Volume 116, Issue 17
the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista
Tuesday, July 03, 2018
Standing in Solidarity with the Capital Gazette Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Editor-In-Chief
Five journalists were killed last Thursday in a shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. What provoked their killer, Jarrod Ramos, to shoot his way into their newsroom armed with a shotgun and smoke grenades? The newspaper’s coverage of a harassment lawsuit filed against him in 2011, coverage he decried as defamation. The victims identified in the attack were Gerald Fischman, editorial page writer; Rob Hiaasen, assistant editor and columnist; John McNamara, staff sports writer; Wendi Winters, community correspondent and head of special publications; and Rebecca Smith, sales assistant. The Vista sends our sincerest condolences to the journalists affected by this shooting, as well as their A child looks at the five crosses representing the journalist killed, at a makeshift memorial outside the office building housing The family and friends. We also express Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Md., on Sunday, July 1, 2018. Prosecutors say 38-year-old Jarrod W. Ramos opened fire our sincerest admiration for that Thursday in the Capital Gazette newsroom killing five journalist. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) newsroom’s resilience and dedication the American people. in the face of such a tragedy, as they they disagree. And this impacts not slain: Gerald Fischman, Rob HiaasWe are aware of the widespread proceeded to print their newspaper just the major news networks, but en, John McNamara,Wendi Winters use of the term ‘fake news’ not the following day. smaller outlets as well. and Rebecca Smith. We continue only for those websites blatantly Our colleagues at the Capital GaLike the Annapolis Capital Gawith the same determination as the spreading fake headlines, but also zette are victims of a lone gunman. zette, the majority of journalists and Capital Gazette and the rest of our They are, perhaps, victims of Ameri- for legitimate and respected media media outlets in this nation are local. colleagues across the nation to report outlets whose only crime is reporting Amongst these journalists there is no ca’s increasing gun violence. Undeon regardless of cries of defamation on political agendas with which they niably, they are victims of a growing objective to push a political agenda, and fake news. hostility to free press and profession- may not agree. but rather a passion to report on the Democracy is nothing without a This hostility to journalists on the al journalism. communities they live in. To cover free press and journalism not only basis of political partisanship not As student journalists, we at The the high school sports teams, the city serves the vital role of keeping Vista are well-aware of the rigors and only fuels America’s growing politcouncils, the local elections, the local Americans well-informed, but also ical divide, it encourages Jarrod Rainherent dangers of the profession to crimes and the local heroes. in serving as a watchdog on behalf mos and others like him to cry ‘defwhich we aspire. Yet we are increasWe at The Vista stand in solidarity of the American public. Because, ingly aware of the new challenges, of amation’ and ‘fake news’ whenever with the journalists at the Capital Gaultimately, journalism is our words, there is media coverage with which journalists being labeled enemies of zette. We stand in memory of those your voice.
This photo combination shows the victims of the shooting in the newsroom of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md., on Thursday, June 28, 2018. From left, John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Rob Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman and Rebecca Smith. (The Baltimore Sun via AP)
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July 3, 2018
the
VISTA
CONTENTS
International House.............................................................3 Travel Ban/Parking..............................................................4 NBA Free Agents.................................................................5 Freshman/Oregon State......................................................6 Bucking Broncho.................................................................7
STAFF
Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Regan Rosson Megan Thele Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Rani Spindle Austein Brown Savannah Melher Cici Simon James Jackson Derek Parker Travis Wilson Teddy Burch
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Contents
International House
July 3, 2018
3
UCO’s International House To Go Global Katie Standlee
@katiestandlee Managing Editor
Edmond’s International House at Central Plaza could be recognized as the 18th international house in the world by International House World Wide after seeking recognition through an intensive application and review process. “We have an opportunity, and we have an organic opportunity, in which our location is properly placed across the street from a great university who has a great vision of bringing international visitors to get a college education,” said Will Rhodes, director of the International House at Central Plaza. The process to become recognized started this last spring according to Jared Scism, assistant director of International Programming, which started with an application process. If the application is approved, the international house will be reviewed by a committee. Depending on the reviewing committees’ results, the international house will have to send officials to go to a conference to give a presentation. If their presentation is approved, the committee will come review the international house in person. Scism said that the entire process could take about a year or two, but that it depends on how in-depth the worldwide program will go. “At the end of the day, we seek it out (recognition from International House Worldwide) because it’s a great organization with likeminded
Edmond’s International House at Central Plaza recentrly rebranded itself as The International House ahead of applying to be recognized as the 18th official international house in the world. The process is expected to take one to two year (Reagon Rosson/ The Vista)
people who have training programs, who have a wonderful history and we want to be a part of it,” Rhodes said. Several big-name universities are recognized by this worldwide program, one of those being the University of California, Berkeley. “It’s a lot of the big-name schools that are popular in the United States that have international houses (that are recognized by the program) and so it would look very good for UCO to be recognized with top schools like those,” Scism said. According to Scism, UCO would be one of the first schools to be recognized in the Midwest. The closest international house to UCO that is recognized by the worldwide program is in Northern Arizona. The International House at Central
UCO’s International House Offices are located within the International House at Central Plaza. The office provides support for UCO’s international student population. (Reagon Rosson/The Vista)
Plaza is a housing option for both international students and domestic students. However, this building is not affiliated with UCO’s Housing and Dining. Scism said that the international house currently is 80 percent international students and 20 percent domestic students, and only students can live there. UCO’s International House used to have a location on Chowning Street in an old fraternity house, but in May 2017, UCO’s International House moved their offices into the International House at Central Plaza as it was being remodeled. “The event space is huge,” Scism said. “We can host events that can hold up to 300 people and the fact that a lot of international students live here increases the international student participation in activities, which helps retention.” Rhodes said that the way they place residents is by getting to know them on a personal level, it is about making sure they are comfortable while pursuing their education. “Very few when they move in here ever leave until they graduate, our
retention rate is close to 90 percent,” Rhodes said. According to Rhodes, the remodel of the building started two and a half years ago on the top floor. He said every piece of sheet rock and carpet was changed and the walls were repainted. “Basically we have taken this building and revamped the whole thing,” Rhodes said. Scism and Rhodes said the event areas in the International House at Central Plaza are open to all student organizations and groups on campus that would like to come rent them out for free. Those reservations can be made through on the International House page on UCO’s website. Currently the International House Worldwide recognizes 17 other international houses and the complete list of those, as well as more information about the program, can be found on their website. “I think the ultimate goal is to provide safe living for students seeking higher education, and promote global competency while they’re here,” Rhodes said.
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July 3, 2018
Travel Ban/Parking
Students Concerned After Travel Ban Reinstated Evelyn Stewart @evehynn Reporter
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump’s travel ban June 26, which would prevent citizens of seven countries to enter the United States. The seven countries affected include: Somalia, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen and Venezuela. Olivia Woods, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Department of State, said the Supreme Court issued a decision regarding Presidential Proclamation 9645. They ruled that the proclamation was a lawful exercise of the president’s authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act. While UCO does not have many students from these seven countries it has still caused concerns for international students, according to Dennis Dunham, executive director of UCO’s Office of Global Affairs. Dunham said that students who wish to travel back to their homes would be signed off on an I-20, a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status, which would be used to enter back into the United States after students visit their home. “There might be some scrutiny when they come back, but they will
be able to [come back],” Dunham said According to Dunham, the enrollment has gone down for international student because of these the Trump administration’s attempts to appeal the stay on the travel ban, but students do not understand the implications. Some students are afraid that the travel ban will affect their visas, but Dunham explained that student visas will not be affected. As long as an international student works in their field of study, students can receive an Optional Practical Training, which is a temporary visa that will allow students to work after graduation, according to Dunham. An OPT usually lasts about twelve to thirty-four months. After the visa expires it is up to the company employing the international student if they want to sponsor them for the H-1B visa that will allow them to work in the United States. The ban was first brought up in 2017 at the beginning of Trump’s presidency. Louis Furmanski, Political Science Department chair, said the first attempt at the travel ban did not pass due to violations of the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from discriminating against one religion.
“The first attempt also kept valid visas and green cards from entering the country,” Furmanski said. The second attempt failed to provide information to determine if the visa holder had committed a crime or belonged to a terrorist group, according to Furmanski. This new travel ban development may affect those reapplying for future visas. “It affects those wishing to change their status from student visas to employee visas,” said Veronica Laizure,
civil rights director at the Council on American–Islamic Relations in Oklahoma. Students who have family members in those countries may not be able to have them visit, Laizure said. Furmanski said that the ban has affected the United States’ soft power, which is the attraction we build for others to come visit our country by how we treat others. “How can we say we are the land of the free if we can’t even do that?” Laizure said.
People protest against the Supreme Court ruling upholding President Donald Trump’s travel ban outside the the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, June 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
End of Visitor Parking Lot Construction is Nigh Alejandro Gonzalez @A_Gonzalez_17 Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s visitor parking lot 10, next to the Nigh University Center, is undergoing a $1.1 million construction and remodel project that is projected to be completed by July 31. “Lot 10 was in very poor condition and in need of major repairs and replacement,” said David Stapleton, director of Architectural and Engineering Services. According to Stapleton, the two
vehicle entrances were not placed accordingly with the NUC main entrance which made it difficult for visitors to access. This will be fixed by adding a new design to the parking lot with new entrances allowing an efficient flow of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The remodel, which began May 7, will create three different parking lots designated to visitor and event parking. According to Stapleton, the circle drive in front of the NUC will also face significant changes, creating more accessible parking spaces
near the building’s entrance and replacing damaged sidewalks and ramps. The east of the Nigh University Center visitor parking lot is still available for parking with 193 parking spaces. “The visitor lot is still functioning the same, just on a small scale this summer,” said Josh Stone, director of Transportation and Parking Services. For the duration of the construction over the summer, new ADA compliant parking spaces were created in the open eastern section of the
Construction crews continue to work on visitor parking lot 10 outside the Nigh University Center. The construction is expected to be completed by July 31, 2018 (Samantha Karbelk/ The Vista).
visitors lot. “This included pouring a temporary sidewalk to ensure ADA compliance with access to Thatcher [Hall] and the NUC and creating new access aisles in the eastern portion of the lot,” Stone said. Once the construction is over, Transportation and Parking Services will have to ability to zone sections off for events or open up sections for commuters, faculty and staff as needed. With the addition of the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Building, a new walkway will be added to the east side of the NUC to allow students access the Forensic Science Institute and the STEM building. Stapleton said the construction has been planned since June 2017 and was guided by a study of parking needs in the area. Funding was acquired from Campus Enterprises, which oversees the creation and planning of short- and long-term renovations on UCO’s campus.
Sports
July 3, 2018
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SPORTS
The King Goes to Hollywood
In this June 8, 2018, photo, Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James stands on the court in the first half of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Cleveland. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert didn’t trash James on his way out this time. He promised to retire his jersey. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Travis Wilson
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
Sunday night the most sought-after free agent, LeBron James, signed a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers also agreed to deals with center JaVale McGee and guard Lance Stephenson. Transaction reports swiftly hit the airwaves as teams signed new deals with available players. Oklahoma City All-Star and former league MVP Russell Westbrook cut his Hawaiian vacation short to host a house party near Lake Arcadia Saturday night. The party was for Paul George, with special guest Nas, one of George’s favorite rappers, performing on stage. Shortly after, a post appeared on social media with George on stage announcing that he will remain in OKC. “If ya’ll didn’t quite get it, let me say it again. I’m here to stay…I’m here to stay,” George said. George and the Thunder agreed to a four-year, $137 million deal. The Thunder also re-signed forward Jerami Grant to a 3-year deal worth $27 million. Former Thunder forward and 2018
NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant resigned with the Golden State Warriors. Durant’s deal is for two years, worth $61.5 million. The contract is for $30 million for the first year and $31.5 million with a player option in year two. This allows Durant to negotiate a new deal after next season or test free agency. The extra $5 million in year two of the contract offsets the $5.3 million mid-level exception if Golden State decides to use it. In the long run, Durant would save the Warriors $20 million in projected luxury taxes. Houston Rockets All-Star guard Chris Paul also took to social media to announce his decision. Paul posted a picture of himself in a black Rockets uniform with the caption, “Unfinished Business.” His contract is for four years, worth $160 million. Paul was a major factor for Houston in the 2018 Western Conference Finals against Golden State. A game six injury sidelined him for game seven. The Rockets lost and Golden State would go on to win the 2018 NBA Finals by sweeping Cleveland 4-0. Former Houston forward Trevor Ariza decided to leave the championship-contending Rockets to sign a
one year contract with the Phoenix Suns for $15 million. Former Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan has returned to his hometown of Dallas again. Jordan agreed to sign with the Mav-
ericks in 2015, but pulled out after meeting with then teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. This time, the deal is for one year, approaching the $24.1 million option he relinquished with the Clippers.
LeBron James watches during the eighth inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs in Cleveland. The fourtime NBA MVP announced Sunday night, July 1, 2018, that he has agreed to a fouryear, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
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July 3, 2018
Freshmen/Oregan State
Incoming Freshmen Earn Honors Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg Sports Editor
Four incoming University of Central Oklahoma athletes earned player of the year honors for the 2017-2018 academic year. “Big things are happening at Central Oklahoma,” said UCO athletics director Eddie Griffin. “This is a testament first to our coaches and the outstanding job they’re doing in recruiting.” Wrestler Jerome Townsell of Edison Preparatory School in Tulsa earned Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Jim Thorpe Wrestler of the Year after finishing his senior season with a 38-1 record. He won his third-straight 182-pound title. Running back Payton Scott of Sand Springs earned 2017 Gatorade Oklahoma Football Play of the Year after setting a single-season rushing record with 2,597 yards along with 33 touchdowns. He also owns the single-game rushing record with 507
The University Of Central Oklahoma Marching band performs during halftime of a Aug. 31, football game. Incoming freshmen Payton Scott will be part of the football team next season. (Vista Archives)
yards and finished his career with 5,826 yards and 71 touchdowns. Pitcher Chandler Shapard of Heritage Hall earned The Oklahoman’s Little All-City Player of the Year after posting an 8-1 record with 104
strikeouts. Volleyball player Amanda Desch of Topeka, Kansas earned back-to-back player of the year honors and is a three-time state champion. “There are a lot more kids coming to
UCO that have earned very significant awards,” Griffin said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what they can do to help UCO win more national championships.”
Oregon State Wins Championship Derek Parker @D_Park2
Sports Reporter
The Oregon State University Beavers men’s baseball team clinched the College World Series June 28 in Omaha, Nebraska with a win over the University of Arkansas Razor-
backs. The Beavers took home their third national championship in a 2-1 series win. The Razorbacks started the series off hot, defeating the Beavers 4-1 on Tuesday night, after a Monday night rain delay. Much of the game was a mound
An Oregon State baseball player holds up the NCAA championship trophy at a rally to celebrate the Beavers’ NCAA College World Series baseball championship, Friday, June 29, 2018, at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Ore. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP)
battle between Arkansas’ Blaine Knight, who threw six innings, allowing just one hit, and Oregon State’s Luke Heimlich, who started the game off on the mound for the Beavers. Arkansas exploded in the fifth inning, loading the bases three separate times and forcing OSU into a corner. The Razorbacks scored four in the top of the fifth and never looked back. Christian Chamberlain would replace Heimlich in the fifth, and would go on to strike out eleven batters in the loss. Game two would go on to be the most controversial and exciting of the series. The Hogs were just one out away from taking home the trophy from Omaha. Arkansas had a 3-2 advantage in the ninth, with Oregon State’s Cadyn Grenier, the tying runner, at the plate. Grenier hit a pop up foul down the right-field line, a textbook out to end what was otherwise a boring series so far. The ball hit the dirt untouched, and minutes later OSU forced the winner-take-all after a game-tying RBI from Grenier and a two-run home-run from Trevor Larnach. The Beavers were down to their last strike before sending the series into game three.
Oregon State left no doubt in game three, defeating Arkansas 5-0 in the final game of the series. The Beavers dominated on the mound all tournament, but Thursday night was different. Freshman Kevin Abel pitched a complete game shutout for the Beavers while striking out 10 and allowing only two hits. Abel retired the last 20 batters he faced in game three. Abel won a record-setting four games in the CWS, and saved Oregon States chances at the title. Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman took home the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award after setting the College World Series record with 17 hits in the 13day tournament. Rutschman finished the series with 13 RBI’s as well. He also contributed to offense effort on Thursday night with 3 hits, leaving his batting average for the tournament at .567. OSU became only the 10th team to win the championship after losing their first game of the tournament. They were also just the fifth team in history to win the title after losing game one of the finals. Oregon State took home their third title, their first since going back-toback in 2006 and 2007.
Bucking Broncho
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July 3, 2018
Sports with James Jackson
Sports Reporter
@JamesDJackson15
By George, Paul is Back!
Oklahoma City General Manager, Sam Presti’s main goal this offseason was to re-sign Paul George, as he had to validate trading away Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for a player with one year left on his contract. Paul George’s “My Journey”, a three-part documentary about George’s free agency, left many NBA fans speculating on what jersey George would put on this upcoming NBA season. Everyone, including Thunder fans, knew George had his eyes set on returning home, as he requested to be traded to the Lakers while he was with Indiana last offseason. He even appeared to be talking with LA’s front office as the Lakers were fined $500,000 for tampering last season. However, after the season ended, it was clear George wasn’t so set on playing in purple and gold. His decision had changed and he highly considered returning to play with Westbrook in the jersey he wore last year in Oklahoma City. “In a way it’s like, I want to come here, I want to play for the home team and put a Laker Jersey on,” said free-agent George in talking with three time NBA champion, Dwayne Wade. “But, at the same time, it’s like, what’s the best move though?” Many fans and analysts around NBA were skeptical of George playing alongside Westbrook. “Paul George is better off with Lonzo Ball than Russell Westbrook,” said ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith. “Paul George has a better chance at winning in Los Angeles than he does with WESTBRICK.” Along with Smith, many Laker fans argued against Westbrook during their heated battles on social media platforms this offseason. However, it seems George thought otherwise, as he showed up to Westbrook’s private house party near Lake Arcadia on Saturday. He deflected those narratives in front of the guests on stage with Westbrook at his side. “If y’all didn’t quite get it, let me say it again… I’m here to stay,” George said. “There’s no need to wait if you
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George (13) hangs from the rim after a dunk against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C. George agreed to a four-year, $137 million max contract shortly after free agency started. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
know where you want to be,” Westbrook said before last season when he signed his extension with the Thunder. It appears George and Westbrook think alike, as free agency began Saturday at 11 p.m. eastern standard time. George reportedly committed to sign with the Thunder just under 15 minutes later, not allowing any other team on the market to win a meeting with him - including the Los Angeles Lakers. George agreed to a four-year, $137 million max contract, locking the 28-year-old in with the Thunder for at least three more seasons, as he has a player option on the fourth. The signing for the Thunder is a victory for the organization. If George had bolted to LA, the Thunder would have been left floating in high waters again with Westbrook as the lone star. It was a big gamble, but Presti and the Thunder ownership learned that betting their money was better for the organization than not. They folded in 2012, pre-maturely trading away future league MVP
James Harden to avoid the luxury tax. Now with George and Jerami Grant resigning, Carmelo Anthony opting in to his contract and a repeater tax penalty, the Thunder now face an NBA record $130 million luxury tax bill. The Thunder have only 11 players under contract, while the NBA requires teams to have a minimum of 13 players. For what it’s worth, the Thunder remain a two-star system with no worries of one leaving in free agency looming over their heads. However, the Thunder snapping back to stability and title contention in such a short amount of time is not the accomplishment that’s the most baffling. With the signing of Westbrook before the season and George now, the Thunder have convinced two star players who both grew up in southern California, who cheered for the Lakers, to stay in Oklahoma City through their prime years, even after coming off a disappointing season. It speaks wonders for the Thunder organization. However, with the ros-
ter not improving at all this offseason and looking at the financial problems they face, the Thunder’s offseason cannot be deemed as completed just yet.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George is pictured during an NBA basketball media day in Oklahoma City. George has decided sign back with the Oklahoma City Thunder. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)