Broncho Basketball Men's basketball wins Lone Star North Division, defeating Cameron Aggies. See story on page 6
Feb. 24. 2009
www.thevistaonline.com "I he Student
=v oice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 1903
MO breaks ground on English-only bill new learning center may reach House Caleb McWilliams StagWriter
Several measures in the Oklahoma legislature that propose making English the official language of the state are advancing through both the House and the Senate. One of them, House Joint Resolution 1042, written by Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, would make English the official language of Oklahoma to prevent the state from having to provide taxpayer-funded services in any language other than English, Terrill said. "Census data shows that learning to speak English is
a near guarantee that immigrants will increase their earning power," Terrill said. "This, bill will improve the lives of immigrants, foster better relations between all citizens and grow our economy." Terrill, known for the sweeping immigration reform bill passed in 2007 known as HB 1804, tried to pass a similar "English Only" bill last year that died in the Senate. '"I think [the measure] is a feel good idea but really sends the wrong message," Dr. Wayne Stein, professor of English, said. "Oklahoma see ENGLISH, page 5
Club studies language as a "human phenomenon" Language and Linguistics Conference. Features Writer Weatherholtz, who is currently the president of If you're trying to get in the UCO Language Society, touch with senior English cofounded the group in fall major Kodi Weatherholtz of 2007 with UCO graduate these days, you had better Whitney Vandiver and Dr. take a number. Amy Carell of the English Between finishing his department. The organidegree, preparing for gradu- zation became official in ate school, tutoring at the February 2008. UCO Writing Center and his Founding the group was obligations to the English one of Weatherholtz's favorSociety, the Language ite things about being a part Society and Sigma Tau Delta, of the organization. Weatherholtz is a busy man. "I really enjoyed founding He especially has a lot to the group — going through do to prepare for the UCO the process and seeing if Language Society's 2009 see LANGUAGE, page 5 Chase Dearinger
Photo by Laura Hoffert
UCO President Roger Webb shovels the first pile of dirt last Thursday, during the groundbreaking for the new Transformative Learning Center. The center will be west of the Liberal Arts building. It will provide additional office space for faculty and will focus on a more student-based method of learning and teaching. The building is scheduled to open in 2010.
Ambassador-in-residence performs premiere with UCO symphony The University of Central Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra takes a musical voyage with UCO Ambassador in Residence Kyle Dillingham for the premiere performance of the original composition "Arogsy Overture" at 7:30 p.m., March 10 at the Oak Tree Country Club, 700 W. Country Club Drive, in Edmond. The event celebrates the one-year anniversary of the UCO Centre for Global Competency, a certification program recognizing students who have studied abroad, studied international subjects or foreign languages and met other requirements headed by Dennis Dunham, UCO executive director of international affairs. The original piece, "Argosy Overture," composed by Callen Clarke, an Edmond resident and professional musician, depicts the travels of a global explorer. An argosy is a large merchant ship, which Dunham said is used as a metaphor for travelers in the composition. The composition will begin with a violin solo by Dillingham. He represents the adventurer, who begins by asking questions - with his music - and providing his own answers. "Pretty soon, he asks a question and the
world answers - that's the orchestra. But it's not what he expected," Dunham said. "The highlight for me is when he is going into China, the sound of his violin changes into that of an erhu." "This music was written for a special purpose and written to tell a story. It is about a transforming experience of a global experience. And you experience that transformation in about ir minutes," Dillingham said. Last fall, Dillingham played his violin for audiences in Thailand and Korea when he and Dunham traveled there for UCO. Another "fitting" selection for the global theme of the concert is an Austrian composition, Haydn's "Farewell Symphony," conducted by Dr. Ralph Morris, director of the UCO symphony orchestra. The event also will feature the performance of Hanson's Symphony #2 Romantic. Though the 20th century American compcser produced some avant-garde pieces, Morris describes it as a romantic, beautiful work. Tickets are $10 per person or $5 for UCO faculty, staff and students and may be reserved by calling (405) 974 - 3375. "Argosy Overture" CDs will be available for sale.
MEN'S BASKETBALL TAKES LONE STAR DIVISION TITLE
Add another Lone Star Conference North Division championship to Central Oklahoma's resume. Lance Harper and Brent Friday ignited a 16-3 secondhalf run that sparked the No. 9-ranked Bronchos to an 85-62 drubbing of Cameron here Saturday. Continued on page 6 TWELVE OAKS : FIVE-STAR SERVICE IN THE COMFORT OF HOME
If you are looking for the next place to take that special someone, Twelve Oaks Restaurant could be the next restaurant to program into your GPS. We heard it was a converted two-story home turned into a restaurant, we wanted to see this for ourselves. Continued on page 2 BOLLYWOOD GOES HOLLYWOOD AT OSCARS
Hollywood has met Bollywood at the Academy Awards. The makers of Oscar champ "Slumdog Millionaire" came away with eight Oscars, including best picture and director for Danny Boyle. "We're Brits, really, trapped in the middle, but it's a lovely trapped thing," Boyle said backstage. Continued on page 2
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From Vista finance reporter Caleb McWilliams comes a blog about the financial, political and other relevant happenings in Central Oklahoma affecting UCO.
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Photo provided UCO Ambassador in Residence Kyle Dillingham will be the featured soloist when the UCO Symphony Orchestra performs the original composition, "Argosy Overture" at 7:30 p.m., March 10 at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond. The piece, depicting the travels of a global explorer, was commissioned by the UCO Centre for Global Competency to celebrate its one year anniversary.
Sports reporter Chris Wescott brings you all sports, all the time, with Broncho scores, mini articles and quotes from players' and coachs' interviews.
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Stephani writes about day-to-day pop culture, new and old movies, shameless celebrity gossip, the music she has playing repeatedly on her iPod and her American Idol obsession.