Volume 119, Issue 14
INSIDE
the
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022
UCO changes emergency protocols Logan Gassett
Contributing Writer
Basketball
The winning streak continues for the Bronchos as they deafeat Northeastern State Riverhawks. See Pg. 7
UCO plans to update the emergency procedures provided in each classroom, using QR codes to aid students in the case of an emergency. Alongside the QR codes posted on the wall will also be arrows directing students to the nearest evacuation route and severe weather shelter. Norman Nieves, director of emergency management, plans on making this switch during the spring semester but originally planned on this development before the COVID-19 shutdown which placed the update on hold. In the case of an emergency, a QR code would allow students to find a route to safety quicker than flipping through the pages of the single binder provided in a classroom. Nieves has served in his role of director for 14 years and through the years has organized a variety of emergency procedures that are available to students and faculty in red binders placed in the classrooms around campus. Each procedure has its own plan with specific duties and responsibilities for staff and faculty. The procedures are updated after every drill with an “After Action” report, which UCO changes their emergency procedures to include QR codes Continued on Pg. 3
‘Spider-Man’ review
There is “No Way Home” in this action-filled comedy. Check out the latest Marvel installment. See Pg. 4
Photo Club Photo Club will be selling T-shirts on campus, and there will be more events to come this semester. See Pg. 6
Around Campus UCO hosts Hot Topics and Hot Chocolate to get to know your peer health leaders. See Pg. 2
students can use that provides a faster response time to emergencies. (The Vista/ Madalyn Nix)
Budget shortfall to be addressed this spring
there is no amount of increase that is expected for spring that would address the full $15 million gap,” Neuhold-RaJust before the fall semester endvikumar said. “It’s not fun to hear.” ed, staff and faculty senate met with Official plans on budgetary deciUCO President sions and faculty layoffs Patti Neuhold-Rawill not be decided until vikumar to discuss “mid-spring,” Simmons what the next year said, as the universiwill look like with ty plans the budget in projected budMarch. get cuts. Initially, Some members of the the university atsenate voiced confusion tempted to reduce about released budgetoperational budary reports, and how the gets, like materials $15 million figure came and nonessential to be. The President said resources, but it the university has used did not fill the gap cash from “fees leftover” needed to solve the and the capital fund to $15 million budget fill this gap—but the deficit. money is running out. “At some point “If there is surplus you have to have Official plans on budgetary decisions and faculty layoffs will not be decided until and we are needing to a reckoning, that “mid-spring,” Simmons said, as the university plans the budget in March. (The offset the loss of perit costs a certain Vista/ Michaela Todd) sonnel, this would be a amount of monplace that we go to to ey to just do the in a position where we recognize that say, ‘Hey, could this buy us some time,’ work, and the cost of doing business,” further cuts means that we’re looking which is what has happened over the Neuhold-Ravikumar said. “You can at faculty lines,” Simmons said. last six years,” Neuhold-Ravikumar reduce and reduce and reduce, but at Neuhold-Ravikumar said faculty said. “It’s been used as a way to buy some point, you can’t reduce anymore and staff are encouraged to see this time, which might not be a satisfactowithout not being able to do your job as an upcoming reality. She said she ry answer to you, but that’s what has — and that is where we are.” doesn’t want faculty to have “false happened.” In the faculty senate meeting on hope” that an increase in enrollment When asked about plans for Dec. 9, Provost Charlotte Simmons will solve the budget issues. said the same. “I believe I can safely tell you that Continued on Pg. 3 Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
“This last year was not the first year that we had cuts, but this is actually moving into the sixth year that we’ve had cuts or maybe more. And so that’s why, for Academic Affairs, we are now
2 | The Vista
Jan. 11, 2022
to 11 a.m. at the Clock Tower, booths will be set up to offer students insights on ways to get involved. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Winter Welcome Week - UCO Ice Skating at Mitch Park: From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Edmond Ice Rink at Mitch Park, Winter Welcome Week will be paying for the first 100 students to ice skate.
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022
Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022
Coffee with Cadets: The Broncho Battalion at UCO is hosting this event from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the seating area next to Starbucks in the Nigh University Center. The UCO ROTC will engage with the UCO community by providing free coffee to students.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company: This performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100.
Hot Topics and Hot Chocolate: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Nigh University Center food court, get to know your peer health leaders.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
Winter Blues & BBQ at Ayers Kitchen: From 11 a.m to 2 p.m., Ayers Kitchen will be serving up winter BBQ cuisine and a s’mores bar.
Hockey game: UCO competes against Colorado State University at 7:30 p.m. at Arctic Edge Ice Arena, located at 14613 N. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. Tickets are $5 with UCO ID and $7 for all others.
Winter Involvement Fair: From 10
Around Campus
Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 Garrett Jacobson Jazz Collective: This performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. Hockey game: UCO competes against Colorado State University at 7:30 p.m. at Arctic Edge Ice Arena, located at 14613 N. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. Tickets are $5 with UCO ID and $7 for all others.
VISTA
Staff
Madalyn Nix Ainsley Martinez Brandon Dale Hollye Carroll Sam Royka Graycee Hubbard Sierra Perkins Manuela Soldi Logan Gassett Michaela Todd Asia Allen George Lang
Advertise with us!
Editor-in-Chief/Photographer Managing Editor Sports Editor Reporter Reporter Photographer Photographer Photographer Contributing Writer Social Media Coordinator Advertising Sales Adviser
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
Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Wellness Wednesday at Ayers Kitchen: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ayers Kitchen is serving dishes that offer immunity-boosting benefits.
Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TEDxWomen: From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, Heritage Room 326, TEDxUCO will stream the TEDxWomen event and have snacks.
Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 MLK Day of Service 2022: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Community Engagement invites you to participate in volunteering with non-profit community partners to provide a morning of direct service in our OKC metro community. For more information, call (405) 974-2623. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is
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.
the
offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond,from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Midnight Garden Opening Reception: This event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Melton Gallery.
Front Pg. Teaser Photos, from top: The Vista/Madalyn Nix Provided/Sony Pictures Provided/F/64 Photo Society Provided/Vista Archives
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.
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@ucentralmedia.com.
Jan. 11, 2022
Budget/Emergency
The Vista | 3
Magic is the forefront in ‘A Discovery of Witches’ that other witches, vampires, and creatures have been looking for for centuries. She finds herself trusting a French scientist Matthew DeClermont, played by Matthew Goode, who as they team up to search for the lost book, the book of life, fall in love in a world that bans such a union. Time travel, a discriminated world, and human
denial are topics that are put in the spotlight in both the books and TV series. “A Discovery of Witches” government, the Congregation, for centuries has Witches, vampires, and demons: Not a new conkept all creatures from mingling with each other, cept for a modern science fiction tale. However, keeping everyone in their closed groups. It refusmuch more is confronted, showcased, and reflects es to change as the world has. Diana and Matthew, modern day struggles of both individuals and soalong with their family and allies, look to change ciety through characters that we can that so all creatures can live in harmony all appreciate. Deborah Harkness, the and peace with humans. author of the “A Discovery of WitchHarkness published the series in 2011 es” trilogy and All Souls series, creatyet the themes in this story couldn’t ed a captivating world that is anything reflect more of present day society. like Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” saga. Parallelism amongst minority groups, This story is for the grown ups. mental health, dictatorship, and much more can leave viewers feeling sympathetic for most of the characters in this series. It’s a fictional world, but the iro“A Discovery of Witches” centers ny is anything but. around Diana Bishop, portrayed on The third and final season of “A Disscreen by Teresa Palmer, a witch who covery of Witches” is currently playing. has denied herself of her powers and New episodes come out every Saturday. identity most of her life. A successful “A Discovery of Witches” can be professor of history and alchemy, her The third and final season of “A Discovery of Witches” is currently playing. New ep- streamed on AMC+, Sundance Now, world turns to chaos when she un- isodes come out every Saturday. It can be streamed on AMC+, Sundance Now, and and Shudder. knowingly calls up an old manuscript Shudder. (Provided/ Bad Wolf Productions) Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
SPOILERS
Plans for budget to be discussed this spring
Faculty and staff meeting largely highlights budget deficit issues, and will presumably continue as the annual budget report comes out this spring. (The Vista/ Michaela Todd) Continued from Pg. 1
financial exigency, which declares a financial crisis equivalent to collegiate bankruptcy that “threatens the survival of the institution as a whole,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said there are no plans to do so. “There are no plans for declaring financial exigency. In fact, we’re working as a university to find a path this year to get us out of this situation and keep us away from that option.
Everything we’re doing, as painful as it is, is an intention to get us off away from that cliff edge,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. The plan, Neuhold-Ravikumar said, is to use the remaining money wisely and introduce greater budgetary cuts to help curb the issue. The message coming out of these meetings seems to be one of accepting the crisis and gaining resilience. “We want to get as much input and feel as
good as a division as we can about the ultimate decisions that we’re going to make. Please understand that I know no matter what we do, if it involves one person, one job, it’s going to be utterly, absolutely heartbreaking,” Simmons said. These meetings took place after an invitation-only Q&A meeting between the president and faculty senate discussing budget concerns on Dec. 3. The next will be held Jan. 13.
UCO plans to update the emergency procedures provided in each classroom to QR codes instead to aid students quicker in the case of an emergency. (The Vista/ Madalyn Nix)
QR codes used for student aid Continued from Pg. 1
which is a debrief with the cabinet to discuss how to improve the drill performed. When the switch takes place in Spring 2022, the emergency procedures will be updated with more ease after each report. Although the binder strategy is being replaced, it has been a reliable system through the years that has been adopted by other
education systems such as OCCC and Francis Tuttle. If students have not already, Nieves said he recommends those on campus sign up for campus alerts on their cellphones to stay informed and protected in similar situations or worse. Further details on shelters and safety procedures can be found on the UCO website under public safety.
4 | The Vista
Movie Reviews
Jan. 11, 2022
‘No Way Home’ spins satisfying story for saga
the subplot, the movie really starts to shine. Marvel ramps up the “multiple universes” theme, and uses this magical mistake to bring back memorable characters from the previous Spider-Man series to When Thanos’ snap in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinithis new timeline—particularly the villains. Norty War wiped off half of the world’s man Osbourne’s Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) population, including Spider-Man’s from the 2002 Spider-Man and Electro (Jamie own Peter Parker, the second inFoxx) from the 2014 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 stallment of actor Tom Holland’s return with three other villains from the series. Spider-Man series left off eight This makes a drawn-out franchise feel new and years after the population returned. fun, but No Way Home definitely caters to the Spider-Man: No Way Home keeps Marvel fan. The nostalgia peaks for avid watchers with this plotline and picks up when actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield from its predecessor, Spider-Man: pop up on the big-screen to assume their former Far From Home. The previous roles. There’s a certain chumminess between the film ends in Times Square, where three Spider-Men and villains that is satisfying, Parker’s identity as Spider-Man has and the line between hero and villain becomes been revealed, and No Way Home less defined (in a good way). resumes at that exact place in time. Spider-Man: No Way Home keeps to the MarThe playful nature of the franchise vel formula of quick wit, charming sentiment and caters to younger audiences in more high action. While some movies promote critical ways than it seems, and the use of Spider-Man: No Way Home keeps to the Marvel formula of quick wit, charm- thought and reading into symbolism, No Way continuity in the films provides ing sentiment and high action. (Provided/ Marvel Studios) Home is simply for the pleasure of entertainment. a more television-like feel in the Garfield’s character got his redemption by saving a growing age of streaming and binge-watching. into Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and falling MJ, something he could not do with his girlBut the series runs into a repeated problem that proceeds to ask wizard Dr. Strange (Benedict Cum- friend Gwen (Emma Stone) in The Amazing paramounts in No Way Home: the loss of high berbatch) to cast a spell that would make everyone Spider-Man, and Maguire’s Spider-Man gave stakes. How can anything compare to the world forget he is Spider-Man. But Parker learns fast: you grieving advice to a young Peter Parker after almost ending a few years prior? The revelation of can’t have your cake and eat it too. He wants to pick losing his uncle in Spider-Man 2. The series Parker’s secret identity causes public uproar and an and choose who knows he is Spider-Man, like his remains lighthearted in all the ways it used to, FBI investigation into Parker and his acquaintances, girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and his Aunt May (Marisa and although it probably won’t be the last we but the seriousness of this conflict falls flat within Tomei), and ultimately causes complications to the see of Peter Parker, the dialogue and touching 20 minutes of the 2 ½ hour movie. Yes, a brick was spell. moments made the film feel like the last epithrown through his bedroom window (by an evAs the errored spell and its repercussions consume sode of a long-running television series: warm eryday, disgruntled New York resident), but that is the narrative, and Parker’s revealed identity becomes and familiar. Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
SPOILERS
nothing compared to the intergalactic battles with the big, purple alien Thanos. Of course, the FBI investigation is not a light conflict, but Parker treats it as such. He becomes more concerned about its implications for his friends’ college acceptances
‘Don’t Look Up’ warns against climate change denial Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in December 2019, the world has fallen into a chaotic climate of anti-science, anti-media, anti-anything that goes against personal belief. The dark satire of “Don’t Look Up,” directed by Adam McKay, exposes the truth about false narratives that deny scientific and political facts.
SPOILERS
“Don’t Look Up” begins with Kate, an astronomy graduate student played by Jennifer Lawrence, who discovers that a comet is headed toward Earth. Her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), and other science colleagues, calculate that when the asteroid hits Earth, it will wipe out all humanity. With evidence of their discovery, they tell the President of the United States, President Orlean, played by Meryl Streep, in hopes of her believing them and taking military action to save the planet. President Orlean and her chief of staff son, played by Jonah Hill, laugh at the absurdity of the situation and dismiss them. In another effort to warn the public, Kate and Dr. Mindy appear on live TV to talk about the situation. The TV hosts, played by Tyler Perry and Cate Blanchett, do not take their warning seriously. This pattern of trying to convince the public
that the scientific evidence proves fact and truth continues through the rest of the film until the comet does indeed hit the Earth. The number of iconic stars cast in this film was assembled in hopes of grabbing all of their fans and audiences for an important message. The efforts of reaching as many people as possible to get the message across is clear, and some were more successful than others. Ariana Grande’s character, a pop star, could’ve been left out; the character did contribute to the plot at all. Her absence did not impact anything besides revenue for the “Just Look Up” single. The humor in the film attempts to bring attention to the real-life catastrophic events we are facing. As an American, this film is embarrassing because it exposes the reality of our behavior, actions, and ignorance regarding politics, health and science. DiCaprio’s ability to create humor through his extremely nervous and stressed character carried the film. Streep’s authoritarian demeanor was well played, another strength in McKay’s favor. Overall, the intention of the film is captivating. Almost everyone and everything has its place and purpose. It forces viewers to open their eyes and see the similarities between our world and this fictional one, which, if you think about it, isn’t entirely fictional. “Don’t Look Up” is currently in theatres and streaming on Netflix.
Actors Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence star as atronomers who deal with a threat to civilization, while trying to convince the public of the severity of these issues. “Don’t Look Up” is currently in theatres and streaming on Netflix. (Niko Tavernise/ Netflix via AP)
Editorial/March of Dimes
Jan. 11, 2022
The Vista | 5
Editorial
We must never forget Jan. 6, 2021 Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
Last Thursday, the United States, as well as the rest of the world, reflected on the one year anniversary of Jan. 6: The day of the insurrection at the United States Capitol. UCO was still on winter break when it happened. I was working at my grandpa’s car dealership down in McAlester, Oklahoma. I looked out at the TV in the break room and saw the chaos and horrifying footage of what was happening; A huge crowd of non-peaceful protesters breaking windows, assaulting Capitol police officers, yelling and screaming profanities. I had the same emotions as so many people: Shock, confusion, fear, and anger. The insurrection revealed the danger of misinformation and conspiracy. (Brent Stirton/ These protesters stormed the U.S. Getty Images) Capitol in hopes of stopping the certification of President Joe Biden’s try anymore,” Trump said. More than 700 people have been arelectoral votes, attempting to, as they During the attack, Trump told rested for their roles in the attack. Five chanted, “stop the steal.” his supporters, “I know your pain. I people have died and over 140 officers They were answering the call from know your hurt. We love you. You’re suffered injuries. former President Donald Trump. very special. You’ve seen what hapThe Justice Department is still inTrump held a rally near the White pens. You’ve seen the way others are vestigating the attack on the Capitol, House earlier that day. He told the treated… I know how you feel, but go which is the largest in U.S. history. cheering crowd, “We will never give home, and go home in peace.” Last Wednesday, Attorney Generup. We will never concede. We fight That audacity leaves me speechless. al Merrick Garland vowed to hold all like hell. And if you don’t fight like The delusion of the whole thing I can- those who are responsible for the inhell, you’re not going to have a coun- not begin to understand. surrection at the U.S. Capitol account-
able, whether they were physically there or not. On the anniversary of the attack, President Biden said, “You can’t love your country only when you win.” The insurrection revealed the danger of misinformation and conspiracy. The false claims of election fraud and our country being “stolen” put our entire democracy at risk of being no more. We have a legal system that works. The system is run by the people we elect. We do everything we can to give everyone the chance to vote for those who represent us and make decisions. This senseless event was the result of those who do not understand what the Constitution protects. Just because your candidate did not win does not mean that the election was stolen. It means the country made its decision. What happened on Jan. 6, 2021 should never happen again. Our democracy depends on that. The government is elected by the people, for the people. The U.S. Constitution protects law and order. The insurrection was the result and example of what happens when we forget what that means.
March of Dimes: Project Alex highlights infant loss Logan Gassett
Contributing Writer
March of Dimes has helped almost 3,000 Oklahoma families in the past three years through a bereavement gift called Alex Boxes for families experiencing infant loss. Laurie Applekamp, associate director, said, “We fight for the health of all moms and babies, particularly preterm babies that are being born too soon...We might do some of those extra things to make the families feel more special and cared for and not forgotten.” Alex Boxes started in October 2018 with co-founders and former employees Ashlie Wilhelm and Jennifer Lacy. “My family and I hold a special place in our hearts for the March of Dimes organization,” wrote Wilhelm in a letter included in Alex Boxes. “Our twins, Alex and John, were born at just 22 and 23 weeks in 2011. Even after the loss of our daughter, Alex, our son, John spent four months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. This experience allowed for us to learn
how the March of Dimes provides families during their time of need, as well as the hospitals that save so many...I needed a special place to hold the memories of baby Alex. “She couldn’t be home with us, but we now have a beautiful box to open again and again, looking at reminders of her and touching gifts made for her by others,” she wrote. “Project Alex has become a way to help families like yours to have a keepsake you can add to; a special space in your home for your child who has angel wings instead of feet on the ground. We hope it remains a wonderful gift for your family.” Along with the letter from Wilhelm, the boxes include items such as a small stuffed angel bear, a hand knit hat and blanket, a poem, an ornament, and a seed packet for a “memory garden.” “There is nothing worse than leaving the hospital without your baby,” Lacy said. Being sent home with nothing but paperwork and a death certificate is not OK. Project Alex boxes gives families a chance to leave with something more tangible. Our hope is
that these boxes will provide comfort to families dealing with the unimaginable.” The boxes are available in 50-55 hospitals in Oklahoma that have level three NICU’s except for OU Children's Hospital, but Applekamp is hopeful that they will partner in 2022. “My goal would be that we can go take Alex Boxes to any hospital,” said Applekamp. MOD also provides parent care kits, sibling bags, and antenatal bags, which are for families expecting a baby. UCO students in the child development classes are required to do an internship with a nonprofit organizaThe organization is in need of volunteers to tion and March of Dimes is an option. fill boxes. (Provided/Logan Gassett) Miriam Olson and Hannah Fiewig are pandemic. current interns from UCO who have helped by assembling boxes and hangThe organization is in need of voluning up flyers around campus. According to Applekamp, interns teers to fill boxes and deliver them to also are involved with fundraising events such as walks in Oklahoma hospitals. To sign up or find out more, including, “Heroes in Action” where nurses are recognized statewide for visit, https://www.marchofdimes.org/ their expertise in their field. However, this year’s walk is canceled due to the or visit their Facebook page.
6 | The Vista
Jan. 11, 2022
Photo Society/Death Penalty
F/64 Photo Society focuses on expansion Sam Royka Reporter
UCO’s photography club, F/64 Photo Society, is selling T-shirts to raise funds and looking for more participation for its new spring semester plans. The Vista spoke with Cam Abel, a senior in the photographic arts program and president of F/64. “We have two separate designs that will be available as short and long sleeve shirts as well as pullover hoodies. Our shirts and hoodies will be available in multiple colors. We plan on using an online storefront to sell shirts so that they can be delivered to your door and ordered online,” said Abel. However, shirts are not the only news in store for the spring at F/64. “The society’s spring semester plans include a bake sale in the works and another photoshoot event similar to the Powder Paint Photoshoot we hosted in November,” Abel said. The first meeting of the semester will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 in Room 104 of the Mass Communications building. “We plan on continuing our monthly photo contests, adding more photo shoots, and possibly a club photo trip. This will be discussed at our back-toschool meeting,” said Jesse Miller, professor of photography and advisor of F/64. “Students can join by attending a meeting, reaching out to one of our officers or myself via email or on our
club’s social media. Faculty, staff and the community are welcome to join and participate as well,” Miller said. Miller enjoys being the F/64 advisor because it “is a great way to encourage and educate photography outside of the classroom. Many who participate have an interest in photography but have not taken a class on it. The club allows us to share our passion and introduce what photographers do through fun events.” When asked about a favorite part of the society, Abel said it “would have to be the community it has formed.” However, Abel has more than one favorite part. “All of our members are passionate about photography and have their own distinct view and approach to photography,” Abel said. “Whenever someone needs help with a project or has questions about photography, they have a supportive group of likeminded people who can help them come up with ideas and improve on the work they have.” Joining a student organization is one of the most common ways to get involved on campus and make new friends, he said. “The F/64 photo society is a very welcoming club filled with members who are passionate about what they do. Anyone who has an interest in photography is welcome to join, we don’t care if you’ve been taking pictures for years or have never held a camera in your life. If you are interested in learning more about photogra-
“The F/64 photo society is a very welcoming club filled with members who are passionate about what they do.” (Provided/F/64 Photo Society)
phy or improving your skills, the F/64 Photo Society will be a great club to join and a great community for growing as a photographer,” Abel said. There will be photography events continuing throughout the spring semester. “If you have an interest in photography and want to find out more about it, it’s a great introduction. It is also a way to meet, talk, and do activities with others who like doing photography,” Miller said.
Miller said that the club is rebuilding “after some down years due to club officers graduating and COVID, so we would love to have more participation.” “We are always looking for new ideas for F/64 and we would encourage interested people to come to a meeting and tell us what they would like to learn or activities they would like to participate with in photography.”
U.S. attitude on the death penalty is evolving Sam Royka Reporter
Virginia abolished the death penalty in March 2021, the first of the Southern states to do so. So far, a total of 23 states have prohibited capital punishment. With some states placing formal moratoriums on executions and two inmates receiving clemency in the last year, the climate surrounding the penalty is shifting. A Gallup poll from 1995 found that 80% of Americans supported the death sentence for a person convicted of murder, while a poll from last year showed only 54% in favor of the punishment. In Oklahoma, last year closed out with clemency for Julius Jones on the day of his scheduled execution on Nov. 18. The next scheduled executions in Oklahoma are Donald Grant on Jan. 27 and Gilbert Postelle on Feb. 17. There are currently 43 Oklahoma
inmates on death row. Nationwide, that number is around 2,500. An NPR analysis of data from 216 autopsies of inmates executed by lethal injection showed fluid in the lungs in 84% of cases. Fluid in the lungs, also called pulmonary edema, can feel like drowning or suffocation. Two bills introduced last January sought to abolish capital punishment in the United States, but these bills did not pass. In February 2021, the Death Penalty Information Center found through data analysis that the U.S. was at its longest break between excecutions in 40 years. Executions have since continued, with the most recent U.S. execution being that of Bigler Stouffer in Oklahoma last month. In 2010, a survey from the Treatment Advocacy Board found that there are more mentally ill people incarcerated than in hospitals.
The Vista spoke with Erin Ferma, a clinical and forensic psychologist who has conducted forensic psychological evaluations for the courts since 2006. “There’s a lot of people on death row for crimes that were committed who are mentally ill or mentally disabled and that’s something we’re very unaware of as a country,” Ferma said. A 2017 special report from the Dept. of Justice showed that 37% of prisoners and 44% of jail inmates had been told in the past by a mental health professional that they had a mental disorder. This statistic represents only those who have been previously diagnosed. “The number goes up if we count the ones who don’t know they’re mentally ill, or haven’t been diagnosed, or become mentally ill as a result of being in the prison system,” Ferma said. “Our prisons are not built for that population, and so they end up getting
worse.” She said the U.S. prison system needs more resources available for mental health. “We don’t have a lot of resources that are allocated for mental health because we don’t take it seriously out here. It’s stigmatized still in our country, and so they get released eventually, and then they have no resources, they have no place to go, and then they reoffend,” she said, calling it a “revolving door situation.” “Education regarding mental health should be a really big focus point,” Ferma said, “We have a lot of mentally ill people who are being criminalized simply for the fact that they are mentally ill.”
Basketball
Jan. 11, 2022
The Vista | 7
Winning streak continues for the Bronchos Brandon Dale Sports Editor
UCO basketball put on a show Thursday with victories over Northeastern State as the men and women beat the Riverhawks by double digits at Hamilton Field House. The women’s team beat Northeastern State 69-52, stretching their home winning streak to 6-0. Senior forward Kelsey Johnson led the way, scoring 20 points in 23 minutes, delivering the Lady Bronchos their 11th win in a row against the Riverhawks, giving them a 9-5 record on the season and a 5-3 record in conference play. The men’s team beat Northeastern State 80-65, led by junior forward Camryn Givens who scored 23 points, which is their eighth win in a row, all by double-digits. This season, the men’s squad is now 12-2 overall and 7-1 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Association. With a new semester underway, the Vista will preview the players from both teams to watch out for this spring as the Bronchos look to maintain their winning ways. Head Coach Guy Hardaker has two players on his team who are Top 20 in the MIAA in scoring, Kelsey Johnson and sophomore forward Alayzha Knapp. Johnson is a 6-foot-3 senior forward out of Washington, Oklahoma. She is scoring 19.8 points per game on 55 percent shooting while averaging ten rebounds per contest. Johnson also averages 7.2 field goals and five free throws per game while shooting 86 percent from the line and has only missed 11 free throws on the
No. 22 Aliyah Llanusa brings the ball up the court against Rogers State on Saturday. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi)
year. The Lady Bronchos forward is a shot-blocking machine with 0.9 blocks per game, giving her 13 on the season while logging a team-high of 28.6 minutes per game. If these stats aren’t impressive enough, the outstanding forward has eclipsed the 30-point mark twice this season. Johnson scored 32 points against Harding and 30 against Newman. Knapp, the 6-foot-2 transfer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock plays the forward position. Knapp averages 11 points per game for the Lady Bronchos and played high school basketball at Tulsa Union. Hardaker also points to Ailyah Llanusa as a breakout player this season, becoming a top guard due to her off-season improvements. Llanusa is a
Callen Haydon shoots during the winning game against Newman on Jan. 3. (The Vista/Madalyn Nix)
5-foot-7 sophomore guard from Choctaw, Oklahoma, averaging 7.7 points per contest. “This is a team that is getting better every day. We play up to 12 kids a game with an up-tempo style of play, hoping we can make a run at the conference race and NCAA Tournament,” Hardaker said. The men’s basketball team is rollng right now as they have not lost a game since Dec. 2. They are also an impressive 9-0 at Hamilton Field House on the season. Head Coach Bob Hoffman says the Bronchos lead the league in scoring with an average of 85 points per game. Hoffman states the current roster’s camaraderie plays a significant role in the team’s success. “I am most proud of our guys and
their ability to get one another excited to play the game of basketball.” Isaiah Wade, Camryn Givens, and Callen Haydon are a few of these guys looking to have a breakout season. Wade is a 6-foot-7, 225-pound senior forward out of Oklahoma City. He averages 19.3 points per game on 12.1 attempts with 9.2 rebounds. Wade is also scorching from beyond the arc, averaging close to 59 percent from the 3-point line on the season. He has been the MIAA player of the week once already this season. Givens, the 6-foot-6, 205-pound junior from McKinney, Texas, was also named MIAA Player of the week. He averages 16.1 points per contest, adding to his 5.9 rebounds per game. Callen Haydon, ranked 20th in the nation in assists is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound guard out of El Reno, Oklahoma. Haydon averages 12.9 points per game to go along with 5.7 assists which is a team-high. Jaden Wells, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound guard from Hurst, Texas, averages 14.2 points on the season to give the Bronchos four players averaging double digits in scoring this season. Givens, Wade, and Haydon are the other three players in this category. Coach Hoffman encourages more students to come out and watch some games while Bronchos look to maintain their home winning streak. There are undoubtedly many players to watch out for this season, whether the Lady Bronchos or Bronchos. Come check out the Bronchos and Lady Bronchos Jan. 20 when they take on Northwest Missouri at Hamilton Fieldhouse.
Kelsey Johnson lead the Lady Bronchos with 24 points on Jaden Wells dribbles down the court against Newman Saturday against Rogers State. (The Vista/Manuela Soldi) on Jan. 3. (The Vista/Madalyn Nix)
8 | The Vista
Jan. 11, 2022
GO TO SCHOOL AND SERVE PART-TIME CLOSE TO HOME
The Army National Guard is the ultimate learning experience. Think about it: We’ll help you pay for college, train you in a valuable new career, and put you in position to serve your community in times of need. And it is part-time. Where else can you get all that?
Visit nationalguard.com/ok
Programs and Benefits Subject to Change
Ad