Oral Roberts University - Perihelion Yearbook (Tulsa, OK)

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54 Though the purpose of a retreat is to get away from it all, books and studies always seem to tag along. CLc55o11, iq, GLg'c As the year wore on, retreats were planned. Camp Fin and Feather, Lake Keystone and Six Flags over Texas were well-liked locations. Retreats provided a relaxed atmosphere for fun and con- versation. Hikes, swimming and skits usually kept everyone active. Basketball games were the most reg- ularly planned events most wings attended. A decision by the yell lead- ers and cheerleaders to utilize the spirit stick helped improve atten- dance by brother-sister wings. Wings A conversation pit in the Graduate Center over- flowed during a co-ed devotions for wings Sweet Comfort and Holy Wrath.

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by Ronda Davis A unique asset of University life was the brother-sister wing. A good brother-sister wing relationship had much to teach about life itself. In effect, it was a microcosm example of Christianity in action. Each and every relationship began with the first meeting. Be it a water- melon bash behind Howard Audi- torium or a dinner at SAGA, first impressions were formed. Often, the wing residents quickly decided whether this wing would be special or not. Their attitudes made all the differ- ence. Without enthusiasm, no amount of prodding by resident advisors, wing chaplains or activities chairmen could make the year outstanding. Once the first meeting was over, a process occurred which is perfectly described by the first line of a song from The King and I. Getting to know you, getting to know all about you ... began, The same questions were asked Where are you from?, What's your major?, What year are you? This time, however, the answers were remembered. Resident advisors, chaplains and activities chairmen aided the process by organizing picnics, devotions and parties. These activities were aimed to RONDA DAVIS is a junior pre-law rnainr from Arlington, Texas She is now serving as Student!Spiritual Life erlitor of the PERIHE- LION. After graduation she plans to study corporate or civil law Sister wing support often took the form of hand- lettered lovenotes which appeared everywhere from intramural games to the cafeteria walls. break the ice. By mid-September, friendships were beginning to be formed. By this time, most wings had chosen a name and ordered wing shirts. Often, brother-sister wings chose the same name or co-ordinating names, like Riverside Athletic Club and Prop- erty of Riverside Athletic Club. Before long, the shirts were delivered and the wings were preparing for the first intramural football game. Without enthusiasm, no amount of prodding by resident advisors, wing chaplains or activities chairmen could make the year outstanding. Girls usually asked for the brother wings help in coaching at least one coach always volunteered. Practices were riotous, especially for coaches who were confronted by the sight of a star quarterback passing the ball to an opponent or tripping on the famous triple-reverse play or a cen- ter who forgot to hike the ball. Eventually, the season began. Wings supported each other. Several girls were usually present at the brother's game. Guys often made it to the girl's game, too. One wing cheered their sis- ters on with a 10-man pyramid. A good television show provided a time to get together for wing-mates Dave Strobel, Chris Gable and leff McGee.

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often sat together to cheer loudly for the Titans. One wing, El Shaddai con- sistently supported walk-on Titan, lohn Miller, with It's Miller Time T- shirts and cow bells. Another wing, Patria and the Huggables, dressed up like clowns, including white face make-up, to win the spirit stick. Wing picnics at LaFortune and Woodward parks also drew crowds. A quick stop at the Colonel's or Burger King provided the food, if it wasn't With anywhere from 45 to 95 brothers and sisters to choose from, someone was activities. A snowball fight or Sagabog- ganing livened up many a freezing cold night. One brother-sister wing imaginatively organized an all out, co-ed, tackle, snow football game in the practice field behind Howard Auditorium. Availability was one of the strong points of brother-sister wings. With anywhere from 45 to 95 brothers and sisters to choose from, someone was always around to goof-off with. The feeling of having someone was enhanced by the decision of most brother-sister wings to establish a wing table at SACA. Even if a wing- ee came to eat by himself, someone always around to goof off with. SACA-catered. Later, frisbees and footballs came out for informal, bare- foot games or slides and swings pro- vided the entertainment. Often, the most memorable events were not the organized ones. The spontaneous decision to grab a blan- ket and run over to see State Fair on the side of the SUB or jog down to Braum's for a quick Iimeade filled in empty evenings. A skating party at SkateWorld or a quiet walk through a nearby residential area could be arranged through one quick phone call to a friend. Wintertime lent itself to impromptu was always at that table to share the meal with. More and more, wing-mates stuck together. Ofen an unofficial study area was designated in the Learning Resources Center. Many wings learned to work together too. Dishroom work or serving at SAGA were popular places for wings to earn money for activities. One wing was hired to clear Fred Creek of garbage and weedy overgrowth. The Christian Service Council sup- ported the wing concept by offering opportunities for wing ministries. Brother-sister wings volunteered to paint an elderly person's home or play The SACA steps provided a convenient, and quiet place for a chat between Mike Samuelson and Diane Tomei of Animal House and Animal Crackers. with disadvantaged children on the banks of the Arkansas River. Ministry was not limited to CSC. Sonrays and Union sponsored a Korean child. Master's Touch and Crystal Fountain made it a wing pro- ject to write to Corrie Ten Boom after her recent illness. Special was the word that described brother-sister wing relation- ships. One resident of Bastille sent each of his sisters on 3's Company a red rose, anonymously, on Valentine's Day. His motivation? To let each sister know she was special. A double birthday party at Happy loe's for Brad Stauffer and Becky Bifoss livened up an evening for Distant Thunder and Desert Rain. 35