University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY April 28, 1992
The Student Voice Since 1903
Academics may gain Officials plan academic building for UCO; `Sin' tax to provide money for construction By Penny Owen Staff Writer
UCO drama student Ben Hall portrays Abraham in last week's theater department production of "Three Poets." The play, a collection of one-acts by Romulus Linney, also featured Mary Freeh, Lesa Aston and Laura Hartpence. The show focused on the oppression of three prominent women writers. (Photo by Mark Zimmerman)
Gov. David Walters' proposed sin tax may be what provides the University of Central Oklahoma with new classrooms and laboratories next year. As part of a Capital Bond Issue now before the legislature, Walters plans to raise $38 million for higher education by raising the tax on alcohol, bingo and tobacco. If approved, the bond issue will be placed on a ballot for a vote of the people. At UCO, administration officials said they are optimistic. Architects have been hired and a $100,000 planning grant is being used to draw up a new master plan, which will include a new academic building as well as major renovations to the business and music buildings, said UCO VicePresident of Administration Joyce Mounce. "It's an excellent time for the state to go with a bond issue because the interest rates are so low," Mounce said. "I'm very hopeful." Since learning of the bond issue, administration has asked all UCO departments to compile a "need list" showing what they want done first in their area. However, Mounce said top priority will go to erecting the new building, which may cost up to $11 million to construct. Immediately, the new building would create 100 construction jobs, and the ripple effect to the local economy would generate an additional $33.7 million, according to an economic study done by UCO Economics Professor Don Maxwell. The new building would also mean room for more students, adding an extra $1.5 to $2 million to the economy per year, based on a 5 percent annual enrollment increase, the study said. Other construction plans include joining
the two business buildings and adding an elevator and seminar room to the newly created space, said Mounce.
cc It's an excellent time for the state to go with a bond issue because the interest rates are so low. I'm very hopeful. —Joyce Mounce vice president Rearrangement of the music building would be done to utilize existing dead space. Mounce said if the funding comes through, construction will begin later this year. Another UCO building in need of expansion is the University Center, said University Center Director A.K. Rahman, who added that the banquet rooms are booked through 1994. Rahman said he could easily fill twice the existing space. Besides UCO functions, there are civic organizations, out-of-state conferences, government and high school functions which want to rent the new building space on a regular basis. Unlike an academic building, the University Center must be self-supporting, raising its own money for expansion, Mounce said. However, a new facility fee of $2 per semester per student is now before the legislature. If passed, Mounce said the money will go toward expanding the University Center and lengthening its operating hours. Although Mounce said she does not expect the 4 percent tuition increase to be approved, she expects the facility fee to pass. The legislature will make a decision by the end of May. V
Suspects arrested in Kallienke case By Allen Norbury Staff Writer Edmond police arrested two juvenile suspects last Wednesday at 400 East Danforth in connection with the April 22 fire at 800 North Chowning Ave that claimed the life of a University of Central Oklahoma professor. The body that was burned beyond recognition was confirmed by medical examiners through dental records to be that of UCO German professor Gerhard Kallienke, Capt. Ron Cavin said at a press conference Wednesday. The suspects are both females ages 13 and 16, and are both from
Edmond, but are not related, Cavin said. The 16-year-old was identified by relatives as Jacquline James and the 13-year-old was identified by her mother as Shariell Brisby. Edmond Fire marshal Ron Williamson ruled arson as the cause for the fire. "The two juveniles will be charged with first-degree murder and first-degree arson," Cavin said. Brad Miller, an assistant district attorney from District Attorney Bob Macy's office, said charges were to be officially filed Monday. The two suspects were acquainted with Kallienke, but Ca-
yin would not elaborate on how the three were acquainted. He said that theft, over a period of one month, may have been the motive. "Theft was evident," he said. However, Cavin refused to comment further, but did say there was no evidence of forced entry into Kallienke's home. Cavin also said he has ruled out gang involvement. "No gang affiliation is evident," he said. The official cause of Kallienke's death was smoke inhalation, Cavin said. "The body was found in the living room and it didn't appear Kallienke tried to escape the fire," Ca-
yin said. Relatives of the suspects said they are shocked at the allegations, and continue to claim the girls' innocence. Angela Brisby, Shariell's mother, said "They are innocent and I have evidence showing that." Brisby claims the girls were at her home during the time of the fire. Sue James, sister of Jacquline James, said Wednesday that she was shocked to hear about her sister's arrest. "I didn't know what to say, it was shocking, it was the first time she had been in trouble. She's the type of girl who gets up and goes to school everyday and comes
home." For the duration of the semester Kallienke's classes will continue with a substitute.
Service Wednesday ' A memorial service for Kallienke is planned for Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.in the Pegasus Theatre in the Liberal Arts building. For more information, contact Dr. William Parker, assistant dean of Liberal Arts, at ext. 2522. V