JUNE THE OAKLAND POST 7 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER 2017

PRESIDENT PESCOVITZ Weeks stand between Pescovitz and Oakland’s seventh presidency PAGE 10 - 11

TUITION RISES. CAMERAS ROLLING. WILLIAMS GIVES BACK. Board of Trustees votes on tuition New specialization in cinema studies OU soccer player helps kids in Liberia increase, arts, and athletics program introduced attend school and play the game PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 19

Photo by Taylor Stinson / The Oakland Post ontheweb The new Sounthern Housing Complex will bring many new changes to residential life. PHOTO / Shelby Tankersley thismonth www.oaklandpostonline.com June 7, 2017 // Volume 42. Issue 28

POLL OF THE MONTH How would you describe your summer so far?

A Netflix and naps

B Working for the man

C Eating, sleeping and crying

D Full of EXPENSIVE vacations

Vote at www.oaklandpostonline.com

LAST ISSUE’S POLL Which presidential candidate do you prefer? A) Carl Camden 33 votes | 13% B) Ora Hirsch Pescovitz 210 votes | 52% C) Jean Ann Miller PHOTO OF THE MONTH 99 votes | 24% 14%D) Geroge Hynd BLOCKED OFF// The construction of the Oakland Center and Southern Housing Complex have made for a smaller- 63 votes | 16% feeling campus. Large areas of the buildings and sidewalks are blocked off. Summer students are finding the quickest ways to maneuver without going through the OC. SHELBY TANKERSLEY // The Oakland Post

Submit a photo to [email protected] for a chance to be featured. View all submissions at oaklandpostonline.com THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

June 11, 1990 Summer tuition was hiked by 6.03 percent for the 1990- 1991 adacemic year. This increase was approved by all but one Board of Trustees member. The one who voted against the increase feared it would hamper summer enrollment.

June 11, 2003 The BOT voted to increase tuition by 9.91 percent. This 6 12 17 decision came a month after trustee Henry Baskin told the administration to come back with a figure under 12 LGBT PRIDE MONTH ARRIVES NEW PIRATES MOVIE SINKS KAMPE CLAIMS FAME percent, which was their original proposition. The Gay Straight Alliance is Despite success in the box office, Oakland University’s longtime Men’s spending June volenteering at “Dead Men Tell No Tales” fails to Basketball coach gets invited to the June 26, 2013 Ferndale and Motor City Pride. meet the expectations of long-time Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. The BOT increased tuition by 3.75 percent. Trustees PHOTO / Shelby Tankersley “Pirates” fans. PHOTO / IMDb PHOTO / Nowshin Chowdhury expressed concerns over lack of state funding.

BY THE 9 in 10 73% 64% 42% LGBT youth are out to their of LGBT youth are more open of LGBT high school students are of LGBT young people do not feel accepted NUMBERS closest friends online than they are in everyday out to their classmates by their hometown community PRIDE MONTH life

Human Rights Campaign Campus THE OAKLAND POST

Address 61 Oakland Center 312 Meadow Brook Road Rochester, MI 48309 Phone (248) 370-4268 Web www.oaklandpostonline.com Email [email protected] editorial board Shelby Tankersley Editor-in-Chief [email protected] (248) 370-4268

Cheyanne Kramer Managing Editor [email protected] (248) 370-2537

Elyse Gregory John Bozick Photo Editor Web Editor [email protected] [email protected] (248) 370-4266 Nicole Morsfield / The Oakland Post The Board of Trustees voted on arts, athletics and tutition at its meeting on June 5 in Elliott Hall editors copy & visual Connor McNeeley Campus Editor AuJenee Hirsch Chief Copy Editor [email protected] Megan Luttinin Copy Editor Board of Trustees ups tuition Prakhya Chilukuri Copy Editor Laurel Kraus Life Editor Mina Fuqua Copy Editor [email protected] Shelby Tankersley affairs and provost, said adding the programs would Nicole MorsfieldPhoto Intern Editor-in-Chief add very few classes and therefore not cost the uni- Skylar Tolfree Sports Editor Michael Orlando Photo Intern versity a lot of money. This small addition will give [email protected] he Oakland University Board of Trustees vot- students more options when they graduate. Simon Albaugh Social Media Editor ed on a slew of things during its Monday, June “I think this is a great idea,” Lentini said. “Many of Marcella Banner Graphic Designer T5 meeting. Among the topics were adding a our students begin to teach once they graduate. So [email protected] bachelor of piano performance and pedagogy, a having this at the undergraduate level allows them bachelor of dance education and performance, to get teaching experience within a short time- Athletics’ budget for the coming fiscal year and an- frame.” writers distribution other raise in tuition starting in 2018. The proposal for the new majors was unani- Rachel Burnett Distribution Director mously approved. OU will be the only school to of- Katie LaDuke Staff Reporter Christian Miller Staff Reporter Hanna Boussi Distributor Tuition raise fer a pedagogy program in Michigan. This approval Falin Hakeem Staff Intern Christian Hiltz Distributor Shayna Jenkins Distributor The vast majority of OU’s funding, like many also puts OU ahead of the academic trend in offer- Mary Siring Staff Intern Maxwell Pelkey Distributor Michigan schools, comes from tuition dollars. Cur- ing arts education majors, not just minors. Trevor Tyle Staff Intern rently, OU gives most of its state appropriation “This is a shift in the profession,” Mary Wiggins, money to students through financial aid. OU also professor of music education said. “Other schools receives less state money per student than any oth- nationwide will follow suit, but we’ll be one of the er public university in Michigan. fi r s t .” The BOT pressed that money is needed to in- advertising advising crease the size of buildings and hire more staff and Athletics budget faculty. The BOT also reviewed the budget presented by Caroline Wallis Ads Director Garry Gilbert Editorial Adviser As enrollment is expected to be down in the fall Jeff Konya, the director of Athletics. Konya began [email protected] [email protected] (248) 370-4269 of 2018, the BOT proposed a 3.74 percent raise in by celebrating Athletic’s growth and success in the (248) 370-2105

Nicole Lardner Ads Assistant tuition for this academic year. The raise was unani- last few years. He then moved to a budget that will Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser Whitney Roemer Ads Assistant mously approved. However, the increase is not due replace some of the department’s old equipment. [email protected] to the current construction projects such as the The items needing replacement include the (248) 370-2533 Oakland Center expansion. broadcasting equipment for games, pole vault The BOT also approved the addition of 15 new equipment and a concessions tent. The largest faculty positions and added staff positions. This will request was for a new van for both the men’s and help combat OU’s position as Michigan’s university women’s golf teams. All items were approved. follow us on Twitter with the highest student-to-faculty ratio. As this was President George Hynd’s last meet- ing, Vice Chair David Tull ended the meeting by @theoaklandpost Bachelor programs giving Hynd a formal farewell. Hynd and the BOT follow us on Snapchat The Bachelor of piano performance and peda- celebrated his accomplishments and the accom- theoaklandpost gogy and Bachelor of dance education in perfor- plishments they believe are to come. mance will allow students to study those arts with “Oakland is headed in a terrific direction,” Hynd follow us on Instagram the pursuit of teaching when they leave college. said. @theoaklandpost Dance education is currently offered as a minor The BOT will meet again on at 2 p.m. on August 7 but students cannot major in it. It must be paired in Elliott Hall. At that time, OU’s new president Ora find us on Facebook with a major such as English, math or history that is Hirsch Pescovitz will sit with the BOT. She was pre- facebook.com/theoakpost universally transferable. sent at June’s meeting via phone as it was the first James Lentini, senior vice president for academic meeting held following her appointment. find us on Issuu issuu.com/op86 www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 3 Campus Commemorating 50 years of service from the OUPD Oakland University Police Department celebrates half a century of being a vital part of safety and security on campus

Laurel Kraus This year, the Oakland Universi- search Council of Michigan for Leonard served as the next director becoming confusing.” Life Editor ty Police Department celebrated its nine police officers and 20 firefight- of Public Safety for 24 years. Beginning in 2001, Adam Garcia 50-year anniversary on Thursday, ers to ensure public safety. “Every time you change police was the fourth director of Police for n September of 2016, Oak- April 20, prompting a look back to Oakland had been open for 10 chief positions, those are always a year before resigning and making land University was named 1967. years when the first four public very big days in the history of a way for Samuel C. Lucido, OUPD’s Ithe seventh safest large col- According to OUPD’s website, safety officers were hired, but fire police department because you end fifth chief of Police who served for lege campus in the country by the Department of Public Safety protection was pushed aside due to up going maybe in a different direc- 12 years. college resource website College was established due to a recom- budget limitations. tion or there’s a new vision for the “We had major events to handle,” Choice. mendation by the Citizens Re- The first Director of Public Safe- police department,” Gordon said. Lucido said. “We had President ty, Thomas D. Strong, was brought On Oct. 1, 1992, the Department Bush here on campus a couple of on a year beforehand. of Public Safety changed its name times when he was president, [and] In its first year, the department to Department of Public Safety and we had the Republican Party Presi- responded to 743 calls for service, Police. This was brought about after dential Debate in 2012.” compared to the around 10,000 the department became completely Gordon was hired in 2014 along in 2016 reported by the current separate from the Oakland County with the OUPD’s first female OUPD Chief of Police Mark Gor- Sheriff’s Department. and youngest lieutenant, Nicole don. One year later, the Department Thompson. When Strong resigned in 1969 to of Public Safety and Police set up Currently, OUPD employs 22 return to his previous career in the the first of theemergency blue light sworn in law enforcement officers Secret Service, Earl N. Gray, a 15- phones that are on campus today. and five dispatchers. year veteran of the Detroit Police It was on June 6, 1996 that the “We are very proud of 50 years Department, became the second department officially changed its of service to the University com- director of Public Safety at Oak- name to OUPD. munity,” Gordon said. “We just land. “Public safety implies that you like to remind our community The Public Safety and Service are a police and fire agency, so that there is no police depart- Building was then built in 1975 fol- you’d have one responder [who] ment that can continue to create lowing Senate Bill No. 81, Act No. could do both jobs,” Gordon said. a feeling of safety and security by Photo courtesy of Brian Bierly 244, Public Acts of 1967. “Well that’s not how we’re trained, themselves, they need the sup- Members of OUPD were awarded badges in celebration of the 50-year Former Lieutenant for Wayne we’re police officers only, so calling port of the community to be able anniversary. State University Police Richard W. us Department of Public Safety was to do that.” Meeting of Minds celebrates 25 years of undergraduate research MOM conference comes to OU for its jubilee celebration, students from multiple majors present their findings Mary Siring cess story from Andrea Kozak, an as- Paige Lalain, author of “Sleeping Place” Staff Intern sociate professor of psychology at Oak- and panelist in the literary nonfiction land University. While Kozak could not panel. “I’ll have a flash of memory and eeting of Minds (MOM) came to be present to speak herself, her presen- think ‘how could this be thematically MOakland University for its 25th tation was given nonetheless through relevant?’” year. The undergraduate research con- email transcript and a stand-in speaker. Overall, MOM created an environ- ference was held on Friday, May 12. OU Concurrent presentations began at ment that supported student endeavors was able to participate in the event as 9:30 a.m. Students presented posters in and encouraged research, presentation the host. Fireside Lounge while others gave oral and, especially, made a safe space to “Though an anniversary, my South- presentations in various classrooms of learn. ern roots want to call it the 25th jubi- South Foundation Hall. There was a to- “I am presenting my capstone pro- lee,” said Robby Stewart, a professor of tal of 133 presentations over the course ject,” Jeff Waters, a women and gender psychology and associate dean of the of the conference. studies major, said. “It is a chance to College of Arts and Sciences. “This is a From a literary nonfiction panel present your research to an under- celebration, not just an anniversary.” discussing Ouija boards, milk-carton standing audience. They choose to see Beginning in 1933, MOM began as children and epigraphs of gravestones, your presentation, so people are inter- a cooperation between University of oral PowerPoint presentations of grow- ested in what you’re talking about.” Michigan- Flint and University of Mich- ing radical Islamic attacks and Islamo- Education during this process doesn’t igan-Dearborn. Oakland University phobia and a poster presentations of stop with research, either. Students are was invited to join in 1995 and has now narcissism and a podcast on feminism, given the chance to learn about data hosted the 25th event on its own cam- the topics and disciplines of MOM were gathering and presenting as well. pus. unlimited. “This taught me about research,” said MOM invites students from the three Inspiration was as limitless as the Catherine Barrey, a women and gender universities to present their scholarly topics at MOM. Some students recalled studies major. “I learned about survey- and creative ventures through oral and trains of creative thought and expand- ing and how to handle situations where poster presentations. ed upon them for their presentation, your participant really doesn’t want to The day began at 8:30 a.m. with a con- where others drew inspiration from help you.” Michael Orlando / The Oakland Post tinental breakfast and ended at 4 p.m., mere interest and devoted their time to “This is a celebration of student The MOM Conference took place at Oakland only breaking at noon for an hour-long research. achievement and accomplishment,” University in the Fireside Lounge and South lunch, musical performance of a piece “I’ll have an idea or a theme in mind Stewart said. “This isn’t just a research Foundation Hall on May 12, 2017. A variety of from Roland Dyens and a student suc- and I take notes on my phone,” said project.” subjects were presented, ranging from a liter- ary nonfiction panel to podcasts on feminism.

4 The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 www.oaklandpostonline.com Campus

POLICE New film major added to 2017-2018 catalog BRIEFS Oakland expands cinema studies program with specialization in filmmaking starting to film,” Eis said. “They learn for “several years,” Eis said. Forcible Contact in Hamlin Hall Trevor Tyle how to use a variety of cameras, lights, “As it turns out, though,” she added. On April 25, a student called the Staff Intern and audio gear, to become more flexible “The planning we did to expand over Oakland University Police Department in learning new technology, and then are time means that we will be better able to report that her friend had been sexu- n addition to the many new changes the cinematographers as well as direc- to incorporate the numbers of new stu- ally assaulted. OUPD came to the girl’s happening on campus this year, the tors for their shoots.” dents we expect with the specialization, room, where she was found crying and Icinema studies program at Oakland Students also do their own editing in a stronger and more expansive pro- shaking. A male she recognized from University is adding a brand new Bach- with the use of professional software. gram.” Vandenberg Cafeteria approached her elor of Arts degree —specialization in This amount of work is put into as many Senior Sarah Griffith is one of many on her way to Hamlin. He said he was filmmaking. as four short films for students in begin- students excited about the addition. According to Andrea Eis, director of ning classes; however, the length and “I have been interested in production going to see his cousin who lived in the cinema studies at Oakland, the degree complexity of the films increase as stu- from the start, so after hearing about the building. While riding the elevator in the will combine existing filmmaking classes dents progress further into their degree. filmmaking specialization in the works building, he hugged her and grabbed at Oakland with a new set of courses that Those who major in specialization in for so long, it is very exciting that I will be her butt. The male was quickly identi- focus on film history and theory, provid- filmmaking will also have plenty of op- able to partake in it before I graduate and fied and, upon questioning, repeatedly ing students with the basics of filmmak- portunities to prepare for their field of be a part of the first group of students to denied any wrongdoing. Later, on May ing. In contrast to the Bachelor of Arts study, as a variety of internships and complete the major with this option,” she 9, the male admitted to lying in the in cinema studies, which concentrates field experiences are expected to be said. first interview and said he did hug the on the critical studies aspect of film, this made available. Grffith further acknowledged the ben- student, but nothing more. He also said new degree will give students the oppor- Additionally, professionalization op- efits of the specialization, noting that it he lied about having a cousin in Hamlin. tunity to work hands-on in the art of film portunities will be offered, including helps to “showcase all of the skills I have The student ultimately did not press production. work on film sets. Involvement in such learned from my production classes at charges. After completing the required film his- projects is encouraged by the depart- Oakland.” tory, theory, methods and introductory ment, which gives students the oppor- The excitement for the program is Damage of Property in Elliott Hall courses, students may digress into many tunity to work with Michael Manasseri promising for Eis and other members OUPD was dispatched to Elliot Hall of the newly added filmmaking electives, of Flux Capacitor Studios, a film partner of the cinema studies department who on the morning of May 22 on the report which will focus on developing skills in of OU, as well as resident filmmakers the hope that its success can lead to the ad- of a vandalized tampon dispenser. The areas of film production such as screen- Deka Brothers. This type of work will give dition of more film-related degrees. door was pulled back, exposing the writing, cinematography and editing, students experience with short films, “If the program is successful, we hope product and two coin boxes. Nothing among others. A capstone project specif- feature films, commercials, music videos to add more areas of study,” Eis said. ic to the degree is also being introduced and documentaries. Advanced classes in effects and post- had been taken because the coin boxes and will give students the opportunity to The degree was introduced due to production work, directing, cinematog- required key access, the product was create their own thesis films. the rising student interest in the subject raphy, and animation could be offered in simply left untouched. OUPD put in a “Students like myself that are more in- matter and according to professor Adam the future as well. work order to fix the machine for $327, terested in the filmmaking and produc- Gould, adviser of the OU Filmmakers They are also optimistic that its suc- which includes labor. A suspect has tion aspects of the industry rather than Guild, students are “very excited” about cess could allow them to upgrade their yet to be identified because the staff critical analysis and history can con- the new addition. facilities and equipment in the future. member who made the report said the centrate more of our efforts in develop- The cinema studies department The degree will become available to incident probably happened the day ing these skills and taking advantage of worked toward creating the new degree students in the upcoming fall semester. before it was reported. the range of filmmaking classes Oakland has to offer, while still getting the well- Compiled by Shelby Tankersley, rounded experience of studying history Editor-in-Chief and theory,” senior Bushra Varachia siad. When speaking about the variety of Classifieds skills focused on with the new speciali- Rates: 61 Oakland Center $0.35 per word ($7 min.) zation, Eis revealed that students learn 312 Meadow Brook Road “all parts of the production cycle for a Unlimited Frequency film—pre-production, production and Rochester, MI 48309 STUDENT DISCOUNTS post-production.” She believes what students acquire Call or email us and place your ad today! [email protected] | 248.370.4269 from having experience in all areas of film production will both prepare them HELP WANTED: VALET PARKING for a career in film and enhance the quality of their work. “In our program, [students’] education Valet parking attendants, must be 21 or older, must know how to drive a in good filmmaking practice is enriched stick-shift, make up to $30/hour by having to understand and work all of (248) 740-0900 or apply online at http://firstclassvalet.com/valet-parking/ the roles that it takes to make a film,” Eis employment-application said. The amount of skills acquired is no ex- 1/8 page ad aggeration. “Students write scripts, create story- ADVERTISE ANYTHING* Books Babysitting boards, scout locations, audition actors, Cars Help Wanted Need something? plan shooting schedules, obtain talent, Garage Sales Carpools Want something location and music releases as needed, Rent Misc., etc. plan set and costume design, all before Want to provide something? www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 5 Campus

Gay Straight Alliance branches out to volunteer at Pride events GSA plans on attending Michigan Pride events, past students comment on inclusivity at Oakland

Gender and Sexuality Center. Cheyanne Kramer Jake Semma, a recent gradu- Managing Editor ate of Oakland University, went with the GSA to volunteer at he Gay Straight Alliance of Ferndale Pride and plans to TOakland University is no volunteer at Motor City. stranger to volunteering. The “I loved the experience be- annual drag show requires cause it allowed me to spread many student volunteers, as the word about OU being in- does the pride prom and laven- credibly LGBT inclusive, and Photo courtesy of Barbara Oakley der graduation celebrations. talk to possible future students,” A School of Engineering and Computer Science professor has the largest amount of online students recorded. Together with volunteers Semma said. from Undergraduate Admis- Semma said students came sions and University Commu- to talk to the OU volunteers, and nications and Marketing, the said that they would choose OU Oakland SECS professor creates world’s GSA volunteered with metro because of how inclusive it was. Detroit area pride festivals for Recent inclusion measures on largest online learning course the first time. Oakland’s campus include a June 3’s Ferndale Pride at- preferred name policy, which Barbara Oakley creates “Learning How to Learn,” states that the tracts more than 15,000 peo- was put into place last year. ple according to its website. cost to create was much less than other online classes Its been an annual event since What is Pride Month? 2011. Pride Festivals happen in technology just isn’t that hard to master, al- This year’s festivities were a remembrance of the Stonewall AuJenee Hirsch though I definitely had my share of frustration. bit different thanks to the num- Rebellion, which occurred in Chief Copy Editor I just watched YouTube videos to learn how to ber of volunteers. Pride fests, June of 1969. Commonly re- set up the studio and how to edit video. When- and many LGBTQIA+ spaces ferred to as the Stonewall Riot, akland University School of Engineering ever I got stuck during the video editing pro- in general, are known for the the uprising is known as the and Computer Science professor, Bar- cess, I could just ask a local high school stu- consumption of alcohol. Pride dawn of the modern LGBT Obara Oakley, Ph.D, created the world’s dent. The whole course cost less than $5,000, Institute estimates up to 45% Rights Movement. largest massive open online course (MOOC). which is pretty amazing given that many on- of LGBT individuals suffer Motor City Pride began in Oakley’s course “Learning How to Learn” ac- line courses have been made for hundreds of from alcohol abuse. This year, 1986. An organization called quired over two million students worldwide in thousands of dollars, yet have only a tiny frac- Smirnoff released limited-edi- the Michigan Organization a year. The Oakland Post sat down and talked tion of the students in our course. tion bottles featuring real cou- for Human Rights organized to Oakley about her MOOC. ples to sell and raise money for Michigan’s first gay and lesbian Why do you think adults are drawn to the Human Rights Campaign march. What is the MOOC about? your MOOC? To combat that problem, The march was moved to The massive open online course I teach, A combination of many factors. First off, I’m Ferndale Pride included a Lansing in 1989, leaving no with Terrence Sejnowski, the Francis Crick not just standing there droning away in the vid- “sober space” for those who event in metro Detroit for Professor at the Salk Institute, is called “Learn- eos, having occasional bullet points or a few il- wished to have a space away members of the LGBT com- ing How to Learn.” No surprise, it’s about how lustrations come up beside me. Instead, there from drinking. munity to rally behind. This left to learn effectively. The videos are short, about are great moving images—easy-to-understand Although volunteering with Frank Colasanti, Jr, and the De- five minutes long, and each one is packed with metaphors for what’s going on deep inside Ferndale Pride is through for troit Area Gay/Lesbian Council practical, immediately useful insights about your brain. Using the magic of Hollywood, I the year, OU representatives to start the first pride festival in how you can improve your learning. Plus, the walk around inside these images. The quick will also attend Motor City the gymnasium of the Univer- videos are pretty darn funny. The neurosci- video editing keeps your eyes on the screen Pride on June 10 and 11. sity of Michigan. entific foundation of the course makes it very whether you like it or not—it helps hold your Motor City Pride has over “Pride festivals are open to different than what most people might expect interest. Everything you learn is immediately 40,000 participants each year, everyone, and provide a space and far more useful. useful—it’s not just a boring litany of research, according to its website. for LGBT people to celebrate even though everything we discuss is based on Oakland went to promote the their identities in a society that What was it like for you to teach research findings that we often allude to on university as an inclusive cam- often oppresses them,” Semma yourself how to edit videos and use a screen. The neuroscience is top-notch—my pus to the LGBT community, said. green screen? co-instructor, Terrence Sejnowski, is a leg- and volunteers were able to Though there are entertain- It was scary at first to jump into the video endary neuroscientist. And there’s the wacky, share their own experiences to ers at Pride, including Sabin, production world. I’d never done anything unexpected humor popping up everywhere. festival attendees. who has been performing at the with video before, I could barely hold a cam- Ultimately, of course, people are drawn to the “I am hopeful our presence Oakland University drag show era. A friend who is an inspiring professor course because the subject matter is very im- will allow us to inform potential for many years, Semma said of engineering here at OU, Chris Kobus, sug- portant in people’s lives. I’m just amazed that a students and employees of all that the focus of pride shouldn’t gested that perhaps the best approach for the course like this isn’t taught on a standard basis the work being done on cam- be on the entertainment. course might be to use green screen technol- at universities and high schools. Three cheers pus to further diversity, equity “[Pride festivals are] about ogy. I didn’t know enough to realize that green to Oakland University that they’re starting a and inclusion, especially in re- promotion of a community that screen was considered a more advanced pro- regular face-to-face course, ISE 1170: Learning gard to LGBTQIA issues,” said is often overlooked or lacking in duction technique. Truth be told, though, the How to Learn, that I’ll be teaching this fall. Grace Wojcik, director of the rights and protections,” he said. www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 6 Life Students respond to minimum wage increase Shane Grodzicki falling below the poverty line, but it would also Contributor make the prospect of paying for tuition consider- ably easier for students. eing poor is part of being in college. But However, not everyone is so quick to agree on summer is the time where most students the means to achieve this goal. Oakland Univer- Btry to make some extra cash by working sity professor of economics, Jonathan Silberman minimum wage jobs. Jan. 1, 2017 brought the suggests that a 15 dollar an hour bump in mini- minimum wage up by 40 cents to $8.90, allowing mum wage would offset the job market. a higher income for students. The price of goods would become much great- While the raise doesn’t seem like a great deal er, and companies unable to pay the additional more of income, especially compared to the expenses for their employees would cut jobs.

colossus of student loans, it does help students Silberman instead indicates that a direct wage Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. by compensating for the increasing expenses of subsidy is a more reasonable alternative. This Djimon Hounsou (left) and Charlie Hunnam (right) on the set of King textbooks, high-priced vehicle insurance and re- means that for every dollar earned per hour, low- Arthur: Legend of the Sword inforces the wallet to nurture a social life. wage workers would receive extra compensation Known as Act 138, the Workforce Opportunity from the government with each paycheck. To the Wage Act was passed by the Michigan legisla- worker this would seem like raised earnings, all ture on May 27, 2014. Following the most recent while bypassing extra pressure on an employer King Authur hits theaters second installment, the third and final wage in- to increase payroll. crease of Act 138 is scheduled to raise Michigan’s To the hard-working student, this may sound I think… the people that I’m minimum wage to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2018. like a good deal, but it will require some patience. Connor McNeely most excited about seeing this Although the higher income is certainly nice, it There are no policies presently circulating in Campus Editor film are the young generation can also come with a price. congress to create a truly significant increase of because it seems to me that “Know your limits,” sophomore Bethany Grif- income for low-wage workers. he moment of truth has there’s a lot of disillusionment fith said. “Make sure that you manage your time There is a silver lining, however. Freshman Tcome and gone – final in the kids of today.” well between work and school.” Nautica Prater isn’t worried. She advised other grades have been adminis- College can be competitive, The last thing we want is to fall into a slow students to not let it stress them out either. tered. Whatever they may be, but every person has an innate downward spiral from feeling overworked. Grif- “Try not to stress too much about it, choose to c’est la vie. As teachers release purpose. Although initially re- fith’s words serve to remind that a college job is make it work for you,” Prater said. those remarks, it is in good luctant to accept his extraor- a means to set yourself up for a better future; she In other words: Keep doing what you’ve always health that students release dinary powers, Hunnam faces feels that academic success should always re- done. their school-provoked stresses the realization of his destined main a top priority. On that fateful day when you’re dressed from from tests, homework and greatness in “King Arthur.” But even for those who are not so lucky to find head to toe in black and gold, and a mass of tas- deadlines. In medieval history, the leg- a career immediately after graduation, the taste seled caps come cascading back down from the Summer break is a crucial endary King Arthur fantasti- might not be so bitter. rafters, you’ll know that you have come out that time to find fresh motivation cally drew an iron sword from Many petitioners tried to enact a bill that much stronger. Until then, keep flipping those and mentally decompress. It a granite slab, which unlocked would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 burgers and scooping that ice cream while you is a time to reflect on the prior his power. Ritchie’s version, an hour. It was also one of presidential-hopeful finish your degree. school year and start mak- however, is a contemporary or- Bernie Sanders’ campaign goals. ing goals for the fall. School is igin story based off of the origi- Not only would this assist low-wage workers tough and everyone gets that. nal mythical character, which Even “Sons of Anarchy” actor follows the king’s adolescent Charlie Hunnam gets that. years as he fends for himself “My little brother is much, against the thieves who sur- much younger than me and round him. he just graduated university [at Djimon Hounsou, whose the] top of his class and I was most notable appearances so proud of him when I called were in “Blood Diamond” and -- and I was away working,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” acts he said. “So, I called him and I against Hunnam as the villain said, ‘I’m just so proud of you.’ Bedivere. He was so dismissive and he “I think it’ll attract a lot of said, ‘Yes, well maybe now I’ll people and certainly most of us be able to get a job at McDon- can relate to this king,” Houn- ald’s.’ And it was an insight into sou said. “Certainly, this inter- the youth of today.” pretation of the guy.” Hunnam played the lead role As the weather starts to in Warner Brother’s “King Ar- warm up, we reassess academ- thur: Legend of the Sword.” It ic goals for next semester and is directed, produced and co- keep an eye out for new hob- written by Guy Ritchie. The film bies that spark interest. Just as hit theaters May 12. Arthur was unaware what his “It’s a really universal story future would bring until he pull because ultimately it’s about the almighty sword from the Taylor Stinson / The Oakland Post how we become the best ver- stone, many students face simi- The minimum wage for employees across Michigan was changed from $8.50 to $8.90 on Jan. 1, 2017. sion of ourselves,” he said. “And lar pressures. That is, until they so it’s a really lovely story and find their sword. www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 7 Life OU Alumni earns role on Fox’s “Empire” Falin Hakeen asking for his opinion. Staff Intern “We had this bond, even if it was only for a day,” Yousif said. t’s not everyday an Oakland “I was so intimidated by him at IUniversity alumnus stars in a first, he just has this aura about hit television series. But Revon him.” Yousif is the exception. Prior to landing the role, He recently played a rhythm Yousif starred in smaller roles on and blues singer named Harry studio films including “Scream on season 3, episode 15 of Fox’s 4” and “LOL.” He went on to star “Empire,” “Civil Hands Unclean.” in “2101,” an independent film He appears on screen alongside directed by Kyle Misak. Terrence Howard, who plays the He also took home the best infamous Luscious Lion. performance award for the short He had auditioned for the role film, “Amnesia,” an entry to the three other times, but the fourth 24-Hour Film Challenge put on time proved to be the charm. by OU. “I would sign up for every au- “The best advice I could give to Photo Courtesy of Sam Paraventi dition that came up,” Yousif said. students would be to utilize all of Participants join together to perform dance routines choreographed by Take Root facility to combat feeling symp- “I’ve seen all of the episodes, I the resources the university has toms of Parkinson’s. wanted to be on the show from to offer,” Yousif said. “All of the the very beginning – I had to tools, the advisors – get involved have this role.” in extracurricular activities.” Dancing through Parkinson’s Disease His favorite part of the film- While at OU, he started the ing process was doing so many Glee Club in 2013, and was its Take Root returns to just to those living with PD, but son’s to be beneficial. takes. president and director. to the community at large.” “Ali relates exercises and “That’s usually not the answer Yousif recently moved from Oakland University In the Dance for Parkinson’s dance movements to what the for other actors,” Yousif said. “I Sterling Heights to Chicago to classes, participants are em- benefits are for us,” Michael wanted to really showcase my branch out as an actor and get with free classes powered to explore movement O’Donnell, a Dance for Parkin- talents, show them what I’ve got.” his name on the map. He plans and music in ways that are both son’s participant said. “For ex- It took about 14 or 15 takes to on staying there until he gets cast Mary Siring enjoyable and creative. Each ample, stretching the arms wide shoot his singing scene, which in a series or film. Staff Intern class also addresses PD-specific to open up our chest muscles he prepared for in advance by “My agent once told me some- challenges like balance, flexibil- which tend to collapse and pull taking singing lessons. thing that always stuck with me,” ake Root, a non-profit pro- ity, coordination, isolation and our heads and shoulders down.” As for working with Howard, Yousif said. “‘Do you want to be fessional modern dance depression. Besides focusing on physical he said it was like acting with a a big fish in a small pond, or a Tcompany based in Roch- “The goal for Dance for Par- movement specific to common father figure. small fish in a big pond?’” ester, held one of its monthly kinson’s Disease is to reach and issues, each class focuses on “While shooting with Ter- As for reprising his role on Dance For Parkinson’s classes connect with as many people mental stimulation as well. rence, I made sure I was myself,” “Empire,” he said his character on campus Sunday, May 21. living with PD [as possible], “She also requires us to come Yousif said. “I didn’t want to be a absolutely has the potential to Take Root began in 2013 with including their spouses, loved up with our own improvisations try-hard.” appear on another episode in its first full-length concert of ones and caregivers” Woerner and interpretations, which ex- According to Yousif, Howard the future. the same name. Now, the group said. “We want them to know ercises our minds as well as our would joke around on set and “Next stop, the Golden Globes consists of seven performers they have a place to come to bodies and gives us personal even played him a few songs, and Oscars,” Yousif said. and resides at Oakland Univer- dance, connect, feel supported role, an ownership, of what we sity under the direction of its and confident, and, most im- are accomplishing,” O’Donnell founders and fellow members, portantly, find that they don’t said. “I feel more alert, more in Ali Woerner and Thayer Jonutz. have to become invisible due to balance, more in control and “Dance for Parkinson’s Dis- this disease.” more energized after each ses- ease started in October of 2014 Parkinson’s Disease is a neu- sion.” as a once a month class at Oak- rodegenerative brain disorder Take Root has already begun land University’s Varner Hall,” that progresses slowly in most expanding its reach and provid- Ali Werner, the Co-Director and people. Most patients will not ing services to a larger piece of Co-Founder of Take Root said. show symptoms for years and the community. This past Sep- The initial success of the can live with the disease for an tember began weekly classes at first class, which drew over 40 extended period of time. the Older Person’s Commission participants, began the monthly A person’s brain slowly in Rochester, and plans to start sessions that are still open to stops producing dopamine. As more class sessions at The Box- the public today. levels of dopamine decrease, ing Rink in Troy this summer “We have been holding a person’s ability to regulate are in progress. the free of charge class one movements, body function and “We laugh in every class,” Saturday a month ever since,” emotions decrease too. Woerner said. “We have created Woerner said. “The Dance for The incorporation of exer- a support group within these Parkinson’s Disease classes are cises that combat common classes that lends to the positive unique because they provide symptoms and problem points mentality of those living with awareness and connection not is what allows Dance for Parkin- PD.

8 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com Life MTD presents “Wiley and the Hairy Man”

Connor McNeely Sharpe calls it a coming of age Campus Editor story. “You definitely see the arch of he Department of Music, [Wiley] growing into a man and Theatre and Dance took to I think since I’m older I look at it TVarner Recital Hall on Fri- from a more mature perspective day, May 19, Sunday, May 21 and but seeing the fact that he has an Friday, June 9 with its production absent father, he has to figure out of “Wiley And The Hairy Man.” by himself what being a man en- Originally written by Suzan tails,” he said. “That’s my favorite Zeder, Oakland University’s ad- part about it – is that him becom- aptation of the folk tale is directed ing a man has nothing to do with by Associate Professor of theater societal norms, it’s just [Wiley] Lynnae Lehfeldt. While the titular facing his own fears.” role is played by Tony Sharpe, the According to Sharpe, his ap- monstrous Hairy Man is played by pearance in OU’s production of Brandon Wright. “In The Red And Brown Water” Nicole Morsfield / The Oakland Post Set in the southern bayous last year gave him a leg up on the In the swamp, Wiley encounters the Hairy Man who is responsible for his father’s death. of America, Wiley lives with his southern dialect as it was set in voodoo-practicing single mother, the geographical area as “Wiley.” bit floaty before but the costume geographic research. She said the intention was to Mammy. The swamp-residing Wright credits the Hairy Man helped keep me grounded.” “A lot of my research started give the set a timeless look. Hairy Man is responsible for the costume for helping him get into According to costume designer with looking at pictures of actual Sharpe hopes the message the loss of Wiley’s father and because character. Krystal Smoger, the Hairy Man people who lived in the bayou in audience takes away is that people of this, Wiley fears him greatly. “The costume sort of added an costume was made of a tunic (an New Orleans and other parts of are their own biggest obstacles. Throughout the play, Wiley seeks extra layer to [the character] and over garment without pants) cov- Louisiana and figuring out what “I hope that when people see help from his spell-summoning it added a sense of eeriness,” he ered with layers upon layers of sort of clothing did people wear this they get that they are fully in Mammy to protect him from The said. “It helped put weight to the scrap fabrics and gauze that has in those sorts of climates from the control of everything that hap- Hairy Man. Which he ultimately character too because as I was been dyed different colors. Wiley’s shoes to the jean-like materials,” pens in their life. Law of attrac- does himself. walking I realized I was a little costume, however, required some Smoger said. tion,” he said. NEW PAYMENT DUE DATES

Beginning with fall 2017, payment due dates for all semesters will be two to three weeks before the semester begins. If you do not pay your charges in full by the due date, you will be canceled* from all your classes and on-campus housing (if applicable).

Students canceled for not paying current semester charges can re-register for classes (based on space availability). Students canceled for not paying past semester charges can re-register (based on space availability) once the prior balance is paid in full. IMPORTANT FALL SEMESTER DATES • July 16, 2017 — fall tuition and housing charges posted • August 15, 2017 — fall payment due date

* Students who are canceled from classes will have their tuition charges reversed. Students who are canceled from housing will have their charges adjusted according to University Housing’s terms and conditions, available at oakland.edu/housing/policies-and-procedures/forms.

VIEW all payment and cancellation dates and LEARN how to avoid cancellation at oakland.edu/financialservices, then Payments & Refunds, then Payments & Cancellation.

9 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com Cover Story “This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.” Ora Hirsch Pescovitz becomes the second female president in OU history, scheduled to begin July 1

Shelby Tankersley / Editor-in-Chief Photography by Taylor Stinson / Photographer

A standing-room-only crowd at Oakland Uni- versity welcomed its seventh president, Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, with applause and cheers Thursday, May 4. She will become the second woman president of OU when she begins on July 1. She will earn $457,500 in the first year of a five-year contract. Pescovitz will replace George Hynd, who has served as OU’s president for the last three years. The national search for a replacement began shortly after September 2016 when Hynd’s contract was not renewed. The Board of Trus- tees narrowed the search down to Pescovitz and Carl Camden. “I think we were very transparent in this pro- cess,” Board of Trustee Chair Richard L. DeVore said. “We were open in the end just like we said we would be. We are convinced we found the right person.” Much like her open campus fo- rum, Pescovitz accepted the job sporting black, gold and an OU pin. She was met with a happy audience, DeVore hadn’t even finished making the announce- ment before the room erupted in applause. “I want to give extreme thanks for your confidence in me,” she said. “This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.” Pescovitz said she was happy to see students so involved in her selection process, especially the attendance at her open forum that took place dur- ing finals week. She said she is excit- ed to enter such a community. Her four goals are to achieve aca- demic excellence, make an afford- able education, apply student knowl- edge to solve problems and activating economic growth in OU’s communi- APRIL 17, 2017 Presidential finalist, Carl Camden, JUNE 5, 2017 hosted his forum in the Gold George Hynd had his last Rooms of the Oakland Center. Board of Trustees meeting A QUICK LOOK AT THE as the university president.

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH APRIL 20, 2017 SEPT. 29, 2017 Pescovitz’s presidential forum The following is a timeline of the events The Board of Trustees took place in the OC. leading up to Pescovitz’s first official day announced that it will not renew George W. Hynd’s FEB. 24, 2017 as Oakland’s president. The last day for presidential contract. MAY 4, 2017 applications to be submitted. The Board of Trustees announced that Pescovitz will be the seventh president of OU.

10 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com “This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.” Ora Hirsch Pescovitz becomes the second female president in OU history, scheduled to begin July 1

Shelby Tankersley / Editor-in-Chief Photography by Taylor Stinson / Photographer

ty: what she called the four A’s. She also wants How much does a university president make? the campus to get to know her and her family. “I look forward to getting to know the students Compiled by AuJenee Hirsch / Chief Copy Editor personally,” she said. “I believe the university is Infographic by Marcella Banner / Graphic Designer for the students.” Pescovitz wants to hold quarterly meetings with students in student-centered places on campus like the OC to hear about their con- cerns. And despite her medical background, she looks forward to working with the arts- based departments. Because she has been with Eli Lilly since 2014, Pescovitz addressed some of the concern facul- ty expressed in having a business person be the president of a university in a survey. She plans to use her business experience and 21 years of academic experience to make her mark on OU. “There are many lessons from industry are relevant to academia,” she said. “For example, I learned some things about running a meet- ing more efficiently from being in the business. I’m not going to turn Oakland University into a business, but I have learned things that will help.” Her first goal is to learn to do her job well so she can best serve the university. “I may be going to president school,” Pescovitz said. “Even though I’m 60-years-old and I’ve Salary been at a lot of schools, I’ve never been a presi- $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 dent. So I’m going to be doing lots of learning.” $700,000 Some of that learning will come from her tran- sition with Hynd. When she takes office on July, she will begin transitioning with Hynd until he leaves office on August 14. Mark Schlissel ($772,500) At the Board of Trustees meeting on June 5, Pescovitz was present via phone. This meeting Lou Anna Simpson ($750,000) was Hynd’s last and was transitional in their presidencies. The meeting decided a 3.74 per- M. Roy Wilson ($497,000) cent tuition increase that Pescovitz will admin- ister. Her first BOT meeting will be on August 7, Ora Hirsch Pescovitz ($457,000) nearly a month after she has been in office. Edward B. Montgomery ($450,000)

George E. Ross ($450,000) JUNE 5, 2017 George Hynd had his last James M. Smith ($400,000) Board of Trustees meeting as the university president. JULY 1, 2017 David L. Eisler ($351,931) Pescovitz’s first day as Oakland’s president. Glenn D. Mroz ($344,000)

University Presidents University Donald Bachand ($27500) Thomas J. Haas ($273,794)

Fritz Erickson ($220,000)

www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 11 Perspectives The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”— fifth installment sinks an already wrecked ship

Trevor Tyle As always, Johnny Depp and Geof- Staff Intern frey Rush deliver with their respective portrayals of Jack Sparrow and Hector This review contains plot spoilers. Barbossa, which is surely one of the few elements keeping the franchise afloat. ince its debut in 2003, Disney’s Javier Bardem also offers a solid per- “Pirates of the Caribbean” fran- formance as the film’s antagonist, Cap- Schise has become one of the most tain Salazar—though he doesn’t come successful film franchises of all time. close to previous villain Davy Jones. The franchise’s most recent install- Both Bloom and Knightley reprise their ment, “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” further roles, albeit briefly. Unfortunately, their proved this with its triumph over the return is far too brief, but remains one Memorial Day weekend box office. The of the few truly enjoyable moments in film has made over $500 million so far. the film. The acting is one of the film’s However, despite its commercial suc- strongest offerings, sans a bizarre and cess, the latest “Pirates” film has thrown pointless cameo from Paul McCartney. the franchise even deeper into its con- Despite some stellar performances, tinued downward spiral. there are far too many character mo- When the original “Pirates” trilogy tives to keep track of, creating an un- concluded ten years ago, it came to a necessarily complicated storyline fitting end, bringing closure to most of whose introduction wastes the first half the major characters’ story arcs. But in- of the film away. stead of letting a good thing die, Disney Once the film is done failing at copy- Courtesy of IMDb continued with the franchise without ing its predecessors, it starts stealing “Pirates” veteran Johnny Depp and newcomer Brenton Thwaites on set of “Pirates of the director Gore Verbinski and perma- schticks from other successful franchis- Caribbean: Dead Men Tell on Tales.” nently tainted it with not one, but two es—most notably “Star Wars.” No, there sequels that have fallen short of its pre- aren’t any lightsabers or space battles, decessors. but there is a shocking—and somewhat “Dead Men Tell No Tales” should forced—revelation regarding the con- be given some credit. It had little to nection between two characters, result- work with, following up “On Stranger ing in the slightly detrimental humani- Tides,” which is so bad that it’s almost zation of an otherwise strong character. completely irrelevant to the rest of the Needless to say, “Dead Men Tell No franchise. However, in undoing its pre- Tales” has some serious flaws. Fans FREE OU T-SHIRT decessor’s mistakes, “Dead Men Tell of the franchise will most likely enjoy No Tales” plays it safe, acting as a bad the film, but will be unable to over- when you open your new rehash of the near-perfect first “Pirates” look some of its major issues. Though OU Credit Union account by film, “The Curse of the Black Pearl.” the final act—especially the must-see Newcomers Henry (Brenton post-credits scene—redeems some of Thwaites) and Carina (Kaya Scodelario) the film’s shortcomings, it still lacks work as strong additions to the series the straightforwardness and fun of the if you can look past their similarities original trilogy. to Will (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Is “Dead Men Tell No Tales” awful? (Keira Knightley), the protagonists No, but it’s far from good. Thankfully, of the original trilogy. This shouldn’t the film’s resolution gives Disney the come as a complete surprise, though, potential to make a fantastic sixth—and 9.8.17 as Henry is Will and Elizabeth’s son, hopefully final—installment. However, determined to free his father of a curse without the direction of Gore Verbin- Visit oucreditunion.org/students brought upon him in the third film, “At ski and the starring roles of Bloom and World’s End” Of course, he has the help Knightley, Disney might as well aban- to open your account today! of Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow. don ship now. Rating:

Federally insured 2.5/5 stars by NCUA T-shirt available while supplies last. First come, first served. New student must open a new account in order to receive free T-shirt. T-shirt will be mailed within 5-7 business days after new student account is opened online or over the phone.

12 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com The views expressed in Perspectives do not Perspectives necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post. Political focus: The Paris Climate Agreement fter much debate and The President’s rhetoric in describ- Inslee announced the formation of the United States division in both the ing the climate deal also seems a bit Climate Alliance. ATrump Administra- extreme, as he states that the agree- After this announcement, the governors of Con- tion and congress, Presi- ment would have “draconian finan- necticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Or- dent Trump has announced cial and economic burdens” on the egon, Hawaii and Virginia all announced their states plans to formally withdraw United States. However, the emission will be joining the alliance as well. All states joining from the Paris Climate standards of the Paris Agreement are pledging support behind the climate agreement Agreement. As is the case have no legal bindings and only re- and are focused on upholding the environmental for most things our bum- quire the United States to report its standards put forward by the agreement. bling “President” does, the carbon emissions, which it may revise However, on June 2, The Washington Post brought rest of the world and a ma- if it turns out to be too economically up an important question about the alliance poten- jority of the country strongly burdening. tially violating the “Constitution’s interstate compacts disagreed with him. Renewable energy also employs clause”. Essentially this clause prohibits states from Trump’s decision to leave more people in the United States than entering into an agreement with other states and for- the Paris agreement goes any other form of energy according eign powers without the approval of congress, which against some of his clos- to a report by the Sierra Club. This is this alliance seems to have done. est advisors, including his John Bozick compared to coal which, according to Yet, given the the fact that the alliance is no more daughter Ivanka Trump and Web Editor a study by the Department of Energy, than a week old, it’s tough to say whether or not it Secretary of State Rex Tiller- saw a 39 percent decrease in overall would be violating the parameters of this clause, as son. Prominent business leaders such as Elon Musk, employment since 2009. In just the last year, coal has it is still unclear as to what exactly the alliance plans the CEO of Tesla and Solar City, and Goldman Sachs seen a 24 percent decline in overall job growth. on doing. More time is needed to see if the alliance is CEO Lloyd Blankfein also voiced distaste for the pres- The President’s announcement also did not stop indeed constitutional. ident’s move. many states from saying they will still adhere to the In the long run, President Trump’s decision seems President Trump was open to renegotiating the agreement, a move that could pit the states against like more of a middle finger to the rest of the world deal with our European allies. However, this move the federal government. instead of to a smart economic move. Not only does was shot down within minutes when the leaders of Shortly after the President’s announcement, Cali- it isolate the United States from its traditional Euro- France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement fornia Governor Jerry Brown, New York Governor pean Allies, but it also hands over and entirely new where they called the deal “irreversible” Andrew Cuomo and Washington State Governor Jay job market to the European Union and China.

www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 13 Perspectives The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post. My worst nightmare

Amanda Buchanan But it did. To me. Every day, the flashbacks continued as I ran into him Contributor He was given a one day suspension. in the hallway. I wanted to hide from the feelings that My mother is what it took to make it five. Her “over were eating me alive. This article describes sexual-assault and its emotional protective mom powers” came out. The principal’s He knew my schedule. There was no place to run. aftermath. Reader discretion is advised. hands trembled as my mom did what the school board Prom was cut two hours short. Because everywhere I should have done: got involved. looked, he appeared in the distance. Staring, and may- owerless. I never wanted to step foot in that school again. When be not at me. But in my mind, I couldn’t get away. I had Denial. the principal found out that I was transferring, he re- to get out of there. P Guilt. duced my class schedule. All I had was three classes left As the legal case began, I was constantly reminded of Embarrassment. to graduate. I loved school. Why would I only want to that fateful day. I didn’t have the strength to face him in Fear. come to school for three hours? I lost valuable time in court. I gave him a plea deal and he was charged with Anxiety. my own education. fourth degree sexual criminal conduct. Most of all: anger. Senior year was supposed to be made of laughs, No sexual assault story is alike. Our wounds need to These emotions overwhelmed me the day I was sexu- smiles, and the year to make all the farewell memories. be healed, our stories need to be understood, and our ally assaulted. My senior year was nothing like that. I cried more than I words need to be heard. Sexual assault is often painted in a way that makes smiled. My positive memories turned into a nightmare. it the girl’s fault. But that was not my case. In fact, I was wearing not-too-tight flared jeans and a blue long sleeve shirt that reached up to my neck. Surprising, right? The flashbacks are vivid. I see a place that was sup- posed to keep me safe but was the opposite. This place, which was supposed to be full of fun memories, be- came a source of the worst experience. It is the worst memory of my life. This place, my high school, looms large and ominous in my mind. It was not a typical school day. It was the day before winter break and I was in charge of my first anti-bully campaign, a movie day. Through fundraising and the admission price I raised $300 for Know Resolve, an or- ganization working to reduce youth suicides. What was supposed to be a good day is lost in the ugliness that followed. He was a friend, one I’d known since ninth grade. I trusted him. In the control booth of the school’s auditorium, I was excited for the movie to start. He was there with me. “Break up with your boyfriend. I will treat you better.” His hands overpowered me. I was trapped. Pushed up against a table, I was unable to find enough strength to push him off me. Helpless, scared and speechless, I realized I wasn’t a victim of bullying but of sexual as- sault. I wanted to scream. I wanted to fight back. I wanted my friend that stood right next to us to make him stop. I wanted the 200 people that sat two feet from the wall that my body was pushed against, to stop him. But my body froze and the words that filled my mouth were gone. Embarrassment filled my head. I did not want any- one to find out. Instead of pushing him off of me, my friend later made the situation worse. She confronted the principal, and in that moment my bad dream be- came reality. “He admitted that he was wrong but it’s all up to you. If you go to the cops, we will suspend him. If not, we aren’t going to.” Why was that my choice? Isn’t that supposed to be their decision? New emotions filled my mind. He was getting away with harming my emotional well-being. But I didn’t matter. All that mattered was the school’s reputation. Sexual assault can’t happen at their school. Infographic by Marcella Banner / The Oakland Post

14 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com Perspectives The views expressed in Perspectives do not necessarily represent those of The Oakland Post. Pilot: A flightless bird ‘Alien: Covenant’- A promis- ing prequel or a sci-fi reality? played it safe, filling “Covenant” with action sequences that boast intensity almost too reminiscent of Waverly Labs’ Pilot attempts to break lan- the first two installments. guage barriers . Although initially controversial, opting to eliminate the previously established protagonist of “Pro- metheus” in favor of Katherine Wa- nication, not the meaningful terston, a new character Daniels, use of nuanced language.” proved to be one of the filmmakers’ Pilot lacks in translating best decisions. Waterston is known subtleties like humor, sar- for her role in “Fantastic Beasts and casm, accents and multiple Where to Find Them” as Porpentina pronunciations of a single Goldstein. Though Michael Fass- word. Translating isn’t as bender received universal praise for black and white as it may his dual portrayal of androids David seem. and Walter, which was indeed phe- Photo Courtesy of Waverly Labs Even on the Waverly Labs nomenal, Waterston’s performance website, the ad features a non-nat- is equally impressive. “Covenant” Shane Grodzicki ural rendition of French into Eng- does a subpar job in establishing Contributor lish, translating the word parlez into her character, though the film’s final “talk” when the speaker intends to Photo Courtesy of IMBD act briefly allows her to shine in a n the ever-intermingling age of say “I can hear you speak French.” “Alien: Covenant” is the newest film to sequence evoking the strength and global commerce, a new technol- Matthew Tucker, a professor of join the famous franchise’s ranks. fearlessness of Sigourney Weaver’s Iogy is aiming to take flight this linguistics at Oakland University, Ripley, the iconic heroine of the summer, and it’s one that could soar agrees that the technology is not Trevor Tyle original “Alien” films. well beyond the obstacles of lan- tried and true. Staff Intern However, as Fassbender’s Walter guage. “It is always going to be only as notes in “Covenant’s” second act, For what could be a giant leap in good as the statistical models it em- hirty-eight years ago, Ridley “One wrong note eventually ruins worldwide understanding, Pilot is a ploys in the app for machine trans- TScott quite literally grabbed the the entire symphony.” Unfortunate- wearable earpiece allegedly able to lation and speech synthesis,” Tucker attention of audiences everywhere ly, this is too accurate in describing translate conversations in real time said. with the release of his sci-fi/horror the amount of time the film spends between various language speakers. Despite the suggestion of the web- classic, “Alien.” The film would go trying to resolve issues created by According to Waverly Labs’ web- site, because the statistical models on to establish a hugely successful “Prometheus.” The film’s overbear- site, the designers of Pilot, “Being are not perfect, Pilot will likely be ill- franchise, though in recent years it ing reliance on gore quickly be- lost in translation has happened to fitted for encounters between busi- has struggled to achieve the critical comes a weak effort to stay relevant everyone, today it’s history.” ness professionals depending on success of its first two releases. With in the horror genre it was distanced The company said it has sold over communicating subtleties. the release of 2012’s “Prometheus,” from by its predecessor. Thematical- twenty-two thousand units and “What I see as an actual break- the first in a series of prequels to the ly, “Covenant” is tainted by Scott’s raised $4.5 million through crowd- through for this technology is the way original film, fans were left with lit- unnecessary philosophical back- funding. in which it could be used in natural tle hope for the series’ future, but stories, which feel out-of-place in a Founder and CEO of Waverly Labs, disasters, emergency rooms, for first with “Alien: Covenant,” that hope film series that came to prominence Andrew Ochoa, said it all started responders, [and] for ESL students in may finally be restored. without needing this sort of intel- when he met a French woman and the classroom,” Walker Cote said. The “Alien” franchise’s storylines lectual depth—it leaves audiences shared great difficulty in overcoming Although Pilot lacks in various have always been essentially indis- feeling more confused than enter- the language barriers in their rela- capabilities, statistical translation is tinguishable—a space crew falls tained. tionship. becoming very sophisticated; mod- victim to a ferocious extraterrestrial It seems unlikely that any of the Although the wearable earpiece ern humans may even see language species in need1/4 of human hosts page to franchise’s future ad offerings will even is the first of its kind, powered by barriers become a thing of the past. foster their offspring. Although the come close to the quality of the orig- speech recognition software, text Pilot is selling for $250 and is ex- premise works for the series’ first inal two; however, “Alien: Covenant” translation, and text-to-speech syn- pected this coming fall. two films, it quickly becomes a vi- brings back the action, excitement thesis, the technology is not com- The technology will feature Eng- cious and predictable cycle that and horror that its recent predeces- pletely innovative. lish, French, Spanish, Italian and leaves audiences asking, “How sors have lacked. Though far from In fact, Waverly Labs admits that Portuguese, with Germanic, Slovak, many times can this be done well?” perfect, “Alien: Covenant” is defi- some of the technology going into Asian and African languages prom- Despite “Covenant’s” inevitably nitely a step in the right direction. Pilot has already been created and is ised to follow. unoriginal storyline, screenwriters licensed to other companies. As Pilot comes to the scene, con- did their best in creating something Rating: 3.5/5 stars “The translation industry has used sumers are either going to find new and exciting from the weak various types of translation software another fluke played up by over- material they were left with from and technology for decades now,” zealous advertising, or the ful- the pervious film, “Prometheus.” In said Oakland University professor of fillment of a sci-fi dream proph- their efforts to fix the many flaws Spanish, Holly Walker Cote, “the goal esied by “Star Trek” and “The of “Prometheus,” the filmmakers of this device is functional commu- Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 15 Satire Summertime destination madness Simon Albaugh 6.) Ocean City, Maryland Social Media Editor Did somebody say lobster and but- ter? Well, I’m allergic. Thanks for be- re you feeling extreme emo- ing so insensitive. tional distress? Failing-ori- This Atlantic Ocean city boasts A ented feelings of paranoia? one of the greatest boardwalk expe- Major-related identity dysphoria? riences in America. So whenever you If one or more of the above is a di- drop your keys or your phone, they rect result of finals stress, then may- go through the cracks, never to be be you need a vacation. seen again. So, The Oakland Post has created a The innumerable businesses and list of seven exotic summer destina- attractions should keep your mind tions armed to the teeth with a psych off your grade point average long ward on standby. Because, you know, enough to really enjoy yourself. But finals. make sure not to go during their des- ignated “Senior Week,” when recent 7.) Mackinac Island, Michigan high school graduates come to enjoy That’s right, we’re starting with our the location. motherland of a state. We’re famous However, if you do go, don’t har- Photo Illustration by Marcella Banner / The Oakland Post for our cherries, lack of any wild ass them and tell them that they are Don’t let your grades drive you into a padded cell this summer. state-animal specimen and a shit- so naïve for growing up and thinking amounts of weed. I’m not trying to tell around the streets asking why the load of car companies. But what most that college will be fun. Don’t throw you what to do, but maybe hold off Japanese felt the need to do horrible people don’t realize is that we also rocks at them and try to explain to on the psychedelics scene. Or don’t. acts. That’s a great way to put you in have an international treasure just a the police that it’s a metaphor for I honestly don’t know how psyche- a psychiatric hospital. 20-minute boat ride away. life that they need to learn as soon as delics work. Mackinac Island is known for try- possible. 2.) Dubai, The United Arab ing to seem like it doesn’t know what If you find yourself in that situa- 4.) Virginia Beach, Virginia Emirates a car is. But don’t ask a tourism am- tion, count yourself lucky that Balti- The land of the free and home of If you’re rich, this is the place bassador why there are no cars. It’s more has more young adult psychiat- the brave belongs to number four on for you. You know those pictures of an international conspiracy used ric hospitals than you can count. our list. This wonderful place is best golden Ferraris and platinum AK- to immerse tourists in the experi- known for its simultaneous position 47’s? This is where they come from. ence. I once saw a naked man run- 5.) Amsterdam, the Netherlands as the home of original American set- Dubai is famous for its ridiculous ning through the streets yelling “Cars You know what doesn’t help direct- tlers and the locale of a girls gone wild amount of wealth and prosperity exist! Cars exist!” He was promptly ly after a period of high stress? Psych- “top ten college party spot.” So, you that WILL collapse because all of its tazed and taken off the island. edelics, which are totally legal in the can throw up in the same place that a money comes from oil and violating Maybe he was brought to Che- Netherlands. pilgrim lived! basic human rights of minority eth- boygan Mich., where the area’s psy- This place obviously has its share of But what this place lacks in morals, nic groups. chiatric center treats a variety of be- psychedelic truffle-related emergen- it makes up in charm. 400,000 call this Luxury shopping and a great night havioral issues and cognitive effects. cies. With this intensely cerebral na- resort town home and they have psy- life are just some of the beautiful Or maybe he’s being brainwashed by ture of such emergencies, there needs chiatric problems after watching the things that come from this Persian the Mackinac tourist industry. We’ll to be a good place for those people to gross things tourists do. Gulf city. It also homes of one of the never know for sure. get help. So, when you realize what horri- only indoor ski resorts in the world. So, go ahead and enjoy the copious ble choices you’ve made in Virginia You can ski inside after you literally Beach, VA, you can go to the Virginia just watched a foreign construction Beach Psychiatric Center. The only worker getting shot in the street. place with an ocean view from psy- If the PTSD doesn’t get you, then FREE Pregnancy Tests chotherapy rooms. the PDA (public display of affection) FREE Limited Ultrasounds may. That’s right, you can be sent FREE STD Testing and Treatment 3.) Tokyo, Japan to a psychiatric hospital for kissing This is the most exotic destination, someone. We won’t think you’re cra- ~ Comprehensive with culture brimming from every zy, but we’re not the ones that gov- ~ Confidential noodle shop and sushi bar. Famous ern Dubai. ~ Caring for Anthony Bourdain’s transforma- tion into an international celebrity, 1.)Hawaii and, you know, Pearl Harbor. This is Don’t think about the volcanoes. p ~ 248.293.0070 www.crossroadspregnancy.org a great place to get culture shock. Don’t think about the volcanoes. (Appointment preferred) e ~ [email protected] Many wealthy ex-patriots know If there’s anything I’ve learned, this place well. Its charming streets it’s that the world is a horrible place. and safe environment turn the city But a little vacation to one of these streets into a playground. Until you places can make everything seem suddenly remember The Nanking better. Or it can make it all worse. Massacre. Just don’t think about this stuff. If you’re anything like me and Drown your real feelings in ignorant hold a grudge about things that lit- bliss because the world doesn’t need erally have nothing to do with you, more sad people. Now, enjoy your then you’re going to start running summer.

16 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com Sports Associate athletic trainer steps down due to ALS Tom Ford has been with the Golden Grizzlies since 1988, vows to battle Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Skylar Tolfree ble can celebrate Ford’s legacy. Sports Editor There has been an outpour of public support on social media. akland University’s Tom Ford Many athletes and alumni have Orecently announced that he been sending Ford encouraging will be stepping down from his tweets, and well wishes. Many duties as Associate Athletic Train- will miss seeing him around cam- er. On Saturday, May 13, Ford told pus. the public that he is stepping down due to being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclero- “I’m not going any- sis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. where and I plan on Ford has been with OU since battling this difficult Nowshin Chowdhury / The Oakland Post 1988 and is widely known and This season, Kampe will be entering his 34th year with Oakland’s men’s basketball team. loved by many on campus. He disease with every has worked primarily with men’s basketball, women’s soccer, and challenge it gives me.” the men’s and women’s golf Men’s basketball coach will be inducted teams. Tom Ford During his time at Oakland, Former Associate Athletic to Michigan’s Sports Hall of Fame Ford was honored with the title of Trainer 2012 Michigan Athletic Trainer’s Distinguished Athletic Trainer for Men’s basketball coach humbly receives historic achievement after 33 his efforts. But, he plans to fight the ALS years, responds by continuing to volunteer with Coaches Beat Cancer Since Ford’s work at OU was with all he has. done primarily with the men’s “I’m not going anywhere and I basketball team, he has devel- plan on battling this difficult dis- Skylar Tolfree During his career at Oak- saying he values the time he has oped lasting relationships with ease with every challenge it gives Sports Editor land, Kampe has helped lead spent learning from Kampe. the team and coach. Men’s bas- me,” Ford said in an interview the men’s basketball team to six “This is an amazing opportu- ketball coach Greg Kampe spoke with Athletics. n recent weeks, Oakland championships in the past 14 nity, it’s once in a lifetime,” he very highly of Ford in an interview The news of the illness was a University’s men’s basket- years. He also was involved in said. “It speaks a lot about him with Oakland University Athlet- complete shock to Ford and his Iball head coach Greg Kampe helping to get the men’s team as a person. To be coached by ics, calling Ford “a legend among family, but they are not letting it was elected to the Michigan from division two to division him is an amazing opportunity.” the student athletes,” and also get their spirits down. Ford and Sports Hall of Fame. He will be one. Kampe has been humble in stated that he “is indebted to Ford his family will continue to live in Oakland’s second member in He is known by fans as the the time after the announce- for his service and will always be Rochester and he plans to volun- the Hall of Fame, the first be- hardcore coach who spends ment. Between disbelief and there for him.” teer with the ALS Association. ing swimming and diving head every game on his feet, direct- shock, he commented to press Kampe posted on his Twitter as “He is always welcome within coach Pete Hovland, who was ing his team in his trademark in a video posted by the Detroit well, saying, “Dec. 9 is Tom Ford these walls and we owe him and inducted in 2016. shouting and over-the-top hand Free Press, “I’d be lying if I said Day at the O’Rena.” He also asked his family a debt of gratitude.” This year’s class also includes motions. But to the team, he is it didn’t make me step back and for alumni and others to sell out Athletics Director Jeff Konya told Mitch Albom, Jon Jansen, Jim known as the teacher and men- say ‘oh my god.’ Yeah, I’m very the O’Rena so as many as possi- Athletics. Leyland, Dean Look, Andre Ri- tor who helps make them the lucky.” son, Dennis Rodman and Jalen players they are. Senior guard Martez Walker Rose. They will be inducted at When the news broke that said the accomplishment marks a ceremony held in the Max M. Kampe had been elected to the a milestone for not only Kampe, Fisher Music Theatre on Friday, hall of fame, Oakland forward but Oakland as well. Sept. 15. Jalen Hayes reached out to “This is something special for Kampe has been with the Kampe to congratulate him. As him, and our team,” he said. men’s basketball team for 33 a player who started every game In his character, Kampe years and starting next season last season, he has experienced spent the days after the an- it will be 34 years. He shows no first-hand what working hard nouncement volunteering in signs of slowing down or step- with Kampe can do to a player’s his Coaches Beat Cancer event. ping back. With three of his game. This year’s event raised around players moving on to the NBA “34 years is a while,” Hayes $180,000 for the American Can- and him leading a record-set- said. “I’ve been lucky to be a cer Society. Kampe organized ting team, Kampe is a force to part of that for the past four or the event and he as well as 11 be reckoned with. Though the five years.” of his coaching peers, includ- team’s roster changes every Kendrick Nunn, a senior ing Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, Jose Juarez / Photo Courtesy of Oakland University Athletics year, he is the constant pres- guard on the team is also proud spent the day with cancer pa- Tom Ford was a major asset to many of Oakland’s varsity athletics teams ence for the team and fans. of his coach’s accomplishment, tients at Beaumont Hospital. including men’s basketball, women’s soccer and men and women’s golf. www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 17 Sports Golden Grizzlies met challenges in baseball and softball tournaments

Shelby Tankersley Editor-in-Chief

akland university’s baseball and softball teams recently qual- Oified for and competed in their respective Horizon League tournaments. Neither team walked away with trophies, but both made good plays throughout.

Softball spends short time in tournament

Oakland Softball started the Horizon League tournament as the No. 6 seed. The tournament ended the college careers of seniors Erin Kownacki, Sydney Hasslebach, Lyndsay Hill, Lydia Peplinski, Lauren Meed, Abbey Walewski and Kaley Waalkes. The team’s first game was against No. 3 seed Valparaiso Univer- sity (Valpo). After a three-hour rain delay, the game was short- ened due to heavy rain and lasted just four innings. Oakland end- Photo Courtesy of Olympia Entertainment ed up losing 1-0 with two hits. Little Caesars Arena will be open in September 2017 and will house both Red Wings and Pistons sporting events. On May 11, Oakland fell to its long-time rival, University of Detroit Mercy. Pitcher Kownacki pitched a solid game with five strikeouts in just over three innings. Devon Smith hit Oakland’s only run of the game in the team’s loss of 4-1.

Oakland University’s men’s basketball Baseball fights hard into the semifinals will take on MSU at Little Caesars Arena The Golden Grizzlies defeated Youngstown State University 7-5 and 8-6 in a doubleheader on May 14 to secure a spot in the Hori- zon League Tournament. This marked the beginning of the team Dec. 16 marks Oakland’s annual men’s basketball game against MSU at new arena, redeeming itself after a rough regular season. players are excited for the privilege to play on same floor as Detroit professionals The Golden Grizzlies entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed. The tournament served as a farewell to this year’s graduating class included Tyle Pagano, Tyler Janish and Zach Sterry. Skylar Tolfree game being so close, both the team and head In its tournament opener, Oakland beat No. 4 seed Valpo 6-4 Sports Editor coach Greg Kampe want a win. thanks to key-player Pagano, who went 3-for-5. The game was a Senior Martez Walker said that he is very confi- turning point for the Golden Grizzlies as it was the team’s first akland University men’s basketball will dent going into the faceoff and is looking forward tournament win since the 2012 season. be taking on Michigan State University at to a great game. After losing out in the first round Following the good momentum, the team crushed No. 3 seed Othe new Little Caesars Arena in downtown of the Horizon League tournament as the No. 1 Northern Kentucky University 12-5 on May 25. Pitcher Con- Detroit. seed, the team has work ahead of them. But Oak- nor Fanning only gave two hits in the six innings he threw. Matt The teams have the privilege of playing in the land is determined to come back strong. DiLeo and Mike McGee were also key players, scoring four runs arena set to replace both the Joe Louis Arena “I’m excited to see where we go with the team between them. This game was also monumental for the team, it and the Palace of Auburn Hills in its historic first coming back from last year,” Walker said. was the first time Oakland won multiple tournament games since season. The arena will seat 20,000 during hockey With the loss of Kay Felder and Sherron Dors- 2000 when it was still a member of the Summit League. games and 21,000 during basketball games. ey-Walker in the last few years, winning is up to Later that day, the Grizzlies fell to No. 1 seed University of Il- Little Caesar’s Arena will be the new home of the team’s new upperclassmen. Jalen Hayes, a linois at Chicago (UIC) 8-0, ending the winning streak. Jake Dahl- the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons and is senior on the team, is hoping this game will give berg, UIC pitcher and Horizon League Pitcher of the Year, shutout also expected to host big names in music like Kid the Golden Grizzlies a chance to best MSU before Oakland in the seven innings he threw. With no runs, the Griz- Rock, Imagine Dragons and Ed Sheeran after it he has to hang-up his Oakland jersey for good at zlies moved on to what would be its final game of the season. opens on Sept. 17. the end of the season. Wright State defeated Oakland 12-4 in the semifinals round, The game is set to be a doubleheader, with “I’m really, really excited,” he said. “It’ll be ending Oakland’s time in the tournament. Wright State would go Oakland taking on MSU and the University of nice to play MSU on a mutual court. This will be on to lose the championship to UIC 4-2. The game was UIC’s 39th Michigan taking on Detroit Mercy. These match- good for the city. I’m looking forward to a chance victory of the season. ups are sure to draw crowds, and bring out the to knock MSU before I graduate.” college rivalries all around Detroit. With two ri- Every time Oakland takes on MSU the games valries in the house, the games are expected to are hyperintense and crowd-pleasing. This keeps be heated. spectators on the edge of their seats until the fi- Oakland has gone up again MSU 15 times and nal buzzer. fallen short every time, the most recent being in “It’s going to be an amazing game both to play 2016 at MSU’s Breslin Center. Nonetheless, it is and watch,” Kendrick Nunn, a senior on the team, expected to be a thrilling match-up, especially if said. “MSU has always been one of my rivals.” it is anything like the 2015 game in which Oak- With pre-season games and over a month of land narrowly fell to the Spartans 99-93. In the regular season before the faceoff, the Grizzlies sold out game, Oakland led for most of the match have plenty of time to warm up before the team Nowshin Chowdhury / The Oakland Post until falling behind in overtime. Despite the last attempts to defeat the Spartans for the first time. Oakland baseball fell to Wright State in the Horizon League Tournament.

18 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com Sports

Williams’ host family surprised him with a plane ticket to Liberia. “I was very shocked and surprised “Every time I see kids selling when I found out,” he said. “It was something on the streets and it’s just unreal.” school time, it hurts me deeply. Williams left for Liberia on April Some families cannot afford to 26 and returned on May 13. At the send kids to school. The amount beginning of his trip, Williams spent it costs for a kid to go to school time seeing relatives he has not seen [in Africa] is not much at all in years. There was a detour to Gha- compared to if a kid went to na and also places in Liberia with a private school here. I wish I family members that Williams has not seen in over a decade. could pay for every kid’s tuition.” “It was amazing to be around family,” he said. “It was something Wilfred Williams I needed for myself, personally, to Senior soccer player mentally just focus on soccer and school. I guess you could say I was homesick, so I definitely needed this before my senior year of college.” Besides seeing family and being at families faced. home, Williams also wanted to give “I partnered up with a local soccer back to his old community and help team to help these kids pay for tui- Photo Courtesy of Wilfred Williams with a local soccer team, the Paynes- tion as long as they are on the team Williams raised money to fund the education of the Liberian kids from the Paynesville Young ville Young Star Football Club. and as long as their grades are up,” Star Football Club. One major difference between he said. “My goal for them is to just America and Africa, Williams re- focus on playing soccer and school. calls, is the school system. The money their families were going There are two different times to pay for their tuition can now go Williams with a when children can go to school. towards providing for their family.” There is a morning session and Williams spent a total of $800 on afternoon session. Between these the children. The money went to- two sessions, children can be seen wards tuition and equipment for mission in Liberia working in the streets to get money the soccer team. Williams also gave for their tuition or for their house- some of the money he raised to peo- hold. ple he just saw on the streets. Oakland soccer player pays tuition for and supports “It really hits you,” Williams said. “The best part of my trip was play- “When you’re [in America] it’s ille- ing soccer with Paynesville Young kids soccer team in Liberia. gal for kids to work until they’re 14 Star Football Club,” Williams said. or 15, and when they do work they “Another thing we [in America] take Katie LaDuke in 2014, Williams became a full-time get paid good money. Some people for granted is the field and facil- Staff Reporter intern for the summer. over there only get $69 for the entire ity conditions. [In Africa] we would Following that summer, Williams month.” play on dirt with hills, and these kids Wilfred Williams, a transfer stu- went back to One7 around the holi- In Liberia, there are public and were just amazing. They were just so dent last year from Eastern Florida day season in 2014 and 2015. During private schools. However, pub- focused and driven. It reminded me State University, finished his first this time, Williams donated presents lic schools in Africa are often very how much I love the game.” season as a defender for Oakland he received from family and friends overcrowded where children are In fall 2017, Williams will finish University soccer in the fall of 2016. to the children at the ministry. not given the best quality of educa- his bachelor’s degree in Integrated Williams was born in Liberia, Africa For the 2016 holiday season, Wil- tion. With private schools, families Studies. After graduation, he still and came to America when he was liams decided he wanted to do need to pay tuition to attend. Even if wants to help raise money and vol- 10 years old to live with his uncle in something different by spending a children are allowed to go to school, unteer, and he hopes to take all of Tennessee. whole day of just having fun with the some families may not be able to af- his experience from his travels to “My mom wanted me to come [to kids. To do this, Williams set a goal ford it or keep up with payments of impact the lives of others. America] to get a better education of raising $2,000 so he could take the tuition. “My job now is to fundraise for and better life. At that time in Libe- 20 to 25 children out for the entire Seeing how so many people take PYSFC,” Williams said. “Right now ria and most parts of Africa, there day. This holiday shopping project education for granted, Williams we have 36 players on the team that were a lot of struggles,” he said. “The became one of Williams’ bigger ser- decided he wanted to help pay for were selected. For these 36 players, I education is good, but it’s not great, vice projects with his short time at some children’s tuition while he was will be looking for people or families so my mom wanted me to come here Oakland. in Liberia. Before his trip, Williams to help support and sponsor them. so I could get a better future.” “I made a GoFundMe page to raise started another GoFundMe page Each year I would love to do that.” While living with his uncle, Wil- money to take some kids shopping,” where he raised a total of $1,000. Williams knows that a lot of peo- liams started getting involved with he said. “When I came to college I As he went around to various ple promise children in Liberia volunteer and service opportunities. knew I wanted to do something, so schools in Liberia to check up on things but never follow through Through his club soccer team, Wil- I started doing fundraising to get kids, he noticed that tuition went with those promises or go back. He liams became affiliated with One7 Christmas presents for the kids at up and many children could not pay vows to never do that and will try his Ministry, a non-profit organisation One7.” the tuition for the full year. hardest to get sponsors for the chil- located in Charlotte, N.C. that helps With his many trips to North Caro- Tuition for the private schools can dren. people affected by abuse, homeless- lina, Williams had not been back to be anywhere from $75 to $200. With “I’m not giving up on them,” he ness, abandonment and other ob- Liberia in four years. A few months the money he raised, Williams de- said. “I want to help them and be a stacles. After graduating high school before the 2017 school year ended, cided to pay off the tuition debt the part of their team.” www.oaklandpostonline.com The Oakland Post // June 7, 2017 19 Sports We cheer and dance together Integrated Cheer and Dance team starts from scratch.

Katie LaDuke form, but they are also there to help Staff Reporter out with the bigger picture of Ath- letics.” s the shock wears off from the With Integrated Cheer and Dance announcement on April 19 shifting its focus from competitions, A regarding the combination of an issue involving participation the cheer and dance teams, Oakland at Nationals arises. The new team University Athletics is beginning to will not be able to compete at the build the new Integrated Cheer and National Cheerleaders Association Dance team from the bottom up. national competition nor the Uni- Naming coaches became the first versal Dance Association national task of the new program. competition. Involvement in these Chelsea Estes and Kayla Peiffer competitions has been highly re- were named coaches of Oakland garded by athletes who are now dis- University Integrated Cheer and appointed. Dance on May 4. Estes brings over However, competitions are not 20 years of dance experience in- completely ruled out. There is a cluding her involvement with the possibility that two separate com- Detroit Tigers Energy Squad as well petition teams, one for dance and as working within Athletics for the Nicole Morsfield / The Oakland Post one for cheer, may arise. This all de- past two years as a sideline reporter All prospective athletes for the team, including returners, were required to tryout. This will pends on if there is enough interest for ESPN3. Peiffer spent time in the allow the team to employ dance and cheer aspects to routines through athletic diversity. in making the teams. Sylvania School District in Ohio as a “There have been some people cheerleading adviser and was a var- cusing on just one group or cross standing the game day element as worried and apprehensive about sity cheerleader at the University of training each athlete in cheer and far as leading the crowd and under- the issue surrounding Nationals,” Toledo. dance, both groups will be repre- standing how their presence can be Estes said. “We are encouraging “I am still so honored and blessed sented equally based on the skills maintained throughout the whole [the athletes] to have an open mind to be a part of this team [at Oak- the athletes have originally been game. I think that is going to be since this change is different and land],” Peiffer said. “I think the team trained in. Routines performed by something that will be able to com- may be a little hard to grasp right is going to be a really good and posi- the groups separately, but there will plement each other in the whole now. They will still dance. They will tive thing coming out of Oakland. I also be numbers that combine the sense of it. The cheerleaders can still cheer. We will still push them. think some of the athletes are still two groups and involve both cheer learn from the dancers just as much They are athletes performing at the a little scared, but after we got to and dance elements. as the dancers can learn from the collegiate level, and we will not ac- meet with them and had some one- “We want this team to have its own cheerleaders.” cept anything less from them.” on-one time with them, they are identity,” Estes said. “We definitely Before the first set of tryouts, This new team will heavily rely on more open to the idea now.” have skills we are looking for, and there was an informational meeting athlete input. Estes and Peiffer are Integrated Cheer and Dance will we have a unique opportunity to do on May 17 where the expectations open to hearing new ideas and will largely focus on fan engagement and make this program how we want it. and vision for the team were laid work with what the athletes want. community interaction. Some ideas We want the best of the best.” out for prospective athletes. Athletes will also be involved in de- have focused on talking more with In order to get the best of the Besides enhancing the game day ciding on what direction the team the fans in the stands on game-day best, Estes and Peiffer want to see experience and going out in the will go in with regards to perfor- and helping with daily promotions all the skills athletes have. Every- community, the athletes will be mances, uniforms and the perma- that Oakland sponsors at games. one, including the returning danc- working with Oakland’s marketing nent name of the team. “The biggest misconception is ers and cheerleaders, is required to team as athletic ambassadors. “The most difficult aspect with that cheer was completely cut and tryout. Each athlete will also be in- “The marketing team with the this new team is going to be trying dance was completely cut, but that terviewed on why they want to be a cheerleaders and dancers works to convince everyone that it’s going is not the case,” Estes said. “We are part of this new team. The first set of hand in hand as far as it goes with to be okay,” Estes said. “I think eve- still going to be highlighting the tryouts took place May 22-24. There the promos and different elements ryone is still a little confused on how dancers and the skills they have will also be another set of tryouts in they have at the game,” Peiffer said. everything is going to work, but I’m along with the cheerleaders. We’ll the fall for any interested dancers “There may be a time-out in the excited to see how far this program be doing services events along with and cheerleaders. game and there is a t-shirt toss. That will go and to see the entertainment community events where we’ll be “There are a lot of schools out is our opportunity to get to be in increase at Oakland University.” together.” there that do a great job playing front of the fans. It’s [the athletes] “Both dancers and cheerleaders A common concern among both off of the [cheerleading and dance] time to really understand that yes are athletes as well as entertainers fans and athletes is how this team groups,” Peiffer said. “I think there’s they are cheerleaders and yes they so we’re going to bring a lot of new is going to work. Instead of fo- going to be a good mix of under- are dancers. They will get to per- ideas to Oakland,” she said.

20 June 7, 2017 // The Oakland Post www.oaklandpostonline.com