Skip to main content

The Cameron University Collegian March 30, 2015

Page 1

Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, March 30, 2015

Volume 92 Issue 7

Students against concealed carry weapons on campus Kaley Patterson A&E Editor

@KaleyKayPatt Many school shootings occurred across American campuses in the last decade. Politicians and voters consistently argue over what is a better line of defense: allowing concealed carry weapons on school grounds or keeping them off the premises. The Cameron University Student Government Association recently passed Resolution: 3114008, “A bill calling for the prohibition of concealed carry weapons (CCW) on college and university campuses.” The legislation credits the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics by stating that while on campus, college students are safer than the school’s surrounding population and community. Authors SGA Vice President Nikki Kirk and Treasurer Casey Meeks argue in their legislation that there is no credible evidence of deeming armed campuses as safer, allowing CCWs would complicate the jobs of campus police officials, CCWs would not have a positive impact on Cameron’s campus and would decrease the safety and security of the university and its inhabitants. On March 10, the legislation passed through the CU SGA governing body with 17 in the yes, eight in the no and five in the abstention. Even though there was a large amount of legislators abstaining, Kirk believes the students are still doing their jobs as SGA officials. “That was a weirdly high number,” Kirk said. “I think some people almost felt a little

bit uncomfortable about it ... just with the idea like maybe they were for it and just didn’t want to say that in front of everybody. People don’t want to be perceived as violent if they’re in favor of [concealed carry]. “But at the same time, I was glad there were some NOs because it shows that they actually went back and spoke to their constituents ... I was glad there was a difference of opinion because it showed that people actually did what they’re supposed to.” Right now in Oklahoma, it is illegal to have CCWs on the campuses of state institutions. Currently there are legislations dealing with the issue of CCWs on college campuses in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Oklahoma Senate Public Safety Committees: HB 1143, HB 1265, SB 557, SB 461, SB 212 and SB 553. Kirk said other universities in Oklahoma drafted similar bills to make known their opposition of CCWs on college campuses and presented their ideals to the Oklahoma Capitol. Resolution 3114008 voices Cameron University’s opinion of CCWs on campus which will be heard by the Oklahoma Legislature. “After the reading during the questions,

somebody asked where it would go and how long it would take to get there,” Kirk said. “Zeak [Naifeh] said that after it was approved in chamber, it would be at the capitol within the week. So it should already be there.” Kirk said the CU SGA has not heard from the Oklahoma Legislature regarding Cameron’s opposition to CCWs on college campuses. Student Activities Specialist and SGA Co-Advisor Leslie Cothren believes Cameron’s opposition does have an influence even though there are currently state legislations dealing with this issue. “The purpose is for institutions of higher education to kind of say, in general, ‘We don’t really want weapons on campus,’” Cothren said. “Because while there are various bills out there that kind of talk about it, even if they get out of the committees and they die doesn’t

mean it can’t be added on to a different amendment or bill somewhere else. So it’s kind of just to make a statement to go, ‘We like things the way they are. We don’t want this to happen. We don’t think it would be a good thing on our campus or on education campuses, in general, for that to happen.’” If legislation in the Oklahoma Legislature passes allowing CCWs on college campuses, Cameron – a state institution – would have to comply with the state law even though the university has an amendment in place voicing opposition. But Cothren said the bill would not be ignored entirely. “Your legislation is always good since it has passed and moved forward,” Cothren said. “It’s good to say, ‘Yeah, this is important to us.’ So it’s not really killed, since ours already passed. Even if all the other bills passed, and it happens and there’s handguns, we still have said, ‘We don’t really like them here.’ It doesn’t change anything, but we’ve kind of made our statement.” Photo courtesy of Courtney Glazer

Experience Berlin Photo by Jacob Jardel

We are the champions Jacob Jardel

For a first-person perspective on studying abroad in Germany during spring break, See PAGE 2

of kids that week,” Vanderslice Assistant Managing Editor said. “Their responsibility is to hang out with them, eat with @JJardel_Writing them, sleep in the cabins with them and get them up in the While summer is a time morning to take them to their for many to soak up the sun, attendees at Cameron’s Camp of activities.” Events such as hiking, Champs spend that time giving arts and crafts, canoeing and back and growing. games fill up the schedule for From June 1-4, Cameron campers and counselors. Special University will host the seventh education teachers, many of annual camp for children with whom were students under special needs. Counselors and campers will spend the week at Vanderslice, plan out the events Quartz Mountain, participating that do more than just entertain. “Our goal is to work in activities to stimulate growth on developing social skills, and camaraderie. communication skills and Director of Camp of Champs Dr. Ronna Vanderslice interpersonal skills,” she said. “We do fun activities, but what said that the camp hosts 50 children age 6-13 annually, all of we’re doing is trying to teach whom vary in severity of needs. those things in the context of a very fun environment.” Cameron students work as Vanderslice said the fulfilling counselors during this time, but she feels as if they do more than aspects of Camp of Champs stem from the fact that it just their job descriptions. provides the campers with an “What they do is to serve opportunity they otherwise as a pseudo-parent for a group

would not have. “Most kids get to go to a variety of camps as they grow up,” Vanderslice said. “But children who have disabilities don’t really have the opportunity. There aren’t a lot of camps that are equipped to manage the needs that they have.” Vanderslice said that this service provides both students and campers opportunities to learn more than just the instructions of an activity. For campers, the learning comes from the bond they create with the counselors. “[Though] you’re with these children for four days, it’s meaningful to them,” Vanderslice said. “You’re like their parent, so they get very close to you – and you to them.” For more details on Camp of Champs, visit www.cameron. edu/education_school/camp-ofchamps.

What’s inside Take a run with Dr. Tyrrell

New times for old fairy tale

Page 4

Page 5

Jamming with 580 Rollergirls Page 6


2

Study Abroad

March 30, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

Berlin: an experience in time and thought

Photo by Jacob Jardel

One thing stuck with me from the Study Abroad: Berlin experience. There was a four-sided display in the middle of a courtyard in Hackesher Markt in Berlin. On it, the words “Before I die” were ubiquitously emblazoned. On two sides, the phrase “Before I die, I want to…” were printed in both German and English, laid out into six columns. Blank spaces followed each instance of the phrase, tantalizing even the most apathetic of passersby to complete the sentence, to complete the thought. Abstract answers like “change the world” and “LIVE” shared chalkedin space with concrete answers like Jobeth’s “see a cure for cancer,” Joey’s “marry you” to Tanya and Hannah’s “go to Germany” with a checkmark next to it. There is no wrong way to complete the sentence. So why is it so hard for me to come up with mine? That phrase has been on my mind since the moment I saw it staring me in the face with its chalked-up glory. There is no one correct answer to that statement, which makes it hard for me to think of just one answer now, let alone in the fleeting moment in

that courtyard. reconstruct the face of the world after What makes the answer more the Second World War. There was difficult is the fact that “Before I die” a stop at Checkpoint Charlie, where makes me think of the concept of “life we all bore witness to the true stories after”: life after the of people seeking a trip, life after the new life over eight semester, life after feet of concrete and graduation – life a seemingly endless after any big thing death strip. comes to a close. We took a tour For someone of Sehitlik Mosque, trying to live more a symbol of peace in the moment, this despite arson attempts concept is tough. and the rising flame Then I think about of anti-extremism the places we went unfortunately to and the things we oversimplified into did throughout the anti-Islam. Four of trip. us even saw the home We went to Dr. Von Underwood Jacob Jardel the Reichstag, the stayed in during his Assistant Managing Editor time in West Germany parliamentary house @JJardel_Writing for the German and visited with people government – a building that has who did not realize there would be a seen war, destruction, renewal and “life after” until 1989. openness in its existence. We saw In short, this entire experience in numerous Berlin Wall memorials Germany was a study in the concept as we walked in routes impossible to of “life after.” tread less than 30 years ago. Underwood teamed with Dr. Our group visited Schloss Tony Wohlers to teach us about the Cecilienhof, where Truman, numerous aspects of German life – Churchill and Stalin met to the social, the political, the cultural

and the historical. Throughout the class and the trip, we learned about one of my new favorite German words: “Vergangenheitsbewältigung.” Vergangenheitsbewältigung is a composite word that roughly translates as “struggle to come to terms with the past.” It’s oddly fitting for a city and a country whose past is riddled with things the people have to struggle to come to terms with. You see it walking through the city. I may be mistaken, but Vergangenheitsbewältigung is one of the most vital aspects of thinking about life after anything – not only because of the demons that has plagued one’s past but also because of the good things one has held and still holds onto. It’s that second part that made the plane ride home a tough concept to swallow. That plane ride home reminded me of the spoken word poem at the end of Childish Gambino’s song “That Power.” Details on the meaning aside, there’s a moment when he wishes it was a story about getting on the bus as a boy and getting off the bus as a man, more cynical and hardened.

Photos by Jacob Jardel

Memories old and new: (Above) Dean of the School of Liberal Arts Dr. Von Underwood flips through an album containing photos from his time in West Berlin during the 1980s. (Center, from left to right) Junior graphic design major Vicotria Orndorff and sophomore biology and international languages major Hannah Lambert pose in front of the courtyard view of Sansoucci Palace. These snapshots encapsulate two of the countless student and faculty experiences during the Spring Break Study Abroad tour to Berlin from March 12-21, which included visits to the Holocaust Memorial (bottom left) and Leipzig (bottom middle).

“The truth is I got on the bus a boy, and I never got off the bus. I still haven’t.” As I look back at my time in Berlin, at what I did and learned, who I bonded with and everything in between, I think about that damned board again, blank space staring me in the face. I think about Vergangenheitsbewältigung, the struggle to come to terms with those things I cannot let go of and the others I don’t want to. More than anything, I think about the amazing time I spent with amazing people – all the things people want to cross of their lists that I did in the course of ten days and all the things the trip inspired me to cross off my list in the future, how it encapsulates more than just a meterlong blank line. I wish this was a story about how I went up to that board without a direction and came back with a singular purpose, thought through and easily fulfilled as I drop the chalk like a mic. The truth is I went up to the board without a direction, and I never left the board. I still haven’t.


3

www.aggiecentral.com

Voices

The sun was high in the sky at noon and shone brightly and warmly on the dry, red Nevada soil and the cream concrete of the Hoover dam. “Into the Wild” by LP rang in my headphones and the rolleddown window allowed a cool breeze to blow gently across my face. It felt comforting after being in my parents’ cramped

the blowing of your breath or the rest of my life. the swifts from the tress – it’s My parents, friends, unpredictable but constant. professors and colleagues are I like to think God uses the constantly telling me I have the wind to communicate with whole world open to me and us – He uses all the earth to I can do anything – nothing do so, but I feel a connection can hold me back. But there with Him through the wind. is something that has a grasp Sometimes if on me: fear. I stand still, Bob Goff, close my eyes the author of and prepare to “Love Does,” listen to Him, once said, “Let a breeze starts the reasons up and gently not to fear ruffles my hair outnumber and graces your reasons my face - He’s not to try.” there with me, I always always. say, “It never Kaley Patterson Before my hurts to try.” A&E Editor family and I But lately I’ve @KaleyKayPatt embarked on been hesitant our west coast spring break to apply for any jobs outside my adventure, I had just gotten off comfort zones – my craft and a whirlwind of a roller coaster my home. I focused my studies with coming to terms that the in Journalism, and Oklahoma college chapter of my life was is all I’ve ever known. ending, and I was about to start Abandoning the two seems a blank page. I just accepted ludicrous to me, but at the same a part time job that would time they’re safety nets I’m eventually turn into a full time afraid to let go of. Every job and position after I graduate – a every other place in America stepping stone for my career, and abroad are foreign to me, my life. but so is my future. A job is what a college kid My life after works toward and prays for, graduation right? So I should’ve been is just like happy when my opportunity the wind: was handed to me on a silver constant and platter. But I wasn’t satisfied. I unpredictable. was frightened. Ford Fusion for eight hours. occupancy of this section of Throughout Yes, this job would provide The wind from the America caused my mind to my life I have exceptional experience, but motion of the car soothed my wander in thought about the never known I don’ t want to work there headache caused by the shifting expanse of the world and the atmospheric pressure from final hours of my college career forever. I know I’m not chained what’s going to come next, but something to my desk, but it’s not the job driving up, down and around – my life was beginning, and always does and I never expect that gets my palms sweating, the painting-like Nevada hills the pen wasn’t in my hand. it – sometimes good and heart pounding and my eyes and valleys – tall and wide There’s something about the sometimes bad, but I know watering; it’s my future and as they stretched across the wind, how it comes and goes God has the pen, and He won’t the unsettling fact that I don’t drought-stricken, deserted land. at random. How it’s caused by strike me with it. The openness and the rush of a fast moving object, know what I want to do with

March 30, 2015

Turning the page for a new life Photos by Kaley Patterson

One of the authors I admire, Donald Miller, in my favorite book “Through Painted Deserts: Light, God and the Open Road” said, “Everybody has to leave, everybody has to leave their home and come back so they can love it again for all new reasons.” As I studied the landscape of the Nevada desert, the greatness of the Grand Canyon and the sin of Las Vegas, I came to terms with the raging storm in my heart and mind. Even though my current job offer isn’t what I’ve dreamed of, it doesn’t mean I can’t explore. There’s so much out there God created than for me to generate a plan of my own. My fear of the future shouldn’t hold me back from what is already written in the chapter of my life. I have to keep turning the pages. I stood on the edge trying to grasp and understand the vastness of the Grand Canyon. I wanted to reach out and touch it, but I knew I couldn’t. My mind drifted to a scenario of me slipping and falling over the edge toppling over rocks, dirt and cliffs. But my daydream never let me hit bottom, and even though I had fallen, I was only slightly battered with a few cuts and bruises. Turning the pages of your life is like slipping off a cliff; you’re caught off guard and what lies ahead may hurt you, but it’s a chance you have to take.

Learning to seek out help in shared experiences Though some are borderline petty hair began to thin, and she experienced mood complaints, problems are experienced swings that depended upon not only how universally, even if they are hidden. Whether hungry she was but also how much she weighed self-inflicted or induced from an outside source, on a given day. struggles need to be shared After almost a year of borderline with someone somewhere, anorexia, she began to lose control – even if the problem is in the opposite direction. believed to be selfish or Food invaded her thoughts, wrong. forming a damaging cycle of binge I know a person who eating, which settled into bulimia. has struggled with an She overate, consumed diuretics and eating disorder. At her then exercised, trying to shed the discretion, I will not excessive calories. release her name. She told Her failure to lose weight me her disorder remained resulted in isolation characterized by secret for nearly three guilt, shame, pity and anger. Vicky Smith years, until she finally Although she said the disorder Student Life Editor shared the unspeakable to still haunts her at times, she has @pinkwritinglady a close friend. silenced the demons that distort her She said her desire to lose weight was perception of self-worth. sparked by accident and was initially fulfilled Functioning as a productive student today, innocently. When she was thirteen-yearsshe said each day she intentionally pushes to old, she lost nearly seven pounds in two days live a healthy lifestyle; and one day, she will because she was sick. share her story with her name attached. When she returned to school, teachers According to National Eating Disorders. and students alike noticed the weight loss and org, “In the United States, 20 million women offered compliments. The attention given to and 10 million men suffer from a clinically her thin physique made her feel beautiful, significant eating disorder at some time in their validating her worth. life.” And so the obsession began. Eating disorders are just one of many At first, she said the “thin” lifestyle was struggles that students bring to class with them easy. She simply ate light and exercised daily. daily; struggles, even if they are unspoken, Eventually, though, she noticed changes in linger in the backs of minds. both her emotional and physical health. Her Whether you are trudging through financial About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

Our Views

shortcomings, cancer, depression, substance abuse, family dysfunctions, pornography addiction, educational challenges, laziness, divorce or self-condemnation, don’t give up. When we struggle with issues that appear bigger than ourselves, there is no shame in seeking help from others, including guidance of professionals. There is always someone out there. Striving to live beyond the struggle, I approach each day with a thriving purpose as I write my own story. In the song “Hope in Front of Me,” Danny Gokey sings, “I’ve been running through rain that I thought would never end/ Trying to make it on faith in a struggle against the wind/ I’ve seen the dark and the broken

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” 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.

Managing Editor - Charlene Belew Assistant Managing Editor - Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Kaley Patterson Sports Editor - Krista Pylant Student Life Editor - Vicky Smith Copy Editor - Joel Frambes Aggie Central Editor- Jereme Cobb

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.

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Marie Bagwell, Hafsa Farah, Haley Swinford Circulation Manager - Charlene Belew Advertising Managers - Charlene Belew, Kaley Patterson Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz

Newsroom Staff

places/ But I know in my soul …There’s hope in front of me … I might be down, but I’m not dead/ There’s better days still up ahead.” I believe we do not suffer in vain; we endure struggles for specific reasons – reasons that could help others. Share your story. Someone might need to hear it. Tribune News Service

Letters Policy

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, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.


4

Student Life

March 30, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

A day in the life: Run with Dr. T Vicky Smith

me run in the ice … I spend a lot of the summers Student Life Editor sometimes just crying, but I @pinkwritinglady still run because I would cry When she’s not teaching more if I didn’t run, so I just in the classroom, she can run as early as I can. This be seen sporting a pair of year, I bought a treadmill. tennis shoes, zigzagging Most people buy a treadmill across campus. for winter. I bought one for Cameron University summer.” Associate Professor of With a grin on her face, English Dr. Sue Tyrrell she said she is actually began her active lifestyle qualified to be a member on Nov. 10, 2012, the day of the United States Runshe entered the gym with a Streak Association. determination to improve “It’s called streaking,” her health. she said, “but we do it with In the midst of selfour clothes on … There are discipline, she reconnected a lot of people who do this with her lost love for [running] every day. Some running. of them have been doing it She said today, running for thirty [or] forty years.” is a part of her everyday Tyrrell said she’ll life. consider a rest day if she “I think it’s a myth that literally cannot run; until you have to beat yourself up then, she’ll continue to to get in shape,” she said. run 100 miles a month, “I just found something I compelled by her passion loved, and I did it. for the sport. “I believe you make “I love that I’m a better time for what you love … person when I run,” she It’s just part of what I do. said. “I don’t even know It’s like brushing your hair how to explain it. It’s a in the morning – you just mental health thing, like if I do it. You don’t question run, I’m nicer, I feel better. I yourself.” feel complete.” For over 500 days in a Tyrrell runs both in- and row now, Tyrrell has run at out-of-state. Locally, she least a mile a day. runs at East Lake and the “When it snows,” she Wildlife Refuge; nationally, said, “I make footprints. she has run in fourteen If it ices, I have something states and raced in nine, called Yaktrax that lets from 5Ks to marathons.

“Running a marathon was one of the best days of my life,” she said, “and I think everyone should try to do it if they can.” She said running has shown her that people are capable of far more than they think and can achieve far more than they plan. “I like knowing that the limits people think exist, don’t exist,” Tyrrell said. “It’s just knowing you can do something that proves your body past its limits, and I think that’s what this is all about for me: proving everything past what it looks like and changing your life in the middle of your life and just deciding, ‘I’m done. I’m going to change it.’” Although Tyrrell is selfmotivated, she does not put immense pressure on herself to reach daunting goals. “I just want to PR [set a personal record for] my races,” she said, “like my half marathon time – that’s my goal: to get it down … [But] I’m not hard on myself; I don’t cry if I don’t PR a race … I’m just like, ‘Well that was a great race anyway,’ because it’s just my happy place.” According to Tyrrell, running has much in common with her other life passion: teaching.

Courtesy of Sue Tyrrell

Running against all odds: CU Associate Professor of English Dr. Sue Tyrrell runs in multiple states, including Minesotta and Kansas, regardless of the weather. “It was one of those things that I just felt that call to do,” she said. “The first time I got in front of a class … I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my days. I love students, and I love teaching people to write especially and be good communicators.” She said both running and teaching involve learning processes that she undergoes in order to improve. “[It’s] the thinking process that happens during running

and learning,” she said. “[It’s] learning more things about what works and what doesn’t work. “Every day is not a good day when you run. Every day is not a good day when

you teach … You just have to get up and keep doing your best.” To read about Tyrrell’s adventures, visit her blog at www.runnergirlreprise. blogspot.com.

Students win at 55th Model UN Session

Federation at the conference this year To Whitman-Cobb, the best part of the and had been preparing since last year. conference was observing the students as they “They worked through the summer,” participated. she said. “They met at least once a month “I like to see the students get into it and be in the fall, and we moved into twice able to go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I did that,’ and a week at the end of the fall and into get so excited that they were able to accomplish the spring semester. They read about something,” she said. Russian history [and] Russian policy. Next year, the Cameron team will be “Each student was assigned to representing the country of Chad, and a different committee, so they had Whitman-Cobb said all students are welcome different issues that they had to research to attend, regardless of their majors. and put together position papers on “We just ask for dedication and willingness stating where Russia stands on different to learn,” she said. “[In preparation,] we talk issues.” about world issues. We talk about procedures. At the conference, different groups We talk about how to write resolutions. We of people voted on who would receive talk about parliamentary procedure.” awards. According to a press release, “Cameron “Performances were judged by University’s participation in the Midwest Model committee chairs and the staff members UN was funded through the Dr. William L. of Midwest Model UN,” she said, “who and Barbara Scearce Endowed Lectureship in look for how well students work together Political Science,” which Whitman-Cobb said across different delegations, as well as in “was really fantastic … We try to keep costs to teams.” students as low as possible.” She said the staff voted on the award She said students who participate in the given to event receive High, and many benefits. Courtesy of Wendy Whitman-Cobb fellow “It helps with teamwork Representing the Russian Federation: Students participate in a simulation, acting delegates voted on abilities, as diplomats, as part of the Midwest Model United Nations 55th Session in St. Louis, Mo. the award negotiating given to abilities, According to the United Nations Vicky Smith Greene. international Association of the United States of America. Student Life Editor “Kelly High knowledge, org, “Model United Nations is an authentic @pinkwritinglady was [awarded] as well as just simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN the best delegate knowing about This February, two Cameron students Security Council or other multilateral body, on the security the UN and received awards at the Midwest Model United which introduces students to the world of council,” history,” she said. Nations 55th Session held in St. Louis, Mo. diplomacy, negotiation and decision making. Tribune News Service “If you’re Kelly High, a history and political science “Students step into the shoes of ambassadors Whitman-Cobb said. “[Her going into major, won Outstanding Delegate on the of countries that are members of the UN … winning] scenario was that Russia was cyberbusiness or any other field, those are really Security Council, and Chris Greene, a political The students, better known as ‘delegates,’ attacked by a firm that was sponsored by the valuable tools – communication tools, the science major, won the Delegate’s Choice Award debate current issues on the organization’s vast country of France, so they [students] had to ability to write, the ability to negotiate. It’s for his performance on the General Assembly agenda.” figure out: how are we going to solved this a great resume builder, and it’s a great skill Committee. Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. problem without escalating us to war?’” builder for when you get out in the real world.” The entirety of the Cameron team Wendy Whitman-Cobb said the Cameron included Brandon Clark, Norman Holcomb, team Jacob Martin, Sabrina West and Aubrey represented Whitefeather. the Russian first memorandum of the semester Cameron campus. The board awards, they can pick up forms from President John McArthur. approved the change before and information in the SGA McArthur approved of the university let out for spring office on the second floor of Resolution 3114006 calling break. Naifeh said students the MCC. for the installation of gender can contact him for the Students can begin filing neutral restrooms in newly specifics of the new policy, but for officer positions in SGA: constructed buildings. In the the details should be up on the president, vice president and memorandum, the president Cameron website as soon as treasurer. At the meeting said he added the request possible. on March 23, current CU from the legislation to the The CU SGA is currently SGA President Sidney future plans of additional accepting nominations for McCormack took volunteers infrastructures on the various awards such as Faculty for the Election Committee Cameron campus. of the Year, Staff Member who would review the filed Kaley Patterson Dean of Students and of the Year, Organization applications and regulate A&E Editor SGA Co-Advisor Zeak of the Year and many more. campaigning and voting for @KaleyKayPatt Naifeh announced that If students are interested the positions. If students At the Cameron University Cameron University and the in nominating in these wish to apply for any of the SGA meeting after spring break, Board of Regents passed a categories or would like more positions, they can find more the governing body received their new alcohol policy for the information on the other information at the SGA office.

SGA weekly


March 30, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com

A&E

5

New Cinderlla for new generation Vicky Smith

After grieving the death of his father, the prince sends a search party to find the Student Life Editor mysterious maiden, and after much difficulty, @pinkwritinglady the prince and Cinderella are finally reunited Produced by Walt Disney as an animation and granted their much-deserved happy ending. in 1950, the classic “Cinderella” remains Though the tale has been re-told countless popular around the world half a century times, this newest version of “Cinderella” later. On March 13, 2015, Disney released presents modern imagery, fresh creativity and a new “Cinderella” for a new generation to quote-worthy life advice, stunning audiences experience for the first time. Directed by with its ability to make magic more real to the Kenneth Branagh, the fairytale remains earthly realm than ever before. true to its original positivity, presenting the From the glorious architecture of the message, “Have courage, and be kind.” castle to the bright sparkle of Cinderella’s Narrated by the Fairy Godmother (Helena butterfly-adorned glass slippers, the images in Bonham Carter), who tells the tale as if she “Cinderella” are remarkably dreamlike. were turning the pages of a storybook, the When Cinderella arrives at the entrance of movie begins with Ella’s (Lily James) golden the ball, the landscape-shot castle is filled with childhood, during which both her parents numerous guests, each one wearing his or her breathe life, love and wisdom into her. own attire of rich color, making viewers feel as Years after Ella’s mother (Hayley Atwell) if they are going to the ball as well. passes away, Ella’s father (Ben Chaplin) later Furthermore, the physical appearances weds Ella’s “evil step-mother” Lady Tremaine of Cinderella and the prince are classically (Cate Blanchett), who has two annoying accurate. Cinderella wears a head of long daughters, Drisella (Sophie McShera) and blonde hair, which frames a face that looks Anastasia (Holliday Grainger). youthful, fresh and naturally beautiful. The After Ella’s father passes away, the prince wears a head of thick brown hair, step family renames her “Cinderella” and and his face is characterized by ocean-blue designates her as the household maid. eyes and a smile that creases perfectly in the One day, Cinderella meets the prince, who corners of his mouth, revealing straight white calls himself “Kit,” in the forest. After they teeth. depart, the prince cannot wait to see who he The physical appearances of the people calls the “honest, country girl” again. within the kingdom are diverse, representing As the fairytale goes, every maiden in the racial equality, allowing each viewer to land attends the ball at the kingdom, and with identify with a character on screen. a bippity-boppity-boo, the Fairy Godmother Perhaps one of the most creative aspects of helps Cinderella go too, but Cinderella leaves the film is the magical transformations by the behind a glass slipper after her dreamy Fairy Godmother. Viewers can see the stepby-step, humorous changes that take place evening with the prince.

According to the Huffington Post, when a pumpkin turns into a golden carriage and animals turn into humans to help operate “[‘Cinderella’] took in $70 million over its first weekend domestically, attained an the carriage. admirable 83 percent Rotten Tomatoes score As the mice slowly grow into horses, from critics and grabbed an impressive ‘A’ the horses momentarily wear mice ears. CinemaScore from moviegoers.” As a lizard grows into a footman, he wears Although some critics have plenty to a tail and pointy teeth even after full say about its remaking, I greatly enjoyed transformation. Though some phrases in the film are cliché “Cinderella.” The scenes of grief are heavy, such as the one in which Ella loses her so that children can understand the timeless mother, but they allow viewers to see the story of “Cinderella,” other phrases are fairytale characters as people who choose unique. positive futures At the beginning of the movie, the Fairy despite their Godmother says, “Once upon time, there heartbreaking was a girl named Ella who saw the world not always as it was but as it should be,” and Ella’s pasts – an mother tells Ella to always “have courage, and encouraging testimony to be kind.” audiences of At the end, as Cinderella walks down the stairs as a servant to face the prince, the Fairy all ages. Godmother says there is no magic to help Cinderella this time. She says Cinderella must face the greatest risk that perhaps anyone must: to be seen as she truly is. Though viewers cannot leave theatres with their own magic wands to solve their problems, they can leave with a better understanding of the power of choosing courage, kindness and honesty in the midst of overwhelming Graphic by Kaley Patterson circumstances.

Tribune News Service

Tribune News Service

Alumna Hailey Harris carves out art career Kaley Patterson

every one of them has their own interesting approach A&E Editor toward art that allowed for @KaleyKayPatt a creative environment for students to learn and grow A year ago Hailey as individual artists.” Harris sat in the capped Harris thrived at CU, and gowned 2014 Cameron not only in her creativity, graduation crowd, walked but also within herself. across the stage to receive “My time at Cameron her diploma and moved her University was honestly the tassel from one side to the other – thus beginning her best time of my life,” Harris said. “Cameron allowed me career as an artist. “Growing up I had always to find out who I wanted to be in life. I was able to push enjoyed art,” Harris said. myself out of my comfort “I liked to doodle here and zone, meet new people, there, but I never had any conquer my fear of public formal training until my speaking, learn new things first semester at Cameron. and make so many amazing “The professors in memories that I will never the art department are extremely passionate about forget.” Harris recently the subjects they teach, and

showcased one of her linocut pieces at Momentum OKC 2015 sponsored by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) on March 6 and 7. Her art appeared at Momentum last year as well. Artists across the state of Oklahoma submit their work to OVAC hopping to be chosen for the show. Her linocut is titled “Growth from the Inside”, which she completed in honor of her sister. Her showcased piece is the relief print from the carving that was inked and pressed on paper. Harris said Momentum is a fantastic art show for young artist to participate

in because they receive “It is an exhibition that assistant graphic designer the opportunity to attend focuses on the theme of at Affinitee Graphics in classes that prep them for Birds, Bats, Bees, Bugs and Apache - a design company the show and allows them Butterf lies,” Harris said. owned and operated by to gain business experience “Both Kathy and I were Cameron alumni. and network opportunities. honored to have all of our Harris has only “The show also featured pieces accepted into the submitted her work to three artists chosen for show – three pieces each, Momentum and the 5 B’s Momentum Spotlight six total.” showcases but said she to receive honoraria and After graduating from hopes to take more time to curatorial guidance on a CU, Harris obtained a job focus on creating new works site-specific project or body in her degree field as an to submit in future shows. of work for the Courtesy of Hailey Harris show,” Harris said. “Eric Piper, a Cameron [alumnus], was chosen to be one of the 2015 Momentum Spotlight artists. I admire Eric’s work tremendously, and I was honored to be able to have my artwork displayed alongside his.” After the Momentum show, Harris’ art will showcase at the 5 B’s Exhibit, which will take place on March 29 in Pennsylvania at the Wayne Art Center. Professor of Art Kaherine Liontas-Warren Nature: “Growth from the Inside” is a linocut created by will join Harris alumna Hailey Harris and showcased on March 6 and 7 at in the show. Momentum OKC 2015.


6

Sports

March 30, 2015

www.aggiecentral.com Photos by Marie Bagwell

580 Rollergirls: leading the pack Marie Bagwell Staff Writer

On March 14, black and purple jerseys bustled around the locker room at The Great Plains Coliseum as the women of the 580 Rollergirls prepared for their first home bout of the season. Skaters donned elbow and knee pads, wrist and mouth guards, helmets and quad skates before taking the floor on a flat track marked with rope and tape. Roller derby is a contact sport played between two teams of five members skating around a track. Each team is represented by four blockers and a jammer. The jammers wear special caps marked with two large stars on their helmets to identify them to the other team. Fourth-year 580 Rollergirl member Kaley Meyer explained the jammer’s value to the team. “The jammer is like the ball,” Meyer said. “They score the points, so they are the playmakers.” When the bout begins, the blockers group together in a pack to keep out the other team’s jammer while simultaneously trying to make holes for their jammer to skate through. Once the first jammer escapes the pack, she is called the lead jammer and can now score points. She gets a point for legally

passing each member of the opposing team as both teams skate around the flat track. Players are not allowed to trip, back block or use elbows to block opposing team members, and the jammer must only pass in-bounds. Any of these infractions will earn a seat in the penalty box. Despite the rough and tumble nature of the bouts, the women of the 580 rollergirls do not resemble the rink. They are mothers, soldiers, DHS workers, special needs teachers and more. Lisa Smith, better known by her derby name “Baggins” said her favorite aspect of the derby is the camaraderie. “It’s a place where I know I can go and be accepted, no matter what. These are my sisters. I love these ladies.” The 580 Rollergirls recently earned a place in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. With their acceptance into the organization, the 580 Rollergirls can now work on becoming ranked and hope to make it to the playoffs and the championship. In order to earn the required rankings, Smith says they have to play other official teams. “Right now we’ve only had one full game as full members,” Smith said,” so we have to have three before we can be ranked.” The 580 Rollergirls next home bout is at 7 p.m. on April 25 at the Great Plains Coliseum.

Lady Aggies eliminated in NCAA Quarterfinal Photos by Krista Pylant

Aggie action: (Left) Senior Sasha Carter shoots a jumper over a West Texas defender. (Right) Redshirt junior Cristina Soriano fights for possession against West Texas’ senior Chontiquah White.

Krista Pylant Sports Editor

@KristaPylant8 The Cameron women’s basketball season came to an end on March 14 in Canyon, Texas after West Texas defeated the Lady Aggies 80-61 in the NCAA South Central Regional Quarterfinal. The Black and Gold could not recover after a rough first half and ultimately fell to the number one regionally ranked

Lady Buffs. West Texas head coach Mark Kellogg said a solid defensive effort was the Lady Buffs’ key to victory. “That was our focus throughout the week was trying to limit them from the three and finding a way to contain [CU guard Jazzmine] Robinson,” Kellogg said. “Trying those at the same time is not necessarily easy the way they play, and the way they stretch you with their shooters.”

Cameron put points on the board first after senior Jade Herl made a three pointer within the first ten seconds of play. The Lady Aggies continued to lead until a six minute scoring drought allowed the Lady Buffs to take back the game, 14-8. A layup from CU’s DJ Vallier, and two good free throws from Sasha Carter put Cameron within two points of West Texas’ lead, but another three minute scoring drought overtook the Lady Aggies. West Texas pulled ahead by 20 points to lead 42-22 at the end of the first half. The Lady Buffs headed to the locker room with a 59.3 field

goal percentage compared to CU’s 28.6 %. Cameron head coach Tom Webb said missed shots and turnover opportunities held the Lady Aggies back in the first half. “All year long we have attacked,” Webb said, “and we had a few spurts. At half time I talked to our kids, and shots just didn’t go, and West Texas got some loose balls. You just can’t afford those kinds of things against the fifth ranked team in the nation.” The second half saw more scoring action from the Lady Aggies. Cameron narrowed a 26 point West Texas lead to come within 15 points of the Lady Buffs three times throughout the second half,

but CU never broke the deficit. Despite scoring more goals than West Texas in the second half (CU’s 39 to WT’s 38), and earning a better field goal percentage (CU’s 48.3 % to WT’s 42.9 %), the Lady Aggies could not capitalize and fell for a final score of 80-61. CU junior Brandi Leal led the Lady Aggies in scoring with 15 points compared to the last two games where she went 0 for 3 in three-point field goals against Midwestern State and 1 for 8 against Texas A&M- Commerce in the conference tournament. Markita Zeigler was the other Aggie in double-figures with 12 points. West Texas

held CU’s leading scorer Jazzmine Robinson to just nine points in her lowest scoring effort since Jan. 14 at Texas A&M- Commerce. Robinson ended her two year career at Cameron with 824 total points; 490 of those from the 2014-15 season. Webb said he is proud of the senior’s efforts in the Black and Gold uniform. “This year they have laid the foundation,” Webb said. “We went through a lot of adversity early in the season with some injuries and different things, and the girls fought through. They continued to believe, and they became a family, and we had some special things happen throughout conference.”


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Cameron University Collegian March 30, 2015 by Cameron University Collegian - Issuu