Oklahoma City University hosted a special guest lecturer, Dina Gilio-Whitaker, to discuss her book, As Long As Grass Grows. Gilio-Whitaker is an American academic, journalist, and author who writes about the experiences of Indigenous history, culture, and people. A central topic of the event was her book As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight…
Book Banning: Illuminating the Dark Side of the Library
Book banning occurs when certain literary pieces are labeled as being “too controversial” for readers, thus causing them to be pulled from the shelves of public schools, libraries, and even prisons. While these bans are not official, they often serve to greatly restrict access to stories and information. In recent years, the number of books…
What makes OCU so special anyways?
OCU is a special school containing hundreds of special individuals. Growing up in two college towns led me to believe that the college experience was just partying and blowing off class, but OCU contains a different breed of student. The small community feel and dedicated student population create a unique atmosphere, with a mix of…
OCU events show out for the end of the semester
What is outside, on the quad, has food, creates special moments and gives you the taste of summer? OCU events allow all students and members of the university community the chance to step outside their major or field and broaden their perspectives. The past few events such as the Coca-cola Throwback Tour, Miracle Marathon Food…
Editorial: Burnout, Finals and Summer
One thing OCU students are unfortunately well acquainted with is burnout, which will not be helped in these final two weeks as we begin to wrap up this semester. As outgoing seniors begin to prepare for their lives in the “real world” and returning students prepare to embark on countless summer adventures, remember to take…
Need new ideas for summer plans?
When hustling through the last few weeks of school, a person typically reaches summer with two different mindsets. From one point of view, there is a full-stop mindset stemming from those late nights in the library. Coming from being hunched over a computer screen trying to re-read a sentence. The more you read it, the…
Spring fun in the Oklahoma Sun
When someone says spring in Oklahoma, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Looking beyond allergy season and swatting past the new batch of bugs, there is a promise of new adventure in the air. When it comes to campus life, there are many entertaining activities just around the corner, utilizing the warmer…
Students dream of summer break…
Ah, so close. In just a few short weeks, students will say goodbye to campus life and head out on new adventures. From nature to family to professional development, one thing is clear: students have got their eye on the prize when it comes to visions of summer. Diving into all things nature and animals: …
OCU Encouraging Interfaith in Class and Beyond
Throughout Oklahoma City University, there is a multitude of religious study tracks including majors and minors, active religious organizations spanning a plethora of denominations and cultures and an overall inclusive environment appreciating and respecting varied ways of thinking. While OCU is Methodist-affiliated, many of the classes available are about religious pluralism and being able to…
Ethics Debate Team Takes on Nationals in Cincinnati
Recently, the OCU Ethics Debate Team, sponsored by the Meinders School of Business, traveled to Cincinnati to compete in the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Tournament. The OCU team qualified for Nationals after their undefeated first-place victory at the Rocky Mountain Regional Ethics Bowl back in November of last year. The National Tournament took place…
Farewell paper plates: the Caf dishwasher is back!
If you have dined at the cafeteria recently, odds are you have noticed a slight change has been made. While the food itself remains the same, the plates, bowls, cups and utensils used in the cafeteria have transitioned from disposable to reusable. This recent substitution is all thanks to the new dishwasher that has since…
A New Twist on University Worship
On March 14, University Worship was structured a little differently than usual. Instead of rows of chairs, tables took their place. After the devotional led by Rev. Dr. Lisa Wolfe and a music offering by the Worship Singers led by Dr. Melissa Plamann, the time turned into a loving act of service. On the…
Celebrate ‘Pie with Alpha Chi’
On Feb 16, Alpha Chi Omega held a Pie Night fundraising for their philanthropy — domestic violence awareness and support for survivors. During the event, there was a plethora of treats ranging from pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, chocolate-covered assortments and much more. The beautifully decorated house was filled with many sisters from various sororities and…
Freede Center hosts annual spring powwow
On Feb. 18, Oklahoma City University had the privilege of hosting its annual spring powwow in the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. The Oklahoma City Princesses Honor Powwow took place from 2-10 pm and was sponsored by the Changing Winds Cultural Society. The powwow was hosted by the OCU Office of Diversity, Equity…
OCU Welcomes Clara Luper Legacy Committee for Panel Discussion
A ‘Lessons in Leadership’ panel discussion will be held in the Great Hall on Feb 20 from 1-2 p.m. to celebrate Black History and Heritage Month. ‘Lessons in Leadership’ will feature the Clara Luper Legacy Committee, a group whose mission is to educate on the civil rights movement and keep the story and legacy of…
Meaningless: Newest Neustadt Lecture Performance
For the 2024 Oklahoma City University Wimberly School of Religion’s Neustadt Lecture, OCU has partnered with the Jewish Theatre of Oklahoma to present “Meaningless,” an interpretation of Ecclesiastes. “Meaningless” is a one-man show performed by Rodney Brazil, an OKC-based actor, director and writer, who helped adapt the book of Ecclesiastes into play format, along with…
ODEI launches new incentives for student excellence
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion recently announced the launch of a DEI Graduation Cord and Email Signature Badge! ODEI invites participants to attend ODEI programs, training and events and any DEI-related campus or community events to learn and implement belonging, access and awareness throughout their time here at OCU. Attendance grants participants engagement…
OCU celebrates Black history and heritage this February
The month of February has a ripe history of honoring Black Americans beginning as far back as 1926. However, Black History Month as it’s known today has existed since 1976 when it became officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. Since President Ford, every American president has dedicated and endorsed a specific theme for Black History…
OCU Celebrates the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year has arrived, and here at Oklahoma City University, the campus community has been taking time to honor the special occasion. Recognized on Feb. 10, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendar. A time for fun and celebration for many Asian cultures, there were plenty…
OCU set to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at parade
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an essential figure of the history of the United States, specifically the Civil Rights movement. Every year, the third Monday in January is observed as a federal holiday in honor of Dr. King. Dr. King was a Black Baptist minister famous for his advocacy of nonviolent methods to…
Upcoming Spring Semester Events
January 11: Winter Involvement Fair January 11: NAACP Legacy Event January 15: MLK Day Parade January 31: Lunar New Year Celebration February 2: Intramural Dodgeball Tournament February 13: All Majors Career & Internship Fair March 4: Intramural Table Tennis Tournament March 18 – 22: Spring Break April 5: Miracle Marathon April 20: Intramural Sand Volleyball…
Burger’s Burger Becomes Permanent Kitchen 1904 Menu Item
Oklahoma City University’s Student Government Association passed its first piece of legislation to add the Smashburger permanently to the Kitchen 1904 menu under the name Burger’s Burger. Some may remember that the Smashburger was a limited-time item that Kitchen 1904 had already run, but under its new name, it will be a full-time item. The…
Inside the Diary of an OCU Golfer
Dear Diary, Early morning workouts kickstart the day – the stretch, the run, the lift – they awaken me, priming me for whatever comes next. After workouts, I go to class. Balancing golf and academics remains a daily challenge. The struggle between the golf course and homework persists, yet I’m getting the hang of managing…
OCU Begins New Organization “From Scratch”
Oklahoma City University is home to many student organizations including the recently founded From Scratch. From Scratch is a student organization housed under the School of Theatre that strives to promote original student work created “from scratch.” With an emphasis on playwrighting, co-artistic director, Olivia Akers, states that the organization focuses on producing new works…
Devon Opens Annual Ice Rink
Looking for a place for a first date, or a moment to enjoy being away from campus and feeling like you’re in a fairytale? Then go no further than the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The Myriad Botanical Gardens opened downtown for its 12th annual Devon Ice Rink. The outdoor ice rink is powered by a two-hundred-ton…
Anna Marie Wright Crowned Miss OCU 2024
Miss OCU 2024, Oklahoma City University’s annual beauty pageant crowned a new winner last night in junior musical theatre major Anna Marie Wright. The competition featured 4 onstage sections as well as an interview prior. Competitors compete in an onstage question, health and fitness wear, talent, and an evening wear section. Nine women ranging from…