www. thevistaonline. corn
Sept. 23, 2008 The Student Voice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 1903
It's just another 'Lovely' story on page 10 A love for the sport of soccer and the opportunity to work with an exceptional coach brought Stephanie Lovely to UCO. Lovely transferred to UCO this year from Oklahoma State University where she received her bachelor's degree in athletic training. This year she came to Edmond to work on her master's in business and join the women's soccer team as an outside midfielder and for-
Theft prevention on UCO campus Theft can happen to anyone, anywhere and at anytime. UCO students living on campus are no exception. Although there have been only two filed reports of theft in the dorms this semester, Jeff Harp, executive director of Public Safety, wants students to know there are ways to protect their property before something happens. Page 7
Features Your oney & Your Life The Vista introduces a new financial column by Greg Womack. He's been in the financial and investment business for 20 years and was privileged to host the financial show The Financial Forum with Greg Womack at the UCO broadcasting department for four years. Page 3
ZO I NKS
-Full story page 10
Sudden decline in stock market is normal, financial advisor says
CNG alternative fuel plan Within the next five years energy consumers may use a different substance to fuel their engines, if Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) gets his way. Benge recently revealed the first part of his energy plan featuring low-cost alternative fuel, which he hopes will ease Oklahomans' transition to more efficient vehicles. Page 7
ward. Because of injuries in Stillwater, Lovely didn't get to play often in her past two seasons at OSU, which has allowed her eligibility to play one more season.
Photo illustration by Chris Albers
What teachers should know about their retirement plan By Jana Davis
those who are already invested in TIAA-CREF. He said it is important to sit down with a sound financial S tailing on planned investments early advisor and discuss whether or not the in life is key to a well-financed, suc- investment has been placed in a good . cessful retirement. At least Dustin fluid or a bad one. "Talk to somebody who knows. That Williams, an Edward Jones financial advidoesn't mean to talk to the guy at the sor, thinks so. . But with the decline in stocks, many water cooler," he said. His other advice is to not watch teachers and staff members who have planned on—retirement are -now asking the news when making financial decisions. what will happen "If you watch to their TIAA-CREF the news, it's [Teachers Insurance See page 3 for a letter from the end of the and Annuity TIAA-CREF vice president the world, but it's Association, really not," he College Retirement said. "See, the Equities Fund] market is down right now, but to me, plans. TIAA-CREF is the financial plan that many teachers have chosen at UCO. the market being up is normal, and the "There are different funds [in TIAA- market down is temporary. "People who take their money out of CREF] and you could be in a bad one," a bad TIAA-CREF and put it in a good Williams said. "There's nothing that doesn't say you couldn't lose your money fund, that is a good decision. But some in one of those funds." He said the risk people are thinking it is the end of the of a TIAA-CREF is that the investor is in world and taking out their money and getting cash." the hands of the manager. He said doing this is, in his opinion, If a teacher has invested in someone who can't manage it well and has placed financial suicide. The normal margin for their money in a bad fund, they may be the stock market to drop, he pointed out, is an average of 20 to 30 percent. at risk, he said. Williams offered financial advice to See DECLINE, Co-Editor
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The future of parking
AP Photo
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday Sept. 22, 2008. Financial markets pulled back in uneasy trading Monday as investors awaited details of the government's plan to buy $700 billion in banks' mortgage debt. President Bush and the Congress are trying to reach an agreement on how to bail out several failed 8 banks.
Former coach sues university for defamation By Nelson Solomon and Carrie Cronk
Bronchos lose four straight Central Oklahoma stood toe-totoe with Tarleton State in the first half Saturday, but the Bronchos couldn't keep pace after intermission and lost, 42-17, against another Lone Star Conference foe. -Page 10
Photo by Andrew Knittle
UCO Transporation and Parking Services officials say parking issues may be in students' heads. What students are asking and parking services is saying. ...Full story page 3.
Former UCO assistant football coach Joe Dickinson is suing the university, the state of Oklahoma and the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges for age discrimination, defamation of character and breach of contract. UCO and the other parties have filed a motion to dismiss Dickinson's claims. Dickinson worked at UCO from June 2003 till October 2006, and was terminated on or about Oct. 29, according to court
documents. He was designated as a "superior" employee in performance evaluations and was identified by Chuck Langston, former head coach, and Bill Farley, former athletic director, as a "loyal and hard working employee" just 17 days before his termination, according to court documents. The petition asserts that UCO President Roger Webb required Dickinson's termination to pursue his goals of the coaching team having a "younger look."
see DEFAMATION, page 5
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