the Gazette STUDENT VOICE OF LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

VOL. 75, NO. 2 OCTOBER 10, 2012 Upcoming Dates Smith gives keynote speech at Convocation LU Scholarship Gala 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, Cox Convention Center, Grand Ballroom

LU Scholarship Benefit Concert 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, Featuring music artist, Brian McNight and comedian, Jay Lamont

LU Homecoming Week Oct. 8-12 See complete list of events, pages 4-5

Photo by Kayla Jones Domestic Violence LU President Dr . Kent Smith Jr . delivers the keynote The campaign allows LU community members to Awareness Week address at the 2012 Convocation on Sept . 20 . Smith each give $116 by March 12, 2013, which will mark Oct. 22-26 encouraged positive change at Langston University the 116th anniversary of LU’s founding . For more in- Sponsored by the LU and suggested faculty, staff and students start this formation, go to www langston. edu. and click on the Police Department change by joining the “Legacy Keepers Campaign ”. “Legacy Keepers” icon . Department of Technology Also Inside receives $250,000 grant Voices . . . . p 2 By Lauren Smith minds behind this program. organizations, according to this will allow research to be Contributing Writer “The program is allowing nsf.gov. done faster and more accu- News . . . . . p 3 us to build a super-comput- This program will seek to rately. The Langston University er,” Fondjo said. “This will improve the quality and ex- “A supercomputer is like Special Department of Technology enable research for not only pand the scope of research a shelf and on this shelf are was recently approved for the department but the en- by providing shared instru- computers. There are 30 Section . . p 4-5 the Major Research Instru- tire faculty.” mentation that fosters the computers total and each mental Program, which is a The MRI program serves integration of research and computer has 16 chips. Just Features . . . p 6 $250,000 grant. to increase access to shared education. one chip alone works four Dr. Franklin Fondjo Fotou, scientific and engineering “Everything today is com- to six times faster than one assistant professor and instruments for research puterized and all research, desktop computer; you do Sports . . . . . p 7 chairman of the technology and research training in the whether in biology or chem- the math,” Fondjo said. department, and Joel Snow, nation’s institutions of high- istry, is all done on comput- associate professor of math- er education, museums, sci- ers,” Fondjo said. “By hav- Media. . . . . p 8 ematics, are the master- ence centers and nonprofit ing this super-computer, see GRANT, page 3 2 The Gazette | October 10, 2012 Voices Make your voice heard

The Gazette is produced within the Department of Student encourages voting Communication at Langs- ton University. It serves as By Kayla Jones our communities, but in the vote.” a teaching tool and pub- Editor world as well. You can’t sit around com- lic relations vehicle. The It’s important to have a plaining about everything, if newspaper is published With all of the political talk knowledge base about what is you’re not willing to do some- bimonthly and is dispersed about Democrats this and Re- going on around you. thing about it. across campus every other publicans that, it can be con- This up-coming election is Ask yourself, “Am I part of Wednesday, except during fusing and overwhelming to so vital to how this country the solution, or am I part of examinations, holidays and fully grasp what it all means. will survive, it’s scary. I am the problem?” It’s the little extended school breaks. We might know the basic encouraging people to become things that make the big things things, but what about the educated about the election worthwhile. more intricate things such as and what each candidate has Filling out a registion form Adviser/Manager Medicare, social security and to say. Jones will not take you longer than Nicole Turner financial aid? Look up Barack Obama’s three mintues. Going to the A person who’s 21 may be platform and see if what he’s tries do not get the same rights polls on election day will, Editor wondering what social secu- saying really matches what his that we are afforded. So, we mabye, take you 10 mintues. Kayla Jones rity has to do with him or her, platform is based upon. Do the need to take a stand and be Your vote is priceless. and why he or she has to pay same for Mitt Romney. Know heard. Whatever it is you believe in, Sports Editor it? what he stands for; please In 2008, the first African believe enough to vote and be Jabril Bailey The same goes for finan- don’t follow behind others, American was elected to of- heard. To all those nay sayers cial aid. Someone who hasn’t and make your own decision. fice because people did go out who think voting is pointless Ad Designer been in college or doesn’t have Voting is one of many ways and vote, and invested and be- and a single vote can’t change Myah Doakes plans of attending college, to progress toward change, so lieved in the candidate and his a thing, I say, you’re wrong! doesn’t understand the how when we don’t vote, nothing platform. Voting is our God-given Staff Writer important financial aid is to a ever changes. This year, we need to have right. It’s our voice as people, Da’Rius Oden college student. Things will never get better the same passion that we had so take advantage. For America to function, we if we do not use our power. in 2008. I’m not telling any- Contributing Writers have to not only educate our- Voting is a privilege in our body who to vote for, but I am Jones is a senior broadcast jour- Craig Murray selves about the problems in country; a lot of other coun- saying, “Go get registered and nalism major. Leslie Simon Lauren Smith Akiel Taylor Charles Tucker Question of the Week Talibb Woods

The Gazette Office As a student at LU, what is your favorite Homecoming memory? Langston University Hwy . 33 Sanford Hall, Room 318 Ph . 405-466-3245

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Opinions expressed in LU Voices are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles. Letters to the editor should “I really like the “Homecoming is the “The parade last year “Being that I have be emailed to nkturner@ atmosphere, camara- same feeling every that my daughters visited Langston lunet.edu. Please include derie and overall feel year. People come were a part of. The since 2007, the parade your name and telephone of the week.” together, celebrate band was hot as my first time would number. The newspaper Langston and give well.” be my favorite - the retains the right to edit, Devin Wilson, publicity for recruit- cars, horses and all of accept and/or reject items junior English major ing. I also like alumni Gerrod Smith, the events gave me deemed to be contrary seeing all of the new senior corrections good pictures to hold to the best interest of the projects that we are major on to.” publication, Langston doing.” University and/or any of Dominique Oliver, its governing bodies. Lauren Corbitt, senior health senior child administration major Compiled By development major Da’Rius Oden News October 10, 2012 | The Gazette 3 LU becomes smoke-free campus By Leslie Simon of the campus. Contributing Writer The idea of a smoke- free campus is not only The entire Langs- beneficial to the students ton University became and staff who smoke, but smoke-free July 1, 2012. also beneficial to the non- “Considering the haz- smokers as well. ards that arise from expo- There are serious health sure to tobacco products, risks that arise from this ban will certainly secondhand smoke; ex- help us provide a cleaner posure to second-hand and safer environment smoke is sometimes for our students, em- called involuntary or ployees and visitors,” passive smoking. said President of Langs- According to cancer ton University Dr. Kent center of America, sec- Smith Jr. ond-hand smoke contains “It is important that we many substances, several do all we can to protect which are known to cause our campus population cancer in humans or ani- from being susceptible mals. to illness or injuries that Others though, think could result from tobacco Photo by Kayla Jones this is a good policy, but use in the workplace,” he This is one of several signs that was posted in parking lots and buildings on campus . are not sure that it will added. This sign is located in the parking lot between Sanford Hall and the Physical Plant . actually stop people from The ban complies with smoking. Gov. Mary Fallins’ ex- and universities. for my tuition, if I want to Some students feel like “Everybody is going to ecutive order that bans However, there are also have a cigarette outdoors, their rights have been vi- do what they want, be- the use of tobacco for all many nonsupporters of what’s the big deal any- olated with the new ban. cause they’re grown,” state-owned and state- the smoke-free ban. way?” said Austin Jack- Smith said he believes said Myah Doakes, junior leased properties includ- “My family and I are son, senior communica- this measure will im- broadcast journalism ma- ing all public colleges paying an arm and a leg tion major. prove the overall quality jor. English department in state of transition By Kayla Jones Shameosha Anderson, “Some of the classes I’ve Editor an English major and a taken aren’t challenging If you have good communication skills graduting senior from enough,”she said. The English department “ Witchia Falls,Texas, came at Langston University is you can go anywhere and work and live to Langston because in a state of transition. she wanted to attend an According to diction- a better life . HBCU and it is closer to GRANT ary.com, English is a ” home. from page 1 course or individual class — Dr. Edmund Kloh, “I chose English as my in the study of English major because I want to language, literature or English professor be a lawyer and this will Langston University composition. help me with all the pa- will receive the grant Dr. Ben Bates, associ- perwork,” she said. Feb. 1, 2013. ate professor and the new ty prepares students for English departments She added that she Once LU receives it, chairman of the English life; they help students are important aspects of thinks the department the technology depart- department, is gearing develop their speaking all universities. is going through many ment will be on its for the challenges in front and writing skills. With excellent commu- changes and it is not way to installing this of him. The department has a nication skills and writ- where it needs to be but super-computer. “I’ve been teaching for role to play in a student’s ing skills, succeeding in things are slowly imporv- Fondjo said the in- 24 years and I’ve spent progression, socially, any career will not be a ing. stallation will only half of that teaching Eng- academically, politically problem. “The teachers in the de- take a couple of days. lish,” he said. and economically. “I gave my class an ar- partment are willing to Once installed, he English is the way to Dr. Edmund Kloh, Eng- ticle written by Rachel help,” she said. said, research will be communicate; without it, lish professor, is a huge Jones titled, ”Not White Students are not feel- faster and more effi- there is no way we can supporter of learning Just Right.” ing as challenged as they cient to LU faculty and understand one another. English the right way. “In the article she said would like, so now it’s up students. “I believe helping oth- “If you have good com- that she’s living a life she to the university to take For information ers with their writing munication skills, you never thought she would what students are say- about the MRI pro- helps me become a better can go anywhere and live because of her com- ing and find better ways gram go to www.nsf. writer,” Bates said. work and live a better muncation skills,” Kloh to appeal to the student- gov. The department’s facul- life,” he said. said. body. 4 The Gazette | October 10, 2012 Special Section Football game will air on Cox TV for first time in LU history By Da’Rius Oden nities and scholarships for more importantly, that he “This is the first time this has singer and songwriter, K. Staff Writer the team, band and school hopes the team walks away happened in our local com- Michelle, will kick off the itself are the outcome of this with a victory. munity, and what makes it game by singing the national For the first time in Langs- event.” “I feel the exposure will extra special is the fact that anthem. The Homecoming ton University history, the This exposure for the Lions be enormously beneficial for we are facing one of our rival game will be available to 2012 Homecoming foot- could be the starting point us, especially becoming a teams.” stream from the Internet at ball game will be broadcast for future events being tele- part of history,” Woods said. Jive national recording www.langstonsports.com. through Cox digital televi- vised from the campus and sion. possibly more recruiting for The game can be seen live the university. in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Some think that this tele- and an encore presentation vised event is long-overdue Elle Varner, K. Michelle will air Oct. 16. and should be done more “The event came about often. quickly through an alumnus, “This should have hap- will visit LU campus who was associated with the pened prior to this year, Gales Endowment Associa- Langston does not always re- tion, speaking with the ath- ceive the accreditation we de- for Homecoming week letic director here at Langs- serve,” said Terrisha Wilson, ton to build the relationship football manager. “Hope- By Craig Murray that has developed within fully with this new exposure Contributing Writer the last month,” said Assis- given to (LU), we can raise tant Vice President of Insti- enrollment for the school Elle Varner and K. Michelle, R&B music recording artists, will visit Langston Uni- tutional Advancement James and football team alike, due versity for this year’s homecoming celebration. Dunavant. to the fact that sports play a According to allmusic.com, Varner will be in Oklahoma City for a concert Oct. 12 “Future repeats of this live big role at universities.” before she comes here. broadcast will depend on Tallib Woods, junior de- She sings R&B, soul and pop music. The hit song that jumpstarted her career is her how it is received,” he said. fensive back, agrees this will single “Refill.” “Hopefully, more opportu- help the university but said According to artistwiki.com, “the single peaked at No. 20 on Billboard’s hot R&B/ Hip-Hop chart.” Varner is signed with MBK/J records, “a team that recognized her many talents, from her unique voice,” according to artistwiki.com. Varner will be at Langston at 1 p.m. Oct. 13, on the Sanford Hall Lawn. K. Michelle is a songwriter who is signed to Jive records. She was a cast member on the TV show “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta.” Michelle will be singing the national anthem at the Homecoming football game at 6 p.m. Oct. 13. Admission to the game is $25 for the blue section, $20 for the orange section and LU students can pick up tickets at the bursar window for free.

K. Michelle Photo from ellevarner.com Special Section October 10, 2012 | The Gazette 5 LU cancels annual Homecoming concert By Akiel Taylor tant activities director, the last minute, wanting Contributing Writer said that with prices be- to charge the university ing set so high for these extra fees due to last min- The university is not at fault . We This year’s Homecom- artists, the university staff ute arrangements having “ ing football concert has began negotiations to to be made,” Woods said. will not be taken advantage of . We been canceled. sign the artist for the best “The university is not at This was the annual agreeable price. fault,” he added. “We will are just trying to give back to our concert that was original- He said prices ranged not be taking advantage dear students and community . ly scheduled for Oct. 12 from $42,000 for Future, of. We are just trying to ” in the C.F. Gayle’s Field $50,000 for Meek Mill, give back to our dear stu- House. $53,000 for 2 Chainz and dents and community.” — Chester Woods, Representatives from Young Jeezy wanting Lauren Corbitt, LU stu- LU said they began con- $55,000. dent, said, “I really don’t assistant activities director tacting many popular art- Many of these artists are go to parties or concerts, ists as early as July. currently touring together but for the people that are that the concert is can- dent, I know how boring The acts who were con- and are represented by interested in seeing per- celed. it is. I know students were tacted included national the same management. formers it sucks.” “(The concert) would excited for something recording artists Meek “I’ve been trying to Reggie Smith, a former have been a great thing for new. When I first was told Mill, Future, Ace Hood, 2 book an artist since July LU police officer and now the students of LU and the about which artists were Chainz and Young Jeezy. but their managers decid- a Guthrie police officer town of Langston,” Smith coming, I was excited my- Chester Woods, assis- ed to put things off until said he is disappointed said. “Being a former stu- self but not anymore.”

SPIRIT WEEK (DISPLAY YOUR ORANGE AND PRIDE BY WEARING THE COLORS ALL WEEK)

All LU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends encouraged to attend

CENTENNIAL COURT 405-466-2031 Rates: $180 for two twin beds for two nights (Linens and towels included)

LANGSTON COMMONS 405-466-6044 Rates: $180 for two full beds for Friday-Sunday (Linens and towels included) $160 for two full beds for Friday-Sunday (Linens and towels not included) 6 The Gazette | October 10, 2012 Features Langston student feels ‘privileged to be here’ By Charles Tucker came when he continuied to Contributing Writer witness disturbing events. “I had to stop because too When asked at the age of 14 many of my friends were get- where he would be in seven ting raped and killed by the years, it was either in jail or people in my gang,’’ Sortino dead. said. Now a college student at Sortino decided to pursue Langston University, Jona- something more positive and than Sortino is living proof move away from the gang that there are second chances activities. He decided to play at life. the game he always loved, Sortino, now 21 and from which was baseball. Pasadena, Calif., grew up in He played as a child and a neighborhood full of vio- during his middle school and lence and things similar to high school years. Sortino situations that can be seen in was so talented he was se- movies. lected to be a part of the best However, Sortino saw the in California and travel for light at the end of the tunnel the USA team. called opportunity, and he He was then given the op- ran for it. portunity to try out for the “I’m glad to have made the Oakland Athletics and was decision to go off to college,’’ selected. He only played Sortino said. shortly however, because of After he was born in Los an arm injury. Angles, he and his family At that point, Sortino was moved to Pasadena when he faced with a decision and Photo by Kayla Jones was 10. His family consists of that was to try college. The Jonathan Sortino, Student Activities coordinator at LU, plans and prepares for 2012 his mother, Malisa Bottoms; gang was still there and he Homecoming events in his office. father, Robert Sortino; sister didn’t want to make back- Amanda Sortino; and brother ward steps. He ultimately rections major, is a friend of Elijah Sortino. He is the old- decided to attend Langston Sortino. He said he doesn’t est of three children. University. believe that Sortino would After two years in Pasa- “The only thing I knew accept any of his true friends dena, his parents divorced about the school is that it was to settle or fail. and his mother moved to San historic and my friends loved “If I was to sit down and Diego. With all that was go- it,” Sortino said. talk to him about life, goals, ing on in his life, Sortino felt With this opportunity at religions, girls or anything, alone. So he decided to join a Langston, he was an LU- he would talk to me about gang known as the Bloods. elect his freshman year and what’s best for me and (tell “I did that because I felt I class king. He finally felt like me) I should think critically needed to be protected and things were going well for about things before assum- also I just thought it was him and felt like this place ing,” Martin said. cool,” Sortino said. suited him perfectly. Martin added that Sortino Sortino was influenced by Now a junior nursing ma- has a passion for helping oth- his friends to join a gang. jor, he is a part of the LU ers. Sortino is one of four bar- It was a random day when Student Government Asso- bers who cut hair on campus. he was asked to help fight ciation, serving as activities Jazz Roberson, God brother against these guys. coordinator, chairman of the of Sortino, said Sortino is one “We pretty much fought a student body, escort for the of kind. Robertson said Sorti- lot people,” Sortino said. “It elite connection and an em- no is destined for something was the thing to do at that ployee in Student Activities. great to happen to him be- age and it was defending He said he plans to some- cause he is a “task finisher.” something valuable—your day become successful and Sortino said he is grateful pride.’’ provide for his family, giv- for the opportunity that LU Sortino said he felt like they ing them more opportunities has given him. were more than friends; they than he was provided. Ulti- “When I think about life were like brothers. mately, he said he wants to right now and what I’ve been It seemed like he could help people through his sav- through, I know that I’m have gang banged for the rest ior, Jesus Christ. privileged to be here,’’ Sor- of his life, but the unthinkable Wesley Martin, senior cor- tino said. Sports October 10, 2012 | The Gazette 7 LU incorporates new sports

By Talibb Woods a bigger club but it is not a Garret is a former college Contributing Writer needed sports team at the football player and Heis- moment. I inherited those clubs as well as the man Trophy winner where Langston University “Wrestling will remain “ he played at the University Athletic Department has a club because it’s a men’s softball team . of Southern California. made many changes this sport and we need more ” He also served as athletic year in hopes of building a women teams,” said Pam — Mike Garrett, director there for 17 years better program. Fisher, administrative spe- before coming to LU. With a new athletic di- cialist in the Athletic De- Athletic Director The football team, un- rector, Mike Garrett, the partment. der Head Coach Mickey Athletic Department seems The wrestling club meets Joseph, had a great season to be taking steps in a new and holds practice in the Title 9 purposes, which to a higher division. last year with high expec- direction. multipurpose gymnasium. means the university is “We have enough sports tations this season. Women’s volleyball was The women’s volleyball required to have the same – 10. And that’s enough for There have been changes added in fall 2012 and the is in its first season and amount of men and wom- (LU) to move up,” Garrett in the football staff to help wrestling club team was will share the multipur- en teams. said. make the team more suc- added by other faculty pose gymnasium with the Many think that Garrett’s He added that the new cessful than last year, with members. wrestling club. new addition of teams and team and clubs weren’t new coaches as well as The wrestling club is Women’s volleyball team new staff are in efforts of part of his plan; he had al- tougher opponents sched- new to LU, but is not an Head Coach Natasha Doh, making Langston Univer- ways wanted to bring the uled. official sport part of the will start her first season sity a Division II school. school to a higher division. The women’s basketball Athletic Department. with the Langston Lion- However, Garrett said, “I inherited those clubs team has added a new The club held tryouts esses this year. these teams are not neces- as well as the softball head coach this year as and is looking to grow into The team was added for sarily needed to bring LU team,” Garret said. well, Dave Johnson.

Football team prepares for game against Texas College

By Jabril Bailey eled to Plainview, Texas at 6 p.m. promptly. The Sports Editor to take on the Wayland game will also be tele- Baptist Pioneers. vised locally by Cox Ca- The Langston Univer- The results were not ble. sity Football team de- recorded by the Gazette Tailgating starts after feated Southern Naza- publication date. the parade in the Ander- rene University on Sept. The Lions now look son Stadium parking lot. 29 with a 17-14 win over ahead for the highly-an- For more information the Crimson Storm. This ticipated Homecoming about the results from win put the Lions at 2-3. game against long-time the game against Way- During the weekend, rivals Texas College. land Baptist, go to www. the Langston Lions trav- The game will begin langstonsports.com

Your on- campus Ad Call could go 405-466-3245 somewhere for more in this publication. information. Photo from langstonsports.com Senior running back, Jayce Boyd, tears away from de- fensive players to gain offensive yardage for the Langs- ton Lions . The football team had a home opener shut- out against Bacone College on Sept . 8, winning 19-0 . 8 The Gazette | October 10, 2012 Media

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