New OSU students invited to take part in Alpha 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

(July 31, 2008  Stillwater, Okla.) - Oklahoma State University’s own Kyle Ensley of Valliant, known by millions for his appearances on this year’s American Idol, will kick off a night of karaoke as one of the activities planned for Alpha 2008 on OSU’s Stillwater campus.

Approximately 1,000 new students, along with 300 faculty and staff volunteers, will take part in OSU’s three-day orientation program on Aug. 14-16, which features a revamped Alpha program designed to prepare new students for “The OSU Experience.”

Alpha registration tables will be open on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the Student Union Atrium for participants to pick up their Alpha booklets, schedule of events, name tags used for admittance to all events, and free T-shirts. A barbecue dinner is scheduled for Thursday evening, followed by a group photo on the Library lawn with OSU President Burns Hargis.

Immediately following the group photo, all Alpha registrants will move to Gallagher-Iba Arena for the opening ceremony. President Hargis will give opening remarks and will introduce football coach Mike Gundy and men’s basketball coach Travis Ford, and OSU’s pom squad, cheerleaders and marching band will perform. Following the ceremony, participants can attend the Howdy Dance or a movie in the Student Union.

On Friday, a brunch will be held in the Student Union Food Court from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., students will have an opportunity to interact with college deans and faculty, and campus tours will begin at 3 p.m.  

At 5 p.m., students will return to the Student Union for dinner and Student Union Night, a new event designed to allow the students to get to know about the programs and services that are offered, including tutoring, career counseling, the student disability office, clubs and organizations. The evening will close with their choice of a movie or karaoke.

Saturday morning begins with a brunch at the Colvin Recreation Center at 10 a.m, followed by a gala event in which students will have an opportunity to interact in two to three different activities, including putt putt, climbing wall, sand volleyball, golf ball drive and H2O Polo.

Alpha’s closing event is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Wes Watkins Center with keynote speaker Dr. Bertice Berry, a sociologist and bestselling author of the inspirational memoir, “I’m On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head,”  four novels and two humor books.

Alpha will close with a prize drawing, and students who have attended all Alpha events will have the opportunity to win prizes.

For information or to sign up for Alpha 2008, go to http://alpha.okstate.edu , or call (405)744-5328.  The cost for Alpha is $57 and includes meals. Scholarships are available if there is a financial need.