Best Thing to Get at Alvin’s

Coffee

By Miguel Rios, editor-in-chief emeritus

Alvin’s Café was expanded this year into a marketplace selling to-go options, smoothies, frozen meals, snacks, and one of their most popular items—coffee.

The Market at Alvin’s serves Starbucks coffee and offers various hot, cold and frozen drinks. They also make seasonal Starbucks drinks, depending on the time of year. Customers can pay with cash or StarsCash.

Barista Carlos Sanchez, English junior, said a majority of customers buy coffee.

“I’d say about three-fifths of people that come to Alvin’s end up getting coffee, with or without something else,” he said.

Alvin’s offers cold brew, iced and hot coffee, macchiatos, frappucinos, espresso, and even bottled drinks – both from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.

“Regular coffee is more popular right now, just because it’s cheaper, but usually macchiatos are the most popular drinks,” Sanchez said.

The Market’s hours are

• Monday-Thursday: 7:30-1 a.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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Best Fraternity

Kappa Sigma

By Associate Editor Sage Tokach

Kappa Sigma was founded in 1869 at the University of Virginia. OCU’s chapter, Theta-Psi, has been on campus for 51 years.

The fraternity won the Homecoming Sweepstakes this year, and Matthew Sparks, dance senior and Kappa Sigma candidate, won Homecoming King. It was the first time a fraternity won sweepstakes in six years and the first time Kappa Sigma had ever won, as far as the members could remember.

“The best part of Kappa Sigma is the fellowship I get from other brothers,” said Cole Cloutier, music theater junior. “Whether we are working on a float at 3 a.m. during Homecoming or all hanging out on a Saturday afternoon, these brothers of mine are one of the best things I can find on campus, always supporting me and helping me succeed.”

Kappa Sigma’s mission is to complement and enhance the educational mission of OCU, to promote the ideal of brotherhood, to actively contribute to the personal growth of its members, to promote ethical behavior and decision-making, and to encourage service to others, according to their website.

Military Heroes is Kappa Sigma’s largest philanthropy. Members host a Military Heroes Week to raise money for the cause. Fundraising efforts include selling doughnuts and T-shirts and organizing a penny war.

Cloutier said Kappa Sigma is set apart by their focus on helping others.

“Whether it be a philanthropy week or just a normal afternoon, the members of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity are always there to help out in any way we can,” he said.

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Best Sorority

Alpha Chi Omega

By Copy Editor Chandler White

Alpha Chi Omega is a women’s fraternity founded in October 1885 and brought to OCU in 1955.

Ellie Roth, the sorority’s president, said she was drawn to it because of its authenticity and strong support system.

“It’s such a strong, supportive group of women, and it felt very real, and I was really drawn to that. I wanted to be a part of something authentic, unique and diverse,” Roth said. “You’re always meeting someone new and someone you can learn from.”

Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy is focused on increasing awareness of domestic violence. Sorority members contribute to the cause by supporting local agencies such as rape crisis centers, emergency shelters and safe houses.

Roth said Alpha Chi Omega members contribute to OCU by being part of other student organizations and leading them with the same skills learned within the sorority.

“We contribute to the campus community in encouraging and empowering our members, our sisters, to be strong leaders, to be strong women, and you see that all over campus in other student organizations,” she said. “We’ve got Madelynn Buckman, incoming Student Activities Council vice president, we’ve got sisters on Student Court, we’ve got sisters in the Honors college and OCULeads, so I think that they take the skills they learn in our sorority and apply them other places.”

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Best Place to Study

Dulaney-Browne Library

By Web Editor Nicole Waltman

The Dulaney-Browne Library is a place where many students go to check out books, print assignments and find a quiet place to study.

“The Dulaney-Browne Library aspires to develop information-literate students, faculty and staff through outstanding resources and programs that support the teaching, research and service commitments of the university,” according to their website.

Some students said they find solace in the fact that their fellow majors can often be found studying in the library.

“A lot of the business school students study there, so there is always someone you know to sit with or ask advice,” said Chandler Hardy, economics senior.

Hardy said she enjoys studying by the windows the most.

“I personally love the first floor by the big glass windows because I study a lot but would rather be outside in the sun, and the natural light in that area make for a relaxing environment for me,” Hardy said.

Janna Schmid, music theater junior and library circulation assistant, said students enjoy the different spaces they can choose from.

“Students prefer to study here because we offer different comfortable spaces to study, including an entire silent floor and individual and group study rooms,” Schmid said.

Students can reserve personal or group study rooms by bringing their StarCard to the front desk of the library or by reserving one online.

“Students reserve study rooms all the time,” Schmid said. “The group study rooms often get booked up, especially lately with finals approaching.”

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Best Professor

Kristen Cerelli

By Miguel Rios, editor-in-chief emeritus

Kristen Cerelli spent 16 years in New York before moving to Oklahoma to teach at OCU. She began as a visiting assistant acting professor in 2016, but was put on the tenure track this year.

Cerelli said the announcement that she and Luke Eddy, formerly visiting movement professor, were put on tenure track was one of her favorite memories of the year.

“At our theater convocation, the dean let the student body know that we would be coming back, and the ovation was humbling,” she said. “It was humbling to stand in that theater and take in all of that appreciation and love. I think Luke was crying. I won’t forget that anytime soon, it’s very heartwarming.”

Cerelli is an actor, director and singer-songwriter. She toured the country as “Peter” in a recent production of Peter Pan, directed productions at various venues and created two albums of original music.

Nic Reese, acting senior, said Cerelli’s experience in the industry translates into her teaching and gives students more in-depth knowledge.

“It’s really great because she still knows what’s relevant and what’s happening, and she’s lived through everything so she can share personal experiences,” Reese said. “She’s really focused on processes as opposed to products, which I think is super great to get into the heads of new college students.”

Cerelli said living and being trained in New York influenced her tough, direct teaching style.

“I don’t really coddle them in their work, and I think they can tell I’m very passionate and I’m very engaged,” she said.

Reese said the student body knows how much Cerelli cares about them.

“She’s super tough, but it’s all from a place of so much love just because she knows that you can’t survive in the world without having a thick skin and being tough and being able to care for yourself,” he said.

Reese said Cerelli is always open and available to meeting one-on-one with students.

“She’s so invested in all the students,” he said. “Her office hours are ridiculously open, she’s always meeting with people and she’s always available to meet.”

Cerelli said she’s grateful students voted her “Best Professor.”

“Of course it’s probably a little gratifying for one’s ego, but really, more than that, I think you don’t always get instant feedback in a classroom and in theater and acting,” she said. “Our students’ paths are so unpredictable that we may not know for 10 years or 15 years or 20 years if what we’re doing here actually has an impact on their work in the industry, so it warms my heart to hear that something is getting through.”

Participants who nominated Kristen Cerelli for “Best Professor” left the following comments:

• “She teaches me to be a fearless actress while helping me understand myself and what’s holding me back at the same time.”
• “She truly cares about how her students are doing personally and not just how they’re doing in the class.”
• “She genuinely wants to know how we are feeling and what she can do to help us. It’s very refreshing.”
• “Kristen Cerelli has taught me valuable lessons.”
• “She is an inspirational goddess and a genius when it comes to everything acting!”
• “Kristen Cerelli because she really cares.”

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Best Administrator

Dr. Mark Parker

By Emily Wollenberg, associate web editor

Dr. Mark Parker is the dean of the music and theater schools and works to build arts education partnerships and further the careers of students.

During Parker’s 23 years as dean, the Wanda L. Bass School of Music has doubled in size and become an all-Steinway School, meaning that all the pianos within the school are of the brand Steinway & Sons. Parker also oversaw the construction of the Wanda L. Bass Music Center, which has hosted artists and educators from around the world.

Parker said he is surprised to be named best administrator but appreciates the recognition.

“I’ve been here a long time, and I’ve had the chance to meet and work with so many wonderful students, and for me, that’s what I think my job is—to help students in any way I can to make this a great experience for them,” he said.

Parker said he makes an effort to support the students and attend as many performances as he can.

“I want to be supportive, and I want to see the great work of students,” he said. “I wish I could see more.”

Abby McBroom, music education senior, said Parker has a positive presence in the schools.

“He always has a smiling and encouraging face to greet us, and it makes the students in the music school feel really supported,” McBroom said.

Parker has received several awards and honors, including the Governor’s Arts Award, Oklahoma’s highest honor in the arts. He is a member of the board of directors of Creative Oklahoma and of the National Association of Schools of Music, as well as the founding president of the DaVinci Institute, an interdisciplinary arts and education think tank.

Participants who nominated Dean Parker for “Best Administrator” left the following comments:

• “His dedication and care for students is the best and he’s always cheerful.”
• “He dresses up!”
• “He supports student-run events.”
• “He goes all out to support and inspire his students.”
• “He really loves what he does and it shows when he supports everything going on in the Bass School of Music.”
• “He loves his school so much”

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Best Student Performance Group 

OCU Out of the Box

By Web Editor Nicole Waltman

Out of the Box is a student-acted, -directed and -produced theater organization.

“I love OOTB because it gives opportunities to so many people who want to be involved with student-produced theater,” said Amanda Miller, English junior and OOTB producing artistic director.

OOTB celebrated its 10th anniversary March 23 on the quad.

“We love creating a space for theater of all kinds, and I’m so grateful for our team who supports us with all of our endeavors, whether that be a workshop of a brand new show, our 10th anniversary celebration or a spectacular season of plays, readings, cabarets, and improv shows,” Miller said.

Miller will continue being on the OOTB committee next academic year.

“I am incredibly excited for another year of student-produced theater,” she said.

Franziska Harms, acting senior, has performed in and directed OOTB productions. She said she credits OOTB for her first substantial college role.

“All of my Out of the Box experiences have been unbelievably positive,” Harms said. “The students who run the organization set a really high artistic and professional standard.”

Harms is also part of OCUImprov, a student improv troupe, which OOTB coordinates.

“It creates so many opportunities for otherwise overlooked talent and is a safe space to play and collaborate,” she said. “I owe so much of my artistic education, performance experience and college memories to those late nights in the admin tower or in FA402.”

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Best Organization

Project 21

By Community Manager Harrison Langford

Project 21 is a student-run organization of music composition students in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.

Project 21’s goal is to provide a support group for its various composers and allows for a safe place of freedom and creativity of composition, according to its website.

Project 21 produces about four free concerts each semester that showcase new works by composer members of the group. The group also meets for a composer’s forum at noon every Friday. This forum serves as a place where all the members can discuss and workshop new ideas.

Alumni, performers and composers not a part of the group are welcome to join the weekly meetings and provide additional knowledge.

Past guest artists of Project 21 include David Maslanka, choral composer; John Bucchino, lyricist and composer, and David Gillingham, contemporary composer.

Click here for more on Project 21.

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Best College

Margaret E. Petree College of Performing Arts

By Emily Wollenberg, associate web editor

Margaret E. Petree College of Performing Arts prepares students for careers in the music, theater and dance industries. The school consists of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance, the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and the School of Theater.

According to many online sources, the Margaret E. Petree College showcases some of the best performance programs in the country.

Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the schools of music and theater, said he recognizes the caliber of students that train in the school.

“Students come here that are extremely focused. They are extremely driven,” Parker said. “It’s the level of students that come here. It always amazes me at auditions that the quality is so high.”

Parker said OCU’s performing arts population is significant when compared to other schools.

“I have a hunch, it’s very difficult to prove, but I’ve been telling people lately that this is the biggest university of performing arts per capita,” he said.

Parker said in larger universities of 50,000 students, the performing arts program might consist of only 300 students.

“Here we are at a university of about 3,000, and we have almost 800 performing arts majors. I haven’t found yet another school in America that has that concentration of performing arts majors,” he said.

Maddie Williams, dance pedagogy junior, said she voted for the performing arts college because performing arts education at OCU is unmistakably one of the best in the country.

“I’m proud to be a student of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment because it was just voted the number one dance school in the country by OnStage, proving to me how valuable the education I’m receiving is,” Williams said.

Parker said the community environment within the college inspires students.

“Here, students are surrounded by so much drive and talent, which makes it fun and encouraging,” he said. “As much learning happens between the students, we know, as happens in the classroom. Being around great students makes you greater.”

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Best Major

Theater

By Copy Editor Chandler White

The acting degree is designed to educate student actors in artistic, technical and professional development in theater.

The program originally was part of Petree College of Arts and Sciences until 2005 when it was given its own individual school under Dean Mark Parker, who oversees music and theater. Parker said he was told to ensure the program would grow in the future and the school has made considerable progress.

“We’re very honest and conscious about where we are in the world of theater education and the world of theater performance,” he said. “We’ve come a long way, and we’ve come very quickly. We say among ourselves that we’re in a continuous improvement model, that we haven’t reached one point yet where we’re willing to sit back and say, ‘Everything’s just the way it should be.’ If everything was perfect, what would we do?”

Since its creation, the School of Theater has helped OCU become the largest per capita performance school in the United States, Parker said.

Lance Marsh, head of performance for the School of Theater, said acting students are like family with one another, especially when dealing with difficulties in their major.

“To learn how to be an actor, you have to fail a lot, and so to create a space where they can fail safely is part of what we do,” Marsh said. “They really form a tight ensemble, and I think that’s a defining feature of the school.”

Cozy Cozart, acting freshman, said the School of Theater is dedicated to ensuring each student is given what they need from their education.

“They’re really focused on performance and getting you ready for a real career,” Cozart said. “Being in the School of Theater, you’re definitely family with the other people in the degree, as with the professors, and there’s always the opportunity for one-on-one attention if you need it.”