Volume 117, Issue 10
the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Oklahoma Vandalism Suspect Charged
Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Editor-In-Chief
An Oklahoma woman arrested by the Norman Police Department in relation to a recent string of racist vandalism incidents in Norman and Oklahoma City is facing five charges so far in Cleveland County. According to authorities, Allison Johnson, 45, turned herself in and has been charged with four counts of malicious injury to property and one count of malicious intimidation or harassment. While Oklahoma County has yet to file charges, the investigation began following two incidents that occurred last month in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters and the Chickasaw Nation’s Oklahoma City Area Office were defaced with spray paint that included Continued on Pg. 11
Community members clap and listen in response to a speaker at the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman, Oklahoma. There were nine speakers representing groups from local and national communities speaking at the event. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Grim and Coleman Win UCO Student Body Transition for New Software to Begin Soon Election with Largest Recent Voter Turnout Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Managing Editor
Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter
After receiving 685 votes, Emily Grim and Christian Coleman were voted in as the new University of Central Oklahoma student body president and vice president in an election that saw more students voting than in the previous three years. “Ethan and Madison threw a really great campaign, and they’re great friends of mine. So. I would’ve been fine however it went,” Grim said. Running opponents Ethan Clark Continued on Pg. 5
Christian Coleman, left, and Emily Grim, right, pose with Marc Adrian at the UCOSA Town Hall on April 2, in the Nigh University Center’s Ballroom A. The town hall took place one day before the student body election. More than 1100 students voted in the election this year. (Provided/Grim and Coleman’19)
CAMPUS NEWS
Mr. and Miss International Crowned at UCO Friday See Page 9
The University of Central Oklahoma is preparing for a transition to Paycom’s all-in-one human resource and payroll software beginning next week. The system will allow employees to access the software via a phone application or through a computer portal for payroll. (Vy Luong/Photo Illustration)
A transition to the all-in-one human resource and payroll software, powered by Paycom, will begin at the University of Central Oklahoma on April 14 in an effort to consolidate multiple individual software systems that are already in place on campus. This software is a self-service, appbased approach to human resources and payroll services for faculty, staff, student workers and adjunct employees. Right now employees have multiple logins and passwords, but through this software, employees will Continued on Pg. 6
BRONCHO SPORTS
UCO’s Rutland Recognized for Most Saves in Broncho History
See Page 12
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the
VISTA
April 9, 2019
CONTENTS
International/Guidelines.......................................................3 Around Campus ...................................................................4 Grim and Coleman/UCOSA.................................................5 New Software/ Program.......................................................6 Norman................................................................8 Pageant......................................................................9 Vandalism/Cold Case .........................................................11 Rutland................................................................12 Tame..............................................................................13 Bucking Broncho.................................................................14 Sweep.................................................................15
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Contents
STAFF Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Tanner Laws Megan Thele Skyler Baldwin Vy Luong Michelle Pennza Yi Wen Wong Lauren Morris Madison Bolton James Jackson Derek Parker Samantha Karbelk Gerald Leong Teddy Burch Alex Brown
THE VISTA
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.
EDITORIALS
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.
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On the Cover:
Left: Han Seth Lu, from Myanmar, and Ligia Espinoza, from Nicaragua, pose after being crowned at the 2019-2020 Mr. and Miss UCO International at the pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Vy Luong/ The Vista)
Right: University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Josh Rutland throws a pitch during a home game this season. He leads NCAA Division II with nine steals. (Provided/BronchoSports)
International/Guidelines
April 9, 2019
3
Han and Espinoza Crowned Mr and Miss International Yi Wen Wong @TheVista1903 Reporter
Han Seth Lu from Myanmar and Ligia Espinoza from Nicaragua were crowned Mr. and Miss International University of Central Oklahoma 2019-20 during the annual Mr. and Miss International UCO Scholarship Pageant on April 5 in UCO’s Constitution Hall. “I feel very honored and humbled that I got a chance to represent and serve international students,” Han said. “I am so excited to hear their voices and represent them.” Han’s platform is “Humanity in Diversity,” which emphasizes that we live in an era where people are diverse and proud of who they are and how that is a beautiful thing. However, Han said that beyond all these identities that we bear proudly, we are all one humankind deep inside our core. Espinoza said having the opportunity of representing her country and being a voice for Nicaraguans who cannot speak the truth about the ongoing turmoil in her nation gave her
Five male contestants and 10 female contestants along with 2018-2019 Mr. and Miss UCO International pose on the stage after the awards and recognition ceremony at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
the courage to step up and represent Nicaragua in the pageant. “This year’s competition was so close and is because all of the contestants gave their very best on stage and represented their countries wonderfully,” Espinoza said. “I am just so grateful for all the encouragement and love received by everyone and I am so excited to get started and working this
Isabella Katery, from Bolivia, holds her country flag as she walks across stage for the introduction at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
year along with the Mr. International, Han Seth Lu.” Her platform is called “The Latin Identity,” and its aim is to raise awareness about Latin American cultures and how unique, different and beautiful they are despite their similarities. She said she wants to improve the diversity in the UCO community by spreading knowledge about Latin American cultures and ultimately inspire people to strengthen the bond between domestic and international students and the Oklahoma community as a whole. Besides being crowned, Espinoza received the Miss Congeniality Award and Han received the Pageant Director Award. “I don’t even think I would stop say how thankful I am for my pageant director, Samantha Vu, because she helped me prepared not only for the pageant but also for my life and my future that lies ahead of me,” Han
said. Vu has participated in and directed numerous UCO pageants in the past. She said she enjoyed the aspect of mentoring young men and women and that witnessing the growth from the first day to the last day is something amazing. “What I loved about directing the International pageant was the diversity and the astounding organizational support of each country,” Vu said. “It was incredible listening to the cheers and support they had for their representative.” Han and Espinoza both received a $1,600 tuition waiver for winning the crown, along with a sash. There were 10 female and five male contestants in this year’s pageant. There was representation from Bolivia, China, Denmark, Haiti, India, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam.
Associated Press Sets New Guidelines for Race Jeff Elkins
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
The Associated Press (AP), creators of the Stylebook that sets standards for journalistic writing, announced multiple changes regarding race for their 2019 edition. According one of the entries, the term 'racially charged' and other similar terms should be avoided when more direct terms like "racist" are appropriate. "The terms 'racism' and 'racist' can be used in broad references or in quotations to describe the hatred of a race, or assertion of the superiority of one race over others," the AP said. Meshawn Conley, Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at
the University of Central Oklahoma sees the update as much-needed progress. "The step away from ambiguity is promising, as many things have a racial underpinning that is not recognized," Conley said. "The term, 'racially charged,' softens the reality of the situation. One cannot heal from what they won't admit is a wound." The euphemism, 'racially charged,' can be found in multiple national stories relating to race. Just this year, it has been used in news about Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa defending white supremacy, as well as the altercation between a Native American activist and students from Covington Catholic High School. Many journalists, like Cynthia Faulkner, Professor of Mass Com-
munication at UCO, prefer to avoid the use of racial euphemisms in most situations. “The best policy is to eliminate race unless it is pertinent to the story," Faulkner said. "It’s what AP has recommended for years. In stories that are about diversity or racial issues, reporters should ask the individual how they wish to be identified. For Native Americans, it is better to identify someone as Cheyenne, if possible, rather than the broader term." Also in the update, AP is eliminating the hyphen American in reference to those with dual heritage. According to Poynter, the hyphen dates to the 19th century as a way to distinguish immigrants as “others” and has been a common microaggression for more than a century.
Edmond resident Kevin Nguyen says the hyphen emphasizes differences in a time where we should focus on similarities. "I could see where having hyphenated heritage would make someone feel like they don't have the same right to be here as a person without the hyphen," Nguyen said. In 2002, a group of Asian American journalists from the San Francisco Bay Area started the magazine, Hyphen, a publication that covers Asian American community activism, politics and non-mainstream culture. “Overall, it would be nice to live in a world where racial references simply indicate a rich cultural heritage rather than a designation as 'other,'" Faulkner said. "Maybe someday we’ll reach that point."
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April 9, 2019
Around Campus
Toan Le, from Vietnam, performs a song called “Hello Vietnam” in the talent competition at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. Le won the Best Talent Award at the pageant. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Life Skills Around Eating: This free and confidential group meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. The group will discuss and focus on the affect regulation approach to eating disorders and will teach how to handle stress triggered by food. Payday Mayday: The American Association of University Women @ UCO will host their annual Payday Mayday awareness event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Food Court. The event will highlight the pay discrepancies that women face despite the advancements in civil rights laws and the economic status of women in the U.S. Black Student Association General Body Meeting: The Black Student Association will elect their 20192020 officer team at their last meeting of the semester, held from 6-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Mary Fallin Room 304 . Desi Night: The Indian Student Association will host Desi Night, a celebration of Indian culture held from 6-9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. The event will feature music, dance and food representative of India. Central Dissent Publishers Reading: The Golden Ponies Creative Writers Guild will host a reading from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Thatcher Hall
Reception Room for for students who had their work published in the New Plains Student Publishing’s The Central Dissent.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 I Ask for Consent: The Peer Health Leaders are hosting an awareness event for consent and supporting survivors of sexual assault from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clocktower by Broncho Lake. BronchoThon Blood Drive: The Office of Student Engagement is hosting a blood drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute for BronchoThon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Mary Fallin Room 304. African Student Association General Meeting: The African Student Association will host a general meeting from 4-6 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 314. TED in the Park: The TEDxUCO student organization is hosting a TED in the Park event from 6-8 p.m. in Plunkett Park. The event will feature TED videos and give students the opportunity to learn more about TEDxUCO on campus.
Thursday, April 11 2019 Donuts with Don: The UCO Student Association will host Donuts with Don from 9-11 a.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms A and B. The event is a celebration of UCO President Don Betz’s retirement, which takes place at the end of the ac-
ademic year. Bystander Intervention Training: The UCO Peer Health Leaders are hosting bystander intervention training from 12-1:30 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 343. The training will provide students instruction in how to intervene in situations where they are concerned about the well-being of friends and family. Alumni Panel - What I Wish I Knew When I Was In College: UCO’s chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society is hosting a panel of alumni from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room 421. The event is STLR tagged in the Health and Wellness tenet.
Hello Vietnam: The Vietnamese Student Association will host Hello Vietnam, a celebration of Vietnamese culture from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. The event will feature activities including traditional dancing, singing and food. Barre For The Kids: UCO’s chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta will host a barre class for UCO and the Edmond community from 7-8 p.m. at Plunkett Park.
Friday, April 12, 2019 Smash Brothers Charity Event: ESports at UCO will host a Smash Brothers charity event from 3-10 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s
Robert S. Kerr Room 301. The proceeds of the event will be donated to UCO’s annual BronchoThon charity fundraiser. Chill Skills: This group works to reduce conflict in your life: identify triggers, patterns and purpose of anger; gather more tools for enhancing communication, boundaries and healthy relationships. The group meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322. LGBTQ Support: From 1-2 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 322, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will host a support group for those considering coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and those who have recently come out. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, is questioning or unsure can meet and talk about various topics. A Life Worth Living: This group works on skills for improving boundaries and strengthening healthy relationships, enhancing sense of self and ways to manage distress. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in Thatcher Hall Room 328. UCO Softball vs SW Baptist: The UCO Bronchos softball team will face off against the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats from 3-7 p.m. at the Broncho Softball Stadium. Cosi Fan Tutte: UCO Opera will host a rendition of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famous opera, Cosi Fan Tutte, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Hall Theater.
Grim and Coleman/UCOSA
April 9, 2019
5
Grim and Coleman Win UCO Student Body Election Continued from Pg. 1
and Madison Stueve finished the race with 447 votes. Overall this was over 1,000 votes in this years student body election, and according to UCOSA is the highest voter turnout they’ve seen within the last few years. “I was very much in shock when they first told us, I definitely cried a little,” Grim said. “I had been thinking about this and working toward it since I came to UCO, and the fact that it worked out the way that I was hoping for the last two years is absolutely insane!” Voting for the UCO Student Association election took place on April 3 and Grim and Coleman were campaigning on campus all day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “Really, the students and their concerns and well-being kind of motivated me to push through, in dress shoes, from 9:30 [a.m.] to basically 5:00 p.m.,” Coleman said.
The whole campaign itself really opened their eyes to new goals and problems occurring on campus, according to Grim. Both she and Coleman had made it a point during their campaign to reach out to student organizations and attend their meetings, especially those organizations that have traditionally expressed concern that UCOSA was less responsive to their needs. “Whenever we spoke to the International Student Council we had someone ask us why no one from UCOSA had been there before; we had a lot of questions about budget; one organization wasn’t even sure what happened to their budget,” Grim said. “We have these broad goals, we know the impact we want to have, so the more people we spoke to, the more we could build our list and be like OK, we know what we were doing [and] what do we need to do to get there.” Their campaign slogan was ‘For
The People’ and Grim said they hope to be transparent as possible during their time in office. “I want to build campus involvement with communities that are different, directly hosting events that invite students out to learn about other cultures,” Coleman said. “As well as bringing events and what students want to campus. That’s something I’m super focused on and that will really be the main leading point as the vice president in my position over special projects.” Grim said they really tried to make an effort to step out of the UCOSA realm and speak to more students about their problems and needs. Along with visiting meetings, on the day of voting, Grim said she went to classes to speak about the campaign and voting. “Something that we talked about from the beginning is we really want to meet with as many student organi-
zations as possible,” Grim said. “But we also want to go out of our way to reach the people who aren’t in student organizations, going into classes, having tabling events. So we will start brainstorming some ideas on how to reach the student body next semester.” Both Grim and Coleman are involved in UCO community. Grim was UCOSA Congressional Secretary, is in the President’s Leadership Council, is an orientation leader and is about to be initiated into UCO’s chapter of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Coleman had served as the UCOSA Human Diversity Chair, is part of the Black Male Initiative, Black Student Association, Leaders of Tomorrow and is a member of UCO’s chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “I’m ready to get to work and serve the student body,” Coleman said. “I look forward to producing as much as we can for our students.”
UCOSA Passes Election, Funding Legislation Lauren Morris @TheVista1903 Reporter
Over the past month, the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association has seen six bills reach the legislative floor, with five passing. These bills have touched on major campus issues such as the recent UCOSA elections and the funding of campus organizations. On April 1, UCOSA had their 8th meeting of the semester and passed bill CR19-210. Due to the bill not originally being on the docket, Chair of Congress Tate Atkinson, Vice Chair Jordan Medaris and Secretary Emily Grim left the room while Senator Kailey Kelpine led the rest of the senators to vote the bill into the agenda so it could be passed, as it was time sensitive. The bill passed unanimously. CR19-210 gave $933 to the Students Sustainability Summit that was on April 3, which was sponsored by the UCO Office of Sustainability. UCO Green is an on-campus organization that says they prioritize social justice, healthy environments and strong economies. “Through active programming, infrastructure and processes upgrades that take economic and environmental concerns into consideration, and solutions founded in evidence-based research, we strive to make the UCO campus...a more sustainable place,” UCO Green said.
During the March 25 meeting, the student congress passed one bill. CR19-204 appointed five senators to form a special committee on elections. At the previous meeting on March 11, Congress passed CB19-204, a bill that made a resolution to create a committee that would give anyone running for UCOSA Student Body President a test they would need to make at least an 80 percent on. It used to be that the Chair of Congress would make the test and anyone running for president would have to make a 95. “Anybody who’s running [for Student Body President] will have to complete these, whether you’re a member of Congress or not,” said Senator Emma Sawyer, author of the bill. The senators on the election committee are Jarrod Barnett, Kailey Kelpine, James Limbaugh, Thalia Rodriguez and Sawyer. The bill passed on March 11 also changed some of the requirements to become president. There is no longer a requirement to serve at least one year on the UCOSA Executive Cabinet, Supreme Court, Freshman Council or as a Senator representing an academic college, residential situation or congressional leadership. There is also a six-hour experience program instead of a 12-hour one. It consists of one UCOSA Student Congress meeting, a meeting with the current UCOSA president, Con-
Jordan Medaris, left, Tate Atkinson and Emily Grim preside over the April 1 meeting of the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association. UCOSA has passed five bills over the last month. (Lauren Morris/The Vista)
gressional Chair and advisor and two hours meeting with any of the following: the UCOSA Vice President, Vice Chair of Student Congress or Secretary of Student Congress. On March 11, the student Congress also passed bills CFR19-208 and CFR19-209. CFR19-208 was a resolution to give the Eta Sigma Gamma Public Health Club $775 for food, and CFR19-209 would give the Asian American Student Association $8,000 to have a
speaker come to campus. CR19-205 was also proposed on March 25, but it was killed as the authors did not want it to be presented anymore. The bill was about putting a question about an increase of seven dollars to the Student Activity Fee on the student body elections ballot. The next UCOSA meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. on April 15 in the Nigh University Center’s Will Rogers Room 421.
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April 9, 2019
New Software/Program
Transition for New Software to Begin Soon Continued from Pg. 1
just have one login to the self-service portal with 24/7 access, which can be accessed through either Paycom’s cloud-based website or the Paycom app. “Paycom is a cloud-based human capital management software that helps employers manage every step of the employee life cycle, from hire to retire,” said AJ Griffin, director of government affairs for Paycom. “We are driving the digital transformation in HR, starting by redefining how employees interact with HR through self-service, app-based technology.” During the transition, there will be multiple training sessions, online resources and walk-in times with trainers available for all UCO employees. UCO’s Office of Information Technology has also sent out an email to all employees with more information on training sessions and links for online training that can be completed before the transition begins. Griffin said Paycom’s single application software allows employees to easily access and update all of their human resource needs, ranging from paid time-off requests and accruals to accessing W-2s and enrolling in health insurance. “There are multiple components to the transition: payroll, timekeeping and attendance, applicant tracking, benefits enrollment and performance management,” said Adrienne Nobles, assistant vice president for University Communications. “Our Human Resources and Information Technology teams are currently working to transition our current stand-alone systems to the new inclusive system from Paycom.” Griffin said part of the reason behind the transition is that the millen-
nial generation, which will make up over half of the U.S. workforce by 2020, expects technology in all aspects of their life. “They’re accustomed to easy-to-use tech and fast results, which increases the need for self-service technology with direct access to databases,” Griffin said. “That’s what we have done at Paycom – created a robust technology platform to meet the expectations of today’s and tomorrow’s technology-savvy employees.” Nobles said the first step in the transition will be for hourly employees, which includes student workers, who will use the new system to begin clocking in and out on April 14. The new clock-in-and-out system will give employees the option to do so on their phone or through a system on their computer. Training sessions for this aspect began this week, with the first sessions starting on Monday. “Ultimately, this will streamline many HR-related processes. We know this is a big change for employees,” Nobles said. “That said, once employees are familiar with the system, it will be a much easier process for them.” Over a month ago Patti Neuhold, vice president of Finance at UCO, announced UCO’s partnership with Paycom for the software in an email that was sent to all faculty and staff. “The decision to make this change to an all-inclusive payroll technology was multi-faceted,” Neuhold’s email said. “The new system will allow more functionality and ease of use as well as allowing for increased backend efficiencies that will benefit UCO for years to come.” Nobles said there is not a plan to eliminate any jobs in the Human Resources and Payroll Services Department at UCO. Right now UCO uses
James Jackson, student at the University of Central Oklahoma, explores the new Paycom portal on April 8. Paycom Univeristy is an online tutorial available to all UCO employees to train them in the software transition. (Vy Luong/Photo Illustration)
software for many human resource functions, but these are different systems from various vendors. The university wanted a solution, Nobles said, that would house all of these functions and processes in one system and as a result, issued a Request for Proposals. “Paycom’s software offered the best solution for UCO,” Nobles said. “They have several university clients and a track record of success implementing their system and supporting in the university environment. So, on our end, the transition to Paycom will help our HR team better serve faculty and staff.” Griffin said Paycom generates updates and enhancements every month, so this software will be updated monthly as UCO continues to
use it. Recently, Griffin said Paycom released their Direct Data Exchange, the industry’s first comprehensive management analytics tool, which gives employers insights into efficiencies gained through employee usage of human resource technology. “Our software allows organizations like UCO to be more efficient, while also creating engagement opportunities with its biggest asset – its employees,” Griffin said. Starting Monday, Paycom University can be accessed online for all UCO employees to start online tutorials before the transition begins. Paycom University can be accessed through the Paycom self-service portal either on a computer or through the Paycom app.
UCO Student Selected for Prestigious Program Jorge Gil
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
Terrance Fields, a senior political science and pre-law student from University of Central Oklahoma has been selected for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX-YP). The CBYX-YP was created by both the United States and Germany's government to reinforce the union between the two countries. Each year they select 75 American and 75 Germans to go to each other’s countries to live, go to school, work and expe-
rience all that the country has to offer. “In the long run, even though I may get homesick while I am over there, this program will challenge me and maybe even break me at times, but I welcome it,” Fields said. According to the Cultural Vistas website, the program consists of three phases, first, two months of German Language training, followed by one semester of classes in one’s academic or career field at a university, technical or professional school, and then finally, a three-month internship in one’s career field. All United States Citizens from the ages of 18-and-a-half to 24 with a high
school diploma, clear career path and a strong interest in German and world affairs are able to apply. Once the person completes the program, they are forever an alumnus to the CBYX-YP, where they are able to communicate and network with others that have gone through this program. “I can’t wait to represent not only UCO, but my tribe as well when I am over there,” Fields said. All 75 Americans will have the opportunity to meet German government officials while they are there. because he has had experience with American government in Washington D.C.
University of Central Oklahoma student Terance Fields, a political science and pre-law senior, was selected as one of 75 participants for the 2019-20 CBYX. (Jay Mallin/Provided)
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April 2, 2019
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April 9, 2019
Norman
Norman Strikes Back with Love
Top Left: Attendees create signs to prepare for the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Top Right: Two individuals stand while attending the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Top Middle: A child holds a sign reading “#stopthehate,” which represents the motive of the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman, Oklahoma. The rally was held in response to vandalism found at three locations in Norman: McKinley Elementary School, Cleveland County Democratic Party headquarters and the Firehouse Art Center. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Middle Left: Pastor Richard Gaines, left, gives a hug at the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Middle: Participants interact during the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. There were tables with markers and art boards provided for sign making. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Middle Right: Pastor Richard Gaines gives a speech at the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Bottom: “We Stand as ONE” is seen written on a sidewalk with chalk to show support of the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. The community rally was organized by Breea Clark and Alex Scott, which hosted over hundreds of people. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
Cultures
April 9, 2019
9
Cultures Showcased at UCO International Pageant
Five males and 10 females from 13 countries competed at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. The contestants posed in cultural outfits onstage for the pageant’s introduction. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
Left: Mardiana Malek from Malaysia participates in the evening wear competition at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. Malek won first runner-up at the pageant. (Vy Luong/The Vista) Middle: Ligia Espinoza from Nicaragua introduces herself at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. Espinoza was crowned as the Miss UCO International 2019. (Vy Luong/The Vista) Right: Jinzao Zhang from China performs a Chinese traditional dance in the talent competition at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
Left: Vy Vo from Vietnam performs a dance in the talent competition at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. Vo won the People’s Choice Award at the pageant. (Vy Luong/The Vista) Right: Han Seth Lu from Myanmar, right, receives the Director’s Choice Award from Pageant Director Samantha Vu at the Mr. and Miss UCO International 2019 Pageant on April 5 in the Nigh University Center’s Consitution Hall. Han was crowned as the Mr. UCO International 2019. (Vy Luong/The Vista)
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April 2, 2019
India
Vandalism/Cold Case
April 9, 2019
11
Oklahoma Vandalism Suspect Charged Continued from Pg. 1
comments such as “Gas the Jews” and “White planet only.” Graffiti at the Chickasaw Nation office was less generalized, focusing specifically on Native Americans with phrases such as “Indians will be gassed.” Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, denounced the attack and expressed the Chickasaw Nation has been working with authorities on the matter. These incidents were followed by additional vandalisms that occurred in Norman last week, where Johnson had spray painted racist slurs and white supremacist language over the McKinley Elementary School, the Firehouse Arts Center and the Cleveland County Democratic Headquarters. It was at the Chickasaw Nation office that security cameras captured the
initial footage of Johnson, according to Bo Matthews, Oklahoma City Police Department’s public information officer. Johnson was then captured again in footage during the Norman incidents, which contributed to her apprehension by police last week. "I was just shocked; stunned, in fact," said Krystal Golding-Ross, Cleveland County Democratic Party chair. In response to these incidents, a rally was organized last Wednesday by Norman’s Ward 6 councilmember Breea Clark and Ward 8 councilmember Alex Scott. The rally brought hundreds of Norman community members to Lions Park in Norman in an attempt to both heal the community and denounce the acts that occurred, according to Clark. “Hate has no home in Norman. Though meant to scare people, these ignorant acts of intimidation reeked of
Participants attend the “Community Rally: Strike Back with Love” event that took place on April 3 at Lions Park in Norman Oklahoma. (Tanner Laws/The Vista)
fear themselves,” Clark said. “Fear of the change that strengthens our community. Fear of the diversity that enriches our culture. But we Normanites are hearty, resolute and strong.” Along with community members and the Norman City Council, the event was also sponsored by the Norman Police Department and the Norman Parks and Recreation Department, with free snow cones provided
by local vendor Eskimo Sno. “Tonight the Norman community came together. We cried. We hugged. We laughed. WE RALLIED,” Clark wrote on her Facebook page. Johnson had her first court appearance in the Cleveland County Court on Monday and it remains to be seen if Oklahoma County will press additional charges in relation to its own vandalism cases.
Gravel said, because they’re working this like a real job. “When they solve one, they’re [going to] be really really excited,”
Gravel said. “I think they’re close on about three of them, and they have a grand jury going on one right now to see if they want to file the charges.”
UCO Students Partner with Cold Case Task Force Madison Bolton @TheVista1903 Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute began offering a class last fall where students partner up with the Tulsa County Cold Case Task Force to help in solving around 30 cold cases. “We work a lot of mock crime scenes around here. We show them cases, we talk about it, but for them to actually get involved in it, a real case that can make a difference in a victim’s family’s life or a suspect’s life, they’re excited,” said Craig Gravel, FSI instructor. “I mean this is real, this isn’t played and they get their practicum credits for it as well; they love it.” The class takes place every Monday afternoon, but according to Gravel, some students love the involvement so much that they are working on the cases in their own spare time. Gravel also said not just anyone can be in this class, he looks for hardworking students. “We can’t take breaks and we can’t be messing around, we have to work these cases just like we’re police officers, and that’s the kind of students I want [in this class],” Gravel said. The Tulsa County Cold Case Task Force formed in June 2016. It is a task force of about 30 volunteers who, according to Mike Huff, private investigator and member of the task force, all have other jobs as well. “It’s more than just a group of guys getting together for coffee to brain-
storm,” Huff said. “We put in a lot of work on these cold case investigations, it’s very time-consuming.” Gravel said this partnership with the task force really began after graduate student Amber Fortney reached out for some research on her thesis over cold case investigations. “It took almost a year to get through all the red tape, to actually get things going; we had our first class last semester,” Fortney said. “Everything is up and running now and we’re hoping it grows and other agencies will contact us and let us work on their case files too.” According to Fortney, Tulsa County has 31 unsolved cold cases, but the Tulsa Police Department has over 250 cold cases. The cases students are working on range from as early as 1972 to 2013. Some of the cases are homicide cases, missing person cases and even assault cases. Many of the cases have missing pieces, giving the students the challenge of finding the missing pieces. “What their getting isn’t anything an instructor set up for them, they’re getting the real deal from the law enforcement,” Gravel said. Huff said he is pleased so far with the partnership with UCO and that the students have really given great insight on many of these cases. “They’ve impressed us not only with their knowledge but their passion,” Huff said. “I think their insight is very valuable.” This class will continue over the summer as well. There are no breaks,
12
April 9, 2019
Saves
SPORTS
Rutland Saves Name Into History
University of Central Oklahoma pitcher Josh Rutland throws a pitch during a home game earlier this season. He set the school record for career saves by a pitcher against Pittsburgh State University on March 23. (Provided/BronchoSports)
James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter
After helping pitch a shutout against the Pittsburg State University Gorillas, University of Central Oklahoma senior pitcher Josh Rutland now has the most saves in school history. “I guess I’m just fortunate to be able to get that,” Rutland said. “To be able to set the record and hopefully hold the record for a while; it feels good.” Rutland set the record at 18, passing Gibson Russ who recently set it at 17 in the 2016-2017 season. As a junior, Rutland recorded 11 saves in 28 appearances during his first season with the Bronchos, which is the second most saves in one sea-
son in school history. Rutland only trailed Russ, who in the 2017 season recorded 15.
“I guess I’m just fortunate to be able to get that. To be able to set the record and hopefully hold the record for a while; it feels good.” Josh Rutland On Sunday, Rutland received the
call and would face just three batters. He got a fly-out to right field on one pitch, a fly-out to left field on three pitches and then struck out the final batter, giving him the record. Despite the record, Rutland said he did not have a big celebration. “It’s just another save to me,” Rutland said. “I knew it was going to happen sooner or later but it’s just another save for me.” Halfway through the season, with over 16 games remaining, Rutland has recorded nine more saves and has only had one loss in his career at UCO, which recently occurred against the Missouri Western State University Griffons. However he would bounce back against Lindenwood University on Saturday as he recorded his 20th save, and ninth on the season. His
nine saves lead all pitchers in NCAA Division II. “The defense helps out a lot and I just feel like I can control all my pitches,” Rutland said. “I’m able to spot up and locate.” Rutland said he is not the type to study batters before the game to gain an advantage. He just goes out and throws how he knows how to throw. The Bronchos are 20-13 on the season and 12-9 in conference play. “It’s been great,” Rutland said on his time at UCO. “I love it, we’ve got a family going here and hopefully [will be] able to go pretty far this year.” UCO will continue their road stretch as they face off with the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Tame
April 9, 2018
13
Baseball Fails To Tame The Lions
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Kace Massner swings during a Feb. 2 home game against Lubbock Christian University at Wendell Simmons Field. Massner had a leadoff single run in UCO’s 4-3 win over Lindenwood University. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
Marcus Powell
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma baseball team traveled to Missouri over the weekend to take on the Lindenwood University Lions in a three-game series. The Bronchos lost their series opener 6-1 on Friday night. “We didn’t have the right approach at the plate tonight, and that cost us,” said head coach John Martin. “To only get four hits isn’t going to get it done. We need to come out Saturday more focused and with a better approach.” Dylan Hall got the start for the Bronchos on Friday. He allowed four runs on two hits in the first inning, while walking two, leaving UCO down 4-0 after one inning. Hall settled in and threw seven innings, allowing eight hits and five runs. Ty Medina came in out of the bullpen to throw the eighth and struck out two to finish off the night. Central managed four hits Friday, and none were for extra bases, but the Bronchos drew three walks and left six on base. The Bronchos had a quick start to the game Saturday afternoon. Central got on the board in the top of the fifth,
following leadoff singles by Kace Massner and TJ Black. Phillip Scott laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners up one base. Brock Schaffer reached on an er-
“We’re disappointed that we didn’t win the series. The goal is to win every series,and we didn’t do that today.” John Martin
ror by the Lindenwood first baseman Dominic Revetta and both Massner and Black scored on the play, giving UCO a 2-0 lead in the game. Brayden Nelson got the win for UCO in his second start of the season. The junior moved into the rotation and is now 3-0. Nelson threw seven innings Saturday, striking out two along and allowing three hits and two walks.
Central lost the final game of the series, falling 4-3. “We’re disappointed that we didn’t win the series,” Martin said. “The goal is to win every series, and we didn’t do that today. We’ll move on from this and try to get better and ready for the next one.” UCO rallied late in the game scoring twice in the top of the ninth while competing for the series. Brice West hit a one-out triple to right center, Kyle Crowl followed with a two-out double to left center and Paul Kropf traded places with Crowl with a dou-
ble of his own. UCO is 20-13 following the series and 12-9 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play and will next turn their attention to a non-conference matchup. The Bronchos will travel to Oklahoma City to take on Oklahoma Christian University on Wednesday before hitting the road for an MIAA series. UCO will visit Northeastern State University for three games in Tahlequah April 12-14.
University of Central Oklahoma outfielder Taylor Avila runs to base during a Feb. 2 home game against Lubbock Christian University at Wendell Simmons Field. He drew a walk in the ninth inning to help UCO beat Lindenwood University 4-3. (Gerald Leomg/The Vista)
14
April 9, 2019
Bucking Broncho
NBA Playoff Tip-In’s: The Favorites
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, reacts near Philadelphia 76ers’ Shake Milton after being fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Philadelphia. Milwaukee won 128-122. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
In a matter of days, another NBA regular season will come to a close, leaving the opportunity for 16 teams to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Here are the teams with the best chance to win the title. Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are the obvious favorite to win the title for the fourth time in five years. Armed with one of the greatest starting fives we’ve ever seen, no one can question why they’re the top pick to win. Between Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Demarcus Cousins, the team has a combined total of 28 all-star appearances. The Warriors starting five average 99.2 points per game combined and currently have the best record in the Western Conference at 55-24. All this to say, if you’re going to bet money on this NBA Playoffs, they’re an easy choice. Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks will finish with the best record in the NBA this season, all behind soon-to-be MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has had an incredible season posting 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, all while shooting 57 percent from the field. On top of his terrific offensive season, Antetokounmpo is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year and could win it. Milwaukee’s major downside is playoff experience. The Bucks haven’t won a playoff series since 2000. It’s hard to imagine the Bucks making it out of the East with little to no postseason experience, but anything is possible
with a player like the Greek Freak. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are quietly having one of their best seasons yet. While they’ll finish with fewer wins than last year, the addition of Kawhi Leonard offers a tremendous amount of playoff experience. After being swept by Lebron and the Cavaliers in last year’s playoffs, the Raptors decided to make changes. Not many teams with the second-best record in the league would fire their head coach, who won Coach of the Year, and trade their franchise player for an injured diva, but that’s exactly what Toronto did and it seemed to pay off. The Raptors are the two seed in the East, and what they lack in skill, they make up for with experience and Kahwi Leonard, of course. While players like Antetokounmpo and James Harden are the stars in the regular season, look for Leonard to shine in the postseason. Houston Rockets: While the Denver Nuggets had a terrific regular season, and will most likely finish as the two-seed ahead of the Rockets, Houston would be my pick if anyone is going to take down Golden State. The Nuggets are the deepest team in the NBA, but they lack certain firepower that only James Harden can provide. In their season series versus Golden State, the Nuggets went 1-3, losing each game by an average of 20 points. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 3-1 in their series. If James Harden can continue his historic play into the postseason, they may have a chance to take down the Warriors.
Milwaukee Bucks: With the most wins in the NBA and an MVP favorite, there would be no surprise if the Bucks found a way to win the NBA Title. They are clearly, when healthy, head-and-shoulders above all other teams in the East, so it’s Finals or bust. Toronto Raptors: After firing the coach of the year, Dwayne Casey, and trading away their franchise player for a potential one-year rental in Kawhi Leonard, they have to at least get to the Finals. I think the pending future hanging over their heads will motivate this team to play at their best potential. Golden State Warriors: An easy pick, it’s no secret that this team is most talented and has the most playoff experience as they have won three out of the previous four championships. In their final season in Oakland, the season would be a failure if the three-peat did not happen. Oklahoma City Thunder It’s hard to pick anybody to come out of the West besides the Warriors, so I have to take the homer route here. I think if any team knocks off Golden State it will be the Thunder – and wouldn’t that be a miracle. Ok, let’s stop dreaming, the actual Finals will be the Milwaukee Bucks vs. the Golden State Warriors with the Warriors winning it all again in six games. I think the Warriors, barring injury, is too much to handle for any team in a seven-game series.
Golden State Warriors: The rightful favorites, the two-time defending champions have no reason why they can’t three peat as long as the trio of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson show up. While their bench is weaker than previous years, the Warriors still have enough to win it all. Toronto Raptors: My favorite to come out of the East, the Raptors have a complete roster playing great basketball down the stretch. With Boston having chemistry issues and Philadelphia lacking shooting, the Raptors should punch their ticket to the finals. Houston Rockets: This pick hinges on two things: James Harden showing up and the inexperience of the Denver Nuggets. Sure the Rockets live and die by the three, but you can only help but wonder if they see last year’s game seven as a missed opportunity - one I don’t see them missing this year. Brooklyn Nets: Just like my counterpart, I’m taking a wild card here too, although mine is out there. Hear me out. The Nets weren’t supposed to be in the playoffs. They weren’t even supposed to win 40 games, yet here they are. As not only a fan but a die hard one I know they can make some noise. When it’s all said and done, the Golden State Warriors will emerge as the NBA champions after a tough six game series against the Raptors.
Sweep
April 9, 2019
15
Softball Runs In Sweep Of Rival Ryan Dunn @TheVista1903 Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s softball team swept Northeastern State University on Sunday in a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association doubleheader. “We picked up two really good road wins today,” said head coach Cody White. “Bailey [McKittrick] just dominated in the first game and offensively we did a lot of positive things.” In game one of the MIAA doubleheader, pitcher McKittrick threw a five-inning no-hitter that resulted in an 8-0 win for the No. 2 ranked Bronchos. McKittrick threw the fifth no-hitter recorded by a UCO pitcher in the last 30 years. The Bronchos scored five runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead and ended the game with a Casady Webb home run in the fifth inning to win on the first game. UCO ended the game with 12 hits, with Webb leading the way hitting
3-for-3 at bat, while Bailey Thompson, Haley Pomplun and Brighton Gilbert all followed with two hits each. Game two of the doubleheader was a closer game, however, UCO still got the win. Hazel Puempel homered in her first two at-bats and drove in four runs to end the day on a 9-5 win to complete the sweep of Northeastern State. The Bronchos hit the ball 11 times in the second game, led by Lexy Dobson hitting 3-for-4, Puempel following with 2-for-2 and Carli Jones adding a solo home run in a two-hit outing. Sydney McLeod improved to 13-2 as she got the pitching win, giving up three runs in the first five innings before Lauren Gibson threw the final two innings. The Bronchos improved to 31-3 on the season and 13-1 in conference play. UCO returns home Friday to host conference rival Southwest Baptist University for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.
University of Central Oklahoma utility Hazel Puempel runs during a home game earlier this season. She had two home runs and drove in four runs in UCO’s 9-5 win over Northeastern State University. (Provided/BronchoSports)