Issuu

HEY, OCU CLASS of 2023!

THE CAMPUS April 19-26, 2023 – Volume 116, Issues 29-30

STUDY BREAK

Students take a break at Summer Send-Off

Amanda Kohutek Student Publications Top: Raeslyn Miller, Emma Goins and Cody Cothran line dance to “Copperhead Road” outside the University Center at the Summer Send-Off April 20. Popular country songs for line dancing were played over speakers throughout the three-hour event, as students and guests engaged in games and crafts. Left: Freshman Addyson Lindsey pets a small goat at the petting zoo corral at the Send-Off. The corral featured goats, pigs, ducks, and bunnies that guests were allowed to pet and take pictures of as a part of the Country Fair theme. Above: Students wait their turn to ride the mechanical bull on the Quad Lawn. The mechanical bull was a part of the Country Fair theme of this year’s Send-Off, accompanied by a petting zoo, fake cow-milking, and a shoot-out laser tag course. Below: Student Affairs faculty Kimberley Graham, Allie Longoria, and Dr. Levi Harrel-Hallmark run the Send-Off check-in tables. The campus-wide event, also open to the public, lasted from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and students and families could check in at any time to get their wristbands and gray ticket that granted access to the activities.

OCU second only to UCO in number of HOF tuition grants Sarah Rivera

OKLAHOMA HOF

A total of 132 Oklahoma high school students heard their names called for more than $165,000 in scholarships today at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, organizers said. Among these were nine future OCU Stars, who received tuition grants to attend next year. Only the University of Central Oklahoma listed more grant winners, with 18, organizers said.

M MEDIAOCU.com

Winners were announced at the annual Oklahoma Scholarship Competition & Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award Assembly at the Hall of Fame. This spring, 386 high school students took an online Oklahoma history examination to qualify for more than $700,000 in scholarships. Of these, 14 students earned cash scholarships, while 118 others earned tuition grants for study at 28 different Oklahoma universities and colleges.

“This scholarship competition rewards Oklahoma students who understand the rich and one-of-a kind history of our great state,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. “It also encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and earn in Oklahoma. It’s a vital component of building a modern workforce to help grow our economy.” The scholarship assembly and

Lee Allan Smith awards are given together to inspire students toward service and have the opportunity to hear from community leaders. The 2023 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award of 2023 went to Ronnie Irani and Deborah McAuliffe Senner, two individuals who exemplify intentional generosity that greatly benefits the people of Oklahoma today and for generations to come, organizers said. This namesake award honors those whose efforts are similar to

Page 2: Opinion

Wellness in community: Who can stop a bad guy with a gun? Only we can.

Page 4: Sports

Jim Wade Sports Awards honors this year’s best student-athletes.

Page 5: Life

Wellness: Stressed out at ‘Over-Committed U’? Campus leaders feel your pain!

Page 7: Arts

Wellness: Stressed out in the pursuit of fine arts? Arts majors trade survival tips.

the efforts of Lee Allan Smith, a.k.a. “Oklahoma’s Best Friend.” Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame preserves Oklahoma’s unique heritage by telling the state’s story through its people. The organization was created to honor exceptional Oklahomans and provide educational opportunities for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s highest honor. The Hall of Fame promotes pride in our state.