Gazette VOL. 83, NO. 5 - Langston University!
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the
Gazette
VOL. 83, NO. 5
STUDENT VOICE OF LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
2 The Gazette | March 23, 2021 Voices
Texas opened up too soon
The Gazette is produced
Student discusses state's decision to lift mask mandate
within the Department
of Communication at On March 2, Texas said it less than 50% is eligible for positions for the month. This
Langston University. was lifting its mask require- the vaccine, it is impossible also decreased the percent-
It serves as a teaching tool. ment and would allow busi- to say that Texas is in a place age of unemployment from
The newspaper is nesses to fully reopen. With where positive cases will 6.9% to 6.8%.
published biweekly and is limited vaccines given out, continue to decrease. Oklahoma’s average CO-
dispersed across campus this move is too fast and un- “Texas is not at a place to VID-19 cases have also
every other Tuesday, safe at this time during the completely throw out their decreased around 75%.
except during COVID-19 pandemic. mask mandate or to abandon Thankfully, Oklahoma has
examinations, holidays and After a year into the pan- all safety recommendations, administered over 1 mil-
extended school breaks. demic, states have been loos- but it just shows where their lion COVID-19 vaccinations,
ening many restrictions, but priorities are at, and it’s not which is over 25% of Okla-
none of which compare to Fabian with the safety of their citi- homa’s population. With the
the actions from Texas Gov. zens,” Wyatt said. rushed lifting of restrictions
Gregg Abbot toward the 29 protocols,” said Alex Wyatt, It can be argued that the from Texas, it only makes
million residents in Texas. freshman health, physical ed- majority of the 4.3 million you think what we would if
Cover Designer “It is now time to open Tex- ucation and recreation major. who have received at least this was to happen in Okla-
Na'Tianna Stocker as 100%,” Abbott said, add- AccuWeather estimate of one dose of the vaccination homa today.
ing that “COVID-19 has not the multistate winter storm’s are the residents who are “If Oklahoma were to do
suddenly disappeared,” but damage totaled about $155 most at risk of fatal side ef- the same thing, I would con-
Staff Writers state mandates are no longer billion, with $130 billion aris- fects from COVID-19. tinue to wear my mask and
Jonah Fabian needed. ing out of Texas alone. There Those who are at high risk be aware that the pandemic
Larry Harrington With the near 75% drop in is no excuse to put millions of and have not been able to is not over, and although I
Keitoria Jefferson
average COVID-19 cases in civilians in danger to help re- receive at least one dose of may be in good health and
Kaila Lessier
MacKenzie McQuarters Texas, it seems that Abbott cover from the winter deficit. the vaccine will now be at not at risk, that is not the
Paris Taylor-Mahone is only looking to bring the It is only right to say that an even higher risk thanks to same story for everybody,”
number of positive cases back the number of COVID-19 the millions of people who Wyatt said.
up. It seems as though this cases is decreasing due to are now operating their daily Abbott’s announcement of
Contributing Writers move is more focused on the the increase in vaccinations. lives with no masks or re- the opening of all businesses
Lauren Gavin economy following the re- It shows proof that vaccina- quired restrictions. and lifted mask restrictions
Jayden Hannah cent ice and snowstorm than tions are doing what they The main benefit of the lift- is hard to agree with at this
the safety of those still at risk were intended to do. ing of restrictions in Texas point in the COVID-19 pan-
Adviser of receiving COVID-19. About 4.3 million people is the rising of the economy. demic.
Nicole Turner “I think in light of our re- in Texas, or roughly 14% of This opens up many jobs Too many lives are still at
cent ice storm and how much the state’s population, have that have been working un- risk with the limited number
that showed Texas was not gotten at least one dose of der restriction, if working at of vaccinations. While the
prepared to handle such the COVID-19 vaccination. all. According to the Texas economy of Texas is bound
weather conditions, nor is- Between 10 million and 13 Workforce Commission, Tex- to increase, the safety of the
sues with the power grid, I million people are eligible as added 30,800 total nonag- population will decrease. Re-
The Gazette Office feel like they could be spend- for the vaccine under Texas ricultural jobs over the past strictions are still in place for
Langston University ing their time rolling out leg- guidelines, said Lara Anton, month, marking the ninth a reason in the other 49 states,
Sanford Hall, Room 318 islation and efforts to help a spokesperson for the Texas consecutive month of job but only time will tell if Texas
405-466-3245 their citizens overcome what Department of State Health growth. made the right decision.
they just went through rather Services. Private sector employment
than going against several With less than 17% of Tex- moved in the same direction Jonah Fabian is a sophomore
recommendations and safety ans being vaccinated, and with an increase of 32,600 broadcast journalism major.
Send story ideas, comments
and calendar events to
Student says online learning needs balance
nkturner@langston.edu.
Opinions expressed in We have officially been fine balance between online there are many different dis-
Voices are those of the learning online for a year, but learning and in-person learn- tractions that can come with
writers whose names has it worked in our favor or ing. it as well. When having a dis-
appear with the articles. hindered us even more? When speaking for kids in connection from in-person
Letters to the editor should be
Yes, we can stay connected elementary school, educa- social interaction, it can alter
emailed to nkturner@langs-
ton.edu. Please include your
to our professors no matter tion administrators are al- the progression of how an in-
name and telephone number. where we are, but it doesn’t ready trying to convert them dividual learns.
The newspaper retains the seem to be beneficial in the to computers and technology Students may think that not
right to edit, accept and/or long run. rather than actually having being in a classroom daily is
reject items deemed to be con- I think there are many pros them write down anything. the best thing to ever happen,
trary to the best interest of the and cons that can be debated Although social media is a but grades have been heav-
publication, Langston on whether technology in a huge part of today’s genera- ily impacted for all students Gavin
University and/or any of its classroom gets in the way of tion, it shouldn’t be the main learning during a pandemic,
governing bodies.
learning, but my stance is that tool for learning. including college students.
it does – and there must be a By using a computer daily, My hardest semester in see ONLINE, page 7
News March 23, 2021 | The Gazette 3
All you need to be successful!
New director helps students with jobs, internships, resumes
By Paris R. Taylor-Mahone
“
opportunities possible present-
Staff Writer ed to them, and to make sure
Mrs. Thompson has been a really great
they are not wanting for any-
Receiving constant emails resource. She has great advice and tips for thing in the area of career and
can be annoying, but when professional development,” be-
they have an influence on your
interviews, being able to let you know how cause she is available and will-
future and your finances, Le- how to not only get a job after college but ing to help. “You are not in this
”
onell Thompson, director of alone,” she added. “I am here
career and professional devel- how to succeed as well... to help you and you can never
opment here at Langston Uni- ask too many questions.”
versity, will direct you where — DaCota Mims, Some students are gaining
the money resides. Thompson new opportunities just from
sophomore child development
“My job here at Langston stopping by Thompson’s office.
is to help students succeed,” and HPER major that as well. She advises every- “Prior to Mrs. Thompson be-
Thompson said. one to be acceptable to change ing here, Langston students
She helps students make because “you are not stuck to were pretty much on their
those connections to increase on how to make resumes and ing about choosing a major, one thing,” she said. “Anything own,” said SGA President Jada
access to employers and receive prepare for internships as well you should look at it through you decide as a freshman does Meads, senior public health
internship opportunities, and as all post-college aspirations. the lens of what is it that you not have to follow you all the major. “And now that Mrs.
really help with anything that Thompson suggests that stu- want to do with your life after way to your senior year. I have Thompson is here, I have been
connects a student to life after dents think about their futures college. changed careers three times. It offered at least three intern-
Langston. Even alumni who constantly and make it part of If you happen to be unsure is totally normal.” ships. She is very helpful with
have started their lives can still their daily routines because life with what you want to ma- Thompson said her overall resumes. She has changed my
gain help from Thompson’s re- after college is just as impor- jor in or what you want to do goal is to “make sure students perspective on life after college
sources. tant as your academics; they with your major after college, know that my office is a re- simply because it is very rare
Thompson advises students go hand-in-hand. When think- Thompson can help you with source, help them get the best that you get people in positions
such as Mrs. Thompson’s who
really cares. There has been an
P R A Y
increase in departments that
COVID-19 AND PEOPLE OF COLOR now show up for the career
fair. More students have gained
According to the United States Centers for Disease a passion for life after college. I
“FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER” Control and Prevention, long-standing systemic health and feel that she is a life changer.”
social inequities have put many people of racial and ethnic Meanwhile, students are
BELIEVE AND BECOME A PART OF minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying happy both for her arrival and
from COVID-19, regardless of age. her capabilities.
THE GLOBAL REVIVAL CAMPAIGN “I truly believe that Mrs.
Among some racial and ethnic minority groups, including Thompson’s arrival was God-
TO REVIVE GOD’S WORD IN non-Hispanic Black and African American persons, Hispan- sent because in my short two
ics and Latinos, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, years I have yet to see anyone
7 + BILLION SOULS evidence points to higher rates of hospitalization or death to fill her capacity as a director
from COVID-19 than among non-Hispanic white persons. in career and professional de-
(JEREMIAH 31:33-34) velopment,” said Elija Weaver,
These results are also due to the fact that “People of junior accounting major. “Since
(REVELATION 3:20-22, REVELATION 7:3) Color” are refusing to accept the immunization (vaccines) her first day, she has been a
based on self-conceived beliefs. Where or how did this virus great help. I happened to be
CORPORATE PRAYER EVERY THURSDAY, originate? And where or how did the vaccines originate? one of her first students to re-
ceive and secure a summer in-
6 AM, TOWARD RISING SUN This question can be answered in a scripture verse found ternship. She has helped me
in Hebrews 11:3, which reads from the King James version with my resume, preparation
(MATTHEW 6:10, REVELATION 7:2, of the Bible, “Through Faith we understand that the worlds for interviews and finding op-
were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are portunities on every coast. I
REVELATION 7:15) seen were not made of things which do appear.” truly believe she is doing a
great job at doing her job, and I
GOD’S UNIVERSAL CHURCH WITHOUT Science teaches us that everything consists of matter, think students should take the
even COVID-19 and the vaccines, which is the physical ma- time to meet her and use her
WALLS terial of the universe; matter is anything that has mass and resources.”
occupies space. We now state this COVID-19 virus and the Others who just have no idea
(COLOSSIANS 1:18, LUKE 10:2, resulting vaccines were made by the Word of God, and are where to start, Thompson is
observed, using particles of matter which we cannot see. It your go-to woman.
JAMES 2:17, 20) is suggested that you Love, Fast, and Pray, and that you be “Mrs. Thompson has been
led by the Holy Spirit in making your decision. a really great resource,” said
lovefastpray.org • P. O. Box 206 • Langston, OK 73050
see RESOURCES, page 7
4 The Gazette | March 23, 2021 Features
Students discuss experiences,
effects of February snowstorm
By Kaila Lessier relieved some stress because the winter storm because he
Staff Writer life was going so fast,” Rob- could not go anywhere.
inson said. “I felt trapped during the
On Feb. 16-17, a massive Damira Flavors, a biology snowstorm because I could
snowstorm hit Langston Uni- major from Seattle, welcomed not leave my room safely, and
versity, causing all students the break as well, but she only my food option was limited.”
to stay stuck in their rooms has one primary concern. He also said he felt like the
for nearly two weeks. “I enjoyed the time off; break took more of a mental
The snow was up to 14 however, the only thing I toll on him than it did a men-
inches, and there was no way had a complaint about was tal break.
anyone could drive through it the fact that I didn’t have any “I was not able to go out-
without getting stuck. food in my room.” side and was forced to look
Junior biology major Anai Nonetheless, Flavors was at four walls by myself for
Robinson is from Oklahoma, grateful for the university two weeks straight and, on
so, she said, she is used to this providing food during cer- top of that, my living condi-
type of weather. However, tain hours of the day. tions were below poor. My
the snow was more profound Flavors added, “Most of my windows do not open in my
than usual. teachers were not pressuring room, so I wasn’t able to get
“I feel like I needed that us for our work that that was some nice and fresh air from Photo by Larry Harrington
break. It felt good to slow due. Some of them were, but outside.”
down and take my focus off there was nothing we as the Florence said he was happy Snow covered the entire Langston University campus
of school for a moment,” Rob- students could do about that, to see the snow melt and ev- like a blanket during Oklahoma's major snowstorm in
inson said. especially because the Wi-Fi erything get back to normal. February.
Robinson also said she was out.”
thinks her teachers needed Cornelious Florence, a
the break and appreciated
them for not being too tough
on the students once every-
sophomore public health
major, is from Bakersfield,
California, so he was not
Capturing an Oklahoma sunset
one returned after the storm. used to this extreme winter
“This two-week break weather. Florence expressed
helped slow down time and that he felt frustrated during
SAVE THE DATE
LANGSTON SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES(SAAS)
APRIL 12-16, 2021
FAMILY AND CONSUMER
SCIENCE CLUB (FCS)
CELEBRATES
WOYC2021
WITH LU FAMILIES!
ACTIVITIES EACH DAY!
LOOK FOR CAMPUS FLYER!
CONTACT ADVISOR:
DR. EMISHA YOUNG Photo by G'ahri Gassaway
EMISHA.YOUNG@LANGSTON.EDU
During an evening walk, senior broadcast journalism major G'ahri Gassaway
captures this picturesque view of an Oklahoma sunset. Gassaway snapped this
shot on campus as he was walking near Cimarron Apartments and Centenniel
Court.
Features March 23, 2021 | The Gazette 5
Release party at Langston Center canceled
By Larry Harrington mixtape titled “Shiesty Season” and organizations to rent it out
Staff Writer was supposed to be held at The for private parties and events.
Langston Center on Feb. 25, However, the building owner
On Feb. 25, The Langston while Shiesty was set to perform was unable to be reached for
Center was supposed to host its at the Symphoni Champagne comment on this situation.
first event since COVID-19 be- Bar in Oklahoma City later that Pooh Shiesty has risen to a
gan. However, the event ended evening. Instead, Langston offi- very quick popularity during
up getting shut down by Langs- cials were forced to shut down the pandemic and does not ap-
ton officials because of social the events because the venue pear to be slowing down, de-
distancing protocols and sched- space was not equipped to fol- spite the lack of live shows. But
uling issues. low standards in place for CO- students are still disappointed
The event was for up-and- VID-19. that they couldn’t attend a fun
coming artist Pooh Shiesty’s “I was mad that the album re- event so close to campus.
mixtape release party, who has lease party got canceled because “[Pooh Shiesty] is one of my
quickly racked up hits such as I love Pooh Shiesty and I have favorite new artists and to hear
“Back in Blood” and “Monday never seen him live before,” the release party was canceled
to Sunday”, both of which will said Tianna Smith, sophomore and it was the first event that we Pooh Shiesty
be on the album. biology major. “It would have could actually go to since CO-
According to Rolling Stone been fun just to see one of my VID-19 hit, we just were bored, rescheduled for Feb. 27, at Sym- “I had fun, it was lit. The
magazine, Shiesty announced favorite artists perform.” and that would have been some- phoni Champagne Bar, accord- energy was cool, too, even be-
his mixtape release date on The Langston Center is not thing to do,” said Josh Adams, a ing to eventbrite.com. The event fore Pooh Shiesty came out on
Feb. 6, which had been highly owned by Langston Univer- sophomore business major. sold out fast and more than stage,” Adams said. “I am just
anticipated in the weeks lead- sity. It is owned by a private Students did not lose hope as 1,000 people attended, includ- ready for the on-campus events
ing up to his release party. The individual who allows people the mixtape release party was ing Adams. to start back up again.”
C ampus
How was your experience
at the first in-person event
Q
on campus since COVID-19?
uestion Compiled by Paris Taylor-Mahone
Raynita Mason Wesley Lowe Tre Davis Courtney Webster
Junior Sophomore Freshman Freshman
Business Management Biology Major Computer Science Major Biology Major
and Psychology Major
"It was really good being able to see "For my first in-person game, I "It was very exciting and
"My experience at our first in- per- the fans come out there and support liked it because it was my first the event was really inclusive."
son game was amazing! As a Langston football. When COVID first experience of a college game. I
'COVID queen', a lot of things have hit, I didn’t know if we were even can’t wait to go to more games.
been different during my reign, going to be able to play. But Especially with me being in the
including not being able to go to seeing everyone with their masks and band, it was extremely fun!"
games and support our team. It felt socially distanced and still were able
so good to be back with the LU to have a good time really gave me a
family in one place, having a good boost and made me very optimistic
time, supporting our team – COVID will go away very soon. The
COVID-19 style and all." first home game was great, and I
cannot wait for more to come."
6 The Gazette | March 23, 2021 News Features
Campus organization to host Zoom event,
students could win $25 Walmart gift card
By MacKenzie McQuarters
Staff Writer
Langston University’s Pub-
“ Our organization is hoping for more
exposure so students will be interested in
lic Health Student Association
will host an event called “THIS
joining and bringing awareness to students
IS PUBLIC HEALTH” at 7 p.m. of how stress can affect performance in
”
March 25, via Zoom.
The Public Health Student school and everyday lifestyle.
Association was founded three
years ago by students and fac- — Jada Meads,
ulty in the Public Health pro- senior public health major
gram, which is a relatively new
degree program at Langston,
established about 10 years ago. degree. opportunity to win a $25 Wal-
Kathy Montella, director of Students can look forward Mart gift card.
public health, is the adviser for to speakers such as Aundria “Our organization is hoping
the association. Goree, president of the Oklaho- for more exposure so students
“The student association is ma Public Health Association; will be interested in joining and
there to enhance the health of Dr. Marshan Marick, founder bringing awareness to students
the entire Langston campus and of Langston’s public health of how stress can affect perfor-
to get more people aware and program, who is currently em- mance in school and everyday
interested in the field of public ployed at OSU School of Com- lifestyle,” said Jada Meads, se-
health,” Montella said. munity Health Sciences; and nior public health major.
The event will be an informal Dr. Thomas Teasdale, chair of The association has hosted
conversation with people in the the Department of Health Pro- other events as well, such as other events coming up this se- always lead to big changes,”
public health field about what motion Sciences at the Hudson health fairs and condom distri- mester, but she is particularly Horn said.
exactly public health entails, School of Public Health at the bution to promote sexual health. excited about this Zoom event. The Zoom link for “THIS
what the job market looks like, University of Oklahoma. President of the Public Health “I think this will cause a IS PUBLIC HEALTH” on
graduate school opportunities Students who attend the Student Association Summer small change because it makes March 25 is: https://zoom.
and what you can do with the event via Zoom will have the Horn said the organization has students think. Small changes us/j/2417499887.
LU-OKC offers degree for working adults
through Reach Higher Completion plan
By Keitoria Jefferson consistently taking applications. The pro-
Staff Writer gram also allows students to share the expe-
rience with other working adults.
The Langston University campus in Okla- Students who complete the program will
homa City has a degree program for working receive a Bachelor of Science in organiza-
adults trying to finish their degrees. tional leadership.
The program, called the Reach Higher This degree prepares students for the suc-
Completion plan, at the LU-OKC campus of- cess in many areas, including government,
fers students an affordable opportunity to nonprofit and industrial careers.
finish getting their degree with no applica- The program’s curriculum is comprised of
tion fee. ethics, finances, management and communi-
It is an opportunity to keep your normal cation skills, so the working adults can ad-
daily routine while you finish getting your vance their careers and income in Oklahoma.
bachelor’s degree because it is an accelerated According to the Langston University web-
program. site, there are eight other public universities
T’nisha Law, student service coordinator in Oklahoma that also offer the same pro-
at LU-OKC, said she took the program to re- gram because it is a statewide effort led by
ceive her Bachelor of Science degree in orga- Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
nizational leadership. The Oklahoma public universities are recog-
She said more than 69,000 Oklahomans nized by the Higher Learning Commission
once attended college, but they never had of the North Central Association of Colleges
the chance to finish getting their degree – and Universities.
until now. For more information about the program,
Students have an opportunity to enroll in visit www.langston.edu/okc/reach-higher,
the accelerated program five times through- or contact T’nisha Law at 405-530-7500 for a
out the year, which means the university is personal visit.
Other News March 23, 2021 | The Gazette 7
Biden moves for states to prioritize
educators in receiving the vaccine
By Jayden Hannah changes across the coun- COVID-19 pandemic. – so I think it’s totally neces- the building and this will ul-
Contributing Writer try. On March 8, less than a Kyle Hawkins, Edmond sary to have teachers vacci- timately lead to an increase
week after Biden made the Public Schools track coach nated.” in cases as teachers are vacci-
In early March, President announcement, 43 states had and broadcast instructor, said Hawkins continued, “I nated, but children and their
Joe Biden called for the Unit- made teachers eligible in some he was signed up for the vac- think that, overall, it will have family members are not,” said
ed States to prioritize educa- way, including Oklahoma. cine within the first five min- a positive impact, though I am Oklahoma City Public Schools
tors for the vaccine. Despite the swift coalition utes and that the setup and worried about more outbreaks educational coach Tisha Clay.
This was set in motion by between the president and experience was smooth. due to packing so many stu- “I am glad Biden made the
the Federal Retail Pharmacy state governments, American “I think Biden’s on the dents in a room when we are vaccine available to those that
program increasing supply to vaccinations are still off to a right track,” Hawkins said. still in a pandemic.” need it most, such as health-
meet the anticipated demand. slow start, with only 1 in 5 “It would be so easy to clar- However, some people are care workers, elderly and
President Biden's goal was Americans being vaccinated ify most teachers as frontline hesitant to vaccinate, which those living with common
to have all educational and for COVID-19 so far. workers. could still cause issues in the morbidities. [But] at this time,
childcare staff vaccinated be- Regardless, many educators “Many of us have been stuck classrooms. I have not opted to get the
fore the end of the month. across the country are wel- in large rooms full of students “With the release of the vaccine. I would like to wait
The implementation from coming the progressive strides – many of which have been vaccine, many schools are until it is FDA approved,”
the president presented swift Biden is making against the quarantined or tested positive bringing students back into Clay said.
UPDATE: Statewide COVID-19 vaccination information
Special from campuses; however, the university dents are now eligible. gional vaccine clinics outside of
LU Emergency Leadership Team does not yet have direct access to For the purposes of regional avail- campus specific efforts, as there
the vaccine. ability and access to the vaccine, is still no guarantee that Langston
We write to share an update on At this time, we cannot ensure university community members in- University will gain direct access to
the availability of and access to the university-wide access to the vac- terested in vaccination are encour- the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine. cine administered on our campuses. aged to register within the state’s Should you have any questions,
Langston University is working The state of Oklahoma is in Phase online platform. please contact us at luelt@langston.
toward securing a vendor to admin- 3 of distribution, which means all By registering, individuals can edu.
ister the COVID-19 vaccine on our university faculty, staff and stu- identify eligibility and identify re- Thank you!
ONLINE RESOURCES yours truly, the main university campus in
Langston. Thompson decided to bring her
from page 2 from page 3 grit and love for student success to dear
Langston because she saw there was a need.
college was completely online, and I thought I wasn't going DaCota Mims, sophomore child develop- Thompson wanted to be a part of connecting
to make it through. ment and health, physical education and rec- HBCU students to industry, employers and
Even if technology can be a distraction, it can also make an reation major. “She has great advice and tips organizations.
effective change in someone's way of containing knowledge. for interviews, being able to let you know “I felt that Langston is a special place, and I
Our society is constantly on their phones, so it should be how to not only get a job after college but wanted to be a part of that here,” Thompson
easy to check when an assignment is due or when the next how to succeed as well. She is very welcom- said.
test is scheduled. ing and has a great way of communicating to Due to Thompson’s early success and ac-
Students are far less likely to miss class now as well be- students on a level to where you can under- complishments with students here at Langs-
cause they can "Zoom" from anywhere. They are also able to stand what you need to do to be successful.” ton University, she has new projects on the
look up content about a subject that might have not be clear Thompson attended the University of Tul- way. First, there will be a program called
in class with a simple Google search. sa where she received her bachelor’ degree “Grow with Google” that will help students
Technology is being presented to children at such young and her master’s of business. After receiving become efficient in software skills. You can
ages and, soon enough, this will be all that they know. The her degrees, she then went to work in oil and receive a certificate and it will be free.
growth of mobile technology in classrooms will eventually gas at Conoco Philips for 11 years. There is also a project called “Career
be a must-have for students and professors. So, as you can After that, she became a supervisor of ac- Clothes Closet” where students are able to
see, technology in a classroom can make major changes on counting at Quick Trip convenience stores see what to wear and gain those professional
how someone excels in school. at the cooperate office in Tulsa. She then wardrobe critiques and tips.
Though COVID-19 has ruined many plans for people, headed back to her stomping grounds at the If you are ever wanting to increase your
Langston University has created a positive way to keep their University of Tulsa, overseeing the college of connections, tweak your resume and find
students engaged, whether students are staying on campus business career center. amazing internships, Thompson can be
or in their home state. Thompson has been in supervising, ac- found in Page Hall, Room 314.
We are evolving to electronic learning, which is a great counting, taxation, training in development, If you are a student who is not on campus
supplement to classroom instruction, but it should never project teams and recruiting, which is where or you are an alum of dear Langston, you
convert strictly to just being online or all technology if we she gained her love for students. can communicate with her by cellphone at
want to see our society succeed. Personal interaction is a key In November 2020, Thompson decided 405-346-6377 or email at leonelle.thompson@
element for accomplishments in the future. it was time for change once again and now langston.edu.
uses her expertise through all Langston cam- And, most importantly, “Don’t forget to
Lauren Gavin is a senior broadcast journalism major. puses – OKC, Tulsa, the Ardmore site and read my emails,” Thompson said.
8 The Gazette | March 23, 2021 Sports
Players, students, fans welcome first
home football game since COVID-19
By Jonah Fabian a boost of excitement.
Staff Writer “Playing in front of my home
fans felt great. I miss the home-
After a long 475 days, Langs- field advantage and the home-
ton University football is finally game experience. It was truly
back in W.E. Anderson Stadium. amazing to get back on that field
Southwestern Assemblies of God after almost two years of not play-
University proved to be too much ing,” said Devin Dourisseau, a se-
as they beat Langston 31-20, but nior defensive back for Langston.
still, many students saw this gath- Larry Harrington, junior quar-
ering as a win for the university. terback, agreed.
Nov. 9, 2019, was the last time “It has a major impact. It's like
Lion fans were able to physically you have extra teammates out
support Langston’s football team there cheering you on. And as
at home. far as the other team, I think the
With the cancelation of all fall crowd affects their play even
2020 athletic seasons, thanks to with reduced fans,” Harrington
COVID-19, many students and said. Even with the home-field
athletes questioned when they advantage, Langston was down
would be able to return to normal quickly and ended up losing to
play. SAGU, 31-20.
The Sooner Athletic Conference “We just have to start out faster
allowed athletics to be played, and can’t come out the gates flat,
with fan restrictions, in spring and we also have to finish games
2021. It was later announced that when we have the momentum.
Langston football was returning We need to learn how to capital-
to campus Feb. 27, against SAC ize on that and put points on the
rival SAGU. board,” Harrington said.
The SAC approved that Langs-
ton was allowed to let 20% ca-
Joshua Herbert, junior defen-
sive back, had other input on the
Lady Lions host first home volleyball game
pacity, about 500 people, into loss.
W.E. Anderson Stadium for the “Some things that need to be
game. Alongside the fans, Langs- fixed are finishing plays all the
ton’s band, cheer and other spirit way through, and when you’re
squads were allowed to attend as not on the field to cheer on the
well. ones that are so the momentum
This was the biggest gather- can stay high and we can finish
ing Langston had since the an- strong,” Herbert said.
nouncement of campus closure With the loss, LU dropped to
in spring 2020. 0-2 on the season and will not re-
The limited capacity of fans turn to Langston until the Lions
piled in to support their Langston matchup with Wayland Baptist
Lions, which gave many players University on April 3.
Photos by Matthew Blue
The Langston University Lady Lions hosted their first home volleyball game against
Wayland Baptist University on Feb. 26. The Lady Lions fell short during the match-
up, 13-25, 23-25, 15-25.
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