the
Volume 119, Issue 13
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021
ACCESS DENIED
INSIDE
The Vista asked to leave from invitation-only Q&A meeting between president and senate to discuss budget concerns Holiday Lights
“Luminance: An Enchanting Stroll,” is a community walk-thru light display event at Mitch Park. See Pg. 7
‘Encanto’ review
Disney’s latest focuses on Latin culture, and brings magical themes to Columbian traditions.
“I’m leaving it up to you all and the unit heads to decide what natural efficiencies mean for you, and how those units operate effectively,” President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar said, asking faculty senators to find ways to cut costs. (The Vista/ Michaela Todd)
Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
See Pg. 6
Central Pantry The Central Pantry is accepting applications for the spring semester. Service hours are available. See Pg. 7
Around Campus UCO Musical Theatre vocalists will be performing favorite holiday tunes at the Jazz Lab. See Pg. 2
Last Friday, UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar hosted a meeting with faculty senators to answer various questions they had about the university. The meeting was “invitation only,” consisting of about 20 faculty members, but The Vista reporters attended to cover the meeting, attempting to abide by the Open Meetings Act. Many attendees wanted to know the “strategic plan” for the ongoing $15 million budget deficit crisis. “My number one goal with addressing the budget is to get to a place where we can spread that money out for people,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said in response to one question. “So we don’t have extra money to be able to increase faculty or staff salaries. Whether we want it to, or whether they’re deserved, is beside the point
until we resolve the deficit.” Neuhold-R avikumar asked faculty senators “to go back and find natural efficiencies.” “I’m leaving it up to you all and the unit heads to decide what natural efficiencies mean for you, and how those units operate effectively,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said.
“survival of the fittest” approach is “killing morale.” “It’s basically, ‘Who’s going to be around?’” Seagraves said. “‘Which colleague should I befriend and play politics with so that I can stay?’ and ‘Is my job staying or not?’ “In talking to faculty directly, they’re applying for jobs. They are worried about feeding their family, their children. Some of them put in 25 years here, and are saying, ‘I don’t work for UCO anymore. I’m not proud of this institution. I work for my students,’” Seagraves said. “And I personally feel the same way.” However, in the midst of concerns about the budget, issues of “transparency and communication” arose. Seagraves mentioned that “another theme” of these concerns related to particular meetings, such as these, being excluded from the public and staff.
“‘I don’t work for UCO anymore. I’m not proud of this institution. I work for my students.’ And I personally feel the same way.” - Nikki Seagraves However, some were not satisfied with this answer, which suggested substantial faculty layoffs for the benefit of renewed faculty lines. Nikki Seagraves, a faculty senator representing the UCO College of Mathematics and Science, said this
She was then interrupted by Faculty Senator Kristi Archuleta, who said she did “not expect the press to be here.” Neuhold-Ravikumar replied swiftly. “We did not expect them to be here either, but they refused to leave,” she said. The Vista reporters were told about five minutes prior to the meeting, by Faculty Senate President Jennifer Barger Johnson, that this was a “closed meeting” and we needed to leave per Neuhold-Ravikumar. Citing the Open Meetings Act, which bars state-funded institutions from holding closed meetings, with specific exceptions, Johnson asked us to wait while she asked for a reason. A moment later, she turned around and shrugged — an inconclusive message that this reporter took as a reason to stay. The door shut, and we were still in the room. “We are not trying to step Continued on Pg. 3
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 Campus Labyrinth Walk: From noon to 1 p.m. at the UCO Labyrinth, near Y-Chapel, enjoy a walk with others around campus and take a break from your busy routine allowing your mind and body to relax. This is a STLR tagged event. COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11. Healthy Hooves Hut: From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clock Tower, get your questions answered about COVID-19, vaccination, and speak with a case manager about needs like housing, food, health insurance, and more.
Dec. 7, 2021
Around Campus
ru COVID-19 testing from 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 with a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11. UCO ID and general admission is $7. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 Yuletide Carols: Beginning at COVID-19 Testing: IMMY 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, loLabs is providing free, drive-th- cated at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edru COVID-19 testing from 8 mond, Central’s finest Musical Theatre vocalists will be pera.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 11. forming your favorite holiday Senior Capstone Exhibition: tunes. Tickets can be purchased From 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the online or by calling (405) 974Melton Gallery, this opening 2100. reception will present the work Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 of three senior studio art majors, which includes sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. Yuletide Carols: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, loYuletide Carols: Beginning at cated at 100 E. Fifth St. in Ed7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, lo- mond, Central’s finest Musical cated at 100 E. Fifth St. in Ed- Theatre vocalists will be permond, Central’s finest Musical forming your favorite holiday Theatre vocalists will be per- tunes. Tickets can be purchased forming your favorite holiday online or by calling (405) 974tunes. Tickets can be purchased 2100. online or by calling (405) 9742100. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021
Wind Symphony: Self-ForgetFriday, Dec. 10, 2021 ting-At-Oneness with Music: This performance begins at 7:30 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre. Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 8 to Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 11 a.m. in Lot 11.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is providing free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lot 11.
Information Technology Maintenance: From 5 a.m. to COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Hockey game: UCO’s hockey noon, systems maintenance will Labs is providing free, drive-th- team will compete against OU be conducted. Multiple services To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.
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VISTA
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Madalyn Nix Ainsley Martinez Lyric Peterson Sam Royka Graycee Hubbard Sierra Perkins Manuela Soldi Michaela Todd Christopher Conner Logan Gassett Leelandd Gates Aaron Gelvin Christopher Lomelin Destini Pittman George Lang
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may be unavailable during this timeframe. Yuletide Carols: Beginning at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond, Central’s finest Musical Theatre vocalists will be performing your favorite holiday tunes. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 Korean Conversation Cafe: This event begins at 6 p.m. near the Nigh University Center Food Court. Front Pg. Teaser Photos, from top: The Vista/Sierra Perkins Provided/Disney via AP Provided/UCO website The Vista/Manuela Soldi
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 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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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.
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Faculty/ Football
Dec. 7, 2021
The Vista | 3
President could announce cuts in early 2022 Continued from Pg. 1
on anybody’s toes. I’m very sorry,” UCentral Social Media Coordinator Michaela Todd said. “We were just waiting for a reason to leave. That’s all we asked because we mentioned the Open Meetings Act, and we weren’t given an answer as to why we should leave.” One faculty senator responded that since it was not “anything formalized” or “anything that’s going to necessarily result in legislation” it did not fall under the Open Meetings Act. We left immediately after. “There’s no such thing as an informal meeting if there’s a quorum present—it doesn’t matter if you’re in a coffee shop,” Ted Streuli, president of Freedom of Information Oklahoma said. “Whether you’re voting has no relevance or not if it’s an open meeting.” The Vista reached out to Freedom of Information Oklahoma and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to clarify the legal aspects of the meeting. Kathryn Gardner, a local legal initiative attorney, in an email stated she would need more facts to make a definite answer because “the law specifically exempts ‘the administrative staffs of public bodies, including, but not limited to, faculty meetings . . . of institutions of higher education when those staff are not meeting with the public-body,’ but that “you can and should try to attend the meeting.” However, Streuli, a former editor of the Journal Record, said this excep-
tion did not apply to this situation because they are an “elected body.” “What that exception is for is if the dean wants to have a meeting with all of the professors in the English department. Those don’t have to be open to the public,” Streuli said. “The difference is those people are there on salary, they’re not elected positions. If
nance and the community has a right to be fully informed about the process,” Gardner said. American Association of University Professors President Marc Goulding agrees. In a list of grievances sent to the Faculty Senate Welfare Committee, the AAUP stated “the lack of transparency from the administration
tries to address these same issues about the budget and communication. He said the organization is open to “all of our faculty, both full time, part time, temp and graduate students.” “Our campus is a community, and I think that we need to be open and clear with each other. And that includes staff, faculty and students and all others,” Goulding said. “You know, we work together. I find the choice to make discussions private very problematic, in a community such as ours.” Notably, faculty senators said The Vista could attend the faculty senate meeting next Thursday, per the Open Meetings Act. As reporters were only able to record the first 10 minutes of the meeting, what was discussed after remains unknown to the public. In an email obtained by The Vista, an individual familiar with the meeting said, “not surprisingly, the discussion largely focused around the matter of personnel issues and anticipated cuts.” “There’s no such thing as an informal meeting. If there’s a quorum present—it doesn’t mat- “The president was pressed on ter if you’re in a coffee shop,” Ted Streuli, president of Freedom of Information Oklahoma whether or not there will, in fact, be said. (The Vista/ Michaela Todd) cuts. She acknowledged there will the faculty senate is made up of people has been very concerning.” be. Specific numbers and timing is who are elected and they have some “I was disappointed to hear that TBD, but… No decision on cuts can kind of support from public money, the voice of our students in the form be made until after late January,” the which would be any use of university of The Vista were asked to leave a email read. “The president explained money, or arguably, any use of univer- meeting of such importance to our that this is because they will not be sity space… and that probably means students,” Goulding said. “Because, able to determine the exact level of they qualify as a public body.” of course, ultimately, our students are the deficit until certain ‘census’ inforGardner said it is important for why we’re here.” mation regarding students and enrollmembers of the UCO community to Goulding did not attend the meet- ment becomes available at that time.” know how it is being governed. ing, as his term as faculty senator exThis is a developing story and will be “The appropriation of funds is one pired last year. However, he said the updated as we receive more informaof the most critical functions of gover- work of the AAUP chapter at UCO tion.
UCO announces new head football coach, Adam Dorrel Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
UCO announced on Sunday that Adam Dorrel will be the new head football coach for the Bronchos. This news comes after the university announced on Nov. 14 that the previous head coach, Nick Bobeck, had resigned from the position. According to the press release from the athletic department, UCO Director of Athletics Stan Wagnon said, “Today is a great day for the Bronchos.” “There was overwhelming interest in this opening, which is a testament to the Broncho Football brand created over time by all those who have been a part of our tradition-rich program,” Wagnon said. “I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to lead the UCO football program,” Dorrel said in the press release. “UCO is a great univer-
sity and Edmond is a great place to live and raise a family. Factor that with the great high school football that is played in the great state of Oklahoma, it was a very attractive job.” In an email response to The Vista, UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar said, “We’re excited to welcome Coach Dorrel to UCO. Adam embraces a winning philosophy on and off the field that will elevate our game within the MIAA Conference and position our program to achieve to new heights.” “It’s an exciting day for Broncho sports and the future of our football program,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. The press release says an introductory press conference is planned for Wednesday at UCO and that more details will be announced soon. Dorrel will be the university’s 14th Adam Dorrel previous coached the last five seasons at Abilene Christian, along with sevhead football coach. The 2022 season eral years at Northwest Missouri, becoming the head football coach from 2011-16. (Provided/ UCO website) is set to kick off in September.
4 | The Vista
Jail/Ad
Dec. 7, 2021
Oklahoma County approves new jail Sam Royka Staff Reporter
Oklahoma County approved a new detention center to replace its nearly 30-year-old downtown Oklahoma City facility, which has experienced structural and operational issues as well as multiple fatalities among its population since opening in 1992. The approved proposal stated that the new jail, costing $300 million, will open in 2026 and will include multiple options for improvements including more space to help with overcrowding. While Oklahoma County has promised to fix, fund, and staff the jail multiple times over the years, records show that conditions remain poor. In February, The Frontier reported that “at least 84 inmates there have died since 2009.” This rate is more than twice the national average for inmate death. The jail failed two recent health and safety checks in June and October, resulting in the removal of all juveniles from the facility. On Nov. 10, officials told KFOR that pest treatment was increased to $10,000 per month, along with the introduction of a “heat shed” to treat bed bug-infested items. However, near the end of November, Nicole Young received an envelope filled with bedbugs from her husband’s cell. There is no space for medical care built into the original jail, Oklahoma County Commissioner for District 1 Carrie Blumert said, “The folks who designed it thought that detainees could just be driven.” When the jail was built in 1991, “it was obsolete, it was not built correctly, it was not built with any sort of human-centered design at all,” Blumert said. “It did not take into account the use of any sort of technology, even for that time, and so if you fast forward, here we are 30 years later, and if you think about how much has changed in our world, from the design of a building, and the advancement of
Oklahoma County approved a new jail, costing $300 million and will open in 2026. (Provided/Dylan Goforth Frontier)
technology and the advancement of healthcare, that building is extremely obsolete,” Blumert said. In July 2020, control of the jail was turned over to a county trust, and though the trust has hired over 100 new employees, “turnover is a constant problem,” Greg Williams, jail administrator, told Frontier. Blumert said she would ideally support “a facility that is probably 75 percent focused on treatment, resources, support, getting folks the help and the resources that they need so that they don’t interact with law enforcement, they don’t interact with the criminal justice system.” “The other 25 percent, this is just my opinion, would be for the folks that really do need to be de-
The
tained. I do believe there are people in our community that need to be detained while they are awaiting trial, and to me that should be reserved for folks that we legitimately are scared of and that we don’t feel safe sending them back into the community right now. The example right now I can think of is repeat domestic abuser or someone who is being accused of murder or arson, you know, very heavy crimes, and that is a small percentage of the folks we have in our jail right now.” Most of the folks are there for drug crimes or more petty crimes, so if I could wave a wand I would probably build a facility that is focused on treatment, support, resources, and diversion, and then make a small portion of it a detention center,” Blumert said.
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL, WE HAVE A SOLUTION.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tulsa AA Central Service Office (918) 627-2224 (24-hour Hotline) www.aaneok.org
via
OKC AA Intergroup Service Office (405) 524-1100 (24-hour Hotline) www.okcintergroup.org
SOBRIETY. MAKE THE CHANGE. YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Dec. 7, 2021
Events/Bootcamp
The Vista | 5
Fall semester is ending and so are the events Leelandd Gates Contributing Writer
Nearing the end of the fall semester, December will only have a small handful of events happening around campus. The Broncho Barkers will be the first event this week. Broncho Barkers will be hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well Being for the Thursday Tidbits: Lunch and Learn program. It will take place at noon in Thatcher Hall in Room 343. Broncho Barker's presentation will last for 30 minutes, and you will be required to register for it on the Zoom meeting registration site. A link to the website will be listed at the bottom of the page. Studies indicate that animal and human interactions have mutual benefits for each other. The Center for Counseling and Well-Being manages two therapy dog programs on campus that includes Stress Paws and Broncho Barkers, which was started in 2018. The main goal of the program is to enhance physical and mental health and overall increase the well-being of the students and staff of UCO. The Broncho Barkers have a crowdfunding campaign for the dogs going on. The main goal is to raise enough money to give treats, collars and other goodies. A link to donate will also be at the bottom of the page. The next event is a virtual web seminar that is titled “Establishing a Fund for Anchor Institutions and National Work Initiative: Pursuing Just and Equitable Communities in Light of COVID-19.” David
Maurrasse, the founder and president of Marga Inc., Nancy Cantor, chancellor of Rutgers University-Network, and Paul Pribbenow, president of Augsburg Univerity, will talk about how COVID-19 has affected the community and how to rebuild and turn institutions toward building a better future. Participants must register online for this event from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday and will have an option to take a survey that will earn one hour of engagement credit. Marga Inc. works with The Anchor Institutions Task Force, which is an action-oriented learning community that wants to improve the economic, social and civic health needs of communities. The group has been circulating a policy brief calling for a Fund for Anchor Institutions and a Work Initiative, both of which would create greater alignment between government at all levels and anchor institutions such as UCO toward rebuilding and reimagining communities in the years to come. The speakers will discuss how to strengthen and expand the democratic engagement of anchor institutions in their
Broncho Barkers will kick-off the last week of events on campus during dead week. (Provided/broncho Barkers)
communities.
Make 'dead-week' healthy with a free weeklong bootcamp offered to students at Wellness center Logan Gassett Contributing Writer
UCO’s fitness and training coordinator, Drew Dobney, is organizing a bootcamp from Dec. 6 through Dec. 10 at the Wellness Center, led by instructor and fellow UCO student, Nick Mcelhinny, before students disperse at the end of the semester. The bootcamp will be in room 134 from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and involves calisthenics, such as pullups, push-ups, lunges, and crunches, as well as drills and sprints. The bootcamp workout is a type of interval training, bursts of intense activity alternated with intervals of lighter activity. Dobney said this is not the first time they have offered the classes and they plan on offering them in the spring as well. “We hope that bootcamp will motivate and keep our students healthy year-round. It is one of our most advanced classes but is still open to any level of fitness. We have a great instructor who keeps the class atmosphere upbeat and fun. We encourage everyone to come check it out,” said Dobney. A variety of other free classes are offered throughout the week such as; barre, glutes and abs, kickboxing, yoga, and spin. Participation is based on a first come first served basis and students are required to sanitize equipment before and after each use. Questions for the trainer can be sent to ddobney@ uco.edu.
UCO training and fitness coordinator is offering free bootcamp classs throughout "dead-week" to "motivate" students. (The Vista/Evelyn Stewart)
6 | The Vista
Dec. 7, 2021
Movie Review/Halo
REVIEW
Disney shows the magic of family in ‘Encanto’ Christopher Conner Contributing Writer
“Encanto,” Disney’s 60th animated film, features eight original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also cowrote the story. Set in Colombia, the musical is the second Disney production, but first in its animated line, that uses Latino culture as a central theme after Pixar’s “Coco,” set in Mexico, made over $800 million worldwide following its release in 2017. In a promotional interview for Disney, Miranda explained how he integrated Colombian music into the show. “Colombia has a lot of rich musical traditions within itself that are unique to Colombia, but also there’s an incredible amount of variety,” Miranda said. “Encanto” also was directed by two “Zootopia” directors — Jared Bush and Byron Howard. “Encanto” tells the story of the Madrigal family who has been given special powers from a candle that makes the family’s little house, or “Casita” magic Mirabel Madrigal never received a magical gift, unlike the rest of the family, but ends up going on a quest to save the Casita. The film focuses on family, as well as emphasizing the need for everyone in a family
The film focuses on family, as well as emphasizing the need for everyone in a family to be accepted, no matter what abilities or traits they have. (PROVIDED/DISNEY VIA AP)
to be accepted, no matter what abilities or traits they have. At first, I was skeptical of this movie because the teaser trailer seemed to show that the story was about a family that lived in a magic house. However, the second and official trailer intrigued me because it hinted that the plot would center around a young woman saving her family’s magic from being destroyed by a mysterious force
SPOILERS
The film begins with the abuela,
Alma Madrigal, telling her granddaughter Mirabel about the history of the Casita. After Alma lost her husband, the candle created the Casita to protect not only her three children but also the entire village. While attending her nephew’s miracle ceremony, Mirabel begins to notice cracks in the house, and the candle nearly dying. She resolves to save Casita. Uncle Bruno, who has the power to see the future, realizes that Mirabel will either save the magic, or destroy it. Bruno is unsure because his visions
are never specific. Actually, Bruno left because no one in the family could trust his gifts. Mirabel finds Bruno and asks him to seek a second vision. Mirabel realizes, because of Bruno’s second vision, that she needs to make amends with her sister Isabela to save the magic. Mirabel’s plan almost works, until Abuela gets mad at her for getting involved with her sisters, who have magical powers. The argument results in the house being destroyed, and cracks spread in the streets of the town, as well. Finally, Mirabel and Alma forgive each other and, along with the villagers, they rebuild the Casita. I was surprised by how enjoyable this movie is. There are many surprises that make it more enjoyable to watch. “Encanto” has enough magic, music and drama to make it a great way to start the holiday season. The movie is in theaters now and will begin streaming on Disney+ on Christmas Eve. Kids and even adults will enjoy watching “Encanto” as Disney makes movies that everyone can enjoy, no matter how old you are.
‘Halo: Infinite’ meets expectations for series fans Christopher Lomelin Contributing Writer
Xbox Game Studios released an open beta version of the “Halo Infinite” free-to-play multiplayer mode for Xbox and PC players leading up to the release of the game’s main campaign story mode this Wednesday. With developer 343 Industries at the helm for the sixth entry in the main “Halo” series, the story follows protagonist Master Chief in the ongoing journey to save humanity from alien Covenant forces known as the Banished. Microsoft celebrated the Xbox console’s 20-year anniversary on Nov. 15 via a livestream event when they released the beta version of the game’s online multiplayer mode, much to fan’s surprise and enjoyment. UCO accounting major Grayson Kashwer has been a fan of the video game franchise since the first entry of the series, Halo: Combat Evolved, was released on the original Xbox in 2001. “Basically, one of my youngest memories is going to my uncle’s house and him having [“Halo: CE”] and we just sat down and played it, and ever since
You don’t need an active Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass subscription to play. (Provided/ Xbox website)
that moment, I knew I was hooked. I got an Xbox Series X because I was excited to play Halo,” Kashwer said. Forensics and sociology major Emma Lazdins has said that “Halo” was her introduction into the first-person shooter genre. “I had played other games before, but I was worried about [first-person shooter games] in a way…I didn’t know a lot about them, I thought it was just going around shooting people. That’s all I thought it was. But getting more into it, I realized there’s
a lot more to it than that, and so that was my introduction into FPS games,” Lazdins said. “Halo Infinite” was initially announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2018 with just a teaser trailer. It was not until E3 2019 that the game was confirmed to be a launch title for the yet-to-be-announced next-generation gaming consoles the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. “I just think it’s really cool to see games like ‘Halo’ coming back,” Lazdins said.
Microsoft delayed the release of “Halo Infinite” from late 2020 to late 2021 after being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and receiving criticism after releasing early development gameplay footage in August 2020 of what the new game would look like. “I’m not even sure I would’ve been here day one [for ‘Halo Infinite’] if they weren’t going in the direction they were going in after [Halo] 4 and 5. I liked the story of [‘Halo’] 4, but just about everything else from that point forward I wasn’t excited about,” Kashwer said. As 2021 carried on, social media accounts for “Halo Infinite” and Xbox had been transparent with the changes and improvements to accommodate both franchise loyalists and newcomers. “Looking at everything that’s there, I would say it was definitely worth it delaying the game. It looks so much better than how it looked [in 2020]. Anything I’ve seen from the campaign, it seems like there’s no question about it, it would’ve been not as good if it had launched a year ago,” Kashwer said.
Holiday/Central Pantry/APO
The Vista | 7
Dec. 7, 2021
‘Tis the season: Holiday light displays brighten Oklahoma County Lyric Peterson Copy Editor
Bright, Christmas-themed light displays are popular during the holiday season and Oklahoma hosts many displays throughout the state, but students don’t need to travel far to see some holiday spirit. Edmond’s annual holiday lights display, “Luminance: An Enchanting Stroll,” is a community walk-thru light display event at Mitch Park, east of the baseball fields. “Luminance” is open every evening from 5 to 10 p.m. and will close Jan. 2, 2022. Bricktown lights are shining throughout downtown OKC until Jan. 10, 2022. While walking through Bricktown comes at no cost, Bricktown Water Taxi usually has free water taxi rides but are not able to cover the cost due to lack of sponsors for this year, according to Bricktown Water Taxi. Instead, this year the free holiday rides were replaced by “ArtAfloatOKC,” a showboat caroling cruise and concert series until Dec. 17. Tickets are available on ArtAfloatOKC. com. Automobile Alley, located north of downtown OKC along Broadway Avenue, is open for their sixth annual light display, “Lights on Broadway,” on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring holiday pop-up activities like photos with Santa, live music and giveaways. For more information on holiday events go to downtownindecember.com or visitedmonok.com.
A photo from “Puffs” debut in November. Auditions for the 2022 season performances are now open. (Provided/UCO Theatre Arts)
Spring 2022 auditions for student-led musicals are now open Destini Pittman Holdiay light displays are up in Oklahoma County until early January 2022. (The Vista/Sierra Perkins)
Central Pantry in need of volunteers Aaron Gelvin
Contributing Writer
Applications for students to volunteer at UCO’s Central Pantry during the Spring 2022 semester are open online and are due Dec. 10. Central Pantry is a food pantry for UCO students, faculty and staff. It was established on Nov. 17, 2012, after the university had conversations with the food pantries throughout the Oklahoma City community and was informed about the high number of UCO students utilizing their services. In response to this need, UCO partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to open the first collegiate food pantry in the state. Central Pantry is a choice-model pantry where students can choose which items they’d like to take home, just like at the grocery store. The pantry is staffed completely by volunteers and spring semester shifts will start Jan. 10. The pantry is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located in Room 151 on the first floor of the Nigh University Center. If there is not a volunteer available in the pantry, students can visit the community engagement offices in Room 141 of the NUC. All that is needed to utilize the Central Pantry is proof of current enrollment or employment at UCO and a current client application on file with community engagement. Once a form is on file and approved, clients can use the Central Pantry once per week. The Central Pantry is intended to be used by those at UCO who meet the gross income limits set forth by
Volunteer applications for the Spring 2022 semester are due Dec. 10. (Provided/UCO Central Pantry)
the Oklahoma Emergency Assistance Program (TEFAP) only. These limits are found by calculating 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. All non-perishable food items are accepted as donations. The pantry also holds item-focused food drives throughout the year for items that are typically low on stock.
Contributing Writer
UCO’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society released sign ups for auditions for their student-directed spring musical and one of UCO’s Department of Theatre Arts shows. Auditions for the student directed musical “The Mad Ones,” and the theatre department’s show “Corpus Christi” will take place Jan. 11, 2022 and the sign up sheet for auditions can be found on APOs instagram account @ucotheatreapo. For auditions, students are asked to prepare a one-minute dramatic monologue and a 16-bar cut of a contemporary musical theatre song, according to APO Communications and Social Media Director Ian Wehrenberg. “Auditions for both shows take place at the same time which means when you do audition, you will be auditioning for both shows at once,” said Wehrenberg. “The Mad Ones,” directed by student Tyler Abbott, follows a woman named Samantha Brown as she faces her future and the choice between following in her mother’s footsteps or exploring a new path. APO allows students to direct shows each year. This year, junior theatre performance major Bellah Crawford directed a production of “The Shadowbox” where all performances were sold out. “Placing student artists in central positions in the arts on campus allows for creative growth that exceeds anything that could be achieved in a normal classroom setting.” said Wehrenberg. For more information about APO and the UCO theatre department, follow them on Instagram @ucotheatreapo.
8 | The Vista
Dec. 7, 2021
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