The annual Student Art Exhibition and Pegasus unveiling was held Tues-day, April 27 in the lobby of the Communications Center.

Pegasus is RSC’s annu-al publication of student art and literary endeavors. Students submit entries and then a panel selects the best of those works to showcase in a journal that is published in the spring semester. Several humani-

ties faculty are involved in the process from selection to layout and design.

Susan Dawson-O’Brien and Suzanne Thomas have been involved with the event for the past five years. “All of my current students have artwork in the ex-hibit.  I don’t require it, but it is strongly encouraged...I think students who are in art courses should partici-pate because the idea that someone else may see this work is a great motiva-tor to do your best work,”

Suzanne Thomas said. “Hopefully students will develop an appreciation for artists who are ‘put-ting themselves out there.’” Thomas also said the event is a great motivator for her more reluctant students.

“This is for the whiny students who always say ‘my stuff sucks.’ I definitely make them put stuff out; it is a confidence boost and also I think for those whiny ones, it is an excuse to be lazy (if you think you are not good then why try

hard to learn to be bet-ter?),” Thomas said.

Dawson also shared her thoughts on some no-table past entries, “We’ve had joyous poems of new love,;we featured a person-al narrative from a woman who lost her unborn baby in a car accident which to this day, when I think about it, puts a lump in my throat. I think perhaps some of the most memora-ble work comes from stu-dents whose words made me really think about the

topic on which they were writing. Essays about the importance of ethics in our society, the writings of an incarcerated student who shared glimpses into his thoughts through his poetry. Overall, so many students’ writings have touched me.” Dawson said.

Copies of Pegasus can be purchased from the Humanities department while supplies last.

RSC’s student newspaper since 1972

INSIDE

The Year in Review

(and in pictures), page 4-5

Do you need another General Educa-tion elective?, page 6

First annual Music Fest

photo essay, ... page 8

Spotlight: Towry Barnard,

... page 7

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Friday, May 7, 2010

Volume XXXIX, Issue 27

RSC celebrated Law Day by welcoming state attorney general Drew Ed-monson Monday, May 3. Edmonson, the keynote speaker for the Law Day presentation, spoke on the theme, “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Tradi-tions, Emerging Challeng-es.” Lisa Pitsiri, executive director of institutional advancement and founda-tion, said the school cel-ebrates Law Day with the help of the James F. How-ell “Country Lawyer” Lec-tureship, which helps give students a chance to learn more about law by listen-ing to speakers who work in that field. The event is held in conjunction with

the Rotary Club and in-cluded many Rotary Club members as guests.

Edmonson said that when it comes to “Endur-ing Traditions and Emerg-ing Challenges,” both tend to show up in law work. He explained, “It’s no less true today than it was over 200 years ago when we started this grand experi-ment on a North Ameri-can continent.”

He went on to use the recent anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City as an ex-ample. He said at the time, this event was “the larg-est and most terrible act of domestic terrorism… in the history of the United States.” Edmonson did

his first commencement speech as attorney general in Oklahoma for a gradu-ating class at Oklahoma City University School of Law that year. He recalled, “I spoke to that graduating class about how important it was in the wake of an event such as the bombing of the Murrah Building to maintain the rule of law.” Timothy McVeigh was provided with all of his rights under the rule of law. Edmonson paraphrased lines from the play about Sir Thomas More “Man for All Seasons” to explain, “Yes, I would give the devil the benefit of the law for my own safety’s sake. If you fail to do that, if you cut down the law to get at the devil… where would

you hide? Where would you be protected? Because those laws protect us all.” He went on to say that the laws protect the “sinners and the saints alike,” so it is necessary to keep them in order to maintain that protection for all.

He explained that the “emerging challenges,” such as the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building and 9/11, “test our resolve whether to extend the rule of law to all.”

“It is, I think, a testa-ment to the elasticity of our documents that we’re able to meet these chal-lenges, address them, face them, sometimes litigate them, sometimes settle them, the same as we have been doing for the last 200

years,” he said. “It was law-yers who drafted the Dec-laration of Independence and the Constitution of this country, and they did make them elastic enough to… meet the emerging challenges of each new time.”

“The enduring tradition of… the law is that it is this kind of representation, by lawyers, that leads to the preservation of our civi-lized society… it has been the rule of law that has created this country. It has been the rule of law that has made it great… it has been, and will be, the rule of law that has carries us through the 21st century as we meet these emerging challenges.”

Attorney General Drew Edmonson speaks to the RSC community and members of the Midwest City Rotary Club regarding “Law in the 21st Century” for the annual Law Day Presentation held Monday, May 3. The lecture was part of the James F. Howell “Country Lawyer” Lectureship, which began in 2002 to provide students and the com-

munity with an understanding of Oklahoma’s finest law members and their thoughts. (Photo by Jennifer Wimer)

‘County Lectureship’ series continues to raise the barBy: Adriana Valtinson

Assignment Editor

The Communications Center lobby is adorned with RSC

students’ artwork that made up the topics of many conversa-tions. Some of the pieces in-

cluded Elise Howard’s “Make,” Joshua P. Cassella’s “Rebel

with a Cause,” and Amber Rae Smithers’ “I Come from For-

est Fortress, Circumference of Black Jack.” The exhibit will remain open in the CC lobby from 8am-5pm through May

12. (Photo by Jennifer Wimer)

Susan Dawson-O’Brien and Theresa-Ann Walther pose like Vanna White to show off the new cover art for the 2010 edition of Pegasus. Guests were provided art, music, food, and conversation Tuesday April 27 in the Communications Center lobby, to help celebrate the un-

veiling of the cover and the artists and authors published in this year’s Pegasus. (Photo by Jennifer Wimer)

By: Samantha MaloyAssistant Editor

Pegasus enjoys another successful year

Policies and letters to the editor

Editor in ChiefRacheal Price (rprice@rose.edu)

Assistant EditorSamantha Maloy (smaloy@rose.edu) Features EditorBryan Mangieri (bmangieri@rose.edu)

News EditorMiranda Liming (miranda-liming@stu.rose.edu)

Assignment EditorAdriana Valtinson

PhotographersDanetta ButlerJennifer Wimer

Graphic ArtistBrian Allen

VolunteersJonathan DyerDanielle Finnegan

Circulation ManagerElexandria Murchinson

Tech SupportScottie Seger (aseger@rose.edu) SecretarySharon Motley (smotley@rose.edu)

Coordinator of Stu-dent PublicationsJulie Lesko-Bishop (jlesko-bishop@rose.edu)

Staff MeMberS

Letters to the Editor The 15th Street News welcomes and encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be no more than 300 words and may be edited for clarity, length, or to avoid obscenity, libel and invasion of privacy but ideas will not be altered. Student submissions must include the student’s name, ID number, and major. The ID number will not be printed. Faculty and staff letters must include the writer’s name, title, and extension. The extension will not be printed. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. Letters to the editor may be hand delivered to FA110; sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, 73110; e-mailed to the

secretary, [smotley@rose.edu] or recorded nights on PhoneMail at 733-7400 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Policies Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college. Editorials are written by the editorial staff. Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Publications Board chairperson, Dr. Kent Lashley, 733-7490. 15th Street News, a student newspaper serving the

RSC community, is published weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays during the fall and spring semes-ters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110. 15th Street News is a member of Oklahoma Colle-giate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters. This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publications. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color. This paper is recyclable.

RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

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Recalling the legacy of popular departing professor

To Whom It May Concern:For those students who have been privi-

leged enough to attend a semester at RSC and have had Dr. Jamie Graham as a pro-fessor they will know exactly where this letter is coming from. For those students who have not, I am saddened to know that your chance may never come. I can-not sit here and explain every adventure Dr. Graham has had in her life, mostly because that would literally take all day, but it is these adventures that have made Dr. Graham a wonderful professor. It is amazing to be sitting in her class and have her talk to us about volcanoes. I know, volcanoes sound boring, but when she

speaks of them and explains the smell of lava, or the sheer destruction over a few square miles, we as students know this is not out of her books, this is from her life. You see, that is what makes her such an amazing teacher. Most of us would think that after all her years in the field and in the classroom, she has enough knowl-edge to teach on what she has learned, but she does not do that. In every class she informs us of new scientific findings around the world or what exactly the oil spill is doing to the ecosystem that she just learned about. I am proud to be her student and I am proud to have a teacher strong enough to teach the classes she

teaches. Most of us understand the grief she must receive teaching a History of Life class in the Bible belt. We understand because it is the same grief we receive at home from our families for taking it. This is what college is supposed to be about, thinking outside the box, outside of our element. College is supposed to be a time where we look at things like we never have before, and I’m thankful to have a school that brings in professors who can shed light on things that have never been exposed to us before. Dr. Graham seems to truly love what she is doing. After traveling the world and seeing nothing but opportunity, this is where she has

decided her calling is, and that needs to be noticed. It should be noticed that a person who has the ability to obtain many jobs in many different countries has DE-CIDED this is where she wants to be and as administrators that is one key element you should look at. This college should be honored to have a professor with such a wide background in the area she teaches.

Courtney Bullen,Current Student*EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to space

limitations, we could not run all of the letters received.

As another semester comes to a close many of us will be closing the door on RSC and opening a new one – whether it is at a university, entering the workforce or in the case of the many popular pro-fessors, leaving the college for retirement or better positions. Some would call this moment bittersweet. Others would feel excitement and not miss this place at all. But wherever you find yourself, graduates and professors, consider if you made this place better than you found it.

Judging by the letters we have received, Dr. Jamie Graham will be leaving the col-lege better than she found it. Who knew an excellent educator who has brought so much to the campus would be deemed in-appropriate for tenure? There is a loss for RSC in there, but knowing some of those responsible for the decision, they won’t be

losing any sleep over it. Obviously tenure is based on some-

thing other than classroom effectiveness, and there are circumstances that we don’t know. Otherwise, it would be a no-brain-er to keep Dr. Graham until she no longer wanted to be here. Anyone who has taken her class is aware of the breadth of scien-tific knowledge she possesses. She is pas-sionate about her subject. She has passion that is sadly lacking in many professors in that division. Her style of teaching drives students to learn and is amazing to watch.

But the question is, will Dr. Graham leave RSC a better place than she found it? Ten or twelve years ago, science at RSC was a joke. It definitely needed some revision and updating. Dr. Graham was instrumental in that process. She brought live animals back to the sciences on our

campus. She brought fossils in for class-room use. Some of her classes allowed students to discover organisms they never knew about. We’re talking about the fo-rums here. Evolution, gasp, was never ar-gued more effectively. She even devoted a lecture to showing the evidences for it in-stead of giving the typical science answer, “this exists because there is evidence, but I don’t have any fossils for you to look at and see for yourself.” She was also instru-mental in creating Dare to Dream, which brought real science to elementary school education. Unequivocally, we believe Dr. Graham will leave this college better than she found it.

So what is your legacy as you leave the college? Is it better than how you found it? We have our answer. You’ll have to find your own.

Raider Response!Hollaback!

Letters to the Editor Have your say!

Students, community rally in support of Graham

Let’s keep it briefTeeth Cleaning

The 2010 graduates of RSC’s Dental Hygiene Program are in search of patients who will

qualify for their regional clinical board exam. The board exam for state licensure consists of approximately a 4-hour time commitment to have their teeth cleaned. The exam dates are June 12 or June 13. To qualify as a patient for the exam, the patient must be at least 18 years of age and should not have had their

teeth cleaned within the last 3 years. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please call 733-7337. Your name and number will be taken and

passed on to one of the students/graduates. The student will contact you in mid-May and schedule a short screening appointment. The student/graduate will be able to provide more information and the specific date and time of their individual exam. There is no cost to the

patient. This examination is a requirement for their state licensure and the students appreciate

any effort to locate qualified patients.

Student Art ShowA student art show is on display from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays now until May 12 in

the Communications Center lobby.

Cheerleading TryoutsRSC competitive Cheerleading Club will

hold auditions for next year’s squad at 3 p.m. Friday, May 14 in the Wellness Center. For more information or to sign up for tryouts,

call Towry Barnard at 733-7379.

Midwest Choral Society Spring ConcertThe Midwest Choral Society will hold a

spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14 at Wickline United Method Church located at

417 Mid America Blvd.

Women’s Leadership Initiative ScholarshipThe RSC Women’s Initiative is sponsoring a scholarship for female students who will be

enrolled in classes for the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. The scholarship is a 12-hour

tuition waiver for each semester and will be awarded to one person. Applicants must

submit a 1000-word essay and a PowerPoint with a minimum of 10 slides on the theme

“Women and Political Activism.”Some of the other requirements include hav-

ing a GPA of at least 3.0, registering to attend the Women’s Leadership Conference and en-rolling into a minimum of six credit hours for

each semester.The Women’s Leadership Office and the Of-fice of Student Affairs provides the scholar-ship. For more information, visit D2L and click the Self Registration link. Then select

Women’s Leadership Initiative. Students will have to wait to be approved for entry into the group but once approved, additional informa-

tion will be on the D2L page.

Summer InternshipRSC is now taking applications to send up to 10 students, at no charge, to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Summer Intern training program. This opportunity includes six days of workshops held at different loca-tions around the city. For more information about the program, visit the program Web site at http://www.greatergrads.com and se-lect the internship link. If you are interested in applying, visit the News section of D2L to download an application or call the Office of Job Placement and Career Services at 736-

0233

Honors ScholarshipHonors Program students may apply for a tu-ition waiver for the upcoming academic year.

Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, enroll in honors courses, be a legal resident of Oklaho-ma, and demonstrate merit by writing a 500-word essay. The deadline is July 1. Scholar-ship forms can be downloaded at rose.edu by

clicking “H” and then Honors Program.

across

1 Rating for many HBO shows5 Capital of Morocco10 Vise parts14 Twice the radius: Abbr.15 Funds for online buys16 Make spelling correc-tions to, e.g.17 Burlesque act19 Camper driver, for short20 Baghdad’s river21 “Tobacco Road” novel-ist __ Caldwell23 Pioneer in pistol-grip hair dryers24 Lang. of Lombardy25 Repair, as a tear26 “... boy __ girl?”27 Anti-discrimination agcy.29 Forensic evidence threads31 Surrealist Joan33 Allegiance35 University governing body41 Tummy-tightening gar-ment42 Sailor’s patron saint43 Pour into a carafe

46 __ prof.49 Newbie reporter50 Rose of Guns N’ Roses51 Resistance units53 Bathroom hangers55 “You cannot be seri-ous!” tennis great57 Dolts58 Pre-migraine headache phenomenon59 Baseball’s Big Papi62 Certain NCO63 Hoop-shaped gasket64 Picard’s counselor65 South Florida vacation destination66 Simultaneous equation variables67 __ Kong

down

1 100-plus-yd. kickoff returns, e.g.2 Director De Sica3 Tomato-based sauce4 Pedro’s girlfriend5 Call it a night6 Top pitchers7 Sheep’s cry8 Pitcher’s pinpoint con-trol, say9 Cold relief brand

10 Dolt11 Recommend12 Hot dog13 Spreads, as seed18 __-dieu: kneeler22 Narrow apertures23 Search high and low24 Summer coolers28 Slays, mob-style30 Computer memory unit32 Marine predator34 Martial __36 Blood drive participant37 Greek __ Church38 City east of San Diego39 Liquid-in-liquid sus-pension40 Cries convulsively43 Table linen material44 Forgive45 Pastors and priests47 Unduly formal48 Corrida competitor52 Stiller’s partner54 Value56 Washington team, familiarly57 It can be changed or made up60 Sportscaster Scully61 Turn sharply

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CampusCorner

CampusCorner

Accounting Students of the Year, Thelma Savage and Siegfried Chan, were honored for their achieve-ments on Monday, April 19. For about 15 years the Oklahoma Society of CPAs has recognized the top accounting students in the state. Accounting faculty nominates the best students and then a vote is tak-en to determine the winner. Usually only one award is given, but this year Savage and Chan exceeded expectations and a decision to award both was made. Art Zenner, Business division dean, presented the students their awards. A reception was held for the students that included faculty, fellow students and family. Information provided by Jerri Tittle. Photo by Kenneth Beachler.

Accounting department recognizes outstanding student achievement

With summer and fall enrollment now open, here is a look at some of the spe-cialized classes that students can choose from that count as Gen Ed electives. Stu-dents should always check their course catalogue for more updated information on how it will count toward individual degrees.

SUMMER INTERIM SESSION:Hist 2093 Islam in the West: L.D. Fisher

SUMMER SESSION: Hist 2033 America’s Civil War: A.R. Ball Hist 2093 Christianity in U.S.: A.R. Ball Engl 2061 Advanced Poetry Writing: K.E. Hahn

“My poetry workshop (Advanced Poet-ry Writing) is great for poets of all levels. We’ll discuss the craft of poetry, editing, and publishing. Also, we will workshop our poems, which is a very important pro-cess for writers. The class will be broken into mini-sessions that involve creative prompts such as writing by candlelight, spying, and even crafts! Everyone is

welcome to enroll. Students will receive one hour of credit, but the class can also be taken as a continu-ing education credit for $50,” Kris-tin Hahn said. FALL INTERIM SESSION: Pols 2093 Civil Rights Movement: M.M. Bruner

“This is one of the most impor-tant and fascinating events in US history.  The struggle for African Americans to gain any sort of rights after the abolition of slavery is a long, tragic story filled with uplifting moments.  The movement explodes onto the scene in the 1950s and 60s and changes the American landscape forever.  It is a time of bravery and martyrdom,” Monique Bruner said.

FALL SESSION:Hist 2043 The American West: M.W. LovegroveHist 2093 LGBT History: A.L. Bach-hoferHist 2093 Colonial America: A.L. Bach-hofer

Hist 2243 Hitler and Nazi Germany: M.G. YelleHist 2303 History of Oklahoma: M.W. LovegrovePhil 2303 Philosophy of Ethics: A.D. CastilloEngl 2243 Black Lit: T.A. WaltherHist 1203 African American History: J.G. Hochtritt

“I think many, but not all, students coming out of high school have a very vague or non-existent understanding of African American history. The same could be said of their lack of knowledge

regarding American Indian history or the histories of other segments of the Ameri-can population. I think it always benefits American citizens to become as educated about this country’s past as possible. I firmly believe that many misunderstand-ings between individuals and groups of people in the United States are based on false-perceptions, ignorance, and narrow-mindedness and the biases and prejudices born as a result. I highly encourage all of our students to take a broad curriculum while earning their degrees at RSC,” Dr. James Hochtritt said.

By: Samantha MaloyAssistant Editor

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CollegeCollegeLifeLife

The 2nd annual RSC Pinning Ceremony for students completing the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program took place Friday, April 30. Thirty-nine child care professionals received their pins for achieving a Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Completion and Associate of Arts in Family Services/Child Develop-ment.

The Scholars in Excellence in Child Care scholarship program is designed to in-crease the quality of child care for children in the state of Oklahoma.

Catava Williams was named Outstanding Scholar for demonstrating proficiency in the classroom, her genuine concern for the health and welfare for young children and her integrity with working with faculty and fellow students.

Representative Anastasia Pittman was the guest speaker and encouraged the scholars to continue in striving for their goals and to never quit believing in their dreams. Trena Byas, legislative assistant to Rep. Pittman sang two inspirational songs to close the evening celebration.

Story provided by Sherrill Pallotta, a scholarship advisor. Photo provided by Kenneth Beachler.

Certificate of Mastery RecipientsMistie AdairChassidy BoylandShawn CampbellLinda ChiltonRobert ChiltonReyna DealKenyatta FleeksDetra GreenAshlie HarrisNancy HoffmanDessie LangFelicia LoganWonda MaconHomaletta McKnightPoinciana PhillipsDana Pruett Kim Roberts Sherry Smallwood-FisherTuneicia SmithMelissa TalbertAshley WilliamsCatava WilliamsMatilda Woodley

Associate in Arts GraduatesDana AkinsRachel BarnesSharlon GreenStephanie HarrisTolonnie HightowerNancy HoffmanPaula Island-HicksMemori JohnsonLikkia MatheniaKimberly RobinsonSherry Smallwood-Fisher

Director’s Certificate of Completion RecipientsJulia EllefsonStephanie HarrisGeordan SnyderCandice WhiteCatava Williams

Looking for something a little different? College offers eclectic mix of classes

The last meeting for the 2009-2010 Senate meeting saw the presen-tation of 13 new pieces of legislation.

Resolution 026, au-thored by Senator Hosan-na Morris, Senator Mi-chael Neary, Former Vice President Gavin Hart, and Senator Madeline Miller pertains “to the appointment of a chap-lain to offer prayer at the beginning of each senate meeting.” This resolution failed.

Resolution 027 au-thored by Senator Vivian Gamboa, Senator Jeremy Tanequodle and Senator Morris sought to add Tin-ker Federal Credit Union ATM on the RSC cam-pus. Because of commu-nication problems with the outside sources for this resolution, it was ta-bled indefinitely.

Resolution 028 au-thored by Senator Grace Bedford attempted to transition “to a tobacco-free campus.” Senator Bedford was also an au-thor on the 2008-2009 Student Senate that put forth similar anti-tobac-co legislation. Through much debate, 028 was tabled indefinitely.

Resolution 029 au-thored by Senator Mor-ris, Senator Tanequodle and Senator Gamboa reads, “pertaining to the approval of student or-ganizations to advertise their event via chalk.” The authors of the reso-lution discovered during their research that chalk had been used to adver-tise by clubs in previous years. 029 was tabled in-definitely.

Resolution 030, au-thored by Senator Rob-

bie Ray reads, “pertain-ing to the purchase of a ‘Student Senate Honor Plaque.’” Senate would purchase this plaque from their given funds and would be designed as an Executive Officer plaque. 030 passed by popular vote.

Resolution 031, also authored by Senator Ray states, “pertaining to the refurbishing of the cam-pus directories on the RSC campus.”

“Current directories are outdated,” Ray said. “We have a new building that isn’t represented on them either.” 031 passed Senate vote Tuesday.

Resolution 032, au-thored by Senator Jer-emy Sims and Senator Tanequodle reads, “per-taining to making RSC a safer campus by rais-ing student awareness of emergency call box lo-cations.” 032 passed by majority vote.

Resolution 033 au-thored by Senator Sims states, “pertaining to the awarding of T-shirts to student senators upon completion of an RSC senate session.” During questioning, it was made clear that a piece of leg-islation was not needed to order things for Sen-ate. These shirts can be purchased through the Senate account with the approval of Kirby Harz-man. This resolution was tabled indefinitely.

Resolution 034 au-thored by Senator Jim Thavisay reads, “pertain-ing to the creation of a club committee.” This club committee would be responsible for attending club meetings and get a feel for what they think or need. 034 passed by majority vote.

Resolution 035 au-

thored by Senator Thavi-say and Senator Mark Sauerwald states, “per-taining to the appoint-ment of a student senator as a photographer.”

“The photographer could use their own cam-era or Senate’s,” Senator Thavisay said.

There were also three bills presented to Senate Tuesday.

Bill 008 authored by Senator Robbie Barthel and Vice President Myka Phillips amends Section 2216, subsection B, of the Senate bylaws, mak-ing it possible that “the Parliamentarian may be any person on the Senate, including an executive officer or another cabinet officer.” Bill 008 passed by majority.

Bill 009 authored by Senator Ray looks at adding a section 608 to the bylaws, making the title line read “Primary Author and Co-Author.” “With this implement-ed, everyone will have to present legislation at least once,” Ray said. “Every member of Stu-dent Senate will be re-sponsible for primarily authoring at least one bill or resolution per year.” This is a change from the current rules where senators must turn-in two pieces of legislation a year, “though some people piggy-back,” Ray said. Bill 009 passed by majority Tuesday.

Bill 010 authored by President Shawn Mc-Creary reads, “An act re-lating to the clarification of grade point average (GPA) in the bylaws and constitution.” Because of many inconsistencies in the bylaws, GPA will now be referred to as “accumulative GPA”.

By: Miranda LimingContributing Writer

Final senate meeting of semester productive: Legislation order of day

Excellence in childcare honored, program graduates celebrated

This May, RSC will see a record number of honors students gradu-ate. A total of 11 stu-dents completed the requirements to gradu-ate with honors. They are: Kristin Beall, Jesse J. Black,  Joe D. Dufour, Suzanna Fine, Spencer Lee Harris, Dwight B. Howe, Lesa Logue, Man-dy Nash, Hosanna Mor-ris, Eleonora Peters and Racheal Price. To gradu-ate with honors, the stu-dents had to complete a minimum of four honors contracts and earn a 3.5 GPA. They will be hon-ored at a ceremony to be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 10 on the second floor of the LRC.

In addition to the hon-ors graduates, the LRC will host a poster display of honors projects com-pleted throughout the year.

“Students have been working hard on their honors projects for this semester. The honors project posters will be highlighted at an exhibi-tion during finals week, May 10-14,” Honors Co-ordinator, Professor Toni Castillo, said. 

“Our objective is to make others on campus aware of the outstanding work our Honors Program stu-dents are doing.  In choosing to use post-ers as the medium, we are modeling the presentation on tra-ditional university undergraduate re-search presentations, and preparing our students to go on to present at larger ven-ues,” Castillo said.

Students are wel-come to stop by the LRC and see these academic projects.

The RSC Foundation will award the follow-ing: Outstanding Honors Program Graduate for 2010 ($500), Outstanding Honors Contract Project ($250) and Outstanding Honors Contract Project for each division ($100)..

Meet the Graduates*Name: Jesse BlackMajor: Occupational

Safety and HealthTransferring to: UCOAwards and scholar-

ships received: Business and Information Tech-nology scholarship and a Scholarship from the Choctaw Nation of Okla-homa

When not at school: I enjoy camping and hik-ing. One gets used to liv-ing in a home protected by technology. It is good for the soul to be exposed to the elements and to ex-perience the rawness and beauty of nature up-close and personal.

What was one of your projects?

For Small Business Management my honors project consisted of creat-ing a safety-training pro-gram for the small con-struction company in my business plan assigned for this class. I investigated what actual working con-ditions would exist and the possible hazards that would be involved. I then created an employee-train-

ing program, complete with safety handbook and PowerPoint presentation.

What made you decide to graduate with honors?

I saw an opportunity to challenge myself and cus-tomize my education to my career aspirations.

Name: Hosanna MorrisMajor: Liberal StudiesTransferring to: OUWhat honors work

have you done?I have had the opportu-

nity to participate in both options that are offered for honors contracts: The Paradox of Affluence Lec-ture Series, as well as a Teacher-Student contract. The Lecture Series besides being informational, chal-lenge you to look deeper into yourself and society

and challenge you to make a difference for your com-munity. Through the Pro-fessor-Student contract I was able to research pro-foundly the struggles the American people went through during the  build-ing of this nation.

When not at school: My favorite thing to do is whatever my family is involved in. Whether we are on a road trip, swim-ming, doing yard work, volunteering at church, a campus event or a politi-cal campaign, as long as we’re together, that’s where I want to be.   

Name: Mandy Nash Major: Liberal Studies Transferring to: OUScholarships/Awards:

RSC Honors Program

Scholarship, two RSC Foundation Scholar-ships, RSC Humanities Division Tuition Waiver Scholarship, Chickasaw Foundation Scholarship.

What are the benefits of participating in the program? 

The academic benefits of the Honors Program are numerous.  First of all, it is a privilege to graduate with “Honors.”  That distinction is noted on the student’s tran-script, which can help when applying to a four-year university.  Second, the student works with instructors who are will-ing to give their time and energy to see the student succeed; consequently, a close academic partner-ship is created.  In addi-tion, the students are giv-en an incredible amount of flexibility in creating their Honors projects.  Finally, students are eli-gible to apply for schol-arships designed just for Honors students. 

(Photos by Danetta Butler)

*Every effort was made to contact all of the gradu-ates prior to press time

SPOTLIGHT Towry BarnardCoordinator of Student Leadership Development Initiatives

By: Samantha MaloyAssistant Editor

Meet Towry Barnard, coordinator of Stu-dent Leadership Development Initiatives. Barnard has been employed by RSC for a little more than eight years. She has a strong passion for helping students grow and suc-ceed. “I was inspired by one of my mentors, who noticed one of my gifts, to pursue a job in higher education, specifically at RSC. Through various leadership roles, I have had the opportunity to develop as a professional and as an individual,” Barnard said.

“I have known Towry for over 15 years. We were good friends before we got the opportunity to work together at RSC, and it has been a true blessing. She is very passion-ate about education and most importantly, students. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it is an honor to work with her every day. I couldn’t ask for a better colleague or friend than Towry Barnard,” Kirby Harzman, coordi-nator of Student Activities, said.

“Towry is an inspiration to her students. She is hardworking and compassionate…she has helped everyone around her to develop both academically and personally this year,” Amanda Walters, Student Senate President 2009-2010, said.

“She is always willing to help any student with any problem. She is phenomenal at what she does and I will truly miss her once I graduate,” Melissa Alferos, Legacy scholar sophomore, said. Age: “33- the magical age.”Hometown: Midwest City Spouse: Adam Kids: Tatum Mae Pets: One dog, Diesel Professional Credentials: Bachelor in Arts from University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma Heroes: Jesus

What’s the best advice you have ever been given? “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole-hill!” If you could live in a different time period, what would it be and why? “70s- Peace, love and happiness… plus, I think it would be great to spy on my parents!”What cartoon character would you be and why? “Wonderwoman, every mother has this pressure on a daily basis.”How do you top your baked potato? “Cot-tage cheese with pepper.”What do you do when you get nervous? “Pray.”

Hobbies: “Running, fishing, playing with my 3 year old!”Favorite food: Mexican Proudest moment: “Delivery of Miss Tatum Mae.”What is your most eccentric behavior? “Night eating.”What Web site would you recommend to someone else and why? “godsdailyword.org- life is a journey and I need His guidance daily to ensure I am pursing the correct path He has set for me.”Most desirable place to visit: Hawaii If you were stranded on a desert island and all of your basic needs were met, what three things would you take with you and why? “My family, Bible, my ‘shoe collection’ LOL!” Epitaph: “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Phil: 4:13 & Touched 1,000 lives through the eyes of Jesus Christ.”What do you wish you would have known in college? “What I know now… go talk to your professors, they care about you and want you to succeed. I was intimidated by my pro-fessors at 18 years of age!” Quotes that most amuses or inspires you: “If you can be faithful with the little, God will make you ruler over much.” One adjective a loved one would use to de-scribe you: CaringIf you did a career change, what would be your alternate career? Fashion Designer What kind of tipper are you? “Excellent!”Which would you rather discover a cure to the common cold or the flu? Why? “Flu. I can still go to work and take care of my family with a cold, but the flu tends to take me out!” Would you prefer to end hunger or hatred? Hatred Superhero or super villain? What would your super power be? “Superhero, my power would be ‘Attitude Adjustments’.”

(Photo provided)

By: Samantha MaloyAssistant Editor

Mandy Nash

Mandy Nash

Hosanna MorrisJesse Black

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News andNews andFeaturesFeatures

Record number of honors graduates to be honored at reception

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Edgar Cruz wows the RSC audience with his classic guitar Friday, April 30 at Music Fest. The festival was held in the outdoor amphitheater at the Commu-nications Center. (Photo by Danetta Butler)

Music Fest

Bev and Bob Land-deck swing dance to Edgar Cruz’s rendition of a swing classic. The couple received one of Cruz’s albums for participating. (Photo by Danetta Butler)

Kirby Harzman, coordinator for Student Activities, Dr. Jeanie Web, vice president of Student Affairs, and Emily Fisher, assis-tant to the coordinator Student Activities, relax as they listen to the entertainment provided by many local artists. The music club sponsored the event to share the love of music with the RSC community. (Photo by Danetta Butler)

Vocalist and guitarist, Johnney Jones, leads the

RSC Top 40 Band in a popu-lar song at Music Fest. This was the first time this event

was held at the campus. Organizers plan to make it an annual event. (Photo by

Danetta Butler)