Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

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

Monday, October 4Monday, October 4, 2004, 2004 Volume 78 Issue 4

COLLEGIANNews

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Voices

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Contents © The Collegian 2004

Bioinformatics provides science degree grads an alternate profession.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 3

By Angela GradozFeatures Editor

Please see PLUS, Page 8

Piano performance from CU professor to be held this week for student enrichment.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 6

PLEASE SEE PAGE 7

Tennis regional

championship leaves four CU players in top positions.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 2

Columnist displays disgust over ‘villains’ and racial profi ling in new video game.

showcase was decided on this summer by the multicultural committee, which includes student development, student activities, and Programming Activities Counsel, along with student representatives from organizations participating in diversity week. Th ese include: Cameron American Indian Student Association, Latin Alliance, Asian/Pacifi c Islander Association, Ebony Society and the International Club.

Courtney Hardin, student activities director, feels it will be a good opportunity for cultural organizations to reach more students.

“It is a chance for the diff erent organizations to showcase their diff erent talents or native clothing from their cultures,” Hardin said. “Every day focuses on a diff erent culture, but that night they all come together to showcase their individual cultures.”

Because diversity week allows students the opportunity to learn and appreciate other cultures, Hardin encourages all students, faculty, staff and friends to attend each of the week’s events.

“I think it’s neat to have a taste of the rest of the world,” she said. “It’s not every day that you fi nd out what is important to them (culturally), and so it really broadens one’s horizon.”

KRT Campus

It is that time of year when cultures and organizations across campus celebrate cultural diversity with this year’s “Diversity Week 2004: Many Faces, One Vision” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 through 8 in the area west of the Student Union.

According to Vice President for Student Services Samantha Th omas, diversity week is a yearly event that was implemented into student activities in the fall of 1997, and is a chance for students to showcase their culture by dancing, wearing traditional clothing, having a speaker, showing videos related to the culture or cooking and sharing ethnic cuisine.

In order to make sure the scheduled events run smoothly for each organization that participates in diversity week, a multicultural committee meets once a week.

During these meetings, members of student development, who handle multicultural aff airs on campus, aid with ideas and counseling.

“We organize funding for events, help coordinate events, off er advice and counseling in addition to what faculty advisors off er,” Student

Development Specialist Tara Libertz said.

Diversity week will begin with American Indian

Heritage on Monday, followed by Hispanic/Latino Heritage on Tuesday, with Asian/Pacifi c Islander on Wednesday. Black American Heritage will be celebrated on Th ursday and the week will end with International Celebration and Caribbean Heritage on Friday. SOCarnival will begin at 4

p.m. Friday at the Business Building and travel to the

Fine Arts Courtyard.A new addition to this year’s

diversity week is the Cultural Showcase at 8 p.m. Th ursday in the Shepler Mezzanine. Th e

Cultures celebrated for Diversity Week

The line has been drawn ...

Photo by Jennie Hanna

Swords at dawn: Members of The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. perform at the International Festival Sept. 24-26. This group was formed to educate the community by recreating pre-seventeenth century.

Debate brings candidates’ issues to studentsBy Josh RouseSports Editor

PLUS students have arrived on campus in full force. Each year, Cameron opens its doors to 25 graduating seniors from the surrounding area high schools. Th ese students have proven they are leaders and that they have the ability to improve our community through hard work and dedication.

Th e Presidential Leaders and University Scholars program’s focus is to enable these talented students to prepare for the real world and to make an impact on their futures and on the future of the community in which they live. Becoming a part of the PLUS program is not easy, points out Director Jennifer Holland. Holland, a CU graduate with a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in business administration, explained that Cameron’s selection process for the PLUS students is very demanding.

“Students are selected based

PLUS students strive for excellence beyond classroomBy Christina FryeStaff Writer

on their leadership experience, involvement in the community, grade point average, ACT scores, an essay on the topic of volunteerism and a formal interview,” Holland said.

Working hard: New Plus student, Kristyna Coleman, art freshman, works on her drawing skills.

Photo by Christina Frye

October and November are two key months in the state and national election process. Candidates are scrambling for last minute votes and rallies as Election Day rolls around. Th is year is no diff erent than years past.

On the national level the senator from Massachusetts, John Kerry, and President George W. Bush are still fi ghting it out, while their running mates, John Edwards and Dick Cheney, are debating their respective roles.

As Kerry and Bush debate on national television, a group of state candidates are gathering here at Cameron University to off er their views on politics and their policies.

According to Richard Coleman, history senior, Craig Hale, along with his Democratic companions Butch Hooper and Randy Bass, will hold a debate with Republicans Don Barrington, Ann Coody and Kenneth Easton Oct. 5. Th e History Club and Department of History and Government are sponsoring this debate in hopes of attracting more young voters.

College Republicans are also helping to host the event. Coleman said the debate is meant to bring in voters between 18 and 24.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 2000 election, only 36 percent — or 18 million — of this demographic actually voted. Th is was the lowest turnout in voting history since 1972.

Craig Hale is running for state Senate District 31, which includes Elgin, Sterling, Rush Springs, Fletcher, Geronimo, Marlow and Waurika. His republican opponent is Don Barrington from Lawton. Randy Bass is running for state Senate District 32, which includes Geronimo, Cache and Lawton. Kenneth Easton is also running for this seat on the republican ticket. Ann Coody is running for state representative District 31 (Comanche) against democratic incumbent Roy Butch Hooper.

Coleman believes hosting the debate on campus will make it easier for students to form their opinions.

Please see DEBATE, Page 8

Don Barrington

Butch Hooper

Randy Bass

Craig Hale

Ann Coody

Kenneth Easton

Diversity & Cultures

Exploration

Please See Pages 4 & 5

Page 1 .indd 1 10/1/04 11:34:55 AM

Voices2 October 4, 2004

Newswriting Students Emily Archer, Jillian Bassett, Sharicka Brackens, Kelli Colbenson, Krystal Deak, Daniel Evans, Cara Garza, Aaron M. Gilbee, Ekeama S.Goddard, Jennifer Hardy, Teri Hillier, Dawn Holt, Kathleen Kelly, Jessica P. Lane, Kari Lewis, Justin Liszeski, Ian Mitchell, Danielle Murphree, Sonya Ray, Ekayah Rosete, Lauren Slate, Tiffany Soto, Tauren Thompson, Bonnie Tomahsah, Sarah Warren About Us The offi cial student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron University Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas.

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. Let-ters 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 fi rst and last names, classifi cation and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Came-ron community should include name, address and phone number for verifi ca-tion. Letters can be sent via mail or e-mail, or they may be dropped off at our offi ce.

Our Views The opinions expressed in The Colle-gian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Colle-gian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Okla-homa.

COLLEGIAN

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1926veritas sempiterna

Editorial BoardManaging Editor - Anna PolitanoNews Editor - Jennie HannaCopy Editor - Lisa SniderA&E Editor - Angela SandersSports Editor - Joshua RouseFeatures Editor - Angela GradozGraphic Artist - Leah Hicks

Newsroom StaffBusiness Manager - Rosana NavasFinancial Offi cer - Susan HillCartoonist - Thomas Pruitt

Staff Writers Laura Brady, Christina Frye, Alvin In-gram, Petulah Olibert, Scott Pratt

Faculty Adviser Christopher Keller

OUR VOICE

Th ere is a certain beauty when diff erent races come together. A rainbow would not fully convey its splendor if some of the colors were not there. In the same way, the blend of races makes humankind complete, not lacking any parts.

Cameron University has a unique campus. Indeed, few campuses in America have such a diverse site. As a part of Oklahoma, Cameron is in the heart of the Native American culture. As a southern state, Oklahoma has roots in the African-American culture as well as in the Hispanic culture. As the home of Fort Sill, Lawton welcomes individuals from all over the nation and the world; Cameron, in turn, welcomes these people.

By being an aff ordable university and an internationally friendly campus, Cameron is the home of approximately 200 international students. In addition, Cameron has a signifi cant number of international faculty representing most of the continents.

Undoubtedly, the Cameron campus refl ects a blend of races not found in many places in the world. However, Cameron’s diversity extends to more than just ethnicity; it also includes disabled individuals as well as the increasing number of older adults seeking higher education. In almost every aspect of campus life, Cameron exhibits diversity.

Th e existence of such organizations as the International club, Latin Alliance, Students of the Caribbean Alliance, Asian/Pacifi c Islander Association and the Cameron American Indian Student Association demonstrate how diverse our campus is. Th is week, as Cameron comes together to celebrate diversity, Th e Collegian staff stands to

Blend of cultures enlightens Cameron community

Graphics by Leah Hicks

applaud and report on such an important topic. Th e diversity we college students are experiencing right now will serve us well when we enter the real world of jobs in a multi-cultural society. We are privileged to be here. — Th e Editorial Board

Columnist’s

Corner Equality must reign: video game conveys racismTh e

entire world has a checkered past of racism in many forms directed at many

diff erent groups.

In ancient Egypt it was the Hebrews; in ancient Rome it was the Hebrews and Christians; in Europe it was the Catholics and the Jews; and here in America it has been the African-Americans and Asian-Americans. Th ough we, as people, call ourselves civilized and advanced, in many ways we are no better than we were two thousand years ago.

On Martin Luther King Day, Resistance Records, a distributor of racist music, began distributing a game called Ethnic Cleansing. In it, the player is out to kill “sub-humans,” these being African-

Americans, Hispanics and Jews. Did Americans not learn

anything from the 1950s race riots and protests? It was one of the darkest periods in American history, and we are repeating it again. On many chat rooms and message boards, this game has been compared to the Grand Th eft Auto series where a man runs around and kills people for missions and money. Th ough, Grand Th eft Auto is very violent, the violence is not focused toward any specifi c race or religion, while Ethnic Cleansing is.

How are African-Americans, Hispanics, Jews and any other race diff erent from whites? Shakespeare said it best as Shylock in, Th e Merchant of Venice,

“I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, aff ections, passions?” fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by

the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.”

Th is man, Shakespeare, had a better sense of humanity than those of our “advanced” society, who play or make games like Ethnic Cleansing. To hate a man or a woman is one thing. But to hate them for no other reason than because they are of a diff erent race or religion is wrong.

Games like Ethnic Cleansing do not help America or the world. Instead, they push back the progress we have made over the past fi fty years.

Martin Luther King once said he had a dream “that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’”

Th is is not his dream; this

game and the thoughts behind it are only the dreams of a group of people who have lost touch with humanity.

Racism is something that is going to be around until the end of time. In some form or another, there will always be racism toward some sect in the world.

But, just think: Within the life span of our generation, whites will become the minority and these “sub-humans” will be the majority. Th en what? How will these ethnic cleansers take that? If violence and games like this continue to manifest, then America and the world are doomed to a violent end.

Josh is a journalism freshman from Duncan. He is also the Sports Editor of The Collegian. Send comments to collegian@cameron.edu

Josh Rouse

COMMENTS? collegian@cameron.edu

Quote of the Week

“What we have to do ... is to fi nd a way to fi nd a way to celebrate our diversity and debate our differences without fracturing our communities.” — Hillary Clinton

Do you believe the diversity we have on campus is benefi cial to the student body?

Emmanuel HutchinsonBiology sophomore“If students get involved

then it s̓ benefi cial.”

Chyvonne Taylor Nursing Freshman“I think the diversity gives you a chance to learn about

different cultures.”

Malcolm Pope Engin. design senior

“Yes. You get to experience othersʼ backgrounds and it

broadens your views.”

Steven Baker Drafting design senior“I think it s̓ good. You get to

know different people.”

Jennifer Torres Radio/TV freshman

“Yes. Diversity lets you fi nd things that you would never

otherwise know.”

Page 2.indd 1 10/1/04 11:15:46 AM

News 3October 4, 2004

Th is summer the biology department was awarded a $200,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health, which helps support genetic research in states that have not received adequate funding in the past.

Since receiving the grant, opportunities to gain additional funding from NIH were established for which the entire state can benefi t. Th ese opportunities resulted in money generated from IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence, which is a part of NIH.

Students informed on bioinformatics By Angela GradozFeatures Editor

Th is money allowed for Multi-campus Bioinformatics Education Specialist Edgar J. Scott II, of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, to visit Cameron Sept. 24 in the hopes of introducing students and the state to the fi eld of bioinformatics. Th e ultimate goal of this presentation, according to Scott, was that

Cameron University would implement classes specifi cally geared toward bioinformatics, which would result in off ering it as a major.

“We hired him with part of the money from the grant to try to help

us develop education initiatives throughout the state and try to bring bioinformatics’ programs

to our kids to help them become better trained scientists,” Assistant biology Professor Carla Guthridge said.

According to Scott, the primary emphasis of the workshop was to introduce students, regardless of their major, to bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary fi eld that requires one to be familiar with biology, math and computer science.

“A bioinformatition is a person who understands biology, a person who understands computer science and who understands mathematics, and they can bring all of these subjects together and use computers to analyze and store biological data,” he said.

In order to introduce the bioinformatics fi eld to Cameron students, Scott displayed an overview of three diff erent areas: bioinformatics, online resources and areas using bioinformatics.

In addition, Scott supplied a salary scale that emphasized the benefi ts of pursuing a career in bioinformatics, whether it is in the pharmaceutical, drug development or academic realms.

While Cameron does not currently off er a bioinformatics degree, chemistry senior Stancy Joseph said that if it had been an option early on in her academic career, there is strong possibility that she would have considered majoring in bioinformatics.

Join bioinformatics: Edgar J. Scott visits CU to inform students on the benefi ts of bioinformatics.

Photo by Angela Gradoz

Landscaping course offeredBy Ian MitchellNewswriting Student

Cameron University’s agriculture department off ered a new horticultural course this fall. Adjunct Professor Jim Coe designed and is teaching Landscaping Development and Maintenance.

Th e course focuses on all the areas necessary to develop and maintain a healthy and attractive landscape. Some broad areas covered in the course are installation of plant material, maintenance of grounds, landscape design and reading landscape designs. Additional areas featured include the development of patios, fences and walkways.

According to Coe, although it was originally designed to attract more college students to horticulture, this course is suitable for students ranging from the simple landscaping enthusiast to the professional contractor. He said that this is certainly not the kind of course that is only taken to gain college credit.

“I would recommend this course for horticulture students, environmental science students, lawn care and landscaping professionals and homeowners who just might have an area of land that they want to develop as a personal project,” Coe said.

In fact, only two of the 14 students currently enrolled are taking this course to fulfi ll degree requirements. Th e remaining 12 students enrolled are professionals and homeowners. Th e course has even attracted a few Cameron employees who saw the benefi ts to be derived from training in landscaping.

John French, Cameron’s grounds foreman, is currently enrolled. He sees signifi cant, long-term benefi ts from the knowledge gained in the class.

“It (the course) is giving me a lot of insight into some new varieties of cultivars that we might be able to use right here at the university,” he said. “It has also helped me in the identifi cation of what we do have. Later on, it will provide some information on disease and pest control.”

Just as Coe suggested, some of the students who enrolled in this course have home projects as their primary motivation for enrolling. Beatrice Lipford, a residence hall monitor here at Cameron, is one such person. She is gaining knowledge she plans to use when building her home.

“I learned to recognize the diff erent types of fl owers, bushes and trees that we have here on campus which will allow me, when I build my house, to know exactly what I want,” Lipford said. “It will also help me with bug and insect control.”

According to Coe, many of the students are easily grasping the material. He attributes this to most of the students having a fair amount of pre-acquired knowledge and skill.

“Th e students seem to understand the material well. Lots of them already had prior experience and a lot of hands-on training,” he said.

According to Coe, the course will most likely be off ered by the agriculture department again next year if there is a high enough demand for it.

“If a suffi cient number of persons make serious inquiries about enrolling in this course, I will quite likely be assigned to teach it again in fall of 2005,” Coe said.

Photo by Ian Mitchell

Variety is the spice of life: Professor Jim Coe shows a plant specimen.

Page 3.indd 1 10/1/04 11:19:01 AM

4 5

Cross Cultural EducationFrom classroom to courtyard to community,

diversity lines our academic pathways

By Jennie HannaNews Editor

International Festival brings cultural insight and understanding to a wider audience

Photo by Jennie Hanna

To the beat of a different drummer: Oklahoma Panhandlers Steel Drum Band perform at the 25th Annual International Festival held Sept. 24-26. The band has played at many different venues, including the governor’s mansion and Norman’s Jazz Festival during the summer.

International Club helps celebrate cultural variety

Look from a diff erent angleCampus organizations invite students to take a walk through a new culture for a diff erent perspective

“Diversity is the one true thing we have in common. Celebrate it every day.” – Anonymous.

For those who seldom have the opportunity to celebrate diversity in their lives, Lawton’s 25th Annual International Festival was able to provide them with an occasion to see and experience the many cultures that create the melting pot that fl ows through our neighborhoods.

In the beginningOver 25 years ago, with only

nine ethnic groups bringing their culture and heritage to the masses for a one-day event, the International Festival began as a small gathering with only 500 people in attendance.

Proposed as an event to promote greater awareness in the Lawton community of the many cultures and build appreciation for them, the fi rst festival was able to obtain grants from the Oklahoma Humanities Committee and National Endowment for Humanities for help in organizing

the gathering of cultures. Organized by members of the Lawton Public Library and a few professors from Cameron, the fi rst event was a success, and they decided to continue it every year.

Since then, more local organizations have joined forces to produce the three-day celebration known to the community today. With more than 30,000 people attending the event, it has become a major force in promoting tourism in Lawton as well, according to Debra Burch from the Lawton Chamber of Commerce.

Th e cultural exchange Th is year’s festival brought

together a wide range of diversity, with new acts and some that have performed at the festival from the beginning.

One of the headliners for this year’s event was Kealii’s Polynesian

Spectacular, which combines native song and dance from Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan and New Zealand cultures. Th e group performed four diff erent times in an attempt to reach more people with their message of compassion and evoke a desire to learn more

about their neighbors, according to Charlotte “Kealii” Th ompson, the founder of the group.

“Lawton really needs to be culturized and become more aware of the many cultures here,” Th ompson

said. “We forget that our 50th state is Hawaii and that we have so many diff erent cultures nestled in our community. So that is why I am proud of being a part of this festival.”

Th ompson’s group fi rst preformed with three dancers in the early 1990’s and was created to support a family member in need at the time.

“My brother was getting married and he had no one to perform at his reception, so I gathered a few friends together, and we were a big hit for the wedding,” Th ompson said. “It just kept growing from there.”

Th ey now bring together anywhere from 30 – 50 dancers depending on the occasion in which they are performing. Th e group has traveled all over Oklahoma and even into Texas to help people take a trip into Polynesian culture through their performance.

Another headliner for the event was Th e Polka Kings, a seven-piece German Oom-Pah band that played traditional music and contemporary pieces from the pop and country genre for their audiences. Formed in 1972, the Polka Kings were one of the main entertainers for the fi rst International Festival in 1979.

Bandish Misfortune also performed for this year’s festival, playing traditional jigs, reels and slides in Celtic music. Hailing from European regions including Wales, Ireland and Scotland, their music is played both for just listening and performing traditional Irish step

dancing.Th e Oklahoma Panhandlers

Steel Drum Band used their Trinidad drums to play for the audience this year. Bringing a Caribbean feel to their music, they performed a mix of Latin and jazz music with traditional rhythms like the bossa nova, reggae and calypso.

Music wasn’t the only form of entertainment available at the International Festival. Looking back to pre-17th century western culture provided a unique view of the heritage of those days through Th e Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

With costumed performances including sword-fi ghting battles, singing and playing historic musical instruments, this group provided another form of appreciation for cultures from the past.

Every performer at the festival was brought there to display their own unique perspective and heritage to the community for their enjoyment and enrichment.

By Angela GradozFeatures Editor

A person’s culture defi nes them in many ways. It tells a part of who they are and where they are from. At Cameron there is a wealth of culture to be found. Many students who walk around campus everyday share a piece of their uniqueness with other students.

Diversity week invites those students with a unique and diff erent culture to share them on a wider scale. Th e Latin Alliance, Cameron American Indian Student Association and Asian/Pacifi c Islander Association are just a few of the diverse groups being spotlighted during diversity week.

Asian/Pacifi c Islander AssociationWelcome to the East. Th e Asian/Pacifi c Islander Association is a diverse group that

welcomes all students to participate. Th e organization is a combination of various Asian cultures such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean here at Cameron.

Th e organization’s faculty adviser, Dr. Hyunsoon Whang, said the group is there to “…promote unity through diff erent cultures, and we want Asian students to feel more at home by being a part of this organization.”

President Nonoko Kitase, a psychology senior, said, “It is a good organization for people to get to know people from other cultures. It is also good for me because I can be a leader.”

Kitase explained that the group likes to go out to eat together at diff erent Asian restaurants. Th ey also just get together to feel more at home with members of a similar culture.

Th e group has about 20 members right now and is still growing. “We want more members to get involved so we can do more community events,” Kitase said.Th e Asian/Pacifi c Islander Association will be participating in diversity week

Wednesday. Th e organization is scheduled to have Tai Chi, Kung Fu and calligraphy demonstrations. Chinese food will be served.

Latin AllianceTh e Latin Alliance is one of the fastest growing multicultural groups on campus. In

the past year the group has increased from four to 25 members.Romance language senior Jeanne Vann and president of the Latin Alliance said, “We

have had a great response this year.” Vann hopes the increased interest will continue. “I want to bring the club back to what it once was,” she said.Th e Latin Alliance was created to promote interest in Latin culture, and like most

organizations, holds meetings, plans events, works with students and tries to create a sense of belonging for its members.

Vann said that with more members the club will be able to do more things for Latin students. She wants to set up some scholarship programs and off er free tutoring for Latin students. Th e organization also wants to raise money so they can go and see guest speakers at other universities who talk about Latin culture, with the goal being to eventually bring a speaker to Cameron.

Keeping with the club’s purpose, the group will participate in diversity week at Cameron Tuesday. Th e Latin Alliance will have a poster presentation covering six countries and their cultures, which includes: Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Food from all six countries will be available for students to sample, and a mosaic of music will be playing during the presentation of the countries.

Vann said the group wanted to play traditional music instead of pop music to show more of the culture.

To end diversity week, the group will present a Latin Style dance.Th e Latin Alliance is open to any student who wants to join. Students are not required to have Latin heritage

to become a member. Vann welcomes all students to be a part of a truly diverse organization.

Cameron American Indian Student AssociationDeanna Pewo, the president of the Cameron American Indian Student Association, wants her organization to be

a place where Native American students can come together and understand diff erent Native American cultures.“Th e organization is here to help with the advancement of students socially and academically,” Pewo said. “ I

really want more people to become active in the organization.”CAISA has been on campus for some time now. While their membership fl uctuates from time to time,

members feel that it is an important organization to have because of the Native American infl uence on campus and in this part of the state.

Th e organization has members who are from Cameron, Comanche Nation College and the surrounding areas, and recently the group won third place in the Comanche Nation Fair for their fl oat entry.

Th e group is interested in sharing cultures and learning from others.“Th e club is about diff erent people sharing cultures for common ground and to further your own culture as a

member,” sociology sophomore, Micah Emerson said.During diversity week the group will have a dance exhibition by members of the Riverside Indian School.

Riverside will be bringing dancers, singers and the school’s ROTC group. Comanche Nation Housing will also be on campus erecting a tee-pee with the participation of students. CAISA will also be serving traditional American Indian food during its presentations.

By Scott PrattStaff Writer

Photo by Anna Politano

Standing proud for your culture: Members of the Latin Alliance organization on campus meet to help promote awareness of the Latin culture on campus.

Dr. Abbas JohariMultimedia

Iran

KRT Campus

Dr. Zao ChaoMath China

Misael SantiagoForeign Languages

Puerto Rico

Dr. T. K. BhattacharyaBusiness

India

Dr. Abdulhamid SukarBusiness Ethiopia

Dr. Teresa LubranoForeign Languages

Italy

Dr. Syed Ahmed Business

Bangladesh

Dr. Ioannis ArgyrosMath

Greece

M. AfzalLibrary

Pakistan

Wensheng WangLibraryChina

Please see FESTIVAL,Page 6

“I have been to many different events like this in Oklahoma City and they don’t even compare

to this festival.”

— Richard BalesOklahoma City Resident

Classof ‘04Classof ‘04

Graphics by Leah Hicks & Jennie Hanna

With the diversity that defi nes the Lawton/Fort Sill area, as well as the Cameron University population, there is a need to celebrate and express cultural diversity. One campus club devoted to understanding the world’s many cultures is the International Club.

International Club adviser, June Rain, who is also the coordinator of international students, has assumed the role of adviser for the past four semesters. Rain took the position because she felt that the club serves a great purpose on campus to the large number of international students who make Cameron their university.

“I think the club has a worthwhile purpose, and I want to support them in any way I can,” she said.

While most club members are international students from countries such as Nigeria, Macedonia, Kenya and St. Lucia, all members would like to see more American students get involved with the club, since it is open to any student interested in learning about diff erent cultures.

“Most of the club members right now are international students, but slowly the club members are convincing American students to join,” Rain said. “Many ethnic groups are represented on campus and the club members would like to learn more about the cultural roots of as many people as they can.”

Seun Bamgbose, public relations offi cer for the International Club and also a multimedia design/Web design sophomore, became interested in the club last year after becoming acquainted with then vice president, Sandra Adeyemi.

“When I saw a fellow Nigerian, Sandra Adeyemi, last year elected vice president and after speaking with her, it inspired me to want to run for

president this following year,” Bamgbose said.

Since his introduction to the International Club last year, Bamgbose decided to run for offi ce this year, succeeding with his goal of becoming public relations offi cer. His ultimate goal is becoming president next year.

With a current membership of about 10, the International Club is also participating in diversity week. Th ursday, onlookers may stop by a “make your own sundae table.”

“Each scoop of ice cream will have a fl ag on it. Th e fl ag will show either a common word in English and one other language or an interesting tidbit about another culture,” Rain said. “We

will also have a world map showing the countries represented by Cameron students.”

In addition to diversity week, the International Club would like to take a trip to the University of Oklahoma to get ideas for fall 2005’s diversity week.

Students interested, even if they are not paid members, in what the International Club has to offer may attend their bi-weekly meeting at 2:15 p.m. Oct.15 in the Student Union; however, each meeting following the one on Oct.15 will be held in the Student Activities Building. Students wanting to become active members in the organization must pay a $5 fee each semester, which is used to fund projects throughout the year, such as the trip to OU.

“It’s a rare opportunity for people to get to know individuals from other cultures and for them to explore their own cultural heritage,” Rain said.

A vision came true when the diversity section was fi nalized and sent to press. Since I began writing for Th e Collegian four years ago, I wanted this section to become a reality. Being a foreigner, I appreciate the beauty and variance of nationalities and cultures. Th e purpose of this section is to provide readers with more in-depth information concerning the diversity found throughout our campus. Th e Collegian’s mission is to serve Cameron’s student body. As a result, we felt compelled to report on such an important topic. After all, whether you are from another country or not, we are all diverse. I hope you will enjoy this issue.

—Anna Politano, Managing Editor

Notes from the Editor

Spread Design by Jennie Hanna

Page 4-5spread.indd 1 10/1/04 12:15:12 PM

A&E6 October 4, 2004

Whang to present piano recital By Christina FryeStaff Writer

Talent, prestige and elegance are just a few words that describe Dr. Hyunsoon Whang. Whang has shared her passion for the piano throughout several countries including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and her native country of Korea.

Whang, a concert pianist by demand and a solo pianist at heart, has delighted her audiences for years. Starting at only four years old, Whang learned quickly that the piano required hard work, a desire to learn and a passion for playing were necessary in order to succeed.

Whang said, “It has been my love since I was a little kid. I never wanted to do anything else; I just always wanted to focus on the piano.”

Whang moved to the United States at the age of 16 to study at the North Carolina School of the Arts. She continued her studies

Photo by Christina Frye

Solo or in groups: Dr. Hyunsoon Whang, profes-sor of music, prefers solos, but still enjoys performing with others and has played all over the world.

at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School and the Indiana University in Bloomington. In the course of her studies she met her husband, Dr. Th omas Labe’. Labe’ was off ered a position at Cameron University in 1990, and Whang joined the Cameron faculty in 1993.

Whang appreciates the infl ux of students at Cameron and says that CU students are a joy and a challenge to teach.

Whang herself has been taught by some of the world’s most honored piano teachers. She has studied under Soo Jung Shin, Clifton Matthews, Joseph Kalichstein, Michel Block and Gyorgy Sebok.

Whang hasn’t only played solo recitals: she is also well known for her ability to play chamber music. Playing at over 350 recitals as a collaborator, she has awed audiences. Both Whang and Labe’ were invited to play and record a two-piano score to the surrealistic musical Nostalgie, which was

CU unveils renovations made in Student Activities Building

Th e new renovation of the Student Activities Building was celebrated by contributors and students at an open house Sept. 29.

During the gathering, those who helped complete the project were recognized, and CU students were invited to enjoy the result of the renovation project with pizza and refreshments.

Th e building is located on the east side of University Drive and was constructed in 1960 as the Baptist Student Union. Cameron acquired the building in the 1970s as a part of an Urban Renewal Project. It now houses the Student Government Association, the CU Programming Activities Council and the Student Activities Offi ce.

Discussions regarding the renovations began last fall. Th roughout the spring semester the decision-making process was driven by input solicited from the student body. Th e physical renovations began in June and were completed over the summer in order to be ready for the start of the fall semester. According to Courtney Hardin, student activities director, the administration wanted to liven up the building.

“Th ey wanted to make it more welcoming and inviting for CU

By Laura BradyStaff Writer

students. Th ey wanted to update the building with a more modern look to help improve the overall look of the campus,” Hardin said.

Th e renovations were funded by a $20,000 donation from the CU Alumni Association and a $10,000 donation from the Walton Family Foundation, as presented through Arvest Bank. Facility fees were also used on the project. Louise Brown, the former vice president of student aff airs, lent her artistic expertise to enhance the renovation project.

Some of the physical renovations include new ceiling and fl oor tiles, cabinets, adjustable track lighting, a fresh coat of paint and new carpet.

Th e facility now houses subtractive charcoal art work from CU’s art department, presented by Edna McMillan, which included pieces from students Th omas Pruitt, Joseph Mercadante, Tonya

Roberts, Danielle Davis and Alex Pena.

“We have paintings and drawings on the walls that are from CU art department students,” Hardin said. “It’s neat because we like to showcase their work.”

Student organizations will also enjoy increased storage space created by the renovation. New stackable chairs and room dividers allow the building to facilitate several group meetings at once. In addition, the facility is equipped with new furniture that includes couches, chairs and tables.

Th e Oklahoma Panhandlers Steel Drum Band used their Trinidad drums to play for the audience this year. Bringing a Caribbean feel to their music, they performed a mix of Latin and jazz music with traditional rhythms like the bossa nova, reggae and calypso.

Music wasn’t the only form of entertainment available at the International Festival. Looking back to pre-17th century western culture provided a unique view of the heritage of those days through Th e Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

With costumed performances including sword-fi ghting battles, singing and playing historic musical instruments, this group provided another form of appreciation for cultures from the past.

Every performer at the festival was brought there to display his or her own unique perspective and heritage for the community’s enjoyment and enrichment.

Good eats, good drinksProviding a performance is not

the only way to invite others into other cultures.Arousing the senses of taste and smell is a sure-fi re way to gain interest in the culture as well.

Native foods have become a favorite and common attraction to the International Festival, bringing together the aromas from gyros, turkey legs and bratwurst to entice more people to come by the booth for a bite to eat.

Including dishes from Greek, Italian, Filipino, Korean, German

FESTIVALContinued from Page 4

written by the world famous pianist, Alexis Weissenberg. Th e duo recorded the piece and, when it was premiered at the Staatstheater Darmstadt, in Darmstadt, Germany, Whang and Labe’ were labeled as a “hero pair.”

Whang enjoys playing with other musicians and playing solo. She feels that playing with other people gives her a variety of pieces to play, and she enjoys the accompaniment. But she also feels that the piano is one of the only stand-alone instruments that does not need accompaniment.

“Playing chamber music and playing as a soloist are very diff erent,” Whang said. “While playing solo, I can pick what I want to play and can make the experience more intimate.”

Whang will be playing at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at the CU Th eatre. Cost for students, faculty and seniors is $4, and all others $6. All funds raised for this recital will be used for scholarships off ered to CU students. Whang will be

and Native American cultures allows the community to take a break from the same old food and try something diff erent while learning more about that culture from those who are preparing the meals.

Worth the trip backTh ose who perform and prepare

meals for the International Festival are supposed to be the ones who provide the view of diversity within the community.But often overlooked are those who attend the festivities and their contributions to the community’s appreciation for diversity and it’s growth.

Richard Bales is a Cameron graduate in engineering. He and his wife, Dee, have attended every International Festival since they moved to Oklahoma over 18 years ago.

“I moved to Rush Springs and happened to hear about the festival, and we both decided to go,” Bales said. “I haven’t missed one yet, even though we moved up to Oklahoma City a few years back. It is well worth coming back for.”

Bales is grateful that the community keeps up the good work in producing the festival every year and includes all the diff erent cultures to make it such a good event.“I have been to many diff erent events like this in Oklahoma City and they don’t even compare to this festival,” Bales said as he enjoyed the Oklahoma Panhandlers Steel Drum Band’s performance. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Carnival closes CU diversity weekBy Angela SandersA&E Editor

Do you hear the music? Do you smell the food? Do you see the dancing? Since 2002, the Students of the Caribbean Alliance

have been providing a taste of the Caribbean culture to the students and faculty of Cameron, as well as to the Lawton community, through their SOCarnival.

“Th ere are carnivals all over the Caribbean. We have created our own version,” said Ian Mitchell, mul-timedia design senior and member of SOCA.

Th is year’s carnival, which will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, will wrap up diversity week on campus. As in the previous years, the carnival will include a food fair with Caribbean originals such as Jerk Chicken, a Parade of Troupes, music and an after-party at the Knights of Columbus. However, diff erent from last year is the route that the carnival will take.

“Th is year we were made to change the route from University Drive to the road that runs behind the Sci-ence Building,” said Mitchell.

Th e parade will lead followers and participants to the Fine Arts Courtyard, where a Caribbean Food Fair and the music will take place.

playing pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maurice Ravel and Frederic Chopin.

Cameron graduate, Frantzie Couch, has enjoyed the richness and quality of Dr. Whang’s music for years. Couch said that when she (Couch) walks away from a recital, she feels as though, “we truly have world class music in our community.”

A home away from home: Many students, faculty and community members attend the opening of the newly remodeled Student Activites Building Sept. 29.

Photo by Anna Politano

Students should not feel excluded from directly participating.

“Anyone can sign up for the diff erent sections of the carnival; they do not have to be members of SOCA,” Mitchell said.

Students interested in being a part of the costume section can report to the seventh fl oor of North She-pler. Th is is the headquarters for the making of the costumes, which is an operation that will continue until Th ursday night.

Th e costume themes to be featured in this year’s carnival include Rose of Eden for the women, Tamale for the men, and Blue Devils and La Fiesta for every-one. For as little as $5, students can have their choice of costumes made, or even help make them.

T-shirt and carnival package orders are no longer being accepted, but any leftover T-shirts will be sold at the carnival.

Th e carnival’s theme for this year: “Mélé - An Ex-plosion of Flavour,” is SOCA’s attempt to show every-one a new world view. According to Mitchell, this is similar to the mission of SOCA as an organization: to create a Caribbean cultural, social, political and his-torical awareness.

Students are encouraged to visit the event to see for themselves what the culture has to off er.

Page 6.indd 1 10/1/04 11:37:57 AM

Sports 7October 4, 2004

J. Martin’s Restaurant

is now accepting

applications for banquet

staff and kitchen, if interested, please call 357.3463

By Joshua RouseSports Editor

Th ey say all good things must come to an end. Th e Aggies Volleyball six-match win streak was ended on Sept. 24 against Angelo State during the Lone Star Conference Crossover.

Angelo State won by scores of 30-21, 27-30, 30-26, 26-30, 15-10, dropping the Aggies to 7-9 on the season. But this loss was not in vain since Angelo State holds a record of 12-3.

Th e Aggies out-blocked Rambelles 13-6 in the match but trailed in other categories, including hitting percentage, kills, assists and digs. Cameron also had just four service aces in the entire match compared to eight by Angelo State.

Taran Turner led the Aggie off ense with 17 kills. Senior middle blocker Nicole Reinhart also registered 14 kills. Reinhart led all players in the match with six blocks. Vicki Ibarra added 49 assists, and Jenny Head had 26 digs.

Cameron went on to defeat Tarleton State for the second time in a week. But instead of an easy match against Abilene Christian, the Aggies had their hands full. Th e Aggies split the two matches,

Aggies have strong showing despite losses in LSC Crossover

losing to Abilene Christian in the late hours.

Th e Aggies beat TSU with scores of 30-21, 28-30, 30-21 and 30-24. Th eir momentum carried them into the match against Abilene Christian where they hit the equivalent of a brick wall. Cameron dropped the match in straight sets with scores of 30-19, 30-27 and 30-13.

Four Cameron players shined brightly in the game against TSU, led by senior outside hitter Morgan Meyer with 18 kills. Ibarra continued with 53 assists in the match and Jenny Head topped it off with 27 digs. Th e Aggies out-blocked TSU 9-4 led by fi ve from Reinhart.

Tarleton did get a match high of 18 kills from Desiree Reed. But even a perfect team cannot overcome unforced errors including 10 service errors. Th ese errors coupled with an additional fi ve ball-handling errors gave the Aggies all they needed to cap off Tarleton once again.

Later that night, the Aggies faced Abilene Christian. Meyer was the only Aggie with more than seven kills in the match, with 11 on 35 attempts. ACU had nearly twice as many kills including a match-high 17 from Michelle Bernhardt. Th is win against the Aggies extended ACU’s win streak to 8.

Get set: Vicki Ibarra gets ready to serve against the op-ponents, a defi nite ace.

Fore! Ryan King tees off on the fi rst hole during the second round of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Sept. 20 at the Lawton Country Club.

King leads Aggies, looks for future as pro-golfer By Petulah Olibert Staff Writer

Two weeks ago in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Tournament, Aggie star golfer Ryan King led the Cameron Aggies to a promising second place finish, one step up from a previous third place slot.

King, though happy about his achievement, felt that winning would have been the best victory.

Growing up in Dallas, King’s first love was baseball. But sports had a magnetic effect on him. By the sixth grade, King had already tried and perfected his hand at basketball.

With the restless energy kids are known for, King’s attention quickly refocused toward soccer, which he played frequently in the eighth grade. But soccer was just another of his stepping-stones. Little did he know that he would find his place well beyond more vigorous sports – in golf.

King’s dad was a golfer. He, too, was frequently immersed in sports, but only for fun. One day, a teenaged King, by then a diehard sports fanatic, decided to accompany his dad to one of his golfing sessions. He was won over by the sport.

During his freshman year, King began playing golf for the Duncanville High School Panthers. During his four years with the Panthers, King recorded two successes, both third-place finishes in golf tournaments.

After graduation, King enrolled at Cameron University. At the beginning of his freshman year

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Check on the Aggies at www.goaggies.cameron.edu

By Scott PrattStaff Writer

Th e Cameron University men’s and women’s tennis teams got an early start on the spring season at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships in Springfi eld, Mo., Sept 26.

Cameron had three men’s players in the round of 16 and one women’s player in the round of eight.

Carolina Vera-Vera, considered Cameron’s number one women’s player by coach James Helvey, was the 12th cede in the tournament and made it to the round of eight out of 64 players. She was defeated by fourth cede Alicia Cummings, from Abilene Christian, 6-2, 6-1.

“I really learned a lot from the match,” Vera-Vera said. She wants to do better next time she plays to help the team win.

Vera-Vera is a health and PE junior, who has been playing tennis since she was eight years old.

“She works hard and has good ground skills,” Helvey said. “She is a baseline player who makes her opponent work for points.”

Cameron also had three men make it past the fi rst round of play to the round of 16. Oscar Guerra, Jordi Mullor and Carlos

Fernandez all played in the round of 16 but only Fernandez advanced.

Mullor was defeated by Kristian Haugen, of Th e University of Central Oklahoma, 7-5, 6-2, while Guerra lost to Walter Vilarezo, of St. Edward’s, 6-2, 6-1.

“It was a good tournament for my fi rst one in the United States.” Mullor, who is an economics freshman from Mexico, said. “I want to help get the team to the conference fi nals in the spring.”

Tennis holds through regional competition

Photo by Scott Pratt

Woosh! Caroline Vera-Vera, health junior, practices her craft for upcoming competitions.

at CU, King had already earned himself the title “Freshman of the Year 2001-2002.”

He led the Aggie golfers to first place victories in college tournaments during his sophomore and junior years.

Today, in his fourth year on the Aggie team, King is being increasingly looked upon as the potential future of golf. And by all appearances, it is a well-deserved title. Times like these, King says, remain vivid in his memory.

Though he idolizes no one, his favorite golfer is Davis Love, whose technique and skill King admires.

King is currently a health and physical education major.

“My career is in golf,” he said. “I want to be a professional golfer and continue along the path I was introduced to by my dad.”

The Aggies’ next tournament is scheduled for Oct. 4-5 at the Grand Canyon Invitational in Phoenix.

Today’s meeting will include the fi rst reading of resolution 304003, regarding legislation to place direction arrows in Cameron University parking lots.

Nov. 2 Elections Candidate Forum will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Sciences Complex Goodyear Room.

Th e last day to register to vote in the Nov. 2 elections is Oct. 8.

Th e guest speaker for today’s meeting will be Dr. Larry Kruse. He will be addressing students’ right to privacy and the releasing of information at Cameron.

SGA Notes

Page 7.indd 1 10/1/04 11:27:13 AM

The Back Page8 October 4, 2004

First-year PLUS students are all enrolled in a course called University Life and are taught how to improve themselves in areas such as time management, goal setting and stress reduction. Amanda Ihler, of Lawton, believes the PLUS program helps high school students adjust to the life of higher education.

“Th ere’s so much going on around CU’s campus; PLUS will help introduce (her) to these new activities,” Ihler said.

Th is year’s freshman PLUS students include students from all over the Southwest. Th ese students include two student council presidents, two yearbook editors, four cheerleading captains and an impressive seven valedictorians. Th ey have all served in leadership positions in their communities as members of musical groups, Key Clubs, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Junior Leadership of Lawton/Fort Sill Club and in their churches.

First-year PLUS student Kristyna Coleman, CU art major, learned of the PLUS program from her older sister, Jillian Coleman. Kristyna Coleman has enjoyed sharing her experiences with her sister and other classmates.

“I think it’s (PLUS program) really good because it trains you to serve your community and trains you to become a leader,” Kristyna Coleman said. “And it takes a lot of time and involvement, but the requirements are fair.”

Second-year students continue their leadership training by attending two leadership sessions per semester, which cover seminars on leadership theory, communication skills, group dynamics and problem solving.

Th ird-year students focus on presentation skills, such as how to address group problems (at the university level) and learning how to solve these problems through debates. Fourth-year students are then ready and willing to face the world and all of its obstacles by possessing the skills and confi dence that it will take for them to become successful businessmen and businesswomen in today’s work force.

Holland, a former PLUS student herself, said, “It is amazing to watch the students as they transition from year to year. Th e growth in their leadership abilities is amazing, and it is rewarding to celebrate their successes with them.”

PLUS students use their training to better themselves, and they also learn how to work with others to create a friendly and self-helping community. PLUS students have volunteered for events like decorating the Boulevard of Lights, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, dedicating time to Habitat for Humanity and assisting at various church and other public school functions.

For more information about the PLUS program, students can look at the CU Web site under Student Activities or call 581.2209.

PLUSContinued from Page 1

2004-2005 New PLUS students

Cache: Brian KrissChattanooga: Jarrett Bailey Crescent: Elizabeth Yocham Duncan: Haley OrsoFletcher: Chad Lewis and Jennifer RaneyGrandfi eld: Denver Merryfi eld, Lawton: Kristina Anderson, Heather Ballou, Kristyna Coleman, Melissa Colin, Scott Corwin, Jordan Ferguson, Janica Hall, Noelle Horvath, Amanda Ihler, Jennifer Jones, Jacob Russell, Ashley Tate, and Christopher ZerzavyMarlow: Laura Cost and Kristal Maxwell Randlett: Stephen Dilks Sterling: Allie SandersWalters: Melissa Long

“It will be easy for students to get a good look at them,” Coleman said.

Similar events are taking place all across America to help bring up the slacking voter turnout. Th e World Wrestling Entertainment Corporation is sponsoring “Smackdown Your Vote!” to raise awareness of voting. Popular wrestlers like Dwayne “Th e Rock” Johnson and Shawn “HBK” Michaels have joined in the movement. In Maine, a bipartisan group has formed to help push the voting rate up with the rest of the nation. In the 2000 election Maine had a turnout of 50 percent of youth voters. Th is was one of the highest voter turnouts in the nation.

According to the Americans for Democratic Action, the central focus of the 2003 Senate was President Bush’s Prescription Drug Benefi t Plan. Th e Senate has also been focusing on major health care issues concentrating on older Americans.

In an interview with Catherine Holahan of Th e Record, Alison Aikele, the 20-year-old communications director at the College Republican National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. said, “Politicians do not pay a lot of attention to students because they don’t vote, and students don’t vote because politicians don’t pay a lot of attention to them.”

According to a CBS, MTV and Th e Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement pole, 75 percent of Americans age 18-24 plan to vote.

Th e debate will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Goodyear Room of the Science Complex.

DEBATEContinued from Page 1

Book signing on campus

Photo By Jennie Hanna

Local celebrity: Kevin McCurdy, wildlife biologist, receives a signed copy of Dr. George Stanley’s new book, Mr. Rogers — Young Friend & Neighbor.

Page 8.indd 1 10/1/04 11:21:54 AM