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To comment on stories, or to access the latest news, features, multimedia, IONEER online exclusives and PDECEMBER 2, 2011 WWW.OCCC.EDU/PIONEER COVERING OCCC SINCE 1978 updates, visit occc.edu/pioneer. suspicious charges made to office credit card FBI investigating bursar’s office

EDITORIAL JEREMY CLOUD Jordan also confirmed that a federal in- Jordan said he could not comment on the Editor vestigation into the OCCC Bursar’s Office reason for Henson’s leave of absence, as it is Lack of [email protected] has been in progress since the beginning of against college policy to discuss personnel. money causes the semester. On Aug. 20, the FBI began looking into heartache The college bursar, Brandi Henson, re- He could not say if the two events are related. suspicious charges made with the Bursar’s Editor Jeremy Cloud signed her position on Sept. 30, said Cordell Henson was placed on administrative leave and his husband Jordan, media relations coordinator. early in this semester. See BURSAR page 9 recently made a tough decision regarding a family The unveiling member. Read on to learn why.

OPINION, p. 2

Campus LIFE ‘Beethoven geek’ gets recognized An OCCC music professor recently received a national award for teaching excellent. Continue reading to learn who the professor was and why he won.

NEWS, p. 7

SPORTS occc to host swim event The campus’ Aquatic Center will play host for the first time Rachel Morrison/Pioneer ever to the NAIA National Swimming (Left to Right) President Paul Sechrist, music dtudent Lori Colbart, Gilliam Music owner Mike Gilliam, Steinway donor Ed Krei, and Diving Gilliam Music owner Wanda Gilliam, and Board of Regents Chairman Ben Brown unveil the endowed OCCC Steinway Concert Grand Championships. Piano on Nov. 30 in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The Steinway concert grand piano unveiling ceremony was followed by Learn more inside. a reception during which adjunct Professor Tony Carrillo tickled the ivories for those in attendance.

SPORTS, p. 8 Two student groups to perform CAMPUS LIFE Free jazz concert to be held on campus Author discusses HALA ALJAZZAZI Theater. “Students will get many ben- The two jazz ensembles meet racism News Writing Student This will be the first time to efits from going to this concert,” on different nights for practice, California Professor incorporate Christmas music said Boyle. “Students will enjoy and they have different flavors. Roy Brooks spoke A jazzed up version of “Jingle into the jazz concert, said music great music, support their fel- The Tuesday night group in- at OCCC about his Bell Rock” will be one of several Professor Michael Boyle, who low students, and it’s a cheap corporates the vocalists, while latest book about holiday selections included in trains the musicians. date.” He also mentioned that the Wednesday night is more race. Read on for more. the free jazz performance on Boyle said the performance Music Appreciation students of a blues-jazz group. campus at 7:30 p.m. Wednes- will involve two student jazz get extra credit in their music COMMUNITY, p. 10 day, Dec. 7, in the Bruce Owen groups. class. See JAZZ page 9 2 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER OPINION

EDITORIAL | Prevention is easier on your wallet and heart greg holkan/gregholkan.com Animals should get their shots Since the housing crash of 2009, Americans have The news was mixed; it was definitely parvo, but we’d slowly gotten used to living in a bad economy. We’ve caught it in time. If treated immediately, our puppy gotten used to making hard could have as high as a 90 percent chance of making decisions with a shrug, or a sigh a full recovery. of frustration, or a rant about And then, the worst thing anyone ever wants to hear how tight money is. when a loved one’s life is on the line, be he or she two But yesterday, this was all or four-legged: brought home to my husband Will that be cash, check or charge to start treatment? and me, as we made such a Ringing in to the tune of $1100 for the first three decision with tears. days, the parvo treatment was far beyond anything Earlier this semester, we my husband and I could afford. adopted a bull shepherd puppy We asked if they would take payments. They would from my parents. As a raving not. We tried to qualify for financing. We were denied. Jeremy Cloud Tolkien fan, I named the ram- Sitting there in the office, we came to the sickening bunctious puppy Balrog. realization that this wonderful animal, with a treatable This past week, Balrog came disease, and a good prognosis, was going to have to down with canine parvovirus, an illness that simultane- be put down. ously starves, poisons, and dehydrates a dog. Parvo is Because we couldn’t afford to pay for treatment. ones. extremely contagious, and has a high mortality rate. Perhaps the final straw in all this was when, after Get your animals their shots. Make the time and There is a vaccine. My husband and I had not yet tears and discussions, we asked them to put him down. set the money aside. The economy is hard, but your taken Balrog for his shots, both because we thought And we couldn’t afford that either. pet is family. he was too young, and because we were too broke. In the end, we had to hug our puppy good bye, sign And preventatives are infinitely easier, both on the The moment Balrog started showing symptoms, him into the vet’s care, and let them euthanize him in wallet and the heart, than hospital visits. we rushed him to a vet, hoping it wasn’t parvo, and private. Without us. —Jeremy Cloud hoping we could catch it in time. There are hard decisions, and then there are simple Editor Americans should work to contain cost of college To the editor: will always be some of the most controversial and Dozens of colleges and universities have either cut Over the last decade, the net price of college has thankless work in all of higher education. or frozen tuition, or provide a four-year graduation risen nearly 6 percent a year, after inflation. Yet in Now, there are some who will tell you that guarantee. Even more ambitious are efforts to boost the last three years--thanks largely to a dramatic controlling college prices and student debt is higher productivity and learning by redesigning courses and expansion in federal aid and tax credits--net tuition education’s Mission Impossible. They point to the reimaining the use of technology in the classroom. and fees paid by students at two-year institutions so-called Iron Triangle of Higher Education. Nearly That kind of innovation requires looking beyond and non-profit four-year institutions have actually every college president and governing board seeks traditional institutional silos--and the ability to declined in real terms. to simultaneously improve quality, increase access, anticipate the educational needs of the future. That progress is an encouraging sign. But I believe and yet constrain costs. Our students deserve no less. that we can do much more to help contain the price It’s true that these three sides of the iron triangle— Working together is the department, states, and tag of college and reduce individual student debt. quality, access, and cost—sometimes seem like institutions across the country—can help achieve Postsecondary institutions and states also have yet mutually conflicting choices. Yet I don’t believe the President’s goal, that by 2020, America will once to truly tackle the cost containment challenge in a that this challenge is higher education’s Mission again lead the world in college attainment. comprehensive and sustainable fashion. Impossible. —Arne Duncan The difficulty of reducing the price of college and I want to encourage you to take back to your U.S. Secretary of Education student debt cannot become a discussion-ending campuses the idea that productivity and accountability excuse for inaction. are reform tools that can help postsecondary Read the full version online at www.occc.edu/ Containing the cost of college and student debt institutions break out of the trap of the iron triangle. pioneer

Oklahoma City Community College PIONEER Vol. 40 No. 15 Jeremy Cloud...... Editor Cynthia Praefke.....Advertising Manager The PIONEER is a publication of Oklahoma City name if the request is made in writing. Emily Schorr...... Senior Writer Whitney Knight...... Online Editor Community College through the Division of Arts The PIONEER has the right to edit all letters Christy Johnson...... Staff Writer Robert Bolton...... Online Writer and Humanities. It is published weekly during the and submissions for length, libel and obscenity. Sarah Hussain...... Staff Writer Cybele Hsu...... Graphics/Webmaster 16-week fall and spring semesters and the eight- Letters should be fewer than 250 words. Students week summer session. must list their major. OCCC staff and faculty must Priscilla Colley...... Staff Writer Aaron Donahue...... Circulation Manager Opinions expressed are those of the author list their work title. Mike Wormley...... Community Writer Richard Hall...... Acting Lab Director and do not necessarily represent those of the Letters to the editor can be submitted to the Sean Tolbert...... Sports Writer Shawn Stawicki...... Lab Assistant PIONEER, the college or the publisher. PIONEER office, located in room 1F2 on the first Rachel Morrison...... Photographer Sue Hinton...... Faculty Adviser The PIONEER welcomes letters to the editor floor of the Art and Humanities Building, mailed to Casey Akard...... Videographer and encourages the use of this publication as 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73159, a community forum. All letters must include the or submitted via e-mail to [email protected] with author’s name, address, phone number and a phone number for verification included. The 7777 S. May phone: email: signature. E-mail letters should include all but the PIONEER ONLINE also can be accessed at www. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 405-682-1611, ext. 7307 [email protected] signature. The PIONEER will withhold the author’s occc.edu/pioneer. PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 3 COMMENTS AND REVIEWS

Concert overview | Anvil concert rocks Oklahoma City club Local bands open rock concert The OCCC Financial Aid office has a va- Ginnie P. riety of student work study employment op- Escobedo portunities currently available. Please visit Guest Writer their office to confirm your workstudy status and to request the federal workstudy award How many lo- letter. Then, bring this letter to the office of cal bands have Student Employment & Career Services. We the privilege to will forward the letter to the OCCC Human open up for one Resource Department and assist your online of the legendary job application process. Students applying bands in metal for on-campus or off-campus workstudy po- history??? On sitions should complete the online applica- Nov. 2, One Gun tion; attach a resume; cover letter; and college Solution, Left to transcripts. Individual campus departments, Die and Lock17 in addition to the office of Financial Aid, may opened up for then preview the student applications for hir- none other Anvil ing consideration. at the Roxy. Courtesy Ginnie P. Escobedo Specifically, the office of Financial Aid has “I am not a big Lock 17 performs Nov. 2, opening for legendary rock band Anvil. The concert located work study positions for students with good heavy metal/rock at The Roxy in Oklahoma City brought fans from around the state. Other local bands customer service skills that enjoy a fast-paced listen and I rarely included Left to Die and One Gun Solution. work environment serving fellow-students. go to concert, but Off-campus workstudy positions include: I enjoyed being Putnam City School District, Tutoring Po- there,” said concertgoer John Kennedy. Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica. sitions at the following elementary schools – “I really enjoyed One Gun Solution and the cov- Anvil has been playing since 1973 according to Apollo, Arbor Grove, Central, Hilldale, Lake er song that Left to Die did Crimson and Clover the 2008 documentary film Anvil! The documenta- Park, Overholser, Rollingwood, Tulakes, originally sung by the 1968 American rock band, ry, “The Story of Anvil,” was directed by the screen- Western Oaks, Wiley Post and Windsor. Tommy James and the Shondells.” writer and former Anvil roadie Sacha Gervasi. Oklahoma City School District, Bi-lingual Some fans stayed until 11 p.m. just to see Anvil “Those guys put on a great show and we are very Tutors at Columbus Elementary. perform. grateful to have been on the same stage with them,” Moore Public School District, Tutoring po- “No offense to the other bands that were there said Rusty Wigham, rhythm guitarist for Lock17 sitions at Southgate-Rippetoe Elementary. but really, all I wanted to see was Anvil!” said fan and an OCCC alumni. Please contact Mia Rojo at 405-682-7524 Sean Rustle. “We will be bragging about it for a long time to for details. “I have been a fan of Anvil’s music since I was come,” Wigham said. The office of Student Employment & Career a boy and seeing Anvil live is just an opportunity “Anvil was great. We watched them as we grew Services will also share additional job op- that I would have never passed up!” up so it was an honor.“ portunities both on-campus and off-campus Anvil is a Canadian heavy metal band composed Jeremy Waller, the lead vocal and rhythm guitar- through the online student job board at: of Steve “Lips” Kudlow (lead vocals and lead gui- ist for Left To Die felt the same regardless of the www.collegecentral.com/occcc and, tar), Robb Reiner (drummer) and Glenn Five (bass number of fans at the show. through bulletin board and job table post- guitar and backing vocals). “The crowd was a little thin but it was wednesday ings. Please visit our office located in the To date, the band has released 14 studio albums, in OKC plus there was some other big shows that Main Building, first floor, Room 1G7 for as- and has been cited as having influenced many no- night but that didn’t matter to us, sistance. table heavy metal groups, including Megadeth, “We had a blast and got to meet some of metals originators. They were — Debra D. Vaughn, Director Retraction: The Nov. one of the nicest bands Student Employment & Career 18 issue of the Pioneer we have ever had the Services incorrectly identified John privilege of opening for. Adams, OCCC nursing “That’s the stuff we student and 20 year military live for!” up their gear and sound check thinking about the veteran, as he speaks to Dave Washburn, the days when they were where we are at today. Defi- a crowd for the OCCC Veterans Day celebration lead singer of One Gun nitely a one of a kind experience playing with met- in the College Union. Solution continued the al masters Anvil,” Washburn said praises. Meeting Anvil was a definite experience that is “Opening up for a not soon forgotten. band that helped shape Lock17, Left To Die and Munkie Gunn can be the way metal sounds seen again opening for Texas Hippie Coalition on today was definitely a Dec. 9 at the Samurai, in Club Raw, which is locat- sobering experience! ed at 3034 N. Portland across from Don Quixote’s. “It was nice to sit back Tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 the day Courtesy Francesca Banks and watch the guys set- of the show. 4 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER

HAIFENG JI WILL RECEIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN AUSTIN NEXT YEAR Prof recognized for ‘outstanding work’

KATELYN HARDCASTLE In addition to his teaching at We’re very proud of him ... we’re very News Writing Student OCCC and his studies at OU, Ji also serves as the sponsor lucky to have him here at the college.” A man who wears multiple of the International Student —Tom Ashby Dean of Information Technology hats as a professor of computer Association on campus. “ science will go to Austin, Texas, “I was an international stu- next spring to collect an award dent, too, when I first came to leadership excellence in insti- Recipients of the award will given in recognition of his the U.S.,” Ji said. “I know how tutions of higher education.” Ji attend a three-day conference contributions to OCCC. difficult it can be.” understands the importance of in Austin in May. Haifeng Ji has been chosen Ji attended the University of excellent teaching. The conference will offer by the college to receive an Nebraska-Lincoln as an inter- “I think being enthusiastic presentations on subjects Award of Excellence, given by national student and has been about teaching will make stu- relevant to faculty, staff, and the National Institute for Staff in the U.S. ever since. He is dents feel engaged,” he said. administrators in higher edu- and Organizational Develop- Haifeng Ji from Nanjing, China. He said OCCC has been nominating cation and will offer network- ment (NISOD). he visits his home country one faculty members for NISOD ing opportunities in addition Dean of Information Tech- computer technologoy. or twice a year. Awards of Excellence since the to celebrating and recognizing nology Tom Ashby said he “He educated himself and When Ji learned that he early ‘90s, Ashby said. the winners of the awards, ac- nominated Ji for the award worked with faculty to pick had been nominated for the Each college division selects cording to the NISOD website. because of his “outstanding up some of the load,” he said. NISOD award, he said he was one nominee, except for the Ji will also be honored at a work” and the “excellence of Ashby also said that Ji is using honored. two biggest divisions, Arts and faculty recognition luncheon at his teaching.” the knowledge he is learning “I think it’s recognition for Humanities and Math and Sci- OCCC at the end of the spring Ashby said Ji specializes in as he pursues a doctorate in my service,” he said. ence, which select two. semester. database administration, but Computer Science at the Uni- NISOD, according to its Ji is the representative of “We’re very proud of him,” he is also crossing into cyber versity of Oklahoma to educate website, emphasizes “the im- the Information Technology Ashby said. “We’re very lucky security, a different area of his students at OCCC. portance of teaching and division. to have him here at the college.”

STUDENTS MUST APPLY BY FEB. 10 DEADLINE TO BE INCLUDED IN PROGRAM Students should apply for graduation now Madison Marquardt “The most common task of too long to apply, they may not “College is a lot different than apply by the deadline. News Writing Student an academic adviser, for the see their names in the gradu- high school and I know there Both Largent and Gowdy purposes of graduation, is to ation program for the May are certain classes that are re- urge students to have all their Students planning to gradu- guide students through the ceremony. quired for your major in order transcripts turned in if they are ate in May need to apply for right courses that they need to Miguel Garcia, a student to graduate on time,” Garcia taking classes at other schools. graduation now, said Liz take in order to be on the right said. “Academic advisers make For more information, con- Largent, dean of Student De- track to graduate the process of tact Gowdy at 405-682-1611, velopment. in what- graduation ext. 7528, or email bgowdy@ Like many students, Justin e v e r make more occc.edu. Largent can be Noel, an OCCC sophomore, degree sense.” reached at 405-682-1611, ext. said he was not aware that he they are look- There are three gradu- 7834, or by emailing llargent@ would have to apply for gradu- ing to obtain,” Largent ations a year — summer, occc.edu. ation. He thought the process said. fall and spring — but In addition, a graduation was a given, and happened for Graduation Servic- only one commencement application can be filled out everyone. es Director Barbara ceremony is held, in May. online by visiting www.occc. Even if a student has com- Gowdy said the official If students want to be edu/records and selecting pleted all the coursework for a deadline for gradua- sure their name will be in “graduation application” from degree, the degree will only be tion applications to the program, they have to the left side of the screen. granted if the student applies to be turned in is the graduate, Largent said. third week of the semester stu- She said the best advice she dents are wanting to graduate could give to students is to ap- in. For graduation in May, this at OCCC, said that he is on ply early for graduation. would be Feb. 10. schedule to graduate. Applying for graduation “Although the deadline for Garcia said he always goes once you have 35 to 40 hours, graduation applications is the to academic advisement before Largent said, or a full semester third week of the semester the enrolling and they always give and a half before you need students plan to graduate in, him more insight on the steps to graduate, is the best way the graduation office never he is supposed to take. to ensure that you are on the turns people away,” Gowdy “I do not know that much right track to graduate when said. about the graduation process,” you intend to. However, if students wait he said. PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 5 Production tells classic story of love Alexandra Hawthorn audience members turning off their News Writing Student cell phones. After the performance, Noel said OCCC’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” was an the actors really were able to blossom opening night success with almost every seat in the Bruce during the performance. He said he Owen Theater filled on Nov. 17. was happy with their efforts. “The show is where I want it to be,” said Rachel Irick, Beforehand, audience members guest director of the play, after the performance. With seemed excited about the perfor- flowers in her hand, a gift from the cast, she said she mance. Emily Vice, a 19-year-old expected each night’s performance to get better. psychology major, said she was Recovering from an injury, Irick watched the perfor- looking forward to seeing OCCC’s mance from her wheelchair in the back of the theater. rendition of William Shakespeare’s Michael Cowan Jr., who played Romeo, said he was tragic love story. nervous before the performance started but that he was The actors wore colorful, elaborate also very excited. costumes designed by Andy Wal- “I thought it went amazing,” Cowan said regarding the lach. Many of the characters carried Courtesy Joey Stipek opening night performance. swords in every scene and some used Michael Cowan Jr.(Romeo), and Emily Germany (Juliet) exchange a Emily Germany, who portrayed Juliet, said she was them in fights. moment during the play “Romeo and Juliet” in the Bruce Owen Theater satisfied with her performance on the first night. She Tybalt, played by Gabriel Pranter, Nov. 17. Theater program director Brent Noel said the actors really were said that she was proud of the energy she was able to use died in a sword-fighting scene. This able to blossom during the performance. when her character learned about Tybalt’s death. was one of the saddest scenes in the Emily’s mother, Pat Germany, said Irick did an out- play, with characters wailing and Foresee. Irick brought the humor of the story to the standing job directing the play. She also mentioned that crying over the death. surface. all of the actors did very well. The set was versatile with big pieces, like Juliet’s bed, Children in the front row of the audience snickered “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Pat Germany said. “Rachel rolled on and off the stage throughout the performance. during the love scene between Romeo and Juliet, which should be proud.” The show itself was funny, tragic, romantic, violent, and entailed the two stripping down to their long under gar- Before the performance started, theater program direc- everything “Romeo and Juliet” should be. ments and rolling around in Juliet’s bed. tor Brent Noel said he thought the actors were ready to The audience members laughed intermittently The tragedy of the two young lovers was portrayed perform at their best. He also drew laughter from the throughout the performance, especially during scenes strongly during the play. Germany and Cowan were able audience when his phone rang during his speech about with the loud and animated Mercutio, played by Rick to show the love their characters shared in life and in death. Textbooks can be sold to make money SARAH HUSSAIN out the students and 100 percent of the revenue goes books than OCCC. Staff Writer right to this campus,” she said. “It varies on if they are custom books, but a student [email protected] “In order to get the full value normally of what buy will normally walk out of here with more money be- back would be worth, we do it Dec. 12-19 which is the cause we accept more books.” Tis the season to sell back your textbooks. With the last week of classes,” Reinke said. By buying back books at either OCCC’s Bookstore or end of the semester and the holidays near, the cash Throughout the semester students can sell books Textbook Brokers, students are guaranteed cash back. received by selling back books can lift the spirits. back, but sometimes they will only receive the wholesale “We give cash back for books because it wouldn’t be Students have a few options when selling back books. value back, according to Reinke. beneficial if we gave out vouchers,” Logan said. The OCCC Bookstore and Textbook Brokers, located “Usually during regular book buy back, you can get Reinke said the same, “We’ve considered doing gift at 7445 South May Ave., will be open for extended up to 50 percent of your money back, but if its not cards and loyalty cards, but we have not moved to that. hours during the last weeks of the semester. regular time we got by whatever the national value “We’ve found that most students like to have the cash And as many students are aware, selling books online is,” Reinke said. that way their options are open. But it wouldn’t make is becoming a popular, fast and easy way to get rid of Reinke does not know why textbooks lose so much the students happy, they should have the option as to those unwanted books. of their value. where they want to buy and sell their books.” Jessica Pursell, pre-education major, comments on “We take a risk, we buy the books back and we sell buying and selling books. them back to the students, sometimes we sell all of our OCCC Bookstore hours “Usually online books are cheaper, I use the book- books and sometimes we don’t and the ones we don’t Mondays from 7:45 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesdays – store as the last resort,” Pursell said. sell we lose money on them. Thursdays from 7:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fridays “Textbook Brokers, from what I’ve experienced are “That’s probably just a fair margin to where if we have 7:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. not a lot cheaper, but they are a bit. any losses it’s not such a huge loss,” she said. Monday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday- “Depending on the subject, I’ll generally sell them Logan Taylor, an OCCC student and Textbook Thursday, Dec. 13-15 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, back, but in case I have to use it again or if it’s a subject Brokers employee, said they buy back books all year. Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17 that interests me I’ll keep the book,” she said. “But it would probably be more beneficial to wait from 9 a.m. – noon and Monday, Dec. 19 from 8 OCCC Bookstore director, Brenda Reinke, has other until the end of the semesters to receive a substantial a.m. – 5 p.m. opinions of online book buying and selling. amount back,” Taylor said because books have a higher Textbook Broker’s Hours “I’ve looked at the prices online and we’re pretty value at different times. Mondays – Thursdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays competitive to what people buy them back online for. Textbook Brokers displays they have cheaper books 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. During the last week of the semes- “I strongly suggest students sell their books here than OCCC’s bookstore. ter they will extend their hours Monday – Friday because they’re helping out students locally. It helps Logan said Textbook Brokers also buys back more from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 6 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER cultural center educates students thorugh exhibits, film, and dance Students visit Chickasaw museum Mark L. Simpson News Writing Student

Overcast skies and the threat of rain failed to dampen the spirits of a group of international stu- dents on a field trip to learn more about Oklahoma and its people on Nov. 8. Twelve students from OCCC’s English as a Second Language Bridge program traveled to the Chickasaw Cultural Center outside of Sulphur to experience early Native American culture. “The Bridge class has recently done some reading on Indian removal and Chickasaw history,” Profes- sor Abra Figueroa said. Figueroa is director of the English as a Second Language program at OCCC. “Seeing these things in person really helps them learn better and backs up the things we learned in the classroom,” Figueroa said. The students and five staff members braved the dismal weather as they toured the 96,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that opened in July 2010. “This is not just a museum, but a living building,” said tour guide Jasmine Hatton. With the help of guides and cultural center em- ployees, Hatton took the group on an educational trip Mark Simpson/news writing student Students from OCCC’s English as a Second Language Bridge Program visited the Chickasaw Cultural Center outside of Sulphur. Front row (from left to right): Jules Stephan Nkolo Balla (Cameroon), Laura Celis (Colombia), Thi-Thanh Le (Vietnam). Back row (from left to right): Cultural Center Guide Jasmine Hatton (Ada), Areej Yacoub (Palestine), Yanming Brown (China), Sharada Dahal Bhattarai (Nepal), Abbie Figueroa (Oklahoma), Tracy Phan (Vietnam), Sangita Shrestha (Nepal), Elena Collins (Mexico), Brandi Ball (Oklahoma), Tram Le (Vietnam), Naomi Septier (Argentina), Jungmi Oh (Korea).

through the facility, which included viewing a film in Some of ESL students took advantage of an the Anoli’ Theater, which boasts a 2,700 square-foot invitation from Wallace and joined in the dance, wraparound screen. The 44-foot-by-62-foot movie which wove around the theater stage in a snake-like screen is the second largest of its kind in the state. fashion. The dance was accompanied by the beat of Hatton led the group into the Chickasha Poya traditional rattles made from turtle-shells and the Exhibit Center, where sensors triggered short films sound of moccasins, worn by the women. and audio clips about the history of the Chickasaw “The main goal of the cultural center is to pass Nation. The exhibit hall also featured several dozen our culture on to other generations,” Wallace said. artifacts and replicas that helped the ESL students One student said she found familiar strains in the fully appreciate the culture of the Chickasaw people. Chickasaw story. The Chickasaws originally lived in the southeast- “Mongolian culture in China is very similar,” said ern U.S., near Tupelo, Miss., Hatten said. The U.S. Yanming Brown, an ESL student from China. government forced them to leave their homes and The group ventured through puddles of water and relocate to Oklahoma in the 1840s so their land could mud to tour a replica of a traditional Chickasaw village be occupied by white farmers. and learn what the various structures were used for. The Chickasaw Nation now numbers over 38,000 “This is a good place to learn,” said Sangita Shrestha, people, making it the third largest Indian nation in a 23-year-old student from Nepal, as she posed for Oklahoma and the 13th largest in the U.S., according pictures with a friend in a large corn crib. to cultural center employee Keela Davis, 26. This is the second field trip taken by the ESL Bridge Mark Simpson/news writing student The international students observed a “stomp program this year. Sangita Shrestha (Nepal); and Tracy Phan dance” and listened to a flute song performed by In late September Figueroa took the group to the (Vietnam) pose in a raised corn crib, which stands four feet off the ground to protect stores of grain native Chickasaw cultural center employees. Wichita Mountains to learn about early Oklahoman from moisture and intruders. The crib was part of Chickasaw tribal member Jeremy Wallace, 26, said history. a traditional Chikasha Inchokka’ Village located at he has been performing the stomp dance for center A statement in a film viewed by the ESL students the Chickasaw Cultural Center. The village features visitors since the facility opened a year and a half ago. summed up the cultural center and the philosophy of a number of traditional Chickasaw houses, as well “The stomp dance is used to greet new friends and the modern-day Chickasaw Nation: “We believe that as special grounds for stomp dancing and stickball. make them welcome,” Wallace said. we have something special to share with the world.” PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 7 music program director a ‘terrific asset’ ‘Beethoven geek’ Boyle wins national award

MACKENZIE MANN Michael Jackson. “I think it is important for The NISOD excellence News Writing Student “That is kind of a stretch but students to have hands-on award selection criteria are it shows the traditions of cho- experience with the practical left for each school to decide. A music professor who de- reographed dance,” Boyle said. tools that they’re going to use “NISOD is [about] what are scribes himself as a “Beethoven “We still do the same dances in their profession,” Boyle said. they doing in the classroom. geek of the highest degree” [today] that Agnes de Mille Today OCCC has two re- Are they going above and will receive a national award choreographed for Oklahoma cording studios. beyond; are they illustrating this spring. in the 1940s.” “They were built from the finest in what teaching Michael Boyle has taught Boyle stresses intensive writ- scratch with no room and no and leadership can be? That is at OCCC for six years. He ing in his Music Appreciation budget and now we have two part of the standard we use in will be recognized by the Na- classes. full-blown professional level choosing a NISOD recipient,” tional Institute for Staff and “Writing is the most impor- recording studios,” Boyle said. Ruth Charnay, Department Organizational Development tant skill that you take away “They are the same recording Director of Communications (NISOD). from OCCC,” he said. platforms that they use in all and the Arts said. Boyle is an avid double “If you can’t write a good the top studios in New York Charnay added, “[Boyle’s] a bass player as well as a jazz Michael Boyle paper, you’ll never write a good and Los Angeles.” terrific asset to OCCC and Arts enthusiast. resume and if you can’t write a The project was funded and Humanities so we wanted He is the program director curriculum, which is a multi- good resume, you’ll never get by a generous grant for the him to be recognized.” for the music program. section general education a good job.” OCCC foundation, as well as Boyle and the other NISOD “This semester the music course. Boyle added that no matter money from the music and film Excellence Award winners department is producing 12 “I have really upped, what what profession you go into, budgets, and equipment on will be attending the NISOD concerts in 16 weeks, which is I would say, the intensity of you will have to write. loan from institutional video national conference in Austin, really aggressive,” Boyle said. the music appreciation cur- “If you go into nursing you’ll services, Boyle said. Texas, in May 2012 to receive These include student con- riculum,” he said. have to write reports. In my Since 1978, “the NISOD has their awards. certs, faculty concerts, and The course now includes previous career [as a chef] I emphasized the importance of For more information, con- recitals produced by the music units on world music, as wrote budgets and menus.” teaching and leadership excel- tact Boyle at [email protected] department. well as a unit on the musical In 2009, Boyle started work- lence in institutions of higher or visit his office in room 149 Boyle also oversees all as- “Oklahoma.” It also includes a ing on a project to get a record- education,” according to the in the Visual and Performing pects of the music appreciation segment on popular musician ing studio on campus. NISOD website. Arts Center. Comm Lab sees 30 percent increase in sessions

MACKENZIE MANN Olsen said she thinks its bet- the tables are packed with News Writing Student ter that students don’t have to students.” worry about how to schedule Olsen said she dreams of More tutors have joined the an appointment. They can the day when the lab has more Communications Lab staff just walk into the lab and ask space. to help students with their for help. “As far as my vision for the reading and writing skills this “I never have to wait that lab’s future, eventually I would semester. long to get help from a tutor like the lab to move to a larger Supervisor Rachel Olsen at the lab,” said OCCC student space that not only provides said she has been obligated to Miguel Garcia. tutoring areas and comput- hire more tutors because of “Sometimes when it’s around ers for student use, but also a the high demand for tutoring midterms or just really busy, I computer-assisted classroom sessions, bumping the tutoring might have to come back later that could be used to present pool from eight to 12. in the day,” Garcia said. “But I workshops, facilitate group Michael Wormley/Pioneer “We see about 190 students usually never have to wait more tutoring, and conduct special Mai Nguyen, child development major, receives assistance for tutoring sessions a week on than five minutes.” writing a paper from Senior Communications Lab Assistant classes. average,” Olsen said. Olsen said the lab is open Brandon Isaak. Four new tutors recently joined the She said she would also like The lab has seen a 30 per- from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mon- Communications Lab staff to accommodate students’ high the Communications Lab to cent increase in the number day through Thursday, 8 a.m. demand for tutoring sessions. have a space that students of tutoring sessions they have to 3 p.m. Friday, and from could use to prepare and had so far this year compared 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on two work-study student em- of a tight squeeze. practice group presentations to last year’s numbers. Saturday. ployees who manage the front “We are busting at the seams and projects. The Communications Lab She said she has even seen desk, and three full-time lab at certain times in the lab,” “Overall, I see the Com- does not allow students to an increase this year in the assistants. Olsen said. munications Lab functioning schedule appointments for number of students who show Even though the number “In a semester we have about as a multiliteracy center that tutoring. The lab offers the up on Saturdays to get help. of students using the lab is 20,000 visits from students. can provide even more of the sessions on a first-come, first- The Communications Lab up, the space in the lab is the So there are times where all services and events that we serve, or “walk-in” basis. staff now includes 12 tutors, same, resulting in somewhat the computers are full and already offer to students.” 8 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER SPORTS UPCOMING INTRAMURALS Boxer’s Shuffle EVENTS

Dec. 2: Edmond/Altus Dual Swim Meet. For more informa- tion, call the Wellness Center at 405-682-1611, ext. 7310.

Dec. 3: Joe Stocker Invitational Swim Meet. For more informa- tion, call the Wellness Center at 405-682-1611, ext. 7310.

Dec. 9: Edmond/Norman Dual Swim Meet. For more informa- tion, call the Wellness Center at 405-682-1611, ext. 7310.

Dec. 12 - 14: Chesapeake Swim Club Elite Pro-Am Swim Meet. For more information,

Rachel Morrison/Pioneer call the Wellness Center at 405-682-1611, ext. 7310. English Professor Stephen Morrow (right) and community member Berry Field (middle) throw some punches during Cheryl Dentley’s (left) kickboxing class November 30. Feb. 29 - Mar. 2: NAIA Nation- al Swimming and Diving Cham- pionships. For more informa- SPORTS | NAIA Swimming and Diving CHampionships to be held at college for first time tion, call the Wellness Center at 405-682-1611, ext. 7310.

Aquatic center to host championship All event news is due Monday by 5 p.m. for MATT WISSON ming and Diving Championships for “We hope to add an event with wa- inclusion in News Writing Student men, and the 32nd for women. ter safety or swim coaching to the the next issue. “Oklahoma Baptist University will program.” Email For the first time ever, the NAIA be the only Oklahoma school com- Adams said the Champions of [email protected]. National Swimming and Diving peting for the NAIA championship Character program recognizes five Championships will be held at the this year,” Butler said. attributes: integrity, respect, respon- Aquatic Center. This is Oklahoma Baptist’s first year sibility, sportsmanship, and student The event will take place Feb. 29 with swimming and diving team. leadership. through March 2, said Roxanna But- According to the NAIA website’s “It helps make a good balance be- Have sports news ler, OCCC’s director of recreation record books, the closest an Oklaho- tween life, school, and athletics,” Ad- and fitness. man college has come to victory at ams said. you wish to share? The National Association of Inter- the swimming and diving champi- The Aquatic Center has hosted e-mail Sean at collegiate Athletics announced the onships was back in 1991 when Oral large national swimming and div- decision earlier this year. Roberts University came in second, ing events in the past, such as the sportswriter@ “The NAIA approached us looking behind a Missouri school. Mountain West and WAC conference for a facility to host this event, which California teams, such as Fresno finals. Butler said this is just another occc.edu we had never hosted before,” Butler Pacific and California Baptist, have tournament to add to the Aquatic or call 405-682- said. dominated the tournament the past Center’s resume. About 30 schools participate in the three years. For more information visit: www. 1611, ext. 7676 tournament bringing about 450 ath- A full list of the competing school NAIA.cstv.com or visit the Aquatic letes and 600 parents. can be found on the NAIA website. Center for a schedule or contact. In a phone interview with the The location of the NAIA cham- NAIA’s Manager of Championship pionship is selected every two years, Sports, Jamie Adams, explained why Butler said, making OCCC host Th e P i on e e r the college won the bid. though 2013. “OCCC had put in a bid to host the The NAIA is not as big as the NCAA Sports Podcast tournament so I went down there to when it comes to talent and numbers, check out their Aquatic Center,” she but the organization contends it pays said. more attention to the student athlete. “Their facility is just so great and “The NAIA also deals with the they have hosted so many large tour- Champions of Character program, with Sean Tolbert Morgan Beard naments in the past, it was not a dif- which focuses on a student’s qualities Listen weekly at Patrick Hartley ficult decision.” besides athletic achievement,” Butler www.occc.edu/pioneer It will be the 56th annual Swim- said. PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 9 Bursar: Office staff interviewed by investigators Continued from page 1 Office credit card, after college authori- tation we have of the financial holdings ties alerted them, Jordan said. and transactions made by the college is I am confident that the College took all of the The investigation had been kept quiet an accurate view of the college’s actual steps necessary to inform all of the appropriate up until now to avoid misinformation, financial state.” individuals and agencies as soon as we confirmed said President Paul Sechrist. Hinkle’s audit, which was presented “ the unauthorized transactions.” “The nature of the investigation re- to the Board of Regents on Nov. 21, —Paul Sechrist quired the college to be cautious and did include suggestions for improving OCCC President not offer speculation early on during internal controls. an ongoing investigation,” Sechrist said. According to the audit report, the “It would have been reckless to offer college did not have a procedure for sible to aid the FBI’s investigation, he said. When asked for information regard- partial or unconfirmed information balancing the Bursar’s Office credit card “We provided the FBI access to our ing the investigation, Cynthia Gary, before the conclusion of the financial on a monthly basis, nor were balance credit card transactions related to the acting bursar, directed all questions to audit,” he said. reports reviewed by anyone outside the Bursar’s Office. It is my understanding Jordan’s office. The financial audit, conducted by bursar’s office. that the FBI also interviewed staff in the The college Bursar’s Office acts as Hinkle & Co., came back clean. Sechrist The audit report recommends imple- Bursar’s Office,” Sechrist said. a treasury, or business office, and the said that he wanted to be clear, however, menting policies on both counts. “I am confident that the College took bursar manages many of the financial that a clean audit does not mean there Sechrist said no student accounts or all of the steps necessary to inform all of transactions of the college. was no wrongdoing. funds were involved in the transactions the appropriate individuals and agencies For further information, contact “A clean audit simply means that the the FBI is investigating. as soon as we confirmed the unauthor- Cordell Jordan at 405-682-1611, ext. paper work we have, and the documen- The college is doing everything pos- ized transactions.” 7248, or by email at [email protected]. Jazz: Program now has 2 bands Continued from page 1

“We’ve got three great jazz jazz band. He’ll be playing “It’s important to know that singers,” Boyle said. He also guitar. we have a lot of talent and a said that Blues have a really “I’m looking forward to great facility,” Boyle added. strong tradition in jazz. joining my band mates for the When Boyle started teach- The Tuesday players are: concert,” he said. “We hope ing at OCCC in 2006, there Steve Silver playing the gui- everyone comes to see us.” was only one jazz band, but tar, Zack Lebo as the bass, Musicians audition for the for the last five years they have and Daniel Sneed playing the ensembles at the beginning of had two bands every semester drums. the semester, Boyle said. because they have many stu- The Wednesday group in- Lebo and Charlie Williams dents auditioning. cludes Scott Whitehead, played last year, but the rest The jazz program has de- Nicole Pearce, and Victoria of the musicians are new this veloped a following among Hazboun, all three of the year. certain students. students who will sing in the In the concert reviews he “I have been a student at concert. gets from his Music Apprecia- OCCC for two years now, and Lebo will be playing the tion students, Boyle said, one I go to these concerts every bass, and Charlie Williams of the most common com- time they have one because will be playing the drums. ments is “wow, I didn’t realize both bands are extremely tal- Silver said this is his first that we have so many talented ented,” said Mariam Ahmed, Christmas concert with the people here at OCCC.” an undecided major. 10 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER CAMPUS COMMUNITY CAMPUS

COMMUNITY | Professor Roy Brooks of San Diego State discusses the content of his latest book on race. HIGHLIGHTS Degree Check it Out Graduation advisors will be available for Race in the age of Obama graduation status checks and application from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec.6 and Wednesday, Dec. 7 in the main building Hala Aljazzazi atrium. For more information contact Kyron Newswriting Student Smoot, graduation advisor at 405-682-7547.

Racism in the age Communication Across Cultures of the America’s first TRiO Student Support Services will be black president finds the conducting a workshop about communica- country at a crossroads, tion across cultures from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on said Professor Roy Thursday, Dec. 8, in CU 1. For more informa- Brooks of San Diego tion contact the TRiO programs office at 405- State University in a 682-7865. speech on campus Nov. 3. Christmas for Children Brooks said the U.S. Kappa Beta Delta is facilitating a gift ex- is in a post Civil Rights change for underprivileged children who are period that is marked tied in some way to students, faculty and staff by contrasting racial members of OCCC. Registration forms can dynamics. On the one be located on the second floor of the main hand, we have racial building or at the office for the buisness divi- success; on the other sion in 2R2. The last day to submit a request hand, we have racial will be Monday, Dec. 12. For more information despair. contact the Division of Business office at 405- “Conservatives argue 682-7501. that the best way is not OKC Downtown College Holiday Preview to define it at all,” Brooks OKC Downtown College will host a holiday said. “As we have seen the themed preview of upcoming events from 11 success of many African a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Americans, many people Downtown Norick Library at 300 Park Av- believe that we do not enue. R.S.V.P by noon on Monday, Dec. 12 have a race problem if you plan to attend by calling 405-232-3382. anymore. For more information please contact Jimmie Mike Wormley/Pioneer Brooks said this is Sue Baker at [email protected]. incorrect. Professor Roy Brooks of San Diego State University lectures about “The problem lies race on Nov. 3. Brooks said th U.S. is in a post Civil Rights period. Electronic IRS Form 1098-T in cases like teenage Help OCCC’s effort to go green by opting-in for the electronic 1098-T. Students can opt- pregnancy, the linkage liberals and conservatives whereas in the 1970s no One student said in to recieving this statement electronically by of blacks and crimes, is wrong. one even thought that a Brooks opened her eyes logging in to MineOnline and clicking the link hypersensivity to racial Conservatives are black president could be to some new ideas. “1098 Electronic Consent” under the financial issues, and the lack of wrong if they believe elected. “I have read many information heading. The deadline to enroll is educational ambitions,” there is a level playing However, Brooks books that Brooks wrote Saturday, Dec. 17. For more information con- Brooks said. field on which members explained, despite the and this book is my tact the Bursar’s Office at 405-682-7825. He believes that some of every race can compete decline of racism, the favorite,” said Rand of the statistics are equally. racial differentials and Alzubi, a sophomore All Highlights are due Monday by 5 p.m. misleading, explaining Brooks supports his resources between blacks accounting major. for inclusion in the next issue. that they do not give a point of view with figures and whites remain “I knew we had a Highlight forms can be picked up in complete picture to the that show the income constant. hidden racial issue, but I the Pioneer office, located in 1F2 of the AH case. disparity among whites, “The American race never thought about it the building, just inside Entry 2. Liberals, on the blacks and Hispanics. problem is caused way Brooks other hand, insist that The figure proves that by resource disparity explains it.” Americans still have a whites get paid more than between whites and Alzubi said race problem. They define blacks and Hispanics. blacks,’’ Brooks said. she started the problem less in terms As for liberals, Brooks This involves financial r e a d i n g of individual racism as in said, they need to capital deficiencies B r o o k s ’ terms of institutional and recognize that racism such as income, human books about societal racism and racial has declined since the capital deficiencies t wo ye ars stereotyping. end of the Civil Rights such as education and ago because In Brook’s book, entitled movement. He cited skills, and social capital a friend gave “Racial Justice in the Age the fact that 43 percent deficiencies; such as the her his book of Obama,” he argues that of whites voted for a ability to get things done as a gift and the conception of both black president in 2008 in society. she liked it. PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER DECEMBER 2, 2011 • 11 CLASSIFIEDS TODAY’S PIONEER PUZZLE Pioneer classified advertising Share your ideas. Send a letter to the editor about a is free to all enrolled OCCC question, or concern. [email protected]. We all love puz- students and employees for any personal classified ad. SMALL AND QUIET: Nice zles in one form Ad applications must be apartment for computer submitted with IDs supplied tech or student. $385 per or another. The by 5 p.m. Mondays prior to month. $100 deposit. N.W. Pioneer would the publication date. For more 21st and Villa area. Call information, call the Ad Manager 405-609-9806 or 405-512- at 405-682-1611, ext. 7674, like to know 9440. or e-mail [email protected]. what the read- SEVERAL STUDENTS SOLD AU- ers prefer, so we TOS AND OTHER ITEMS THIS FOR SALE: 1994 Mazda SEMESTER BY POSTING IN THE are taking a poll. Protege’, over 200,000 PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS. ADS miles, but very well main- ARE FREE TO STUDENTS AND Let your voice tained, good a/c. Stan- EMPLOYEES OF OCCC. CON- be heard by log- dard. Priced to sell. Call: TACT CYNTHIA AT: adman@ 405-840-5334. occc.edu. ging on to Pio- neer Facebook READ THE PIONEER ONLINE FOR ALL THE LATEST IN CAMPUS NEWS! and casting your www.occc.edu/pioneer vote.

$1 OF EVERY TICKET SOLD WILL BE DONATED TO THE OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS THEATER. 12 • DECEMBER 2, 2011 PIONEER | OCCC.EDU/PIONEER help available to students with seasonal affective disorder Campus offices to host stress relief seminars CRYSTAL RODRIGUEZ boost this time of year, Student Support Services, pression should try to stay busy and interact with News Writing Student Trio and Student Life are sponsoring an activity people. It’s a good time to do volunteer work, she said. called Student Stress Free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fathi Hanoon, engineering major and native of People who feel down during the colder, darker Tuesday Dec. 6, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Col- Israel, said he feels lonely during the holidays because days of winter may be part of a sizable group who lege Union. Students will experience different way he does not get to spend it with all of his relatives. suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. to relieve stress. “I know the feeling of having everyone as part One of them is an elementary education major It will also include free chair massages, said Jenna of the holiday,” said Hanoon. He misses that now. who asked to remain anonymous. Howard, mental health counselor in Student Sup- Turner said many people who experience mental “Being away from my family and the gloomy port Services. health problems are afraid to ask for help because of weather during the holidays causes me to be de- Another student who experiences the winter blues social stigma. Individuals think if they are depressed, pressed,” he said. said she does not consider it to be depression. She they automatically think they’re crazy and people Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that rates it along the line of semester stress. will look at them funny. occurs each year, usually starting in fall or winter “When the sun is out, I feel good but when it is But students who come to Student Support Services and ending in spring or early summer, according to gloomy, I get sad,” she said. “Also being single plays for help are promised confidentiality, Turner said. www.webmd.com. a part in being gloomy.” “If I ever needed help for seasonal depression, I Learning Support Specialist Mary Turner describes Turner said students who suffer from SAD should probably would get it,” Hanoon said. SAD as sunshine deprivation. The less sunshine SAD try to get as much sun as possible or invest in ultra For more information or to talk to someone about sufferers receive, the more depressed they become. violet lights. Ultra violet lights start as little as $30 to mental health problems at Student Support Services, These are individuals who do not do well in the winter. $40 a lamp. It is one way to replace sunlight, she said. contact Mary Turner at 405-682-7544 or e-mail For SAD sufferers and others who may need a Turner said people who experience seasonal de- [email protected]. summertime travel-and-learn excursions offered Study abroad opportunities available to students NADIA J. ENCHASSI any of the trips,” Figueroa said. ish Theater and Literature” will such as Prague, Krakow, Vienna, three, what a summer you would News Writing Student Participants simply have to take take place from June 9 through Budapest and more. Alyea said have,” Charnay said to those one required preparatory course. June 19 visiting cities such the total estimated price is $2,500 considering going on more than More than 30 people, includ- The first of the three trips will as London and Paris. Ruth per person. one of the trips. ing students and faculty, learned take place in Costa Rica from Charnay, an EF College Study “I am super excited,” Alyea said Chiaki Troutman, the WLCC about summer travel-and-learn May 22 through June 3, visiting Tours representative and the also speaking from experience as coordinator, said she enjoyed opportunities in cities such as cities such as Cahuita, Puerto Communications and the Arts a leader of the group. seeing pictures and hearing London, England; Cahuita, Viejo, San Jose and more. Chris- department director, said the In addition to round-trip stories about previous Study Costa Rica; and Prague, Czech tian Alyea, an Oklahoma Study total estimated price is $3,500 airfare, total estimated prices Abroad trips. Republic, on Nov. 16 after at- Abroad organization representa- per person, including round- include hotel accommodations, For more information, call tending the Study Abroad in- tive, said the total estimated price trip airfare. local transportation, tours, a the WLCC at 405-682-1611 formation session in the World is $1,500 per person, including “It is truly an amazing experi- number of meals, special attrac- ext. 7560, email them at wlcc@ Languages and Cultures Center. round-trip airfare. ence,” Charnay said, speaking tions and activities, and more. occc.edu, and check out their Host Abra Figueroa, the ESL “It was wonderful,” said Re- from experience as a leader of Alyea said other fees may apply website at http://www.occc. Academic Bridge Program bekah Davis, a business manage- the group. and schedules are subject to edu/world and their Facebook coordinator and a professor of ment major who traveled on a And, the final trip entitled change, however. page at http://www.facebook. modern languages, explained similar OCCC-sponsored Costa “Eastern Treasures” is a new “It’s a lot of travel for a very low com/OCCCWLCC. Also, visit the basics. Rica trip last summer. “I’d love program that will take place cost,” Figueroa said. http://oklahomastudyabroad. “You don’t have to be a full- to go back.” from July 9 through July 24 Charnay agreed. com/index.php and www.efcol- time OCCC student to go to The second trip entitled “Brit- visiting eastern European cities “If you’d be able to go on all legestudytours.com/.

$1,000 scholarship offered Ralph Gamel Scholarship deadline set for Dec. 9 MICHAEL DENTON “This scholarship changes lives,” said completing an associate degree at OCCC, a copy of their college transcript and the News Writing Student Corff, who has been a family friend of and complete the essay requirement. completed essay to the OCCC Founda- Ralph Gamel since she was 8 years old. The essay is required to be at least 500 tion Office. Any student who is working The deadline for the Jean and Ralph The Jean and Ralph Gamel scholarship words in length, and in it students should toward an associate degree at OCCC is Gamel Scholarship for spring is Dec. 9. It is $1,000, which can be put toward tuition, cover their educational goals, future career eligible to apply. is exclusively for OCCC students. fees, and books. and employment goals, how an education A copy of the scholarship application In May 2006 Jean Gamel died and her To be eligible for the scholarship stu- at OCCC will help achieve those goals, any can be found at the OCCC Foundation husband, Ralph, established a scholarship dents must meet the following require- acquired skills, and how the scholarship Office. The application deadline is 5 p.m., as a tribute to his wife. To date, the Gamel ments: have a need for financial assistance would help achieve those goals. Friday, Dec. 9. For more information on family has given more than $100,000 to to attend OCCC, have a minimum grade To apply, students must return the the scholarship, contact Jennifer Harrison students, said speech Professor Julie Corff. point average of 2.0, be committed to completed scholarship application with at 405-682-1611, ext. 7771.