September 20, 2007

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Chesapeake Energy Corporation donates an additional $500,000 for scholarships
Chesapeake Energy Corporation has announced a $500,000 donation to Oklahoma State University to assist with student scholarships in the Boone Pickens School of Geology and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. The donation raises Chesapeake’s scholarship commitment on the Stillwater campus to $1 million. The company made a $500,000 donation in 2003 dedicated to students from rural Oklahoma. “We are extremely appreciative of what Chesapeake is doing for OSU and our students,” said Marlene Strathe, OSU interim president. “Chesapeake not only is assisting us in our academic mission, but is an excellent employer of our graduates and one of Oklahoma’s leading corporate partners.” Over the next five years the $500,000 donation will fund up to 12 scholarships in the Boone Pickens School of Geology and up to eight in CEAT annually. Additionally, the Chesapeake Rural Scholars Program established in 2003 will award 20 $2,500 scholarships during the 2007-2008 academic year. For more details, click here . 
 
Study attributes billions in positive economic impact to OSU agriculture division
The annual impact of Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources to the Oklahoma economy can be measured in the billions of dollars, and its ability to improve the quality of life for state residents may well be priceless. That is the inference of a private not-for-profit applied science and technology development firm, which recently completed an impact assessment of DASNR and discovered the division is generating dividends in wheat, livestock and turfgrass economic impacts alone that total more than $750 million annually. DASNR is comprised of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and two statewide agencies: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station system and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The assessment gave the division top marks for its ability to positively affect “the profitability and sustainability of Oklahoma’s staple crops, vertically integrated livestock industry and agribusiness sectors while working proactively to develop new products and opportunities that diversify and strengthen Oklahoma’s economic base.” For more details, click here .
 
OSU and Cal State break world record with unique plane
A new unmanned airplane designed and built at Oklahoma State University has broken the world record for a point and return range mission by traveling 128 kilometers or more than 40 kilometers than the previous record set in Estonia in 2006. The new record for the plane, known as the “Pterosoar” was set in Lancaster, Calif. This flight was considered a “shakedown” test, and the actual range capability of the airplane is over 500 km. Congratulations to Dr. Andy Arena and his aerospace engineering student team, led by OSU students Dustin Gamble and Valentino Sanchez. The plane’s hydrogen fuel cell, its light weight (10.2 lb.) as well as its 16-hour endurance capability make it unique. The Pterosoar is a joint project between OSU and California State University, Los Angeles. Cal State was responsible for the fuel cell and tank storage system. The name “Pterosoar” was adopted and adapted because the nose of the aircraft includes some fuel cell cooling scoops that make the airplane resemble a class of prehistoric creatures named Pterosaurs. With a little play on words, Pterosoar literally translates to: “Winged creature that will rise, fly, or glide high, with little or no apparent effort.” For a photo, click here .
 
OSU Center for Rural Health receives honors
Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Health has been honored by two organizations for its achievements in rural medical education and rural health care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Champions of Health program named the center as a recipient of its Champion of Public Health Award and the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma has named it the Rural Organization of the Year for 2007. Click here to link to full story on OSU-CHS web site. Also, click here to see more information about the Champions of Health Award.
 
OSU research on agricultural drainage could have impact throughout U.S.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University are currently studying the development of an effective filter technology designed to dramatically reduce agricultural runoff—an important source of pollution. The new technology, under development thanks to a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, has the potential to capture the dissolved phosphorus that is currently entering state surface waters and could help address environmental concerns as far away as the Chesapeake Bay. Chad Penn, co-investigator of a nearly $1 million research project, is assistant professor of soil chemistry with Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. For more information, click here .
 
OSU Women’s Programs present Enid author tonight
OSU Women’s Programs will host a special presentation “Shaken to the Core,” by Enid writer C.J. Rock tonight (Thursday, Sept. 20) from 6 – 7 p.m. at Kerr-Drummond cafeteria. The lecture is free and open to the public, and will be preceded by a book sale and signing at 5:30 p.m. Rock’s book of the same title deals with the aftermath of repressed memories and how self-healing involves reaching out for help and standing up for yourself. Rock is also author of “A Promise Fulfilled” and “Doctors Don’t Always Bury Their Mistakes.”
 
Religious studies expert to offer his perspective on the bible tonight
The Converse-Yates-Cate International Lectureship in the Humanities, Society and Religion will present Bart Ehrman speaking on “Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why,” tonight (Thursday, Sept. 20) at 7 p.m. in the Wes Watkins Center at OSU-Stillwater. His lecture is based on his recent New York Times bestseller of the same title, which casts doubt on a number of New Testament bible stories. Ehrman is a James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All lectures are free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact: Dr. Michael Thompson, (405) 744-9232 or e-mail: mike.thompson@okstate.edu.
 
Visiting professor to address the role of anger in the development of antisocial behavior
Jim Snyder, psychology professor at Wichita State University, will present “The Role of Parent and Child Anger in the Development of Antisocial Behavior” in 115 Human Environmental Sciences West, on Friday, Sept. 21, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Snyder’s major research interests include developmental psychopathology, especially antisocial behavior, and the development and evaluation of family and school based preventive and clinical interventions for child conduct problems. Snyder has done clinical and observational research, including a recent comparison of interventions based on either coercive process or aggressively-biased social attributions. He has worked closely with Jerry Patterson, John Reid, Tom Dishion, and others from Oregon Social Learning Center in Eugene, Ore. For more information, please contact Robert Larzelere at (405) 744-2053.
 
Oklahoma Promise modified by legislature
The Oklahoma Legislature has made several important modifications to Oklahoma’s Promise, one of Oklahoma’s most popular scholarship programs. Officials are working to inform students, parents and counselors about the changes and encouraging students to apply online. The changes include a second income limit requirement and a college conduct requirement. For details, click here .
 
SGA and ECO-OSU to kick off tailgate recycling program this weekend
OSU’s Student Government Association and ECO-OSU have teamed up to kick off “Real Cowboys Recycle,” a student-run tailgate recycling program, during this Saturday’s football game against Texas Tech. The program was initiated by biosystems and agricultural engineering junior Cortney Timmons, an Ada, Okla., native and Udall Scholar. A recycling hub located at the SGA tailgate site on the north side of Boone Pickens Stadium will include bins for plastics, aluminum and paper. The aluminum cans collected will be donated to Cans for Habitat, the national partnership between the Aluminum Association and Habitat for Humanity International in support of the 2007 OSU Homecoming philanthropy, Habitat for Humanity. Recycled paper and plastics will be taken to Allied Waste Services. For more information about the tailgate recycling program, or to help, contact Cortney Timmons at cortnet@okstate.edu.
 
Division contributes $3,000 to fund
Employees in the Division of the Vice President for Research have contributed $3,000 to the Oklahoma State University Staff Advisory Council Scholarship fund. The fund offers financial assistance to 10 members of the OSU family in earning a higher education by offering them a $300 scholarship per school year. All the funds currently used to provide this financial assistance to staff members are generated by faculty and staff through their participation in various fundraisers conducted by the staff council throughout the year. For information on making a donation, contact Sherril York, SAC treasurer at (405) 744-7609.
 
Grad student fair set for next Tuesday
Representatives from Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa, Stillwater and Center for Health Sciences campuses will showcase their master’s and doctoral programs during a Graduate Studies Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Current college students or professionals seeking to advance their careers can explore the programs from 3:30 - 6 p.m. in OSU-Tulsa’s North Hall Lobby. The fair will feature informational sessions enabling prospective students to gain a broad perspective on applying to graduate school, funding their education and learning about specific admission and degree requirements. The event is free and open to the public. OSU-Tulsa is located at 700 North Greenwood Avenue, near I-244 and Detroit Avenue. For more information, click here   or call (918) 594-8355.
 
Lahoma scholarship applications available
The Lahoma Club of OSU will award several $500 scholarships for the Spring semester of 2008 Eligibility requirements for the scholarships: you must be an undergraduate with a GPA of 3.0 or better, enrolled fulltime in the spring with a minimum of 30 credit hours completed (12 at OSU). Financial circumstances will be considered. Applications are online at http://www.okstate.edu/finaid/scholarships/non_osu/, or go to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, room 213 Student Union. Completed applications must be returned by 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18.
 
Blood drive at OSU next week also opportunity to win race tickets
The OSU Theatre and Music Departments are working with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to promote blood donations next week at OSU-Stillwater and offer the chance to win two tickets to the Texas Motor Speedway in November. Blood donations will be received Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 4th floor of the Student Union and at the Bloodmobile on the library lawn. Each donor receives a chance to win the race tickets and gets a free “Race to Give Blood” T-shirt along with sub sandwiches, cookies and drinks. Plus, you can register to win your very own 2008 Saturn Sky Sports Car.
 
Relay for Life chair and committee applications available
Want to help fight cancer? Apply for a Relay for Life position. Relay for Life applications for chair and committee positions are now available and can be picked up and returned to room 060 Student Union. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. The actual Relay for Life event is 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, as noted in the Mortar Board calendar. The event will take place in the Student Union again this year and is going to be better than ever! Last year, the OSU campus raised over $49,000 for cancer research, which is $15,000 more than last year's goal and more than the OSU Relay for Life event has ever raised. Please apply now to help make the event even more successful. For more information, please contact Amanda Humphrey at amanda.humphrey@okstate.edu or Tanner Thompson at tanner.thompson@okstate.edu.
 
OSU bus drivers test their skills in “Roadeo”
Your favorite bus drivers recently competed in a “Bus Roadeo” obstacle course in lot 74 across from the Colvin Center and the first place award went to Sheena Stewart.  Stewart had perfect scores on the pre-trip inspection, written exam, and diminishing clearance. She placed second in last year’s state competition in Oklahoma City. Second place this year went to Mitchell McAnally, who had a perfect score on his left reverse and diminishing clearance. Mitchell serves as an evening supervisor for the bus system. The third place award was presented to Chad Akers. When you see these drivers, congratulate them on a job well done.
 
Did you know that fall leaves can be a valuable resource for your garden?
Read this and other articles from OSU Ag Communications Services, click here .
 
OSU Headlines to get updated email lists
OSU Headlines will be using newly updated email lists of students and employees next week. The new lists should allow us to reach everyone, but realistically we usually experience a few problems. If you notice you are not receiving headlines in the days ahead, please contact jim.mitchell@okstate.edu to be added back to the list.
 
How to submit news to OSU Headlines
To submit a short article or announcement for OSU Headlines, just click on the “submit news” link at the bottom of this page and send your information as text or a text file (no poster type or PDF formatted files, please). Please remember to include contact information and try to submit event news a week in advance.
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On the calendar…
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OSU Symphony Orchestra to hold first concert of the season
The Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra will perform its first concert of the season on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts on the OSU-Stillwater campus. The program will feature Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Lanette Lopez Compton, OSU assistant professor of horn, will be featured on Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra. The orchestra will also present Richard Wagner’s Overture to Die Meistersinger. The OSU Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Douglas Droste. Admission is $7 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens.
 
Bauer to be featured at career conference—United Way Fashion Show to follow…
Oklahoma State University’s Design, Housing and Merchandising department will hold the 31st Annual Career Horizons Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU campus. Internationally recognized lighting expert Bernard V. Bauer will address the conference.  Bauer’s California-based Integrated Lighting Concepts has retail clients in several foreign countries, his American lighting design projects include Zale’s Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Brighton. High school students from around the state are invited to the day-long event which will include hands-on workshops. A professional runway fashion show to benefit the United Way will conclude the day’s activities and you’re invited. For $3 you will be see original designs from current DHM students and selected creations from the day’s fashion design activities. For more information call 405-744-5035
 
Seretean Memorial Wellness Walk for the United Way
It is not too late to register for The Seretean Memorial Wellness Walk for the United Way on Thursday, Sept. 27.  This one-mile fun walk through campus will begin on the library lawn at noon. Registration for the walk is $15 and includes a commemorative T-shirt and goodie bag with items from local businesses. Registration forms are available at the Seretean Wellness Center, Colvin Center, your United Way team captain, or online at wellness.okstate.edu . Proceeds from the walk will be donated to the United Way.  The walk, originally called the President’s Wellness Walk for United Way, was renamed to honor the late Bud Seretean, a champion of health and wellness on the OSU campus.  For questions about the Walk, please call 744.WELL (9355) or email wellness@okstate.edu.
 
CML 50th Anniversary celebration Sept. 28
The Mary L. Williams Curriculum Materials Library has been serving the College of Education for 50 years. Students, staff and faculty are invited to help celebrate this milestone on Friday, Sept. 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m. in room 010 Willard Hall. Storyteller Barbara McBride-Smith will be the featured presenter; reception and CML tours follow.
 
You’re invited to Dandiya Night
The Indian Students Association is sponsoring Dandiya Night, Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Student Union Ballroom at OSU-Stillwater from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Everyone is welcome to sway to the tunes of gujarati music. Tickets are $1 for members and $3 for non-members. Membership will also be made available at the door. Dandiya is a fusion of Raas and Garba dance, which originated in Gujarat, a state of India. Refreshments will be served. Questions? Contact Mithilesh Mayreddy at mithilesh.mayreddy@okstate.edu or phone (405) 924-1028.
 
Be a part of "America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration"
The 2007 Homecoming Steering Committee is working to help OSU have "An Orange STATE of Mind" as they work hard to put the final touches on this year's Homecoming experience. Packets and applications for Greek-life, Res-life, Student Organizations, Sea of Orange Parade, Chili Cook-off, Walkaround Vendor booth apps and much more can be found at www.orangeconnection.org   under the homecoming link in the top left hand corner. For questions about this year’s Homecoming Celebration please contact the Homecoming Steering Committee at homecoming@orgs.okstate.edu.
 
Stillwater Public Library’s fall used book sale this week
Thousands of gently used books, including many kids books, for sale from 25 cents to $1, Sept. 21-23 at 1107 S. Duck. Library members only on Sept. 20 ($10 membership fee at the door). For more information, contact the Stillwater Public Library at 372-3633.
 
Learn belly dance at the SWC
Tired of the same old workout routine? Looking to shake things up a bit?  The O-Zone Fitness Center   at the Seretean Wellness Center   is offering a beginner level belly dance class, focusing on the foundation moves of belly dance. This class will tone your muscles and improve your posture while teaching you a new dance form.  With movements that work with – rather than against – the body, belly dance is a good, low-impact exercise for all ages.  This is a 90-minute class – the last 20-30 minutes concentrate on flexibility.  A membership at the O-Zone Fitness Center is only $21.75 (tax included) per month and includes group exercise classes, cardio equipment, free weights, and individual machine weights. The membership fee can be paid for by cash, check, credit card, or bursar.  Click here to print the fitness center membership form or stop by the SWC at 1514 W. Hall of Fame to pick one up.  For questions, call 744-WELL (9355).
 
Wellness tip: Stomach grumbling                                
Continually avoiding food when you are hungry can lead to overeating later in the day or even an upset stomach. If your body is telling you to eat – listen; then try to make healthy choices. Emphasize whole grain products such as whole wheat bread. Choose lean meats, fruits, veggies, and low or non-fat dairy. 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).