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theJOURNAL VOL. 64, No. 25

The Student Voice of East Central University April 30, 2015

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back.

The Journal Bids Farewell to Students, Faculty and Staff.

Pages 3 & 6 Dr. Duane Anderson, who will retire in June, speaks at December graduation.

PHOTO/COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

www.ecujournal.org

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April 30 - May 8, 2015

THIS WEEK in

ECU History...

2005- Alumnus Matt “Tubby” Aguero finished first in the OKC Memorial Marathon.

Nicole Henry, another graduate, finished ninth.

THIS WEEK AT ECU

2007- Susan Payne, who started the cross country program at ECU, stepped down from the position to start a sports management program at Rogers State University. Two-year assistant coach Steve Sawyer replaced her.

1990 – Scholarships were awarded to 20 East Central University students during the annual Student Oklahoma Education Association, Student Council of Exceptional Children and Alpha Upsilon Alpha International Reading Association awards banquet.

1979- The Oklahoma Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs named Patti Blevins McGuire, ECU alumna, “Young Careerist” during the organization’s state convention in Tulsa.

1977- The largest motor club in the United States, National Motor Club, presented a $1000 scholarship to ECU’s Department of Business Administration.

1963 – ECU golfers capitalized their greatest season thus far after winning their first Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference golf championship since 1936.

1961- Layoid Woodson, Claremore senior, was chosen by the Honor Court as student of the year 1960-61.

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NEWS

George Nigh Legacy Continues to Roar Two Tigers Share Prestigious Accolade

BY SHER-MON CLEMENT Staff Writer East Central University recognizes students through various means, such as honor rolls, certificates and awards. Of all the recognitions the school bestows, the George Nigh Award is one of the most prestigious.

“The George Nigh Award is given each year to recognize an outstanding graduating senior,” Duane Anderson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, “The award is based upon academics, character and potential contribution to public service.”

The 2015 nominees included Kendall Dobbs, Vian secondary mathematics education major, Allie Barton, Ada communication and performance studies major, Emily Davis, Blanchard English major, and Ashma Shiwakoti, Chitwan, Nepal medical physics major.

This year for the fourth time in history the award was given to two students, Barton and Davis.

Selection also involved service to the university and community.

“One of my endeavors included serving as a volunteer advocate for a developmen-

PHOTO/SHER-MON CLEMENT Taking a Bow: Kendall Dobbs (left), Allie Barton, President John Hargrave, George Nigh, Emily Davis and Ashma Shiwakoti accept the audience’s applause after the banquet.

tally disabled woman in Ada,” Davis said.

She also interned and volunteered at the City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter in Oklahoma City.

Allie Barton made her mark during her time at ECU by founding the on-campus organization, Tigers Against Human Trafficking and collecting pop tabs for Saint Monica’s Vocational School in Gulu, Uganda, a place for victimized women to learn a trade making pop tab purses, through both TAHT and the President’s Leadership Class.

The George Nigh Award has been honoring ECU student achievement since 1980.

“The award is named for

CONTACT US

“I have had the privilege to earn a degree from a wonderful institution and my education is my ticket to make a difference in the world.”

-Allie Barton

at the JOURNAL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, OP-EDS, COLUMNS, REVIEWS, STUDENT VOICE AND ALL OTHER SUBMISSIONS

Submissions may be sent via e-mail,campus mail or posted on Facebook. Submissions must include

name, daytime phone number and place of residence. All submissions are edited for space and clarity.

E-mail Mailing Address Phone journal@ecok.edu P.O. Box Q7 (580) 559-5940

East Central University Fax

Ada, OK 74820 580 559-5251

SUBMISSIONS are due one week prior to publication date.

Submissions may be delivered Mon. - Friday 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to The Journal Offices, located on the 3rd floor of Memorial Student Union.

for his commitment to serving others. She also stated receiving the award deepened her belief that it is her responsibility to serve her community.

“George Nigh is the greatest example of a servant leader,” Barton said, “After reading his biography, ‘Good Guys Wear White Hats,’ I admire his passion for Oklahoma. It is his positivity about the future of our state that inspires me to want to make a difference.”

former governor George Nigh, a graduate of ECU,” Anderson said, “The award was funded by the governor’s long term friend Julian Rothbaum, who is now deceased.”

Nigh has lived an active life which has included acting in movies, being the subject of numerous books, serving as governor four terms and winning a lifetime achievement award.

Davis said she admires Nigh

Hector Perez Editor-in-Chief

John Ferguson Advertising Manager

Jaime Aupperle, Staff Writer

Sher-Mon Clement, Staff Writer Jordan Douglas, Staff Writer

Meagan Lindamood, Staff Writer Fendy Pierre, Photographer

Manuel Pena, Circulation Manager Cathie A. Harding, Advisor

NEWS

April 30 - May 8, 2015

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Tigers Leave the Fold after Years of Service

BY HECTOR PEREZ Editor-in-Chief

Faculty and staff who have dedicated a substantial amount of their lives to East Central University are set to move on.

A total of four faculty and three professional staff members will retire at the end of the semester.

Nichols Cheper, chair of the department of biology, is leaving ECU after 35 years of service. Cheper came to campus in 1980 after finishing a one-year appointment as visitor assistant professor at Oklahoma State University.

“I have had the honor and privilege of working with excellent colleagues, especially my fellow biology faculty,” Cheper said.

His legacy at ECU goes beyond the classroom. Cheper was twice the president of the ECU Faculty Senate and the founder of the Raniyah Ramadan Symposium, which features speakers from the neuroscience field.

“I have worked for Dr.

Cheper four years now,” Kristin Shields, Pittsburg senior, said. “He has been my advisor, my boss and my mentor. I will miss him very much when he retires and I will always remember his silly puns and the fact he always had time to talk to me.”

One of the staff members leaving ECU in June is Evelyn Martin, who started as a student and finished as director of the Educational Opportunity Center, a position she held for almost two decades.

Martin got her bachelor’s degree of art in 1994 and a master’s of science in 1996 from ECU. She began her career as an intern at EOC. She also worked as a recruiter, counselor coordinator of the Talent Search program, academic advisor for Upward Bound Math/ Science and counselor coordinator for Upward Bound.

“I loved becoming the family of the students we were working with, mentoring them and helping them see it was possible to get a higher education,” Martin said.

The second in the chain of command, Duane Anderson, provost and vice president of academic affairs, is also saying goodbye.

Anderson, who is the longestserving chief academic officer in Oklahoma, came to ECU in 1990 as associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of the School of Graduate Studies. He also taught British History.

“I came to ECU because I knew the institution had a strong academic reputation and was the kind of institution with which I wanted to be associated,” Anderson said. “I trust that in some small way I have made a difference in the life of this university while I was here.”

One of Anderson’s biggest accomplishments during his time at ECU was a campaign he drove for the establishment of centennial endowment scholarships in 2009, the 100year birthday of the institution. He also served as interim president in 2009 during the transition from Richard Rafes to current President John Har-

grave.

“It has been an honor to work at ECU,” Anderson said.

Linda Newcomer, instructor of nursing, who came to ECU in 2009, and her husband Robert, associate professor of cartography and geography, are also retiring.

Robert came to ECU in 2002 as an assistant professor and has been involved in ECU’s Global Education and institutional standing committees numerous times.

“I have absolutely loved having Dr. Newcomer for a professor over the past few years,” Linzi Thompson, Ada senior, said. “I’ve learned all about the world from him. He’s taugh me that the world needs great leaders, and that each one of us can do something to improve another person’s life.”

Bea Waller, director of the Student Counseling Center, is also about to finish her career

of 26 years. Waller started at ECU as an administrative assistant, then got her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She has been the director of the center since 2007.

“I have been working with her for a year and a half here at the Student Counseling Center and I have learned a lot from her,” Crystal Smith, clinical counselor, said. “She has changed some people’s lives. I would say she has helped a lot of students get through school by being a support for them. “ Pattie Howell, Harvard University alumna and director of Educational Talent Search since 2004, is in her last days at ECU. “It has been an incredible and fulfilling experience,” Howell said. “It is wonderful to be a part of a program that motivates and assists students to enroll in and complete college, especially those who might not do so without our encouragement and support.”

Opinion

the Journal: An open forum dedicated to serving the East Central University community with integrity, accuracy and fairness.

the Journal April 30 - May 8, 2015

REAL TALK What Would Jesus Do?

CAMPUS CHAT What Is the Best Thing about ECU?

BY JORDAN DOUGLAS Staff Writer

The phrase “what would Jesus do?” is easily recognized.

Since the ‘90s, the words have been inscribed everywhere, from license plate holders to bracelets to pencils.

It seems with the over saturation has come loss of meaning. People regurgitate the phrase without asking themselves what they are asking the world.

Whether a person subscribes to the Christian faith or not, the life of Jesus was one which, according to the Bible, was lived blamelessly. This is noble task for anyone to undertake, regardless of religious belief or lack thereof.

This was a man who knew right from wrong and always chose the right. He defended the downtrodden. He didn’t look down upon anyone who came his way. He set an example of purity and humility, of grace and mercy, of acceptance and love.

So what exactly would Jesus do? He probably wouldn’t hang metal genitalia from his lifted diesel. He probably wouldn’t hurl obscenities at those different from him in color or creed.

He probably wouldn’t guzzle beer and brag about how many guns he owns. He probably wouldn’t cast a vote for someone who encourages the marginalization of minorities or promotes increased separation of the classes.

If East Central University students are going to maintain their insinuation they are Godfearing, Christ-loving individuals, it may be time to reexamine the call to which they have been called, to use Jesus as an example for how to live their lives and to do it blamelessly.

“The best thing about East Central is the UC.”

Terrance Bonner, Moore sophomore “It’s definitely the gym and the basketball court.”

CARTOON/HECTOR PEREZ

LETTER TO THE EDITOR ECU Tigers Gear up to Help Nepal Nepal, a country in Southeast Asia, was struck with a disastrous earthquake this past Saturday. Since then, there have been nearly 4,000 confirmed deaths, many historical temples have been destroyed and millions of homes have been lost. Currently, most people in the affected areas, including those living in the capital city Kathmandu, are living on the streets until it is safe to re-enter their homes. Ongoing rain has made living under tents miserable as humanitarian workers from around the world focus their efforts on this damaged city.

On Monday afternoon, ECU Rotaract Club and ECU Asian Student Association teamed up to hold an emergency meeting concerning the situation in Nepal. There were over 110 students and professors in attendance from several different organizations. At ECU, there are around 100 students from Nepal, but luckily no one at this meeting reported deaths in their family due to this earthquake. So far, nearly $2,000

has been collected by ECU Rotaract Club, with an additional $300 collected at this meeting. With the assistance of President Hargrave, Dean Appleman, ECU International Director Jessika Bailey, and Campus Involvement Director Tenecia Miller, ideas on how to use the money and how to raise more were discussed.

It was determined that money raised will be used to fund local organizations within Nepal, but funds will focus specifically on the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Kathmandu. ECU Rotaract Club shares a twin-club status with Kathmandu Rotaract and has worked closely with this organization for years. Additionally, many ECU students are former members of this organization. Over the past Christmas Break, I also spent time in Kathmandu working with Kathmandu Rotaract on various humanitarian projects.

Kathmandu Rotaract Club has already begun passing out safe drinking water, tents and food to local people in need.

However, they also intend to extend their reach out to smaller villages such as Sindhupalchowk that have received little support so far. Because we have direct communication with them, we can ensure that funds are being put to the best possible use.

Overall, we plan to initiate “ECU Tigers for Nepal.” Organizations have already begun to work together to raise money. Currently, our first step is to set up donation collection containers in every building on campus. From there, we will work with local business and conduct various fundraisers both before and after the semester ends.

Because we plan to get much of the ECU campus involved, we have opened the group facebook.com/groups/ ECUTigersForNepal so that everyone can stay updated on who is doing what, where events are being held, and which groups need volunteers.

Linzi Thompson, ECU Rotaract Club President, 2014-15

Joshua Morgan, Oklahoma City sophomore “The best thing about ECU is the legal studies department.”

Logan Harrison, Wagoner junior “The best thing is how close you can be with your professors.

If you ever need to clear something up, they are always available and giving their 100 percent effort to make sure you understand the information. The science department is especially awesome. Every single professor there wants the best for you and will help you succeed.”

Minhuyen Nguyen, Garland, Texas senior

OPINION

MY NAME IS JAIME Media Representation Matters

BY JAIME AUPPERLE

Staff Writer

One of the biggest comments people are making about the new “Fantastic Four” trailer is that Johnny Storm, better known as the Human Torch, is black.

T h e buzz started two years ago when the reboot of the franchise was announced and Michael B. Jordan was rumored to be on the shortlist.

People claimed it wouldn’t be right to change the character’s race because, in the comic book series and the original movies, Johnny Storm was Caucasian.

Unfortunately, white men are the number one most represented group in the nation.

They often play roles as people of color, like Johnny Depp as the Native American warrior Tonto in “Lone Ranger” or Christian Bale as Moses, a Middle Eastern Jew, in “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is 94 percent white and 77 percent male.

Women also tend to be left out of the Hollywood boys’ club. Between 2007 and 2012, only around 11 percent of films had casts with equal numbers of men and women. Less than 15 percent of leading roles go to women. The highest paid actress in 2013 made the same amount as the ninth and tenth highest paid male actors.

Other groups, such as LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities, are often ignored entirely, unless the main actors, author or director themselves are white and male, such as in “Brokeback Mountain” or “The Fault in Our Stars.”

The representation problems must be addressed and fixed to ensure society is equal and fair for everyone.

April 30 - May 8, 2015

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‘Furious 7’ Takes to the Streets REVIEW Movie Pushes the Limit on Auto Insurance

BY SHER-MON CLEMENT Staff Writer

A good movie sequel doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, it simply builds on top of previous success.

The seventh installment of the “Fast and Furious” franchise rolls into theatres and “this time it ain’t just about being fast.”

“Furious 7” revs up the viewers’ pulse while leaving tread marks on their hearts.

This movie pushes the boundaries on what cars are normally capable of and makes the sky the limit.

It follows the recipe of a good action movie exactly.

Multiple action stars, expensive cars, cheesy lines and surprising plot developments are thrown into the mix, with

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When Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel team up against Jason Statham and Djimon Hounsou, audiences can expect nothing less than millions of dollars worth of city destruction.

The plot begins where six

one-minute critic

ended. Brian O’Conner has a family, Letty has amnesia and Dominic Toretto has his muscle (a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T).

A dangerous assassin, played

by Statham, seeks revenge for his hospitalized brother. He attacks all of the protagonists involved and even goes so far as

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to kill one of them.

Toretto and his crew buckle up and travel across the globe in an attempt to take this mercenary down.

Characters from every “Fast and Furious” movie make an appearance and help connect this film to its six predecessors.

The cars featured in the flick are powerful and fierce. They range from a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro to a 2013 W Motors Lykan HyperSport.

They do more then drag race. They fall from the sky, jump from one building to the next and play bumper cars.

The movie is dedicated to one of the main stars, Paul Walker, who plays Brian O’Conner. Walker died in a car accident before concluding production. It is a great tribute to him, as a man who has been speeding since it all began.

Overall, “Furious 7” is a thrilling, high-flying and exciting part of an already well-respected and storied franchise.

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April 30 -May 8, 2015

the Journal NEWS

2015 Graduates Look Forward to the Future Students Share Plans and Dreams After Graduation

BY JAIME AUPPERLE

Staff Writer

People enlist in the Tiger army every year. They work hard hitting the books, cheering on athletes, celebrating liberal arts and becoming successful students. After a few years, they greet a long-awaited friend, their degree.

Graduation is a moment in the lives of students that shows they have come, conquered and are now prepared to tackle the next part of life.

“I can’t wait to take my master’s degree back home to Nepal,” Shirsty Uprety, Kathmandu graduate, said.

Uprety came to East Central University to pursue a degree in human resources after receiving her bachelor’s in business administration in her home country.

“I want to continue growing experience in human resources after graduation,” she said.

“Ultimately, I want to go back home and open my own establishment.”

ECU became the clear choice for her when she discovered the opportunities she would have. She has been active with the Asian Student Association by performing on Deepawali Night, been involved with the International Student Connection Club and worked for the International Student Programs and Services Office, where she earned a recommendation for Student Employee of the Year.

“Each day spent here will remain a precious memory to me,” Uprety said.

Fellow graduate, Emily Davis, Blanchard senior, shares

PHOTOS/PROVIDED Looking Back: Emily Davis shows off her American Literature project to President John Hargrave on Research Day earlier this year.

similar sentiments.

“I was attracted to ECU because of the high value placed on community and belonging,” she said. “I immediately felt at home on campus.”

Davis has been working towards a bachelor’s degree in English.

“I plan to apply for admission to law school and begin in fall 2016 in order to earn my juris doctorate and practice ad-

Talk Back What Are Your Plans for After Graduation?

vocacy law,” she said. “In the meantime, I hope to work for a nonprofit in Oklahoma City and continue working with developmentally disabled individuals.”

Davis has been actively involved on campus through her years of study, earning numerous awards for her dedication, including being crowned the 2013-2014 Homecoming Queen, winning the Under-

“My plans are to work at either Legal Shield here in Ada in their IT Department or Antra Incorporated in Washington, D.C. ” Allard Mott, Ada senior

at UNT.” Nikki Hays, Marietta senior

graduate Service Award from the ECU Greek community and, most recently, co-winning the George Nigh Award.

“More than anything, I have realized the impact that one person can have,” she said.

“So many have impacted me in my short time here. I will harbor in my heart all the lessons I have learned as an undergraduate student and apply them to my daily life.”

“I’m going to apply for the speech and language pathology program

Derek Blakemore, Wilson senior, remembers his first thoughts of the school. “ T h e campus was beautiful, the programs were awesome and the people were some of the greatest people I have ever been around,” he said.

B l a k e - Shirsty Uprety works in th more will Services Office, one of he earn his bachelor’s degree in communication and performance studies.

“I hope I can make a good career out of the job I’m currently looking at,” he said. “If that falls through, I know there is something out there I could find to suit myself. I just have to go out and find it.”

ECU holds a special and unique place in his heart.

“One of the greatest memories I will take from here is asking my best friend to marry me,” he said. “We’re getting married this summer. I couldn’t be more excited.”

Blakemore said these four

“I plan on finding a job in the oil or chemical industry. “ Mark Clark, Tecumseh senior

“After graduation I’ll be going to St. Kitts for medical school, which will be another four to six years before I’m officially done with my schooling.”

Taneil Gibson, Nassau, Bahamas senior

NEWS

April 30 - May 8, 2015

the Journal

7

Nursing Students Give Back....

he International Student Programs and er favorite things to do.

years have easily been the best of his life.

“No matter where I am, how big I get, how small I stay or what circumstances come up in my life, these are a part of my roots and this is a part of my family,” Blakemore said.

“I will never forget that.”

Graduation ceremonies will be held in the Kerr Activities Center May 9 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Making a Difference: The School of Nursing sponsored a Blood Drive at East Central University with many students from the group volunteering to give up their time to help hang posters, banners, send e-mails, call donors, wear the OBI mascot suit, work registration and help recruit donors. All of this helped to make a very successful drive.

A total of 117 donors came to the 2-day blood drive. Out of that, the Oklahoma Blood Institute collected 86 total units of life saving blood. When multiplied times three (since three lives can be saved with one pint of blood) a total of 258 patients will benefit from ECU’s effort.

(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Nurse Angelica Smith talks Sadie Woodruff through the procedures as she donates blood.

Nurse Angelina Clemmer prepares Chekota Medlock as she gets ready to take part in the event.

Nursing majors guide Diamond Hill as she signs up to give blood.

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FEATURES

April 30 - May 8, 2015

Globe Trotter

Kaylin Cullum Makes the Most of Unique Opportunity

BY KAYLIN CULLUM Staff Writer

Winning the Brad Henry International Scholarship opens a lot of doors for the recipient. Not only does it allow the student to study in Swansea, Wales for a semester, it also allows for further international travel.

As a winner of this scholarship, I took the opportunity to travel across Europe and further expand my understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.

I visited six cities in four countries in mainland Europe from March 28 to April 15. The cities I visited were, in order, Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne and Brussels.

Paris, my first stop, was very different from Wales.

People were relaxed in everything they did, except driving.

More than once I would have

to dodge a moped when crossing the street. Coffee after a meal was expected and the best seats in the house were always outside the café on the patio.

After Paris, Amsterdam was like a breath of fresh air.

The city was colder and even though it appeared crowded, it felt like there was more room to breathe. With the brick streets and wide canals between them, it was so much more open. In Amsterdam everything I did was within walking distance, and if I didn’t feel like walking, bikes were a popular form of travel.

A beautiful city on the Elbe River, Hamburg was a lovely place to spend Easter. The harbor was absolutely gorgeous in the afternoon, a perfect place to grab lunch and watch the waves sparkle. The day after Easter the city hosted a festival with live music and plenty of food. It was perfect oppor-

tunity to see how Germans celebrated and take in the local culture.

Hamburg was a city of German firsts. It was here that I was able to try the typical cuisine. Currywurst, bratwurst, wiener schnitzel and of course German beer are all things visitors must try.

My second stop in Germany was Berlin, the city with a history so painful it still bears the scars. I fell in love with Berlin and its people.

Everywhere I went on the east side I could find a street musician of some kind.

The people were some of the best to stop and talk to after they played a song or two, because they always had a story to tell, be they homeless young adults looking to make a few Euros or struggling musicians just trying to get their name out there. For all its scars, Berlin is

a city full of music and art.

Cologne was great place to recuperate, as the strain of travel was catching up to me. Most of my time was spent exploring the Cologne Cathedral, a very large and very beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral right next to the train station.

In the United States I can say I very rarely thought about the Kingdom of Belgium or its capital Brussels. I mostly heard French being spoken but I was told the closer one got to Amsterdam, the more Dutch is prevalent. A perfect way to spend the day in Brussels is grabbing a proper Belgian waffle and just exploring

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Kaylin Cullum (from the top) makes stops at the Eiffel Tower, the Brandenburg Gate and the Cologne Cathedral during her travels.

the city. The buildings are gorgeous and the more exploring people do, the more chocolate shops they can find.

After Brussels I boarded a train and later a bus to get back to my accommodations at Swansea University. The Brad Henry Scholarship gave me this opportunity and I chose to make the most of it.

FEATURES

April 30 - May 8, 2015

9

Return to Tigerland: Jessika Bailey Director Opens Door to the World

BY MEAGAN LINDAMOOD

Staff Writer

East Central University is home to a wide variety of people from all over the world. For these international students, Jessika Bailey is the source of assistance and information about their new surroundings.

Bailey is the director of International Student Programs and Services and coordinator of the National Student Exchange. She is married to Christina Bailey. The two live in Ada with their two foster children and three dogs.

Q. When were you a student at ECU and when did you graduate?

A. I actually started at ECU in spring 2006 with a major in counseling. I got my bachelor’s degree in counseling in 2010. I came back for a master’s in human resources and received that in 2013.

Q. What brought you back to ECU after graduation?

A. I actually never left. I had an internship in the Hu-

from work?

A. My wife and I are foster parents of two, and we have been foster parents for about eight years. My son is eight years old, while my daughter is three. They are handfuls at that age so my down time is pretty minimal. If I ever get any leisure time I can be found reading about new technology.

I have a rather large geeky side to me. I also love working on house projects. I am hoping to tackle a picnic table this summer.

PHOTO/MEAGAN LINDAMOOD

Jessika Bailey is shown in her office which is located in the Administration Building, Room 152.

man Resources Office for my bachelor’s degree while I was a senior. This led to a full-time position. I was then offered my current position as international director. In total, I have worked at ECU for about five years. It’s a great town and school. I love it here. This is where most people would aspire to put down permanent roots.

A. ECU is like coming back to your favorite river. The environment is the same, but the new students create new experiences. The traditions are the same but students keep that energetic flow. The many faces I see in my office keep me young and on my toes. That’s how I keep up with the latest trends and ideas and avoid becoming complacent.

Q. What do you like best about working on campus as a professional, rather than as a student?

Q. Tell us about your hobbies and personal interests.

How do you like to pass the time when you are away

have two semesters under my belt and I’m hoping to add this to my current career or go on a different path. I’m just looking at trying something new and adding to my skills.

Q. What advice would you offer students working toward their degrees?

A. I remember my undergraduate years as crazy. I would say take it one year at a time. I took a year off after my sophomore year. I eventually came back and finished

“ECU is like coming back to your favorite river.”

-Jessika Bailey Q. Is there anything family-related you’d like to talk about?

A. My wife and I have officially adopted my son. Our three-year-old daughter’s adoption should be completed any time now. Once that has been finalized, we are hoping to move on to the next chapter in our lives together.

Q. What is something about you readers would be surprised to learn?

A. I am going back to school. This bachelor’s degree will be in information sciences and technology at Penn State. I

my degree. So many students think they need to get it done so quickly. About halfway into your degree, you’ll stop and realize that you’re tired of running around trying to get everything done at once.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?

A. I am an animal lover.

We have three dogs at home, a Shih Tzu, a Corgi, and a Red Heeler mix. My parents always had animals while I was growing up. We had goats, horses, dogs, cats and birds. Animals were always a special part of my childhood.

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SPORTS

April 30 - May 8, 2015

Cover Two game changer

This week’s game changer goes out to senior women’s tennis player Bernardita Muscillo, who finished first with an 8-0 win at No. 3 doubles, along with freshman Srijita Ghosh. The Tigers earned their first automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Tennis Central Regional by claiming the 2015 Great American Conference Championship with a 5-3 win over Southern Nazarene.

scores last week

One team, 13 sports

SCORES LAST WEEK

SOFTBALL ECU 5 Ouachita Baptist (DH) 4 ECU 15 Ouachita Baptist (DH) 7 BASEBALL ECU 6 SOSU 12 (DH) ECU 9 SOSU 8 (DH) MEN’S TENNIS ECU 1 Ouachita Baptist 5 WOMEN’S TENNIS ECU 5 Arkansas Tech 4 ECU 5 SNU 3 MEN’S GOLF 9th of 10 - 2015 GAC Championship (Hot Springs CC) WOMEN’S GOLF 4th of 8 - 2015 GAC Championship (Hot Springs CC)

A Winning Formula

Baseball Team Ends Season of Improvement, Perseverance

BY JORDAN DOUGLAS Staff Writer

East Central University baseball narrowly missed making the Great American Conference tournament this season.

It all came down to the wire and rested on a doubleheader between ECU and its rival, Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Despite losing a game and thus missing the posteason, it has been a year of dramatic improvement for the Tigers.

Players said they believed that the overall chemistry between themselves and their teammates brought the winning formula to the team.

“It’s important to learn how to play with each other,” Cale Russell, senior designated hitter, said. “You can have some of the best athletes out there on the field but if they don’t know how to play together, it’s not going to work. It’s not going to be as good of an offense or defense as it can be unless they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and can pick up the slack if someone is lacking in a certain area.”

This collaboration has culminated in a team Dino Rosato, head baseball coach, said is the most cohesive group he has seen in his six years at the helm.

PHOTO/COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

A Team Effort: Baseball players line up to greet the other team after playing Arlington Baptist (Arlington, Texas) March 28.

“I like the synergy in the locker room,” he said. “We have a group of individuals that really care about each other. We can see on a daily basis, whether they win or lose, how much they really care. That’s made a huge difference.”

Because this year’s team is made up largely of seniors, next season will be a crucial one for recruiting and rebuilding.

Ty Huie, senior center fielder, said this hasn’t put any more pressure on the team to win, but has nonetheless been an important part of next year’s

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potential success.

“The thing about next year is if we win, that means better players would like to come here and ECU will have an easier job recruiting,” he said.

“It’s easier to recruit if you have a winning team.”

It was not an easy season for the Tigers, even though they won several games. Injuries plagued the lineup and caused a few setbacks throughout the spring.

“The injury bug kind of got us a little bit,” Russell said.

“We had some guys dealing with aches and pains and

tweaks. Getting over that is a big deal. Some of the people who were injured were big time contributors.”

Despite these struggles, the team pushed through and is ready to continue its drive toward success, a characteristic Coach Rosato said marked the team all season long.

“We were in a lot of tight ball games,” he said. “Sometimes you’re going to win and sometimes you’re going to lose. This team has character enough to continue to work hard and that’s put us where we are.”

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SPORTS

T

April 30 - May 8, 2015

PROFILE

Golfer Sports Good Sense of Humor, Fun

Baseball Comes Up Short Again

BY HECTOR PEREZ Editor-in-Chief One game kept Tiger baseball from advancing to the GAC championship this year.

What seemed to be one of the best teams Dino Rosato had ever had during his six years at ECU couldn’t make it to the playoffs. The challenge for next season will be to bring a good class of players and try to keep the same or even a better chemistry in the clubhouse.

Kudos go out to the offense, which kept the team up during the season. Nick Spini finished his career as the top hitter for the Tigers. Bryce McKee showed his power sending six balls beyond the fence and bringing home 42 runs.

The pitching staff also did a great job. They are finishing the season with a 5.54 ERA and 257 hitters struck out. The leader in this department was

BY JORDAN DOUGLAS Staff Writer

Upon meeting Jason Goben, one feels instantly more at ease. The junior’s laid back personality is coupled by his sense of humor to create a very likeable and easy to get along with young man.

When asked about his spare time, Goben had plenty to say. As a full-time student without a job, he sometimes finds himself with time on his hands. Those hours are often spent hanging out with friends or watching Netflix.

“I love comedy movies and TV shows,” Goben said.

“I don’t like scary movies.

I don’t know why people pay to see that. I love action movies, too. Those are fun.”

He can also be found listening to music. As a selfproclaimed huge music fan, Goben enjoys listening to rock, metal and screamo.

“People are very upset when I say I like the music I do when they decide they want to be my friend,” he said. “My top three favorite bands are Nickelback, Otherwise and All That Remains. I’ve seen Nickelback four times.”

Though Goben has free time, one should not mistake him for an athlete that doesn’t care about his schoolwork or sport. He is

VENEZUELAN THOUGHTS

PHOTO/JORDAN DOUGLAS Jason Goben, pictured outside the Kerr Activities Center, knows the importance of finding time to relax.

a business major with a concentration in finance, which he said he enjoys. His future plans include becoming a CFO for a major oil and gas company.

His golf career has been marked by successes like being named runner-up at the Mulerider Spring Classic this season for the first time, placing in the top 10 of the Great American Conference tournament and being named to the All State team in high school.

Goben said he grew up despising the game of golf because of its level of difficulty,

a surprising anecdote for someone who has achieved so much in his chosen sport.

This is possibly due to the fact, he said, he is left-handed but plays all sports with his right.

“My dad and my brother always wanted me to play golf because they did but it was so frustrating to start out,” Goben said. “It was hard. It still is hard. I’ve gotten a lot better since I’ve come here so I’m thankful Coach Key gave me a chance.”

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undoubtedly Oscar Gomez, who won five games, struck out 60 rivals and finished with a 241 opponent batting average.

Now it’s time to sit down and watch the playoffs. It won’t be easy for any team because of the nature and balance the league has. Although it’s hard to predict any results, Harding University (Searcy, Arkansas) is the favorite to take home the trophy.

The key to winning in the postseason will be the same as it has been all year, scoring. However, if a team brings strong pitching and solid defense, it could be possible for them to come away with the championship.

Hopefully, 2016 will finally be ECU’s year and the Tigers will appear in the postseason.

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April 30 - May 8, 2015