The Student Voice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 19C
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Women's studies progresses by Aaron Wright
LIBRARY DISPLAYS MURRAH BUILDING ART
Managing Editor
In the spring of 1999, a group of faculty gathered together to discuss the possibility of a women's study program at UCO. Several of them had taught courses related to the field. Soon after, a minor was offered in women's studies. Dr. Sandra Mayfield, director of women's studies, said the programs started with 21 hours, but with the addition of courses every year, students can now choose from 75 hours of classes, or 25 courses. "Every semester, we have about 250 students enrolled in women's studies programs," said Mayfield. Mayfield remembered being surprised at how quickly the program grew. Professors got engaged and began requesting for these types of classes to be taught in their respective fields. Currently, there are classes being offered in three of the five colleges. Some of the classes are Women of the Bible in the English Depai triient, Women in History from the History Department and Women in Media from the Depaitment of Mass Communications. "Students became very involved with it too," said Mayfield. Since it's conception in 1999, at least _three students have graduated every year with a women's study minor. In a survey given to students about the program, 87.8 percent currently taking a women's studies class said they would consider declaring it as a major. by Vista photographer Brenda O'Brian Mayfield said she has been impressed with the grassroots effort the pro- Photographs by David Halpern originally displayed in the Murrah Federal building
see WOMEN, page 4
before the bombing in 1995 now hang in Chambers Library on Tuesday, Oct. 30.
by Nelson Solomon Staff Writer
Works of art that were preserved after the explosion that ripped through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995, are being displayed on the first floor of the Max Chambers Library, according to Dr. Bonnie McNeely, director of the library. The art does not belong to UCO but is on loan from the General Services Administration of the United States government, according to McNeely. McNeely also clarified that "the art works come at no cost to UCO as they are on loan." The works of art were recovered as part of the search and rescue effort after the explosion, according to "An Oklahoma Tribute," a book detailing the art collection. Items recovered included works of art that were purchased or commissioned for the Murrah Federal Building. The library has a history with the art collection, as the book reveals. In 2000, 22 of the surviving works were exhibited at the library and were used as a teaching tool within the university's visual arts education programs. On hand to celebrate the opening of the exhibit were 14 of the original artists and art panelists, the book added. "UCO has a three-year contract to hold the collection, starting now, and the contract is renewable for three more years," McNeely said. "Hopefully, we will be able to hold the
collection for six years." Among the surviving pieces are the first photographs, ceramic sculptures, finger weaving and quilts chosen by GSA's Art in Architecture Program, which commissions the nation's leading artists to create large-scale works of art for new federal buildings, according to their Web site. The works of art have just been returned to the library after traveling for three years, according to McNeely. "The works of art went to the bombing memorial for the 10-year anniversary and then to Washington, D.C. for cleaning," she said. McNeely said that Dr. Pamela Husky, former assistant chair of the Department of Art at UCO, had a hand in bringing the works to the library. Husky notes in the book how the collection marks an important milestone in American public art. "It is a very important collection, representing the* height of the contemporary crafts movement during the 1970s," Husky said. Named to honor Oklahoma judge Alfred P. Murrah, the nine-story structure was designed as part of an effort to revitalize downtown Oklahoma City, according to the book. It occupied an entire city block between Fourth and Fifth street on the east and west, and Harvey and Robinson avenues on the north and south. Architects designed the Murrah Federal Building to
see MURRAH, page 5
Jason Hines pushes for Max Chambers to stay open 24/7 by Nelson Solomon Staff Writer
Plans to expand the hours of the Max Chambers Library are progressing, with UCOSA President Jason Hines leading the way. After an initial meeting with Director of the Library Dr. Bonnie McNeely, a focus group on the issue was held on Oct. 15. "The focus group was, by far, the biggest step that students have made thus far this year to get the 24hour library," Hines said. Hines said a national consulting firm that works on libraries all across the nation was part of the focus group. Prior to the actual meeting, the firm consultant took a tour of the library and took notes on the structure of the library, locations of the study rooms and computers and overall assessing the library. "He sat the students and faculty down in this focus group setting and basically said, 'Tell me what you like about the library, what you don't like, what can we do
to improve it, what would fit your needs the best?" Hines said. After this, he said the six student representatives and six faculty members went one by one sharing their thoughts. "The main point that every student, and even a lot of faculty members, made was that they want longer hours in the library," Hines stated. Hecitedonefacultymember in particular, Dr. Gabriel Rupp of the psychology department. "Dr. Rupp has an office in the library, and he gets frustrated because he can't stay after 11 p.m. to do his work," Hines said. The students made other suggestions as well, according to Hines. Ideas included more quiet study rooms, more space to study throughout the library, as well as an idea to make the former cafĂŠ area on the first floor a media center. "The potential media center would have news from CNBC, MSNBC and others on flat screen TVs in addition
by Vista photographer Chris Often
Student Body President Jason Hines is leading a campaign to extend the hours of the Max Chambers Library see LIBRARY, page 5 to 24 hours a day.
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