TH E CA M ERON UNI V ERSIT Y Monday, April 18, 2011
Volume 85 Issue 17
Informing Cameron Since 1926
Cameron contributes to Japan relief
Students construct paper cranes to raise money By Brittany Wolfe Staff Writer
On Friday, March 11, a massive earthquake struck Japan about 180 miles from Tokyo, causing a devastating tsunami that destroyed the coast. Since the ordeal, Students Rebuild has collaborated with DoSomething.org to help students from different schools worldwide, including Cameron University, to support the crises in Japan. Cameron students made paper cranes to show their support in raising money for reconstruction in Japan. On March 28 and 29, CU students gathered in the McMahon Centennial Complex for six to eight hours and made paper cranes to donate. Student Activities Specialist Steven Sassaman said he came across this fundraising opportunity while searching for ways CU students could get involved globally and locally. He said he likes to get students together once a month to help with service projects. “Part of my job as Student
Activities Specialist is coordinating student services, community engagement and volunteerism on campus,” Sassaman said. “One of my goals for this semester was to develop and implement some type of smaller scale service project or some type of engagement activity once a month to get students thinking about global issues or things in the local community.” Paper cranes are a simple and powerful gesture that will generate a $200,000 donation from the Bezos Family Foundation. This is a private independent foundation established by Jackie and Mike Bezos. The foundation works to strengthen educational opportunities for everyone. The Bezos family will donate $2 for every crane received and have a goal to receive 100,000 cranes from schools around the world to then be woven into an art installation. The art installation will be a symbolic gift from students around the
Photo courtesy of Steve Sassaman
One crane at a time: CU students contribute to the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief fund by constructing origami paper cranes on March 28-29 in the McMahon Centennial Complex. The campaign is a worldwide event funded by the Bezos Family Foundation, which will donate $2 for every crane folded; the goal is to reach 100,000 cranes. globe to the people of Japan. All donations will go to the Architecture for Humanity’s reconstruction efforts in Japan. Architecture for Humanity and its teams of volunteer professionals in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are collaborating
with organizations for students to help mobilize around a long-term reconstruction effort. According to Sassaman, paper cranes are a part of Japanese culture. Paper cranes are sacred creatures and according to legend, anyone
who folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. The Bezos family’s goal of collecting paper cranes
See CRANES Page 3
CU Moon Buggy team earns “Team Spirit” award By Amber Spurlin
“One small step for man...”: Cameron students Logan Burke (front) and Miwa Fukuda participate in the 18th annual Great Moonbuggy Race on April 1-2 in Huntsville, Ala., where they placed 19th out of 42 teams, and were honored with the “Team Spirit” award. Participants were asked to construct their own moonbuggy, and race it on terrain similiar to that of the moon.
Staff Writer
Cameron students shot for the stars and landed on the moon earlier this month at NASA’s 18th annual Great Moonbuggy Race, placing 19th out of 42 and taking home the award for best team spirit. According to Andrew Duffield, Faculty Advisor, the Great Moon Buggy race was held April 1-2 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama; the place where America’s space program was born. Duffield explained that NASA’s annual Moonbuggy race is an international competition that challenges students to build a vehicle similar to the original moonbuggy and race it on terrain that simulates that of the moon’s surface. “The NASA competition challenges students around the world to build and race lightweight, human-powered buggies, demonstrating the same innovation and can-do spirit that put the first Apollo-era lunar rover on the moon four decades ago,” he said. Senior Engineering and Design Technology major Aaron Cobb acted as captain of the team. Cobb said that the design for Cameron’s moonbuggy was one that he had been working on since his freshman year. He said that the design was originally intended to be in last year’s race, but they had to wait and use the design this year due to crucial parts not arriving in time. “I began working on my design my freshman year. I finished it the following year and submitted it for a Capstone project to be built for the competition,” Cobb said. “Due to problems getting the needed parts, we were forced to retrofit the old buggy and save my new design for this year’s competition.” Cobb noted that they began working on the moonbuggy in early
See MOONBUGGY Page 2
Photos courtesy of Aaron Cobb
News
A&E
Sports
Opinion
CU hosts high school agriculture competition.
Theatre department final production prepared.
Baseball athletes attract major league scouts.
Pregnancy changes everything.
SEE PAGE 5
SEE PAGE 6
SEE PAGE 3
SEE PAGE 4
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News
April 18, 2011
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IT Help Desk to redirect calls
Help Desk aims to aid students with misdirected calls By Rebecca Craft Staff Writer
The Cameron Information Technology Services Help Desk has been receiving several phone calls from students concerning problems that the Help Desk is not equipped to answer. While this may not be a new problem, it is one that the administration is trying to address to better meet students’ needs. Several of the calls that the Help Desk has received concern financial aid or enrollment questions. As a branch of the ITS department, Help Desk technicians are only able to answer computer technology questions. However, a part of the problem rests in the fact that some of the students who call the Help Desk may be unaware of the specific services that it offers. “I’d assume that the title ‘Help Desk’ would refer to something that could give you course information or is a directory that might be able to transfer you to different departments,” junior Tyler Breeze said. “That’s what the help desk did at my other school.” Though the Help Desk is able to help students get connected with the other departments on campus, the questions that they are able to answer primarily concern computer technical problems. “The Student Help Desk assists with student account related issues, such as login problems, password changes, blackboard related issues, SafeAssign, or web-page uploads,” Academic IT Center manager Margot Gregory said. Misdirected calls also happen frequently at the beginning of a semester when students new
to Cameron attempt to log into AggieAccess or email accounts. “After students are admitted to Cameron, they receive an admissions letter showing them their password and user name for their accounts,” Gregory said. “However, these accounts are only available after a student is enrolled. A large number of students who are accepted “In the beginning of the but not enrolled call us with questions about semester, we get calls from why their accounts aren’t working. Others may have questions about their user name students who don’t know or passwords. A large number of the calls what it is that they need. we get concern how to log onto, operate, or We try to direct them to upload assignments onto Blackboard.” When students call the Help Desk with the right place. It’s not really questions unrelated to a Cameron server or a problem for us. When account, the technicians at the Help Desk there’s an issue a student is are able to send student information to the correct department. unable to fix, or a student “In the beginning of the semester, we get is unable to get through to calls from students who don’t know what it a department, they may call is that they need,” Gregory said. “We try to direct them to the right place. It’s not really us because they are able to a problem for us. When there’s an issue a get through.” student is unable to fix or a student is unable to get — Margot Gregory through to a department, they may call us because Academic IT Center they are able to get Manager through.” According to Gregory, the Academic Computer Lab where the Help Desk is located is rarely crowded during the day, making it more accessible to students who are in need of immediate assistance. “We’re kind of like a Girl Friday here,” Gregory said. “We help people get done whatever it is that they really need.” The Academic Computer Lab is located in Birch Hall. During the fall and spring semesters, it is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 - 10 p.m. on Sundays.
MCT Campus
MOONBUGGY continued from page 1
Solutions on page 3
March and again ran into problems getting needed parts, receiving some only 36 hours before they were scheduled to leave for the competition. According to Cobb, several team members spent the next two days working on the buggy with minimal sleep before making the 12-hour trip to Alabama. He said when they arrived they immediately began working on the buggy to finish getting it ready for the race. “In order to pull it all together, a few of us worked two full days in the lab without sleep, working all the way up until we had to load the buggy and make the 12-hour trip to Alabama,” Cobb said. “We pulled into the hotel parking lot at 3 a.m. and continued work until the buggy left the starting line.” Cobb explained that CU’s team overcame many obstacles before and through the course of the race, but overcame their adversity through teamwork and diligence. He said that was part of what earned them the Best Team Spirit Award. “We received the Best Team Spirit Award because of everything we did and how we did it,” Cobb said. “We were challenged, sleep deprived, and we had problem after problem arise, yet we worked diligently on our buggy overcoming the impossible.” Cobb noted that once they worked out all of the kinks in their moonbuggy, they immediately began helping other teams get their moonbuggies ready for the race. “After getting our buggy in running shape, our work continued; by the end of the competition, we had helped redesign the buggies for two separate teams, Scotlandville Magnet High School from Louisiana and Ryerson University from Canada,” Cobb said. Cobb noted that, although they did not win first place and were sleep deprived, making it past the finish line and helping other teams do the same was an award in itself and well worth the effort. “Even though we were tired, sweaty, sun-burned and even weld-burned, we walked into that award ceremony having already received the best award from the trip: watching the teams from Canada and Louisiana, who we worked with hand-in-hand, finish the course,” he said. “That is a feeling of accomplishment that will live with me for the rest of my life and I am just as proud of every rip, tear, and stain we subjected our yellow Cameron shirts to as I am of the wooden plaque NASA presented us with.”
April 18, 2011
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News
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CU hosts Interscholastic Meet
Students from 70 state high schools compete By Ashleigh Fletcher
a big event for the Agriculture Department and has been held Staff Writer at Cameron for more than 50 years. The Cameron University Fischer revealed that part Agriculture Department played two of the event, an oral host to nearly 500 students communication event, would on April 6 during the annual take place April 26, 2011, at Agriculture Interscholastic CU. Meet. “The next event is the During the event high school Southwest students, District representing “We try to get the Speech 70 different Contest,” schools across students exposed to the state the Cameron campus as he said. Fisher joined at CU much as possible. We described and showed off their skills. want them to experience the speech contest and Several our student friendly explained different environment, and make what the agriculture them feel welcome here students contests were will be held during at the univeristy.” doing the meet in “During areas ranging — Dr. Leon Fischer this from meat Agriculture contest the judging to Department Chair students landscaping will present and speeches everything for judges from 11 different between. Agriculture related categories,” Dr. Leon Fischer, Chair he said. of the Cameron Agriculture According to Fischer, Department and coordinator of these events are qualifying the competition, offered some competitions for the later State detail on the event. Competition. “The Interscholastic Ag “Teams and individuals will meet is made up of different take home awards and then Career Development Events. go on to compete in the State The meet consisted of a series Competition,” he said. of hands on judging events and Fischer also explained that also a jeopardy like quiz bowl,” in addition to being great Fischer said. educational events and learning Fischer explained that the experiences for students, these students competed in teams, events also serve as a recruiting but could also be recognized as opportunity for the University individuals. and the Ag Department. “All of the events were “This is a big recruiting team events but we also allow opportunity for our individuals to compete and department,” he said. be recognized,” he said. “This According to Fischer, allows for smaller schools, exposing the students to or schools who do not have Cameron is one of the enough participants to make a underlying goals of both events. team, to compete as well.” “We try to get the students He also added that the exposed to the Cameron Interscholastic Meet is always
Photos by Ann Morris
It’s whats for dinner: High school students observe livestock animals as part of the Agriculture Interscholastic Meet Cameron hosted on April 6, in which 500 high school students from 70 schools across the state came together. campus as much as possible,” he said. “We want them to experience our student friendly environment and make them feel welcome here at the university”
According to Fischer, it is all about getting students interested in CU by showing the university’s interest in them. “We try getting the kids
interested in Cameron,” he said. “We want to show them that the Cameron University Agriculture Department would love to have them here for their college career.”
CRANES continued from page 1 from young people to represent 100 wishes of support and healing for Japan. A list of wishes will begin to appear when they receive the first 1,000 cranes by mail. “After hearing about the crises in Japan, I figured this was a great way to get students engaged globally,” Sassaman said. “I also thought it was a cool way to let students learn about the Japanese culture, since the paper cranes are a Japanese tradition. Sassaman said about 100 to 150 CU students including him and a group of student volunteers attended the paper crane event in the MCC. He said groups of 15 students made 20 cranes each and overall there were 1000 cranes created to donate. A total of about $2000 was raised by CU students making the paper cranes to be donated. “On Monday we made so many cranes that we actually ran out of paper so I had to run to Hobby Lobby and get more for Tuesday,” Sassaman said. According to Sassaman, anyone who is interested in this CU service project can stop by his office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. upstairs in the McMahon Centennial Complex or they can log onto Facebook and “like” the page CU Serve. The page is a great way for students to know what events are coming up and to find out about any service opportunities in which students can get involved in our community. “Our Facebook page, CU Serve, is a great way for students to always be aware of what events or service projects we have coming up,” Sassaman said. “It is also an easy way to advertise to get students involved in all of our projects.”
Opinion
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April 18, 2011
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Pregnancy changes outlook on things Rachel Engel News Editor
For the first time ever, Mother’s Day has two meanings for me: I have a mom to appreciate, and I am a mom-tobe. Weird. Honestly, that’s what it is — weird. Even after four months of doctor’s appointments, eating
healthy and complete abstinence from alcohol, it doesn’t seem real that I am growing a human being inside of me. I’m sure the day he or she kicks me in the ribs from the inside will be enough to convince me, though. The fears I feel as a soonto-be mother are surely shared by other first timers, which reassures me that everything will turn out just fine. However, knowing that one day in the very near future, someone is going to call out for “mom” and it’s going to be me, is a thought that takes some getting used to. Even though this baby was wanted, planned and celebrated, the idea is a little nerve-wracking. When my husband deployed the last
two times, he made sure to leave me a large dry erase note on my fridge, reminding me to please feed and water the dog. Subtle, dear. Luckily, when the baby needs to be watered and fed, it will make noise, instead of just staring longingly at its food bowl. What, do you need something? Man, Fido, you’re needy. But beyond just the basic needs, which I will obviously be able and willing to meet, is the fact that I will have to discipline this child and teach it the ways of the world, which scares me, because I have a hard time disciplining myself. Even when I set myself specific goals, such as getting up by a certain time because I have errands to run,
I rarely adhere to them. The snooze button is my friend—for a limited time. I also worry that I will try too hard to force my hopes and dreams on to my offspring, instead of letting them find their own way. Just because I want them to play softball/ baseball doesn’t mean they’ll love it like I did, or even want to play sports. Just because I love musicals and classic movies doesn’t mean they will — they may take after their dad, and if that’s the case, he will be vigilant in shielding them from those types of movies. Will they grow up and, despite living in my household, become a Republican? Shudder. I’ll always love them, but that would be hard to ignore.
My parents always told me they constantly worry about me—still—and I now know what they’re talking about. My fetus is only four months old, and the anxiousness and fears have already begun. So, this is the first Mother’s Day of the rest of my life. From now on, I will be a daughter and a mother. And, putting all my fears and worries aside, I am really looking forward to it. Come on, Oct. 5.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
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Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Jim Horinek News Editor - Rachel Engel A&E Editor - Megan Bristow Sports Editor - Michael Faggett Variety Editor - Rashmi Thapaliya Copy Editor - Dianne Riddles Aggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett
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Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Cantu, Ashleigh Fletcher, Amber Spurlin, Raven Weiss, Brittany Wolfe, Tahira Carter, Brandon Thompson, Elijah Morlett, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Craft Photographer - Kelsey Carter Circulation Managers - Thomas Smith, Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Jim Horinek Interns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan
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Dr. Christopher Keller
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.
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Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www. aggiecentral.com.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Age affects efficacy of leaders Age is but a number. Remember that old saying? Is it really true? Is age really nothing but a number? Does the age of a person really not affect the way that a person reasons? Does a child have the capability to think the same way an adult would if given the right circumstances? When it comes to social issues, age is one of the most important points often raised. Family, marriage, career, friendship and many more all have the “age” issue imbedded in them. In the African culture, when a young lady is not married by the age of 28, she is considered f lawed by social standards. When a man is not financially stable at age 35, he is considered poor. When it comes to wisdom, age is a big factor in determination of a wise person. An older person is considered wiser than a younger person. An adage goes, “What an old man sees sitting down, a young boy will never see standing on a mountain. It connotatively means that the experiences of an older person has taught him or her a lot more and given wisdom. This question arises, “Is age directly linked to wisdom?” When it comes to leadership, this can easily be disputed. In fact, when it comes to political leadership and comparing the Western
Teewhy
Staff Writer world with Africa, the reverse seems to be the case. After all the political drama coming out of Africa I asked myself if the reasons for all these was that there were too many “old people” ruling countries in Africa. My own answer pointed to the fact that in the Western world (Western world being most developed countries in Europe and the Americas) relatively younger people lead the race for the future. Younger people are involved in the day-to-day running of the government and younger people many times lead the government. The United states of America is the world’s oldest surviving federation, one of the world’s best economy and military powers; simply put, the United States is one of the most powerful nations of the world and it is led by a President
who is 49-years-old. The United Kingdom, one of the world’s bestknown governments has David Cameron a 44-yearold as prime minister. The UK has the sixth largest economy in the world; it is rich and has one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the world. Russia, another powerful nation with great military might and the 10th largest economy in the world has 45-year-old Dmitry Medvedev as its leader. In respects to Africa, a reversed trend is seen. Although I am African and would love to speak positives about my land of origin, it is hard to do as my own country, Nigeria, with all its abundant natural resources and great relations with most of the developed countries of the world had a president who died at 58, with his vice president becoming president at age 52. However, this is relatively young in Africa. Hosni Mubarak, the ousted leader of Egypt, the country with the most diverse economy in Africa, was 82 years old at the time his government was toppled. Egypt has a huge problem of wealth sharing with many of its citizens complaining of monopoly and that the rich only allow
for minimum trickles of the resources to make it down to the average population. Libya, which has a huge ongoing civil unrest, has a leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi, 68 years old leading the country. Libya, despite having one of the highest GDP in Africa has problems of high unemployment rates and human rights violations; a clear example was the violent response of its military to demonstrators. An ally to Libya, Zimbabwe has Robert Mugabe an 87-year-old man leading it. Zimbabwe has the worst level of inf lation in the world with 1 US dollar = ZW dollar 300,000,000,000 as of Feb. 2009. To those who don’t have a head for figures, Zimbabwe is the only country in the world to have billion dollar notes, and 100 billion dollars only can get you three eggs. Although it might be true that many developed countries have more issues but are good at hiding them, these countries do not have the huge rate of neglect, poverty and starvation that a lot of other African countries with their “old” leaders do. How does an 80-year-old man help make laws that concern texting and safety? He probably does not even know how to text. How does a leader help project his country’s image to the outside world when he probably still lives in olden times, in a palace and still has traditional warriors to protect him? The future belongs to the young at heart. To make changes that will guarantee the future of citizens, a young person who can imagine what the future will be like is needed. Older leaders are needed for their excellent advice based on their experiences and not for leadership. The future belongs to the young people. To be at par with all the other nations of the world, Africa needs to do away with old leaders and help build younger, smarter and more active young people to take up leadership positions and ultimately move the continent forward.
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A&E
April 18, 2011
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Musical to teach real-life lessons By Tahira Carter Staff Writer
The stress of finals will remain outside the doors of the Cameron University Theatre on April 21, as the students recreate the jovial children’s musical, “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Adapted to the stage from the children’s books written by Arnold Lobel, the play proves to be a joy for all ages. Brightly colored props, creative costumes and clever humor set the tone for the yearlong journey of two quirky friends. Frog and Toad guide the audience through four seasons of fun activities that highlight Frog’s happy temperament and the contrasting unpleasantness of Toad. The play hopes to teach the importance of acceptance and friendship as audience members watch the characters learn and grow from each other’s differences. Theatre major Amanda Richey plays the role of Frog in the production and interprets her character’s outgoing attitude and readiness to help to be the true meaning of friendship, “to be there for somebody wholeheartedly and help him or her through any situation.” Toad’s character is played by Leah Mazur, a junior and theatre major, and provides the controversy in the history. Naturally inclined to be a pessimist Toad is usually the one that learns a lesson at the end of each scene. Despite the fact that the characters and scenes are very fanciful, Mazur said that the audience would still be able to identify with the material because they can relate it to real life
situations. A bit of imagination would still be required to perceive the play’s animal-like creatures as their characterizations rely wholly on costuming without the help of elaborate make-up. Theatre Department chair and play director Scott Richard Klein explained that portraying the characters in this manner is in keeping with the requests of the original playwright. This production marks the first musical and final production of the school year. This production has also provided an occasion for Cameron to put on a play that appealed to younger audiences. “We do a musical every year and this one was selected, in part, because it would be a chance to do children’s theatre which we don’t
do often,” Klein said. “It was also an opportunity for the students to learn this technique against the regular music comedy technique.” The theatre production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” was made famous in 2003 when the play had a stint on Broadway. Musical favorites such as Getta Loada Toad, I’m Coming Out Of My Shell and Merry Almost Christmas will be featured in this weekend’s presentations. The show will be presented at the CU Theatre from April 21-24 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. For further information, please contact the CU Theatre at 580.581.2346 or visit www. cameron.edu/theatre_arts/season.
Photos by Tahira Carter
Life and friendship: Amanda Richey (Frog), Leah Mazur (Toad), and Neila Ettienne (Bird) have been cast together to perform “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Performances begin on April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Russell Brand may have to grow up sometime for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references. However, the film is sure to get viewers laughing at the ridiculous antics of Arthur. From a magnetized bed to watching cartoons all day, there is no way that the film’s main character could fail to elicit a smile from
MCT Campus
Real life: Warner Bros. recent box office release, “Arthur,” was an attempt to remake the 1981 version of the film. Arthur gets to taste real life when he is forced to marry Susan or work for a living and develop his relationship with Naomi.
By Megan Bristow A&E Editor
Almost everyone has heard the expression “a child trapped in an adult’s body” used to describe those people who either refuse to grow up or manage to preserve a youthful, playful spirit throughout their adulthood. On April 8, 2011, an exaggeration of this expression hit the big screen in Warner Bros. Pictures’ new film, “Arthur.” Russell Brand stars as a young, highly intelligent billionaire who refuses to grow up and take responsibility for his life. With cars ranging from the Batmobile to a car modeled after the Back to the Future automobile, Arthur roams New York City getting into a variety of trouble and meeting up with women from backgrounds much lower than his own. Most situations result in him being saved by the firm, loving hands of his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren). Arthur’s mother, Vivienne (Geraldine James, also seen in Sherlock Holmes and Alice in Wonderland) is soon forced to realize that her son’s behavior is in no way suitable for the heir to the large family corporation. She devises a plan to set him straight. Making the impossible possible seems a little easier for her if he is paired up with the responsible nature of
her right hand assistant, Susan (Jennifer Garner), in marriage. Susan is the daughter of a wealthy contractor, but not completely loved by the elite class. She agrees to the marriage purely for status and riches. Arthur also agrees to propose to her in fear of losing the large sum of money that was promised to him to use as he wishes. It was the perfect plan to correct Arthur’s childish behavior until he actually falls in love with a poverty-stricken tour guide. Naomi (Greta Gerwig) shares Arthur’s youthful spirit, but also has a responsible, down-to-earth side resulting in a beautiful match between the two. However, the deal with his mother and Susan remains. Having never had a real job, Arthur is scared to lose his inheritance; but also scared of losing the connection with Naomi. The choice is his, but the wrong decision could ruin his life and his youthful spirit. Jason Winer, an up-and coming director who won the Director’s Guild of America for the direction of his comedy series, “Modern Family”, directs “Arthur,” a romantic comedy. Peter Baynham and Steve Gordon wrote the screenplay and story of the movie, respectively. According to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the film is rated PG-13
even the most somber of faces. Viewers are sure to play along with Arthur’s vivid imagination as he toddles through life until he must make the biggest decision of his life. Russell Brand, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner and Helen Mirren all meet on a screen
near you at Lawton’s Carmike Cinemas. Reward yourself with a little study break and refresh yourself by heading to the theater to enjoy the humorous wit of Arthur. Carmike Cinemas can be found at 7102 NW Cache Road, and viewers can learn of the next showing by calling 536.7231.
Sports
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April 18, 2011
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Men’s tennis preps for conference
Aggies use chemistry, talent in their push for LSC title By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer
Photos courtesy of CU Athletics
Sole Senior: Jeff Sasser is the lone senior of the Aggies men’s tennis team. At the time of publication, the Lawton native has won ten of the 13 doubles matches he’s played, helping the Aggies boast an overall 15-4 record.
The No. 19 Aggie men’s tennis team has been virtually unstoppable this season. The men have dropped just four matches and have seen only one loss in conference play (at time of publication). Men’s tennis coach James Helvey said he believes some of the men’s accomplishments are due to the squad’s closeness. “The boys are a close-knit, strong family and have been from the beginning of the year,” Helvey said. “These guys come from all over the world, so while they are here they have no one but themselves and each other to be there, and that makes them stronger.” So far, the men have come away with conference wins over Incarnate Word, East Central and Southeastern Oklahoma. In each of those contests, the Black and Gold have given up just one match. However, the men faced a tough 6-3 loss against Midwestern State University, another conference foe. In that match the Aggies were able to come away with just one doubles win and two singles decisions. The duo of Santiago Romero
and Nicolas Clerc routed Luke Joyce and Vjeckoslav Stipanic 8-1 at the No. 1 position. CU dropped the match at the No. 2 spot in a close 9-7 decision. Jeff Sasser and Duje Janjic were also unable to pick up a win at No. 3. After giving up three match points, the pair lost the match 9-8(4.). In singles, Manuel Barroetavena took out his counterpart 6-1, 6-2 at the No. 4 slot. Nicolas “Nico” Clerc also came away with a win for the Aggies. The Argentine came back from a break down at 5-2 in the second set to secure a 6-2, 7-5 result. Both players have been critical elements of the men’s team this spring. Barroetavena has just one loss on the season, while Clerc is undefeated (at time of publication). Helvey was impressed with the level of play both men have brought to the court. “Nico has been outstanding. I can’t recall ever having a player going this far in the season without having a loss. Manuel is doing very well too with just one loss,” he said. Santiago Romero, the team’s only nationally ranked player, has also been able to shine for the squad this season. The No. 18 player competes at the top spot for CU and has had just a handful of losses.
The men are now readying themselves for the Lone Star Conference Tournament. The contest is scheduled to take place April 22-23 in Oklahoma City. Though things are shaping up well for the Aggie men in regard to conference and regional play, there is still a lot of work to do, especially considering the regional selection changes made this season. Previously, the top six teams in the region were given slots to play in regional competition. This year, however, the number of teams allowed to compete has been scaled back to four, which adds some pressure to CU’s campaign to make the cut. The men’s coach said the team needs to play smart to keep their chances alive. “The reduction of slots makes it more difficult, and that’s frustrating. But, we just have to stay out of trouble and keep winning,” Helvey said. On the whole, Helvey said he is more than happy with the men’s season and the success his players have achieved. “This season has been outstanding. I was a little unsure of what this season would be like at the beginning, but I am very happy with our record,” he said.
Larsson’s, Held’s hot bats attract MLB scouts By Brandon Thompson Staff Writer
With a professional scout looking on, Kenny Held and Chase Larsson put on a show. The two CU baseball players remained calm during batting practice as a Major League Baseball scout studied their swings. Held and Larsson, both with batting averages over .400, are highly sought after commodities among MLB scouts. As the CU baseball team makes their run towards the post-season, Held and Larsson draft stock is bound to rise. According to Held, he has always excelled at baseball, but claimed this was a break out year for him. “This year I kind of just broke loose,” Held said. “I am having a really good year.” With the season nearly at its end, Held is excited about the prospect of being drafted by a MLB franchise regardless of which team it is. “When the day comes and they call my name,” Held said. “I will sign and go wherever they will take me.” Being a professional baseball player has been a dream of Held’s since the first day he laced up his cleats. With this dream quickly changing to a reality Held is excited about the opportunity. “It has always been a dream of mine,” Held said. “Even now I
get chills and thrills just thinking about it.” All of the commotion involved with scouts coming to games and practices has not affected the focus of Held and his team. Held said his focus right now is getting CU to a National Championship and his individual goals come second to goals of the team. Larsson, much like Held, is thrilled about the idea of becoming a professional athlete. Larsson said that growing up in Canada many kids had aspirations of becoming professional hockey players, but his only interest was baseball. Baseball has always played an intricate role in Larsson’s life and now that his professional baseball aspirations are becoming a reality he said that he feels honored. “It is pretty exciting,” Larsson said. “I have never had this much attention before and it is fun when it is happening to you.” According to Larsson, he plans on entering the upcoming draft and will most likely sign with whatever team chooses to draft him. “If I get drafted I will probably just sign upfront,” Larsson said. “It will have to take something pretty drastic for me not to sign.” Several MLB teams have been to CU games and batting practices this season making the season a rollercoaster ride for Held and Larsson. Each swing and at bat has become important for both players.
Season for the record books: In his first and possibly only year as an Aggie, Chase Larsson has set new NCAA Division 2 records, including most RBIs in one game (eight) and most consecutive games with a home run (nine). Larsson is batting .464 with 21 home runs and 57 RBIs. He, along with teammate Kenny Held have been scouting by several MLB teams including the New York Yankees.
Larsson said that all the teams attending games and practices have been a fun ride for both players. “We have had the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves and Diamondbacks all come take a look this season,” Larsson said. “Later this week the Baltimore Orioles are coming down.” Larsson gave credit to Held and the rest of the team for helping create all the major league buzz. “I think whenever you are on a good team and have other good players around you scouts want to come see you,” Larsson said.
Photos courtesy of CU Athletics
Big time swingers: Chase Larrson and Kenny Held have provided much power at the three and four spots in head coach Todd Holland’s line-up. Held is tied with Larrson as the NCAA Division 2 leader in runs batted in. Held is batting .454 with 17 home runs and 57 RBIs.
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April 18, 2011
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Women’s tennis makes run at LSC title By Amanda Cantu Staff Writer
The success of the Cameron women’s tennis team has been undeniable this season, as the women boast a 16-5 overall record and have given up only one conference contest (at time of publication). Women’s tennis coach James Helvey contributes part of the women’s success to some of the characteristics of their gender. “I really think there is nothing tougher than a group of girls committed to one goal; they just bring an extra element of strength. It may take girls a little longer to come together and trust, but once they do it is a very tight bond,” Helvey said. “We have a very strong team, and they just keep proving me right by getting better and better each week, one step at a time.” In the squad’s most recent home match, the nationally ranked No. 18 Aggie women came away with a close 5-4 victory over conference rival
Midwestern State University (MSU). The women started in a hole after losing two of the three doubles matches. The talented tandem of Amanda Moberg and Julia Puckhaber punished their opponents at the No. 1 spot, picking up an 8-2 win. The pair was also successful in singles play. Moberg, who is No. 23 in the nation, dismissed Rozike Janzen van Rensburg 6-3, 6-1 at the top spot, while Puckhaber came back from a first set deficit to overcome Alex Odell-Michels 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 2 position. Helvey said he is more than pleased with the results the two women have been producing. “Amanda and Julia are very dependable,” Helvey said. “I’m not wrapped up in wins and losses so much as I am in the effort players put forth. I’ve got good players, and if they give their best effort, they will be victorious. Amanda and Julia always give their best effort.”
Stable success: After an outstanding freshman campaign, sophomore Amanda Moberg has played well in her second year as an Aggie. The native of Sweden has posted a 14-3 record in singles play, helping the Aggies to an overall 16-5 record this season.
Elvira Sholles also secured an impressive win for the team in her match against MSU’s Abbie Lewis. The CU sophomore recorded an easy 6-2, 6-1 result at the No. 3 slot. The Black and Gold women were unable to produce wins at the No. 4 and No. 5 positions, which tied the contest at 4-4. The deciding match was played on the racquet of Florencia Tornero. The Aggie freshman lost the first set in a close tiebreaker, but came back to take the next two sets in decisive fashion, dismissing her counterpart, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 and clenching the victory for CU. Earlier in the season, the women’s team clutched a 6-3 win over regional foe St. Edward’s University, giving Helvey his 600th career win, a milestone for which the coach holds his teams of past and present responsible. “I don’t really give it much thought,” he said. “I have had great teams over the years that have worked hard, and I give all of the credit to all of those teams and players.” Currently, the women’s team is preparing for the Lone Star Conference Championships, which will be held April 22-23 in Oklahoma City. A lot is riding on the squad’s success at the conference tournament, as it will be a predictor of the landscape of the regional tournament. Helvey acknowledged he was confident, yet cautious in his team’s ability to perform well, but admitted the road will not be easy. “We have to be tough, and we have to be ready. There’s not a lot of room for error,” he said. Overall, the coach said he is pleased with the women’s season
Photos courtesy of CU Athletics
so far. “This season has been amazing and our record shows that,” Helvey said. “I’m very happy.”
After two more tournaments, the Aggies will travel to Oklahoma City for the LSC Championships on April 22-23.
CU Athletics names, dedicate tennis courts By Michael Faggett Sports Editor
Cameron’s tennis teams now have a name for the home courts on which they continue to succeed. On April 12, President Cindy Ross, Athletic Director Jim Jackson joined a host of studentathletes, coaches and fans as Ross and Jackson announced the naming of the tennis complex on campus. Now, the complex is named the Streich-Henry Tennis Complex and the McMahon Foundation Tennis Courts. Both the Streich-Henry family and the McMahon Foundation gave donations which helped construct the tennis courts, which
have been in existence since 1978. According to President Ross in a press release, the donations made by those two groups help Cameron provide students with a comprehensive education experience. “Cameron’s athletics programs play a vital role in providing a complete collegiate experience,” President Ross said. “We are grateful to the McMahon Foundation and the StreichHenry family for their generous support of Cameron’s tennis program, which attracts top collegiate tennis players from around the world.” Jackson said the announcement brought reflection towards the efforts of the Streich-Henry family and the McMahon Foundation.
“This was a long time coming,” Jackson said. “33 years ago, both of these groups made a large donation to help build the courts. We had a tennis program but no courts. It also helped our studentathletes realize that this type of program just doesn’t happen by chance. It takes effort, money, and time to build facilities like these.” Over time, Pat Streich-Henry said in a press release she and her family saw the development of Cameron, a sight that helped trigger their desire to assist in the building of the tennis courts. “Our family moved to Lawton in 1964 and over the years, we have been impressed with the phenomenal growth of Cameron University,” Streich-Henry said. “We were pleased to be able to contribute to many of Cameron’s financial needs along the way and the tennis complex seemed like a perfect choice for us.” According to Jackson, StreichHenry, and T.J. Henry made the donations with the intent of benefiting both Cameron and the Lawton/Ft. Sill community build a tennis complex for both entities. “At that time, there was a real need for a tennis complex, not only for our teams but for community members as well,” Jackson said. “ Even to this day, we still have community members come out and use the facility daily.” Like the Streich-Henry family, the McMahon Foundation, according to Dr. Charles Graybill, chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, was eager to donate toward this cause. “Seeing the need for tennis courts at Cameron, the McMahon Foundation was pleased to donate to make that possible,” Dr. Graybill said. “With tennis courts on campus for practice and competitions, the Cameron tennis teams continue to excel in their sport.” Excelling is what both teams have done this year. Both the men
Photos courtesy of Public Affairs
and women are nationally ranked (men at No. 19, women at No. 18), ranked in the top four teams regionally and helped head coach James Helvey earn his 600th career win as a head coach. Jackson said the announcement
culminated the history of the tennis team, its current success and recruited more fan support. “We wanted to honor those two groups but also give our current teams support,” Jackson said.
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Variety
Programming: One of the competitions during the CAT week was the programming competition. The students were divided into different teams where each team was given five questions to be solved in two hours.
April 18, 2011
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PC troubleshooting: Students took part in the PC troubleshooting competition during the CAT week. In the competition they tried to solve the problems related to the hardware and software of the computer.
Department of Computing and Technology organized the first annual Computer and Technology week at Cameron. The week started on April 4 and was concluded on April 8. The week featured competitions, guest speakers, a movie and other programs for students. The events included a data competition, MS Office competition, PC Troubleshooting competition and hacking competition. Three speakers were invited to speak about different aspects of computer technology. The speakers were Ken Kartson, Mark Kleine and Ken Dewey. Wal-Mart Presentations, robotics demonstrations and screening of the movie “Avatar” were some of the other programs. Dave Smith, instructor in the Computing and Technology department said that it was the first time that the department had organized such a week long event. “The students enjoyed themselves and learned a lot from the week long event,” Smith said. “We are also going to learn from this year for the events of the upcoming year.” Smith said that he was extremely happy about the success of the program and that participation of the students was strong. “We had a tight group where everybody worked so hard to make this event a success,” Smith said. “Everyone including faculty, staff members, the department secretary, student workers and the students contributed in the event.” Peter Polorny, a junior majoring in Information Technology was the winner of the PC troubleshooting competition. He said that in the competition the participants had to solve problems with the hardware and then software of a computer. “I do this on the regular basis but this was the first time I had taken part in such a competition,” Polorny said. “This competition has helped me to utilize my knowledge on practical problems.” The program concluded on April 8 with an awards ceremony and refreshments.
Robotics demonstration: Dr. Pedro-Diaz Gomez, Assistant Professor in the Computing and Technology Department, and his students performed a robotic demonstration as a part of the CAT week.
Page Design by Rashmi Thapaliya Photos Courtesy of Computing and Technology Department
Simulation lab: A simulation lab demo was also one of the programs of the CAT week. Simulation lab is a motion capture system that can be used for animated movies.