See Page 8-9 for The Forgotten of OK Volume 113, Issue 18
the VISTA “The Student Voice Since 1903”
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No Option to Opt Out of Activity Fees Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
Campus activities umbrellas many other things on campus, and often hosts events around campus promoting the school and Broncho Pride. However, there is no possibility of students opting out of paying activity fees. Photos from Vista archives.
Many students attending public colleges and universities are surprised to learn that they are required to fund groups and events that they might find morally or politically unacceptable. The money to fund those organizations and events often comes from student activities fees. The University of Central Oklahoma’s annual budget spent on student organizations for 2016-2017 reached $773,377. The annual budget spent on student entertainment and education activities for the same year, reached more than $1.6 million. “Just like you are paying for your class, you are paying to have all these experiences that are going help you excel as a person, and develop you as a person,” Ellen Engh said, assistant director at Student Engagement for Campus Activities. See Fees on Page 6
Media Forum to Bring Pulizter Winners to UCO Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Editor-in-Chief
The University of Central Oklahoma will host a Pulitzer Prize celebration Thursday, Sept. 29 in the Liberal Arts College’s Pegasus Theater to commemorate the centennial of the award during Mass Communication Week. The event, Pulitzer Prize Centennial: The Impact of Trauma Coverage, will include a panel to discuss trauma research and an interview by a war correspondent to two Pulitzer Prize winners, according to Planning Committee Chairman Joe Hight, the endowed chair of journalism ethics in Mass Communication. The event is also free and open to the public. “We felt it was important to incorporate trauma coverage as the theme because of its impact on Oklahoma and the world. Recent terrorist attacks only serve to reinforce that emphasis,” Hight said. UCO’s event will begin at 2 p.m. with Hight giving a short welcome speech. Following the welcoming,
Tony Stizza, video director for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, will introduce a video tribute about Anthony Shadid, a twotime Pulitzer Prize winner and Oklahoma native, who died in 2012 while on assignment in Syria for The New York Times. Shadid had spoken at UCO before his death and was also remembered by UCO President Don Betz on his blog page. “I earnestly tried never to miss one of his reports from the region as he deeply understood the multiple variables at play in any event in the Middle East. He truly was a teacher, as are all true journalists, as he helped us sort fact from flash at this distance,” Betz said. The event will then move to a panel of four members to discuss Research on Journalists and Coverage of Trauma. One of the panelists, Dr. Elana Newman, is a professor of Psychology at the University of Tulsa and affiliate faculty of communication and research director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. See Pulitzer on Page 6
The Pulitzer Prize is awarded for achievements in journalism— newspaper, magazine and online, as well as literature and musical compositions. Several Pulitzer Prize winners will be coming to UCO on Sept. 29 for Mass Communication week. (Photo provided by Flickr.)
CONTENTS
2
CONTENTS Campus News................................................3
Forgotten.....................................................8-9
State Fair........................................................4
Guns on Campus..........................................10
Oklahoma IDs................................................5
Feature..........................................................11
Pulitzer & Fees..............................................6
Editorial........................................................12
Around Campus.............................................7
UCO Golf....................................................13
Bucking Broncho.........................................14
STAFF NAME AND POSITION
Kateleigh Mills Alex Brown A . Suave Francisco Cara Johnson Ta y l o r M i c h a u d Elisabeth Slay Elizabeth Spence Katie Standlee Megan Prather Queila Omena Peter Agnitsch Ike Wilcots Ryan Naeve Te d d y B u r c h
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r S p o r t s Re p o r t e r Photographer Advisor
UCO alum Ray June, Christian artist, performs his original song “Savior” at the Black Student Association’s WordPlay event Sept. 14, 2016 in Constitution Hall. (Photo provided by Tre Wiles.)
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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 thevista1903@gmail.com.
CAMPUS NEWS
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UCO Central Tech Store Opening in Nigh Katie Standlee @kkkkkatiemarie Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Central Tech Store will have a soft opening in the Nigh University Center Sept. 26 to provide students with increased service in a larger location. The Central Tech Store will still be located on the second floor with the new location where the Outtakes Convenient Store in the Nigh used to be, next to MidFirst Bank. “I think the biggest difference with this new store is that it’s going to allow us to be a much better student service. We’ll be able to put the technology in the students’ hands, but we’ll also give them an experience while they’re in the store to see new technology, interact with it a lot better and just really create an entire experience for them. Whereas our current store is in a more enclosed space, and it doesn’t have that experience, “ said David Krone, retail manager for the Central Tech Store. The new store will have several items for sale including Microsoft Surfaces, Dell laptops, Samsung Tablets, and accessory technology, as well as Smartwatches, Go-Pros, Smart LED light bulbs, new cases, etc. Krone said the new store will also have a student collaboration corner where students can come in to a
The new Central Tech Store, located in the Nigh University Center, is scheduled to open on Monday, Sept. 26. The larger store will be able to offer students more services, including a small study area. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
soft-seated area to hang-out, study, and even take free classes taught by technicians to learn more about programs such as iCloud, Window 10, iOS systems, etc. The store will also be carrying gaming systems that students can buy and test out in the gaming station of the store.
“We’re actually going to have a live X-Box and a live Play Station set up so that students —if they’re around campus maybe they have an hour or two between classes or something like that— they can always come in, and there will be a live demo that they can come and play at any time,” Krone said.
Another addition to the new store will be a consultation area. Krone said that there will be Apple technicians in the area that can help students repair or update/upgrade technology equipment. “We’re really able to expand to a true technology store, which has always been the goal behind the store,” Krone said. Krone also said that the cost to move the store was expensive due to remodeling, stocking up on new technology, refurnishing, and all of the small details behind the scenes. The Office of Information Technology is helping the tech store pay some of the major costs. The grand opening ceremony will take place on Sept. 30. There will be a ribbon cutting and speeches given by UCO President Don Betz as well as Cynthia Rolfe, vice president for Information Technology. There will also be raffles, prizes, and entertainment for those who attend. “Everyone is welcome to the grand opening. We’re really excited to showcase what that new store can be,” Krone said.
The old Central Tech store sits just north of the new destination in the Nigh. The new store is scheduled to open Sept. 26, 2016. Photo by Jessica Sanchez, The Vista.
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STATE FAIR
What to See at the OKC State Fair Katie Standlee @kkkkkatiemarie Reporter
The Oklahoma State Fair takes place this year Sept. 15-25 on the fair grounds and has food, rides, exhibits, side shows, and much more for those attending. J. Scott Munz, vice president of Marketing and Public Relations for the state fair, mentioned there will be some new rides including the Super Cyclone roller coaster, Street Fighter 360, Jungle Twist, and the New York, New York Fun House. The rides are reportedly very safe at the State Fair. Each ride has to pass inspection by the Oklahoma Department of Labor and Munz mentioned that their team also hires another inspector and the carnival ride provider also has their own inspector as well. "We take extreme precautions as we have been for many years," said Munz, "We take ride safety to be a very high priority at the Oklahoma State Fair because nothing will put a black cloud over our fair than a ride accident. We do everything humanly possible to prevent that from happening." Munz mentioned there will also be some new foods at the fair this year such as the chocolate covered bacon walking tacos, pumpkin upside down cake cinnamon rolls, Oreo cinnamon rolls, and chocolate covered peanut butter chips. "I'll be interested in the salted caramel apple s'more," said Munz. Munz mentioned there will also be some big names taking the stage during the fair such as Montgomery Gentry, Eli Young, Dennis Deyoung, Michael Ray, and others. There has been no word of any politicians visiting the fair again this year, according to Munz. There will be a new show this year called Junk Rock Drums. Munz explained it as something similar to STOMP, and it will be located on the Plaza stage. This is the last year for the ZoppĂŠ Italian Family Circus, a show has been with the Oklahoma State Fair for several years. For the first time this year there will be free WiFi at the fair, and
there will be signs placed around the fairgrounds with the information on how to log in. "We encourage people to download our free app," said Munz. The app will locate where you are using GPS so that you can search for specific things at the fair and it will show you the quickest route to get there. The Interactive Food Finder can also be found online, and it is designed to help locate specific foods as well. There will be discount days that attendees can take advantage of: Sept. 19 is School Kids Day with free admission for kids up to grade 12; Sept. 20 is Super Saver Tuesday and admission will be $3 and this day is also Armed Forces Day where anyone in the military and their spouse can get in free with an ID; and Sept. 21 is Seniors Day where anyone over age 55 can get in free. If you bring a specially marked Dr. Pepper can, that will save $8 off of the regular admission price.
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The Oklahoma State Fair brings a plethora of rides, food, and other exhibitions for residents and visitors in the Oklahoma City area. The fair will be open through Sept. 25. (Photo provided by Pixabay.)
OKLAHOMA IDS
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What to Do Now That Your ID is Worthless
Since Oklahoma IDs do not meet the standards of the Real ID Acts, they are no longer a valid ID in the United States. Citizens of Oklahoma may have to result to getting U.S. Passports to board a plane or to enter any federal building. (Photo provided by flickr.com)
Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
A law in 2007 was passed in Oklahoma stating the state wouldn't be in compliance with the Real ID Act. This has resulted in Oklahoma IDs not being a valid source of identification to be used for boarding an airplane or entering into any federal building in the country. When the idea of Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) came out, the state of Oklahoma was not on board. "State-issued enhanced drivers licenses provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier," stated the Department of Homeland Security The problem that the state has with the EDLs is how the information of the people is stored. What they did not know was that by not accepting the EDLs, people would not be able to board airplanes. The deadline to get the EDLs is Jan. 22, 2018. Citizens must get a driver's license that aligns with the Real ID Act to board an airline, but Oklahomans do not get that chance. Oklahoma has an extension until October 10, 2016 and could still get something passed in the next year, according to the Department of Home-
land Security. Passports or Military IDs are considered Real ID compliant and can be used when citizens are going to board an airplane or enter a federal building. This will not effect the driving license standards in Oklahoma at this point. If someone does not have a Military ID, getting a passport is necessary to fly and applying in person is mandatory. The first thing to get a passport is fill out the Form DS-11, by searching travel.state.gov/content/passports. To fill out the application online, the materials needed are the most recent passport book if applicable, emergency contact information, a printer, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. After that form is filled out and printed, the person needs proof of U.S. citizenship, present identification, a photocopy of identification, determine any special circumstances, provide a passport photo, calculate the fees —for a passport book and card the cost is $140 with an execution fee of $25— and the last thing to do is submit your application. The time in receiving the passport varies from person to person, so asking the officials about the time it will take for your passport to be finished may help. If the passport is needed in a hurry, citizens can request to get the passport quickly for an extra fee of $60 and an expla-
nation of why they need the passport delivered early, as stated by U.S. Passports and International Travel. The average waiting time for a passport is around four to six weeks from the time of the application. This includes mailing time. This may bring up some problems for the University of Central Oklahoma students. Even if students are not looking to study abroad, traveling to different states by airplane just became a little more out of reach if the student is not military or does not already have a passport. UCO sports players may find problems here because if one of the players is not aware of this law that might prevent them from being able to get on an airplane, and the end result in that could keep them from participating in a game. Most of the students at UCO go home during Christmas and Summer break. If those students are in flying distance of their hometown, this Oklahoma law will prevent them from flying home. Using other means of travel are available, but that could take more travel time than some people may want to expend. For this period of time in Oklahoma, owning a passport may positively provide for Oklahomans in more than one way.
PULITZER & FEES
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Pulitzer Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Editor-in-Chief
(Continued from cover) Newman will kick off the panel where she will discuss the current status of research about journalists and the trauma scholarship managed by the Dart Center. Newman will also speak on a study about Pulitzer Prize winners who have covered victims of tragedy. The panel will also include Raymond McCaffrey, a former Washington Post editor and reporter who is currently a director at the University of Arkansas for the Center for Ethics in Journalism; Kenna Griffin, a former reporter for The Oklahoman; and Desiree Hill, a former TV news executive and UCO Mass Communications professor. All of the panelists are educators who have finished, or are currently conducting, research about the health and/or dilemmas journalists face when covering traumatic events. Hill is currently working on her dissertation for a Ph.D. on the management behind the coverage of traumatic events. She worked as the
executive producer for KWTV News 9 when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed on April 19, 1995. “After the bombing, it gave our management teams in Oklahoma City a unique vantage point on how to sort of reinvent the way we deal with our staffs during crisis,” Hill said. The panel moderator will be UCO graduate Clytie Bunyan, the director of Business and Lifestyles for The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com. Following the panel at 3:15, the event will end with war correspondent, documentarian and visiting professor at the University of Oklahoma, Mike Boettcher, interviewing Pulitzer Prize winners Hailey Branson Potts and Charles Porter IV. Porter won a Pulitzer Prize for his photo of firefighter Chris Fields carrying the young Baylee Almon after the Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. Branson Potts was a part of a team for the Los Angeles Times that won a Pulitzer Prize for the coverage of the San Bernardino attack. UCO’s commemoration is a part of a two-day event during on Sept. 28-29 partnering with the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa, where other events are sched-
The famous Bailey Almon photo, taken by Chuck Porter after the Oklahoma City Bombing, won a Pulitzer Prize following the catastrophe. Porter will be attending the Pulitzer even on campus on Sept. 28-29. (Photo provided by Flickr.)
uled to celebrate the centennial of the Pulitzer Prize. “Understanding what you are going to experience in the field can
be healing ... the panel is going to prepare our students, I think, before they experience traumatic events in their careers,” Hill said.
Activity Fees Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
Students on many campuses across America are charged with campus activities fees that allocate money for groups with a wide array of beliefs. Some of these include groups composed by Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Catholics, feminists, vegetarians, anarchists, conservatives, and LGBT groups. According to UCO's student activity fund budget, some of these student organizations include Bronchos for Christ, Christians on Campus, Muslim Student Organization, Students Alliance for Equality (SAFE), Women’s Outreach Center, Netflix and Pizza and many others. “I feel like, maybe the religious organizations should have their own separate part. That way, it’s divided and we know which one we are funding,” said Zayn Taleghni, a Biology student at UCO. Campus activity fees were implemented across colleges and universities over a century ago, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
Students on many campuses decided to assess a fee that would fund extracurricular activities and events not covered by tuition. The belief was that certain activities and facilities would enhance student's life on campus. Campus activities were first implemented to fund diploma and matriculation fees, formal entry processes for universities, as well as heating and lighting of university halls and public rooms. Nowadays, campus activities fees don’t only fund organizations, but also events that, unfortunately, a lot of students don’t have the chance attend. According to a requisition acquired for The Vista, UCO's latest concert with rap artist Waka Flocka Flame cost $30,000 for an hour long show. The money allocated for the concert came from the Stampede Week and Student Programing Board; these two organizations received money from campus activity fees, according to the requisition. Events provided by schools and paid for students, such as concerts, allow students to engage with the school and connect with other students. Even though the con-
SPB hosts a booth for students to make school “survival kits” on Aug. 22, 2016. Students cannot opt out of paying activity fees that contribute to affording events such as these on campus. Photo by Miranda VanMeter, The Vista.
cert received great feedback from many students, others paid for it but weren't able to attend it. “[These events] bring the student body together, and it allows us to meet more of our fellow students. I think it’s a really cool way to get everybody involved, because everybody wants to go to them,” UCO student, Victoria Rosko said. Engh said that research and theories have proven that extra-curricular
activities and involvement outside of the classroom helps students succeed in college. “There’s research proven that by getting involved [in extracurricular activities] you are more likely to excel in college and stay at the institution and love the school you are at, because you have that sense of ownership and pride. You help create amazing things happening there,” Engh said.
AROUND CAMPUS
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AROUND THE CAMPUS
Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 UCOSA: From 1 p.m. -2 p.m. the University of Central Oklaho-
ma’s Student Association will meet for their weekly congress meeting in the Will Rogers Room located on the fourth floor of the Nigh University Center.
PASSPORT TO GLOBAL KOREA: Beginning at 7 p.m.
in the LAR’s Pegasus Theater, UCO’s Global and Cultural Competencies will host the movie Yongary, Monster from the Deep. The movie features a “prehistoric gasoline-eating reptile” that goes on a rampage in Seoul, South Korea. This is also a Student Transformative Learning Record tagged event.
FALL FESTIVAL: The Wings Fall Festival takes place from
Sept. 17 - Oct. 30. Volunteer positions are available to sell pumpkins and to help with parking issues during the weekend. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Wings Volunteer Coordinator, Margo Price, at 405-850-7603.
Tuesday Sept. 20, 2016 QPR: From 3:30 - 4:30 in UCO’s Max Chambers Library in Room
212, UCO Peer Health Leaders will host a question, persuade and refer (QPR) event for students, faculty and staff to learn essential skills and save lives through suicide education.
LUCEM FERRE: There will be an open exhibit for Lucem
Ferre: The Jewelry of Lopeeta Tawde in the Melton Gallery from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The exhibit incorporates biology and modern technology and will remain open through Sept. 22.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 GATHERING OF STUDENTS: From 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at
UCO’s Plunkett Park, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host an event to welcome Native American students to connect them to peers as well as faculty and staff. The event will have music, activities, food and is open to the public. The Native American Student Association will have a meeting before the event at 5:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center in Room 201.
SPB HUMP DAY: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the lawn south of
Buddy’s the Student Programming Board will have camels on campus to see and ride.
DESIGN MOVIE NIGHT: From 7 p.m.- 9p.m. in the Center for Transformative Learning Building in the Radke Fine Arts Theater to show a documentary on Frank Gehry, a famous architect that is known for designing the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 MAMAVA SIP AND SEE: From 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. in the UCO
Wellness Center lobby, the Human Resources Department will host an event to showcase the new portable lactation suite on campus as well as provide information about community resources for lactation services.
OPEN FORUM: The Vista will be hosting an open forum about
NFL and USA Women’s Soccer players sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem among other topics in the Mass Communication Building in Room 120 at 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 SPB GOES TO ARCADIA: From 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. the Student Programming Board will host an evening out for students at Arcadia Lake.
Students can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats to use on the lake. There will also be life-sized board games and light refreshments. When you arrive say you are going to the UCO Boathouse. All information is found on the UCO Events Page on Orgsync.com
Stand for Patriotism Kneel for Liberty Got an Opinion on Kaepernick Kneeling? Open Forum to share your Opinion Thursday September 22, @ 6:00 pm Room 120 in the Mass Comm Building
Sponsored by The Vista “The Student Voice Since 1903”
8
FORGOTTEN
Forgotten Places of OK Cara Johnson @cara_johnson_ Photo Editor
Oklahoma is typically referred to by millenials as “boring”, “old”, and “the last place we want to be.” Our generation has lost touch with the traditions and history of the Heartland, and don’t see past the ever-changing weather and occasional stench of Purina dog food wafting over the city. Recently, I’ve found myself under the same impressions, stuck in the same rut of “anywhere but here.” But Oklahoma City is more than the sunshine going on downpour, and more than the dog food, and sometimes you have to get out of the same routine to be able to see the gems still hanging around in the city. From classic good food, to closed down staples, to old buildings still hanging around and reminding us of the past, Oklahoma is still a place with a lot of heart.
Right: The Victoria Building, built in 1901, is located on North Classen in Oklahoma City. Designed after London’s Victoria Station, it was one of the early victorian style buildings in Oklahoma. The building housed the famous Victoria Theater, which opened on July 4, 1928, showing films for 25 cents per person. Though the theater closed in 1953, it has since occupied a number of businesses, from simple offices to cafes. However, now the building remains predominately vacant, with only one tenant left on the strip. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista. Left: Milk Bottle Grocery, more famously known as the Braum’s Milk Bottle on Route 66, is a roughly 350-square foot building that once hosted a little grocery store. The store itself was built in 1930, while the milk bottle was built on top of it, of sheet metal, in 1948 as an advertisement for the company. Through the years, the building beneath the bottle has worn many hats, from the grocer to a cleaners to a BBQ shack. If there is a single Oklahoman who hasn’t seen this milk bottle, then it’s time to take a trip, remember, research, and appreciate the incredible history of this state. It can be found on North Classen in Oklahoma City. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Below: Family-operated Brown’s Bakery has been a part of Oklahoma since 1946, baking up cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and other bakery goodies daily. Located in the Midtown Plaza district, Brown’s has never been the place to go for your fancy square doughnuts or gourmet, six-pound cupcakes, but it is the place to go for a taste of sweet, sweet history. While some prefer to go all the way to Norman for a bite of Hurt’s, there’s an iconic spot a little closer up the interstate. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
FORGOTTEN
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Right: Since 1910, Kaiser’s has been a staple on N. Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City. The old diner, known for their buffalo burgers and milkshakes, is one of the few diners that still cooks with gas, throws on some old-time tunes, and embraces the iron-tile ceiling that makes that early 1900s swank work just perfectly. Though it’s been under new ownership and management since 2014, the diner still keeps the original traditions, offering family recipe ice creams and confections. The historic burger joint is open almost every day, and is still one of the best spots in town, especially for those hipsters obsessed with the old days. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Left: Some places, unfortunately haven’t survived the loss of interest in Oklahoma. The Charcoal Oven, off of the Northwest Expressway, opened its doors in 1958, selling Theta burgers, onion rings, and Suzy-Q-Fries. Now, after half of a decade, the burger joint has closed, and the iconic Route 66 Style sign has been removed. While the sign will be preserved with the Billborad Museum Association, the restaurant itself isn’t expected to be re-opened. At 84, owner David Wilson deserves a break, but nonetheless, Oklahomans lined up daily until the closing day to get one last taste of history. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Getting out of the city, up the interstate to Guthrie, sits the Beacon Drive In Theatre on Division. The iconic family-owned and operated theatre, built in 1950, has been a staple of family fun and entertainment since it opened over a decade ago. In its busy season, the Beacon is open every night, showing single features for movie-lovers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Through September and October, however, movies are only shown on the weekends, but can still be enjoyed. While it is a cash only operation, the theatre takes customers back to the days of blankets in the back of cars, popcorn from a little building in the back, and late nights of nothing but the big screen. With its old-time feel, family vibe, and classic style, the Beacon could quite possibly be the difference between “anywhere but here” and “let’s stay for a little while.” Photos by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
GUNS ON CAMPUS
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UCO Not Likely to Have Guns on Campus Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
There are 10 states in America that allow students to carry firearms legally on campus but the University of Central Oklahoma is not one of them and will not be any time soon. Oklahoma is a state where the university decides whether or not people can carry firearms on campus. The University of Central Oklahoma clearly states that it is illegal to carry a firearm onto campus regardless of whether it is concealed or unconcealed. This is also regardless of Oklahoma’s open carry law. There are also stickers posted on the doors of UCO buildings that states firearms are not allowed on the campus grounds. The UCO administration has stated exactly what is not allowed to be carried on campus in the categories of possession, usage, or storage of such items. “Firearms, explosives, electronic control devices, such as Taser or other stun guns, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University
premises in a manner that would reasonably be expected to threaten, harm, incapacitate, or cause fear to other University community members,” the UCO Administration of Safety stated. Exceptions to this law can be made if a student or faculty member contacts President of UCO, Don Betz, and asks for permission. There has to be a valid reason for wanting to carry a firearm on campus and if the president does not feel that the request is adequate, the request will be denied. “Persons who have a valid Oklahoma carry permit pursuant to the Oklahoma Self Defense Act must have written permission from the UCO President to carry a firearm on campus. Currently employed and commissioned city, state or federal law enforcement officers are not subject to this approval process,” as stated by the UCO Administration of Safety. If this law is violated or compromised in any way on the UCO campus, the maximum consequences are being charged with an immediate felony and prison sentencing. The University of Oklahoma was
UCO does not allow firearms on campus. If someone violates UCO’s policy, the maximum consequence includes an immediate felony and prison sentencing. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
ranked No. 11 in the top safest universities in the state of Oklahoma. According to UCO Chief of Police, Jeff Harp, what the university is doing right now works and there is no need for it to change. “The history of safety in Oklahoma is that we have safe college campuses,” Harp said. “Students when they get to a college campus relax a little bit because they feel safer.” The university police officers are
constantly being trained to handle their weapons and they know how to handle high stress situations better than students with weapons do. “I think the range of skills out there on people that have permits [to carry a firearm] ranges from incredibly great to incredibly poor,” Harp said. “There are stress issues that people don’t take into consideration that police officers are trained to deal with.”
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11
FEATURE
Mayat Nooner Breaks Male-Dominated Mold
Mayat Nooner is a Mass Communications major at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is currently working towards becoming a sports information director. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
Elisabeth Slay @Eslayslay Reporter
To the outside world, taking statistics and monitoring the facts of numerous sports may seem mundane and unimportant, but for sophomore Mayat Nooner, there is no better profession. Nooner is currently working as an assistant to the University of Central Oklahoma’s Sports Information Director, Chris Brannick. “She emailed me shortly after I started working here and let me know that she was interested in this line of work. She said that there was nothing for her at UCO but she wanted to get involved,” Brannick said. Much like Nooner, Brannick is new to the sports information business, but graduated from UCO with a journalism degree. “I have only been a sports information director for two months but you are the keeper of everything: records, stats, schedules and sports informa-
tion,” he said. Nooner is an aspiring sports information director who wants to pursue the logistics side of the athletic world. “I love the fast-paced atmosphere. I like being around sports, especially wrestling. I love that it’s never the same, and it’s always moving forward,” Nooner said. When she started college, Nooner was a theater major. However, she said she soon realized that a profession involving drama on and off stage was not her true passion. “I wasn’t happy. It didn’t fulfill me anymore. And I needed to find something that did. Something that wasn’t unhealthily competitive,” she said. In high school, Nooner collected statistics for the wrestling team and after leaving the theater program, she decided to follow the path of sports. “Not enough people know it even exists,” Nooner said. Instead, Nooner enrolled as a Professional Media major. While she is learning information that will broadly
help her career, she is mainly learning the ropes by assisting Brannick. Although he has sports media experience and learned quite a bit at UCO, Brannick said he still feels a major catering to this specific job can be helpful to students. “The only school I have seen in action are at Southern Nazarene; they have a sports administration program as well as a graduate program in the same field. I imagine those kids are extremely prepared because they are getting to work,” Brannick said. Nooner said she feels although she cannot have a sports media major, she is still learning a lot by aiding Brannick. “Working with Chris is fun. We are learning together, so it’s an adventure. I think that hands-on experience is a better teacher than anything that can be taught in a classroom,” Nooner said. This profession is also an industry that is predominantly male because of tradition and the masculinity often associated with sporting events.
“That could be something similar to journalism where traditionally it was all men. Now, I think there’s plenty of females in the industry, but I think it’s probably one of those positions that because it was in the athletics department it started out as only men work here,” Brannick said. Although Nooner is not the typical person associated with sports she said she is not worried about her ability to do an excellent job. “I think my personality and passion are big enough to make up for not being a man. I think that we are in a place in society where it doesn’t matter gender. Anyone can do whatever they want if they have enough passion and drive,” Nooner said. For the future, Nooner said she hopes to have a position as a sports media professional with an association that covers her favorite sport. “Hopefully [in the future I’ll be) working for USA Wrestling, or FloWrestling. Possibly as an SID over a larger school’s wrestling program,” Nooner said.
EDITORIAL
12
Stand for Patriotism, Kneel for Liberty Alex Brown
@aymae_baybay Managing Editor
Some think it’s unpatriotic, some think it’s downright disrespectful, and some think it’s revolutionary. Either way, everyone can agree that Colin Kaepernick got everyone’s attention. Kaepernick started the controversy when he sat down during the rendition of the national anthem before the beginning of a preseason game in August. When asked why he sat, he stated: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” The biggest issue he is trying to bring light to, is that there are people in our country that are being denied basic liberties that others are not.
Plain and simple. USA Women’s Soccer player, Megan Rapinoe, also wanted to show support for what Kaepernick started. In an interview with the Associated Press, she stated that she was disgusted with how he was covered by the media and how people were making it about something completely different than it was: “Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it... [it’s] something that’s really powerful.” Kneeling during the national anthem is a shocking statement, and a powerful one. I believe that it is eerily similar to the sit-ins led by MLK—something that outraged people then too.
Many are outraged over this new form of protest and are even stating that it is disrespectful toward our troops. That’s hard to believe, simply because these players haven’t expressed that it’s our military’s fault that our society has become what it is. Some people are so angry about this, that they are boycotting the NFL in protest of the players’ silent protest. Now, the hashtag #boycottNFL is trending, and it has the internet in an uproar. Honestly, it’s really infuriating that this is what will make people say something about NFL players’ behavior. Not standing for an anthem, which is a right given to any citizen, is what will make people angry. Not a man being released from jail, after only serving three months for raping an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. Not a man being
United States’ Megan Rapinoe, second from left, kneels during the playing of the national anthem before the soccer match against Thailand, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. Rapinoe did not start the game against Thailand at Mapfre stadium. She knelt from a spot near the bench while the fellow reserves around her stood. (Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
shot in front of his family in a car, for informing an officer that he had a conceal and carry license. People are just infuriated that those players aren’t standing. I imagine a lot of the people criticizing these players are also doing so, while sitting on their couch during the national anthem, or chatting at a watch party. There seems to be this illusion in our culture that we are supposed to act like everything is OK, when it isn’t. Someone comes up to you on the street, and asks how you’re doing and the appropriate response is, “I’m good” or “I’m OK, you?” That’s what this looks like: people are starting to get pissed now that instead of just going through the motions, NFL players and other athletes are waging a silent, peaceful protest. Now, these players are being referred to as “entitled,” “spoiled,” and “ungrateful.” And for those who are saying, “well our troops gave their lives for that freedom and they should show their respect during the national anthem.” No, that’s not why we stand during the national anthem. You stand because you are proud to be an American, and proud of what your country represents. If you feel like you aren’t protected, or feel that the American Flag isn’t representing all Americans equally, then you shouldn’t have to stand for it; that’s the rub to giving everyone freedom. There are holidays made for respecting veterans and those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. In our everyday lives, I would like to think that people are respectful toward service men and women when they see them in public. I’m grateful to my dad, my grandpa, and his dad before him, for all of the sacrifices they’ve had to make to do their jobs, serving our country. But this isn’t about them. The national anthem is about showing patriotism for our country, not our soldiers. It’s oppressive to tell these players that they can’t express and exercise their first amendment right to a peaceful protest. If you are on the fence of this issue, just think: should I stand for patriotism, or should I kneel for liberty?
13
UCO GOLF
UCO Golf Finishes Second and Third
Andrew Green, a UCO golfer and senior business major, poses for a photo at Kickingbird Golfcourse in Edmond. Photo from Vista Archives.
Peter Agnitsch @PeteyPete33 Sports Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma’s men’s golf team started their season at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Fall Invitational in Axtell, Nebraska. The Invitational was only two rounds long due to weather concerns and a problem of darkness on the second day of the tournament. Despite all the problems, the Bronchos shot a 584 as a team in the tournament, finishing in second-- only one shot behind Nebraska-Kearney who finished first. The Bronchos Junior Eli Armstrong came up big for the team. He shot 71 on both days finishing at 142 coming up second in the tournament one stroke behind first place. Freshman Nick Pierce and Junior Wesley Jackson tied at 14th place shooting a 147. Also, Junior Cody Troutman finished tied for 20th shooting a 148. The Women’s golf team got on the right foot by winning their first tournament of the year the Central Region Preview at Prairie Highlands Golf Club in Olathe, Kansas. They tried to take the momentum from their win into the Northeastern State
Classic on Monday. The UCO women’s golf team took the lead in the classic after day one, putting them in prime position to finish first in the classic, but the Bronchos couldn’t hold on to it. The Bronchos shot 613 as a team finishing in third place behind Northeastern State, who shot 607 and Southwestern Oklahoma State, who shot 606. The Bronchos were led by Junior
Marla Souvannasing who shot for a total of 148 on the tournament, which had her finish tied for third. Sophomore Makena Mucciaccio and Freshman Anna Pool both led the team in last week’s win. Mucciaccio shot a total of 152 and finished tied for ninth, while Pool shot 156 on the classic finishing tied 18th. The Bronchos also had contributions by Freshman Sydney Roberts,
who tied for 21st, and Sophomore Grace Shin who finished tied for 42nd. The Men’s golf team will be playing in the Northeastern State Classic this week on Monday and Tuesday, and the Women’s golf team will be playing Sep. 26-27 in the MIAA fall preview at Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Missouri.
UCO’s golf team finished second and third in their first tournament of the season at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Fall Invitational. (Photo provided by Pixabay.)
BUCKING BRONCHO
14
The Bucking Broncho:
Mitch McGary Has Some Growing Up To Do
A. Suave Francisco @SuaveFrancisco_ Sports Editor
This may be the last straw for Thunder General Manager Sam Presti. In addition to Mitch McGary’s five-game suspension, the NBA decided to tack on 10 more games to it simply because the Thunder forward didn’t comply with the league’s anti-drug policy. Now, McGary’s tenure with Oklahoma City may be coming to an end. According to NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, McGary failed to follow all the procedural guidelines of his initial suspension. That more than likely means that he declined a request to take another drug test or didn’t show up to one. These are the types of things that don’t deserve any sympathy or gray area. Although marijuana probably shouldn’t be an issue anymore, considering its legalization growing
more and more each day throughout the country, it is. McGary’s behavior resembles one of an adolescent. At 24 years old, he should clearly be passed that stage of his life, but he isn’t and that’s the problem. Common sense also plays a huge role in this. McGary is an NBA player, making a ton of money and he will continue to make a ton of money if he can simply follow a set of rules. Point blank. Yes, the NBA may want to go back over their rulebook and tweak the anti-drug policy a little bit, because it has been proven that the health effects from marijuana are slim and are actually less than alcohol. For goodness sake, two of the best Olympians of this generation and possibly of all-time time admitted to smoking marijuana regularly for stress. Former athletes have admitted
using it as a healthier alternative for pain, instead of addictive prescription medication like hydrocodone, OxyContin, and so on. You would think an organization like the NBA would look for the healthiest alternative in these situations. However, even if the league allowed players to use marijuana for just medical purposes, it’s still not legal in some states, including Oklahoma. Maybe the NBA is trying to make it easier for everybody and keep it listed as a banned substance until other states fall in line with the modern day. Who knows? But it appears like McGary’s love for marijuana trumps his love for basketball, which is perfectly fine, but he has definitely disappointed many who admire him. Spending time in the Thunder locker room over the past two years, I’ve seen how he interacts with the players on that team. His statistics
aren’t great by any means, but he is a guy that head coach Billy Donovan and company would love to have around. He’s been labeled as a ‘hype man’ for both the team and the fans. People may not respect his game because they haven’t seen him in action much, but they respect the energy and positivity he brings to the Thunder. In McGary’s two years playing with the Thunder, he’s averaged 1.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game, with very limited minutes, partially due to multiple minor injuries. He’s shown promise, especially this summer where he absolutely dominated the NBA Summer League in Orlando, Florida. But the truth is, Sam Presti has been trying to find a team that will take him for some value prior to his first suspension, but was unsuccessful. The likelihood of that happening now definitely decreases. McGary is also one of my favorite players on the team, simply because of his genuine personality. This is very sad to see happen to him as a fan. McGary has had multiple opportunities to shine. Let’s not forget, this is the organization that gave him a second chance out of college where he was also in trouble who actually kicked him out of the NCAA due to marijuana. McGary’s talent after a few years in college got him to the NBA, but he’s learning, in harsh fashion, that talent and money can’t get you everywhere. Not only are his days more than likely over here in Oklahoma City, but with no other team interested in him, his days in the NBA may very well be over also.
In this July 8, 2016, file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mitch McGary (33) makes a shot over Miami Heat’s Victor Rudd during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game in Orlando, Fla. McGary has been suspended without pay for at least 10 games for violating the terms of the league’s anti-drug policy. The league announced Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, that the suspension will begin when he has finished serving a five-game drug suspension that was announced in July. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
SWIPE RIGHT FOR SAFETY
The Rave Guardian App helps keep you safe on campus by giving you direct connections to campus safety, family, friends, and others you trust, you can feel safe anytime, knowing your Guardians are watching out for you. Set a Safety Timer Set a Safety Timer whenever you are are alone or in an unfamiliar place.
Connect with Guardians Invite family, friends, and others you trust to be part of your safety network.
Easier Emergency Communications Call UCO police for help and send text tips if you see something suspicious.
To download, search “Rave Guardian” in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Call UCO Police Services
Sign up with your UCO email address.
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