confusion, doubt, confusion, uncertainty, and confusion all mixed into one. I’m sure you can relate. This week my review is over the 2007 film “Secret,” which stars and is directed by Jay Chou. Yes, this is the same Jay Chou that was Kato in “The Green Hornet.” So there is that little nugget of knowledge for the six of you who saw “The Green Hornet.” I chose to review this particular film based off a recommendation by Echo editor-in-chief Brad Crofford. In case you didn’t know, this is Brad’s final week as editor-in-chief, so this review is in honor of him. Since I began reviewing movies for The Echo in September of 2011, I have never done a foreign film. And there is a good chance my inexperience will show very quickly. So stay with me and we’ll go on this Editor: Brad Crofford Adviser: Melany Kyzer Content Editor: Kendra Nixon Layout Editor: Kira Roberts Assistant Editor: Ronna Fisher
ride together. The IMDb summary of the film says, “Ye Xiang Lun (known as Jay in the translation), a talented piano player is a new student at the prestigious Tamkang School. On his first day, he meets Lu Xiao Yu (known as Rain in the translation), a pretty girl playing a mysterious piece of music.” That summary does a good job of setting the stage for this fantasy/ romance. When Jay first arrives at the school, he is instantly attracted to Rain. There is something about her that is different from what he knows. She has moments where she comes off as a Chinese version of the Zooey Deschanel/Meg Ryan quirky character. This type of girl is refreshing to Jay, whom has spent most of his life dedicated to his piano playing. With a foreign film, I’ve learned, there are some things that I believe get lost in translation. For example: the dance scene in “Secret.” The entertainment at the dance is an Elvis impersonator, which is awesome.
But the lyrics are the main attraction here. Included are lines like, “I insist with the shade of my manhood, to give heat to my brothers, and leave the chest for the girls’ tears.” Or, “Men with biceps of a mountain, men with loneliness of wolves, men with heated passion, men with warm hearts, that man is me.” Where else would you find lyrics like that? I joke about that, but being fully committed to a film from a country other than your own really can be an interesting learning experience. As Brad suggested that to me, so I also suggest that to you. I will avoid spoiling the ending of the film in hopes that you take the leap of faith and watch it. But I will say that there is a plot twist at the end that was, dare I say, Nolanesque. For the first hour and fifteen minutes of this film everything is pretty straightforward, leaving nothing up to interpretation. If a girl liked a guy, the girl would tell the guy she liked him; it was simple. But when the twist comes, it
changes the dynamic of the film completely, putting you into a fantasy world that, at least for me, is unexpected and unique. I challenge you to get on Netflix and give this film a chance. Not only is it a great fantasy story, but also it is, quite unexpectedly, a powerful romance. Don’t get me wrong, you will most likely be confused and possibly question my sanity for suggesting it. But try to look past that and enjoy a unique film experience. To close I would like to thank Brad Crofford for all that he has done for The Echo this year. Working with the paper myself, I can tell you how much effort he has poured into it and how passionate he is about his work. Make sure to thank Brad for all he has done next time you see him. Thank you, Brad. You’ve done a great job. Editor’s note: Thank you for your two years of faithfully and insightfully reviewing movies for The Echo, Jake. You’ve made The Echo a better paper.
The ECHO is the weekly student newspaper of Southern Nazarene University and is a long-standing member of the Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association. Viewpoints expressed in the paper are not to be considered official standard-bearers of the university or its sponsoring denomination. Editorials on the op/ed pages that are generated by the ECHO staff--and therefore have no byline--express the opinions of the editorial staff but not necessarily of the administration, faculty or staff of Southern Nazarene University. Personal columns with bylines as well as opinions reprinted from subscription wire services or other publications by permission express the opinions of the writer and not necessarily of the editorial staff of the ECHO or the administration, faculty or staff of Southern Nazarene University. The ECHO publishes a public forum called “Letters to the Editor” and invites readers to express themselves here. The editorial staff requests that letters not exceed 250 words and reserves the right to edit them for clarity and brevity. All letters must be signed. Send them to The ECHO, SNU Box 2541, or through e-mail at echo@snu.edu. Letters will not be returned. Unless otherwise marked, letters received by The ECHO that deal with newspaper content or practice will be considered for publication. Information on advertising can be obtained by contacting the editor-in-chief at echo@mail.snu.edu.