February 1, 2013Vol. 91 Issue 8 EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE EST. 1908Eastern StatesmanEastern Statesman

Campus News, Pg. 3

Campus News, Pg. 2

Entertainment , Pg. 5

Alumni Pg. 7

Sports, Pg. 8

“May the spirit of Johnnie Wray invade this

theater and may her uplifting presence

always inspire those that pass through it to

do their best.”

- Dr. Grady Wray

By Jayson KnightStAff WritEr

The recently renovated the-ater at Pratt Hall has been re-named the Johnnie Wray The-atre, in honor of a teacher that left a legacy at Eastern Oklahoma State College many decades ago. Three of her former theater stu-dents gave speeches in honor of the late Johnnie Wray, all of whom are current faculty mem-bers. Before the theater wrapped up the dedication with an in-augural performance, Wray’s son, Dr. Grady Wray, gave an emotionally-charged speech as well.

The event was managed and coordinated by Eastern’s Direc-tor of Institutional Advancement, Treva Kennedy. Johnnie Wray SEE WRAY PAGE 2

AN UPLIFTING PRESENCE

was an instructor at Eastern from 1959-1984, according to Ken-nedy.

“When she was here, she re-ally put Eastern on the map for debate,” said Kennedy. “She was the chair of the Speech and

Drama Department. She also served as the director of chil-dren’s theater. She wore many hats and was very active on our campus.”

The Jan. 18 dedication be-gan with a welcoming to the revamped theater by President of EOSC, Dr. Stephen Smith. With about 90 people in atten-dance for the dedication, Smith thanked the audience and then talked about the success of the children’s theater that Johnnie began.

“It’s a very special day. Wray’s students won numerous national debates honors and we’re excited to be here honor-ing her today,” Smith said.

Dr. Grady Wray speaks during the Jan. 18 dedication of the newly renovated and named Johnnie Wray theatre. former students both spoke and attended the event. Statesman photo

DEDiCation New look for EOSC website

“Johnnie made a memorable impression on anyone. If she was a punctuation mark, Johnnie would have been an exclamation point.”

Dr. Billye GivensDean of Language,

Humanities & eDucation

By JamiE finKStAff WritEr

This December Eastern Okla-homa State College (EOSC) proudly unveiled a redesigned website of its main site at www.eosc.edu.

The new site provides a more dynamic platform for showcasing all that EOSC has to offer and an improved, user-friendly naviga-tion to help make locating infor-mation much more intuitive.

“We are hoping that the new website encourages concurrent students to be proud to be a part of EOSC and for future students to want to be a part of Eastern. We want to help everyone with access to quality educational op-tions – that accessibility starts with providing a website that is easy to use,” stated Trish Mc-Beath, EOSC’s Director of Com-munications and Marketing.

“It was time for a new, mod-ern look to Eastern. The previous site was old and dated; the new site will show more of what East-ern has become and represent what we are and what we strive for. The website includes most of the same features as before, but the content has been updated in to a newer, fresher look.”

“We have created a site where people can access appropriate information and resources to learn about the Eastern Oklaho-ma State College’s educational

NEWS Redesign offers a more dynamic platform for online components

SEE EOSC.EDU PAGE 3

CAMPUS NEWS Wray’s protégés and son lead dedication of Pratt Hall’s newly renovated Johnnie Wray Theatre

Campus NewsPage 2 February 1, 2013

First United Methodist Church is seeking to hire a secretary for 15-20 hours per week. Must be avail-able for daytime hours, able to lift fifteen pounds, able to pass a background check and drug test.

Excellent communica-tion and computer skills required, including Micro-soft Office Suite and email.

For a more detailed job description & informa-tion on salary please con-tact Rev. April Coates by email at wilburtonfumc@sbcglobal.net or by mail at P.O. Box 6 Wilburton, OK 74578.

Church seeking part-time help

WRAYCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The EOSC Board of Re-gents Chair Loise Washington also spoke just before Johnnie Wray’s former students took the podium. “Today is one of those days that truly bring honor and distinction here at Eastern,” Washington said.

Professor of Psychology & Sociology Cheryl Wood Myers, English instructor Lee Ann Sch-weitzer, and Dean of Language, Humanities and Education Dr. Billye Givens were the three speakers that reminded those in attendance of Wray’s inspira-tional essence.

“It is wonderful to see you,” Myers said to Dr. Grady Wray, before addressing the rest of the crowd. Myers, when beginning her college career, was a local girl with a job as a work study student for Johnnie Wray.

“I always feel like she is with me when I speak to a group of people,” said Myers. “Johnnie was a unique combination of magnetic personality and natu-ral educator. She worked as hard as any of her students whether she was in the class room, build-ing a stage set or preparing a team for a national debate; she gave it her all.”

Schweitzer began her speech with a little self-deprecation in mentioning her speech pattern before meeting Johnnie Wray. Schweitzer cited growing up in Red Oak and rural parts of Mis-sissippi as faults of her former speech pattern.

“What she taught me was self-discipline. I could not open my mouth without her correct-ing me. In just two years, I abso-lutely changed my speech pat-tern.”

Schweitzer also mentioned another asset she developed in her speech that she credits Johnnie Wray for in her abil-ity to project. “My husband told me one time,” Schweitzer said.

“‘Why don’t you just raise the window and forget about using the telephone?’”

Schweitzer continued with a story and by remembering the stern kindness of her mentor.

“There were times when [she] took me home with her when I didn’t have a ride to get back home to Red Oak,” said Sch-weitzer. “She and Lester (John-nie’s husband) took me out and bought me my first grilled steak. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

“She never made fun of a student. I never saw her treat someone like they were less and I’m a prime example of that. She could chew you out, because she expected you to come to class prepared. I am so proud I began my education here at Eastern and under the tutelage of Johnnie Wray.”

“As these two ladies have at-tested to,” Givens said. “Johnnie made a memorable impression on anyone. If she was a punctu-ation mark, Johnnie would have been an exclamation point. She was emphatic. She was dynamic. She was concerned about the whole student and the things that we learned.”

Grady Wray works in the

Modern Languages, Literature, and Linguistics Division of the University of Oklahoma.

His speech began with a “Wow,” and after personally thanking many people for his opportunity to speak, he con-tinued remembering his mother and her legacy.

“Sometimes she would come screaming down the aisles of Mitchell Auditorium saying, ‘No, no, no! Not like that, I said do it with passion.’ She would grab you and walk you through the correct staging.”

He went over his mother’s numerous nicknames and her fondness for them.

According to Grady Wray, his mother would make students with lazy enunciation recite: “Betty Botter bought some but-ter, ‘But,’ she said, ‘this butter’s bitter; if I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter.’”

He named many of the role models that he looked up to, many of whom were students of Johnnie Wray’s who were in at-tendance.

“She, herself, showed how a woman could work in a world where men still had the upper hand, but she knew how to work with that and even knew how to

EOSC United Ministry Meal & Worship 5 p.m. Tuesdays East Side of Campus, UM Building

Attention veterans and friends of veterans.

If you are interested in forming an Eastern Oklaho-ma State College veteran’s club, contact (or seek out in person) Guy Folger at gfol-ger@eosc.edu.

Eastern has over 100 vet-erans on its campuses and it is time we are represented with an official club.

If enough people are interested, we will plan a meeting to form a club and move forward.

make the men around her bet-ter,” Wray said.

“Speaking of men, I have to talk about a special man, too. I’ll start with the phrase: Behind every great man, there stands a great woman. However, John-nie Wray would not, could not, have been the success she was without the unyielding support of her husband, and my father, Lester F. Wray, Jr. Certainly then, in this case, the phrase must be changed to say that behind the great Johnnie Wray, stood a great man.

“As her son and student, I still use the things she used to teach me. What was very important to her revolved around maintaining good communication. What was the most effective way to get the idea in your head into the head of someone else?

“May the spirit of Johnnie Wray invade this theater and may her uplifting presence al-ways inspire those that pass through it to do their best.”

A trio of Johnnie Wray’s former students spoke of their former instructor during the dedication of the John-nie Wray Theatre Jan. 18. Pictured from left are Cheryl Wood-Myer, Lee Ann Schweitzer and Dr. Billye Givens, who are all three now faculty members at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Photos by Guy Folger

Planning meeting for possible new Veteran’s Club

NewsFebruary 1, 2013 Page 3

Glazier begins as Vice President of Student Affairs

options – whether a high school student seeking college credit or for a current student to ob-tain information quicker and easier. The redesign incorpo-rates several new features that will make the website more in-teractive and engaging.”

Some of the new features include:

• Enhanced program pages with more information

on the variety of education available

• Mobile and tablet friendly design

• User-friendly naviga-tion makes finding the content you are looking for easier

• Higher visibility of up-coming events and activities going on at Eastern

• Look and feel that is more representative of Eastern

Questions and comments about the redesigned website can be emailed to tmcbeath@eosc.edu.

EOSC.EDUCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Upcoming indoor activities include bingo, intramural sports and a basketball “blue-out”By Jayson KnightStaff Writer

Eastern Oklahoma State Col-lege’s Student Services is pro-viding a number of upcoming events and activities to enter-tain the student body during these topsy-turvy weather con-ditions.

A talent show will be held March 27. The Johnnie Wray Theater will serve as the stage for the talent show with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show beginning at 8:30 p.m. Audi-tions will be held March 6 at a locale to be determined. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place.

“We would like to make the talent show an annual event,” said Residence Life Coordinator Lauren Polk.

“We would like to make bin-go annual as well. I really want people to come to that.”

Bingo will be held in the Stu-dent Center cafeteria Feb 27 at 8 p.m.

Also, there will be a one-day dodge-ball tournament Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the C.C. Dunlap Fieldhouse.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a cou-ple more,” said Polk. “We just have to watch for opportuni-ties to use the gym to prevent

scheduling conflicts.”A humans-versus-zombies

tag game was described by Polk as “Really fun. It’s going to be amazing.”

The student body will also be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dance Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m.

Following the lead of a growing trend in basketball arenas, Eastern will host a Feb. 7 “Blue-Out,” said Matt Daniels, Miller Hall Coordinator. (15-7) Eastern will host (2-16) Carl Albert State College at 8 p.m., Feb. 7, according to the eosc.edu website.

“We’re asking everyone to wear blue shirts,” said Daniels, “And we’ll have a prize for the bluest student. Lauren’s even going to paint her face up.”

Veteran’s Affairs marches on at EasternBy guy folgerSenior Staff Writer

Despite the recent, unex-pected departure of the Assistant Registrar/Veteran’s Affairs Coor-dinator, assistance for veterans is still available at Eastern Okla-homa State College.

Eastern Registrar, Karen Clark, reports that she will be administering veteran’s affairs until a new Assistant Registrar is

hired. She may be contacted at the Registrar’s Office in the Li-brary building, phone 465-1814 or kclark@eosc.edu.

The Eastern Statesman re-cently spoke with MSgt Marvin Wilson, USAF Retired, who is the former Educational Oppor-tunity Center (EOC) Specialist at Eastern.

MSgt Wilson advises that he is still the EOC Military-

Connection Specialist for a large part of eastern Okla-homa and western Arkansas and is also available to pro-vide assistance to Eastern’s veterans. He may be con-tacted at phone 505-328-6863 or mawilson@carlal-bert.edu.

At last count, there were over 100 veterans on Eastern’s campuses.

EOSC PRESS RELEASEDr. Stephen Glazier has been

named Eastern Oklahoma State College’s new vice president for Student Affairs.

Glazier, who joined Eastern in December, will oversee a varied list of programs within Student Affairs such as Academic Ad-visement, Admissions, Athletics, Career Services, Cooperative Al-liances, Financial Aid, GEAR UP, Native American Programs, Re-cruitment, Residential Housing, Scholarships, Student Life, and Testing.

“We are excited about the addition of Dr. Glazier to the Eastern Oklahoma State College team,” said Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith.

“He brings a reputation of great energy and creative ideas to our institution. We look for-ward to his leadership in the di-

vision of stu-dent affairs.”

Most re-cently, Gla-zier served as the Director of Counsel-ing and Ca-reer Services at Northern O k l a h o m a College Enid. He was with the college for 13 years.

“My primary educational topic of interest involves col-lege retention and graduation theory. As such, I view Student Affairs not as just extra-curricular activities, but as a vital co-cur-ricular component of the over-all student educational process” Glazier said. “With that in mind, Student Affairs programing is

intentionally designed to in-crease both institutional and goal commitment of our EOSC students.”

A native Oklahoman, Gla-zier received his bachelor’s degree from Central State Uni-versity, a master’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oral Roberts University. He and his wife, Judith, have three children.

“I have dedicated my life to helping students achieve their educational goals,” Glazier said.

“I am honored to be a member of the Eastern Okla-homa State College team and I look forward to the opportuni-ty to serve under Dr. Smith and work with our students, faculty and staff.”

Dr. stephen glazier

“We’re asking everyone to wear blue shirts. And we’ll have a prize for the bluest student. Lauren’s even going to paint her face.”

Matt DanielsMiller hall coordinator

according to trish McBeath, Director of Marketing and Communications, eastern’s newly redesigned website features enhanced program pages, mobile and tablet-friendly design, user-friendly navigation, visibility of upcoming events and activities, and has a look and feel that is more representative to eastern.

Campus NewsPage 4 February 1, 2013

EOSC PRESS RELEASEWith the demand for em-

ployees who have certificates and degrees increasing, college completion has never been a higher priority in the state of Oklahoma than it is now. That was the message delivered by Chancellor Glen D. Johnson as he presented the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Educa-tion’s FY 2014 legislative agen-da to an audience of lawmakers, community leaders and edu-cators in Krebs on Jan. 15. The host institution for this year’s luncheon was Connors State College.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently voted to request $90.4 million in new state appropriations during the upcoming legisla-tive session. The total budget request for FY 2014 is 9.47 per-cent higher than the current year’s appropriation.

To aid state colleges and universities in producing more college graduates, the State Regents are requesting $55 million for Complete College America performance funding needs. This will provide funding for additional course sections, full-time faculty and financial aid. This will also fund increased needs for information technol-ogy equipment, library resourc-

es and other operational needs to support near-record student enrollment.

Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities continue to take steps to cut operational costs. A total of $411 million in actual and projected cost sav-ings has been identified from 2010-14 in technology and en-ergy consumption, as well as in personnel costs and supplies.

“Oklahoma’s system of

higher education remains com-mitted to producing a quality, educated workforce in order to prepare our students to com-pete globally,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “We believe that our budget request makes a very persuasive case for our policy leaders to further in-vest in higher education. These funds would assist our institu-tions in achieving our Com-plete College America degree

Chancellor visits area to present legislative agenda

EOSC PRESS RELEASETBP America Production Com-

pany has made a $15,000 gift to Eastern Oklahoma State College to support student scholarships.

“Education is very important to any rural area and it just takes a little to make a differ-ence in a student’s life,” said BP Production Team Leader Mark Holdsworth. “BP is happy to support our local students and we’re seeing the value in those investments. Plus, this gives

our employees a sense of pride because BP is supporting local communities.”

This is the second consecu-tive year that BP has made a donation to Eastern. Last fall, the company gave more than $13,000 to the college for simi-lar scholarships.

The scholarships are available to qualifying students residing in BP’s operating counties of Latimer, Leflore, Haskell, Pitts-burg or Sequoyah. The schol-

Right, BP America Production Team Leader Mark Holdsworth (left cen-ter) presents a $15,000 gift to Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith to support student scholarships. Eastern students (left to right) Haylee Phillips, Sean Mass, and Taylor Bell, received BP scholarships at Eastern this year.

BP America donates $15,000 to Eastern for student scholarships

Eastern Oklahoma State College students, regents, faculty and staff gathered with local legislators to attend Chancellor Glen D. Johnson’s presentation of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2014 legislative agenda on Tuesday. Pictured at the event are (left to right) Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Stephen Glazier, Representative R.C. Pruett, EOSC Regent Burl Williams, Representative Ed Cannaday, EOSC sophomore Reilly Cloud from Sawyer, Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon, Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, EOSC sophomore Larriann Chambers from Tushka, EOSC Mathematics Professor Phillip Hawthorne, EOSC Dean of the McAlester Campus Dr. Janet Wansick, Representative Donnie Condit, EOSC Regent Loise Washington, EOSC Regent Teresa Jackson and EOSC Re-gent Denton McNutt. Also in attendance, but not pictured, were Senator Larry Boggs and EOSC Regents Brian Lott, Aud Balentine and Carl Wooldridge.

completion goals and will help to ensure student access and success in college.”

College completion contin-ues to be higher education’s No. 1 priority. The State Regents are seeking $2.5 million for online education and degree comple-tion technology. This will in-crease students’ ability to enroll in additional course sections and improve evaluation and transparency through software

development and training.The State Regents are also

requesting $7.5 million to fund a grant program that will en-hance higher education insti-tutions’ efforts to provide stu-dents guidance in completion of their degrees. Funding would be directed to special services in career counseling, advise-ment, financial aid and efficien-cy in degree attainment.

Increased financial aid fund-ing will also be a priority for the State Regents in the upcom-ing legislative session in order to reduce the financial barriers that prevent students from at-tending college. The State Re-gents seek to increase funding by $2.5 million for the concur-rent enrollment program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take credit-earning college courses.

The State Regents are also requesting an additional $540,000 for the Summer Acad-emies program, $1.3 million for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid and Oklahoma Tuition Equalization grants, $200,000 for the Aca-demic Scholars program and $250,000 for an adult degree completion community schol-arship match.

The total appropriat ion request for FY 2014 is $1.05 bi l l ion.

arship funds will be awarded on academic merit to students studying energy, science, math, education, nursing, business, child development, agriculture (pre-veterinary) or environmen-tal/natural resources at Eastern.

EntertainmentFebruary 1, 2013 Page 5

Published twice monthly from August through May by students of Eastern Okla-homa State College, Wilbur-ton, OK. Opinions expressed in the “Statesman” are not necessarily those of the East-ern student body, faculty or administration. Opinions ex-pressed in articles, columns or letters are those of the individual writers.

Members of the Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, Community College Jour-nalism Association, Student Press Law Center and Okla-homa Interscholastic Press Association.

Letters to the editor are not only welcomed, but en-couraged. All letters must be able to be verified with the author’s phone number, ad-dress, and e-mail address. The editor reserves the right to edit to fit space limitations and to comply with libel laws and good taste.

The publication is issued by EOSC and is printed at a cost of about $50 per page. Telephone is (918) 465-1714. E-mail: statesman@eosc.edu.

Eastern Statesman Staff

Guy Folger, Senior Staff WriterLondon Runyon, Staff Writer Carter Haskins, Staff WriterJayson Knight, Staff Writer

Wes Carter, Staff WriterJamie Fink, Staff Writer

Tayler Richey, Staff WriterIeyanna Williams, Staff WriterWilliam Sanders, Copy Editor

Kristen Turner, Adviser

Would you like to join the Statesman?The Eastern Statesman is looking for writers, graphic de-

signers and anyone interested in maintaining our website. Contact Kristen Turner at 918.465.1720 or kturner@eosc.edu.

EOSC PRESS RELEASEEastern Oklahoma State Col-

lege will host its annual Sap-phire Ball on Saturday, March 2 in Wilburton. The event, now in its fourth year, will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Student Center.

“Diamonds are Forever” is the theme of this year’s black-tie event which includes dinner, si-lent and live auctions, and danc-ing. Proceeds from the event will fund Eastern’s Sapphire Scholar-ship for deserving students. Last year’s event raised approximately $8,000 for student scholarships.

“We’re very pleased with the

support we received during last year’s event from our alumni, faculty, staff, local businesses and other donors,” said Treva Kennedy, director of Institutional Advancement. “Our goal is to in-crease that amount this year and create even more opportunities for student scholarships.”

The event will also honor out-standing Eastern employees, alumni and community support-ers. This year’s awardees have not yet been announced.

For more information about the event, contact Eastern’s Of-fice of Institutional Advancement at 918-465-1873.

Eastern announces date for annual Sapphire Ball

Mountaineer Radiowww.radio.eosc.edu

COmPILEd By TAyLER RICHEySTaff WRiTER

Some of the more important historical dates for the month of February are as follows:

New Amsterdam was incor-porated on Feb. 2, 1653. The Dutch territory was not renamed New York (after the Duke of York) until it was conquered by the English in 1664.

George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732. Before the British adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday was Feb. 11, 1751. He would go on to become the first President of the United States.

On Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgen-ville, Kentucky. He would serve as our 16th president, success-fully leading the Union through the Civil War, keeping the Unit-ed States intact.

The Confederate States of America was formed Feb. 4, 1861 at the Montgomery Con-vention.

Belle Starr was murdered on Feb. 3, 1889, two days before her 41st birthday, on her way home from a friend’s house in

More salutes should be given for this movie honoring our heroesBy Guy FOLGERSEnioR STaff WRiTER

"Taking Chance" is a 2009 movie produced and released by HBO Films starring Kevin Ba-con as USMC Lt.Col. Mike Strobl. It is based on the real-life expe-riences of the Lt.Col. as he es-corts the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps, back to his hometown in Wyoming.

Though a veteran of Desert Storm, the Lt.Col. presumably feels guilty about not being in combat since then. Thinking PFC Phelps is from his own home-town, he volunteers to escort his body home.

One online blogger described the movie as “a tedious 85 min-utes of Kevin Bacon saluting.” In response to this blogger, who evidently does not equate or care that the saluting is to show hon-or and respect, I would say there needs to be more salutes given our military members, veterans and especially our fallen ones.

For his performance in "Tak-ing Chance," Bacon received a

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film.

If you are one who supports our military members and veter-ans, I think you will find this mov-ie to be a very moving tribute.

dVd REVIEWEufaula, Oklahoma.

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated Feb. 8, 1910. Since its founding, more than 110 million Americans have been members of the BSA.

Ronald Regan was born Feb. 6, 1911. He went on to become the 40th President of The United States from 1981 to 1989.

The St. Valentine’s Day Mas-sacre occurred Feb. 14, 1929. The incident was a battle waged between two of Chicago’s larg-est gangs. The fight between Al Capone’s South Side Italian gang and Bugs Moran’s North Side Irish gang left seven people dead; five of Moran’s men, and two of Capone’s.

The Battle of Iwo Jima began on Feb. 19, 1945. The famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal, was taken a few days later on Feb. 23.

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) was an Afri-can-American Muslim minister and human rights activists. He was assassinated in New York City on Feb. 21, 1965.

FEBRuARy dATES In HISTORy

www.statesman.eosc.edu

Views & ReviewsPage 6 February 1, 2013

Inspiring greatness via Twitter — the power of social mediaBy TAyLER RICHEyStaff Writer

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”- Martin Luther King Jr.

Quotes such as this are meant to motivate us to be better people; to be the light that brightens someone’s day; to be the person who restores another’s faith in civilization.

The tragedy that befell Sandy Hook Elementary School was anything but humane. The heartache it caused was felt from coast to coast, and beyond. In times of such despair, it can be difficult to discern the humanity left in our society.

Fortunately, there are still people like NBC reporter Ann Curry in our world. Even as such a public figure, I am sure she had no idea of the scope of the movement she inspired when she took to Twitter after the tragic events of December 14, 2012. “Imagine if everyone could commit to doing one act of kindness for each precious life lost. An act of kindness big or small. Are you in?” And with those twenty-six words, the 26 Acts of Kindness movement was born, and has been changing lives since.

Some of the random acts of kindness reported being done in honor of those lost include: being left an anonymous Christmas

card containing a lottery ticket, having a restaurant tab being picked up by a stranger, 26 trees being bought to be planted in Haiti, volunteering 26 hours at a children’s hospital. These are small acts done by people who single-handedly could not change the world, but by acting in unison and only asking others to pay it forward in return, have truly helped to make the world a better place to live in.

Resolutions are not only for New Year’s; it is never too late. I encourage you all to be a light to drive out the darkness, to express love to drive out hate. Working together, we can make a difference.

If you feel led to participate

Would our forefathers recognize these Divided States of America?By wEs CARTERStaff Writer

When our forefathers pre-sented the Constitution, they understood that America wasn’t perfect and still had a lot of im-proving to do if it was going to make it as a country. However, they took a few “good ideas” and wrote the Constitution. These “good ideas” are presented in the Preamble of the Constitution. Today, politicians use the Consti-tution as the foundation of cam-paign speeches. They promise to govern using the Constitution, but sometimes, I wonder if they have even read the Preamble.

“We the People of the United States…”

In 2008, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said that the goal of the Republican Party, for the next two years, was to ensure that President Barack Obama wouldn’t be reelected. Instead of trying to work with the president, McConnell, the Senate minor-ity leader, took an oppositional

stance and disregarded the voic-es of 70 million Americans that voted for President Obama. How does this oppositional approach to governing represent “We the People of The United States?”

“…in Order to form a more perfect Union…”

This clause in the preamble of the Constitution seems odd be-cause you can’t get “more” per-fect. Perfection is absolute. The framers of the Constitution were implying that there is always room for improvement. Some-times that improvement comes in the form of adding more ter-ritory to the Union (like Hawaii), and sometimes improvement means evolving as a society to be more tolerant and accepting (realizing women are equal to men).

However, striving for a “more perfect Union” doesn’t mean ger-rymandering districts and chang-ing voting rules in an attempt to decrease turnout among minori-ties, elderly and low-income citi-

zens. Since the 2012 Presidential Election, legislatures in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michi-gan, Ohio and Florida are all voting to redistrict their states to take away seats from demo-crats. Each of these states went to President Obama in the 2012 Election.

“…establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence …”

Recently, after the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings, both political factions have at-tempted to establish Justice and by doing so have thwarted domestic Tranquility. I don’t believe the government should take away guns, but I also don’t believe a man has any need for an assault rifle. The debate over what restrictions should be placed on gun ownership does not bother me. However, the rhetoric used is terrible. Ranking Republicans scare constituents by telling them that President Obama is coming for their guns.

People on the left are accusing the NRA for past tragedies. No-body seems to discuss the pos-sibility, if not probability, that everybody might be culpable for today’s culture. It seems that Americans have lost the abil-ity to converse and disagree on subjects without resorting to character defamation and slan-derous claims.

“…promote the general Wel-fare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Pos-terity…”

As a country, we cannot say we are securing the Blessings of Liberty when we openly scru-tinize and legislate against a lifestyle. Why do heterosexual people care what homosexual people do? What is more pe-culiar is that straight people are willing to let gay people fight for their country, but their country doesn’t recognize the relation-ship they have with their signifi-cant other. At what point do we realize that government has no

business telling someone who they can or can’t marry? A large percentage of our politicians can’t remain faithful to their spouse, what business do they have infringing on the rights of Americans who want to ex-change vows and honor them? Americans throw around words like freedom and liberty, but we only want these things if they are convenient to us and don’t upset our daily routine. I like the word “Posterity,” because I believe that future generations will look at our archaic laws and laugh at them.

“…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

It must have been a magical moment when the Constitution was finally ratified. The faceless union of colonies that separated from England with the Declara-tion of Independence now has a face as the United States of America. I just wonder if our fore-fathers would recognize it.

in 26 Acts of Kindness, please show your support by using the hash-tag #26Acts on Twitter, not for personal recognition, but because by promoting your support, you could be the one to inspire others to join this noble

movement. Also, people are sharing

their stories at Facebook.com/26acts, which currently stands at close to 100 thousand supporters, representing 2.6 million acts of kindness.

Want to voice your opinion? Send a “Letter to the Editor” to statesman@eosc.edu.

Alumni February 1, 2013 Page 7

By Mike Cathey EOSC 1983 Of IndIanOla

“This might just be Oklahoma’s acceptable ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’,” shared EOSC graduate and author Davee Jones (EOSC 1990 of Kiowa) on her recent novel due out in print in March.

Her fourth published book, “Lovedust and Trailblazers,” is a western romance released in November of 2012. USA Today recently featured her book trailer on their book blog. (See book synopsis in sidebar).

Jones currently resides in Little Elm, Texas and works in Dallas for the Social Security Administration as a facilities specialist. She earned an EOSC associate’s in psychology, before transferring to East Central University in Ada, where she earned a dual bachelor’s in psychology and sociology in 1993.

In 1995 she earned an M.Ed in Counseling from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. She worked for a year in a private psychiatric hospital before starting employment with the U.S. Social Security Administration.

“My career with the Social Security Administration has taken me around the country, offered wonderful opportunities, and provided well for my family,” says Jones.

“I’ve worked for the Social Security Administration for over 16 years. I began my career in Wichita, then moved to Denver, to Ardmore, and now to Dallas.

“However, something was always missing. Remember I have a psychology background and a master’s in counseling. That really isn’t something I use daily for the Social Security Administration. However, working in the psychiatric field really was not my calling either.

“I daydreamed about what might have been or what I would have done had I researched careers more in-depth and taken

a different occupational road. I enjoyed writing in high school and took some creative writing classes in college. I kept a journal and periodically through the years purged through my words.

“I started my first book sometime in 2006. I had no idea how to pen a book, the daunting task seemed insurmountable. But, as is my nature, I persevered and continued. When I wrote ‘The End’ I felt alive and knew that I found my dream job.

“I would like to say I can live off the royalties, but I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon. Writing is such a hard field to break into and millions of other writers hope to find their “Fifty Shades of Gray” with their next manuscript.

“The reality is, hitting that type of best-seller has the odds of winning the lottery. So, to keep playing, you gotta keep writing, and work your tail off marketing yourself.”

In addition to “Lovedust and Trailblazers,” Jones’ other published works include: “Ruby’s Dance-Thank You Mae West”, “Finless,” and “On Ellicott Street”. Also she is currently marketing her latest work, “Eve’s First Noel.”

Also during spring 2013, she has a series beginning to appeal to young adult

and sweet romance fans. Davee’s current publisher is Secret Cravings Publishing. Jones attended EOSC on an academic scholarship as a result of winning the spelling competition at the EOSC high school curriculum competition.

While at EOSC she took honors English and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

“I remember speech class with Mrs. Hintze. We had a demonstration speech assignment and several of us made some awesome recipes,” shared Jones about her time at Eastern.

“Mrs. Hintze created a cookbook for us that I still have.

“At EOSC I learned that I had control over my life’s outcome to a large degree. Honestly, I did not expect to attend college, however, life’s circumstances led me to stay in Oklahoma. The academic scholarship to EOSC was true blessing and began my future successes.

“When I entered EOSC as a timid, meek, country girl, I had no idea I would later live in the mountains, write policy for the federal government, investigate fraud, participate in triathlons, have three beautiful children (Aaron, Devin, and Alexandrea),

WHERE ARE THEY NOW...

Eastern Alumni making an impact on the worldDavee Jones

or have books published. It’s been one heck of a ride so far.

“Through everything in my life, the college experiences, moving to different locations, promotions within the Social Security Administration, and my family, I wholeheartedly say I’ve never regretted any risk or rabbit trail I traveled.”

Author, Social Security Administration specialist, and EOSC Alum Davee Jones comes from a long line of EOSC graduates including her mom, Ruth Fereday, her sisters Chrisee Howard Leuty and Jewel Howard Weiher, and brother Sam Howard.

Mike Cathey is a lifetime member of the EOSC alumni association. While at Eastern, Cathey was also a staff writer for The Statesman and the Vice President of the Student Senate. Cathey is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and resides in Chicago, Ill.

Book Synopsis - “Lovedust and Trailblazers” Young Marine, Josiah Samuels, was sent home from the Korean

Conflict and honored with a Purple Heart for the shrapnel wounds across his chest. Although he proudly served his country, he lived on a daily basis haunted by the sights and sounds of warfare.

As a cattle rancher, he raised stock for local rodeos and lived a simple life of solitude. But, the loneliness and the void the war created in his chest began to overwhelm him.

Then, because of a “cow emergency,” he met Minnie Mitchell, a spitfire neighboring rancher who finished veterinary school in a time when few women were even admitted to University veterinarian programs. She faced her own obstacles in running her family’s cattle operation and finding a job as a vet in stereotypical 1950’s Oklahoma.

Minnie passionately rattled Josiah’s world in ways he previously only dreamed. Now together, these Trailblazers must find a way to keep Minnie close to the family ranch…and in Josiah’s loving arms.

Davee Jones

eastern graduate Davee Jones’ fourth novel “Lovedust and trailblaz-ers” was released in November. the novel is set to be released in print in March of this year.

SportsPage 8 February 1, 2013

EOSC PRESS RELEASEThe internationally-acclaimed

Harlem Ambassadors will visit Wilburton for a game on the campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Har-lem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines. The Ambas-sadors feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids wherever the Ambassa-dors play.

“At our shows, we want the kids to know that they’re part of our team too,” Coach Ladè Majic said. “We invite as many kids as we can to the event, have a front row seat during the show, and get involved in all of the fun stuff we do.”

The Ambassadors set them-

selves apart from other “Har-lem-style” basketball teams by working with local not-for-profit and service organi-zations and holding Harlem Ambassadors shows as com-munity fundraising events. The Ambassadors have partnered with the Wilburton Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser to help with Chamber operations and activities.

“We are excited about bring-ing a fun, family event to Wilbur-ton. We will be out promoting the event to the area schools and businesses,” said Mae Mings, ex-ecutive director of the Wilburton Chamber.

The Ambassadors have worked extensively with organi-zations such as Habitat for Hu-manity, Boys & Girls Clubs, and American Red Cross as well as other organizations and clubs

Harlem Ambassadors Tour returns to Wilburtonin communities throughout the U.S., and perform more than 200 shows a year. Those shows have helped raise millions of dollars – an accomplishment of which Ambassadors President Dale Moss is very proud. “It feels good to be able to provide qual-ity entertainment and create memories that the fans will take with them,” Moss explained.

The Ambassadors will be playing the Wilburton Outlaws, which will consist of local and area community leaders. Ad-vanced ticket prices will be $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults. Kids four and under are admitted free. Tickets will go on sale beginning January 10 and can be purchased at the Wil-burton Chamber of Commerce

98Mountaineers

SCHEDULEDate Opponent Location Time GamesFeb. 4 Paris Junior College Home 1 p.m. 7,7 Feb. 9 Butler County Community College Home Noon 7,7 Feb. 10 Butler County Community College Home Noon 9 Feb. 16 Navarro College Home Noon 9 Feb. 16 Grayson County College Home 6 p.m. 9 Feb. 17 Jefferson College Home Noon 7,9 Feb. 19 Redlands Community College Ada, Okla. (ECU) Noon 9 Feb. 22 Cowley County Community College Home 2 p.m. 9 Feb. 23 Cowley County Community College Home Noon 7, 9 Feb. 24 Iowa Western Community College Home 1 p.m. 9

JUCO Weekend at USA Stadium - Millington, TN - March 1-3March 1 Southeastern Community College Millington, Tenn. 9:30 a.m. 9 March 1 Iowa Central Community College Millington, Tenn. 1:30 p.m. 9 March 2 Lincoln Land Community College Millington, Tenn. 10 a.m. 7 March 2 Lakeland Community College Millington, Tenn. 2:30 p.m. 7 March 3 Muscatine Community College Millington, Tenn. 1 p.m. 9

March 7 Murray State College Tishomingo, Okla. 2 p.m. 9 March 9 Carl Albert State College Poteau, Okla. 2 p.m. 9 March 10 Paris Junior College Home 1 p.m. 7, 7 March 11 MCC - Maplewoods Home 1 p.m. 7, 9 March 12 Crowder College Neosho, Mo. 2 p.m. 9 March 17 Paris Junior College Paris, Texas 1 p.m. 7, 7 March 24 Western Oklahoma State College TBD 1 p.m. 7, 9 March 27 Grayson County College Denison, Texas 1 p.m. 7, 9 April 1 Murray State College Home 6 p.m. 9 April 4 Arkansas Baptist College* Little Rock, Ark. 1 p.m. 7, 9 April 6 Arkansas Baptist College* Home 1 p.m. 7, 9 April 9 Crowder College Home 4 p.m. 9 April 11 Rose State College* Midwest City, Okla. 1 p.m. 7, 9 April 13 Rose State College* Home 2 p.m. 7, 9 April 17 Connors State College* Home 7 p.m. 9 April 18 Connors State College* Warner, Okla. 7 p.m. 9 April 20 Connors State College* Home 7 p.m. 9 April 21 Connors State College* Warner, Okla. 2 p.m. 9 April 23 Carl Albert State College Home 6 p.m. 9 April 25 Seminole State College* Home 1 p.m. 7, 9 April 27 Seminole State College* Seminole, Okla. 1 p.m. 7, 9 May 2 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Miami, Okla. 1 p.m. 7, 9 May 4 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Home 4 p.m. 7, 9

Region II Tournament - Jenks High School - May 9-12South Central District Championship - Region II Winner Hosts - May 16-19

NJCAA World Series - Grand Junction, Colo. - May 25 * Conference Games

2013 Baseball and softball Guide

JacobLawrence6-5, Fr., RHP

Nixa, Mo.

36Clay

McAlester5-11, Fr., 1B

Wilburton, Okla.

42RobinSchel

6-3, Fr., LHPNaarden, Netherlands

40KeatonForrest

6-0, Fr., RHPTulsa, Okla.

44DanielYoung

6-4, Fr., RHP/INFFort Smith, Ark.

35 BASEBALL

All-Americans

SOFTBALL

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS

BlakeKing

JesseSanto

HoustonSlemp

2006Tulsa, Okla.

2009Little Falls, N.J.

2010Tulsa, Okla.

RachelChristian

MarjorieJohnson

2005Broken Bow, Okla.

2006Tulsa, Okla.

Baseball Blake Parsons 2004 Ardmore, Okla.Baseball Brad Boles 2004 Marlow, Okla.Baseball David Newby 2005 Soldotna, Ark.Baseball Carter Browning 2008 Roff, Okla.Baseball Houston Slemp 2010 Tulsa, Okla. Baseball Cameron Green 2010 McAlester, Okla.Baseball Ben Kozma 2010 Owasso, Okla.Baseball Joe Spring 2010 Owasso, Okla.Baseball Tyler Vann 2010 Sand Springs, Okla.Baseball Sam King 2011 Tulsa, Okla.Softball Taralee Pringle 1996 Bethel, Okla.Softball Christina Shaddox 1998 Bixby, Okla.Softball Diana Julian 1998 Spring Valley, Calif.Softball Keri Hasselbar 1998 Bixby, Okla.Softball Misty Byous 1998 Poteau, Okla.Softball Treasure Coy 2003 Red Oak, Okla.Softball Jennifer Masterson 2004 Tulsa, Okla.Softball Jessica Darling 2004 Healdton, Okla.Softball Rachael Christian 2005 Broken Arrow, Okla. Softball Brittney Day 2006 Inola, Okla.Softball Karly Bitters 2009 Stansbury Park, UtahSoftball Sarah Hayslip 2009 Center, TexasSoftball Kelsey Reding 2010 Aubrey, Texas Softball Rachel Powers 2010 Caddo Mills, Texas

All-Americans

BlakeLogan2012Roff, Okla.

2011 - 2012 Basketball Guide

5

RachelManning

Fr., 2BMoore, Okla.

3

AveryCranford

Fr., 1BWhitewright, Texas

10

KateAtchleySo., OF/UT

Brownwood, Texas

4

17KatelynWhiteFr., OF

Van Buren, Ark.

ShelbyBlackwell

Fr., 3BClaremore, Okla.

12

BrookeMartinez

Fr., C/UTDawson, Texas

6

TaylorFactorFr., C/UT

Saskawa, Okla.

11

MarisaTinneyFr., OF/SS

Fletcher, Okla.

2

VanessaYamaguchi

Fr., OF/3BFletcher, Okla.

14

DanielaCastillo

Fr., SS/PEarly, Texas

8

TashonaRobinson

Fr., PCalera, Okla.

9

AriannaJones

So., CF/SSSherman, Texas

5

Lady Mountaineers

Front (L to R): Tashona Robinson, Daniela Castillo, Arianna Jones, Brooke Martinez, Erin Healey, Katelyn White, Marisa Tinney, Vanessa Yamaguchi. Back: Avery Cranford, Taylor Factor, Kate Atchley, Shelby Blackwell, Ashley Jones, Rachel Manning, Megan Newberry.

4

MeganNewberry

So., P/1BFayetteville, Ark.

23Erin

HealeyFr., P

Davis, Okla.

21AshleyJonesFr., C/1B

Midwest City, Okla.

24

5 Atchley, Kate So. OF/UT12 Blackwell, Shelby Fr. 3B8 Castillo, Daniela Fr. SS/P10 Cranford, Avery Fr. 1B11 Factor, Taylor Fr. C/UT21 Healey, Erin Fr. P5 Jones, Arianna So. CF/SS24 Jones, Ashley Fr. C/1B

3 Manning, Rachel Fr. 2B6 Martinez, Brooke Fr. C/UT23 Newberry, Megan So. P/1B9 Robinson, Tashona Fr. P2 Tinney, Marisa Fr. OF/SS17 White, Katelyn Fr. OF14 Yamaguchi, Vanessa Fr. OF/3B

ROSTER

Lady Mountaineers

2013 Baseball and softball Guide

SCHEDULEDate Opponent Location Time Feb. 5 Northeast Texas Community College Home 2 p.m. Feb. 8, 9 Cowtown Tournament #1 Fort Worth, Texas TBA Feb. 16, 17 Carl Albert Tournament Poteau, Okla. TBA Feb. 19 Northeast Texas Community College Mt. Pleasant, Texas 2 p.m. Feb. 22, 23 Cowtown Tournament #2 Fort Worth, Texas TBA Feb. 28 Seminole State College* Home 2 p.m. March 2 Rose State College* Home 2 p.m. March 5 Western Oklahoma State College* Altus, Okla. 2 p.m. March 7 Connors State College* Warner, Okla. 2 p.m. March 9, 10 Midwest JUCO Classic Broken Arrow TBA March 12 Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa* Home 2 p.m. March 14 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Home 2 p.m. March 16 Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, Ark. 2 p.m. March 26 Carl Albert State College* Poteau, Okla. 2 p.m. March 28 Seminole State College* Seminole, Okla. 2 p.m. March 29 Arkansas Baptist College Home 2 p.m. April 4 Rose State College* Midwest City, Okla. 2 p.m. April 5, 6 Butler Tournament El Dorado, Kan. TBA April 9 Connors State College* Home 2 p.m. April 11 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M* Miami, Okla. 2 p.m. April 13 Western Oklahoma State College* Home 2 p.m. April 18 Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa* Tonkawa, Okla. 2 p.m. April 20 Carl Albert State College* Home 1 p.m. April 23 Murray State College Home 2 p.m. April 30 Murray State College Tishomingo, Okla. 2 p.m.

Region II Tournament - Hall of Fame, OKC - May 3-5 NJCAA World Series - St. George, Utah - May

* Conference Games

2013 EAStERn SOftbALL SChEduLE

2013 EAStERn bASEbALL SChEduLE

fILE PhOtO

Left, freshman Olivia Brown takes a shot in the Lady Moun-taineers 69-64 win over Con-nors State College on Jan. 24. The Eastern Oklahoma State College Lady Mountaineers defeated conference rival Connors State College 69-64 on Thursday night. The Lady Mountaineers were led by sophomore Shola Adebayo of Oklahoma City with 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Sophomore Rodneisha Milum of Houston, Texas also had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Jamie Hicks of Savanna and freshman Olivia Brown of Pear-land, Texas added eight points each. With the win, Eastern moves to 14-6 on the season. Next up, the Lady Mountain-eers travel to Tonkawa Feb. 4 before returning home to host Carl Albert on Feb. 7.