October 16, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Don’t miss the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook Off from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Payne County Expo Center tonight, just one of many of the events you’ve come to expect for America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration. There are also some new events that the OSU Alumni Association is reminding us about to help put us in “An Orange STATE Of Mind.” The “Deck the House” competition supporting Habitat for Humanity has been showcasing OSU gingerbread houses made by OSU students, which are on display in the Student Union Atrium through today. Also new this year are campus tours, which will showcase the old and the new on the OSU campus. Tours will start from the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center at 5 and 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, and at varying times Saturday, Oct. 20. Tours will last approximately 45 minutes. No registration is required. For the first time ever, the Sea of Orange Homecoming Parade will be broadcast live on the web at www.orangeconnection.org . Be sure to check the homepage Saturday morning after 8 a.m. for the live link! For more information on America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration, click here .
First tobacco industry whistleblower to offer company secrets
Recruited to develop a safer cigarette for the Philip Morris Company, Dr. Victor DeNoble discovered some startling truths about the tobacco industry, which he plans to share Wednesday, Oct. 17, from noon – 1 p.m. at the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center in Stillwater. The presentation is free and open to the public. Join the first tobacco industry “whistleblower” as he exposes what he calls the “truths, lies and addictions” related to the industry. DeNoble will discuss tobacco industry tactics for gaining new clients and how, through the use of the product, the industry makes sure those clients keep coming back for more. He’ll share the same information that led the company to seize his lab and fire him only to learn that he had become a key witness in the federal government’s case against the industry. DeNoble has received national attention with appearances on such programs as “60 Minutes” and “Dateline NBC.” For more information, phone (405) 744-2745.
Raun named OSU Sarkeys Distinguished Professor
Oklahoma State University’s Bill Raun has been named the 2007 recipient of the Sarkeys Distinguished Professor Award by the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The Sarkeys award is based on outstanding contributions to agriculture through teaching, research or extension efforts. Raun is an OSU Regents professor and holds the Division’s Melvin D. and Mary E. Jones Distinguished Professorship in Agronomic Sciences. He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his research, teaching and extension accomplishments related to precision agriculture and soil fertility. Nutrient management technologies developed under the leadership of Raun have literally changed the way producers in Oklahoma, surrounding states and other nations grow crops, providing both economic and environmental benefits in the process. For more details, click here .
Lusk earns Whatley award
Oklahoma State University’s Jayson Lusk has been named the 2007 recipient of the James A. Whatley Award for Meritorious Service in Agricultural Sciences. The award is presented annually to the top young scientist in OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. A professor in the department of agricultural economics, Lusk is the holder of the Willard Sparks Endowed Chair of Agribusiness. He has been a faculty member in the Division since April 2005 and has a 75 percent research and 25 percent teaching appointment. Lusk’s research focuses on how preferences are constructed and how decisions are made by consumers, farmers and agribusiness organizations. Lusk is described as one of the most influential and successful researchers in the profession in terms of applying experimental economic methods to issues in agribusiness. He has been a co-author of 12 articles in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the leading journal of his profession. For more details, click here .
2008 annual benefits enrollment deadline Thursday, November 15
Employees can enroll in or make changes to health care, dental, vision, and flexible benefits during this annual enrollment period. You’re invited to seriously consider BlueCross coverage for yourself and eligible dependents since there is no pre-existing condition clause during this special enrollment period, regardless of coverage or lack of coverage in 2007. In addition, employees can consider applying for long-term care, cancer, supplemental life coverage, and/or long-term disability. Proof of good health may be required. Benefits information packets were sent out Oct. 12 and could take up to a week to arrive in campus mail. A personalized, bar-coded benefits enrollment form with instructions, which details current benefit elections, will be mailed out Oct. 17. Election forms must arrive in OSU Human Resources, 106 Whitehurst, by 5pm, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. For detailed, up-to-date Annual Benefits Enrollment information, go to http://hr.okstate.edu, phone (405) 744-6490.
Unique preschool opens in Stillwater
The Rise School of Stillwater opened Monday, Oct. 15 with two classrooms, both staffed with a teacher with a master’s degree who is experienced in teaching children with disabilities as well as two full-time teaching assistants from Oklahoma State University. The school is a preschool for children ages 18 months to 3.5 years. Providing the highest quality of early childhood education and intervention services to children with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities, the school is also open to typically developing children. The mix provides for better understanding of children with disabilities, realization of their potential and acceptance as peers. The Oklahoma State Legislature provided $555,000 in funding to the State Department of Education for the operating funds for the Rise School of Stillwater. Based on information from other Rise Schools, children who participate make the transition to the public school system with skills and abilities that exceed children with similar disabilities who have not participated in such a program. Parents from surrounding communities are urged to consider this unique opportunity for their children. Openings are still available, for more information call 405-744-7767 or visit the Rise School of Stillwater website at www.ches.okstate.edu/rise .
Should Murray Hall be renamed?
The OSU Ethics Center will present: “Should Murray Hall be Renamed?” on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. in the Student Union Little Theater, featuring speakers Randi Eldevik, associate professor, OSU English Department, and Bill Bryans, associate professor, OSU History Department. The namesake for Murray Hall, “Alfalfa” Bill Murray was the state’s ninth governor, one of the principal authors of the state constitution, the first speaker of the state House of Representatives and an early congressman from Oklahoma. Despite Murray's important role in the formation of the state, he advanced legislation, gave public speeches and published books filled with his racist and anti-semitic agenda. Should Murray Hall be renamed? For additional information, please contact: Lawrence Pasternack, OSU Philosophy Department, (405) 744-9237; E-mail: l.pasternack@okstate.edu. This event is free and open to the public.
OSU Allied Arts: Krystian Zimerman concert cancelled due to injury
OSU Allied Arts was recently informed that Krystian Zimerman, one of the world’s finest classical pianists, had to cancel his entire U.S. tour due to a personal injury. His OSU concert was set for Sunday, Oct. 21. For more information please contact Allied Arts at (405) 744-7509.
Business Honors Organization to meet
The Business Honors Organization will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in Business room 234. Dr. Robert Graalman, director of OSU Scholar Development, will share exciting scholarship and leadership opportunities for business students. Please visit www.orgs.okstate.edu/bho to download a BHO membership application, or contact bho@orgs.okstate.edu for more information.
Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Oct. 22-25
University Health Services will host the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Oct. 22-25, with several events to help support the fight against breast cancer: A THINK PINK booth will be used to distribute a variety of information about breast cancer on Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside near the Chi-O Clock, and 10 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday across from the Student Union bookstore. Yoplait yogurt lids for the Save Lids to Save Lives Campaign can be turned in at one of the booths or at 154 University Health Services throughout the month of October. Students, faculty and staff will be asked to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness on THINK PINK day, Thursday, Oct. 25. A Women’s Program is also planned for Thursday from 2 -3 p.m. in Room 415 of the Student Union. The guest speaker will be breast cancer survivor State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre. Refreshments will be provided.
Make life better for homeless animals
Help the Stillwater Humane Society, a no kill non-profit animal shelter, by volunteering your time by playing with the animals or walking a dog or donating the needed items listed on their Web site at www.hspets.org or donating money. The Humane Society relies completely on the generosity of the community and can always use the help of OSU students. The Wal-Mart in Perkins will also be accepting donations for the Humane Society on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This campaign is sponsored by the students of Public Relations Management Strategies class in the School of Journalism and Broadcasting. Questions? Contact lori.wilson@okstate.edu.
Family mealtime makes a difference
Read this and other articles from OSU Ag Communications Services, click here
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On the calendar…
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Disability Awareness Week, Oct. 22-26
Oklahoma State University Student Disability Services will host Disability Awareness Week Oct. 22-26. Disability Awareness Week attempts to increase the university community’s awareness of different disabilities and the services provided by the SDS office. Events will start Monday, Oct. 22, with the fun and informative “Deaf, Deaf World” Workshop, offered three times at the Starlite Terrace, 4th floor Student Union. A Silent Dinner is also scheduled Monday evening, which is open to anyone in the community interested in using sign language. A guest speaker is set for Tuesday, accessibility activities on Wednesday and a Resource Fair on Thursday. Click here for complete details.
“The Ethical Impacts of a New Approach to Healthcare Access”
Friends of the Forms presents Mike Hammer, proposal specialist for OSU Research Support Services, speaking on “The Ethical Impacts of a New Approach to Healthcare Access” Monday, Oct. 29, at 3:30 p.m. in Student Union Case Study 2. The lecture is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact the Friends of the Forms, OSU Philosophy Department, (405) 744-6088, e-mail philo@okstate.edu or go to http://philosophy.okstate.edu.
Family Feud Night
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., is hosting a Family Feud Night Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in room 202 of the Classroom Building at OSU-Stillwater. Five-person teams are required to participate and the team must have a name. Teams can sign up to play until 7:30 p.m. that night. There is a Facebook event titled “Family Feud, Zeta Style” which allows you to submit your team’s name and information. Anyone can also sign up with a member of Zeta Phi Beta at any time. Prizes will be awarded to the winning “family.” If you have any questions or want to turn in a team through e-mail, contact Alicia Hill at alicia.hill@okstate.edu.
Bug Movie Night set for OSU-Stillwater
Classic B-movies and crunchy munchies will make for a unique night out Thursday, Nov. 1, when Oklahoma State University’s entomology 2003 class throws open the doors to the public for Bug Movie Night. The fun and food will take place 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in 106 Noble Research Center, north of the Edmon Low Library. There is no cost to attend and all bugs will be provided free of charge. Seating will be on a first-come, first-seated basis. The Sanborn Entomology Club is hosting the event, which will include two science fiction bug classics: The 1954 movie “Them!” and “Starship Troopers” from 1997. The second feature is rated R and is probably better suited for an adult audience, which is why it is being shown later. Movie-goers can come to both or either of the films as they will be shown back-to-back, with the arthropod-based food served during intermission. The second feature will start about 8:30 p.m.
Mark your calendar now for information sessions on benefit plans
Find out about the new offerings and choices for health care, dental and vision, flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability and cancer plans by attending one of the sessions that start Wednesday, Oct. 24, in Stillwater and Tulsa. For a complete list of sessions, click here or go to http://hr.okstate.edu .
Women’s Leadership Conference ahead, deadline this week
Don’t forget to register for the “Empowering Women for Leadership” conference set for Friday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The goal of the one-day workshop is to prepare women to assume a leadership position in higher education administration. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Women in Higher Education, speakers will include University of Memphis President Shirley C. Raines and Congresswoman Mary Fallin, along with session topics that include building political and personal power, leading in litigious times, managing and leading change, and developing leadership diversity. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, Oct. 18. For a registration form and additional information, go to acadaffr/owheweb/index.htm or contact Dr. Debbie Blanke, (405) 225-9151 or e-mail: dblanke@osrhe.edu.
Friends of the Library annual dinner and speaker event coming
H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series featuring author James Bradley will be Friday, Nov. 2, at the Edmon Low Library at OSU Stillwater, starting with a guest welcome reception in the south lobby at 6 p.m. and dinner in the Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room at 6:30 p.m. Bradley is the son of Iwo Jima flag raiser John Bradley. After his father’s death, James launched a quest to learn about the past of his father and the other five flag raisers pictured in the famous photo. The result was The New York Times #1 bestseller “Flags of Our Fathers,” followed by a motion picture. Bradley’s latest book is “Flyboys.” Bradley will present an after-dinner lecture, following which he will provide autographs. Bradley’s books will be available for purchase, and guests are welcome to bring personal copies to be signed. Click here for complete details.
Tulsa Ballet tickets offer
The Tulsa Ballet is offering special pricing to OSU faculty, staff and students for upcoming performances of “In White” (Nov. 2-4) and “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 15 – 23). To receive special pricing, please call Charlotte Brown at (918) 749-6030 x214, and identify that you are an O.S.U. faculty, staff member or student and she will find the best seats available for the performance you choose.
Wellness tip: Sea salt
Sea salt is not superior to regular salt. Both are composed of sodium chloride. In addition, sea salt may lack a sufficient amount of iodine to support good health. An adequate amount is found in only a few foods. For this reason, iodine is added to most table salt. Wellness tips are brought to you by the OSU Seretean Wellness Center, dedicated to making OSU the Healthiest Campus in America. For more information about services for students, faculty and staff, call 744-WELL (9355).