www. thevistaonline.com Polling booths will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nov. 4, 2008
VOTE
The Student Voice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 1903
Election coverage on Channel 125 UCO students will have a chance to see election coverage from a peer perspective tonight when UCentral, the campus television station, airs election results live. Broadcasting students involved with UCentral will report from local watch parties, break down voter trends and exit polls across the area. Student political analysts will also discuss issues facing the candidates and how these issues will affect them. -Page 5
'Walk This Weigh' underway with grant The Wellness Center has once again been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to health. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation provided a $7,500 Get Moving OKC grant to be used toward a new program, "Walk This Weigh," which will be used to increase physical activity. -Page 3
Features Pianist hits high note From stories about recent dental work to French Operas, conversation and wine flowed at the UCO Jazz Lab Thursday night. Patrons gathered to support the UCO School of Music and listen to Artist-in-Residence Dr. Valery Kuleshov skillfully play masterpieces from Johan Sebastian Bach and Fredric Chopin. With the help of each person in attendance giving a $50 donation to both piano scholarships and the All Steinway-School Initiative, Dr. John Clinton, Dean of Arts, Media and Design announced the school was nearing its goal. -Page 3
Bronchos declaw Tigers, 30-17 UCO shut down East Central's Marcus Johnson-driven offense for their sixth consecutive win this season. The win was fitting for the circumstances, considering it was Senior Day. Sixteen seniors played its last home game in history including defensive stars Matt Gates, T.J. Shaw, K.C. Asiodu, Marcus Martinez and wide receiver Rick Montgomery, along with many others. -Page 6
Current national issues will bring young voters to the polling booths this election By Melissa Dixon Staff Writer
Today, voters across the nation are going to the polls to cast their vote for the 44 President of the United States. "Young people are going to come out in record numbers this election. There are nine million new registered voters," said Erica Williams, policy and advocacy manager for Campus Progress Action. This presidential race is historical for many reasons, including the possibility of either the first African American president or the first female vice president. Both candidates realize how critical it is to reach the young voters in their campaigns. "This election, the candidates are speaking to the younger voters and asking them to vote. Students are taking the time to talk to friends about the issues. This generation is more engaged," Rock the Vote Executive Director Heather Smith
said. Students are paying close attention to Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain's issues and plans on how to resolve them. "This young generation has grown up in a different time. We have experienced natural disasters and war. We realize we need leadership," Smith said. Issues that are affecting students include the rise of college tuition, the economy and shopping loan penalties. These issues are very personal to college students and playing a significant role in getting young voters to the polls. "This election is important for young people. Things are bad enough for 18-29 year-olds. They are being left with the debt of college loans and the economic burden is significant," Smith said. Recent polls show 65 percent of current college students surveyed said college being more affordable was an important issue when voting for the next President. In the past 10-12 years student, loans have increased by 900 percent. Budget cuts, both at the state and federal level, have made financial aid scarce. Students are also facing tuition increases and leaving college with significant debt due to student loans. The College Report released earlier this year states tuition for the year climbed 6.4 percent
"Young people are going to come out in record numbers this election. There are nine million new registered voters." --Erica Williams
for in-state students at public four year schools to an average cost of $6,585. Private colleges jumped 5.9 percent to an average of $25,143. On the other hand, Community Colleges were on the decline by 0.8 percent to $2,300. Young voters have been paying close attention to Obama's and McCain's plans because of these statistics facing young voters. Technology has helped many students take the time to educate themselves about the candidates' critical issues and plans. "Young people are coming together to take back their future. They want to be part of the change," Smith said.
Speaker to address presence in Iraq Staff Writer
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Slavonic will address UCO students on Wednesday about the nation's presence in Iraq as part of UCO's Leader-in-Residence Program. His speech is also part of the Dean's Annual Speech Series, and Slavonic is the leader-in-residence for the College of Liberal Arts. He will be speaking at 6 p.m.
the Pegasus Theater in the Liberal Arts building. "Students who are really interested in hearing about the war in Iraq from someone who's actually been there should really enjoy this lecture," Dean Pamela T. Washington said. Slavonic, who earned his master's degree in education from UCO, served over 35 years in the Navy as a public affairs specialist. He has worked with a number of high-profile journalists during Operation Desert Storm
and Operation Iraqi Freedom. "Some of [my speech] will resonate with students because they've seen this on the news," Slavonic said. He plans to speak next semester about leadership and development, but will focus Wednesday on our situation in Iraq. He said he will provide perspective on events that occurred during the Gulf War in the early 1990s that affect our current position in the Middle East.
see IRAQ, page 5
International Festival brings cultures together By Rebecca Shampay Staff Writer
Cultures from around the globe were celebrated at UCO last Thursday. Representatives from Morocco, Vietnam, Kenya, Malaysia and Iran were just a few of the nationalities taking part in the International Festival inside the Grand Ballrooms in the Nigh University Center. "I love learning about all the interesting little details [about the cultures]," said senior Spanish major Stephanie Broderick. "The food, too, is always good." The day was a celebration of food, art and traditions. There was a performance competition as well as a display contest. Besides display tables, Europe had an entire dining table, full of pastas along with some wine. Sgme grows performed dances, such as 2na and 3ra place groups Nepal and Pakistan. Other countries opted for a different performance, such as a Kenyan student who sang an original song. A vast array of music was played and cheering could be heard throughout the competition.
Japan stole the show, winning the competition for 1st place best performance. There were seven performances throughout the day and more than 15 countries were displayed. "The displays are the biggest I've seen so far at the International Festival. Students this year really put a lot of effort into their work," said volunteer coordinator and junior Kinesiology major Chewy Ong. The 1st place Indian display was one of the largest, with By contributing photographer Chase Brennan an entire walk-in-tent full pf pictures and artwork, dishes, and a hookah. There were also Cultures were celebrated last Thursday as part of the International miniature statues of the Indian Festsival in the Grand Ballrooms in the Nigh University Center. lords Ganesh and Krishna. Biomedical Engineering major, was inside Photos of the Indian Air Force and famous the tent showing people around and Indian classical musicians were displayed answering any questions. as well. "My favorite part of the festival has been Maulik Sharma, Indian Student teaching others about the Indian culture," Association Senator and freshman Sharma said.
Watch it! "You will do foolish things, but Lo them with enthusiasm."
--Colette
Live Coverage of the election on channel 125.