Top Banner
Informing Cameron Since 1926 Monday, November 8, 2010 Volume 85 Issue 7 THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY News A&E Sports Opinion Banquet showcases traditions By Rebecca Craft Newswriting Student For many people in the Lawton area, going with little or no food at all is an immediate reality. However, the members of Cameron language honors society, Phi Sigma Iota, are taking a stand in Lawton’s fight against hunger. Phi Sigma Iota is hosting their annual fall canned food drive Nov. 1-19 to benefit the Lawton Food Bank. According to Phi Sigma Iota Vice President Jutta Carter, the language honors society has participated in food drives regularly in the past. “e canned food drive for the Lawton Food Bank had already been established before I joined the organization,” Carter said. “I would think it simply has become a tradition, in fact, a very valuable tradition. Hunger is not necessary, here and today in this country. Even if one can afford only a can or boxed item of food, collectively, it will help.” In a report published in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on Oct. 17, donations among top U.S. charities decreased by 11 percent in 2009. e decrease in giving leaves non-profit organizations searching for ways to provide their services on depleted resources. Food banks in Oklahoma are no exception. “I believe there is an increased need for food,” Carter said. “One only has to read the newspapers or watch the local TV stations, to find out that the food banks and other helpful organizations are in greater need and busier than ever.” Every little bit helps: CU language honor society Phi Sigma Iota hosts its annual food drive this month to collect donations for the Lawton Food Bank. The drive runs until Nov. 19, and accepts non-perishable items, including selected toiletries. Donations are dropped off in the Language Learning Center in Nance Boyer. MCTCampus See DRIVE Page 2 By Manal Elhak Collegian Intern The third annual International Student Scholarship Banquet, which showcased traditional cultural arts and cuisine from around the world, was hosted by the International Club on Oct. 16, The event gave community members, students, faculty and staff a chance to experience the wide range of cultures that international students bring to the university. Audience members saw and heard traditional songs and dances and sampled an array of traditional foods provided by Cameron University’s Pan Express. The menu included Caribbean jerk chicken, baklava from Greece, cannoli from Italy, curry chicken and basmati rice from India, a pea and potato dish from Nepal, sauerbraten (a pot roast dish) and cooked red cabbage from Germany. Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the importance of diversity. “Diversity is one of our core values here at Cameron University,” he said. “There are 320 international students, representing 45 countries.” Guest speaker Gabriel Vidal, a Cameron University alumnus from Brazil, shared stories about his first 48 hours in the United States, including difficulties with the language barrier and foreign foods. “I didn’t know what a grapefruit was until I came to the U.S,” Vidal said. “I thought it was just a big orange. They don’t have grapefruits where I’m from.” “Phi Sigma Iota has had a long tradition of helping those in need. We believe strongly in engaging with the local community not just through foreign language awareness but through community service.” — Geraldine Brady President, Phi Sigma Iota International students provide food, entertainment Language honor society hosts annual food drive See BANQUET Page 3 Around the world: International students showcase traditional songs and dances from their home countries. Cameron University’s Pan Express supplied an international cuisine for the guests. Wellness Center offers seminars to students. SEE PAGE 3 Aggie golfers close out fall season. SEE PAGE 6 Cameron professor publishes first novel. SEE PAGE 5 SGA offers students a forum. SEE PAGE 4 Photos by Jim Horinek
8

The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Feb 18, 2016

Download

Documents

The Nov. 8, 2010 edition of the Cameron Collegian.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Informing Cameron Since 1926Monday, November 8, 2010 Volume 85 Issue 7

T H E C A M E R O N U N I V E R S I T Y

News A&E Sports Opinion

Banquet showcases traditions

By Rebecca CraftNewswriting Student

For many people in the Lawton area, going with little or no food at all is an immediate reality. However, the members of Cameron language honors society, Phi Sigma Iota, are taking a stand in Lawton’s fi ght against hunger.

Phi Sigma Iota is hosting their annual fall canned food drive Nov. 1-19 to benefi t the Lawton Food Bank. According to Phi Sigma Iota Vice President Jutta Carter, the language honors society has participated in food drives regularly in the past.

“� e canned food drive for the Lawton Food Bank had already been established before I joined the organization,” Carter said. “I would think it simply has become a tradition, in fact, a very valuable tradition. Hunger is not necessary, here and today in this country. Even if one can aff ord only a can or boxed item of food, collectively, it will help.”

In a report published in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on Oct. 17, donations among top U.S. charities decreased by 11 percent in 2009. � e decrease in giving leaves non-profi t organizations searching for ways to provide their services on depleted resources. Food banks in Oklahoma are no exception.

“I believe there is an increased need for food,” Carter said. “One only has to read the newspapers or watch the local TV stations, to fi nd out that the food banks and other helpful organizations are in greater need and busier than ever.”

Every little bit helps: CU language honor society Phi Sigma Iota hosts its annual food drive this month to collect donations for the Lawton Food Bank. The drive runs until Nov. 19, and accepts non-perishable items, including selected toiletries. Donations are dropped off in the Language Learning Center in Nance Boyer.

MCTCampus

See DRIVEPage 2

By Manal ElhakCollegian Intern

The third annual International Student Scholarship Banquet, which showcased traditional cultural arts and cuisine from around the world, was hosted by the International Club on Oct. 16, The event gave community members, students, faculty and staff a chance to experience the wide range of cultures that international students bring to the university.

Audience members saw and heard traditional songs and dances and sampled an array of traditional foods provided by Cameron University’s Pan Express. The menu included Caribbean jerk chicken, baklava from Greece, cannoli from Italy, curry chicken and basmati rice from India, a pea and potato dish from Nepal, sauerbraten (a pot roast dish) and cooked red cabbage from Germany.

Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the importance of diversity.

“Diversity is one of our core values here at Cameron University,” he said. “There are 320 international students, representing 45 countries.”

Guest speaker Gabriel Vidal, a Cameron University alumnus from Brazil, shared stories about his first 48 hours in the United States, including difficulties with the language barrier and foreign foods.

“I didn’t know what a grapefruit was until I came to the U.S,” Vidal said. “I thought it was just a big orange. They don’t have grapefruits where I’m from.”

“Phi Sigma Iota has had a long tradition of helping those in need. We believe strongly in engaging with the local community not just through foreign language awareness but through community service.”

— Geraldine BradyPresident, Phi Sigma Iota

International students provide food, entertainment

Language honor society hosts annual food drive

See BANQUETPage 3

Around the world: International students showcase traditional songs and dances from their home countries. Cameron University’s Pan Express supplied an international cuisine for the guests.

Wellness Center offers seminars to students.

SEE PAGE 3

Aggie golfers close out fall season.

SEE PAGE 6

Cameron professor publishes fi rst novel.

SEE PAGE 5

SGA offers students a forum.

SEE PAGE 4

Photos by Jim Horinek

Page 2: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

News2 November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

Looking for a Great part time job.PIZZA TIME is looking for you.

Now hiring part time pizza makers and delivery personnel.

Apply in person after 5:00 p.m.1705 NW Cache Rd.

HELP WANTED!

DRIVE continued from page 1

The increasing need for donations in turn requires greater involvement from the local community. Phi Sigma Iota president Geraldine Brady views the food drive as a chance for everyone to take part in helping the less fortunate.

“Food drives raise awareness of hunger in the community,” Brady said. “We collect food for people in need and play an essential role in the fight against hunger, and I am proud to be a part of it. Phi Sigma Iota has had a long tradition of helping those in need. We believe strongly in engaging with the local community not just through foreign language awareness but through community service.”

When viewing the needs in the community, Carter believes that giving to the less fortunate is not a difficult task.

“There is a story of a bird who had helped many others, but in the process lost all his feathers,” Carter said. “The other birds each gave him a feather of their own. In a short time, he was beautifully feathered again, and the other birds did not notice the absence of those individual feathers. I believe this could be applied to this situation also.”

Phi Sigma Iota has made it easier this semester for anyone who desires to make a donation.

“This semester, we also will be making donation pickups, in case a department or group on campus would like to collect food donations and then contact us,” Brady said. Each Wednesday until Nov. 19 is designated as a pick-up day for donations.

Non-perishable items such as canned fruit, vegetables or meat, soups, peanut butter, cereals or boxed dinners are among the goods accepted in the food drive. Brady also said that household products, such as toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, and soap are needed.

Anyone wishing to bring in their own donations should take them to room 2011 in the Language Learning Center on the second f loor of Nance Boyer. Those who would like to have their canned goods picked-up should contact Geraldine Brady at 581.2804 or [email protected], or may contact Jutta Carter at 581.2565 or [email protected].

Freedom to Learn benefits soldiers

Cameron University’s new Freedom to Learn program has given active duty soldiers a unique way to continue their education with fluctuating work shifts or frequent deployments, without ever having to set foot on campus.

The program provides active-duty soldiers with a laptop when enrolled in six credits or more online. Upon completion of their degree program, the soldier is authorized to keep the computer they were issued.

The goal of the Freedom to Learn program is to increase the number of graduates by catering to students on the move.

Dr. John McArthur, Vice President of Academic Affairs, would like more soldiers to complete their college degrees without the constraints of leaving Fort Sill.

“It’s more than just deployments,” Dr. McArthur said. “Fort Sill is becoming a larger training facility, so soldiers often do not stay in Lawton long enough to finish school. CU would like to see more students obtain degrees.”

According to Dr. McArthur, there are over 30 computers checked out to students who are taking part in the program this semester.

Funding for ‘Freedom to Learn,’ is made possible through the Oklahoma state budget, and is intended to help the progression of higher education.

Dr. McArthur said the future of ‘Freedom to Learn,’ depends on any changes CU may see fit to better the program.

“We are monitoring the usage,” Dr. McArthur said, “wondering if six hours may be too many or too few.”

There are currently over 90 classes on Blackboard, and 11 degree programs which are available completely online.

Dr. McArthur said the online classes give soldiers a chance to better their future on their own time.

“This has been a great opportunity for some of our students, especially for those who are deployed,” Dr. McArthur said. “It gives them something productive to do on their down time.”

Specialist Phillip Hale, a 21-year-old sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice, is a student soldier who has taken advantage of the program.

“It’s a wonderful thing that Cameron is doing for us,” Hale said. “They really are doing soldiers a favor. As a soldier, we put our lives on the line for our country, and Cameron is giving back to us by providing us the means to continue our education.”

“This has been a great opportunity for some of our students, especially those who are deployed. It gives them something to do on their down time.”

— Dr. John McArthurVice President ofAcademic Affairs

MCTCampus

By Ronald PhillipsNewswriting Student

Solutions on page 3

Page 3: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

News 3November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

Five student performances provided the night’s entertainment. Erica David and Antoine Ehouman from the Ivory Coast performed a traditional dance. Representing Nigeria, Bamidele Eleshin, Godsfavour Umoro, Tolullope Agebetunsin and Oluwatobi Olaomoju sang and played drums. Both Giselle Greenidge and BJ Payne performed Caribbean dances in separate performances. � e fi nal performance was a Nepalese dance by Silika Shakya, Rahul Khanal, Rajana Baral and Manish K.C.

Although many distinct cultures were portrayed, the feeling of the evening was one of unity and community. Neila Ettienne, one of the evening’s masters of ceremony, commented on the commonality of our experiences despite our diff ering cultures.

“As you watch the performers, notice what they all have in common,” Ettienne said. “Although we may be separated by countries, notice how similar our infl uences and styles are.”

� e last event of the night was a silent auction with items donated by international students. An Indonesian mask made of Balinese woodcarving and a wood-carved fi gurine from the Ivory Coast, were among the popular items at the auction.

At the end of the banquet, the International Club raised over $3,000 for the international scholarship fund.

“� e event went well overall,” International Club sponsor Marcella Gustafson said. “We had an increased interest by Lawton community members, and not just people connected with Cameron. I was very pleased with the students who were involved with the program; they did a wonderful job with everything.”

BANQUET continued from page 1

International superstars: International students perform songs and dances native to their home country. Above: Bamidele Eleshin and Tolullope Agebetunsin perfrom a traditional Nigerian song. Right: Silikia Shakya, Rahul Khanal, Rajana Baral and Manish K.C. perform a Nepalese dance to end the night.

SWC offers variety of servicesBy Ishia SaltibusNewswriting Student

On Oct. 7, Cameron University’s Student Wellness Center hosted the Mind, Body and Spirit Connection event as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

� e event was attended by students and faculty at the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CETES) conference room.

President and Chief Operating Offi cer of INTEGRIS Mental Health, Dr. Murali Krishna spoke at the event.

Dr. Krishna, a native of India, and psychiatrist in private practice for more than 25 years, began his medical career in hope of fi nding solutions for his mother’s illness.

After years of research, he co-founded the James L. Hall, Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit, an educational organization devoted to improving health through raising awareness of the healing power of the connection between mind, body and spirit.

“� e signifi cant role in our life is to catch up to what we need,” Dr. Krishna said. “Learning to quiet our mind, the body makes changes. If we allow the mind to think about a certain thing, then the content of what we are thinking about and how long we are thinking about it, will determine what kind of body chemistry, hormones and healing processes happen in the body.”

Dr. Krishna focused on the healing connection between the mind, body and spirit and how each one infl uences the other. His explanation to

achieving a quiet and calm mind is the secret of deep breathing.

“� e secret to calm the body and mind is deep breathing,” Dr. Krishna said. “Breathing is voluntarily control. By taking

deep breaths we calm our emotions, impulses and body functions.”

He also presented on the Art of Happy Living as stepping stones in the journey towards leading happier and healthier lives.

“How happy we are going to be can aff ect the people around us. Our happiness is determined by 50 percent genes, 10 percent by life situation and 40 percent by intentional activities,” Dr. Krishna said. “Happiness is not having what you want but wanting what you have. Happiness does not mean, we have to have lots of money, but it is the caring for each other, the togetherness.”

He also described another way to achieve happiness: detach the energy that causes misery within the body.

“We must learn the technique of withdrawing the energy from certain things after we have process it or dealt with it,” Dr. Krishna said. “Detaching that energy from that person, memory, event or activity that causes misery within us will help us live a happier life.”

In addition to seeking happiness, Dr. Krishna also gave his take on the important factor of sleep and the secrets of getting a good night sleep.

“Many people suff er from lack of sleep or insomnia. Sleep is an important factor and 85 percent of people can sleep well by learning the signs behind sleeping,” Dr. Krishna said. “� e long term sleep medication is if you don’t use it, you will lose it. We could get better sleep by nourishing the brain, relaxing, good nutrition, exercise, environment and calming the mind and body by using the biological clock.”

Dr. Krishna imparted a fi nal thought to fi nding happiness.

“� e most important thing is to discover the fl ow of experience,” Dr. Krishna said. “Learn to live in the moment.”

Students and faculty interested in Dr. Murali Krishna Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection may

obtain information online at www.integrismentalheath.com.

“The most important thing is to discover the fl ow of experience. Learn to live in the moment.”

— Dr. Murali KrishnaPresident, COO

INTEGRIS Mental Health

Photos by Jim Horinek

In celebration of Veterans Day, Cameron University

will provide a free lunch to veterans of the

U.S. armed forces on Thursday, Nov. 11. Lunch

will be available in the Shepler Cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Veterans Day Celebration

Page 4: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Opinion4 November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

Editorial Sta� Managing Editor - Jim HorinekNews Editor - Rachel EngelA&E Editor - Michael FaggettSports Editor - Amanda CantuVariety Editor - Rashmi � apaliyaCopy Editor - Dianne RiddlesAggie Central Editors- Rachel Engel, Michael Faggett, Kyle Luetters

Newsroom Sta� Financial O� cer - Susan HillSta� Writers - Alyssa Knerr, Dianne Riddles, Jessica Goodman, Rebecca Cra� Circulation Manager - Clayton GouldAdvertising Manager - Jim HorinekInterns - Manal Elhak, Oluwatoyin “Teewhy” Dojutelegan

Newswriting StudentsMegan Bristow, Shaniqua Brown, Jarred Burk, Maria Cepeda Pilataxi, Ashley Del Ciello, Ippi Elliott, Ashleigh Fletcher, Chaney Gibson, Nicole Grzecki, Amanda Harris, Ti� any Martinez, Elijah Morlett, Ronald Phillips, Ishia Saltibus, Amber Spurlin, Brandon � ompson, Ricardo � ompson, Ricky Warren, Je� rey Williams, Brittany Wolfe, Lana Ochilien

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

About Us� e o� cial student newspaper of Cameron University, � e Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner.

Letters PolicyLetters to the editor will be printed in

the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

� e 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 � rst and last names, classi� cation and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for veri� cation.

Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to [email protected], or they may be dropped o� at our o� ce - Nance Boyer 2060 or at www.aggiecentral.com.

Our Views � e opinions expressed in � e Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. � e unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. � e opinions expressed in � e 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, sta� or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

COLLEGIANFounded in 1926

veritas sempiterna

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

When the average student hears of the Student Government Association, or SGA as it is called, he or she immediately conjures an image of boring, nerdy kids making laws. In reality, it is the complete opposite. SGA

Michael FaggettA&E Editor

Teewhy DojuteleganCollegian Intern

SGA off ers students voice on CU campusis made up of an absolutely diverse group of students on campus. They range from the popular to the reserved. This extremely diverse group of students gives SGA its uniqueness.

A college SGA is even more diverse in the sense that there is more freedom in college than in high school. Here, SGA is run mainly by the student body rather than by the faculty or staff of the school. Most decisions are made by the executive officers with permission from the students.

The purpose of a Student Government Association is to represent the students of the school on issues that concern them locally, on their campus and community. They also help provide resources that students need to have a complete and fulfilling educational experience. SGA gives students the opportunity

to get involved with decision making on their campuses hereby

teaching

them leadership skills. According to its

Constitution, the CU SGA was created to “Represent, lead and Unify the student body; Aid the university in its larger purpose of education; make recommendations to the administration of the university concerning students issues and concerns; act as a means of preserving and attain the well-being of the university community; encourage enthusiastic school support.”

It has been doing well in upholding the purposes for its creation. As a result, students have been allowed a voice to complain about whatever issues they have. Furthermore, steps have been taken to help solve most of the issues raised. Yearly, many resolutions are passed that help improve the quality of living and learning for students at CU.

Arguments are heard every year about the SGA not being sympathetic enough to the plight of the students because many of those involved in decision making do not have personal relationships with regular students, and thus cannot identify the problems students really have. A simple

explanation to that is that every academic school in Cameron University has eight senators and so if a student is aggrieved or in need of a change, he or she merely needs to meet with one of the school ’s senators and his or

her voice has the

chance of

that students need to have a complete and fulfilling educational experience. SGA gives students the opportunity

to get involved with decision making on their campuses hereby

teaching

to complain about whatever issues they have. Furthermore, steps have been taken to help solve most of the issues raised. Yearly, many resolutions are passed that help improve the quality of living and learning for students at CU.

is aggrieved or in need of a change, he or she merely needs to meet with one of the school ’s senators and his or

issues and concerns; act as a means of preserving

As a result, students

being heard.The processes involved in

passing a resolution are not as easy as a lot of students think. It certainly is not just writing a bill and expecting it to be part of the school doctrine. An author thinks of an issue that affects all the students, thinks about the possible solution to that problem and then writes legislation to that effect. From this point the bill is tabled.

A barrage of questions follow and this is the point where the author fails or succeeds in selling their idea to the members of the body. If the resolution passes it then goes to to the administration for possible approval.

Passing a resolution is an intense process. The joy of the process, is seeing that passed legislation is positively affecting the lives of students.

The Student Government is an integral part of every academic institution. It is the bridge that links the institution’s management and it’s students. Colleges in other parts of the world sometimes have student revolts and the institutions are forced to close down. The CU SGA keeps students in control and helps them to a better college experience.MCT Campus

Diversity Day leaves something to be desired toward recognizing CU diversity

Cameron University, despite its size, carries many amenities that make it a great educational institution. Our campus’ well-versed faculty, improving infrastructure and other aspects helped Cameron grow both in quantity and quality.

One particular aspect is the diversity of CU’s population. I contend our campus, given the size and location, is one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the region.

Students from the Caribbean Islands, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Nepal, Japan and other countries spanning the globe continue to choose Cameron as their home for a post-secondary education.

Cameron does exhibit its diverse culture in numerous ways, the most predominant being Diversity Day. Usually one day in October is set aside for the various cultural organizations across campus to display multiple facets of each culture: food, art, music and history.

Overall, many fi nd this day of diversity to be an adequate display of recognition for Cameron’s diverse ethnic makeup.

I don’t.� e concept for such an event is defi nitely a great

idea for our campus, but the monotone method by which it is operated needs a fresh approach. Granted, the scheduling process for such an event appears intense and time-consuming; however, it is unfair and inane to think a culture can adequately express itself in the span of 45 minutes on a platform or in a pan of sweet and sour chicken.

With everything around campus growing and improving at the rate it is, we should conceptualize how to maintain and progress those amenities that helped us grow to the university we are today, a

vital one being our demographically diverse campus population. Why not revive the time when Diversity Day was actually

Diversity Week? Why not allow more time to each culture to not only express its styles of art, music, food and language, but to also educate our campus on the depth of diversity we possess?

We have the resources made readily and easily available to us. As mentioned, students from all over the world continue to come to Cameron for an educational experience, and when they come, they bring their cultural heritage with them. So, any perceived diffi culty in fi nding the cultures and the talents within each culture is not an excuse for short-changing such an opportunity to enhance the learning atmosphere on campus.

We have the facilities. What better way to build the legacies of the McMahon Centennial Complex, the Bentley Gardens and future

additions to campus than to house Diversity Week in them? Allow the organizations to use the rooms and space intently designed

social purposes on campus. We have the time. � e Offi ce of Student Development

spends extensive time outlining the details for Diversity Day, to which I give them credit because there is a process of

conceptualization that occurs. However, the same amount of time can be used to (ironically) expand our horizons and see how we can better serve justice to exemplifying the diversity we have on campus.

Let’s not forsake the opportunity we have to advertise one of our campuses’ crown jewels:

cultural diversity. Since we are about every student, every story, let’s take the time to ensure the stories are

told correctly.

MCT Campus

Page 5: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

A&E 5November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

Jones garners fi rst published novelBy Rachel Engel

News EditorAfter a decade full of revisions and patience,

Director of Creative Writing and Assistant Professor of English Dr. Hardy Jones published his fi rst novel.

“Every Bitter � ing,” a coming of age story about a 12 year-old boy who deals with an abusive father and molestation from a tutor at his tae-kwon-doe class, began its journey with a single opening sentence: “Dad was always friends with butchers.”

“I kicked that line around for about three years,” Dr. Jones said. “Some of it is based on experience, because it had originally started out as a memoir. I ended up needing to compress and cut things out to make it more dramatic, so I decided to call it a novel so it would give me more freedom and license.”

After fi nishing the novel in 2000, Dr. Jones said the publishing process was a vicious cycle of revision and resubmission.

“It was a pretty long process as far as getting it accepted,” he said. “It was accepted in 2007, so it was about a seven year process of submitting, revising, submitting and revising some more.”

Dr. Jones said after years of waiting, learning his work was accepted for publication was rewarding.

“It was great because when I got my job here, they called at the end of that week and said they were going to accept my novel and publish it, so I

think it was the best week in May I had ever had,” he said. “It’s just exhilarating in one way, to fi nally have your work recognized by others, and it also gives you a sense of accomplishment, like you haven’t been working in a vacuum all these years.”

Dr. Jones is already working on his next novel and waits for approval for several others.

“I have a follow up novel to [“Every Bitter � ing”],” he said. “Same family, but a few years later, that’s under consideration at another press. I have a personal essay compilation that this publisher is considering and I have a short story collection that another publisher is considering.”

Dr. Jones believes having a published novel under his belt goes a long way in convincing other publishers to consider his future works.

“It usually helps, because when I submit work to other publishers, it gives me a little validity to my work,” he said. “It’s not just someone out of left fi eld submitting a book.”

Dr. Jones said his desire to become a published novelist really began during college.

“When I started college, I was kind of bouncing around;

every major I looked into didn’t facilitate well with the business world, so I ended up picking English just because I wanted to write,” he said. “It covered all the diff erent things I was interested in, like literature, philosophy, history and sociology.”

After deciding to major in English, the dream of becoming an author took shape.

“I have always wanted to be a writer once I chose my undergraduate degree,” he said. “� is has been a decade or more in the making.”

“Paint the Town” connects campus and communityBy Megan Bristow

Newswriting Student

In cities with large universities such as Norman, OK, or College Station, TX, it is fairly obvious that the communities surrounding their respective universities possess a

great deal of school pride.In order to promote similar

school pride and community involvement in Lawton, Cameron’s Student Government Association (SGA) began work on a program to promote Cameron University to the businesses and organizations

of CU’s surrounding area. � e idea for the program, which became known as Paint the Town Black and Gold, was formed in Spring 2008 and implemented in Fall 2009.

Jennifer Holland, Vice President of Student Services and current overseer of the program, described how students began soliciting community involvement as

a way to strengthen the visibility of the university throughout the area.

“A group of students felt strongly about getting our community more invested in our campus,” Holland said. “When you go to some college towns, you can tell it’s a college town; you drive into town and you know there is a university there. � e students feel that it is important to approach our area businesses to ask them for their support.”

According to Holland, there are several ways for local businesses to show their support and become involved.

“You’ll notice that several of the local businesses display ‘Proud Supporter of Cameron University’ banners,” Holland said. “� at is all we asked initially, but then we considered other options, such as fl ying a Cameron fl ag or off ering discounts for students. Each business has individually decided how they want to support the university. Several have decided to off er discounts.”

Indira Williams, a Psychology junior, said that she would describe the Paint the Town Black and Gold program as businesses advertising the university.

“� e businesses become partners with the school,” she said. “� e program is a way they can give back to the community by supporting the school.”

Williams also said that a business might gain new customers by supporting the university through Paint the Town Black and Gold.

Shameka Guiden, a Sociology freshman, said that she has a positive opinion of businesses that she knows support the university.

“It makes me think places are student-friendly,” Guiden said. “I’m more likely to a business that supports the university, especially if it off ers discounts. I’m always looking for ways to save money. I’d like to see all of the local businesses

BCM continues tradition of worship, serving studentsBy Lana OchillienNewswriting Student

� e Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), originally the Baptist Student Union (BSU), opened its doors 71 years ago. According to Director Danny Toombs, the fi rst meeting was held in November 1939. � e organization started with Bible study, worship and mission trips all of which are still in the calendar of events. However, a new dimension has since been added to include international student assistance. For Toombs, the BCM provides an opportunity to meet and minister to students from every walk of life. He said he considers himself blessed for the opportunity to be at the BCM, which Toombs said opened the perfect avenue to reach students. “Our heart is to encourage students in their spirituality,” Toombs said. “Nobody is perfect, but each of us is on our own spiritual journey to become who God has called us to be.” Toombs said that at the beginning of each semester, in collaboration with the

International Offi ce, the BCM provides “welcome packages” for international students and help them fi nd some of their necessities. � ese packages include blankets, pillows, snacks and other necessities which they can use during their fi rst week while trying to settle. � e BCM also provides transportation to various places in Lawton including Wal-Mart, the post offi ce and the airports in Lawton and Oklahoma City. “My staff and I do all that we can to assist the international students when they come to Cameron,” Toombs said. “We recognize some of their limitations and try to fi ll the gaps wherever we can.” � e BCM hosts three weekly events throughout the semester. Centered on Reaching Everyone (CORE), previously held on � ursdays at 9 p.m., is now on Mondays at 9 p.m. to coincide with Cameron’s new schedule. Free lunches are provided on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. catered by the various Baptist Churches in Lawton and surrounding cities. Leadership meetings take place

on � ursdays at 6:30 to 9 p.m. Stacy Woods, an International Languages senior, said that she has been involved with the BCM for the past four years and that she has loved every minute of her participation. “Being involved with the BCM has helped me mature in so many ways,” Woods said. “I have grown spiritually and in my relationships. I know that I have made some lifelong friends from assisting people at the BCM.” Toombs said that the BCM also provides living quarters for some students. A male student who is conscientious and shows favorable qualities is chosen to live on the premises. In exchange for room and board, the student helps maintain the facilities by both cleaning the rooms in the building and cleaning up after each event.

“Presently, there are four students living at the BCM and they all carry out their tasks to our expectations,” Toombs said. “� ey go above and beyond to assist the international students whenever their schedules permit.” For more information about

the BCM, or participating in their activities, copies of the calendar of events is located at

the BCM located at 2614 SW E Ave, across from Cameron Village.

“It’s just exhilarating in one way, to fi nally have your work recognized by others, and it also gives you a sense of accomplishment.”

— Dr. Hardy JonesDirector of Creative

Writing

support the school.”Holland expressed the need for

students to continue to get involved with the program as it continues to expand throughout the community.

“It’s something we’re going to have to keep working at,” she said. “� ere are certainly places we have not been yet. We’d love for more students to get involved.”

Students can fi nd a complete list of businesses involved with Paint the Town Black and Gold at www.cameron.edu/paintthetown. � ose who are interested in participating with the program should contact Jennifer Holland at 580.581.2244, or the Student Government Association at [email protected].

“Every Bitter Thing”: Dr. Hardy Jones sees his fi rst novel published. Dr. Jones said he has more novels waiting for publication.

Courtesy of the Offi ce of Public Affairs

junior, said that she would describe the Paint the Town Black and Gold

MCT Campus

Courtesy of the Offi ce of Public Affairs

A few Paint the Town Participants

Page 6: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Sports6 November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

By Amanda CantuSports Editor

Aggie golfers close out fall seasonThe Aggie golf teams have

played in their last tournaments of the fall season.

The women finished their season at the Cameron-hosted Intercollegiate Tournament, which was held on Oct. 25-26 at The Territory in Duncan.

Although CU had the home course advantage, the women had a disappointing performance with a 14th place finish.

The Aggies were forced to deal with tough conditions on the opening day, facing extreme wind.

Sophomore Kylee Johnson and senior Megan Whan handled the adverse conditions best, shooting a 78 and 81 respectively.

Women’s golf coach Rick Goodwin said he was pleased with how well Johnson and Whan dealt with the wind, but thinks the women have the talent to have put forth a better performance. Goodwin also said the coaching of the team’s Graduate Assistant Marrick Wooten was essential in the tournament.

“I’m very disappointed with our finish,” Goodwin said. “We’re better than that, and I’m prepared to take part of the blame. As the tournament’s host, I didn’t have time to coach like

Cameron runners look to post-seasonBy Amanda Cantu

Sports Editor

The Cameron cross country team’s regular season came to a close when they competed in the East Central University (ECU) Tiger Chase on Oct. 23 in Ada.

The CU men finished the race in fourth place and with three runners in the top 30.

Cameron’s Julius Korir lead the team with a second place finish in a time of 26:09.5, which was only 20 seconds behind the race’s top finisher. The other Aggies placing in the top 30 were senior Juan Ruiz (27:44.8) and sophomore Moses Kipkosgei (28:14.2).

Cross country coach Matt Aguero said he was happy with Korir’s performance.

“Julius ran pretty well,” Aguero said. “I think he could have taken first place, but he made a strategic error by letting the guy who won get too far in front of him. Hopefully, he can get him at Conference and Regionals.”

The CU runners also competed well in the Arkansas Chile Pepper Festival Invitational on Oct. 16 in Fayetteville.

The Black and Gold placed 22nd out of 50 teams, beating out many Division I schools who participated in the race.

Korir again lead the team, finishing 45th overall in a career

I would have preferred. I don’t know what I would have done without Marrick.”

Most of the Aggie women were able to improve their scores on the second day of play, when the wind was no longer a factor.

Johnson shot a 73, which allowed her to finish the event in a tie for seventh. Freshman Aleesha Holden had the most marked improvement, shaving 11 strokes off her first day’s score and firing a 78.

Goodwin was encouraged by both of the women’s second day rounds.

“Kylee has really carried the team on her back this season. She had a really strong finish and has a lot to build on,” Goodwin said. “Aleesha played well on the second day too. She shot a career low, and that’s really going to pump her up for the spring.”

Looking toward the spring, Goodwin said his team needs to work on their short game in order to be more competitive.

“Putting, putting, putting – we need to improve our putting,” Goodwin said. “Anytime we had an opportunity, it slipped through our fingers. If we can make our putts, we can play well.”

The CU men also closed out their season Oct. 25-26. The men last competed in the St. Mary’s Invitational, which was held in San Antonio at the Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Course.

Photos by Amanda CantuTee time at The Territory: Sophomore Kylee Johnson looks on after teeing off. Johnson has led the Aggie women’s golf team in top finishes this season and is looking to have a promising spring.

best time of 30:58, which was the seventh best finish for a Division II runner.

Junior Brian Mulwo finished in 32:11 and was the next-fastest Aggie runner. Senior Mohamed Khelalfa round out Cameron’s top three in a time of 32:15, also a career best.

Aguero was pleased with the way his team handled the race.

“The guys looked good at Chile Pepper,” Aguero said. “Mohamed did a great job; he ran really well and set a personal record. Julius did well too; he ran 20 seconds faster there than he did last year.”

Though Aguero was delighted with Korir’s finish, he said it was a bit unexpected.

“I was a little surprised by Julius’s performance since he had been having some knee problems,” Aguero said. “His training wasn’t where it was last year at this time, but he hasn’t had any more knee problems. His performances in practice are coming along and his mileage is where it should be.”

Based on what he has seen so far, Aguero believes Korir has the ability to repeat his All-American performance of last year.

“I think Julius has the potential to be an All-American again,” Aguero said. “The hardest part will be qualifying for Nationals; as long as he can do that, he can easily get that All-American performance.

With his talent and hard work, he can do it.”

In addition to Korir’s stellar performances, Aguero is also happy with how seniors Ruiz and Khelalfa have competed this season.

“Juan is doing great. He’s having the best season he’s ever had in the four years he has been here,” Aguero said. “Mohamed is doing great as well. He was All-Conference last year, and we’re hoping for that again this year, as well as having him named All-Region at the Regional Championships. He was in the top 30 there last year, so it would be great if he can finish in the top 15 this year, and we need him to be there so we can meet our goals.”

The cross country team took part in the Lone Star Conference Championships on Nov. 6 in Abilene. Before the race, Aguero said his team had a chance to take home the title.

“Conference and Regionals are wide open. Abilene has won it 18 years straight; this year’s conference will be held at their home course, which gives them a little advantage. But, there are four or five teams who have a shot to win the Conference title, and I think we’re in that mix,” Aguero said. “If we keep training hard, we will be successful. We always perform better at the end of the year, so I think our best performances are still ahead of us.”

The men, like the women, had an unusually substandard performance, placing ninth.

Men’s golf coach Jerry Hrnciar was frustrated with his team’s showing.

“I don’t know what happened. Our practice round was so good, but the next morning it all went south. Everyone just went into into a slump, and I couldn’t seem to do anything to help,” Hrnciar said.

Senior Jason Timmis managed to set himself apart from the team by placing seventh and cranking out three great rounds of golf. On the first day of play, Timmis shot 71 and 72, and came back the next day to shoot a 75, which was just three over par.

Hrnciar said his was delighted with how Timmis played the course.

“Jason played very well. He once again showed that he is one

of the best players in the region,” Hrnciar said.

Hrnciar acknowledged that the men’s disappointing finish will have a bearing on the conference and regional rankings, which will make their post-season goals for the spring more difficult to achieve.

“We have a challenge ahead of us in the spring,“ Hrnciar said. “But, we have the talent. We just have some work to do.”

Seasoned seniors: Jason Timmis (left) drives a shot from the fairway, while Megan Whan (above) reads the green. Timmis and Whan, the only senior golfers, brought leadership and experience to their teams this season.

Photo by Bennett Dewan

Chasing the championship: Junior Julius Korir races towards the finish line. Korir has had an outstanding season. CU cross country coach Matt Aguero believes Korir has a chance to repeat as an All-American.

Page 7: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Sports 7November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

Returners bring leadership to team

Women’s basketball prepares for season

The Aggie women’s basketball team began their season with an exhibition game against the University of

By Michael FaggettA&E Editor

By Alyssa KnerrCollegian Staff

After roughly a few weeks of starting practice for the upcoming season, head men’s basketball coach Wade Alexander still preaches the same message to his team since he took over in 2008: care of the ball, defense and rebound.

The strategy is the same for Cameron’s men’s basketball, but the roster is changed. Seven players returned from last season’s 10-16 team.

Among the returners is guard

Milt Garner, who led the team in scoring last season by averaging 15 points per game. Guards Niko Vukadinovic and Jonathan Patino return as well, along with forwards Nate Murray, Terry Dawson, Trevor Smith and Vinicius Telo, who returns from a season-ending injury.

Alexander said the returning players have been key in helping the newcomers adjust to both the team’s system and his expectations.

“Leadership is probably the best thing we’ve got right now,” Alexander said. “The returners

Tulsa on Nov. 6. Cameron will play another exhibition at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 against OU in Norman.

Coach Tom Webb, who is in his third season with CU, knows that the start of this

season will be more difficult than previous years.

“We play the University of Oklahoma as an exhibition game. They may have the best point guard in the nation with Danielle Robinson, so it will be very interesting,” Webb said. “We have a tournament on the 13th at home, and then we go for Colorado. Adams State won their regional tournament in their league, which will be a good game, so the early tests will be very difficult.”

This season, the Black and Gold girls have nine returners, totaling 15 players, but have lost a few due to injuries. Even with this setback, the girls still work as a team.

“What’s new for the team this year is that we have returners. Since I have been here we have not had a group of returners. They understand our drills, our system, what we are doing and our expectations,” Webb said. “We are also more athletic. We will play faster and be more up-tempo; it should be a good situation.”

Webb said that the team has built on what the girls accomplished last year, and their main focus will be climbing their way to the top.

“We have really enjoyed coaching them because they are so tough,” he said. “They have been very, very resilient and have practiced hard toward one common goal: to be the most competitive and successful at any given moment. They seem to be finally at the point where they understand they have to pay the price to be successful.”

Even though the girls are competitive and show their toughness on the f loor, Webb knows the team has to be even more thick-skinned this year.

“Our league is so good that we have to be tough and better at defensive transition and rebounds,” Webb said. “You can’t be successful in this league if you are not mentally and physically tough.”

Another side of toughness is also shown to the coaches because of certain characteristics these students are expected to face off the court.

“I think with the evolution of the student athlete

entitlement, our young ladies do a great job of handling pressure, but there are many people who expect a lot,” Webb said. “What I mean by that is based off of a parable: ‘Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.’ I would say the biggest challenge is, in a sense, teaching the team how to fish. If we do that, they are going to go on from here and be successful in life.”

Photo by Bennett DewanGetting some air: Sophomore Alexis Williams goes for a lay-up in a game last season. Women’s basketball coach Tom Webb said the women have built on last season’s accomplishments to become a stronger and more competitive team.

prepare the newcomers for what we are doing in these practice sessions.”

Guards Craig Foster, Desmond Henrey, Denzell Newsome, Thomas Razor, Ronald Shaw and forward Josh Davis make up the recruiting class Alexander signed during the off-season. Among the newcomers, Alexander said guard Thomas Razor has played well in scrimmages and in practice.

“Razor scored well and shot a high percentage in our first scrimmage,” he said.

Alexander also said Foster, a Lawton native, has adjusted well at point guard.

“Craig has played well at the toughest position,” he said.

With the newcomers and seven returners, Dawson and Murray are the only seniors on the roster. Alexander said with the numerous underclassmen on the roster, he expects the team to endure some struggles early in the season.

“We are a very young team,” Alexander said. “We may have growing pains early, but we want to play our best in January and later in the season.”

Some of these growing pains include finding the rotation for the team. Garner, Murray and Vukadinovic started games last season for Alexander, but with a new roster, Alexander said he is looking for the best lineup for the team.

“We are trying to find the right combo,” he said. “We want our starters to hustle, play defense and dive for loose balls. Once we get there, we will be all right.”

With a practically new roster and going without a conference win last season, the Lone Star Conference picked the Aggies to finish sixth in the North Division.

According to Alexander, the rankings are a motivating factor for the team.

“Other talent doesn’t scare us; other teams out-hustling us scares us,” he said. “We want our players to play hard and be physical. We want to be the team that has the talent and outhustles our opponents.”

The Aggies’s first game is on

Nov. 12 at home against Texas A&M-International.

Alexander said he looks for the team to play hard in the first matchup of the season.

“I look for the team to come out and compete,” he said. “The win-loss column is not as important right now as hustling and getting after it. We’re ready to play.”

Photos by Bennett DewanBack to basics: Milt Garner (left) and Niko Vukadinovic (above) compete in a game last season. Both men are among the team’s returners and bring leadership to this year’s young squad.

Page 8: The Cameron University Collegian: November 8, 2010

Variety8 November 8, 2010www.aggiecentral.com

� e fi rst ever Miss Spirits Awards Pageant was held on Oct. 30 at CU � eatre. � e Pageant was presented by joint collaboration of SOCA and the CU International Club. Competing in the event were nine Cameron females.

� e participants in the pageant were Shanice Biggins, Giselle Greenidge, Cindy Senobre, Brianda Rake, Chene Adams, Andrea Johnson, Mariana Jimenez, Nicole Diggs and Neila Ettinne. At the beginning of the program, the participants introduced themselves. � en the Mistress of the Ceremony, Merita Mitchell, who was also the director and coordinator of the program, introduced the panel of judges to the audience. � e judges for the competition were Misael Santiago, Tammy Whitehead, Dr. Justin Walton, Bea Lipford and Matt Aguero.

� e fi rst segment of the competition was the swimwear/beachwear competition where the contestants presented themselves in the swimwear or beachwear of their choice. Next was the CU creative wear segment. In this portion of the competition the participants showed off Aggie colors in a creative way. After that, Batik Kaftan designs were presented by the guest models, the CU students. Batik Kaftan is worn in the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. � e contestants then took the stage in business wear competition.

� e fi nal segment was the eveningwear segment where the participants presented themselves in evening gowns. Guest artist Chaira Flanders from Cameron entertained the audience with her song before the special awards and announcement of the winner.

� e title of Queen was awarded to Neila Ettienne, who was also the winner of the swimwear and CU creative wear segments. � e fi rst runner up was Nicole Diggs. She was also the winner of the business wear and evening wear segments. � e second runner up was Giselle Greenidge and the third runner up was Chene Adams. Miss Spirit 2010 Neila Ettienne, Senior majoring in � eatre Arts and International Language said that she was very happy to be the winner.

“I am ecstatic. I just wanted to have fun and this has encouraged me to go for Miss Black CU next year,” Ettienne said.

Dr. Walton, one of the judges of the pageant, said it was a wonderful event and that maybe next year a talent competition could be added. Santiago, one of the other judges, said that the participants did a great job and were very creative. � e judges remarked that it would be nice to see the competition open to men in the future.

According to Mitchell, the competition was all about the team spirit.“� is competition is all about team spirit, Cameron spirit,

togetherness, dedication, CU spirit and anything we attempt to do in our life,” Mitchell said.

By Rashmi � apaliyaVariety Editor

Trophies in hand: First-runner-up Nicole Diggs lightsup with a smile with her trophies in hand.

The Cameron Spirit: Second-runner-up Giselle Greenidge walks up on the stage during Cameron Creative Wear Segment.

Queen of the ceremony: Neila Ettienne was crowned the Queen of the fi rst Miss Spirit Awards Pageant. She was also the winner of the swimwear and Cameron creative wear.

On the stage: Third-runner-up Chene Adams (left) in business wear and Andrea Johnson (right) in swimwear strut the runway. Photos by Jessica Goodman and Miss Spirit Awards Pageant