See Page 3 for Menvironments Volume 113, Issue 19
the VISTA “The Student Voice Since 1903”
Follow the Vista: UCentralMedia.com vistanews1903 @TheVista1903 thevista1903 The Vista Monday, Sept. 26, 2016
Women’s Center to Offer Abortions in OKC Megan Prather @meganthefeline Reporter
Trust Women’s founder and CEO Julie Burkhart stands in the doorway of an operating room at the Trust Women South Wind Women’s Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Six licensed physicians are providing services, including abortions, OB-GYN care, family planning, adoption and emergency contraception. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The first women’s health center to offer abortions in the state of Oklahoma in the past 40 years opened in Oklahoma City, where patients were seen for the first time on Sept. 10, 2016. For the past two years, reproductive rights activist and CEO of the Trust Women Foundation and Trust Women: South Wind Women’s Center, Julie Burkhart, has been working to bring abortion services to Oklahoma City. She described the process of opening the facility like “pushing a boulder up a mountain.” “I think one’s opinion about abortion is very personal and everyone is entitled to their own opinion about abortion,” Burkhart said. “However, we don’t agree that a small minority of people should be making the decisions for the majority.” See Clinic on 5
Central Boathouse Receives American Architecture Award Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
With a mission to connect and create a memorable experience on the river, Central’s Boathouse has received great feedback for its sculptural qualities. The boathouse received the American Architecture Award 2016 granted by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, earlier this month. The American Architecture Award is dedicated to recognized excellence in architecture and urbanism in the United States, highlighting new developments in design and honoring commercial, interiors and urban architecture. Central’s Boathouse was designed by architect Rand Elliott, Elliott & Associates, and displays iconic structures along the river, becoming recognized as a worldclass destination by visitors and locals. See Boathouse on 5
The CHK Boathouse, located near downtown Oklahoma City, recently received the American Architecture Award. Photo from Vista Archives.
CONTENTS
2
A crowd gathers around a group of students playing a game of Super Smash Bros at the SPB Gamerstop event, where students could show up and play a variety of video and tabletop games. The winner of this match of Super Smash Bros was Mike Keller (blue shirt) playing as Kirby. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
CONTENTS Menvironments....................................3
Clinic/Boathouse...........................................5
Around Campus...................................4
Bucking Broncho...........................................6
Public Safety............................................7
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 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 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
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MENVIRONMENTS
3
UCO Senior Combines Simplicity and Style in
“Menvironments” Siali Siaosi
@sialisiaosi Contributing Writer
An exhibit celebrating fashion inspirations from everyday objects and places will decorate the walls of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Woody Gaddis Photo Gallery until the end of September. A cheese grater, a pile of wood and a tiled bathroom floor are among the influences photographed in Zachary Hunter’s, 26, “Menvironments,” which pairs photos of simple things and scenes with enigmatic fashion portraits. “I titled it ‘Menvironments’ because it combines menswear and our surrounding environments,” Hunter said. “It’s pretty straightforward.” The photos are a series of diptychs, with the left side of the piece featuring menswear and the right side using bold colors, textures, patterns or shapes to mirror the left. Hunter, who is colorblind, not only designed and shot the photos — he also models in 10 of the 14 pieces currently hanging in the Woody Gaddis Gallery, he said. Hunter, a senior majoring in photography and the co-president of
UCO’s F/64 Photo Society, said the exhibit is the brainchild of his love of photography and humanities— his minor. “My humanities minor comes into play because a lot of the environments are architecture, street art or things found in nature,” Hunter said. “Flowers, buildings, the State Capitol— anything I found interesting.” A goal Hunter said he had in mind was to capture sights that people often overlook, gesturing to one of the photos featuring a cellphone tower. “This cellphone tower is actually on campus right by the football field,” he said. “So people pass it every day, but they don’t think [about how] you can be inspired by random little things that people see in daily situations.” Citing a famous Anna Wintour quote discussing fashion as a “trickle-up” influence —meaning designers are inspired by people walking on the street rather than the other way around— Hunter said he started looking at how fashion can be impacted by things that typically go unnoticed. “I originally started photographing the outfits first and then trying to find the matching environment, but
Zachary Hunter’s “Menvironments” series hangs in the Gaddis Gallery in the Mass Communications building. The exhibit will remain in the gallery through the end of the month. Photo by Miranda VanMeter, The Vista.
it ended up being more difficult than I thought,” Hunter said. “So then I started working backwards.”
Hunter said he enjoys fashion photography because he gets bored easily and fashion constantly keeps him on his toes. “It’s nothing like just shooting landscapes,” Hunter said. “You can photograph a tree and it will grow and get bigger, but it’s still in the same spot— its surroundings don’t really change.” “Fashion is always changing,” he said. “There’s always new collections coming out, new things to photograph and new trends to keep up with. You can always push limits and do crazy stuff.” To see more of Hunter’s photography, visit his website or the Woody Gaddis Gallery in Room 104 of the Mass Communications building. For more information about the Woody Gaddis Photo Gallery, visit its Facebook page. “You can start with a little concept like how my project did and use that inspiration to create a whole fashion story. It’s cool watch it grow and unfold from beginning to end.” Zachary Hunter, senior, sits in the Woody Gaddis Gallery, where his series “Menvironments” is being exhibited, on Sept. 13, 2016. The exhibit features different fashions compared to everyday things in Hunter’s environment. Photo by Cara Johnson, The Vista.
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND THE CAMPUS
Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 UCOSA: From 1 p.m. -2 p.m. the University of Central Oklahoma’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. SPB: From 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. the Student Programming Board
will be in the Nigh University Center for a Dress for Success event where students can learn how to dress for interviews and meetings.
FREE GYT: From 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Wellness Center Room 125
for Sexual Health Awareness Week, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department will provide free sexually transmitted infection testing.
Tuesday Sept. 27, 2016 MINDSTRENGTH: From 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Center for Coun-
seling and Well-Being will host a workshop event in Room 415 in the Nigh University Center for anyone who needs help to lessen anxiety, improve sleep, balance emotions and practice staying calm.
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 BGLTQ+ SUPPORT: From 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. UCO's Center for Counseling and Well-Being will host an event in Room 402 in the Nigh University Center for individuals who are thinking about coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or people who have recently come out and need support. This event is also open for people to discuss topics such as sexuality and gender. AAUW: From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. UCO's American Association of
University Women will be in Room 202 in the Nigh University Center for their general body meeting where they will discuss what it means to be your own beautiful.
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 SHAW: From 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Constitution Hall in the Nigh
University Center, UCO Peer Health Leaders will host a "Sex in the Dark" event for Sexual Health Awareness Week. Students will be able to anonympusly text questions about sex, sexuality and sex health to be answered by a panel of health professionals.
Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 SPB: From 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. in Plunkett Park the Student Programming Board will bring the Filharmonics Acapella Group to perform. Imme-
diately after, there will be a showing of the movie, Pitch Perfect 2.
CLINIC/BOATHOUSE
Clinic
Megan Prather @meganthefeline Reporter
There have been 20 new anti-abortion laws signed by Governor Mary Fallin since 2010. Senate Bill 1552, which would make it illegal for physicians to perform abortions in the state, was also proposed recently, but was vetoed in May. “While I consistently have and continue to support a re-examination of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, this legislation cannot accomplish that re-examination,” Fallin said in a statement. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) hasn't issued a license for an abortion provider since the 70's. After months of delay due to having the clinics license denied by OSDH, Burkhart was able to move forward. "If a step is missed or there is a delay in meeting a certain criteria [sic] it pushes the process back or places it on hold, " Corey Robertson in the OSDH Office of Communications said. "The clinic’s license was approved on Aug. 31."
There are now three licensed abortion clinics open in the state located in Norman, Tulsa and now in Oklahoma City. "I'm quite pleased about it, we haven't had something like this available to women in this city in a while," student Mindy Rosebeary said. Before the clinics opening, Oklahoma City was the largest metro area in the United States without an abortion provider. The center expects to treat about 1,500 patients in their first year. "It's pathetic that people care more about a fetus than a woman's health and right to a safe procedure," Rosebeary said. Burkhart worked beside Dr. George Tiller for seven years as the Chair for the Wichita Choice Alliance in Wichita, Kansas. Tiller ran one of three facilities to perform lateterm abortions in the country. Tiller was fatally shot in the side of the head by an anti-abortion extremist while ushering at his church in 2009. His practice had also been firebombed in the past. Tiller had also been shot in the arms by another extremist five times. The clinic closed after his death, but Burkhart said she believed it would be unconscionable for the city to be without an abortion
5
Trust Women's founder and CEO Julie Burkhart stands in a consultation room at the Trust Women: South Wind Women's Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Trust Women opened its first clinic in Wichita, Kansas, in 2013 following the shooting death of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller, with whom Burkhart worked for seven years. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
clinic. Burkhart then founded Trust Women and re-opened a clinic with safety measures in place and Tiller's picture hanging in the entryway. The Trust Women: South Wind Women's Center in Oklahoma City is
now seeing patients and is located at 1240 S.W. 44th St. "Just because we live in a more traditional, conventional part of the county it doesn't mean people don't deserve their rights," Burkhart said.
Central Boathouse Queila Omena @queilaomena Reporter
The award is organized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and the Metropolitan Arts Press, to study national and international architectural building and landscapes. "We are honored to accept the American Architecture Award on behalf of the University of Central Oklahoma," said Principal Architect at Elliott + Associates Architects, Rand Elliott. Central's boathouse was finished by 2015, winning national recognition along with the other 74 recipients of the awards, selected from 380 buildings and architectural projects. The boathouse was built with the intention of supporting and housing the University of Central Oklahoma Women’s Rowing Team, but soon became something much bigger, according to CHK Central Boat website. The discipline of art and rowing are now portrayed at Central’s Boathouse, along with an inclusion of an art gallery, a musical, a live perfor-
mance stage, an outside water stage and a private conference room. "The American Architecture Awards represent the best architecture in America. We are happy to represent Oklahoma and are proud to be among such an illustrious list," Elliott said. According to The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design website, the architectural concept behind UCO’s Boathouse was to connect the beauty, grace and power of rowing with the lyric notes of jazz music. Another concept was to create a memorable, one of a king experience on the river, integrating fine art on canvas and paper with the sculptural qualities of rowing shells combined in an atmosphere filled of emotional sounds, stated Central's Boathouse website. The 33,000-square-foot Devon Boathouse is found on the Oklahoma River as the anchor point for the Oklahoma City Boathouse District. According to Elliott + Associates’ website, the team illustrates the firms’ creative process and problem-solving focus while designing and transforming buildings and landscapes; members of the team look for a powerful idea to influence architecture. UCO has aligned with the boat-
The CHK Central Boathouse recently won the American Architecture Award. The Bouthouse was selected as one of 75 recepients. Photo by Miranda VanMeter, The Vista.
house district and the arts movement to perfect details for the crafty place. They also partnered with LINGO Construction Services, Inc., Triad
Design Group, Mark Eudaley Engineers, Inc. and Determan Scheirman Engineers, Inc. for the construction of the boathouse.
BUCKING BRONCHO
6
The Bucking Broncho:
Terence Crutcher was the Last Straw for Russell Westbrook
A. Suave Francisco @SuaveFrancisco_ Sports Editor
There are a little more than a few words from Oklahoma City Thunder star, Russell Westbrook, in his recent Instagram post. He states his frustration towards the recent shootings of innocent black men by officers of the law— more specifically the Terence Crutcher situation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Colin Kaepernick’s stance has been felt throughout the country and more so within the sports community. Players, and in some cases entire teams, have stood up in protest of the injustices, in relation to people of color, homosexuality, religion and so forth. Russell Westbrook, a NBA player, spoke out as if the situation in Tulsa was his final straw. Standing at a legitimate 6 feet 4 inches, 200 pounds, the stereotype of a big black man more than likely applies to him. If you saw his shadow, not knowing who he was, he’d fit that description and who’s to say he wouldn’t also be considered a “bad man,” like Crutcher was from hundreds of feet
in the air where you can’t see any features, can’t hear any of his words, mannerisms— anything? This latest situation is more frustrating because of the clear video evidence that Crutcher indeed didn’t do anything wrong. The officers weren’t called because he did anything, they were called because his car happened to be stalled in the street, obstructing traffic. Hearing and seeing the excuses for the Tulsa Police Department’s actions is proof of America’s bias, and it honestly gives Kaepernick’s argument more validity. Some have been going as far as saying that the PCP allegedly found in Crutcher’s vehicle was reason enough for officer Betty Shelby to fatally shoot him, or that he didn’t follow all the officer’s commands. As long as you don’t pose a threat, you shouldn’t be killed. The police department’s fabrication of the story furthermore decreased their credibility after they said he was reaching through his open window— a window Crutcher’s lawyer later proved was actually closed. All of this comes back to West-
brook. Knowing the type of guy he is now— controversial, emotional, and determined— this is an opportunity for him to really take a stand.
Him speaking out may actually hold more weight than Kaepernick in the eyes of the average Oklahoman because, let’s be honest, he’s a more relevant athlete right now, and Oklahoman’s absolutely love him, especially after he pledged his loyalty to Oklahoma City for at least two more years. Although his message will essentially be the same as Kaepernick’s, possibly even kneeling during the national anthem, let’s see if fans react differently just because it’s Russell Westbrook. These athletes are going out on a limb, using their major platform to speak out against this drama in America. I believe this is something that players will continue doing until America’s mindset changes when it comes to these issues. It’s a problem. The sooner you realize that and stop trying to hold onto this old American mindset, stemming from slavery that blacks aren’t equal to the average American, the sooner these athletes will stop “disrespecting the country.” Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and center Steven Adams (12) pose for photos during the 20162017 Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day in Oklahoma City, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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PUBLIC SAFETY
A Rise in Public Intox Arrests on Campus Elizabeth Spence @lizzlynn Reporter
The three most common illegal substances found on the University of Central Oklahoma campus are alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs, and as a result of this public intoxication is becoming more prevalent on campus. The university’s Daily Crime Log has recorded four public intoxications ending in arrests and charges filed against each of the offenders in the past month. Two of these arrests for public intoxication were made on Wantland Stadium. There were no recorded events at Wantland Stadium happening the dates that the arrests were made and the other two arrests were made in one of the university parking lots. Alcohol is known for making a home on most college campuses. Public intoxication is a result of having alcohol within the area and alcohol will consistently be the illegal
substance of choice because it is so easy to obtain. Students having older classmates buy them alcohol is a problem, but the UCO police officers cannot be there 24 hours of the day to monitor the activity of the students.
Ultimately, the choice is up the student but remembering that all choices have consequences is not always easy and UCO has no tolerance for illegal substance abuse. If underage students are caught with alcohol in their dorms, on cam-
pus, or in their vehicle they will deal with being arrested, charges being filed against them, and disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion.
CRIME BY THE NUMBERS FROM UCO DAILY CRIME LOG SINCE START OF FALL 2016
Assault:
II
Harassment:
I
Vandalism:
I
Public Intoxication:
Burglary:
I
Notice to Leave Campus: III
Larceny:
I
Controlled Dangerous Sub.: II
THIRSTY THURSDAY GET YOU BUSTED? I CAN HELP. Call Tommy Adler for DUI and Criminal Defense.
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