University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY February 16, 1995
The Student Voice Since 1903
`No doubt...' OK higher ed does enhance quality of life
`Holey' adornment As body piercing becomes more popular, older adults 'bare' their desires, too
By Iris Knight Staff Writer Higher education was labeled beneficial to both the state and those pursuing college degrees in the Economic Impact Study delivered to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Feb. 8 at the state capitol. "No doubt about it, Oklahoma higher education enhances the quality of life for Oklahomans," said Regents' Chairman Ed L. Calhoon. In the 1989 study, Oklahomans with bachelor's degrees earned an average income of $35,057, where as those without college experience earned $20,939. "Oklahomans with bachelor's degrees earn 67 percent more a year than those with no college experience," said Calhoon. The economic impact study also revealed the greater rate of employability for college graduates over non-degree holders. The average state unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, the report said. Bachelor degree graduates hold a 2.4 percent unemployment rate and high school graduates top out at 7.7 percent. "And the low unemployment rates for college graduates indicate that business and industry are turning to Oklahoma college graduates," said Chancellor Hans Brisch, chief executive officer for the state regents. VSee EDUCATION, Page 7
By Nicki Cormier Staff Writer
A
lthough body piercing is not new, there seems to be a trend today towards people of all ages having parts of their body pierced. Mindi Olmstead, a UCO advertising student had her navel pierced last week. "I've always thought it interesting—it has always appealed to me," Olmstead said. Olmstead chose navel piercing over facial piercing because it gave her a choice in showing off the adornment. "If I don't want someone to see it they don't have to. For instance, if I was to show up for a job interview with my eyebrow pierced I don't think I would have a very good chance at getting the job." Before Olmstead went ahead with the piercing, she decided to do some research on the subject and attended a symposium on body piercing at UCO last year. The symposium discussed how different tribes of people in society used piercing as forms of body enhancement. "The tribal concept appealed to me. After the symposium, I was more intrigued than ever," she said.
VSee PIERCED, Page 9
Oklahoma City resident Patty Flegal prepares to get her belly-button pierced by William Greaber. (Photo by Nicki Cormier)
UCO students celebrate Muslim holiday by fasting The first of February marked the advent of Ramadan, a month-long fast observed by 250 Muslims in UCO and nearly a billion others in the world. The fast, which begins daily at dawn
Editorial
2
Letters
2
World Wrap
6
Around Campus
15
Sports 10-11 Comics
15
3
and ends when the sun sets, calls for Muslims to abstain from food, drinks and other pleasures. Dr. Riaz Ahmad, sponsor of UCO's Muslim Student Association (MSA), said
SEX—Y?
An OKC pregnancy crisis center coordinator gives students her perspective about love and sex.
the purpose of the fast is to cultivate discipline, self-restraint, generosity and religious piety in Muslims. "(Fasting) is an obedience to God—it is an obligation and a responsibility," he said.
SPORTS Wrestler goes for the single-season victory mark at the Midwest Regional Tournament.
10
The fast is broken at dusk with an iftar, or a sunset meal. At Masjid Al Salam, or the Edmond Mosque, Muslims from UCO and the corn-
ySee RAMADAN, Page 3
HONORS
12
Congratulations! Here's a listing of the fall 1994 Dean's Honor Roll students.