The Vista Nov. 27, 2018

Volume 116, Issue 33

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Controverisal Mural Ends Its Run Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Editor-In-Chief

Bob Palmer, owner of Palmer Studios and former UCO art professor, paints over the controversial Land Run Mural on the Communication Building on Nov. 20. There is currently no plan to replace the mural, which has been the center of controversy for the last 10 years. (Megan Thele/ The Vista)

After being the center of controversy for more than a decade, the Land Run Mural on the University of Central Oklahoma’s Communication Building was painted over last Tuesday with no replacement currently planned.

Edmond-based Palmer Studios oversaw the removal of the mural, with much of the work being done by the agency’s founder and the mural’s original artist, Bob Palmer. While the university has been exploring the possibility of replacing the mural with a more culturally representative work, a final decision on a replacement has yet to be made.

See “MURAL” on Pg. 6

STEM Building Opens for Students Vy Luong @vy169 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma’s newest building, the Donald Betz STEM Research and Learning Center, had its grand opening on Nov. 14 with opening comments, a ribbon cutting and self-guided tours.

“It’s the building where the inside is going to capture the hopes and dreams of generations to come,” said UCO President Don Betz. “It’s a wonderful opportunity created by real people in real time.”

The building has been under construction since February 2017. The Regional University System of Okla-

homa Board of Regents approved naming it after Betz in early October.

The building will add 56,000 square feet of learning space for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. The new space is expected to allow increased enrollment for these programs.

According to Wei Chen, UCO College of Mathematics and Science dean, the building is the first interdisciplinary education facility in Oklahoma. It is also the only building in the state with an emphasis on STEM undergraduate research.

“The building is also a place where faculty, staff and students work side See “STEM” on Pg. 5

UCO President Don Betz cuts the ribbon for the Donald Betz STEM Research and Learning Center during the building’s grand opening on Nov. 14. The building will serve as an interdisciplinary facility. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

EDMOND NEWS

BRONCHO SPORTS

International Festival Showcases Global Cultures

Bronchos Look to Tame Rams in Waco Match

See “FESTIVAL” on Pg. 9

See “BATTLE” on Pg. 13

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the

Nov. 27, 2018

VISTA

CONTENTS

STAFF Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Tanner Laws Megan Thele Austin Moseley Michelle Pennza Skyler Baldwin Vy Luong Yi Wen Wong Lauren Morris Madison Bolton James Jackson Derek Parker Samantha Karbelk Gerald Leong Teddy Burch Alex Brown

THE VISTA

Mural/Committee..........................................................6

is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

Ambassadors...................................................................7

EDITORIALS

41 Years Later.......................................................................3 Around Campus ...................................................................4 STEM/Recruitment............................................................5

International Festival.............................................................9 Letter to the Editor...............................................................11 Sweep..................................................................12 Battle....................................................................13 Split....................................................................14 Bucking Broncho.................................................................15

Contents

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Design Editor Editorial Cartoonist Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Photographer Photographer Adviser Advertising Specialist

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131.

Letters can be emailed to thevista.ads@gmail.com.

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The Vista Weekly Editorial

by Skyler Baldwin

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads.

For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@ gmail.com

On the Cover: Left: University of Central Oklahoma alumnus, Alexander Le, holds a sign to attract the community to visit the ASEAN Student Association booth at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17. (Vy Luong/The Vista) Right: The University of Central Oklahoma wide reciever Mekail Hall celebrates after a Broncho touchdown. Hall and his teammates take on Angelo State University on Saturday. (Jordan Belew/ The Vista)

41 Years Later

Nov. 27, 2018

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Retirement Follows 41 Years Later Katie Standlee @katiestandlee

Managing Editor

After 41 years, Joan Luxenburg and Timothy Bridges are retiring from the University of Central Oklahoma in January 2019. Both have served as instructors, assistant deans, associate deans and interim deans in their time at UCO. Joan Luxenburg is currently the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and began working there as an instructor of sociology in 1977. Timothy Bridges is currently an instructor in the College of Business, where he teachs management science, operations management and supply chain management. Bridges began working in the College of Business in 1977 as well.

During Luxenburg’s time at UCO she also was chair of the Sociology Department for six years and received tenure, although she no longer teaches. In spring 2011, Luxenburg became the assistant dean and in fall 2013, Luxenburg became the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and stopped teaching in summer 2013.

“In 2015, fall of '15 to the spring of '16, I was the interim dean until we completed a search for the actual dean, and so after we completed that search, then I went back to being the associate dean, which is where I am now,” Luxenburg said. “I have enjoyed all of my positions here.”

Luxenburg said she has enjoyed the people she has worked with, and she has enjoyed working with the current College of Liberal Arts Dean Catherine Webster, who she said has a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Another aspect Luxenburg said she has enjoyed is the ability to interact with students who are motivated to learn.

Even though she was hesitant, Luxenburg said the role she really enjoyed in her time at UCO was when she served as interim dean.

Janie Leftwich, business manager in the UCO College of Liberal Arts sent out an email announcing Luxenburg’s retirement.

“It’s fair to say [Luxenburg] has served us in every way possible,” Leftwich said in the email. “Please

Timothy Bridges, professor in the College of Business, is retiring after 41 years at UCO. In his time at UCO he served as assistant dean, associate dean and interim dean. (Provided/Timothy Bridges)

Joan Luxenburg, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, presented Amber Tardiff with an Outstanding Staff award for 2015/16. After working at UCO for 41 years, Luxenburg is retiring Jan. 10, 2019. (Provided/William Andrews)

join me is wishing Dr. Luxenburg continued health and success as she prepares to leave us. I find it hard to express in words how much she will be missed.”

At this time Luxenburg said she doesn’t have any plans for after retirement.

Bridges began working as an instructor in 1977 and then became the assistant dean for the College of Business in 2001 and in 2004 he became the associate dean until 2011, when he came back to be a faculty instructor full-time.

“My time as assistant dean was really busy, there was just the dean and myself and we had to do all of the paperwork and everything,” Bridges said.

“While I was assistant dean, I advocated for another assistant dean and eventually creating the associate dean position that I moved into.”

When the associate dean role was formed, Bridges moved into that role in 2004.

The thing that Bridges said he loved most about his career was the diversity and the fact that very seldom the days were the same, and each one presented different challenges.

Bridges said his time as interim dean was interesting, and at that time, the College of Business was going for an additional accreditation, so his job was not to make major changes, but to keep things moving forward.

“As an associate dean all of these years, I was instrumental in putting it all together anyway, so it was just a matter of keeping everything going that was going at the time and keep us moving forward while we searched for a new dean,” Bridges said.

To encourage students who are still learning at UCO, Bridges said to work as hard as they can and to enjoy their time at UCO, because this is a unique experience that students will not get anywhere else in the rest of their life.

“Enjoy the relationships that you build and avail yourself of everything that you possibly can of everything at the university,” Bridges said. “This is a real chance to explore and see what is going on in the world. Hear other people's opinions about things that differ from you, but just explore everything and think about everything.”

After retirement, Bridges said he plans to expand his horizons and look and see what all is in the world out there that he has not been able to take advantage of.

“Just wake up everyday and think, ‘Okay, what is my adventure for today?’,” Bridges said. “I have just enjoyed my time here, it has been very productive for me and helpful for my family and it has been a valued part of my life.”

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Nov. 27, 2018

Around Campus

The University of Central Oklahoma Saudi Student Association posed for a photo after their performance at the International Festival held Nov. 17 at the Edmond Farmers Market. SSA was one of 14 student organizations who performed at the festival. (Vy Luong/The Vista)

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 Lessons in Leadership Speakers - Rhonda Hooper, President and CEO of Jordan Advertising: Rhonda Hooper, president of Jordan Advertising, will speak from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall as part of the Lessons in Leadership Speakers series.

An Oklahoma City based company, Jordan Advertising specializes in branding, strategic planning, advertising and other areas of strategic communications. The event is open to the whole campus community.

Smart Recovery: Those in recovery can attend this meeting in Nigh University Center Room 322 from noon to 1 p.m. where they can learn how to achieve and maintain a positive lifestyle. Attendees will learn how to manage thoughts and how to cope with stress.

Native Fit Class: Join the Native American Student Association for a circuit training lesson provided by trainers from the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic from 5:30-7 p.m. in the International House Ballrooms. Part of NASA’s Native American Heritage Month programming, the Native Fit Class is focused on teaching the basics of how to maintain fitness.

SAFE End-of-Semester Celebration: The Student Alliance for Equality will host a celebration for the end of the fall semester from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Clara Luper Room. The event is open to all and will include activities, cake and refreshments.

WinterGlow and SPB - Late Skate: WinterGlow and the Student Programming Board will host their annual Late Skate from 9-11 p.m. at the Mitch Park ice rink. Students can come support the organizations and go ice skating as part of WinterGlow week. Donations of gently used winter wear are accepted and encouraged for entry.

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 Student Ambassador Golf Cart Rides: The University of Central Oklahoma Student Ambassadors are hosting golf cart rides across campus between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clock Tower. While taking students to their classes, Ambassadors will provide UCO facts and will also be accepting donations to raise money for their Ambassador program.

SPB – DIY Ice Cream: The Student Programming Board will host a DIY ice cream activity for students from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Clock Tower near Broncho Lake.

UCO CJ Club Meeting: The Criminal Justice Club will host a meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Henry Bellmon Room. The meeting provides members with the opportunity to hear from local, state and federal professionals in the field of criminal justice.

Non-Traditional Student Support Group: This group is designed to help non-traditional students find support at UCO with others students who can relate to your life experience and share resources to help

meet personal needs and ensure success at UCO. The meeting is from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322.

Design Movie Night – To Inform & Delight: The Design Department and UCO’s chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts will host a movie night featuring the documentary Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight, from 7-9 p.m. in the Melton Gallery. Movie nights are hosted three times throughout the semester and are free to students, faculty, staff and the community.

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 Grief Support Group: The Center for Counseling & Well-Being will host a group for individuals who are experiencing grief. Students are encouraged to attend this group meeting which lasts from 11 a.m. to noon in Nigh University Center Room 322.

LGBTQ Support: From 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322, those in the LGBTQ community are encouraged to come to receive support. Meet and talk about various topics around sexuality, gender and other life issues.

CMS Seminar with Tori Forbes, Ph.D: Tori Forbes, associate chemistry professor at Iowa University, will present her research on radioactivity from 4-5 p.m. in Howell Hall Room 201 as part of the College of Math and Science’s seminar series. Her presentation, “Radioactivity in Our Water:

Chemistry, Detection, and Recovery,” is free to the public and also provides STLR credit.

3v3 Basketball Tournament Benefit: The UCO Student Ambassadors will be hosting a 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament from 5-8 p.m. in Wantland Hall. Proceeds will benefit the UCO Foundation’s First Generation Student Scholarship Fund. Participation costs $10 per player for faculty and staff, while students pay $5 per player. Payment will be due at the door and only cash will be accepted.

Teams can range between 3-4 players.

Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 Grief Support Group: Each week the Center for Counseling and Well-Being hosts a grief support group from 11 a.m. to noon in Nigh University Center Room 322. The group discusses the grieving process and resources for those grieving.

WinterGlow 2018: The Edmond community is welcome to attend WinterGlow from 6-9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center. There will be a lighting ceremony at Old North, pictures with Santa Claus, cookie decorating and other activities.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 Miss Asian UCO Pageant: The 2019 Miss Asian UCO Pageant will be hosted from 7-9 p.m. in Constitution Hall. An annual scholarship pageant hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Asian American Student Association, this year’s pageant features eight contestants.

STEM/Recruitment

Nov. 27, 2018

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STEM Building Opens for Students Continued from Pg. 1

faculty, staff and students work side by side on cutting edge research,” Chen said.

According to Chen, the Betz STEM building provides research and teaching spaces for faculty and students from all STEM disciplines. It is the home of the Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Education and Research (CIBER) and the Center for Research and Education in Interdisciplinary Computation (CREIC), as well as a place for collaboration between forensic science and STEM disciplines.

“The supercomputer, [that] we call Buddy here, can be accessed by people at educational institutions across the state for high-performance computation in all disciplines in STEM,” Chen said.

The building provides integrated research and teaching spaces with several laboratories across disciplines. A computational classroom will be used for various classes.

“The Betz STEM building is also for the future, the dream and imagination of our STEM faculty and students,” Chen said.

According to Adrienne Nobles, assistant vice president of Universi-

UCO President Donald Betz speaks during the grand opening of the Donald Betz STEM Research and Learning Center on Nov. 14. Betz’s speech focused on how the goal of the center and increased investment in STEM was giving back to the students because they are the future. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

ty Communications, the cost of the building is about $24 million, which is financed by UCO College of Math and Science facility fees and donations from the Ignite the Future of STEM campaign.

“The building is complete. Our building contractor may still be onsite to make minor adjustments,” Nobles said. “Classes begin in the building in the spring semester. Stu-

dents can [now] study in any of the common areas like the lobby.”

Nobles said STEM classes have been and will continue to be held in several buildings across campus, such as Howell Hall, Coyner Health Sciences, the Forensic Science Institute and the Math and Computer Science building.

According to Nobles, the demand for STEM related jobs is increasing,

therefore the demand for those majors has also increased. The STEM building will allow UCO to educate more students in these fields in a technologically-advanced facility.

The building will also help UCO to fulfill its mission as Oklahoma’s only metropolitan university and to become the powerhouse of the STEM workforce in the state, according to Chen.

Edmond Public Schools Hosts Teacher Recruitment Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter

Education majors will have a chance to make connections and talk with administrators from Edmond Public Schools at a teacher recruitment reception from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the district's administrative center.

EPS has held teacher recruitment receptions for six years, according to Shelley Dabney, EPS Human Resource assistant.

“This event is really tailored toward education majors who are graduating in the fall or spring semester,” Dabney said. “We go over resume writing, interviewing, what to say and what not to say during the interview, and how to set an interview up.”

The year's theme, “Start Here, Stay Here,” encourages students who get their degrees in Oklahoma to stay in the state to teach and the reception is open to all local colleges with education majors.

EPS recently raised their first year teacher salary to $40,000, which could persuade students to stay, ac-

Educators made connections and had conversations at Edmond Public Schools’ teacher recruitment reception last year. This year the reception will be Nov. 29 at the district’s Administrative Center. (Provided/Edmond Public Schools)

cording to James Machell, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. However, the $52,000 first year teacher salary in Dallas may draw students away from Oklahoma.

Machell said Dallas recruiters contact him all the time. He wants to help

UCO's graduates become successful, but he is also protective and would like UCO students to stay in the state.

These receptions have become common over the years due to teacher shortages in the state, Machell said.

Recent shortages in Oklahoma have caused districts to be competitive to get the best teachers, unlike previous

years when there were more teachers than jobs. Many district-held receptions offer signing bonuses, a free laptio for signing or offers to help students pay off their college debt.

According to Machell, there are over 2,000 certified emergency teachers in Oklahoma this year.

“Some of them do fine, but a lot of them do not do very well,” Machell said. “How would you expect them to do well though if they have not prepared to teach?”

Dabney has been the HR assistant for Edmond public schools for three years now and said she has seen Edmond affected by the teacher shortage in the time she has worked there.

Dabney said the salary raise has made positions at EPS competitive, and this reception could help future teachers become more prepared.

Machell said teaching has not been an attractive profession over the years, but more because of the challenges than the money.

Continuing funding for education is the answer for improvement, teachers have explained its not about their salary but funding for education itself, said Machell.

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Nov. 27, 2018

Mural/Committee

Controverisal Mural Ends Its Run Continued from Pg. 1 “There is no immediate plan to replace it with another mural but, in the meantime, we will be creating a university-wide committee that will provide oversight of future proposals for murals and other kinds of art on the campus,” said UCO Provost John Barthell.

Removal of the current mural was overseen by a campus-wide committee that included students, faculty and staff, as well as Palmer. While the committee originally hoped to decide on a replacement by last spring, cochair Lindsey Churchill said she was proud of the work the committee had accomplished over the last year.

“I think the process has been a great example of shared governance,” Churchill said. “We worked in faculty senate and passed a resolution about the mural, held forums to get feedback from the community and worked with the artist, Bob Palmer.”

Discussion of replacing the mural had began in January, with the goal being painting a new work prior to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research that came to UCO in April. Due to concerns from the student body that there was insufficient time for input on what direction the new mural would take, the replacement process stalled midway through the spring semester.

“I think the process of mural selection should be about proper representation and choosing to celebrate

something that doesn’t have negativity associated with it,” said Savannah Waters, a graduate student on the mural committee.

As president of Native American Student Association and Miss Native American 2016-17, Waters led the previous discussion on campus surrounding replacing the mural. Depicting a rush of wagons and cowboys during the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run, the 10 foot tall and 107 foot wide mural generated concern in the Native American community for romanticizing an event that forced many Native Americans from their land.

“The mural depicted a history that was one sided, as history is often presented, and that’s why it was hurtful, because this one side did not represent what UCO is as a school,” said NASA President Savannah Anderson.

The student organization has hosted several events and forums over the last year that have not only focused on putting the Land Run in context, but Native Americans within historical and contemporary context as well.

A discussion spearheaded by the organization for more than a decade, Anderson said that while the removal of mural is a major step in accurately representing diversity and Native American culture on campus, there is significantly more to be done to address representation on campus.

“I would really love to see programs and classes that focus on not only Native history, but Native Americans in contemporary society,” Anderson

Artist and owner of Palmer Studios, Bob Palmer, paints over the Land Run Mural on the Communication Building. UCO’s Native American Student Association has led the discussion on replacing the mural on campus, citing concerns over the mural’s representation of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run. (Megan Thele/The Vista)

said. “We aren’t just the feather and buckskin wearing people that you see when you Google ‘Native Americans.’”

Funded through a $3,500 donation made by former university student Mac Maguire to the Donna Nigh Art Gallery, the mural was commissioned by former UCO President George Nigh in 1993.

While Palmer said he had no comment on the mural’s replacement, he previously had said that the mural had reached the end of its lifespan and that he supported the idea of either removing or replacing the work.

The College of Fine Arts and Design is expected to spearhead the discussion on the next mural, as well as any other subsequent works on campus.

Planning Committee Presents Edmond 2018 Plan Moraima Hernandez @TheVista1903

Contributing Writer

Edmond’s planning committee has come up with a plan that provides the planning commission and city council members a tool to analysis of land that will help determine where future needs are have gone to the city council for final approval. But there are a few residents that believe it is an incomplete document and it portrays the neighborhoods in a negative way.

The neighborhoods are between 30-50 years old. The Planning Commission had recommended the Edmond Plan 2018 that was by a vote of 3-0. The plan has gone to the Edmond City Council on Tuesday, November 18, 2018 that was held at 20 S. Litter Ave. In an interview with the Edmond sun the comprehensive plan update

began the process of analyzing the current land use from 2016. These plans were already made to use in the future. An example that they had was like the city area that us near Waterloo Road, east of Bryant. It would be known as a rural neighborhood because the fact that it does not have no city water and sewer available.

“Environmental conditions may change, utility systems are an example of the built environment,” said Ken Bryan of the planning department to the Edmond Sun. The neighborhoods that are being affected or feel that they are being insulted by the plan are Fair cloud, Chimney Hill, Walnut Cove, Forest Oaks, Kicking bird Estates, Olde Town, Timber Ridge, Cheyenne Ridge and Smiling Hills.

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for a long time now, my kids were raised here and they’re in college now, that should give you a perspective

on how long I’ve called this place home. I know first-hand that we are a great community in Kings, not just a regular neighborhood, I love it here, shame to change what doesn’t need changing unless it’s really needed,” said a Kingbird’s resident.

The areas of the city will be mapped in yellow, green or red to show the need for a plan amendment.

Each one with a different need. The Red will require a plan amendment, green is that no zoning will be required for the plan and yellow is no plan is required by amendment, but it could require more information for rezoning is what Bryan told the Edmond Sun. Mark Nash in the Edmond Sun also said that the Edmond Plan 2018 was an incomplete document, that the recommendations for the plans and studies need to happen and should be happening before the city moves into a new plan.

“If the neighborhood says its incomplete then why are we pushing for it, doesn’t make any sense to me, I don’t know much on the situation because I don’t see what needs to be fixed but if it’s for the good and it’s going to better where I live I’m for it,” said Haley Millard resident in Timber Ridge.

The next discussion will be on Nov. 26,2018 to discuss how the Edmond Plan can be used to inform development related discussions by describing land use patterns, Dec 10,2018 to review and discuss the actions and recommendation’s that the city should consider and achieve the community’s vision and the last will be in Jan 14. they will take the final action to approve the updated Edmond Plan.

Ambassadors

Nov. 27, 2018

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Ambassadors Give Back to First Generation Students Yi Wen Wong @TheVista1903 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Ambassadors are organizing a three-on-three basketball tournament for Nov. 29 in Wantland Hall to fundraise for the UCO Foundation First Generation Student Scholarship.

Tory Hodge and Salvador Arcivar, Student Ambassadors involved with putting on the fundraiser, said the event originated out of the Ambassadors wanting to do more than just give campus tours.

“We just felt like we want to be more than just campus tour guides, we want to put our name out there,” Hodge said. “We decided to do more with our time and to give back to the UCO community for the first generation scholarship.”

Planning for the event began three weeks ago in conjunction with the UCO Foundation. The UCO Foundation has said that the Ambassadors are one of the first campus organization that wanted to fundraise for a scholarship on campus, according to Hodge.

The First Generation Scholarship

Student Ambassador Tobie Mitchell (right) leads a campus tour with Kaci and Amy Gilbreath on Nov. 26. UCO’s Student Ambassadors are sponsoring the First Generation Student Scholarship through the UCO Foundation with a three-on-three basketball fundraiser tournament on Nov. 29 in Wantland Hall. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)

was chosen specifically because first generation students are a demographic on campus that the Ambassadors

want to positively impact, Arcivar and Hodge said.

With multiple Ambassadors being first generation college students themselves, Arcivar said that the scholarship was of special significance to the organization.

“Any sort of financial support is a huge help and benefit,” Arcivar said.

The Student Ambassadors’ goal is to raise a minimum of $200 and Hodge said they have at least three teams who already signed up for the tournament. They will also accept donations outside of those participating.

Students can enter for $5 per player and faculty and staff cost $10 per player. Hodge said they know college students do not have a lot to spend, so they wanted to keep it a reasonable price while still raising money for the scholarship.

Along with supporting first generation students at UCO, the Student Ambassadors are also hoping to promote their own organization as an active group on campus. Hodges said that many people are unaware of what the Ambassadors do outside of providing campus tours and that often they are mistaken for UCO’s Orientation Leaders.

“It’s kind of discouraging, you feel like you do so much but you do not get any recognition,” Arcivar said.

“We literally are the face of UCO and we see and talk to prospective students who might come in.”

Amity Smith, director of Campus Tours, said there were some ambassadors who visit high schools and

talk to eighth graders about their own UCO experiences. She also said that many Ambassadors are involved in recruitment activities that go above and beyond what the organization requires.

“It’s interesting to see this year that our ambassadors not only want to bring students to campus, with this fundraising effort going back to the campus, they are wanting students to be successful while they are on campus,” Smith said. “They are making first impressions and also, in a roundabout way, helping students who otherwise may be struggling on financial needs.”

Arcivar said some of the ambassadors said they want to be a part of the decision-making process on campus. With ambassadors playing larger roles at other universities, Arcivar said that prospective students see that and he would like that reflected at UCO as well.

“A lot of us decided to be Student Ambassadors because we have a lot of passion for UCO, we want to help others to come our university,” Hodge said. “We are giving campus tours, but are also there to talk to them about why we chose UCO.” Hodge also said that this tournament is their first real event as a student organization and she is excited to see how can they become a bigger organization. She said they are wanting to make this tournament an annual event that would benefit a different scholarship each year, depending on which one is in the need.

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Nov. 27, 2018

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International Festival

Nov. 27, 2018

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UCO’s 43rd Annual International Festival

Top Right: Sophomore Mardiana Malek, professional media major, sings a traditional Malay song, “Sayang Kinabalu,” at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17. (Vy luong/The Vista)

Top Left: Junior Josiah Tie, mechanical engineering major, performs on a guitar at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17.

(Vy luong/The Vista)

Middle Right: Golrokh Nasihatkon, president of the Iranian Student Association, speaks about the meaning of her booth to judges at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17. (Vy luong/The Vista)

Bottom Left: Freshman Trung Vu, business administration major, poses at the Vietnamese Student Association’s photo booth at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17. (Vy luong/The Vista)

Bottom Right: International transfer student Elwhyel Liiang, graphic design major, presents a sign bringing attention to the museum of ASEAN at the 43rd annual International Festival at Edmond’s Festival Market Place on Nov. 17. (Vy luong/The Vista)

Letter to the Editor

Nov. 27, 2018

Your Words, Your Voice.

Letter to the Editor To the Editor, I would like to respond to the Nov. 13 Letter to the Editor (on then upper half of the page) regarding diversity here at UCO. The author of that letter bemoans what is, in essence, a very core principle of what UCO has become as a university. That is a core commitment to diversity and inclusion. I would like to point out to that author that times have very much changed since 1996 and therefore the university by necessity must change with them. Now the author then begins on a track of argument that honestly hurts me deeply. I recognize that our university is not without its flaws, but I remain a Proud Broncho; The author essentially begins to doubt the ability of this university to educate all of its students.

As a student at one of the unquestionably best schools for forensic science on the North American continent, I find that to be completely and totally inconsistent with what UCO actually is. We are incredibly lucky with the quality of education we receive here at UCO and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind about that. I am equally sure a vast majority of students would agree with me on that.

I would also like to address what the author says about what is their argument about their own lack of privilege. I would like to begin this by saying yes, I am a white male. However, I am gay. I recognize that as a white male I have tons of privilege afforded to me that is inherent in the system. However, I am nonetheless part of a minority that comes under regular attack in our state. Allow me to provide an example of what privilege is: I cannot feel comfortable showing affection towards my partner in most public settings due to the fear of some sort of retaliatory action, but a straight couple can do so with little fear at all. That is privilege. The author attacking affirmative action as well as inclusive policies in such a specious way is not something I would hope to come from a graduate student here at UCO. I would hope the author would be more well learned than that, but that is apparently not the case. Furthermore, the author also proceeds to bring up an entirely unrelated issue with regards to students being allowed to carry firearms on campus. I will not give this sort of distractive argument the sort of attention the author is hoping for, however, I would encourage the author to reevaluate their faith in our UCO Police Officers and their ability to do their job because I, for one, have complete and total faith in them.

Additionally, those “cultural classes” the author desires, in all reality, is not something that is the responsibility of the university to teach. That is something, if the author truly desires it, should be taught in the home. However, those classes that are being proposed by my colleague in DRT are something that is not generally taught as standard in the American family household. Those classes are something that graduates of UCO need to know in order to be successful in a (like it or not) increasingly global economy. Not only that, but so they can also be more aware and understanding of those around them. Also the author speaks about all Oklahoman women as if they are all gun-toting, Republican, outspoken, cowgirls. Which I can tell you for sure, my mother (who has lived in Oklahoma likely twice as long as the author has been alive) is most certainly none of those things.

In closing, I would like to encourage the author to reevaluate their worldview and what UCO is. We are a multicultural institution. We are one of the best institutions of higher leaming in the state of Oklahoma if not the country. We are UCO. I would like to end with the words of George Washington from a letter he wrote following a visit to Newport, Rhode Island in August of 1790: “The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

Your fellow Broncho, Mitch Pace Senior Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

11

12

Nov. 27, 2018

Sweep

SPORTS

Women’s Hoops Sweep In Puerto Rico

University of Central Oklahoma forward Ireon Smith, No. 45, jumps for the opening tipoff during a Nov. 23 game against New Haven University in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Smith had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Bronchos 58-54 win over Puerto Rico Baymon to finish the Division II Puerto Rico Clasico 3-0. (Provided/BronchoSports)

Devynn Base @TheVista1903 Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s basketball team beat the Puerto Rico Bayamon Vaqueros 5854 on Saturday night. The Bronchos were 3-0 in the Division II Puerto Rico Clasico this weekend and are now 7-0 for the season.

“This last game was a tough one,” said head coach Guy Hardaker. “We might have been a little tired after three games in three days and our shots were not falling. But we battled through. When it got tough, we fought through it and we got the win.

At the end of the day, getting that win

is all that matters.”

Junior guard Micayla Haynes had 14 points to lead the Bronchos with three 3-pointers and added two steals for the game. Ireon Smith had 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block to contribute.

UCO held a 19-13 lead early in the first quarter. The Bronchos were 5-for-6 from the free-throw line with Smith and McKenna Pulley being 2-for-2 and Haynes made 1 of 2 to score the first point of the game.

The defense caused five turnovers in the first quarter alone. Haynes, Smith, Blake Blessington and Brooke Rayner each had a 3-pointer in the first quarter to contribute to the 9-point lead before the second.

University of Central Oklahoma guard Blake Blessington dribbles during a game at Hamilton Field House last season. Blessington had 17 points in the Bronchos win over New Haven University on Nov. 23 and had six points in the win over Puerto Rico Baymon. (Provided/BronchoSports)

The Bronchos maintained a strong defense forcing six more Bayamon turnovers in the second quarter. They had a 15-point lead going into halftime.

UCO held a lead from 13-16 points for most of the third quarter before UPRB made a pair of late threes to bring the score to 46-38 before the last quarter.

Bayamon had a chance to bring the score closer in the fourth quarter as UCO had a 4-for-19 shooting performance. The Bronchos lead was cut down to six points before Haynes made her third 3-pointer of the game to bring the score to 49-40 with 7:30

left in the game.

The Vaqueros fought back with a fast break layup off a steal to bring the score to 49-45 with 5:30 left. UCO responded when Shatoya Bryson made a steal and a fast break 3-pointer, which made it 52-45.

UCO continued a streak to gain a 56-45 lead with 3:33 left to play. Bayamon scored multiple late baskets and free throws in the final 90 seconds to bring the final score to 58-54.

The Bronchos play again Dec. 6, when UCO opens Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play against Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.

Battle

Nov. 27, 2018

13

Football Prepares For Battle In Texas

University of Central Oklahoma H-back Daunte McGee stiff arms a defender during a Nov. 10 game against Emporia State University at Wantland Stadium. McGee earned honorable mention all-conference last week. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)

Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg Sports Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma football team travels to Waco, Texas Saturday to take on Angelo State University in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl, the program’s fourth bowl game in five years.

The programs are familiar with each other, having both been members of the Lone Star Conference, with their last meeting coming in 2012. Angelo State leads the all-time series 18-6-1.

The Rams are led by head coach Jeff Girsch, who took over after the team’s tenth game of the season after former head coach Will Wagner was fired. He was 48-40 in eight seasons.

Angelo State enters at 6-5 and won three out of their last four games.

They boast 17 All-Lone Star Conference performers.

Offensively, the Rams average 33 points per game and 443.6 yards per game. They are effective both through the air, averaging 279.4 yards per game, and on the ground, averaging 164.2 yards per game.

Quarterback Payne Sullins leads the offense. The junior from Gatesville, Texas has thrown for 2,086 yards along with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 11 games and is also the team’s second leading rusher running for 331 yards and two touchdowns on 3.1 yards per carry.

Charlie Rotherham has also seen

action playing in nine games, throwing for 856 yards and seven touchdowns.

The top targets for both quarterbacks are Lawson Ayo and Keke Chism. Ayo, who is listed as a captain, is the leading receiver with 55 catches for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. Chism isn’t far behind, leading in catches with 62 for 800 yards and five touchdowns. They average 17.8 and 12.9 yards per catch, respectively.

On the ground, the Rams are led by running back Tyrese Nathan.

The sophomore is the team’s leading rusher with 920 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He is also a factor in the passing game, catching 24 passes out of the backfield for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, the Rams are led by defensive end Markus Jones, who is one of eight finalists for the 2018 Gene Upshaw Division II Linemen of the Year. He is the nation’s leader in tackles for loss with 34, 12.5 more than second place. The senior is also second in sacks nationally and owns the school’s career and single-season sack record, with 15 on the season.

The two leading tacklers are linebackers Grant Aschenbeck, who has 110 including eight for loss, and Hunter Kyle, who has 108 and 4.5 for loss.

The Bronchos, 7-4, are coming off of a 35-28 loss to Emporia State University. After a 1-2 start, they went

6-2 down the stretch with wins over then fourth-ranked Northwest Missouri State University and a 62-0 win over rival Northeastern State University. They also posted three straight shutouts for the first time since 1979 and the second time since 1942.

Quarterback Will Collins leads the offense. Despite appearing in only six games, he has thrown for 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns to three interceptions. His top targets are wide receivers Dustin Basks and Mekail Hall.

Basks has 57 catches for 749 yards

and five touchdowns, while Hall has 34 catches for 589 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, running back Clay McKenzie leads the charge with 666 yards and eight touchdowns.

Linebacker Colton Lindsey leads the defense with 82 tackles. He also has three interceptions and two forced fumbles on the season. Safety O’Shay Harris leads the secondary with 67 tackles and is tied with cornerback Kolby Underwood with two interceptions.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

University of Central Oklahoma wide receiver Ronald Turner Jr. runs during a Nov. 10 home game against Emporia State University. He led the team with nine catches for 81 yards.(Gerald Leong/The Vista)

14

Nov. 27, 2018

Split

Bronchos Split In Texas Tournament

University of Central Oklahoma guard Jordan Hemphill shoots the ball during a Nov. 17 home game against Southwestern Christian University at Hamilton Field House.

Hemphill’s 17 tournament points helped the Bronchos to a 1-1 finish. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

James Jackson

@JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma split their two games in the West Texas Thanksgiving Classic as they topped the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals and then fell to the No. 8 West Texas A&M Buffs.

The Bronchos defeated Lubbock Christian 68-63 on Friday with just two players in double figures. Josh Holliday, UCO’s leading scorer on the season who averages 19.5 points per game, only recorded 2 points in the game. Despite his shooting stuggles Holliday made his impact with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals.

“The guys came out ready to play tonight and came out with a good win,” said UCO Head Coach Tom Hankins after Fridays win. “We shot it well from outside and played good defense.”

The Bronchos shot 76.2 percent (10 of 23) from behind the arc.

Adarius Avery, who played all but one minute of the game, led the Bronchos in scoring with 23 points on 7 of 11 shooting, while also pulling in 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

Along with his offensive stats, Avery blocked two shots and recorded two steals.

“The guys came out ready to play tonight and came out with a good win. We shot it well from outside and played good defense.”

Tom Hankins University of Central Oklahoma forward Adarius Avery releases a floater during a Nov. 17 game against Southwestern Christian University. He scored 23 points in the Bronchos 68-63 win over Lubbock Christian University. (Samantha Karbelk/The Vista)

Jaylan Williams followed him with 18 points of his own. Williams shot 6-10 from the 3-point line de-

spite shooting 4 of 16 throughout the season.

After their win, the Bronchos’would fall to the West Texas A&M Buffs 66-62 on Saturday.

The Bronchos attempt to upset the Eagles was spoiled by Ryan Quaid, who was not only named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, but also became the all-time leader in rebounds in West Texas A&M history with 791 rebounds.

“It was a tough loss, but I’m really proud of our guys for the way they battled tonight,” Hankins said.

“We got down early and did a great job fighting back to give ourselves a chance and just came up a little short.”

Shooting just 36.4 percent from the field, UCO struggled shooting from the field. However the Bronchos were able to put some runs together as they battled back from a 15-point first half deficit and then a 10-point second half deficit to tie the game with just under three minutes remaining. But the Buffs would pull through to win 66-62, behind a pair of free-throws from Quaid to give him a game-high 22 points on the night.

Avery led UCO in scoring again with 21 points followed by Ashford Golden who had 15.

UCO is now 5-2 on the season.

They will return home on Thursday and go into battle with the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles at 7 p.m.

Bucking Broncho

Nov. 27, 2018

15

Duke Rolls On And Off The Court The dynasty of Duke University basketball has already been cemented. With five national championships, the Blue Devils trail only North Carolina, Kentucky and University of California at Los Angeles.

From current players like Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram and J.J. Reddick, to past legends like Shane Battier, Grant Hill, and the infamous Christian Laettner, Duke has had its share of premiere players. Even with the storied success of Duke basketball, the 201819 team could be their best ever.

RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish are three names you’ll be hearing for a long time. Coming out of high school, the trio were the three top-ranked players in the country, with Barrett coming in at number one, followed by Williamson and Reddish.

Duke bagged Barrett and Reddish earlier in the year, before Williamson made a surprise announcement to attend the school. To make things worse for the rest of the league, Duke secured the number one point guard in the class Tre Jones, brother to Minnesota Timberwolves Tyus Jones, who is ranked number eight overall.

No school in the history of modern basketball has ever signed the top three players out of a class.

The closest anyone has come to it was Kentucky’s 2011 class, which featured the number one player in the country Anthony Davis, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, who were ranked numbers 3 and 6.

That team went on to win the national title before Davis left to be the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. On paper, the Duke trio is one of greatest teams to be assembled.

The Blue Devils have been living up to the hype. Through three games, they’re 3-1 and have out-

Duke forward RJ Barrett (5) celebrates after his team scores over Gonzaga during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

scored their opponents 296-202. For their first game of the season, the Blue Devils faced rival Kentucky in a top five matchup.

Duke was ranked preseason fourth, with Kentucky coming in at second.

The Blue Devils went on to defeat the Wildcats 118-84 in the worst loss of Kentucky head coach John Calipari’s career.

The trio of Barrett, Williamson and Reddish scored 83 points combined, with the rest of the team scoring just 35. Barrett finished with 33 points, Williamson with 28 and Reddish with 22 of his own.

After defeating Kentucky, the Blue Devils shot to number two in the nation, and following their victory against Army, where the trio combined for 75 points, passed the University of Kansas Jayhawks for the number one spot in the NCAA.

The trio has been setting the league ablaze. Zion Williamson is averaging 25.3 points per game, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. RJ Barrett is averaging 25.3 points per game himself, along with 4.7 rebound and assists per game.

Cam Reddish got off to a slightly slower start than his teammates, averaging 16.7 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

If the trio can continue to put up big numbers throughout the season, we could be looking at Duke’s sixth national title soon.

Duke forward Zion Williamson (1) goes up for a layup over Gonzaga during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, in Lahaina, Hawaii.

(AP Photo/Marco Garcia)