Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

T H E C A M E R O N U N I V E R S I T Y

Monday, September 2, 2008Monday, September 2, 2008 Volume 83 Issue 1

A&E

Sports

Voices

Decrease in funding leads to increase in tuition.

SEE PAGE 5

CU celebrates CU celebrates 100th birthday birthday

By Alexis Del CielloCollegian Staff

From confetti cannons, Silver Wing parachutes, bean bag tosses, infl atable slides and rock climbing walls to the Oak Ridge Boys, Cameron University’s Centennial Kickoff attracted all ages of CU supporters.

Cameron University offi cially kicked off its centennial celebration on Friday, Aug. 22. Counting down to its kickoff and taking roll call was CU’s President, Cynthia Ross, and

CU’s Student Government President, Jessica Daoang.“We are going to start a year-long birthday party

with something for everyone,” Ross said. “Are there any Cameron University students here? Are there any Cameron faculty and staff ? If you or any of your family attended Cameron University, let me hear you. If you support this amazing university, let me hear you.”

With everyone present and accounted for, the countdown commenced with CU’s mascot, Ol’ Kim, dancing on an enlarged birthday cake with clouds of black and gold confetti blowing into the sea of Cameron supporters present for the occasion.

COLLEGIAN

See 100THPage 3

Touchdown: A member of the Silver Wings Parachute Demonstration Team makes his landing. Two members of the team performed a jump as part of the Centennial Kickoff.

The big moment: President Ross and SGA President Jessica Daoang kick off the festivities.

Celebrating a culture:

Native American

dancers performed during the

celebration.

Photos by Jim Horinek

Campus housing numbers reach all time high

With the beginning of the Fall semester, some Cameron University students found themselves out in the cold, so to speak, with CU on-campus housing fi lled to capacity.

CU’s Director of Residence Life, Th omas “Casey” Case, reported that both Shepler Center and the Cameron Village occupancies had hit their maximums this semester following a long period of increased interest in on-campus accommodations.

“We did essentially fi ll every space we had this year,” Case said. “I’m not aware of a surge in enrollment, but I can tell you that our housing numbers have trended up signifi cantly in the last three academic years.”

By John RobertsonCollegian Staff

No vacancies: Cameron Village and the dorms have been fi lled to maximum capacity. The number of students living on campus has inceased for the third year in a row.

Photo by Jim HorinekSee HOUSINGPage 2

CU growth leads to need for new parkingBy Joshua RouseCollegian Staff

Photo by Jim Horinek

The Cameron University campus is expanding with the new McMahon Centennial Complex and CETES Phase II being built along with the new Business Complex. But with these new buildings being erected, where are students going to park?

The parking lot in front of the Sciences Complex has been removed completely to make way or the McMahon Centennial Complex and a portion of the North Shepler parking lot was removed for parking for the Bentley

Gardens and McMahon Centennial Complex. Glen Pinkston, Vice President of Business and Finance for the university, said more parking has been made available.

“We’ve built a parking lot on the south side of South Shepler specifically for students,” he said.

“The only thing that has yet to be completed on it is the fencing around the border.”

The new parking lot is part of the university’s new design plan for the campus.

See PARKINGPage 2

CU Theatre Department has big year planned.

SEE PAGE 6

Volleyball preps for season with the help of new coach.

SEE PAGE 7

Welcome back

Aggies

News2 September 2, 2008

See page 3 for solutions.

Case said that the residency program’s success has been a long time coming and is the culmination of years of hard work and planning.

“We have worked very hard over the last few years to make our housing as student-friendly as possible and the housing of choice for Cameron students,” Case said.

Case added that his department had been working on making CU housing a more social aff air, but also pointed out that living in CU housing just made more sense for students who have to commute, especially with gas prices as they are.

“Rising gas prices have made on-campus housing a less expensive option than commuting for many students from the surrounding area,” Case said.

At its maximum, Cameron housing can accommodate anywhere from 450 to 660 students, with most of them living in the recently completed Cameron Village. Rooms in Shepler Center are fi lled according to requests for single and double occupancy rooms, but the Village tends to fi ll up fi rst.

“Both buildings are open to students, and many of our students have Shepler as their fi rst choice,” Case said. “Students can request a single room in Shepler as long as they are available. Cameron Village does earlier since its our most popular option.”

Case explained that rooms are given out to all comers, with students already owning a room contract able to simply renew their rights to the room without

any fear of losing it.“Students who have a

space with us have a set date, usually at the end of April, to reclaim their space for the next year,” Case said. “Th en rooms are assigned on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis based on the contract and deposit date.”

While getting a room is by no means assured, there are ways to improve your

chances, Case said. Students who currently have a contract and plan on keeping it should renew it as soon as it is necessary, but above all Case stressed that contracts for rooms in the Village and Shepler go quickly, and long before the semester actually starts.

“Th e best way for students to get a contract is to fi ll out their contract early,” Case said. “For example, we fi lled Cameron Village at the beginning of June this year, so anyone who fi lled out a contract and put down a deposit had a reserved place.”

HOUSING continued from page 1

“We have worked very hard over the last few years to make our housing as student-friendly as possible and the housing of choice for Cameron students.”

— Casey CaseDirector of Student Housing

Looking at the overall design, Pinkston said people can see a dynamic change in philosophy and direction for the university into the future.

“We are moving from a commuter-oriented university to a more traditional-campus,” he said. “In doing that, we’re moving the majority of the parking to the edge of the campus, surrounding the buildings.”

Even with the removal of the Sciences Complex parking lot and the portion of the North Shepler parking area, there is still a similar number of spaces as

before. The only difference is the distance between the parking and the buildings.

“A lot of people just want to be as close as they can to their classes; that’s ultimately where the complaints are coming from,” Pinkston said.

The Vice President monitors cameras positioned across campus. He also drives through the parking lots regularly. Pinkston said the North Shepler parking lot is constantly full, but he feels students are parking in different areas.

“There wasn’t hardly a car

in the parking lot west of the Sheplers when I was out driving around,” he said. “And the South Shepler parking lot doesn’t seem full. I think people are adapting their behaviors.”

There are plans to ultimately close the North Shepler parking area. The majority of the people who park in that parking lot will have to disperse across the remaining parking areas. Pinkston views the South Shepler parking lot as the perfect area.

“That lot is going to get full before it’s over,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to be drive-around

full, but it’ll be utilized.”The majority of the

construction on campus has also caused headaches for parking for some students. A portion of the parking lot on the west side of CETES has been occupied by construction equipment. The west Shepler parking lot is also playing host to construction equipment. But Pinkston said the equipment won’t be around for much longer.

“As soon as construction is complete on the new buildings and we get the equipment out of there, there will be a lot of places

people can park and it’ll probably be more convenient for them than it is right now,” he said.

Ultimately, the parking situation hasn’t changed much in the past five years. The parking spot totals are similar to where they were before the Sciences Complex was taken out.

“The majority of the problems come up during the first two weeks of classes,” Pinkston said. “People are still going around and trying to find out where the best areas to park are. But right now, parking is looking good and we don’t foresee any problems.”

PARKING continued from page 1

Cameron welcomes students and new improvements

Photo by Jim HorinekWelcome: The recent construction at the north-west corner of campus offers a symbol that welcomes all who step foot on campus. The portal to campus is just one of the many changes improvements that were made during the summer.

Class is in session: Students and professors return to campus in order to begin the fall semester. Cameron professors greeted another freshmen class and welcomed back many more students.

Photo by Bennett Dewan

News 3September 2, 2008

100th continued from page 1

Photos by Jim Horinek

For CU students, the occasion wasn’t just a birthday party with For CU students, the occasion wasn’t just a birthday party with excitement but an event that came with a gold crown.excitement but an event that came with a gold crown.

“It is a Hallmark occasion,” CU public relations junior, Chelsea “It is a Hallmark occasion,” CU public relations junior, Chelsea Robertson said. “It’s something to be proud of to be at a university that Robertson said. “It’s something to be proud of to be at a university that has been here this long and has this much tradition and foundation in has been here this long and has this much tradition and foundation in the community.”the community.”

Setting the tone for the evening was a pre-kickoff carnival including Setting the tone for the evening was a pre-kickoff carnival including inf latable slides, rock climbing walls and a concert featuring Red Dirt inf latable slides, rock climbing walls and a concert featuring Red Dirt country music artist Johnny Cooper.country music artist Johnny Cooper.

For class of 2022 CU student and Woodland Hills Elementary For class of 2022 CU student and Woodland Hills Elementary third-grader, Jack Hartman, the attraction wasn’t the climbing wall or third-grader, Jack Hartman, the attraction wasn’t the climbing wall or food, but the Comanche Nation dancers.food, but the Comanche Nation dancers.

“I am having lots and lots of fun,” Hartman said. “I wanted to see “I am having lots and lots of fun,” Hartman said. “I wanted to see the Indian dancers because I like Indians.”the Indian dancers because I like Indians.”

For current non-degree seeking student Jamie Widger, the evening For current non-degree seeking student Jamie Widger, the evening was an opportunity to spend time with her son, seeing all ages enjoying was an opportunity to spend time with her son, seeing all ages enjoying the birthday celebration.the birthday celebration.

“This is really awesome,” Widger said. “It’s nice that the school does “This is really awesome,” Widger said. “It’s nice that the school does stuff like this for the kids and for the adults.”stuff like this for the kids and for the adults.”

Following pre-kickoff excitement was the Command Exhibition Following pre-kickoff excitement was the Command Exhibition Parachute Team known as the Silver Wings, from Fort Benning, Ga., Parachute Team known as the Silver Wings, from Fort Benning, Ga., and the Oak Ridge Boys.and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Cameron University students and alumni wore stickers labeling Cameron University students and alumni wore stickers labeling their year of graduation. For 1971 CU alumnus Rick Garrison, one their year of graduation. For 1971 CU alumnus Rick Garrison, one word described the evening: relaxed.word described the evening: relaxed.

“I really appreciated Cameron willing to do the centennial kickoff,” “I really appreciated Cameron willing to do the centennial kickoff,” Garrison said. “We enjoyed the different age groups. Everybody Garrison said. “We enjoyed the different age groups. Everybody seemed like they had a good time with the Oak Ridge Boys. It was neat seemed like they had a good time with the Oak Ridge Boys. It was neat having it out [on the field]. It was very relaxed. The grandkids were having it out [on the field]. It was very relaxed. The grandkids were dancing to the music and throwing confetti everywhere.”dancing to the music and throwing confetti everywhere.”

Proving the centennial year has more excitement to come, blasts Proving the centennial year has more excitement to come, blasts of color and sound from a fireworks display lit up the sky west of of color and sound from a fireworks display lit up the sky west of Cameron Stadium. Cameron Stadium.

“I am a huge, huge, huge fan of fireworks,” CU SGA President “I am a huge, huge, huge fan of fireworks,” CU SGA President and senior Accounting/Marketing major, Jessica Daoang said. “The and senior Accounting/Marketing major, Jessica Daoang said. “The fireworks were my favorite thing.”fireworks were my favorite thing.”

Looking ahead to a year of centennial events, student participation Looking ahead to a year of centennial events, student participation will play a key role in changing lives for the next 100.will play a key role in changing lives for the next 100.

“The centennial has put a big inf luence on student participation “The centennial has put a big inf luence on student participation and involvement. For me I know that I want to be at every event to be and involvement. For me I know that I want to be at every event to be able to enjoy everything and be able to ref lect. I am so proud to be a able to enjoy everything and be able to ref lect. I am so proud to be a Cameron University student,” Daoang said.Cameron University student,” Daoang said.

News4 September 2, 2008

Voices 5September 2, 2008

Editorial BoardEditor-in-Chief - Joshua RouseNews Editor - Jim HorinekA&E Editor - Bira VidalSports Editor - Bennett DewanCopy Editor - John Robertson

Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kerry MyersFinancial Offi cer - Susan HillStaff Writers - Alexis Del Ciello, Taylor Brunwald

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

Newswriting StudentsBrooke Adams, Aduke Adesida, Kathryn Batule, Brandy Belew, Lauren Bennett, Greg Boxell, Taylor Brunwald, Justin Cliburn, Jeramy Eidson, Monica Garner, Anna Hataway, Jennifer Knapp, Kyle Luetters, Diana Lujan, Megan Meff ord, Solitaire Merrill, Mary Oliver, Kyndle Palmer, Nicole Roames, Chelsea Robertson, Melissa Rodgers, Saman Samii, Meagan Searcy, Rashmi Th apaliya, Raven Weiss, Brooke Whiteley, Nikki Yowell

About UsTh e offi cial student newspaper of Cameron University, Th e Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Letters PolicyLetters to the editor will be printed in

the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

Th e Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

All letters from students should include fi rst and last names, classifi cation and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verifi cation.

Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our offi ce - Nance Boyer 2060.

Our Views Th e opinions expressed in Th e Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. Th e unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. Th e opinions expressed in Th e Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

COLLEGIANFounded in 1926

veritas sempiterna

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

Celebrating 100 years of changing lives

Centennial year off ers chance to experience historyHappy birthday Cameron

University.Not everyone or everything

lasts long enough to see a century of events. One-hundred years is a long time. Think of the knowledge that has been amassed in the past 100 years. Think about how many students have walked the campus of Cameron and have had their lives changed in such a short time. “Changing lives” has become a catchphrase around campus over the past couple of years, but it’s hard to argue against the logic and validity of the phrase.

Cameron University may not be the biggest kid on the playground or the f lashiest dancer at the prom, but there’s no doubt that if it’s been around for 100 years, something is going right. After all, the university

has gone through a complete transformation from its early agriculture college days into the

full-f ledged university that we know today.

Now I’m not a historian in any sense of the word. After moving back to this area five years ago, I didn’t know about Cameron. Even when I initially heard of the university, I was

uninterested. But it seems as if Cameron is Southwest Oklahoma’s best kept secret.

Travel even 50 miles outside of Lawton or cross the Red River and no one will know about Cameron. But does popularity really matter? I moved here from a town so small

you probably couldn’t find it on a map if you tried to. That doesn’t mean my experience there was any less important.

Cameron probably wouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath as the Ivy League. But that doesn’t mean anything. It is to the university’s benefit, and you can’t argue with 100 years, no matter how big or little.

Last year, the talk across the area was the state centennial. Oklahoma had finally turned 100 years old. Well today, it’s Cameron’s turn to celebrate the centennial. A multitude of students have come and gone over the course of the past 100 years and have taken life-

Joshua Rousechanging experiences with them throughout their lives.

So I say take a quick moment and have a drink to the university’s birthday. This is a special year for Cameron and it should be celebrated as such. The college lifestyle doesn’t have to be completely about books and

studying. Have a little fun this year; no one will mind.

Happy birthday Cameron University, you’ve earned it.

Where oh where did all the money go?

Photos by Jim Horinek

MCT Campus

The price of college is somewhat of a hot button issue. It seems that every year students are forced to reassess their budgets in order deal with the rising cost of tuition. College is a goal for many people. Unfortunately, due to cost, it is not always a possibility. As a result, the higher education system takes a lot of heat anytime tuition f luctuates.

Colleges tend to get the brunt of the blame for increases in the price of college. However, in

reality a large percentage of tuition increases are the result of changes in the state

budget. Each year when the state develops its budget for the new fiscal year, a certain amount of money is allocated toward higher education. As with many state funded programs and institutions, higher education has seen numerous cuts in its funding over the past few years. Sadly, Cameron has been one of the

institutions forced to increase tuition to cover for insufficient state funding.

According to the Office of the President, this year state allocations

left the school with $82, 510 less funding. Adding to the problem, the mandatory costs

of running the university went up by $538,660. Students saw the effects of this in the form of an

$11.80 increase in cost per credit hour. Because college is such an important part of our

society, it should be adequately funded. The funding for higher education should not be negotiable.

Every time that the state decreases the allotment given to colleges the higher education system is weakened. On top of this, the institutions are forced to either cut scholarships and programs or raise tuition. Scholarships are one of the tools being used to combat the price of tuition, and programs are necessary to offer students a worthwhile education. With this in mind it is not surprising that a decrease in state funding causes tuition to rise.

Despite the fact that the economy is in a slump and money is somewhat tight, it does not make sense to cut the funding for higher education.

Higher education is one of the backbones of our economy. It is because of higher education that a very large percentage of the workforce even has a job. College is one of the most important forms of education and should be treated accordingly. It is not acceptable to take funding away from something that is the reason much of the funds are even available. College students will most likely always have to pay tuition, but as our society grows, the affordability of higher education should grow as well. Decreasing the funds for higher education should never be an option.

In light of the price increase, Cameron is still one of the best-valued higher education institutions around. According to the Office of the President, Cameron is the second cheapest regional university in the state.

The recently disclosed snooping by the FBI into journalists’ phone records is one more example of why Congress should approve a federal shield law.

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III apologized personally to editors at the New York Times and the Washington Post,

Congress dropping the ball on federal shield lawMCT Campus revealing that agents improperly

obtained the phone records of reporters in 2004. Federal investigators obtained the journalists’ phone data by making emergency-records demands to telephone companies, apparently as part of a terrorism probe.

The agency hasn’t explained why the phone records of the reporters, who were based in Indonesia at the time, were

needed. The Justice Department ignored its policy that requires a high-ranking official to approve requests from the FBI to obtain journalists’ phone records.

Against this backdrop, the Senate failed before taking its August recess to pass legislation that would protect journalists from revealing their sources in most cases. The House overwhelmingly approved a bill

last year, but Senate Republicans blocked a vote in a debate over oil exploration.

A measure sponsored by Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., should be approved when the Senate returns after Labor Day. It would limit the government’s authority to obtain journalists’ phone records and call for courts to consider most such requests. The latest Senate bill would make it more difficult than an earlier version for journalists to fight requests based

on national-security concerns.Congress needs to find the

right balance in such cases, but lawmakers shouldn’t allow that debate to stop the effort to adopt a shield law. The lack of a federal standard discourages a free f low of information to the public and undermines similar state laws.

Then there’s the case of former Philadelphia Daily News reporter Toni Locy, who wrote articles for another newspaper in 2001 about the government’s probe into the anthrax attacks. Earlier this year, a federal judge ordered her to reveal her sources, and when she didn’t, the judge fined her up to $5,000 per day.

sThat kind of action will discourage sources from coming forward. In recent years, anonymous sources have played important roles in revealing public-interest stories such as the shoddy conditions at military hospitals and corporate malfeasance.

A free press is an integral part of a democratic society. The Senate should acknowledge that by approving this legislation next month.

Th e views expressed in this editorial are solely those of the editorial staff .

A&E6 September 2, 2008

Theatre plans season with big entertainment on horizon Theatre plans season with big entertainment on horizon

A young college student is reshaped. Th e dead recite their past lives in verses. A teacher demonstrates the virtue of education over violence and a provincial girl learns that beauty does not always come from the outside.

Th ese are the main themes behind the 2008-2009 Th eatre season. Each play refl ects the spirit of the Th eatre Department, which is directed to the celebration of the Cameron University centennial.

According to Scott Richard Klein, chair of the Th eatre Department, the process of selecting the plays had direct infl uence from the celebration of Cameron’s fi rst hundred years.

“We were looking at something that says Centennial,” Klein said. “We are all using the shows to celebrate the centennial, [to] celebrate diversity.”

By Bira VidalCollegian Staff

Th e Th eatre season begins this fall on Sept. 25 through 28 with “Th e Shape of Th ings”. Th e play will bring internal human confl icts to the stage with the life story of Adam, a dorky college student. After an unexpected encounter, Adam befriends Evelyn, an art student.

Th roughout the play, Evelyn becomes Adam’s makeover guide and has every intention to change who he is.

Evelyn’s actions create a dilemma for Adam, giving him the choice of remaining who he is or changing because of love.

As in previous years, “Th e Shape of Th ings” will be featured in the Kennedy Center American College Festival. Th e annual festival gathers various universities on a regional

scale and gives Cameron students the opportunity to mutually share knowledge with other students.

Th e second play in the fall semester, scheduled to take place on Nov. 13 through 16, will be an American classic. “Spoon River Anthology” by Edgar Lee Master presents the true side of life after death. Ordinary citizens recite their lives or lack of life in poem verses and through songs.

Th e strong appeal in the tales comes from the honest input from each character. Th ey describe life as a past memory, but at the same time as a non-static element. Th e music component of the play will come from special contributions of the Music department.

“Dr. Hoepfner is helping with ‘Anthology.’ He is our connection

over at [the Music department],” Klein said.

Th e spring semester’s performances will start on Feb. 12 through 15 with a play written by world-renowned playwright Athol Fugard. “My Children! My Africa!” reveals a South Africa divided by apartheid and the eff orts of a black teacher to show that violence does not lead to liberty, but to more oppression.

Th e play touches on sensitive topics such as social segregation and racism. It shows the reality Furgard experienced in his homeland of South Africa.

Th e message behind the production tells that education and hope are two strong weapons against social inequality.

Th e season will come to a close

on April 23 through 26 with the anticipated musical “Beauty and the Beast” from the Broadway Disney production.

Th e musical presents Belle as the provincial girl who desires to fi nd the love of her life, but she instead falls in love with a beast and ultimately learns that true beauty comes from the inside.

“We [looked into it], and it was available in our area. We picked something people were interested,” Klein said.

According to Klein, the expectations are high for the coming theatre season and all the plays will relate in some aspects to Cameron history and the years to come.

“I think it’ll be an exciting year, because of the shows and what we got for the year,” Klein said.

For more information about tickets purchase and performance schedule, please contact the Cameron University Box Offi ce at 581-2478.

‘Dark Knight’ leads superhero box offi ce onslaught By Joshua RouseCollegian Staff

Th e movie industry certainly has changed in the past 20 years.

In 1988, an average movie ticket cost $3.50 for an evening show, Tom Cruise wasn’t crazy, Bruce Willis had hair and “Star Wars” was the greatest franchise of all time.

Th e only people that knew about guys like Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker and Tony Starke crept around in the darkness daring only to whisper about their love for comics lest they be labeled a “nerd.” Sure, “Superman” had been a big success 9 years prior. But after the travesty that was “Superman IV: Th e Quest for Peace” it was time to hang up the spandex tights and go back into hiding.

All of that has changed in the 20 years since. Th is year’s summer box offi ce is a diff erent beast. Th e spandex tights, rubber nipples and cumbersome capes have been pulled out of the once-dusty closet.

Continuing a trend that has possibly, and hopefully, climaxed this year, the masked marvels of comic book mythology are back.

Two decades ago, the box offi ce was ruled by a mentally handicapped Dustin Hoff man and a levelheaded and compassionate Cruise in “Rain Man.” Today, the top grossing fi lm of the year can be described in one sentence: “a man dressed like a bat tries to track down and capture a man dressed like a clown.”

Christopher Nolan’s “Th e Dark Knight” is on the cusp of grossing $500 million, having already passed “Star Wars: A New Hope” as the second-highest grossing fi lm of all time. “Titanic” is the box offi ce equivalent of a unicorn and will probably never be overtaken. But it’s hard to argue against the performance of possibly the greatest superhero movie of all time

As preposterous as the basic

premise sounds to anyone who’s not a comic book geek, “Th e Dark Knight” has managed to do what not even Indiana Jones could do: make people have fun at the theater again. But why? “Th e Dark Knight” is dark, brooding, thought provoking and disturbing in many scenes. It’s certainly not the stereotypical colorful summer blockbuster.

Th e fi lm’s feature villain, the psychopathic Joker, might gives clowns the worst name they’ve had since Tim Curry scared everyone to death in “Stephen King’s ‘It.’” Th e Joker was the late Heath Ledger’s last role before overdosing on prescription pills earlier in the year. And if it was Ledger’s last wish to give moviegoers Coulrophobia, he certainly achieved it.

In the simplest terms, “Th e Dark Knight,” is a cat-and-mouse game with a social commentary backdrop. Perhaps that is why it’s become such a hit. Many people can attend the theater and enjoy the popcorn-happy action and explosions while other people can read a deeper meaning into the movie.

But the Batman wasn’t the only masked bandit to make off with hundreds of millions of dollars from people’s wallets.

Th e whole summer season started with a diff erent breed of superhero. Robert Downey Jr., in his fi rst of two entertaining roles, took on the mantle of one of the richest people in the world, Tony Starke. He drinks, he smokes, he womanizes and he fl ies a metal suit across the world.

While “Th e Dark Knight” will get the box offi ce love, “Iron Man” was the pinnacle of superhero movies this summer. Instead of taking itself too seriously, like the latest “Batman” fi lm, “Iron Man” knows its a comic book fi lm and revels in the sheer absurdity.

Th e humor was perfectly timed, the special eff ects were amazing and the acting was top-notch.

As much of a Jon Favreau hater as I am after the horrible “Elf,” I must say he knocked this one out of the ballpark. Look for it on DVD on Sept. 30.

But wait, there’s more! He slices, he dices, he destroys an entire downtown infrastructure using a police car for boxing gloves. Move over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the original mean-green mutant-destroying creature is back. After utterly falling fl at on its face in 2003, Hulk makes his return to Hollywood with a new look, a new attitude and no mutated puppy dogs. Not to mention, instead of fi ghting a drunk Nick Nolte who just came off a binge, the Hulk actually has a real opponent: Tim Roth as Th e Abomination.

Sure, the story is lacking. But who goes to see a “Hulk”

movie to watch a story? We all came to see “Hulk smash!” And

the big green guy knows that. Th ere were many problems plaguing the development of the fi lm including a fi nal neutered cut that removed the majority of the “meat” of the fi lm, but look for it on DVD in October with the restored scenes, including a glimpse of the real American hero. And no, I don’t mean G.I. Joe; that’s next year.

Certainly, looking at the box offi ce, superhero movies account for more than half of the more than $2 billion grossed by the top 10 fi lms.

Will Smith got a piece of the action with his superhero satire, “Hancock.” And the darker, grittier, bloodier and sexier “Wanted,” which starred Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman, barely missed the top 10, still grossing a respectable $133 million.

If you’re not a superhero fan, there wasn’t a whole lot to see this summer aside from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” my personal favorite fi lm of the year; “Wall-E” and “Prince Caspian.”

Th ough, if you really want a good laugh, check out the politically incorrect “Tropic Th under.” It is the best comedy of the year.

Why so serious?

MCT Campus

The shows go on: “The Shape of Things” starts Theatre season on Sept. 25 through 28. The play exposes human inner desires through a set of changes and the ability to remain whole.

Sports 7September 2, 2008

Why the modern Olympics still matter

By Bennett DewanCollegian Staff

Th e modern Olympic Games have provided some of the most indelible images in the collective consciousness of the United States and the world. Th e stories have traversed emotions from jubilant to tragic and from triumphant to heart breaking.

Th e U.S. was buzzing when Kerri Strug performed a gold medal-clenching vault on a broken ankle during the ’96 Atlanta games. Th e ’68 Mexico City games saw the U.S. struggle for Civil Rights brought to international attention after two American sprinters gave the black power salute on the medal stand. Th e ’72 Munich games reminded the nations of the atrocities that people can commit and of the ways that tragedies bring strangers together after the Israeli team was kidnapped and later murdered.

Th e Olympics are the pinnacle of athletic competition for many sports, and with 24 hour coverage and analysis the scrutiny is never tougher and the spotlight is never brighter.

Th e games can create legends out of seemingly unspectacular people who reach for new heights. Jesse Owens repaired shoes and delivered groceries before winning four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin games and vaulting himself into iconic status.

Owens, an African-American, won his medals in front of the heads of the Nazi party and a dismayed Adolf Hitler.

Owens became a symbol, and he, like so many after him, transcended sport and athletic accomplishment. Th ey became stories of hope in the face of despair, triumph in times of great struggle and most of all they embodied the fortitude to overcome all obstacles.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics a new story was added to the games’ lore.

A story that went relatively unnoticed amongst the overwhelming coverage received by Michael Phelps in his quest for eight gold medals in swimming, Shawn Johnson’s’ attempt to dominate women’s gymnastics fi eld at the age of 16, and the men’s basketball team on the road for redemption after a disappointing showing in the Athens games. Th e story was that of the life of Lopez “Lopepe (fast)” Lamong, a U.S. immigrant who was chosen to carry the fl ag of his newly adopted country during the opening ceremonies. Th is feat was especially impressive given Lamong’s background. Just 17 years ago,

Lamong, at the age of six, was captured by

a rogue group to be trained as a child soldier in his native Sudan. He

was able to escape a training facility

along with a few others and walk the three days to

a Kenyan refugee camp without being recaptured. He spent the

next ten years among the tens of thousands who had fl ed the Darfur region of Sudan.

In the year 2000 Lamong became aware of the impending Sydney Olympics and according to AOL Sports walked 5 miles to watch Michael Johnson run the fastest time ever in the 400 meter race. He vowed then that he would be an Olympic runner.

At the age of 23, Lamong stepped onto the track at Beijing embodying the spirit of perseverance. He is a symbol of a more promising future for so many disenfranchised refugees.

Even though Lamong placed 22nd in the 1500m run, his only event of these games, he is the reason the Olympics exist.

For one night an athlete became an ambassador of hope for the huddled masses.

Volleyball team gears up for new season

That’s not Michael Phelps: Lopez Lamong carries the U.S. fl ag during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic games. Lamong, who competes as a distance runner, immigrated to the U.S. after fl eeing the violence in his native Sudan.

By Bennett DewanCollegian Staff

In 2008, an Olympic year, the Cameron University volleyball team’s goal is Lone Star Conference gold.

Despite a strong second half of last season, the CU volleyball team finished a sub .500, 14 and 16 last season. In the off-season, the team said goodbye to coach John Haroun who resigned citing personal reasons. In the spring, top scorer and Cameron volleyball record holder for most kill attempts in a game, Fernanda Queiroz, graduated.

While players and staff could be singing, “ain’t no sunshine

when she’s gone,” they remain confident in the abilities of the team. Cameron Sports Information Director Craig Martin said he expects a much-improved team this year.

“Last season the girls qualified for post-season play,” Martin said. “This season I believe this team

is going to contend for a championship.”

The expectations

lie on four highly

touted new recruits, a core of

cohesive and talented returnees

and new head coach

Brianne Smedley.

Smedley came to Cameron from Berry

College where she amassed an 82-37 record in her two seasons as head coach. Under Smedley, the

team has bolstered the outside hitter position in order to create a more formidable scoring threat. CU will need the extra firepower in order to compete with the upper echelon teams in the Lone Star Conference, such as nationally ranked West Texas.

The season opens with the Arkansas Tech Tournament in which the four matches CU will play are against schools with a combined 47 and 74 record. The first major test for the Aggies comes on September 6th at the Texas Woman’s University Tournament when they face off against a nationally ranked Pittsburg State squad that went 28-9 last season. The Gorillas are returning five starters including two American Volleyball Coaches Association All Americans.

The Aggies relish the role of underdog, Martin said.

“We’re going to surprise some teams this year,” Martin said. “If we can sneak up on a few opponents, there is no reason we can’t be in contention in every tournament.”

The Aggies start the season with 11 straight road games before returning to their own home court, the Aggie Gym, to host three straight Lone Star Conference rivals

“This season is being watched with a lot of excitement,” Martin said.

“This is not a rebuilding year, we expect big and exciting things.”

Welcome to the block party: Whitney Long (# 8) blocks a spike attempt from teammate Sydney Stewart. The Cameron Volleyball Team played the annual Black & Gold Intrasquad Scrimmage on August 23rd for the fi rst time under new head coach Brianne Smedley.

Photo by Bennett Dewan

MCT Campus

Upcoming Aggie Volleyball Games

Texas Woman’s University Tournament

Sept. 5-6

• Sept. 5 Permain Basin

• Sept. 5 Quachita Baptist

• Sept. 6 Pittsburg State

• Sept. 6 Texas Wesleyan

Greatest sports spectacle still manages to captivate world

Photo by Bennett DewanFire when ready: Valerie Ogle, # 7, serves the ball during the tightly contested Black & Gold Intrasquad Scrimmage. Ogle, along with teammate Laura Ellerbrock, will be fi lling the position of setter during the upcoming season.

MCT Campus

MCT Campus

Variety8 September 2, 2008

The Cameron The Cameron University Stadium was University Stadium was filled with entertainment filled with entertainment and excitement Friday as and excitement Friday as the University celebrated the University celebrated its first Centennial event its first Centennial event of the year with Red of the year with Red Dirt country music star Dirt country music star Johnny Cooper and the Johnny Cooper and the legendary Oak Ridge legendary Oak Ridge Boys.Boys.

The Oak Ridge Boys, The Oak Ridge Boys, who are recognized as who are recognized as one of country music’s one of country music’s longest performing longest performing

groups, dazzled the groups, dazzled the audience at the Cameron audience at the Cameron Stadium. Their signature Stadium. Their signature gospel sound mixed with gospel sound mixed with upbeat country tones upbeat country tones is what eventually led is what eventually led the Oak Ridge Boys to the Oak Ridge Boys to stardom.stardom.

According to www.According to www.GACTV.com, the original GACTV.com, the original Oak Ridge Boys began Oak Ridge Boys began playing together between playing together between 1942 and 1943 outside 1942 and 1943 outside Knoxville, Tenn., in a Knoxville, Tenn., in a nearby town called Oak nearby town called Oak

Ridge. The Boys continued Ridge. The Boys continued to perform regularly; to perform regularly; however, by the late ‘60s however, by the late ‘60s The Oak Ridge Boys had The Oak Ridge Boys had already tried out around already tried out around 30 different members 30 different members before finally settling on before finally settling on their current crew. Current their current crew. Current members are Duane Allen members are Duane Allen filling the role of lead filling the role of lead singer, Richard Sterban singer, Richard Sterban on bass, tenor Joe Bonsall, on bass, tenor Joe Bonsall, and baritone William Lee and baritone William Lee Golden.Golden.

In the late ‘70s, the In the late ‘70s, the Oakridge Boys took their Oakridge Boys took their gospel roots and mixed in gospel roots and mixed in with a pop-country sound. with a pop-country sound. The change resulted in The change resulted in many number one hits, many number one hits, although their songs were although their songs were still very much embedded still very much embedded in gospel harmony. During in gospel harmony. During the ‘80’s, Golden stopped the ‘80’s, Golden stopped cutting his hair and cutting his hair and

beard, which helped to beard, which helped to give the Boys a signature give the Boys a signature appearance.appearance.

The Boys have earned The Boys have earned 12 gold albums, three 12 gold albums, three platinum, one double platinum, one double platinum, one double platinum, one double platinum single and more platinum single and more than a dozen number one than a dozen number one singles. The Oak Ridge singles. The Oak Ridge Boys even made one of the Boys even made one of the first country music videos first country music videos from their song “Easy,” from their song “Easy,” which was never released which was never released in the United States, but in the United States, but it reached number three it reached number three on the charts in Australia. on the charts in Australia. The band’s current The band’s current members reunited in 1987.members reunited in 1987.

The first Centennial The first Centennial event was a great success. event was a great success. Staci Carden, a Marketing Staci Carden, a Marketing and Business junior and Business junior attended the event. attended the event.

“There were tons of “There were tons of families there,” said families there,” said Carden. “I was wowed by Carden. “I was wowed by the variety of ages at the the variety of ages at the event.”event.”

Carden observed Carden observed everyone having a good everyone having a good time celebrating, no matter time celebrating, no matter their age. their age.

“My favorite part of the “My favorite part of the

concert was this 3 year-concert was this 3 year-old that bounced up and old that bounced up and down on my shoulders down on my shoulders for 30 minutes,” Carden for 30 minutes,” Carden said. “She loved the said. “She loved the concert. I even saw some concert. I even saw some older couples dancing older couples dancing to some of the songs. to some of the songs. Everyone was having a Everyone was having a great time.”great time.”

The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys are spokesmen and board are spokesmen and board members of fundraisers members of fundraisers for The Boy Scouts of for The Boy Scouts of America, The National America, The National Committee for the Committee for the Prevention of Child Prevention of Child Abuse, Feed the Children Abuse, Feed the Children and other organizations. and other organizations.

Before the concert Before the concert there was an unveiling there was an unveiling of a Birthday Cake for of a Birthday Cake for Cameron. According to Cameron. According to Carden, many people Carden, many people rushed to the front of the rushed to the front of the stage to get an up close stage to get an up close and personal concert and personal concert experience. experience.

“They had big TV’s “They had big TV’s on each side and on each side and would zoom in on the would zoom in on the performers and the performers and the crowd,” Carden said. crowd,” Carden said. “What an incredible “What an incredible way to start off our way to start off our centennial year and to let centennial year and to let the community know just the community know just how awesome Cameron how awesome Cameron University is.”University is.”

Classic country band leads year-long centennial celebrationClassic country band leads year-long centennial celebration

1908-20081908-2008

Article by Kerry MeyersArticle by Kerry MeyersPhotos by Jim HorinekPhotos by Jim Horinek