STATE Magazine, Fall 2009 by Oklahoma State

Fall 2009

Fall 2009, Vol. 5, No. 1 http://magaziNe.okstate.edu

Welcome to the fall 2009 issue of STATE magazine, your source of information from the OSU Alumni Association, the OSU Foundation and University Marketing. Wally Funk charted her own course in life despite society’s restrictions on women in the 1960s. Among her many firsts, Funk is one of the original Mercury 13 who proved women are physically and mentally capable of space travel. (Read more about this former Flying Aggie on page 54.) As always, we welcome your comments, memories and suggestions for future stories.

Play Golf America Professional golfer Hunter Mahan scores a hole-in-one for the College of Education.

Lifelong Learning Adults 50 and older are flocking to these classes for the fellowship and the joy of learning.

Famous Physicist Edmon Low Library welcomes astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson this fall.

Outstanding Seniors These seniors represent the best of academic achievement, community service and work ethic.

Go Army! The Army ROTC program continues its long tradition of recruiting and training top military leaders.

A Safer World Chemistry alumnus Dr. Robert Purcell is one of the world’s leading researchers of hepatitis.

Living in the Past Don’t miss the homecoming reunions that signal the start of Residential Life’s 100th year.

Homecoming Helps Behind the homecoming house decorations, parades and football games, students work hard to give back to the Stillwater community.

Fall 2009

Livin’ Loud Alumnus ups the volume of his car stereo company and “kicks” it into overdrive.

Twitter? 14 DoUntilYou recently, the only way to revisit

34 38

college friends was through a yearbook. Now, social-networking options abound through the OSU Alumni Association.

A Global Giver After 20 world voyages, Semester at Sea dean shares his insight on effective leadership.

20 22

Words of Wisdom 44 Former Jordanian Prime Minister returns to his alma mater to discuss his hope for Middle East peace.

Tasting Success Inaugural Wine Forum of Oklahoma cultivates excitement about future events.

26 28

Preserving Homecoming Ron and Cindy Ward’s generosity ensures that future generations will experience the wonder and thrill of OSU homecoming.

The Perfect Patient

The Sim Man 3G manikin sweats, blinks and responds to medications during training scenarios.

The Future of OSU The OSU Alumni Association wants children to know the university cares about them.

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Suited for Space If not for alumna Wally Funk and 12 other pioneers, women might still be waiting for the chance to prove themselves as astronauts.

Creative Design World-famous Greek architect recalls warm campus memories and maintains friendships with former instructors and peers.

Building Excellence The School of Architecture celebrates its centennial with a newly renovated building and recent affirmation of its national prominence.

Switching for Success Scholarships help transfer students achieve academic success despite poor economy.

Calling All Alums Alumni can recruit high school students from their cities and neighborhoods to OSU through the Alumni Recruiting Network.

Man’s Best Friend’s Doctor Couple honors veterinarian with creation of a student scholarship.

4-H Centennial Oklahoma 4-H spans 100 years and, with OSU’s support, continues to “Make the Best Better.”

Planting a Seed Farmers Grain Company establishes endowed scholarship for agriculture students.

A Generous Giver Daughter discovers new way to ensure longevity for the geology field camp her father established.

A Creative Challenge Professor challenges his students to explore and interpret the creativity experience.

Back to School Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge advances higher education programs.

Bottling Success

Barbecue sauce company donates equipment to enhance training opportunities for food industry entrepreneurs.

Healthy Treats

OSU specialists help a family turn a delicious idea into a marketable product.

Service Continued

Family honors alumna’s memory by creating a scholarship for student volunteers.

A Classy Ring The official OSU class ring is more than a piece of jewelry. It represents academic accomplishment and Cowboy pride.

FM with IQ

Become better acquainted with the people and programs you hear on KOSU through this new column.

New Deal

Despite the tough 1930s, President Bennett’s tenacity yielded a stimulus package that changed the scope and scale of campus facilities.

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88 92 94

98 110

Departments

78 80

President’s Letter

FM with IQ

STATEment

Crossword

Letters to the Editor

Classnotes

101

Campus News

O-STATE Stories

105

Chapters

History

110

When you see this logo, go to orangeconnection.org to view behind-the-scenes video and extras about the article. this member-only benefit is brought to you by the osu alumni association.

82 Cover photography by Phil Shockley 3

Fall 2009

the FUTURE CAN change when THOUSANDS UNITE...

To help students in need

to further OSU and improve the lives of others

to provide for the next generation

“I know what it feels like to need help. With costs going up each year and the economy weakening, it gets harder and harder to make it. i’m grateful for the scholarships i get from the university and it’s an honor to be recognized for your efforts.” - Emily mundt, class of ‘11

The General ScholarShip Fund helps students who are struggling to complete their oSu education because of financial limitations. Make a difference in the life of a student by giving to the General Scholarship Fund. Visit oSugiving.com/gsf to make a gift today.

oklahoma state university foundation | 400 s. monroe | stillwater, ok | 1.800.622.4678

We Weare aremembers membersofofthe theOSU OSUAlumni AlumniAssociation Associationtotogive giveback backtotothe the University. University.Our Ourdues duescontinue continuetotosupport supportstudent studentprograms programsincluding including Homecoming and Student Alumni Board for future generations Homecoming and Student Alumni Board for future generationsofof Cowboys. Cowboys.We Wewant wantour ourchildren childrentotohave haveeven evenmore moreopportunities opportunitieswhen when they theyattend attendOSU OSUand andour ourmembership membershipisisa away waytotoensure ensurethat thathappens. happens.

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201ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillipsOSU OSUAlumni AlumniCenter Center 201 Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 Tel: 405.744.5368• fAx: • fAx:405.744.6722 405.744.6722 Tel: 405.744.5368 orangeconnection.org/join orangeconnection.org/join Fall 2009

S tat e

Dear OSU Alumni and Friends, Fall is always an exciting time on campus. Freshmen, eager to explore this new chapter of their lives, and upperclassmen, already acclimated to college life, are discovering friendships and traditions that will last a lifetime. As alumni, you understand their excitement better than anyone else, and as a result, you can also convey that enthusiasm to prospective students like no one else. We invite you to help recruit the next generation to OSU through the Alumni Recruiting Network, a new programming initiative of the OSU Alumni Association. You can read more about it on page 70. If you’re returning to campus for “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” on Oct. 16 and 17, consider bringing a high school student or two with you. The homecoming theme, “Branded for Life,” will come alive before their eyes at Walkaround, Homecoming & Hoops, the Sea of Orange Parade and the gridiron matchup with the Mizzou Tigers. A full calendar of events is online at orangeconnection.org/homecoming. Along with recruiting the nation’s brightest students comes the challenge of providing the OSU experience at an affordable rate. During these uncertain economic times, the availability of scholarships and financial aid greatly influences a student’s decision to attend college. Imagine the impact of all the Cowboy Faithful contributing a regular monthly gift to the General Scholarship Fund! Each gift — no matter the amount — sustains and encourages students and brings us closer to our goal to provide a debt-free education to every OSU student. We appreciate the donors already making an OSU education possible for students. We hope many others will consider joining OSU’s recruitment and scholarship endeavors this year. We look forward to seeing you at homecoming — or anytime you visit campus.

Kirk A. Jewell President and CEO OSU Foundation

Larry Shell President OSU Alumni Association

Kyle Wray Associate VP for Enrollment Management & Marketing

strasser strasser12:17 12:17Jun Jun99via viaweb web

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Keeping Keeping uu updated updated w/ w/ giving giving @ @ OSU. College/University OSU. Answering Answering ur ur ?s. ?s. Sharing Sharing College/University of moving of the the Week Week [6/15: [6/15: moving quotes quotes & & stories stories 24/7. 24/7. Oklahoma Oklahoma State State All All nn 140 140 characters characters or or less. less. niversity FoundaUniversity Foundahttp://OSUgiving.com http://OSUgiving.com on] Please follow:

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The The OSU OSU Foundation Foundation has has staked staked its its claim claim in in the the world world of of social media, and we want to communicate with you. social media, and we want to communicate with you. Join Joinhundreds hundredsof ofothers othersin inour ourvirtual virtualcommunity communitywho who are using these new tools to share their thoughts and are using these new tools to share their thoughts and questions questionswith withus usat atFacebook.com/OSUFoundation Facebook.com/OSUFoundation and Twitter.com/OSUFoundation. and Twitter.com/OSUFoundation.

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMASTATE STATEUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYFOUNDATION FOUNDATION||400 400S.S.Monroe Monroe||Stillwater, Stillwater,OK OK||1.800.622.4678 1.800.622.4678

LETTERS

university marketing Kyle Wray / AssociAte Vice President of enrollment mAnAgement & mArketing

Janet Varnum, Eileen Mustain, Matt Elliott & Rachel Sheets / editoriAl Kim Butcher, Paul V. Fleming, Valerie Kisling, Matt Lemmond, D. Mark Pennie, Kevin Cate & Austin Hillard / design Phil Shockley & Gary Lawson / PhotogrAPhy Jessa Zapor-Gray / Photo coordinAtor Lex Meyer / Web University Marketing Office / 121 cordell, stillwater, ok 74078-8031 / 405.744.6262 / www.okstate.edu (web) / editor@okstate.edu (e-mail) / osu.advertising@okstate. edu (e-mail) O s u a l u m n i a s s O c i at i O n Rex Horning / chAirmAn Paul Cornell / Vice chAirmAn Jerry Winchester / immediAte PAst chAirmAn Dan Gilliam / treAsurer Burns Hargis / osu President, non-Voting member Larry Shell / President, osu Alumni AssociAtion, non-Voting member

Kirk Jewell / President, osu foundAtion, non-Voting member

John Allford, Cindy Batt, Larry Briggs, Brian Diener, Pam Martin, Ronda McKown, Roger McMillian, Joe Merrifield, Ramona Paul, Gwen Shaw, Nichole Trantham & Ron Ward / boArd of directors Pattie Haga / Vice President And coo Lora Malone / Vice President And cPo Melissa Mourer / director of communicAtions Kathryn Bolay-Staude & Chase Carter / communicAtions committee

201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center / stillwater, ok 74078-7043 / 405.744.5368 / (web) orangeconnection.org / (e-mail) info@orangeconnection.org O s u F O u n dat i O n Barry Pollard / chAirmAn of the boArd Kirk A. Jewell / President And chief executiVe officer Debra Engle / senior Vice President of deVeloPment Brandon Meyer / Vice President & generAl counsel Donna Koeppe / Vice President of AdministrAtion & treAsurer

Gene Batchelder, Monty Butts, John Clerico, Bryan Close, Charlie Eitel, Ellen Fleming, Michael Greenwood, Ken Greiner, Jennifer Grigsby, David Holsted, Rex Horning, Don Humphreys, Kirk A. Jewell, Judy Johnson, Griff Jones, John Linehan, Ross McKnight, Bond Payne Jr., Barry Pollard, Scott Sewell, Larry Shell, William S. Spears, Jack Stuteville, Kim Watson & Dennis White / boArd of trustees

lOng-lasting imPressiOn Thanks very much for your incisive article concerning Henry Bellmon in your spring 2009 edition. Although not an Oklahoma native nor one who knew much of Bellmon before coming to work at OSU in 1969, I did know one thing about him. It was his vote on the Panama Canal transfer. I was stationed in the Zone for three years, 1964-67, as staff civil engineer for the Command Naval Facilities South. My strong personal position (no one asked) was that the transfer should be made. Bellmon’s vote making that happen put him high on my list of sound-thinking politicians. After coming to OSU and learning more of him, I have come to wish that we had many more serving our state and our country in the quality that he did. Though not a former student at OSU, we do have two daughters and one son with OSU degrees. Also, I enjoyed working in the Physical Plant organization for 18 years during a time of successful change and upgrade as envisioned by Vice President Ed Davidson. Keep up your good work. Billy Wallace Stillwater, Okla. Retired, U.S. Navy Georgia Tech ’46, electrical engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, ’53, M.S., ’57, civil engineering

cOrrectiOn In the spring 2009 STATE magazine, we misidentified U.S. Congressman Ed Edmondson in a photo with U.S. Rep. John Happy Camp, OSU President Robert Kamm and Gov. Henry Bellmon. We regret the error and thank our alert readers for bringing it to our attention.

STATE magazine wants to know what’s on your mind. Please take a moment to complete our online survey so we can better serve your needs in future issues. Visit http:// magazine.okstate.edu.

STATE magazine welcomes your letters. information will be edited for length, clarity and style. Please include your year of graduation, major and a daytime phone number. send letters to 121 cordell, osu, stillwater, ok 74078 or editor@okstate.edu.

Becky Endicott / senior director of mArketing & communicAtions Jacob Longan, Abby Fox, Chris Lewis, Jonathan McCoy & Leesa Wyzard / communicAtions OSU Foundation / 400 south monroe, P.o. box 1749 / stillwater, ok 74076-1749 / 800.622.4678 / OSUgiving.com (web) / info@osugiving.com (e-mail)

STATE magazine is published three times a year by oklahoma state university, the osu Alumni Association and the osu foundation, and is mailed to current members of the osu Alumni Association. magazine subscriptions available by membership in the osu Alumni Association only. membership cost is $45. Postage paid at stillwater, ok, and additional mailing offices. oklahoma state university in compliance with title Vi and Vii of the civil rights Act of 1964, executive order 11246 as amended, title ix of the education Amendments of 1972, Americans with disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. this includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. title ix of the education Amendments and oklahoma state university policy prohibit discrimination in the provision of services of benefits offered by the university based on gender. Any person (student, faculty or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of title ix with the osu title ix coordinator, dr. carolyn hernandez, director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, oklahoma state university, stillwater, ok 74078, (405) 744-5371 or (405) 744-5576 (fax). this publication, issued by oklahoma state university as authorized by the Assistant director university marketing, was printed by university Printing services at a cost of $1.30 per issue. 46m/Aug. ’09/#2658.

PHOTO / PHiL SHOCKLEy

CAMPUS NeWS

Integrated Design photo / Gary lawson

Team supports all aspects of race car project

Fall 2009

and students. He started a Twitter site. Soon, he had donations coming in, including one from the Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. He held events on the library lawn with the 2008 team’s car on a stage with lights and sound blaring. The team also became the first client of an OSU student-run public relations firm and gained sponsorships with companies including Kim Ray, an oil tools company, and Schlumberger, an oilfield service company. They raised $18,000. “The engineers no longer have everything on their plate,” Hufnagel says. “This gives them the ability to focus on building the best race car possible instead of figuring out what Twitter and Facebook have to do with a racing team.” Student volunteers run everything with minimal assistance from faculty and end up with an experience pretty close to how motor sports are run today. Hufnagel would like to see the curriculum expand so academic credit could be earned by all the participants, such as the engineering capstone students who crafted some of the metal parts and gears for the 2009 car. That would encourage more students to participate, like aerospace engineering’s Design/Build/Fly competition, which has something in it for everybody. Meanwhile, Hufnagel will help the team compete next year as he builds his résumé closer to his dream job. M at t E l l i o t t

photo / phil shocklEy

OSU’s chapter of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers has undergone a transformation. Women for OSU Meet OKState Racing. Six-time Olympic track and field A group of students has transformed medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the chapter and its project into somecenter, spoke to nearly 300 OSU thing that spans disciplines all over supporters about the importance campus, not just engineering. of charitable giving at the inaugural It all started when May journalWomen for OSU Symposium on ism graduate Jon Hufnagel went to April 23. The symposium was a Formula Society of Automotive created to motivate and educate Engineers meeting last August at the participants and also recognize urging of a pledge brother. philanthropists who have made Obsessed with formula one racing great contributions to OSU. Sarah since he was a kid, Hufnagel dreamed of Cary, left, civil and mechanical one day running a major speedway. engineering junior, was selected as Now, he’s got some much-needed Student Philanthropist of the Year, experience. That came after he decided and Marilynn Benbrook Thoma, a to work with OSU’s engineering 1970 OSU alumna, was recognized team that develops and races minias Philanthropist of the Year. formula one cars each year in national competitions. “I approached it with Center for Health Sciences a team principle to make Leads state and things come together, to regional projects do the little things, to find the sponsorships,” The OSU Center for Health Sciences is Hufnagel says. “I always Oklahoma’s leader in a national project to build a knew I wanted to go into comprehensive network of care for children with the motorsports indusacquired brain injuries. try, so I figured I could The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation has selected use the team as a tool to OSU to help develop and implement a statewide gain experience and as a master plan in partnership with other state résumé filler.” health care and educational institutions and When he first joined, organizations. the team’s bank account The foundation also selected the OSU Center had $56. Engineers were for Health Sciences to lead a seven-state region to doing all the work. Sales examine the special needs of older youth transisuffered, as did public tioning into adult systems of care. relations. So the group “The system for caring for pediatric-acquired assembled a team of brain injuries is fragmented,” says Kayse Shrum, students from journalism, D.O., chair of pediatrics at OSU. “This will allow business and engineering for the development of an organized network of to market as well as design care to ease the process for families and improve a car. quality of life for young patients. We are honored To raise money and to join this national effort.” awareness, Hufnagel’s job For more information about the Sarah Jane was to take the program Brain Project, visit www.thebrainproject.org. to companies, OSU deans

photo / phil shocklEy

Snuggle Up

OSU’s Very Own Tartan Plaid

photo / Gary lawson

photo / phil shocklEy

tartan now registered with the Scottish Tartans World tadium blankets and mufflers sporting the offiRegister in Scotland and Ireland. cial OSU tartan plaid are now available at the “I hope to eventually design textiles for use in interiors, Student Union Bookstore, the OSU Authentic Store, and this was a great experience,” she says. “I hope OSU Elizabeth’s and Chris’ University Spirit. alums will enjoy the tartan for many years.” Woven by Pendleton Mills, the blankets and mufflers A percentage of the royalty fees from are the first of a variety of items planned the tartan products sold will go directly to showcase the plaid created by interior to student programs in the Department of design junior Stephanie Michalko last fall Design, Housing and Merchandising. that was voted OSU’s official tartan plaid. “We see this as a win, win for the Michalko’s tartan was one of four university, OSU fans and students,” student designs selected for an online Hebert says. “Students were able to be a competition coordinated by design, houspart of OSU history and leave a financial ing and merchandising professors Paulette legacy for future students.” Hebert and Lynne Richards. “I am very excited to have my design JuliE Barnard Stephanie Michalko chosen,” Michalko says about the OSU 11

Tradition Never Graduates Wear It

Earn It • Wear It Official Oklahoma State University Ring

201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 Tel: 405.744.5368 • fAx: 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org/ring

Fall 2009

Photo courtesy the PGA of AmericA

Tradition

CAMPUs News

Play Golf America Education College Scores A Hole-In-One With Mahan

Photo courtesy the PGA of AmericA

n behalf of the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team member and former OSU golfer Hunter Mahan, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America donated $93,000 to OSU to help fund the Play Golf America University program within the College of Education. The PGA of America gives each team member $90,000 to give to the college or university of his choice and $100,000 for the charity of his choice. Another $10,000 goes to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which supports scholarships to the families of veterans who are killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. Mahan is giving his $90,000 to OSU and will split the $100,000

between the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association and the Tee it up for Troops organization. Mahan was a two-time All-American at OSU and the national player of the year in 2003. Play Golf America University (formerly GOLF: For Business & Life) is a PGA of America college and university golf program designed to teach and engage students in the game of golf through PGA professional instruction and other golf programs.

The program is open to OSU juniors, seniors and graduate students. It educates participants, regardless of their chosen career, on how they can use golf as a business tool as they enter the professional world. Local business leaders are also asked to address students on how golf has enhanced their business. Since its conception, the PGA of America has distributed more than $6.1 million to 65 participating colleges and universities throughout the United States on behalf of members of the U.S. Ryder Cup Teams as a means to support this initiative. To date, PGA professionals have provided instruction to more than 24,000 college students through this program.

LifeLong Learning

at its

photo courtesy ruthann sirBaugh

Adults 50 and older are flocking to these classes for the camaraderie and the joy of learning.

Fall 2009

Imagine

architecture program at Oklahoma A&M, and Ball says he always knew he would follow his father’s lead. “While the Kennedy family talked about politics around the dinner table, we talked about architecture,” he says. Ball taught a course about Tulsa Art Deco that included class time and field trips for the OLLI participants. “We went to some of the outstanding examples of each type of Art Deco architecture, including Will Rogers High School, Philcade building and the Tulsa Historical Society and others.” Almost all the locations are on the National Register of Historic Places. Ball says he could tell every student in his class wanted to be there and was truly interested in the process of learning.

photo courtesy rex Ball

a classroom full of attentive listeners and spirited participants who are not concerned about making an “A” but are captivated by learning about everything from fly-fishing to Dante’s Inferno. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU is providing retirees much more than an alternative to golf. Executive Director RuthAnn Sirbaugh describes it as a membership organization “for people who simply enjoy learning.” Thanks to its sponsors, the national Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, OSU’s College of Education and the OSU Emeriti Association, OLLI has been offering educational courses to adults in Stillwater and Tulsa since it began in 2006.

Tulsa's Will Rogers High School

“We take away everything ‘bad’ from education — there are no required courses, tests or homework — and what’s left is everything good about education packaged together.”

More than 400 Oklahomans between the ages of 50 and 92 are heading back to class and hitting the books. Dr. Terry Miller, ’55, chemistry, a retired dentist and former Stillwater mayor, has been an OLLI student since the first semester; while Rex Ball, ’56 architecture, an urban designer, architect and co-founder of the Tulsa Art Deco Society, is an instructor. They agree their favorite aspect of OLLI is the people, and both describe the classroom atmosphere with the same word — camaraderie. “All of the students seem to get along well with each other,” Ball says. “It creates a spirit of camaraderie in the search for information.” Miller says he enjoys how “friendships are made and remade.” He’s taken at least two OLLI classes each semester.

“I’ve been a student essentially all my life,” Miller says. After graduating from Oklahoma A&M with a bachelor of arts in chemistry, Miller attended dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and later spent time in dental continuing education while serving in the Army. Miller retired from dentistry in 1998 and heard about OLLI from a friend. Although Miller has taken an array of courses, he says his favorite classes examined John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the New Testament and Hemingway’s short stories. “So many of our classes are discussion classes,” Miller says. “You get to hear the different views.” Ball, who earned his bachelor’s degree from OSU and a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology the following year, joined OLLI for a different reason — to share his knowledge of architecture. Ball’s father was an architect who graduated from the first five-year

“It was a great class with people of all walks of life,” Ball says. “Their enthusiasm made it interesting for me.” Sirbaugh says all instructors are volunteers. “Our instructors don’t get paid,” she says. “They’re people who love to teach and love the classroom.” OLLI provides another benefit, Sirbaugh says. “We take away everything ‘bad’ from education — there are no required courses, tests or homework — and what’s left is everything good about education packaged together.” OLLI courses are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Stillwater and Tulsa, and because the program has been so successful, an Oklahoma City campus is opening this fall. Members can contribute $150 per year to take as many courses as they wish or pay a fee of $25-$50 per course. For more information, visit okstate. edu/olli. B r i a B o lt o n

On April 17, nearly 300 OSU students came together for

Cowboy Spirit: Battle of the Bands 2009, raising $16,100 to provide scholarships for their fellow students.

The OSU Student Foundation created Cowboy Spirit in 2008 to

educat e studen ts about philan thropy and to raise money for schola rships

. This fall, the Cowboy Spirit Schola rship Fund will award schola rships to eight deserving studen ts. To find out more, visit OSUstu fu.com.

Cowboy Spirit would not have been possible without the help of our generous sponsors:

Michael & Anne Greenwood McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

OSU Foun dation OSU President Burns Hargis

OSU Student Affairs Stillwater National Bank Tumbleweed

You, Your Passion and MidFirst

MidFirst Bank understands why you paint your face and scream “orange power” – give your wallet that same spirit!

Of f ic ia l P a r t ne r o f O SU At h l e t i c s 1 . 8 8 8 . M I D F I R S T ( 6 4 3 . 3 4 7 7 ) • W W W. M I D F I R S T. C O M

Member FDIC

Famous Physicist

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the set of his PBS program NOVA scienceNOW. ime magazine called him “the Carl Sagan of the 21st century,” but most know Neil deGrasse Tyson from his PBS program NOVA scienceNOW and his appearances on popular news programs. Tyson, arguably the most famous astrophysicist today, is the keynote speaker for the 2009 H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on Nov. 6 at OSU. Tyson, the Frederick P. Rose director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, is the author of nine books. His most recent work, The Pluto Files: the rise and fall of America’s favorite planet, takes the reader from Pluto’s 1930 discovery to the emotional reaction worldwide to its demotion from planetary status. Tyson said of Pluto, “I had to think long and hard about why it had

such a grip on the American body and soul. And after sifting through all kinds of possible arguments, I landed on one very simple one: There’s a dog that shares the name. I’m blaming Disney completely — Mickey’s dog, Pluto.” The Cobb Speaker Series includes a welcome reception and dinner. After dinner, Tyson will speak and take questions from the audience. A signing reception follows. Golden Circle, sponsor of the event, as well as those donating to the library at a certain level, will be invited to an exclusive pre-event with Tyson. Seating is limited and reservations must be made by Oct. 28. Individual tickets are $100 and half the cost is a tax-deductible gift to the Friends of the OSU Library. Call 405-744-7991 or visit www.library.okstate.edu/friends to make reservations.

Friends of the OSU Library, Providing 20 Years of Support The Friends of the OSU Library was founded in 1989 by the organization’s first president, Edna Mae Phelps, and then-dean of libraries Edward R. Johnson. For two decades, many generous supporters have come together to help make the OSU library a premier institution. The Friends of the OSU Library provides critical support for the collections and services of the library and fosters commitment to the educational mission of the university and library. Throughout the group’s history, nearly 4,000 donors have contributed more than $11 million to the OSU library. To join or to learn more about giving opportunities at the library, contact Director of Development Chad Haney at chaney@osugiving.com.

B O N N I E A N N CA I N

OUTSTANDING The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes students who distinguish themselves through academic achievement; campus and community activities; academic, athletic or extracurricular honors or awards; scholarships and work ethic during their time at Oklahoma State University. After reviewing their applications, the OSU Alumni Association Student Awards and Selection Committee met with the 44 Seniors of Significance who were honored in the fall of 2008 and selected 13 of them to receive this prestigious honor. The 2009 Outstanding Seniors were honored at a public banquet April 30 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. “OSU is a wonderful university that allowed me to grow intellectually, culturally, spiritually and socially through the opportunities that allowed me to challenge myself to be open to new experiences and embrace the multiple, diverse opportunities available at Oklahoma State.”

“The past four years at Oklahoma State have changed my life by preparing me for a future full of adventure. OSU provided me professors and advisers who educated, pushed and encouraged me to reach new heights. I will be forever thankful for their dedication and for the institution that made it possible.”

Jimikaye Beck, nutritional sciences and Spanish. Nutritional Sciences Club president, Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society president, Wellness State, Share the W.E.A.L.T.H. Peer Health Educator, two-time Wentz Undergraduate Research Scholar in nutritional sciences and Spanish; Bailey Family Memorial Trust Scholarship for study abroad in Granada, Spain, in 2007 and Cambridge, England, in 2008. After graduation, Beck plans to pursue a master’s degree in health and exercise science with an option in nutrition at Colorado State University.

Evan Black, Honors College, public relations and Spanish, magna cum laude, Dec. ’08. Mortar Board Honor Society, Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Top 10 Senior for the College of Arts and Sciences, Bailey Memorial Trust Fund Scholarship, Study Abroad Office Scholarship; Institute for Study Abroad Scholarship Foundation scholarship program participant in Puebla, Mexico; Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach in Chillan, Chile. After teaching in Chile, she plans to join Teach for America to teach Spanish or English as a second language.

“Oklahoma State University has provided me with an opportunity to learn, discuss, lead, serve and build lifelong friendships. More importantly, my time at OSU has shaped my character, strengthened my faith and allowed me to see beyond myself. I am forever grateful and forever a Cowgirl.”

Jolie Britt, biochemistry.

“I’m proud to have been a part of a great university community, dedicated to serving others and providing opportunities for generations of Oklahomans to become competent, capable and contributing individuals in society. That is orange power!”

Jered Tyler Davidson, agricultural economics.

“Attending OSU has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have loved every minute I have spent at OSU. I wish I didn’t have to leave!”

Fall 2009

Pi Beta Phi vice president of member development, Blue Key Honor Society president, Freshman Representative Council coordinator, Greek Ambassadors president, Presidential Search Committee for OSU, intern for Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Top 10 Senior for the College of Arts and Sciences; Most Outstanding Panhellenic Freshman, Sophomore and Junior; and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Fleming Scholar. Britt plans to attend Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, to pursue an M.D/M.B.A.

FarmHouse fraternity, Student Alumni Board alumni relations executive, President’s Posse coordinator, Mortar Board Honor Society secretary, Into the Streets executive team, Student Government Association director of community relations, 2008 Harry S. Truman national finalist, 2008 Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship Scholar, 2007 Homecoming King candidate, Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame and USA Today’s 2009 All-USA College Academic Second Team. After graduation, Davidson plans to work in the rural development and policy fields and attend law school with a focus on public interest work.

Kyle Ensley,

international business and political science. FarmHouse fraternity, Interfraternity Council executive, OSU Speaker’s Board chair, Business Student Council secretary, Student Government Association chief of staff, Student Alumni Board executive; Outstanding Male Greek New Member, Sophomore and Junior; top 50 finalist on season seven of “American Idol”; 2007 Thomas R. Pickering Scholar and a National Public Policy International Affairs Scholar. After graduation, Ensley will intern with the Bureau of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and then pursue a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University. Afterward, he plans to take a position as a public diplomacy officer in the U.S. Foreign Service.

“My dynamic college experience, of which I am currently writing the final chapter, has seen me in a variety of roles, such as a student, a teacher, a follower, a leader, a listener, a speaker, a success and a failure; and it is because of all of these valued instances that I will emerge from OSU prepared and eager to write the chapters of my dynamic ‘life experience.’”

“Oklahoma State provides four years of friends and memories that prepare us for a lifetime of success.”

“Orange to the Bone!!!”

Stanley Austin Horn, agricultural economics and Spanish. Agriculture Student Association president, Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, Greek Ambassador, Freshman Representative Council, Student Government Association Speakers Board, Top 10 Freshman Man, 2008 Homecoming King, Lew Wentz Leadership Scholar and National FFA Livestock Oral Reasons Champion. After graduation, Horn plans to work as a credit manager for Wells Fargo in Broken Arrow, Okla., and later obtain a master’s degree in business administration.

Mary Oliver Marshall, business administration, summa cum laude, Dec. ’08. Phi Beta Lambda national treasurer and state president, Student Government Association senator and treasurer, Business Student Council, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Spears School of Business Outstanding Senior, ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholar and Association for Career and Technical Education’s National Business Education Outstanding Student. Marshall is currently completing an internship with Grant Thornton, an international public accounting firm in Wichita, Kan.

Yolanda A. Odenyo, human development and family science. Student Athlete Advisory Committee president, Collegiate Outreach president, organized International Women’s Day fundraiser to raise scholarship funds in memory of her late sister; organized voter registration drive for student-athletes; the first Cowgirl Soccer player to earn All-American Honors; named 2006 first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America; two-time Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, Big 12 Chick-fil-A Community Service Award; the all-time leader in career goals, points, and shots at OSU; 2008 Hermann Trophy finalist and a leader in OSU’s first Big 12 soccer championship in 2008. After graduation, she will pursue a master’s degree at OSU in international studies with a focus on human development.

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” — Plato

Germaine Paul, double majors in public relations and sports

public relations and a minor in marketing. Journalism and Broadcasting Ambassadors president, Arts and Sciences Student Council vice president, Public Relations Student Society of America vice president, Student Government Association public relations executive, Student Publications Board vice-chair, 2008 Homecoming King candidate, Top Outstanding Senior for the School of Journalism and Broadcasting and Emerging Leader Scholar of the Public Relations Society of America’s Oklahoma City Chapter. After graduation, Paul plans to work in corporate communications for Energy Future Holdings in Irving, Texas.

“I will never forget the times and experiences I have had at OSU. From homecoming to Spring Sing, I have made some great friends and some great memories.”

Evan W. Schwenk, biochemistry and molecular biology pre-medicine. President’s Leadership Council facilitator, 2007 Homecoming executive, 2009 Spring Sing director, Student Alumni Board executive, Student Government Association government liaison executive, State Regents Student Advisory Board, FarmHouse fraternity, Unite for Sight volunteer at rural charity eye clinics in Bihar, India; Top 10 Freshman Man, Wentz Research Scholar, College of Engineering Scholar, Blue Key Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Schwenk plans to attend Rocky Vista University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and specialize in primary care.

“Oklahoma State has broadened my scope of understanding and shaped my goals for the future. From the coffee shop to the classroom, life was experienced and lessons learned. The academic challenges, lifelong friends and opportunities have created a lasting impression that will echo years into my future.”

Andrew G. Shacklett, physiology and pre-medicine.

“I dreamed of attending OSU and majoring in biosystems and agricultural engineering since I was a freshman in high school, but through my time, activities, and peer and faculty mentoring, I discovered a reality in that it gave me more than just the great college experience — I was given a solid foundation upon which to build my future.”

“At OSU, I have been pushed to my limits and beyond. Academically, I have engaged in a learning model that emphasizes collaboration and discussion over only lecture. As a leader, I have worked alongside oth ers with diverse backgrounds and interests toward a common goal. I have confidence I will leave OSU with a degree and the skills needed to succeed in my personal and professional life.”

Air Force Reserve Training Corps inspector general executive officer, Scabbard and Blade Honor Society, Arts and Sciences Student Council; Camp Lo-Be-Gone counselor, volunteer for “Oasis,” a special needs elementary school in Fez, Morocco; AFROTC Field Training Top Gun Award, American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, Zoology Department Outstanding Senior and Health Professions Scholarship Program. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and then enter the U.S. Air Force to serve as a physician.

Cortney Timmons, biosystems engineering. Student Government Association recycling committee chair; 2007 Oklahoma Recycling Hero: Collegiate Recycler of the Year; College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Student Council president; CEAT Ambassador, Blue Key Honor Society, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2007 Morris K. Udall Scholar and 2008 Harry S. ruman Scholar. After graduation, Timmons plans to attend graduate school and pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering.

Meagan A. Wheeler, journalism and broadcasting. Homecoming executive team, President’s Leadership Council facilitator, Kappa Delta sorority; firm director of the PRSSA student-run firm, STATEments; Student Alumni Board, President’s Posse, 2009 runner-up for the PR Week Student of the Year, Top 10 Senior for the College of Arts and Sciences, Mortar Board Honor Society and Top 20 Freshman Woman. After graduation, Wheeler will work in digital communications for Hill and Knowlton Inc. in New York City.

For more information about student awards, visit orangeconnection.org/studentawards. 21

GO ARMY

Since the very beginning, OSU has had a long and distinguished military history. Military instruction began at Oklahoma A&M with the establishment of the school in 1891 under the Morrill Act of 1862. In 1916, Army ROTC (Reserve Officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Training Corps) was created by the National Defense Act of 1916 and was established on the Stillwater campus the same year. In 1918, Oklahoma A&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ROTC program was one of only 17 in the nation. The program was developed as a college elective focusing on leadership.

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Today, cadets take part in the basic course during their fi rst two years of college without any military obligation, while cadets who continue on to the advanced course during their third and fourth years of college must contract with the United States Army to serve after graduation. In basic course training, cadets learn about Army leadership, customs and traditions, military operations and tactics, as well as principles of war. In the third year of ROTC, cadets learn about teamwork and peer leadership, the law and weapons of war, how to command and staff functions. The fourth year focuses on the transition of becoming an officer. Lt. Col. Jeff Hensley, head of the Department of Military Science, says students are attracted to OSU’s ROTC program because of the training it provides. “Oklahoma State has always had a very good reputation for training and producing high-quality officers,” he says. This reputation was strengthened last summer when a group of cadets traveled to Fort Lewis, Wash., for 33 days of training. OSU’s battalion earned the highest ranking of any university in its brigade, a group consisting of 36 universities in an eight-state region, Hensley says. The region stretches from California to Arkansas, up through Wyoming and down through Texas. The program also hit an 18-year high in enrollment last fall with 85 cadets. (continues on next page)

“OSU was selected as the number-one training battalion last year. We deﬁnitely want to repeat that.”

Cadets generate spirit at home football games by ﬁring “Packy,” left, at the end of each quarter, celebrating every touchdown with pushups and shooting T-shirts into the crowd.

Below, the regiment comes to attention outside the armory, now home to the School of Architecture.

1920 REDSKIN

1958 REDSKIN

OSU cadets, above, Harold D. Zumbro and Raymond A. Van Eaton aim a 106 millimeter recoilless riﬂ e at targets during the 1957 Army ROTC summer camp. Below, the regiment today.

 1891 — Military instruction began at Oklahoma A&M with the establishment of the school under the Morrill Act of 1862.

 1893 — Military instruction became mandatory for every male student at Oklahoma A&M.

 1908 — Lt. Ira T. Fravel became the first active Army officer to serve in the

department of military defense, and Fravel’s three-year career was pivotal for the growth of the program. Before, college officials taught military training.

 1916 — ROTC was created on the Stillwater campus under the passage of the National Defense Act, which included establishing commissioning programs through military instruction at colleges.

 1918 — Oklahoma A&M’s ROTC program was one of only 17 in the nation.  1920 — ROTC moved into the Armory-Gymnasium, now home to the School of Architecture.

 1931 — Col. W.H. Clendenin was the first to serve under the title professor of military science and tactics.

 1942 — Nine lieutenants were appointed as regular Army officers in the Corps of Engineers. Of the nine, five were from Oklahoma A&M.

 1957 — Oklahoma A&M was renamed Oklahoma State University.  1973 — Three female cadets enrolled, originating the Coed Army ROTC at OSU.  1974 — ROTC moved into Thatcher Hall.

Hensley says high enrollment numbers are a product of effective high school recruiting and scholarships, which have helped increase the number of freshmen and sophomores. “We’re being supported very well by our higher headquarters,” Hensley says. “They’re giving us a lot of high school scholarship dollars.” Hensley says OSU’s ROTC has graduated more than 6,000 officers since the program began in 1920. “Of those 6,000, we’ve had 97 who have earned the rank of general or flag officer, which is a pretty impressive feat,” he says. “That makes us one of the premier schools as far as people who have gone through our program and gone on to reach the highest levels you can attain,” says Michael Lynch, an administrative support specialist who has worked with the department for 21 years. “Being a general is kind of like being the president of a company.” Hensley says these OSU alumni are making an impact around the world. “We routinely get e-mails and phone calls from our former cadets who are now serving as lieutenants and captains around the world and are doing some amazing things,” he says. Hensley says the program graduated 14 students last spring but projects the program will have an enrollment of approximately 100 students this fall. OSU’s Army ROTC offers “fun, exciting training but also very meaningful leader development,” Hensley says. “The product we put out is a high-quality leader ready to go out and lead U.S. soldiers.” Hensley says he hopes to continue to recruit high numbers of cadets and uphold the program’s fi rst-rate reputation in the coming years. “We were selected as the number-one training battalion last year,” he says. We defi nitely want to repeat that.” B R I A B O LT O N

Fall 2009

is where you can

leave a legacy

You undoubtedly created a lifetime of memories at Oklahoma State University. Generous donations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of any amount â&#x20AC;&#x201C; benefit our students, faculty, programs and facilities and help create a lifetime of memories for future Cowboys. Honor their memories and yours by leaving a legacy.

OklaHOma State UniverSitY fOUndatiOn | 400 S. monroe | Stillwater, Ok | 1.800.622.4678

PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

A Safer World

Researcher’s Early Interest in Science Leads to Hepatitis Vaccines

Robert Purcell ’57, chemistry, is one of the world’s leading researchers into hepatitis.

Got hepatitis? If not, you may want to thank Dr. Robert Purcell. During a 45-year career with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the OSU alumnus was part of a team that discovered the virus that causes hepatitis A, and he co-discovered C, D and E. He also had a hand in developing the vaccines for type A and its more dangerous cousin, B, as well as an experimental vaccine for E. “If one stays in the same place long enough, one can get quite a perspective of the march of science and how rapidly things can change,” says Purcell, interviewed from his ofﬁce in Bethesda, Md., and named a Distinguished Alumnus this year by the College of Arts and Sciences. When he began his work for the government in 1963, hepatitis was a poorly understood disease.

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“There were no tests available for any of the hepatitis viruses when I got in the ﬁeld,” Purcell says. “At the time, no one knew how dangerous or how serious these viruses were.” Purcell’s team discovered hepatitis A in 1973, and a year later he began leading the NIAID’s Hepatitis Viruses Section. In 2001 he was promoted to co-chief of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, overseeing more than 100 scientists and researchers. Forty-ﬁve patents and about 700 papers into his career, Purcell is not interested in slowing down. His work is the type that takes a lifetime. Purcell, the son of a Haileyville, Okla., beef, dairy and pig farmer (and high school science teacher) has, since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, been working on biodefense projects in addition to his hepatitis research.

His team is making antibodies — special immune system proteins — to ﬁght the toxins produced by bacteria that cause ailments such as anthrax. He’s also doing similar work with the horror-show viruses of rabies, Marburg, Ebola and Lassa fever, most of which kill a number of victims each year in Africa and Asia. “We’ve just developed a vaccine for hepatitis E that was tested in Nepal a couple years ago,” he says. “It was shown to be highly efﬁcacious in preventing the disease, but it hasn’t been marketed yet.” With a medical degree from Duke University, he trained as an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and eschewed private practice after an internship as a pediatrician. Before that, he obtained his master’s degree in biochemistry from Baylor University after graduating from OSU in 1957. He started college in 1953 at

Eastern Oklahoma A&M in Wilburton. Today he lives in Gaithersburg, Md., a small town outside of Bethesda, but still likes to travel back to the family ranch outside Hartshorne in southeastern Oklahoma. He says two of his early professors gave him the science bug. Andre Estrada, a chemistry instructor in Wilburton, inspired him with lessons based on personal experiences. And at OSU, chemistry lab supervisor Virginia Lippert allowed him to do research on his own at an early age. “I burned all the hair on my eyebrows once working on an experiment,” he chuckles. “I was trying to extract chlorophyll from plants and the solvent inadvertently caught ﬁre. Not a good deal. I could’ve burned down the laboratory. She kept an eye on me a little more after that.” M AT T E L L I O T T

For nearly 90 years, the OSU Alumni Association has presented

“America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration”. Held each October, Homecoming gives students and alumni an opportunity to be a part of OSU’s greatest tradition and brings out the

brightest orange spirit

for a tradition to which no other university can lay claim.

To preserve this , alumni and friends of OSU are being called upon to endow Homecoming.

timeless tradition

Learn how you can help continue the tradition at orangeconnection.org/endowhomecoming!

Join the reunions and celebrations at homecoming this October that will kick off the festivities. OSU students have valuable memories from their time at OSU, and for many, those memories revolve around residential life. The life lessons learned and friendships made there can carry on throughout a lifetime. OSU Residential Life marks its 100th year in 2010 and to celebrate, the Department of Residential Life is excited to kick off its Centennial Celebration at this year’s homecoming with a series of events. “We are looking forward to reconnecting with former staff members, alumni and old friends,” says Matthew Brown, director of Housing and Residential Life, and an OSU alumnus. “This is a perfect time for people to join together, share memories of their time in the residence halls and maybe make some new friends along the way.” Oklahoma A&M University was founded in 1890, and it took the good folks 18 years to realize housing was needed for the students. So in 1908 construction began on two “dormitories,” as they were known then, and in 1910 Housing and Residential Life began with the opening of the Boys’ Dormitory. Not long after came the opening of the Woman’s Building in the same year. The Boys’ Dormitory was later renamed Crutchfield Hall and was used as a residence hall before it became the home of the Music Department. It was torn down in 1995. The Woman’s Building had several features including a dining hall, classrooms for home economic classes and residence hall rooms on the upper floors.

Fall 2009

It suffered a severe fire in 1915 but was repaired and is used today as the Bartlett Center for Fine Arts. Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 17 and the centennial celebration will begin the day before with a booth at Walk-Around in front of Stout Hall. Here, alumni can enjoy free beverages and OSU giveaways. The Department will also collect the names and addresses of Residential Life alumni so it can reach them about future centennial activities. On Oct. 17 at 11 a.m., the department will host an alumni reception at Bennett Hall for all former Residential Life staff members, alumni and friends. Along with free food, there will be memorabilia from past years and halls that no longer exist. Everyone is invited to drop in and mingle before the big game against Missouri. Dr. John Foubert, associate professor and program coordinator of the Counseling and Student Development (CSD) Program, will be on hand to welcome members of the CSD Alumni Network. This alumni network is made up of graduates of the CSD program and many former Residential Life hall directors. Interested alumni can read more about the centennial and homecoming celebrations at the Housing and Residential Life website, www.reslife. okstate.edu/centennial. They can also register online to receive more information about future events. S h a n n o n B au g h m a n

Homecoming Helps If OSU’s homecoming had a dictionary entry, people would expect to see words like football and tradition, but what many overlook is the celebration’s commitment to philanthropy and the community. Presented by the OSU Alumni Association, homecoming plays host to a variety of events and activities that provide philanthropic benefits to community organizations. Additionally, the weekend’s celebration brings in tens of thousands of alumni, friends and family to the community, which boosts the Stillwater economy.

iT’s more Than jusT fun and games. osu homecoming is an economic BenefiT for The local communiTy.

Kimberly Stewart is the homecoming philanthropy executive and a hotel and restaurant administration senior. “So much of the focus gets put on students and the university, and, really, we need to be reaching out to the community,” she says. “The homecoming philanthropy is one way we, as students, can give back to the community that gives so much to us during the years we live here.”

Homecoming ’08

OSU’s homecoming celebration brings in tens of thousands of alumni, friends and family to the community.

Photo by Gary Lawson

Fall 2009

local pHilantHropy

Anne Scott served as the OSU homecoming adviser from 1998 to 2008 and says for about 10 years, the philanthropy was always a blood drive. However, in 2003, homecoming executives began to think more locally since the blood donated was distributed throughout the state. “There was inTeresT in doing someThing To impacT The sTillwaTer communiTy.” — anne scoTT

32,000 CAnS dOnATed

$10,000 dOnATed

In 2003, homecoming executives changed the philanthropy to a canned food drive. Students used the 32,000 cans of food they collected to create a mural of the homecoming logo on the Library Lawn and then donated the cans to Stillwater’s annual community food drive. Scott says in 2004 OSU raised more than $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Oklahoma City through “Cowboys for the Cure.” “People from all over the country bought ‘Cowboys for the Cure’ wristbands via the website,” Scott says. In 2008, Pam McGraw, member of the board of directors for the Stillwater Humane Society, says OSU student volunteers helped by walking dogs, bathing and brushing dogs and cats, and cleaning pet cages. “The minute we were named the homecoming philanthropy, it was like a night and day difference of volunteers flooding in the doors,” McGraw says. “One of the reasons we’ve had a turnaround in how good our facility looks right now is truly because of the philanthropy of OSU’s homecoming.” McGraw says many students have continued to volunteer at the Humane Society even after homecoming ended.

“We pick a local philanthropy so that not only do we get the Stillwater community involved, but so that students can make a connection during homecoming and continue volunteering,” Stewart says. In the past five years, homecoming has also supported Habitat for Humanity and the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center. This year, homecoming will benefit Stillwater domestic Violence Services to help build a new domestic violence shelter and family crisis center, which should open in the fall of 2010. “We contacted homecoming organizers because we have such a fantastic project and opportunity ahead of us, and students have been so supportive of us in the past,” says Ralph Lindsey, executive director of SdVS. “We want them to be a part of it, and we need their help.” Stewart says volunteers will help collect monetary donations, divide clothing donations and make baskets for moms getting back on their feet. Lindsey says homecoming representatives expressed specific interest in helping children. “We really like the fact they want to do something for children because when it comes to domestic violence, children are the most helpless, and they’re often the silent victims,” Lindsey says. “Many times people don’t think of the effects of domestic violence on children, but they’re very traumatic.”

Harvest Carnival

Fall 2009

The first Harvest Carnival was held in 1913 at Oklahoma A&M and was the tradition that started OSU homecoming. The first carnival was like a county fair and was orchestrated by students in agriculture and engineering degrees to showcase their annual projects. Since then, Harvest Carnival has evolved into a celebration where each fall, student organizations band together to host an oldfashioned children’s carnival, an event for kids including games, prizes and a canned food drive. “Harvest Carnival shows we don’t just do homecoming for the fun,” says Jill Bowman, Harvest Carnival homecoming executive and elementary education senior. “We do it to help the community and those who are less fortunate.” All of the canned food donated during the carnival is given to Harvest II, a community food drive started in 1988 by the Stillwater Junior Service League, says Cathy Albright, last year’s Harvest II chair. Harvest Carnival kicks off the annual community-wide two-week food drive, which is organized by about 60 volunteers. Barrels are distributed around the community at schools and businesses for donated non-perishable items.

The food is collected, sorted in a warehouse by community volunteers and then distributed to eight local agencies: Mission of Hope, the Stillwater Domestic Violence Center, Payne County Youth Shelter, Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency, Perkins Neighborhood Ministries, Salvation Army, the Love Feast and the Stillwater Storehouse. Brenda Marlow, a Harvest II committee member in charge of counting donations, says Harvest Carnival raised 8,587 pounds of food last year. “Harvest Carnival is tHe biggest Contributor to Harvest ii. We Can’t do it WitHout HomeComing.”

In addition to donating food items, Albright says students also help sort and distribute the food. Student organizations that are paired together for homecoming competitions are required to raise a certain amount of nonperishable food items, Bowman says, and the homecoming team communicates with Harvest II organizers to ensure the donations match the needs of the food banks. “We don’t just bring in a million cans of corn,” she says. “Each student organization is assigned a specific canned vegetable or other non-perishable item so Harvest II receives a wide variety of foods.”

stillwater Community

For many business owners in Stillwater, homecoming is not just about the bottom line. It’s also about sharing the OSU experience with their patrons. For Pam Martin, owner of the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stillwater, homecoming is an opportunity to share her love for OSU with her guests. “What an exciting time homecoming is, not only for OSU but Stillwater as well,” Martin says. “Game day is always so much fun in Stillwater — seeing everyone in town dressed in orange, and businesses crowded with happy fans. “Stillwater hotels as well as all businesses really enjoy and appreciate what homecoming does for us. Our rooms are full for homecoming and we also get the opportunity to direct many fans to our fellow Stillwater businesses since our guests ask for recommendations on where to eat, buy OSU apparel and many other needs they have on that weekend. We are glad to be able to recommend Stillwater businesses to make the weekend even better for the best fans in the world.” Josh McKim, director of economic development for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, agrees football season, especially OSU homecoming, is good for business. McKim says sales tax revenues always spike during September, October and part of November. “As people come from outside Stillwater for any football game, homecoming in particular, it’s going to be beneficial,” he says. David Sanders, managing partner of the Hideaway, says the increase in sales during homecoming is good, but the occasion to reunite with friends and meet new people is just as important. “Homecoming at Hideaway creates a great deal of excitement,” Sanders says. “Every

“i get to Hear great stories from people Coming baCk after 20 years and saying HoW muCH stillWater Has CHanged but tHe HideaWay is still tHe same.” — david sanders

time we’ve set sales records, it’s been on a homecoming weekend. Everyone on campus corner looks forward to it, not just for the increase in business but also for the fun.” For Sanders, Friday night is especially enjoyable. “Everybody is out for Walkaround, both the residents of Stillwater and people from all over the country. I enjoy spending the weekend talking with the customers. I get to hear great stories from people coming back after 20 years and saying how much Stillwater has changed but the Hideaway is still the same.” Cristy Morrison, executive director of the Stillwater Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the family element of the 90-year-old tradition is also key. “Homecoming is a fun and familyfriendly event,” says Morrison. “It’s great exposure for the university and the community to visitors and future residents. It has a huge impact on the community.” Stillwater Mayor Nathan Bates says homecoming is important to members of the Stillwater community. “Homecoming is very beneficial to the community because of all the people it brings in to Stillwater,” he says. “It also builds a lot of pride within the community.” Since its humble beginnings, homecoming has been an event meant to bring the OSU family together. And in light of its impact on campus, OSU alumni and the community, it’s certain to continue doing so for years to come. For more information, visit orangeconnection.org/homecoming.

STEVE IRBY

LIVINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LOUD Alum turns his dream into an international success (continues on next page)

Fall 2009

photo courtesy phil shockley

Famed blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, left, and Steve Irby, on keyboard, enjoy a jamming session in Las Vegas during the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. It could have been the simplest business plan in history. Steve Irby: “I want to start a speaker company. Want to go in with me?” Keith Frazier: “Yeah.” The story of Stillwater’s Steve Irby has all the makings of the classic entrepreneur success story. Local boy has bright idea, combines bright idea and well-honed hobby, harnesses that passion and builds a pioneering international audio company. Irby is the founder and president of Stillwater Designs, a company that designs and manufactures KICKER audio products headquartered in Stillwater, Okla. What was once a company with two employees in a single-car garage is now a corporation with 250 employees in facilities totaling more than a quarter-million square feet. But the journey to audio bliss was not always easy — nor was it even planned. Irby was born and raised in Stillwater where his father taught within OSU’s school of architecture for over 30 years. With a shared passion for tinkering and construction, the Irby men spent hours together building go karts, treehouses and other small projects in the family’s basement. But during his teens, Steve’s love of music took him from basement tinkerer to garage band. “When I started playing in a rock band, dad bought me a keyboard, but I really needed an amp — a loud one 36

Fall 2009

The band Moses in 1973 with Steve Irby, right. — that cost about $300 at that time. Dad about fell out of his chair when I asked him for the money, so instead he went to the OSU Library and checked out a book on building speakers so we could build one ourselves. The finished product was pretty amazing; it sounded great and shook the windows,” says Steve. What Irby did not know then was that history had been made and would continue to evolve the face of audio speakers over the course of the next 40-plus years. Juggling band keyboarding duties with academics, Irby enrolled as an engineering student at OSU in 1968. But a lack of acoustics classes and rigorous workload caused him to rethink his career goals and he set his sight on helping others. Upon transferring to Phillips University in northwest Oklahoma, Irby pursued a degree in sociology and sought to “save the world.” When graduate school failed to ignite Irby’s vision of embarking on a career fueled by innovation, he turned back to what he was good at — speaker design — and began copying every article he could find on the subject. “I decided I needed to find something I liked or else I was going to fail in life. I was motivated by speakers, so I asked my former college roommate (Frazier) to start our own business building speaker enclosures. At that moment, Stillwater Designs was created,” says Irby.

Using $12,000 inherited from Irby’s grandparents, the duo began their operation in Steve’s garage. Once Irby’s new wife, Becky, kicked the duo out of the garage due to sawdust congestion, the pair eventually rented a house on Main Street for $80 a month. “We spent the next seven years building P.A. systems for churches, bands and discos all the while learning everything we could about speakers and audio,” says Irby. But the little company received a boost in 1980 with inspiration from a friend. “During the height of Oklahoma’s oil boom, one of our customers who had recently opened a music store called to say that many Oklahomans driving pickup trucks couldn’t get very good sound because there was no room to install a speaker system in the vehicle. “He asked if we could build something that could fit in that small, funnyshaped spot behind the seat. We took the dimensions, and built the system in less than a week. It was over-designed, but they loved it. Once it was installed, the sound was so strong the customers would tell us it kicked the seat, which is where we got the KICKER name,” says Irby. Once the company experienced relative success in the car audio business, that friend encouraged Irby to market the product to retail stores. Irby resisted at first, thinking the venture was a hobby

more than a business venture, but he was fueled by the challenge of building a more finely tuned speaker product. Irby didn’t have enough room in his shop to build the speakers, so he enlisted the support of his friend and fellow band member Don Mitchell to build enclosures in his woodshop. In the meantime, a sales rep dropped by and convinced the two he could sell 200 KICKERS a month to Oklahoma retail outlets. So Irby and Mitchell got busy. But when they were done, the salesman had disappeared and the duo was left with stacks of speakers and no sales prospects. “So Don installed a KICKER in his pickup as a demo and loaded the camper with speakers. I paid him $100 for every store he could setup as a dealer. Driving around small-town Oklahoma, our close rate was nearly 100 percent. It was too easy, because the product was so powerful nothing else could compare to it,” says Irby. It was then the dream finally took off. As the orders rolled in, Irby hired more staff, attended sound shows and worked to expand the business. With the help of a tiny black-and-white quarter-page ad in Audio Magazine, KICKER speakers were launched to an international clientele. “We received orders from all over the world, which absolutely blew us away; especially this kid from Stillwater,

Oklahoma,” he says. “The first 10 years our average growth was over 70 percent per year, and some years it was more than 100 percent. The industry grew at that time and car audio took off. We were in the right place at the right time with the right product.” More than 20 years later, the company continues to thrive and has expanded beyond the car audio market to home, portable, marine and direct to automakers. It is best known for its subwoofers and the speakers and amplifiers that supplement them. Today KICKER products are sold by more

“It’s still fun to listen to something dynamic with low bass notes … [he smiles] that shakes everything in the building and shows off what the speaker can really do.” — Steve Irby

Steve Irby poses with a “real sound system” at the company’s Stillwater, Okla., headquarters.

than 1,500 authorized dealers in the U.S. and exported to more than 1,000 dealers in approximately 50 countries. So what’s the most rewarding part of the job to this humble entrepreneur? “Business is more about relationships, not just the products. It’s how you treat your employees and business associates and motivate them to work as a team. I spend more time on the people part of the business than I do on product development because I realized that it’s good people working together that really get things done and create success. Without them you have nothing. “It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of this organization. I think we have the best team in the industry, and that’s the most valuable component to our success,” says Irby. A proponent of an entrepreneurial education, Irby’s advice to OSU entrepreneurship students is to find out what they are most passionate about and pursue it. As someone self-taught in the areas of research and business development, he encourages students to learn the fundamentals of business but to harness that key concept of innovation, identify your strengths and run with it. But at the end of the day, the KICKER team still knows how to play. “The most unusual vehicle we’ve ever put a sound system in was probably a zamboni. We also built a sound system for a Hummer that had been used by CNN in Desert Storm. It was auctioned off for Fisher House, which helps families of injured military personnel, and it raised $1,250,000. That was cool,” says Irby. Yet, Irby defines his legacy in modest terms. “I would like to think my legacy was mainly that I treated people fairly, with respect and enabled them to be successful,” he says. At the end of the day, Irby still likes to kick back — pun intended — and listen to some great music on a wellcrafted KICKER sound system. “It’s still fun to listen to something dynamic with low bass notes … [he smiles] that shakes everything in the building and shows off what the speaker can really do,” he says.

Fall 2009

There was a time when the only way an OSU graduate could revisit the friends he or she made in Stillwater was through a yearbook. Divided by class year and living group, the Redskin served more than 80 classes of Oklahoma’s land-grant institution until the annual was discontinued in 1991. Today, a new world has opened for alumni and former students of all ages to reconnect and share the memories of their college careers. And that new world is social networking. Some people have embraced it and some are intimidated by it, but the OSU Alumni Association has maintained a proactive stance in providing as many opportunities as possible for the OSU family to remain connected to each other and their alma mater. “Social networking is more than just a yearbook in the 21st century. It’s a way to stay connected to your college roommate or fellow intramural teammate 10, 20 or 30 years after you graduate,” says Chase Carter, coordinator of communications and social media for the OSU Alumni Association. “With yearbooks, the only connections were a few black and white photographs. Now, you can instantly send a message, picture or video for free to a fellow Cowboy across the country.” Melissa Mourer, director of communications, says the opportunities presented by social networking fit perfectly within OSU Alumni Association’s vision. “One of our biggest goals is to create and maintain connections with our alumni and friends around the world,” Mourer says. “By developing a presence online with our website and the social networks, we are striving to connect with alumni in the method or methods they prefer.”

The OSU Alumni Association entered the social networking world two years ago with the creation of its Facebook page. Since then, more than 6,000 OSU alumni and fans have accessed the page to receive daily alerts related to OSU. Alumni can also view photos and videos posted by the alumni association and interact with fellow members through comment feeds. Also joining the Facebook world are many other organizations in the OSU System including individual colleges and campuses. With more than 200 million active users, Facebook continues to dominate the social networking world with its reach and ease of use. The official OSU Facebook network has more than 37,000 active students and alumni, which any OSU Alumni Association member with a CowboyMail account can join.

“What most people don’t realize is more than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college age , and the fastest growing demographic is adults 35 and older , ” Carter says. “That speaks volumes to those graduates who are still holding onto their Redskins to remember classmates — chances are those classmates are already online on a social network just waiting to be found.” The newest and fastest growing social network today is Twitter. For many, Twitter seems even more outlandish than Facebook, but the quickness and simplicity the service provides in sharing small pieces of information is valuable and fun at the same time. Nearly 20 OSU organizations use Twitter to keep the campus, students and alumni informed. Among the 20 are the OSU Alumni Association, OSU Foundation, athletic department and OSU communications office. Several colleges and on-campus organizations are tweeting as well. In the case of Twitter, it isn’t necessarily better to lead than to follow. Anyone

can create an account and follow his or her favorite organizations without “tweeting,” or sending, messages. “A lot of people ask me why they should join Twitter,” Carter says. “They feel they wouldn’t have anything to share, which is perfectly fine. I tell them they should join Twitter for the same reason they buy a newspaper — it’s a connection to keep you informed, and in this case, it’s a connection to their alma mater that is instant, free and easy to use.” In addition to Facebook and Twitter, many businesspeople are using the powers of LinkedIn, a professional social network letting users create profiles listing their résumés and skills to seek new jobs. The OSU Alumni Association maintains a group on LinkedIn to keep alumni and supporters updated on OSU news and events while providing an outlet for them to network with fellow alums. Anyone can join the more than 2,000 current members who have the opportunity to post job listings and engage in discussions regarding OSU or the business world with fellow members. “LinkedIn provides unparalleled support for career networking with not only OSU alumni but also hundreds of thousands of businesses and individuals,” Carter says. The association provides more details and step-by-step instructions on how to create a personal account on its website at orangeconnection.org/socialmedia. For more information, contact Chase Carter at 405-744-2066.

loyd Lewan has had heart problems. Considering how he has devoted his life to helping others, maybe it’s just that his heart is too big. Lewan earned his doctor of education in higher education from OSU in 1979. He pursued that degree to maintain his role as executive dean of Semester at Sea, a title he held from 1969 to 2002. That was after six years in the Marine Corps, where he was a commissioned officer. The New York/New Jersey native who now lives in Denver was also chairman of the board for Lewan & Associates, a now Xerox-owned office technology company he and his brother ran. He spent the 2007-08 academic year as the first “Leader in Residence” at the University of Colorado. He also makes time for community service work, such as the Special Olympics, Human Services Inc., Open Door Youth Gang

“I left my heart In StIllwater.” Lewan tells the story of his time as a middle-aged doctoral student in Stillwater in 1978, when he suffered a heart attack. He was repeatedly visited in the hospital by then-OSU President Robert Kamm and his wife, Maxine. “I’ll never forget the Kamms coming to visit me in the hospital,” Lewan says. “People were shocked that the president and president’s wife were here visiting me in this little two-room intensive care area in the old hospital.” Lewan jokes that he left his heart in Stillwater. It is clear he loved his time at OSU, and he credits people such as the Kamms and the Segalls for his enjoyable experience. William Segall is a professor emeritus in the College of Education who met Lewan on a voyage with Semester at Sea in 1973. Segall invited Lewan to consider OSU for his doctoral study.

Alternatives, Colorado Uplift, Zach Foundation for Burned Children Lewan came to Stillwater and was late to a coffee-shop meeting and the Children’s Hospital, among others. with Segall, but it turned out he had a good excuse. “He just has a heart for serving other people,” says Bob Hamm, “He had stopped by Dr. Kamm’s office and asked to speak OSU marketing professor emeritus, who made a Semester at Sea voyage to him since he was considering enrolling here,” Segall says. “Dr. in 1980. “The number of lives he touched is probably incalculable Kamm was in a meeting but he came out and met with Lloyd, who right now.” was absolutely impressed with President Kamm. He came back and Semester at Sea takes students from across the country on told me he was going to come.” semester-long journeys Lewan calls both that usually circummen “special guys “The young people in every nation on Earth seem to have navigate the globe. that made me feel Kent Sampson, a greater interest in each other to solve the problems of warm and welcome.” OSU’s director of the world than their own government. I don’t mean some “When you’re campus life, was direcold, you don’t want world order, I just mean the kids today, when they meet tor of student life for to do doctoral work,” Semester at Sea when in all these countries, they really recognize the issues of Lewan adds. “They Lewan was involved their time.” — Lloyd Lewan treated me like a with the program. colleague. A lot of “(Lloyd) has that doctoral programs blend of business don’t treat you like a colleague. That was the great plus of the know-how and compassionate wisdom,” says Sampson. “He is school. For me, that was the great joy of being there.” savvy on the business side of the world but also looking out for He was scheduled to be on another voyage during his graduation other people and their needs.” ceremony, so Segall arranged for a private commencement. “My wife, Nedra, and I invited him to the old Holiday Inn just “You have to be passionate .” for a dinner,” Segall says. “We walked into a small private dining Lewan is a professional speaker, and it shows during a brief room. There were maybe about 20 people, all of whom came to say phone interview. He steers — not dominates, but guides — the goodbye to him. He thought it was a party. I had arranged that Dr. conversation and covers a variety of his interests. They include Kamm would come in with a hood, and the dean of the College of racial relations, international relations, the absence of men in the Education, Don Robinson, also came. In their official capacities, lives of youth, leadership as opposed to management (about which they hooded Lloyd and conferred upon him his degree. It was a he wrote a book), women in the workplace (about which he wrote very moving experience for everyone.” another), his love of OSU, his time with Semester at Sea, famous (continues on next page) people he has met and entrepreneurism vs. bureaucracy. His impact on the world does appear to be, as Hamm puts it, Lloyd Lewan (wearing the white shirt) is thrown into the incalculable. But for Lewan, helping others is just the right thing ship’s pool by students during a Semester at Sea voyage. to do. In fact, he deflects praise and characterizes his efforts as simply passion.

Fall 2009

“I have so much faIth In the kIds of the world.” After a lifetime educating and learning, Lewan is convinced the current generation of college students are “better by far” than their predecessors. Having spent semester after semester with students on the boat while making more than 20 voyages around the world, he gained a unique perspective on the youth of the planet. “The young people in every nation on Earth seem to have a greater interest in each other to solve the problems of the world than their own government,” Lewan says. “I don’t mean some world order, I just mean the kids today, when they meet in all these countries, they really recognize the issues of their time.” He believes the world’s problems can only be solved if the young respect each other, and he adds that Semester at Sea participants have that respect. Lewan does as well. As another example, he helped a group on the boat known as Students of Services, or SOS. “These are students who decided they want to do something of service,” Sampson says. “Lloyd was active in helping work with students on the voyage, helping to identify service projects like an orphanage in India. He helped them identify ways they could do good work. We’d have a talent show on the ship on a Saturday night and the funds raised would go toward the charitable effort we were about to visit.”

Llyod Lewan often took his students on “Lloyd trips” – adventures into the life of a local community. He would enter areas where he knew no one and quickly make friends, as seen in this picture from Shanghai, China.

“Leadership is not about you. it’s about freeing others.”

As a public speaker, Lewan often delivers his message of leadership vs. management. For him, they are different skill sets. “Most people don’t separate the two well,” Lewan says. “That is a terrible mistake. We need leadership beyond management. That’s a very sketchy issue with people. Because one manages an activity doesn’t mean one can lead. The great ones know how to lead beyond appreciating the skills and tools of management. Sometimes they are in the same person, and sometimes they’re not.” “You meet a lot of InterestIng people on Lewan strives to be a leader by broadening his own experiences. semester at sea.” He says the walk from intelligence to wisdom Lewan has met “Leadership is not about you, It’s about freeing others. The great is about being able to many famous people see multiple sides of in his life. ones aren’t interested in their own talent. I’m not that smart. I’m an issue — even seeing He considers average. But I’m smart enough to free others’ talent. I have such the point of those who D e smond Tut u a respect for engineers and scientists. Every time I see something, disagree with you. friend. He has met “Leadership is Fidel Castro, Mikhail I can get giddy about how brilliant they are.” — Lloyd Lewan not about you,” he Gorbachev and Arthur says. “It’s about freeC. Clarke. Bob Hope’s ing others. The great ones aren’t interested in their own talent. I’m son, Kelly, and Cathy Keating, wife of former Oklahoma governor not that smart. I’m average. But I’m smart enough to free others’ Frank Keating, were students of his during Semester at Sea. talent. I have such respect for engineers and scientists. Every time I “In his career, Lloyd has met many people,” Segall says. “He see something, I can get giddy about how brilliant they are.” was never impressed by their names. He is impressed by their ability How important is leadership to Lewan? He finishes the phone to lead and help. … These are people that he knew, but he knew conversation with three simple words. them as persons.”

“be a Leader,” he says.

Fall 2009

Amman, Jordan

BY M AT T E L L I O T T

Former Jordanian Prime Minister urges the U.S. to strive for peace in the Middle East during his return to OSU to present the Wes Watkins Distinguished Lectureship for OSU’s School of International Studies. Former Jordanian Prime Minister and OSU alumnus Adnan Badran says President Barack Obama gives him hope that peace will ﬁnally come to the Middle East. Badran, who was in Stillwater for an April talk on United States’ foreign policy, says he believes Obama understands how the IsraeliPalestinian conﬂict and the effects of western colonialism drive the region’s complex problems today. PHOTO COURTESY KEN HELT STUDIOS

“I think Obama gets it,” says the 71-yearold Badran, dressed in a gray suit and seated inside the Student Union’s Ranchers Club. “You have to understand the culture. You have to understand the social context, and you have to understand the history of those people.”

(continues on next page)

“There is no difference between the people who live in the Middle East and people who live in Europe and America. All of them want peace. They want democracy.”

Badran left that turmoil for OSU, follow-

Unfortunately, they were thwarted

ing a group of his friends who were civil

by suicide bombings of the Grand Hyatt,

engineering students. Looking to help his

Radisson and Days Inn in November 2005.

homeland with agriculture, he graduated in

The attacks in the cosmopolitan capital killed

1959 with a degree in agricultural education,

57 people and shocked a nation known

followed by a master’s degree from Michigan

for its stability in the volatile region. The

State University, where he also received his

violence also surprised ofﬁ cials, Badran

doctoral degree studying plant physiology

says, because they expected terrorists to

and biochemistry.

attack government and military targets. But

Back home, Jordan was struggling with

the government was able to trace the group

desertiﬁcation due to overgrazing by nomadic

that allegedly committed the bombings

tribes. But before he tackled that, he worked

to one connected to Jordanian-born Abu

as a researcher for Chiquita’s predecessor,

Musab Al-Zarqawi, an Al Qaeda leader in

modern city built on the edge of a sprawling

United Fruit Co., in Central America. There he

Iraq who was active in the region after the

ruined Roman city. In 1935, France and Great

developed four patents, helping develop new

United States created a power vacuum when

Britain ruled the region after the secret Sykes-

ways of storing bananas and a way to slow

it toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Picot Agreement in 1916 split the defeated

the ripening process during shipping.

Badran was born in 1935 in Jerash, a

Ottoman Empire between the two powers.

“The evacuation was well done,” he says.

He returned to Jordan in 1966, where

“We saved people. We tracked the attackers

Badran and historians say the agreement

he established the science faculty at the

with a DNA lab I established at the university

broke promises made to the Arabs, who

University of Jordan in Amman. His main

in Irbid. We followed them, we discovered

were assured a greater share of the spoils

goal was to establish a system of universi-

who they were. We brought all of them to

for cooperating with the West in the ancient

ties similar to U.S. land-grant institutions,

justice within forty-eight hours. We knew

empire’s destruction during World War I.

and he would spend the next 20 years doing

who had done it.”

The result was similar to that seen in Africa during European colonialism, he says.

just that. He wanted to create a system that

Nevertheless, he had to step down along with other members of the government once

Under European rule, territories were divided

focused on teaching, research and exten-

up according to the colonizers’ desire for

sion. At the time, Jordan, a constitutional

“In Jordan, whenever things happen like

natural resources and goods. That some-

monarchy, relied largely on its agriculture

this, the government has to submit its resig-

times crammed warring tribes together in

industry. Parts of the country were populated

nation. So I submitted my government resig-

the same nations, ensuring future ethnic

only by nomadic Bedouin who drove their

nation because I thought this was a big hole

violence and sometimes genocide when

goat and sheep herds through the desert

in security. And although the government

those territories would later declare their

following growth patterns of native grasses.

was doing very well in terms of reform, this

So, Badran reasoned, a land-grant-type

terrorist act showed we were not prepared

system would go a long way to help.

for attacks on civilians.”

independence. The agreement created the British

the crisis was resolved.

controlled areas that would later become Iraq

While an instructor in Amman, he helped

He remains a senator and chairman of

and Jordan as well as the French areas that

develop the biology curriculum for second-

the country’s senate committee on educa-

are today’s Syria and Lebanon. Like in Africa,

ary education in the nation’s public schools

tion, science, culture and media. He also

Badran says the colonial powers ruled but

and later the region. In 1971, he became the

is president of Petra University and leads

didn’t encourage development or improve

science faculty dean at the University of

the National Centre for Human Rights that

the living conditions of the inhabitants.

Jordan. Five years later, he was president

investigates potential violations.

“They didn’t work, really, in bringing peace

of Yarmouk University and founded the

Despite recent troubles, Badran has

and development, sustainable development

Jordan University of Science and Technology

hope for the region. He sees it ready for

to the area. Same in Africa. Same in Egypt.

campus in Irbid north of Amman.

democracy and peace. But before that can

So, as a result, revolts started to get rid of the occupation.”

Eventually, politics took hold, and he

happen, he says the Israeli-Palestinian prob-

quickly rose to the world’s stage as an

lem has to be resolved through diplomacy pushed through by President Obama.

Jordan became independent in 1946, and

expert on the region. He became secretary

all others in the region were independent by

general of the Higher Council for Science

“There is no difference between the

the time Israel was founded in 1948 — when

and Technology in Jordan, and by 1988,

people who live in the Middle East and

Badran was 12. Chaos followed, forcing out

was appointed Minister of Agriculture. From

people who live in Europe and America. All

of Israel Palestinian refugees who ﬂ ed to

1994 to 1998, he served as Deputy Director

of them want peace. They want democracy.

camps inside Badran’s country and others.

General of UNESCO, and after that, as presi-

They want to express their thoughts. They

More than 4 million have ﬂed Israel since then,

dent of Philadelphia University in Amman.

want freedom, and they want a multiparty

the United Nations reports. By the time he

In 2005, he was appointed Prime Minister

came to Oklahoma State in 1955, the region

and Minister of Defense, part of a wave of

what he feels, within the political context,

had already suffered through one war, the

reformers seeking to improve the economy,

and not with arm and ﬁsts.”

1948 Arab-Israeli conﬂict.

educational system and elections.

Fall 2009

system in which everybody can express

Ta s t i ng Suc c e ss Inaugural Wine Forum of Oklahoma creates excitement about future events

ore than 1,200 guests attended the inaugural Wine Forum of Oklahoma hosted by the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration in the College of Human Environmental Sciences in April. OSU alumni Marilynn and Carl Thoma provided the lead gift for the event, which raised more than $60,000 for HES scholarships.

School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration students Kiley Oliphant and Amanda Stefanopoulos, along with 60 other HRAD students, organized, planned and hosted the three-day event.

“The inaugural year of any event is rarely this successful,” says Marilynn Thoma. “The planning and execution, the strength of the educational program, the leadership and the student involvement made believers of those who participated in the event, and they are likely to return for the 2011 event and to spread the word to other ticket buyers, vintners and chefs. The stage has been set for a strong 2011 Wine Forum.”

Stillwater resident Adelia Hanson and Van Duzer Vineyards owner and alumna Marilynn Thoma discuss information on a wine bottle during one of the educational sessions of the Wine Forum of Oklahoma.

Julie Barnard

P roduc e d by Wi n e Foru m of O k l a hom a Alc 12% / vol

750 ml

Prior to the dinner, OSU President Burns Hargis welcomes Chef Alain Sailhac. The French Culinary Institute of New York City executive chef and dean emeritus created the menu for the Gala Dinner Saturday night. He worked with students and other guest chefs in the school’s teaching laboratories to prepare the five-course meal. 47

Ron and Cindy (Spain) Ward cherish their time at OSU. 1) Homecoming 1970. 2) Beta Theta Pi party. 3) Theta Pond, 1970.

Couple Helps Preserve ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration’ The OSU Alumni Association homecoming endowment will ensure lasting success for OSU’s largest and most popular tradition. As campus prepares for homecoming — one of OSU’s largest and oldest traditions — Ron and Cindy Ward are thrilled to know they are helping to ensure its continued success. As life members of the OSU Alumni Association, the Wards recently increased their support for OSU by making a $100,000 gift to the alumni association’s newly launched homecoming endowment. Their decision comes from a lifelong connection to their alma mater and their desire to make a difference for future generations. They hope others will follow their lead and support OSU’s 90-plusyear-old homecoming tradition that unites past, present and future students. “We created the endowment as a way to preserve the timeless tradition of homecoming,” says Larry Shell, OSU Alumni Association president. “We are honored the Wards have initiated the endowment with their generous gift.” 48

Fall 2009

The endowment’s goal is to fully fund homecoming events and activities and to strengthen its related student programs, Shell says. This includes everything from support for living groups and student groups who create the house decorations and parade festivities to covering the cost of security and cleanup. “The enormity and enthusiasm of OSU’s homecoming celebration is a tradition no other university can match,” Shell says. “Our homecoming has the ability to bring back more than 50,000 alumni, family and friends each year and involves students from all areas of campus life. “Our homecoming is dubbed ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration,’ and as the presenters of the event, we want to keep it that way.” Both Shell and the Wards say the opportunity for all alumni to become involved is what makes this endowment so unique. “The value of each gift is not measured in the dollar amounts,” Ward says. “Each gift is an expression of the love and the affinity alumni have for their university.”

For the Wards, the opportunity to give back was an additional way to celebrate their OSU ties, which began early in their lives. “My dad attended OSU,” Ron says. “And I had relatives who lived in Stillwater and worked at OSU, and I had visited and enjoyed the campus and its environment. “Plus, I had older friends from high school who were already on campus, so I think those were the deciding factors — the relationships and the friends I had.” Once on campus, it wasn’t long before Ron made a decision that would lay the groundwork for a lifetime of memories and friendships. “About six weeks into my freshman year, I pledged Beta. I made lots of great friends who are still my best friends today. I can’t say enough about it. It was a great time.” While at OSU, he met Cindy, his wife of 38 years, who recalls many happy memories of their time together at OSU. “This man studied all the time, which was not necessarily my cup of tea, but if I wanted to see him during

“We’ve had season tickets for the home football games for as far back as I can remember. In fact we’ve sat in the same seats since the early ’70s.” — Cindy (Spain) Ward

Ron and Cindy Ward hope other alumni will support the new endowment so future generations can experience the enduring tradition of OSU homecoming. the weekday, I would have to go the library,” Cindy says. “We would go out on the weekends only, but during the week, he studied because he was a math and statistics major, and he had a lot of homework.” Ron agrees. “There was always some function around the Beta house, something going on virtually every weekend, so it wasn’t hard to find things to do in Stillwater.” In 1970, before finishing his degree, Ron made the decision to join the National Guard. “That was back in the years when they had the lottery draft, and my lottery number was quite low. I joined the National Guard because it was either that or get drafted,” Ron says. “I had to go to basic training for six months.” When he returned, he completed his undergraduate work, then spent another semester and summer doing graduate work. During that time, he and Cindy were married. After his graduation in 1971, the two packed up and moved to McAlester, Okla., for a couple of years and then to Muskogee, Okla., for a year before making a final move to El Reno, Okla. There, they started a new business with his brother. Today, they have businesses scattered across Oklahoma.

Regardless of where they’ve lived, their love for OSU has never diminished. “We’ve had season tickets for the home football games for as far back as I can remember,” Cindy says. “In fact, we’ve sat in the same seats since the early ’70s.” For their two children, Amanda and Kent, OSU is also a special place. “Even though our daughter is a Baylor graduate, she grew up going to all the OSU games,” Cindy says. “And her husband is an OSU graduate, so we tailgate. We’re always getting together.” Initially their son considered attending school out of state, but when it came down to it, he picked OSU, Cindy says. While he attended OSU, they enjoyed visiting him and sharing a mutual love for their alma mater. “We’d go by his house, and we might get to see him for only ten minutes, but it was fun having him there,” Cindy says. “It was kind of sad for us when he graduated.” Ron says sharing his fraternity experience with his son is another special memory. “Kent pledged Beta his second year, and a buddy of mine and I went to OSU for the initiation,” Ron says. “There is a part in the initiation process that an alumnus does, and I got to do it.

“Kent didn’t know I was going to be there, so it was pretty special.” Ron also remains connected to OSU through his involvement in the OSU Alumni Association’s leadership council and national board of directors. Ron says he looks forward to the interaction with other alumni. “This is one experience where almost everything you do has a positive ring to it — in other words people are excited about what you are doing.” The work of the OSU Alumni Association is important to the university’s future success, he says. “The alumni association is uniquely positioned to be the contact point for people with an affinity for the university. “No matter where our alumni live in the world, we contact them, and we stay in contact on a consistent basis. It’s what we do best, and it’s our job,” Ron says. “We have to continue — it’s a vital function of the university.” When the Wards decided to give back to OSU, they say their decision to make a gift to the homecoming endowment was easy. “Many people don’t really understand that the OSU Alumni Association puts on homecoming,” Ron says. “Most people have been to homecoming, and they love it. But it does cost the alumni association money to organize and prepare for it. Homecoming is not a money-raising or money-making venture for the alumni association. “The OSU Alumni Association has great success with homecoming because we are uniquely positioned to do so. “The money raised for the endowment will ensure homecoming is here for years and years.” For more information about the homecoming endowment, call the alumni association at 405-744-5368 or check out the website, orangeconnection.org/endowhomecoming.

VIERSEN FOUNDATION

DONATION PROVIDES STATE-OF-THE-ART

NURSING

EDUCATION EQUIPMENT OSUIT is one of only three educational institutions in the state to have the new patient simulator, Sim Man 3G.

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“The Viersen Foundation recognizes the importance of OSUIT to the community and to education. The addition of the new Rural Health Technology Center will make OSUIT the premier nursing school facility in the state.” — Sam Viersen Family Foundation Inc. The Sam Viersen Family Foundation is helping make nursing education at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) one of the most advanced programs in the state. The Foundation funded $146,000 toward the purchase of the technologically advanced High-Fidelity Patient Simulation System featuring Laerdal’s Sim Man 3G. These revolutionary and incredibly versatile patient simulation manikins allow students to build decision making and technical skills in areas such as pharmacology, physiology, pathology and trauma, as well as improve their team training experiences — with no risk to patients. With amazingly life-like characteristics, the Sim Man 3G provides for a realistic experience for the student. The manikin possesses the ability to blink, sweat, cry and respond to medications. Along with the Sim Man 3G, the Viersen funding also allows OSUIT to purchase a Sim Man (a less complex

patient simulator), computers, software and audiovisual equipment to enhance the learning environment within the nursing simulation lab. Jana Martin, director of nursing at OSUIT, says the simulators will provide true hands-on learning for students. “The Viersen Foundation donation has brought the quality of our nursing program to a new level by allowing us to purchase these simulators for our nursing lab. We’re one of only three educational institutions in the state to have a Sim Man 3G, and we know most programs are looking for funding to allow them to purchase this valuable piece of equipment.” Rob Roberson, executive director of the Sam Viersen Family Foundation Inc. which made the donation, says the Foundation wanted to help improve nursing education in Oklahoma. “The Viersen Foundation recognizes the importance of OSUIT to the community and to education. The addition

of the new Rural Health Technology Center will make OSUIT the premier nursing school facility in the state.” While the student interacts with the Sim Man 3G manikin, the nursing instructors will operate the manikin using a tablet computer from an adjoining room. They will view the scenario through a one-way mirror to allow students to feel entirely responsible for the “patient.” Each interaction with the manikin is video-recorded, allowing for extensive post-scenario debriefing and evaluation. Martin says the simulators will take the students from applying bedside care in the classroom to providing health care to real patients during their student clinical experience in clinics and hospitals. According to Leah Torbett, nursing instructor and nursing lab coordinator for OSUIT, the High-Fidelity Patient Simulation System at the Rural Health Science and Technology Center will create a state-of-the-art nursing education facility that will be as advanced as any in Oklahoma. “These manikins will make it possible to have a more comprehensive, hands-on clinical experience than if the students had been at a hospital, because they will be exposed to more medical conditions and scenarios than if they were treating patients in a hospital.” The new Rural Health Science and Technology Center facility on the campus of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is scheduled to open for the fall 2009 semester, and will house the Institute’s registered nurse program. Bob Klabenes, president of OSUIT, says the addition of the equipment to the new building will increase the university’s capacity to educate nurses. “The new center will triple the university’s capacity to provide registered nurses for Okmulgee County and the

Photos couRtesy LaeRDaL MeDicaL coRPoR ation

surrounding area. The health care industry is in dire need of educated health care professionals, and OSUIT is now equipped to help fill that shortage.”

Photo / Rex DaugheRt y

Director of nursing Jana Martin, left, and Leah torbett, instructor and lab coordinator.

VIERSEN FOUNDATION FUNDS OTHER OSUIT PROJECTS

In 2003, Viersen helped fund the renovation of the culinary arts program’s State Room Restaurant. In 2006, the Viersen Foundation funded a new heating and air conditioning management system for the culinary arts program. The Sam Viersen Family A recent project the Sam Viersen Foundation Inc. has provided funding Family Foundation Inc. helped fund to OSU Institute of Technology for is OSUIT’s new pedestrian mall and many projects that have improved the landscaping project, scheduled to be students’ educational environment. completed by August. It includes a walkway, pavilion and gardens and is located in a central place on campus, “These manikins will make it possible to have a more among the Grady Clack Center comprehensive, hands-on clinical experience than if the for Student Services, the Learning students had been at a hospital ...” Resource Center and the Student — Leah Torbett Union. Sharon Smith

the

OSU

Castro may only be 7 years old, but Emma’s parents, Heidi, ’01, and John, she is confident in two things: her friendship with Pistol Pete and ’03, are both Alumni Association members. her future at Oklahoma State University. They have Emma and a 9-and-a-half Emma is one of 3,400 OSU legacies who are registered through month old son, Evan. Emma has been the Alumni Association and reaping the benefits of birthday cards registered as a legacy since she was about and other OSU goodies. a year old. The Legacy Program originated in 2002 “mainly because “What I like about the Legacy Program President Halligan wanted to find a solution for recruiting lega- is the magic of it,” Heidi says. “Emma cies back to the institution,” says Lora Malone, vice president and takes the cards to school every year for chief program officer for the OSU Alumni Association. share day. Whenever she gets her little “That spawned the idea that we don’t want to recruit them — gifts, she gets so excited. For example, we want to create a connection and a sense of loyalty, so there’s every year, I buy her a personalized backreally no decision to be made when it’s time for college.” pack from Pottery Barn, and this year, she After spending about a year collecting data, ditched mine, because the Legacy Program began as a benefit of OSU she wanted to take her Alumni Association membership. OSU backpack to school.” Heidi says it also provides an Registered legacies receive various gifts opportunity for her and her husband from the time they are bor n u nt i l they turn 18. Gifts to discuss college and education with though the years include their daughter. birthday cards and items such as an OSU “It makes the topic of college more backpack, picture frame and storybook. approachable,” she says. “We do talk to Other perks include participation in her about college, and she always says, Grandparent University, an educational three‘I’m going to go to OSU, and I’m going to be a cheerleader, and I’m going to see day summer camp experience for grandparents Pistol Pete.’ It makes her see that college and their legacies, ages 7 to 14. For the older 15- to 17-year-olds, there’s the Student Alumni is much more than just a place you go Board Legacy and Leadership Conference. after high school.” “We want our legacies to know that OSU Heidi says one of the best parts of the values their heritage and their family ties from program is once someone is a member birth clear until they graduate from college,” of the Alumni Association, the Legacy says Melisa Parkerson, director of student Program is free. programs for the OSU Alumni Association. “It keeps us happy because we love Parkerson says all legacies, whether they seeing her love what we love; OSU live in New Hampshire or Nevada, receive the is a huge part of our family,” same benefits as if they lived just down the Heidi says. street in Stillwater. For more information on the Legacy Program, visit orangeconnection. org/legacy. B r i a B o lt o n

Fall 2009

Emma Castro, left, loves being an OSU legacy. She and little brother Evan are the children of alumni John and Heidi Castro, above.

Th Tha

okla

9.15.2008 Friends of the OSU Library

5.20.2009 Athletic Scholarship Fund 6.16.2009 Veterans with Disabilities and Entrepreneurship Program

3.2.2009 Spears School of Business

5.13.2009 General Scholarship Fund 10.23.2008 Women’s Basketball 3.16.2009 Cowboy Spirit: Battle of the Bands

4.27.2009 OSU Center for Health Sciences

Your gifts to OSU reflect not only your giving portrait, but also your orange passion. That passion is different for every person, family or group. Stillwater National Bank’s portrait has virtually limitless possibilities. Demonstrating OSU support for more than a century, this picture illustrates just a fraction of SNB’s many gifts supporting academics, scholarships, athletics and enrichment programs. member fdic

Thank you Stillwater National Bank for your gifts to Oklahoma State. oklahoma state university foundation | 400 s. monroe | stillwater, ok | 1.800.622.4678

Share your orange passion with us @ OSUgiving.com/OrangePassion.

Still Ready For Space Travel Thirteen female aviators participated in secret tests in the early 1960s and paved the way for women into Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space program. If not for OSU alumna Wally Funk and 12 other pioneers, women might still be waiting for the chance to prove themselves as astronauts.

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The Oklahoma State Alumnus honors former Flying Aggie Wally Funk in a 1961 cover story.

(continues on next page)

photos courtesy Wally Fu nk

Wally Funk pilots a T-33 as part of her phase three training. photo courtesy Donna cote

Wally Funk, Lynn Post and Doyle Baker show off the Flying Aggies’ team trophies including the Loening Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding aviation club.

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Martha Ackmann reveals the Mercury 13’s impact on society and gender equality.

The Mercury 13 — Myrtle “K” Cagle — — Jerrie Cobb — — Jan Dietrich (deceased) — — Marion Dietrich (deceased) — — Wally Funk — — Sarah Gorelick [Ratley] — — Jane B. Hart — — Jean Hixson (deceased) — — Rhea Hurrle [Woltman] — — Irene Leverton — — Jerri Sloan [Truhill] — — Bernice “B” Trimble Steadman — — Gene Nora Stumbough [Jessen] —

As a Mercury 13 candidate, Wally Funk aced the physical and mental endurance tests given to male astronauts to prove women could also succeed in space.

Alpha Chi Omega offered numerous opportunities for formal dances, but to Wally Funk nothing compared to the freedom of the skies.

“Oklahoma State gave me the wherewithal to be successful and happy in my lifetime. I’ve gone to work happy every day of my life.” — Wally Funk ’60, education

Fall 2009

Wally Funk, left, loves the thrill and camaraderie of international and U.S. racing. She’s participated in her favorite, the Palms to Pine Air Race, for many years.

Wally Funk, 70, continues training for space travel. Left, she experiences weightlessness in Star City, Russia, in 2000.

FUNK’S RATINGS & LICENSES: — Commercial — — Instrument — — Flight instructor — — Single-engine land — — Multi-engine land— — Multi-engine sea — — Single-engine sea — — Glider — — Commercial glider rating — — Instrument flight instructor — — Ground instructor (all) — — Certified Flight Instructor — —Airline Transport Rating — — Federal Aviation — Administration inspector — National Transportation Safety — Board Air Safety Investigator

before he was drAfTed BY deTrOiT he accepted a SCHOLArSHiP in STiLLwATer

Endowed scholarships are the lifeblood of OSU athletics, allowing coaches to compete for the best athletes in the country. One example is Brandon Pettigrew, the tight end who made OSU proud when he was chosen 20th overall by the Detroit Lions in April’s NFL draft. But without a scholarship, Pettigrew would not have been a Cowboy. You can help us find our next first-round

Leave your own legacy by helping us reach our goal of $115 million. Call 877-OSU-ATHL or visit

draft choice by joining the Leave a Legacy program.

OSUgiving.com/athleticneeds.htm to see how you can

OSU’s generous supporters have committed $30 million

help OSU build future champions in the classroom and on

in our quest to endow 467 scholarships in 18 men’s and

the playing field.

women’s sports.

oklahoma state university foundation | 400 s. monroe | stillwater, ok | 1.800.622.4678

Location, Location

LOCATION From Business meetings to weddings and anything in between, we have the location to meet your event needs.

The ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center diverse rooms for large or small groups turnkey presentation technology accessible business center luxurious meeting space wireless internet throughout experienced service staff on site during every event

to ho

sit

Book Your Event Today! 405.744.8015 â&#x20AC;˘ 800.433.4678 alumni.center@okstate.edu osualumnicenter.org

Fall 2009

Famous Greek architect relishes his friendships with his former OSU instructors and peers. (continues on next page)

Michael Photiadis

Photos Courtesy MiChael Photiadis

During Michael Photiadis’ nearly 50 years as an architect, he’s designed many phenomenal structures, including an office building for Fiat (1), the Gaia Environmental Center (2, exterior) and the new Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, (3, interior) and (4, aerial).

“The word architect is, by Greek etymology, the building chief or leader: ARCHI: beginning + TECT (tecton): builder, mason,” Michael Photiadis says in an e-mail interview. Photiadis, an OSU alumnus and renowned architect, writes from Athens, Greece, where he awaits the opening of one of his latest projects — the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, which opened this summer. Photiadis grew up in his native country of Greece before attending Oklahoma A&M in 1957. Photiadis’ father had served in the armed forces during World War II when he met Marie Berger, “a dynamic U.S. State Department executive, who admired Oklahoma A&M for its agricultural relief programs,” Photiadis says. “So, 15 years later, when I was preparing myself for architecture studies

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at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, I had questions about whether studies in France were better than in the U.S.” With the encouragement of his father’s friend, Photiadis decided to study abroad. “At OSU’s Gundersen Hall, I became part of a lively group, among whom the nucleus is still my friends: Bob Wright, Jim Knight and Alan Brunken. Each is now a professor emeritus, and all were good designers from the start,” Photiadis says. Photiadis recalls his college memories as “the rhythm of school classes, the strolls on campus, the Student Union, the downtown movie theaters and the drugstore.” He remembers being invited for Thanksgiving weekends “in Oklahoma’s tidy towns,” seeing Frank Lloyd Wright’s forward-thinking offices in Bartlesville and even learning about American Indians from Cherokee classmates. He remembers his design professors who shaped his early architecture career,

especially Jim Cunningham, “the fatherly water colorist, a quiet, positive thinker,” and Alec Notaras, “an intrepid, buoyant designer, full of jokes, teenage pranks and always ‘ready for a beer.’ “They were great,” he says of his teachers. “When they sat and sketched at someone’s desk, soon a group of students would gather silently or with friendly acclaims in awe of the professor’s hand with his masterly presentation corrections.” Bob Wright was one of Photiadis’ classmates and Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers who became an OSU architecture professor. Wright, who retired three years ago, remembers Photiadis as a wellread and intelligent college student who spoke three languages. The two friends bonded their first year over late nights in the architecture studio and still keep in touch today through periodic e-mail and letters. “One thing we noticed, even in school, was that his designs were very

Michael Photiadis’ Advice to Aspiring Architects A professional architect should be able with a pencil and paper (or with a stick on the ground) to explain a detail, a concept, a way to construct. If you cannot draw, you

should not become an architect. Others in the building construction are under your guidance — except of course your client and employer. When and if you realize you don’t “mate,” find an honorable excuse and leave. You’ll be truer sticking with your beliefs. An architect must be a psychologist or sociologist to understand the needs and wishes of his clients, whether as individuals or as a group. Then he may propose as soluMore views of the Greek architect’s work: the Hotel Aigialos Santorini (5), the New Acropolis Museum (6, exterior) and the Gaia Environmental Center (7, interior).

tion. The solution must be practical, logical, environmentally

friendly and low cost, if possible. Aesthetics follow. Don’t ever copy. Don’t follow the stylish dictums of the times; they’ll soon be superseded, and there’s nothing more dated than yesterday’s blaring fashion.

humanistic,” Wright says. “His architectural work was responsive to people’s needs in very positive ways.” Photiadis earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1961, and after leaving Stillwater, earned a master’s degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then returned to Greece to serve in the military for 24 months. He started his firm, Michael Photiadis & Associates, in 1965. Today, Photiadis’ portfolio includes projects on museums, housing complexes, office buildings, schools and private homes. He counts the Gaia Environmental Center of the Goulandris Natural History Museum and the Vorres Modern Art Museum among his favorites. However, Photiadis has spent the past 10 years working on the New Acropolis Museum. It was a long process for Photiadis to be named one of the architects for the New Acropolis Museum. In fact, the museum has been many years in the

making as competitions for the winning design have taken place since 1976. “After 42 years of four competitions — two Greek and two international — I won the first award in team with Bernard Tschumi [the lead architect of the museum],” Photiadis says. Construction on the New Acropolis Museum, located below the Parthenon and only 300 meters from the Acropolis, started in November 2004 and cost approximately $170 million. Created mainly from glass, stainless steel and cement, the museum houses and presents about 4,000 artifacts including the sculptures of the Acropolis. Wright says the New Acropolis Museum was an especially fitting project for Photiadis. “He’s adept at designing structures that fit the context,” Wright says. “He’s been able to blend contemporary buildings into Greece’s historic architectural environment, so I think his contemporary museum in Athens

is a unique example of fitting within a very difficult and challenging cultural context.” Today, Photiadis and his wife, Melpo, have three sons: Philip, an architect; Sergio, an industrial engineer; and Mark, an events manager. Although he has fond remembrances of his time at OSU, Athens is home. “Well, it’s funny that you study abroad and then wish to return back to Athens,” he says. “It’s the scale of things, the people you know, being satisfied with what you offer more than being an anonymous professional in a melting pot foreign land. At any time of crisis, you best manage in your hometown, backed by friends, than in a foreign land, in spite of a more appealing professional future.” For more information about the New Acropolis Museum, visit: newacropolismuseum.gr/eng. B r i a B o lt o n

The OSU School of Architecture has been housed in its current building since the mid-1970s. The building was originally the campus gymnasium and then an armory.

In addition to being named one of the top 20 architecture programs in the nation, the school moved back into its remodeled building this summer and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. OSU found its place among the 20 best undergraduate architecture programs in the 10th annual DesignIntelligence survey of “America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools,” which was announced last winter. “Most people would say it’s the most comprehensive ranking system there is,” says Randy Seitsinger, head of the OSU

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School of Architecture. “It’s a great honor and it really speaks to the quality of the faculty and students we have here.” DesignIntelligence is an organization that is a think tank for architecture and provides data for the architecture community, Seitsinger says. T he sur vey, given in mid-2008, asked 200 leading firms which college and university programs best prepared students for the workforce and also asked more than 900 architecture students about their education. “This is a great place to educate students, but Stillwater is not the center of the architectural world, so there’s a challenge in getting recognition,” Seitsinger says.

“Even thoug h the DesignIntelligence survey is a great thing, we felt like we’ve had the same recognition in other ways for a long time. We just got confirmation.” Although this was the first year OSU appeared on the DesignIntelligence survey, Seitsinger says OSU students’ history of success in design competitions proves it’s one of the best programs. Students from schools across the country and around the world submit the same project, and a jury selects a winner. “We have been one of the most successful schools in winning those competitions over the last 60 years,” he says.

“It’s a really exciting time in the life The new building has also doubled the of the school because coinciding with our size of the library and provides more studio 100th anniversary, we’re also moving into a space, a larger gallery, a new auditorium, brand new building, providing opportuni- a day-lighting lab and room to develop ties we haven’t had before,” he says. the graduate program. The old campus armory, now home The legacy of the OSU architecture of the School of Architecture, was gutted program began in 1909 at Oklahoma and renovated into the new Donald W. A&M with one faculty member and three Reynolds School of Architecture Building, students. which was finished this year. “Where the program really blossomed Seitsinger says some of the architec- was about World War II,” Seitsinger says. ture faculty and students formed a team “There was a core of faculty recruited to to design the new building in conjunction the school who were very innovative, and with an outside firm, Studio Architecture they turned the school into one of the best in Oklahoma City. architecture programs in the country, and The new building doubles the size of the tradition has lived on.” the school, taking it from 35,000 to about Seitsinger says most of the buildings on 75,000 square feet. campus built before the late 1960s, includ“We’ve basically enhanced every capa- ing the Edmon Low Library, the Student bility of the school,” Seitsinger says. Union, Bennett Hall and Whitehurst, are the work of OSU faculty in conjunction with an outside firm.

“Most of the early buildings on campus are a product of the faculty who staffed the university architect’s office,” Seitsinger says. “It’s one of the reasons the campus has such cohesiveness.” OSU’s program was and still is oneof-a-kind because of the way it offers both architecture and architectural engineering programs. “The way those two programs work together and the amount of contact they have with each other is really unique,” Seitsinger says. “It’s the only program like it in the country.” For more information about the School of Architecture, visit architecture.okstate.edu. B r i a B o lt o n

The economy is in uncertain territory. With unstable stock markets and an uncertain future, philanthropic giving is one of the casualties hit hardest by a weak economy and timid consumers. And the need for stable funding and financial assistance continues to be a pivotal cause for higher education institutions across the country, including Oklahoma State University.

Fall 2009

Ask current OSU students how they have been impacted by the tumultuous economy and they tell stories of parents struggling to make ends meet while students are having trouble finding a job

or even losing their own money in the stock market. For some, it seems prudent to stay in school, going further into debt to pursue a graduate degree rather than starting a career. Others have turned down study-abroad opportunities or cut back on their course load because funding from parents, scholarships or employment has dwindled. And there are those in even more dire straits.

Consider a student who began a college career at a community college to save money during a thriving economy. If they want to transfer to OSU, they face the challenge of paying for the increased tuition and fees of a major-university education while there is less help available, either through employment or grants and scholarships. “The number of students applying for financial aid this year at OSU has increased by 20 percent,” says Charlie Bruce, senior director of scholarships and financial aid. “The need is great. We are having more students report to us that there have been significant decreases in their family income due to job loss or reduction in hours. Scholarships go a long way in helping to fill the gap.” Those factors demonstrate why the need is great and the timing paramount for scholarship funding, especially transfer scholarships. “For students whose family financial situation has been or may be impacted by the economy, the receipt of a transfer scholarship may make the difference between enrolling at OSU or deferring completion of a college education,” says Margaret Betts, assistant director of special programs in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “Transfer students bring a wealth of academic and social experience to the OSU campus, and anything we can do to help facilitate the continued enrollment of transfer students is in the best interest of the students and Oklahoma State University.” One such student with extra life experience is Christina Cook, a psychology junior from Stillwater. Cook’s college career began two years ago when she enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College in Stillwater at 26. The single mother of J.T., 9, and Jazzmyn, 8, has completed her first year at OSU after receiving an AT&T Transfer Scholarship. Bruce notes these scholarships are not simply charity — they are recognition of the academic achievement of students and the potential the university sees in those students’ future. Cook urges those who can do so to donate to scholarships to help students like herself.

It’s really helpful for me to know that I’m not just relying on the state anymore, I can earn a degree in my own way. This scholarship gives me a sense of accomplishment. — Christina Cook For more information or to apply for scholarships, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at 405 -744-6604 or finaid@ okstate.edu. To make a donation to OSU’s General Scholarship Fund, log onto OSUgiving.com. O

A ll OSU alumni can help r ecruit the bes t s tudents in their cities and neighborhoods to OSU with t he help o f the new A lumni Recruiting Net work.

“As alumni, we need to make it a priority to inﬂuence high school seniors to go to our alma mater.”

For the past 10 years, OSU alumna Ronda McKown has let her love for Oklahoma State bubble over to high school seniors throughout Norman, Okla. McKown knew a high school senior in 1999 who was an OSU legacy with great grades and high ACT scores, but he was being heavily recruited by the University of Oklahoma and not OSU. “I was thinking, ‘What could I do to change that?’ I decided rather than complain about the situation, it would be better to do something.” McKown formed relationships with high school counselors throughout Norman and worked to make sure students knew OSU was an excellent choice. Today, all OSU alumni can help recruit the best students to their alma mater with the help of the new Alumni Recruiting Network. The OSU Alumni Association and the Ofﬁce of Undergraduate Admissions have teamed up to provide three simple avenues for alumni to help: they can refer a student, serve as an alumni recruiter or adopt a school.

To refer a potential student, an alumnus can visit the OSU Alumni Association website and fi ll out a form providing the student’s information. From there, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will personally contact the student and ask if he or she would like to register as a prospective student. The student will also receive information from OSU and be invited to special events in his or her area. Additionally, the students will be notified an alumnus referred them. 70

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Alumni recruiters get to assist the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with recruitment events such as college fairs. The recruiter will stay informed about admission information and provide feedback to OSU regarding materials and activities. The third way alumni can help recruit is by adopting a school. An alumnus who adopts a school will remain in contact with prospective students from a specific community and serve as an assistant to a recruiting officer. The alumnus also will be the school counselor’s contact for questions and materials about OSU. “Every alum can do his or her part to help our university recruit the best quality students,” says Lora Malone, vice president and chief program officer for the OSU Alumni Association. “Whether someone has five minutes and would like to refer a neighbor online or has multiple hours a week and would like to adopt a nearby school, every little bit helps.” McKown says some of the best experiences of her life occurred at OSU, and she wants to make sure other students get to have similar memories. “As alumni, we need to make it a priority to influence high school seniors to go to our alma mater,” McKown says. “They have a lot of options out there, and we need to make Oklahoma State University be their choice.” For more information on the Alumni Recruiting Network, visit orangeconnection.org/recruit. B R I A B O LT O N

Yep ... Red Dirt music started right here in Stillwater! Groups like Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Cross Canadian Ragweed and No Justice combined a little bit of Blues, a little bit of Country and a little bit of Rock and Roll to create the new genre. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legends of almost every genre playing the bars, juke joints, festivals and stages in Stillwater today ... many greats started here, like Country artist Garth Brooks, the Alternative Rock sensations All American Rejects and Blues icon Watermelon Slim. Stillwater Rocks! ... and Boogies! ... and Scoots its Boots!

Couple endows scholarship in veterinarian’s name

Fall 2009

on and Dee Dee Stuart of Tulsa, Okla., wanted to do something special to honor their beloved veterinarian, Dr. D.C. Smith, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1970. Working with senior development director Jeff Cathey, the Stuarts expressed an interest in doing something significant in Smith’s name that would have a long-term impact on the veterinary center. They decided to establish an endowed scholarship for $25,000 in Smith’s name. “We wanted to do something that would show our appreciation for the veterinary care Dr. Smith has provided to our animals — our family — and somehow help future veterinarians,” Jon says. “We decided a scholarship to assist with educational expenses in Dr. Smith’s name would be a good idea.” Jon is the chairman of the board of regents for the University of Oklahoma, appointed by Gov. Brad Henry. He and his wife have known Smith since the Stuarts moved to Tulsa 30 years ago. Smith owns and operates Veterinary Associates, a small-animal veterinary hospital in Tulsa, along with one partner and three associates.

Millie, the Stuarts’ Bernese Mountain dog, at 10 weeks of age. Recently the Stuarts had the occasion to use the OSU veterinary center facilities when Smith referred their Bernese Mountain dog, Millie, to the small-animal clinic. Millie needed a triple pelvic osteotomy on the left side and later a total hip replacement on her right side, which were both performed at the OSU veterinary hospital. “Millie received excellent care,” Dee Dee says. “The veterinary students assigned to her case called me twice a day with updates on Millie’s progress and spent many hours working with her so she could walk again. I can’t say enough about how much the veterinary students helped her to recover.” The Stuarts are no strangers to the veterinary center. While they haven’t needed veterinary medical services before, they have been supportive of OSU’s veterinary center. In the past they have donated $2,000 to the Brittany Fund, which was established by a grateful client to help

Jon and Dee Dee Stuart, left, and Dr. D.C. Smith, right, present the Dr. D.C. Smith Endowed Scholarship to the first recipient, Michelle Sonnema, class of 2011. Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2009 to a full-time veterinary student in good academic standing. Michelle Sonnema, class of 2011, was the recipient. “I was pleasantly surprised to receive the scholarship,” says Sonnema. “It was wonderful to meet the Smiths and the Stuarts at the awards banquet and be able to thank them in person.” “I was very appreciative when Jon told me they were going to do this,” Smith says. “He is a kind man, and the Stuarts are very philanthropic. They were really impressed with the care Millie received and the caliber of the

Health Sciences that animals and humans will benefit as these veterinarians work to improve healthcare for all creatures great and small.” Thanks to many others like Jon and Dee Dee Stuart who have created scholarships and/or made generous donations to OSU’s veterinary center, more than $244,267 was awarded to veterinary students at its annual awards banquet. In addition, the center continues to strive to obtain funds to complete its Equine Critical Care Unit and the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Academic Center. The OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medial Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call 405-744-7000.

“Millie received excellent care. The veterinary students assigned to her case called me twice a day with updates on Millie’s progress and spent many hours working with her so she could walk again. I can’t say enough about how much the veterinary students helped her to recover.” defray the veterinary expenses of people who are truly indigent and do not have the financial means to provide for their pet in exceptional cases. In addition, the Stuart Family Foundation gave $5,000 to support renovations in the Small Animal ICU. Now Jon and Dee Dee have established the Dr. D.C. Smith Endowed

veterinary students. It’s important to help these students ease their financial burden upon graduation, and I’m glad to be a part of that process.” “We think veterinary medicine is a wonderful profession,” Jon says. “It’s through the legacies created by the veterinary graduates who go forward from OSU’s Center for Veterinary

D e r i n Da L o w e

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Bottom, McClain County 4-H’ers participate in kite aerial photography. This activity can be used in community mapping projects.

Fall 2009

started the first “Corn Club” in Tishimingo, Okla., in 1909, he probably had no idea where it would lead. What began with 50 boys in one county a century ago has grown into a club boasting more than 141,000 youth from all 77 counties across Oklahoma. And in following the 4-H motto, the Oklahoma 4-H Program continues to “Make the Best Better.” Bentley, known as the father of Extension work in Oklahoma, is considered to be the founder of the state’s first 4-H club. He organized the group in an effort to help novice farmers and ranchers improve harvest yields. A century later, that “learning by doing” philosophy still holds true. Although agricultural-related projects are still the foundation of the 4-H Youth Development Program, club members also participate in projects such as computer science, photography, robotics, leadership, technology, rocketry, public speaking, citizenship and more — all while developing skills they will use throughout their lives. Following the development of the first Corn Club, girls began joining Tomato Clubs, Canning Clubs, Better Bread Clubs and similar clubs under the supervision of Home Demonstration agents. In 1912 there were more than 3,500 girls enrolled in these clubs.

In 1914, Cooperative Extension was developed as a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the land-grant university system. Oklahoma A&M College, which became Oklahoma State University in 1957, was part of that land-grant university system. 4-H is the youth component of Cooperative Extension. The State 4-H Office is part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and is housed on the Stillwater campus. “Offering the 4-H program to the youth of Oklahoma is one of the unique aspects of OSU’s distinction as a land-grant university,” says Charles Cox, State 4-H Program leader. Community clubs began forming in 1917 as the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service grew. As the clubs transitioned into the 1920s, the girls and boys clubs joined together. Today, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service has a presence in every county, and its programming efforts continue to enhance the lives of Oklahomans. In 2002 when National 4-H celebrated its centennial, Oklahoma 4-H marked the occasion by establishing a special display in Gallagher-Iba Arena that showcases the beginnings of 4-H programs and visual examples of how the program continues to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma. Currently the display also features memorabilia focusing on the state

program’s centennial celebration. The display is located in Gallagher-Iba Arena, which originally was the 4-H Clubs and Student Activities Building. “State 4-H Roundup began at Oklahoma A&M College in 1921. Most of the activities took place outdoors under large tents as there weren’t any buildings on campus large enough to accommodate the 1,500 or so delegates who attended Roundup,” Cox says. “Sometime in the early 1930s a fierce wind knocked down the tents that were erected between Hanner Hall and Thatcher Hall north of Morrill Hall. Although no one was seriously hurt, they recognized the need for a building on campus in which to hold Roundup events.” At the same time, Oklahoma A&M students also attended some classes in

tents because there were not enough classrooms available on campus. In an effort to meet the space crisis, Oklahoma A&M President Henry Bennett asked that the state legislature consider a proposal for a field house to be built on campus that would be called the 4-H Clubs and Student Activities Building. This building would house not only 4-H events but student activities and athletic events as well. Although there was some opposition to the request, appropriations were approved for the building now known as Gallagher-Iba Arena. On June 1, 1939, delegates to the 19th State 4-H Roundup had the distinct pleasure of attending the official dedication of the new 4-H Clubs and Student Activities Building. Seventy years later, Gallagher-Iba Arena

continues to be a central meeting place for young people during Roundup. “Each year about one thousand 4-H’ers along with Extension educators and volunteer leaders still gather there for various events during State 4-H Roundup,” Cox says. “Recognition of members’ achievements has always been a part of the 4-H program, and that tradition continues today. The Honor Night Assembly during Roundup is a time when we recognize the new Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame inductees, as well as state record book winners, scholarship recipients, outstanding 4-H alumni, National 4-H Congress delegates and new State 4-H Ambassadors. We also recognize individuals and organizations who have provided special support to our program by extending to them the Honorary 4-H Membership.” State 4-H Roundup serves not only as the largest statewide 4-H event each year, but it also introduces delegates to OSU and gives them an opportunity to experience campus life. Gwen Shaw, a former member of the Burlington 4-H Club in Alfalfa County, attended Roundup six times (continues on next page)

Above, Club members gather in the 4-H Clubs and Student Activities Building during a State 4-H Roundup. Left, Payne County 4-H’ers take science to a new level as participants in the firstever National Science Experiment. The NSE focused on environmental impacts and used science principles to teach youth issues in water conservation. The 4-H’ers conducted a three-part experiment using hydrogels, water and soil. 75

Oklahoma 4-H’ers designed and installed a 4-H Centennial Garden at the OSU Botanical Garden and Arboretum. photo / Jessica stewart

Centennial events officially began during the 87th State 4-H Roundup in July 2008 and continue through 2009. Oklahoma 4-H’ers developed a centennial garden located at the OSU Botanical Garden. Club members from Payne, Pawnee, Tulsa, Noble and Adair counties have been involved from the beginning, including designing the garden, preparing the site and putting in the plantings. “Their creativity and enthusiasm has resulted in a magnificent garden that is a beautiful addition to the OSU Botanical Garden,” says Jessica Stewart, state 4-H marketing coordinator of promotions and special programs. Earlier this year, Eskimo Joe’s, a landmark restaurant in Stillwater, released an official Eskimo Joe’s 4-H Centennial T-shirt with graphics depicting the early years of 4-H to today’s technology projects.

Fall 2009

A 4-H Centennial History Book is being created, Stewart says, that will include the entire year of centennial celebrations in addition to 4-H stories and facts from the past century. Every Oklahoma county will be represented in the book expected to be published in early 2010. The Green Tie Gala, slated Nov. 6 at the Skirvin-Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, is the culmination of the centennial celebration. “This event is designed to honor all of those individuals who have had a positive impact on the Oklahoma 4-H program over the years,” Stewart says. “We’ll recognize our Centennial Family of the Year, as well as the accomplishments of today’s 4-H’ers, all while envisioning the next century’s success and impact on Oklahoma youth.” Gwen Shaw, former 4-H’er and current member of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, says she is excited about the Oklahoma 4-H Program celebrating its century birthday.

as a 4-H’er and about 15 times — and still counting — as a volunteer. “I have many memories of Roundup, but one that really stands out in my mind is the year I ran for state 4-H secretary,” Shaw says. “I had to come up with campaign material and a compelling speech, and I met with 4-H’ers from throughout the state. I was fortunate to be selected as state secretary and served during the 1974-1975 year.” Being selected as one of the two inductees into the State 4-H Hall of Fame was very memorable also, she says. “I have been very blessed in my life,” Shaw says, “and as an adult volunteer, this is a way I can contribute to the next generation.” As a freshman in high school, Shaw also was one of the youngest delegates to attend the 1970 National 4-H Congress in Chicago, where she was the national winner in Consumer Education. Three years later, she was named the state and national winner in

“I hope all of the celebrations slated across the state will bring 4-H’ers from past generations back to the program and reacquaint them with what 4-H’ers are doing today,” she says. “4-H has evolved over the years and is still relevant to today’s youth. I also hope that these celebrations will bring much-needed publicity to all that the Oklahoma 4-H Program has to offer youth across the state.” Anyone who is interested in attending the Green Tie Gala should contact Robin Morris at the 4-H office at 405-744-5390. “The Oklahoma 4-H Program has had such a positive influence on thousands of club members over the past century,” says Charles Cox, State 4-H program leader. “And we certainly look forward to what the next 100 years will bring.”

Robotics is quickly becoming a popular project area in the Oklahoma 4-H program.

Achievement and represented Oklahoma again at National 4-H Congress. Although it was tradition in the Shaw family to attend OSU — brother Terry and sister Dixie donned the orange and black before Gwen — she says her experiences on campus during State 4-H Roundup also influenced her decision when choosing which college to attend. “I was a state officer during my freshman year at OSU, so I wanted to be near the state 4-H office and go to school with my 4-H friends from around the state,” she says. “The scholarships I earned through various 4-H activities helped finance my college career.” She earned a degree in home economics education/communications from OSU in 1978 and currently lives in Edmond, where she is director of national accounts with Anchor Packaging. She works with national restaurants developing take-out packaging and believes her 4-H experiences helped her to become a successful businesswoman. “My public speaking experience helped me with my career choice of

sales by giving me confidence to meet with high-level executives in my client companies and gave me the organizational skills to be successful. Sales requires a person to be self motivated and a self-starter, and my project work in 4-H gave me great experience at learning by doing,” she says. Shaw has served two terms for a total of 10 years on the State 4-H Foundation, as well as serving since 2004 on the OSU Alumni Association board of directors. Shaw says her involvement in 4-H has inspired her to give back and she is able to do that by serving on the boards for both the 4-H Foundation and the OSU Alumni Association. Times and interests may have changed over the past century, but 4-H remains dedicated to its mission. “Throughout the course of 4-H history we’ve done our best to keep our programming relevant to what today’s youth are interested in and to provide them with many opportunities to build life skills,” Cox says. “It will be interesting to see where the next century takes us.”

Top, A group of 4-H’ers prepare for a radio interview. Bottom, State 4-H officers pose for a photo following officer elections in 1948.

A Gift for the Future Farmers Grain Company Creates Scholarship

armers Grain Company of Pond Creek, Okla., had decided to donate $75,000 to endow a scholarship at OSU, but it had one stipulation — President Burns Hargis had to speak at the cooperative’s annual meeting. This agreement was willingly accepted, and Hargis thanked the board of directors and members of the Farmers Grain Company of Pond Creek in person at their annual meeting in May in Enid. “I commend your vision for the future,” Hargis told the members. “This is a gift established in perpetuity that will give back to generations of members in this area. You value what a great education can do for an individual, and you are helping to make that happen.” Each scholarship recipient must be enrolled full-time and classified as a sophomore, junior or senior with a grade point of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must also have permanent residence in Grant, Garfield, Kay or Alfalfa counties in Oklahoma or Sumner or Harper counties in Kansas, and be Farmers Grain members or the children or grandchildren of members. Preference will be given to students majoring in plant and soil sciences, animal science or agricultural economics. Membership verification will occur before final selection by the dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Our cooperative contemplated doing a scholarship a few years back,” 78

Fall 2009

Farmers Grain Company President Danny Halcomb, seated, is flanked from left to right by Roscoe Grimes and Dean McCart, directors; OSU President Burns Hargis; Eddie Green, vice president; Bryan Slaving, secretary; James Wuerflein, director; Max Hohmann, director; and Kent Prickett, general manager.

says Farmers Grain Manager Kent Prickett. “Most of our members and all of the board members are close to OSU. They have sent kids to school or have them in school now, so they have a clear realization of how much it costs today. We need to get quality kids there, help them get through school and give them the opportunity to come back.” They hope many of the recipients will return to their rural roots after graduation, bringing with them cutting-edge knowledge and skills vital to strengthening and revitalizing local communities. Based upon the earnings in the endowment, recipients could be named for the fall semester of 2010. “We feel the endowment is a positive way for Farmers Grain to support our members and their families. As a co-op, we believe in doing what we can to help our members meet their goals,” says Danny Halcomb, president of Farmers Grain Company.

Farmers Grain Manager Kent Prickett, left, shares a laugh with OSU President Burns Hargis during the cooperative’s annual meeting on May 2 in Enid, Okla.

This was not the first gift to OSU for Farmers Grain. Giving started in 1985 with the Noble Research Center. In the 1990s, cooperatives across the state joined Farmers Grain by contributing to the Bill Fitzwater Endowed Chair in Cooperative Leadership at OSU. This chair was designed to develop research, educational and outreach programs that increase the understanding of cooperatives and aid in their development and success. Phil Kenkel holds this chair, providing timely information and programs for all cooperatives. M E L I N DA M c A F E E & K AT H Y M c N A L LY

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When Dorothy Striegel, known to most as Tiny, included the Les Huston Geology Field Camp in her will, it felt like an exclamation point at the end of a long sentence. Striegelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement with the field camp in Canon City, Colo., started 60 years ago when her father leased his land to Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College and the University of Oklahoma for the purpose of training and educating geology students. Since then, Striegel has done everything she can to ensure the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success, donating the land to Oklahoma State University after her father passed away, providing yearly monetary donations and even volunteering her service.

Fall 2009

At 87 years old, including the camp in her will felt like the final step. But after learning about charitable gift annuities, Striegel was thrilled to discover that there was even more she could do for the camp that is so close to her heart.

I read about the gift annuity in some literature (the OSU Foundation) sent me. It sounded interesting and actually it was a win-win situation for both me and the geology field camp,” Striegel says. “With my annuities, I receive income for my lifetime and OSU will benefit on my death when they direct the balance of my account to the field camp endowment. A CGA is an agreement between a donor and a charity in which the charity agrees to pay a fixed lifetime annuity payment to one or more beneficiaries in exchange for the donor’s charitable gift after each beneficiary has passed away. At the time of this agreement, the donor has several options and can direct the gift to an existing fund or create a new fund that relates to their passion. In addition to the fixed annuity payment, the donor also receives a current income tax deduction for part of the gift’s value and the knowledge that an impact has been made. “Charitable gift annuities are especially beneficial to older donors because of the fixed payment and the stability that it offers to their income. And, usually in our later years, we think about the values we hold and the legacy we want to leave with our university,” says Melinda McAfee, the OSU Foundation’s senior director of gift planning. Striegel gave a $20,000 CGA to the university last November to benefit the Tiny Striegel Endowed Fund for the Les Huston Geology Field Camp, which will be used to maintain the camp in the future. Just five months after giving her first CGA, she donated another $50,000 CGA for the same purpose. Striegel receives an 8.9 percent return on her gifts, which she says provides her a steady income. “I gave the first and was so happy that I put in $50,000 more,” Striegel says. “The interest is so much better than the CDs are giving now because of the economy. I felt it was a good deal for me and the school.” Few who know Striegel are unaware of the field camp, which is named for her father. Her passion for the camp is as evident as her positive attitude and bright smile. Each year, when the camp is in session, she visits on a weekly basis and still volunteers her time to do what she can to help the camp, which sees nearly 60 students and faculty each year from five universities across the country. “I’ve become good friends with the managers and students at the camp, and although they’re just here for only one or two sessions, I still keep in contact with some of them,” Striegel says. “The field camp has been an important part of my life, and I feel like I’m a part of the organization.” The OSU Foundation offers charitable gift annuities as an option for donors who are at least 50. For more information or to calculate what your CGA payment and charitable tax benefits could be, visit OSUgiving.com/plannedgiving or contact McAfee at 800-622-4678. O

In today’s economy, investments can fluctuate and change dramatically, creating uncertainty for many. A charitable gift annuity can be a good solution for some investors who need a steady, fixed flow of payments from their investment. CGAs are different from investments in that they truly are charitable gifts. The CGA agreement not only sets a fixed payment for the beneficiary, but it also specifies that once all beneficiaries have died, the balance of the account will belong to the charity for whatever purpose the donor specifies. CGA payments are determined by rate information provided by the American Council on Gift Annuities. A number of factors including the type of gift and age of the beneficiaries establish the payment. Regardless of the economic climate, CGA payments are guaranteed and will not change. Requirements for establishing a CGA to benefit OSU: - The gift must be valued at $5,000 or more - One or two annuity payment beneficiaries must be named on the contract - Beneficiaries receiving immediate payment must be at least 50* - Once an agreement is made, payments are locked in for life * The one exception to this requirement is a charitable education annuity in which the beneficiary is paid for a limited number of years while in school. There are many factors to consider before making a planned gift. For more information about giving options and requirements visit OSUgiving.com/ plannedgiving or contact our Office of Gift Planning at 800-622-4678 or plannedgiving@OSUgiving.com. O

T r i s h M c B e aT h

Fall 2009

Students then campaigned for their selections with a six-word nomination speech. Suter says the limited speech pushed students to use careful thought and imagination to make a case for their selections. “Since we were studying creativity in a marketing context, six-word nominations were similar in length to taglines or slogans. From that perspective, six words is more than enough to tell a terrific story,” Suter says. Through in-class voting, the nominations were narrowed down to two finalists, and the class was divided into two teams to campaign for the remaining entries. Students were then challenged to use viral marketing methods, such as word-of-mouth and social networking, to drive people to www.tas-sel.org to vote for their team’s entry. Suter announced Jonathan Petrino, a May 2009 marketing graduate, as the winner of the first annual TAS-sel College Tournament during the OSU Creativity Festival Feb. 16–17 in Stillwater. The festival included nationally known speakers, panel discussions, booths displaying OSU creations and innovations, and winners of the OSU Creativity Challenge. Suter says he wanted to teach the Creative Marketing course and develop the TAS-sel Project to support OSU’s goal to ignite an increased passion for creativity and innovation. He plans to teach the course again in the future.

PhoTo / osU-TUlsa

hose were the challenges of Tracy Suter, associate professor of marketing in OSU’s Spears School of Business. Inspired by the university’s Creativity Initiative, Suter developed a course at OSU-Tulsa that challenged students to co-create, explore and interpret the creativity experience. “The first important question I posed to the class was, ‘When was the last time you were creative?’ If the answer was ‘When we made hand-shaped turkeys or macaroni necklaces in elementary school,’ then the reason for the class became instantly clear,” Suter says. OSU introduced the Creativity Initiative last fall to promote and encourage creativity in all areas at the university. Thus, the TAS-sel Project was born. Suter says the name of the project is a metaphor for a graduation tassel, a symbol of accomplishment and achievement in each student’s life. Suter did not expect the far-reaching impact of the class. The project’s official website, www.tas-sel.org, recorded a staggering 101,400 hits in a few short weeks. “The members of the class did a phenomenal job of promoting our class, its website and the tournament format we used to share ideas,” Suter says. “All of the web traffic we received was due to their efforts.” To begin the TAS-sel Project, Suter’s 39 students nominated selections of what they considered examples of creativity and uniqueness. The entries were placed in six categories, including logos and brand marks; product designs; advertising campaigns; distribution and pricing; websites; and consumergenerated content.

OSU-Tulsa’s Tracy SuTer, seated, challenged students Ken WengleWSKi, KaToya FieldS, aaron riggS and JeSS King to co-create, explore and interpret the creativity experience in OSU’s first Creative Marketing course.

Back to School

PhoTo / osU-TUlsa

OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl, left, welcomes Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge back to campus as an accomplished alumnus who recognizes the value of a college degree for individuals and Oklahoma’s business environment.

State House Speaker Chris Benge works hard for higher education It was perhaps the fastest transition from graduate to graduation keynote speaker in OSU’s history. On May 11, Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge returned for the second anniversary of his own OSU-Tulsa graduation to address the 2009 graduates. “I was incredibly proud to walk across that stage two years ago knowing that I had accomplished a long-time goal,” Benge says. “It was an honor to return as an alumnus to honor the 2009 graduates and celebrate their achievements.” In 2007, Benge graduated from OSU-Tulsa at age 44 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, joining a growing number of people returning to college later in life.

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According to the U.S. Department of Education, college enrollment for people 25 and over rose by 18 percent between 1990 and 2005 and is expected to rise by another 21 percent by 2016. Like many non-traditional students, Benge had to juggle school with a job, family time and other commitments. “OSU provided a great opportunity for me to balance school, family and career,” Benge says. “I was happy working in the family business, but I felt like I was not reaching my full potential. So I decided to return to school to provide options for my family’s future.” A native Tulsan, Benge worked 17 years at his family’s painting and construction business. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1998 and held the chairmanship of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee for three years prior to being elected House speaker in 2008. He completed his degree during his legislative service.

Benge authored the House bill that created the OSU Medical Authority and was a driving force in securing local, state and private dollars to keep OSU’s teaching hospital open in Tulsa. He also supported record levels of funding for educational institutions statewide, including Career Tech programs. “One of the big challenges for students is preparing to compete for jobs in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” Benge says. “A college degree is more important than ever, and an educated work force is an attractive asset to businesses that may be looking to move to our state.” OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl says Benge exemplifies the best of OSU and Tulsa. “He has given substantial time and effort to supporting the state’s colleges and universities. “He is a true champion for higher education.” T r i s h M c B e aT h

Tomorrow begins

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Fall 2009

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or more than a decade, the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center on the OSU campus has been serving the food and fiber industries of Oklahoma by providing many services including product development, laboratory and technical assistance, and educational workshops. Since 2003, the FAPC Foundation Focus Program has enabled the center to accomplish its objectives with increased financial support from private donors, says Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business and marketing relations manager. “With these funds, the FAPC is able to focus on delivering even greater economic impact to Oklahoma as it continues to serve the state’s value-added agricultural industry,” Willoughby says. In support of the FAPC Foundation Focus Program and activities of the center’s pilot plant facilities, Danny and Carey Head and Paul Schatte, owners of Head Country Food Products Inc. in Ponca City, Okla., gave an automated filling line, valued at about $86,000, to the center. “We have been very blessed in the food industry over the past 61 years,” says Schatte, an OSU alumnus and FAPC Industry Advisory Committee member. “The people of Oklahoma, as well as Oklahoma State University, have been instrumental in our success.” Schatte has worked as general manager of Head Country for 10 years and is responsible for all the plant’s manufacturing, marketing and sales operations. Although the company is known for its No. 1-selling barbecue sauce in Oklahoma, it produces other products as well, including seasonings, salsa and marinade. Schatte says up-and-coming individuals often ask him what it takes to get into the food business. Head Country provides

as much information as it can and encourages them to use the FAPC and the on-site training available through the center to get their foot in the door. FAPC’s pilot plant facilities are designed with the needs of the Oklahoma food and agricultural products processing industry in mind. Some of the services the pilot plant offers include training and demonstration, process system development and evaluation, new product development, equipment evaluation, evaluation of functional product ingredients, technology

the scale-up and test-market production opportunities offered through the pilot plant operations.” The Product Innovation Fund, which is set up through the OSU Foundation, has received nearly $500,000 in contributions from the Oklahoma value-added industry and individuals. Roy Escoubas, FAPC director, says he is thankful to Head Country and the many other donors who have supported the mission and vision of the center. “Because of the support, the FAPC

When we upgraded our filling equipment, we could not think of a better place to donate our unused equipment than to FAPC,This way, those individuals we direct to the center can get even more hands-on training and knowledge of what it takes to get into the food business.

transfer, thermal process evaluation and consumer market testing. The automated filling unit Head Country donated is capable of filling fluid products such as salad dressing and barbecue sauce eight bottles at a time, says David Moe, FAPC pilot plant manager. “The added efficiency this automated unit provides can allow us to produce testmarket and market-entry batches for our entrepreneur companies in larger quantities in less time,” Moe says. “Many of FAPC’s entrepreneurial clients take advantage of

— paul Schatte

has been able to better assist more than 1,000 Oklahoma businesses through 3,000 technical and business projects,” Escoubas says. “An economic impact study found the combined direct, indirect and induced economic contributions of FAPC client companies were $6.3 billion and generated 52,000 jobs.” To learn more about the Product Innovation Fund and how to add value to Oklahoma, visit www.fapc.biz/fund/, or contact Willoughby at 405-744- 6071 or chuck.willoughby@okstate.edu. O S tacy Pat t o n

The

From Family’s Kitchen to Grocery Stores Turn great food ideas into marketable products with help from these OSU experts.

Fall 2009

kids come home from school and are eagerly awaiting their afternoon snack. They’re thinking cookies; mom is thinking carrots. Grandma Opal’s Cookies, a 100-percent whole-wheat sweet, provides a healthy compromise. David Buss, a fourth-generation farmer and 1988 OSU graduate, and his wife, Tami, developed Grandma Opal’s Cookies with the help of OSU’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. The Busses live in Hunter, a rural northern Oklahoma town of about 200, with their three kids — Kearstin, 17; Tucker, 9; and Bo, 7. For the Busses, farming is about more than making a living. It’s a family affair. “Our farm has been in the family for more than 100 years,” Buss says. Although wheat is their main commodity, they also raise sheep, horses and cattle. In 2006 alone, these partnerships provided Oklahoma with more than 8,700 full-time jobs, 325 part-time jobs and $1.9 billion in sales. Buss says about seven years ago, his family started grinding their wheat into whole-wheat flour, which they sold at farmers’ markets around the state. “My wife had the cookie idea,” Buss says. “Her grandmother had a great cookie recipe.” The Busses saw the opportunity to create a healthy treat for families just like theirs. The Busses brought Grandma Opal’s recipe to OSU’s Food and Agricultural Products Center where specialists helped these entrepreneurs develop their product, convert it for mass production, market the cookies, determine nutritional information and work with companies to package the product. The Food and Agricultural Products Center’s mission is to “discover, develop and deliver technical and business information that will stimulate and support the growth of value-added food and agricultural products and processing in Oklahoma.” Buss says first they developed a dry cookie mix, then cookie dough and then frozen, pre-formed dough pucks. “The Busses were adamant they wanted to keep the recipe clean, natural and homemade,” says Chuck Willoughby, manager of business and marketing relations at the Food and Agricultural Products Center. “They wanted to stay away from shortening or preservatives. It’s basically commercializing what you do at home.” Buss admits the process hasn’t always been fast or easy. “It takes a lot of persistence,” Buss says. Willoughby has worked with the Buss family since January 2005 and has seen them through the ups and downs. “They have had some hard times,” Willoughby says. “They faced a drought a couple years ago and then too much rain the next year, resulting in failed wheat crops each time.”

Photos / todd Johnson

David Buss, below, and his wife, Tami, above, work with the Food and Agricultural Products Center team to develop their tasty treats.

Willoughby says he has enjoyed working with the Busses because they have persevered. “It’s a pleasure and honor to work with someone with the attitude, enthusiasm and desire to move forward.” Buss gives much of the credit for the cookie’s success to the center and the people who have helped him. “Without the Food and Agricultural Products Center, we never would have gotten this idea off the ground,” he says. Since its inception in 1997, the center has helped numerous companies, not to mention the state as a whole. According to a survey from clients, these partnerships provided Oklahoma with more than 8,700 full-time jobs, 325 part-time jobs and $1.9 billion in sales in 2006 alone. “We’re giving quite a return on the state’s investment,” Willoughby says. Today, Grandma Opal’s Cookie Dough can be found in Enid, Okla., at both United Supermarkets and both Jumbo Foods as well as Native Roots Market in Norman, Okla. Cookies can also be enjoyed at The Laughing Tomato, a restaurant in the University of Oklahoma’s student union. “We’re growing, and we still have a lot of growing to do,” Buss says. “We’re starting to break new ground. It just takes time.” He says working with the FAPC has been a rewarding experience. “We’ve learned so much about the food process from start to finish, but we’ve also made a lot of good friends along the way.” One of the Buss family’s main goals is to have the cookies served in Oklahoma schools. “There are so many snacks out there today that are just junk food,” he says. “Our cookies are pretty unique. They’re 100 percent whole-wheat and made with real butter and real eggs. Hopefully, we can make a small difference.” Buss says he hopes to grow the “cookie dough business big enough so it will be a common name in every household.” B r i a B o lt o n

For College of Arts & Sciences alumni, OSU is not only the foundation from which they built their careers, but it is also their point of pride. Today, the College continues its tradition of excellence, remaining in the forefront of research that has led to ground-breaking discoveries, advancing our state, nation and world.

Now, as a practicing pediatrician, I look back fondly on my years at

OSU and am grateful for the scholarships that allowed me to attend college and receive a first-class undergraduate education.

Carla Hardzog-Britt, M.D., Class of 1983

To make a gift to the College of Arts & Sciences today, visit OSUgiving.com/AS.

oklahoma state university foundation | 400 s. monroe | stillwater, ok | 1.800.622.4678

Pete wants YOU To recruit great students to OSU by being a part of the Alumni Recruiting Network! We need passionate alumni to expand the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in high schools across the country. Become a part of the Network by visiting orangeconnection.org/recruit.

201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 Tel: 405.744.5368 â&#x20AC;˘ fAx: 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org/recruit

Contin Service

T Carisa, Oct. ’99 There was nothing more important to Carisa Winters than family. She is pictured here with her nephew Brenden, 2, (left) and her niece Bailey, 3.

Fall 2009

he sun beat down on Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., as Craig Winters and his family stood in a long line to see Disney’s Philharmonic. But the show was the last thing on his mind. Just two days before leaving for vacation, he learned his sister’s breast cancer was terminal, and she did not have much time left. As Winters waited, he thought about how he could honor his only sister, Carisa, and decided the family should establish a scholarship in her name. “I called my sister while we’re standing in line for this show and I said, ‘I don’t have any idea how it works, and I don’t know what it would look like, but there’s something I’d like to do. We’re going to ask dad and Martha (stepmother) and anyone else who’d like to participate, and it’s completely up to them, no pressure, but this is what we’d like to do,’” Craig says. “Carisa thought that was just the coolest thing, so every conversation we had after that, she always wanted to know if I’d talked to OSU and figured out how this was going to work.” Craig placed that initial call to his sister on July 4, 2008, and on Aug. 22, 2008, Carisa lost her two-year battle with cancer at 48.

“She was a redheaded fireball,” Craig says. “The thing she was most passionate about was her family and friends, and she did whatever she could to let us know we were important to her. That’s why we wanted to do this service award, because she was always helping people and getting involved in the community.” Carisa grew up in Harrah, Okla., and graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1982. Though she left Oklahoma to pursue her career as a programmer, Craig says she never forgot the education and life experience she gained at OSU. “She was deeply passionate about Oklahoma State. In fact, nearly every conversation that we had included OSU,” Craig says. “Even as she was wrapping up her life, she was still thinking about OSU and how important it was to her. “At her life celebration party two weeks before her death, she was recruiting a close friend’s son by planning a weekend visit to Stillwater. She even offered up our season football tickets for any game they wanted.” Carisa wrote her own obituary, and in it, she calls OSU “the best darn school in the state, nation and world.”

nued

, Sister s memory and commitment to service honored with OSU scholarship

Carisa, May ’08 The service award endowed in Carisa Winters’ name will honor her memory, her love for OSU and her legacy of service. To pay tribute to Carisa’s love of OSU and her dedication to service, Craig and his family donated $50,000 to create the Carisa Winters Endowed Service Award within OSU’s ServiceLearning Volunteer Center.

The award will provide financial assistance to juniors or seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have demonstrated a record of service documented through the volunteer center. It will also enable these students to pursue new service ideas and transform those ideas into reality. About 8,500 students serve the Stillwater community through OSU’s volunteer center, and as the center grows and offers more service opportunities to students, that number is expected to grow. “After 25 years, this is the first endowed scholarship through our office, and we’re very proud to be part of it,” says Joyce Montgomery, coordinator of OSU’s Service-Learning Volunteer Center. “We certainly want to honor Carisa Winters, who promoted service and participated fully in strengthening the community.” Craig and his wife, Shelley, and children Bailey and Brenden, along with Craig’s father, Bob, and stepmother, Martha, all donated to the endowment. “It was important to involve our family in this because family was important to her,” Craig says. “I wanted to make sure that everyone had an opportunity to honor her legacy of

loving the university and her legacy of service.” Craig and Shelley say the one thing Carisa took pride in was being the world’s greatest aunt. She demonstrated that by making her nieces and nephews an important part of her life — never missing a dance recital, always being there when needed and, most of all, passing on her love for OSU to next generation. “Carisa was such an important person to our kids,” Shelley says. “Our kids love OSU also and being a part of this process has been a good way to honor Carisa, be involved with OSU, and teach them the value of community service and empowering others.” For the Winters family, this scholarship award does more than just honor Carisa. It it provides an opportunity to continue her service to others even beyond her death. “I hope that this will give students the financial advantage to further their education and also participate in service to the extent that their passion drives them. But even more, I hope it leads them to do something similar if they ever get the wherewithal so they can have a greater impact in someone else’s life,” Craig says.

Fall 2009

PHOTOS / PHIL SHOCKLEY

here are only three ways OSU alumni can own the official OSU seal — a diploma, an Alumni Association Life Member certificate and the official OSU class ring. For many years, OSU graduates chose the stone and attributes for their ring, but in 1998, the OSU community realized the need for a unifying symbol. “We needed to create a bond that would stay long after students walked out the doors,” says Lora Malone, vice president and chief program officer for the OSU Alumni Association. “In the past, class rings tended to represent the individual more than the institution. Today, the class ring represents the OSU degree.” In 1998, students, faculty and staff from more than 30 OSU organizations came together to create one new ring for all graduates. The process took more than a year as the committee tweaked the design to make sure it truly represented the elements of OSU. The committee chose the university’s seal for one side of the ring and the Edmon Low Library and Pistol Pete for the other side. Waving wheat surrounds the emblems on either side. The top of the ring features the university name spelled out around the crown with the foundation date, 1890, at the base. “OSU” runs down diagonally, representing the Land Run of 1889. “Just like at so many other schools, the former ring was basically like ordering out of a high school catalogue — what

you ordered at OSU could be the same ring you ordered at OU or Missouri or many other schools. The only differ-

“My ring makes me think about how much hard work it was to get my degree,” he says. “I was carrying 17 hours and

ence would be the name,” says Tim Shore, regional manager of the Balfour College Division. The ring used today provides tradition and connection. About 450 OSU rings are made each year. Shore also says before the single ring program, anyone could buy an OSU ring. “Before, it was nothing more than a piece of jewelry,” he says. “Now, the ring is created just like the diploma. It’s something you have to work for and earn.” Malone says the official OSU class ring will stand the test of time. “It’s never going to change,” she says. “Whether you graduated three years ago or 40 years from now, the ring will remain the same.” OSU alumnus Tom Norton served in the U.S. Army as a medivac pilot after graduating in 1969 with a degree in agriculture. Norton says he still wears his OSU ring every day, and the only time he took it off was while serving in Vietnam. “Until Robin, my sister, came along, I was the only one in our family who had gone to college and graduated from college,” he says. “That was a major milestone for me.” Norton later worked as vice president of federal government sales for McKesson Corporation before retiring. He now lives in Edmond where he works as a consultant for smaller companies that sell pharmaceuticals.

working my way through school. I used to eat on a dollar a day.” He says the ring also reminds him of his wife, whom he met at OSU. “Today, I wear my ring because I am a proud Oklahoma State graduate,” he says. “Not everybody can be an Oklahoma State Cowboy.” Jered Davidson, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s in agriculture economics, says he views his ring as “a symbol of accomplishment and connection with the university.” Davidson will continue his education at the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he will study public interest law, dealing specifi cally with rural community issues. He received his OSU ring at the ring ceremony the week before graduation, and he says he knows he will wear it every day. “In the future, I think I will be able to look down at it and see all of the tools and thought processes and everything Oklahoma State taught me and how I can now relate those things to clients or to those in my community,” Davidson says. The Oklahoma State ring isn’t just a piece of jewelry. It represents accomplishment, research, education, community and an alma mater forever connecting each Cowboy. For more information, visit orangeconnection.org/ring. B R I A B O LT O N

chapters

Altus Cowboy Caravan

photos courtesy gLen Winters

What do you get when you combine home-cooked steaks on the grill, more than 350 OSU alumni and a good cause? The Altus Cowboy Caravan. In June, that powerful combination of good food and good people raised close to $9,000 for student scholarships. “We use this event to help promote our scholarship program in Jackson and Harmon counties,” says Glen Winters, one of the event’s organizers and a member of the Jackson and Harmon Counties Chapter. “In the last six years we’ve been able to give around $42,000 to our students. We feel like it is important to help them financially to attend Oklahoma State University.” John Bailey, treasurer for the chapter, says the group will give $5,000 in scholarships to area students this year.

Fall 2009

For Winters, the event is also about getting people involved and bringing them together to share their OSU experiences. “I feel like the event brings our community together,” Winters says. “It allows us to celebrate what the university and athletic department are doing, and it gives our fans a one-onone opportunity with the coaches and university staff.” A highlight for Winters this year was breaking in a new grill that could cook 189 steaks at one time. Built by fellow OSU supporter F.B. Stephens, the grill enabled the chapter volunteers, known as the Jackson County Cowboy Cooks, to feed the large group in record time. “When we originally started helping with the caravans, we used to feed hamburgers and hotdogs, but in the last six or seven years, we’ve kicked it up a notch with the steaks,” Winters says. Wrestling Head Coach John Smith and football Assistant Coach Joe Wickline were the keynote speakers at the event, which included an auction of OSU items.

Golfing for Dollars This summer, several OSU Alumni Association chapters hit the links to raise scholarship money for future OSU students. Tournaments were held in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denver and Enid, Okla., as chapter fundraisers for their scholarship programs. “One thing that brought the alumni who volunteered and participated together was our love for Oklahoma State,” says Misty Keene, co-chair of the Dallas Chapter golf tournament. “We all have different OSU memories and experiences that make us enthusiastic about doing events like this golf tournament.” The Dallas Chapter raised enough funds with its June tournament to provide $10,000 in scholarships this year. The photo / Jerod costner group raised the money through a variety of methods including sponsorships, green fees, raffles, auction items and mulligans. photo / Misty Keene “We know each additional dollar we raise will enable a student to have the great experience of attending Oklahoma State,” Keene says. “It’s like giving the gift of great memories to someone.” The Fort Worth Chapter had to reschedule its June tournament due to rain, but tournament coordinator Patty Sinclair says the event was a success anyway. “We lost some teams and players from the first go round, but we did pick up a few others with the rescheduled day,” Sinclair says. “Over all, it was successful for those who were able to be there.” Sinclair says the tournament drew a great group of alumni that

photos courtesy Lindsey FuLLerton photography

included a current OSU football player, a former player who played in the NFL and an Alumni Association Hall of Fame inductee. She says the chapter awarded two scholarships to Fort Worth-area students this fall using funds raised during last year’s tournament and hopes the number of scholarships will increase to three next year. “It’s important for us to keep OSU in the minds of our out-of-state students as a college option,” Sinclair says. “One of our chapter’s responsibilities is to raise scholarship dollars to keep OSU alive and growing.” In Denver, OSU alumni competed against teams from the other Big 12 schools at the fourth annual Big 12 Alumni Golf Tournament in June. More than 100 players raised close to $5,000 to be split evenly among the schools for scholarships. Jerod Costner, president of the Colorado Cowboys Chapter in Denver, says this year’s event was one of the most successful, with each of the Big 12 schools represented. He agrees the ability to raise scholarship funds is key. “While our chapter’s main function is to provide fun events and watch parties for our local alumni members, we embrace the idea that it is our responsibility as alumni to give back to our schools whenever possible,” Costner says. The Cherokee Strip Chapter in Enid hosted a tournament in August drawing in 30 teams. Tournament coordinator Mark McCulley says the tournament is one of two major events the chapter hosts to raise funds for the year. “The last two years we’ve been able to award 10 scholarships totaling $12,000 to students in the northwestern portion of Oklahoma,” McCulley says. “We’ve even had some scholarship recipients attend and oversee the putting competition in the past. It lets everyone who participates get to meet the students and congratulate them on attending OSU.” This fall the Houston Chapter will host a golf tournament on Oct. 8. For information about the chapters or to view photos from the golf tournaments, visit orangeconnection.org/chapters.

Tulsa Chapter’s ‘Cowboy Stampede’

It was a stampede of fun for the entire family during the Tulsa Chapter’s “Cowboy Stampede” legacy event in June. The evening included a picnic, games, face painting, hay rides and a special appearance by Pistol Pete. Cowboy Stampede co-chair Sonya Widowski says the event’s goal was to create connections with the next generation of Cowboys. “Making a connection at an early age with our OSU legacies allows us an opportunity to show them what being a Cowboy is all about,” Widowski says. “The influence and experiences they have will hopefully provide them little choice about their future college decision … Oklahoma State, of course!” Held at the K-Bar Ranch, home of Ron and Jan King, the event drew more than 150 Tulsa-area families. “We have had legacy events for several years in the Tulsa area,” Widowski says. “Last year, the Kings volunteered to host it at their ranch. It was so successful we decided to make it our permanent location. Being at a ranch ties in so well with our OSU traditions, and it’s also a relaxing environment for everyone to enjoy.” For the Kings, it is an opportunity to give back to their alma mater. “OSU gave me a great education, and I owe a lot of my success to OSU,” King says. “This is just one way I can repay my alma mater. It’s an honor for us to host it.” The Kings make sure the event is packed with plenty of orange spirit. “We have a lot of fun with it and enjoy doing it,” King says. “It gives us an opportunity to put out our OSU flags and to paint a huge round hay bale that we can put out by the road for everyone to see.” A petting zoo and pony rides for the kids were new additions to this year’s event and were enjoyed by both the young and old attendees. “It’s always fun to see people come out to the country and be around the animals and the wide open spaces,” King says. “Some of the kids and even the grownups have never been around animals.” With the success of this year’s event under their belt, those involved are looking forward seeing the event grow and develop in the future. “This year was another great event,” Widowski says, “and we look forward to continuing to engage more and more fans and alumni in the years to come.” 97

KosU

Recently, I rifled through my overstuffed file cabinet and surfed the Internet to compile a short list of KOSU student workers and was amazed by what I found. Through the years, the station has served as a career launching point for dozens of media professionals working across the country today.

Listen to KOSU anytime, anywhere, through live audio streams at www.kosu.org. In central Oklahoma tune your radio dial to 91.7 FM or in northeastern Oklahoma to 107.5 FM.

Fall 2009

Oklahoma politics with reports from our State Capitol bureau. KOSU is one of only two broadcast news organizations in the state with full-time coverage of the Legislature. On the weekends, tune in for American Routes, Car Talk and Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me. KOSU also podcasts local features, NPR’s Story of the Day, Fresh Air and Talk of the Nation. This new column in STATE magazine is intended to introduce you to the people and programs you hear on KOSU, to preview upcoming special programming and complement alumni stories you read in this magazine. If you already listen to KOSU, I humbly thank you. If you don’t, I hope you’ll consider turning to us as yet another news and information resource from OSU that can serve as your window to the world anytime, anywhere.

Kelly Burley KOSU Executive Director

photo / phil Shockley

Phil Rogers is a veteran reporter for the NBC affiliate in Chicago. Kris Crocker is chief meteorologist for the ABC station in Spokane, and Laurie Howell is in Los Angeles hosting a nationally syndicated radio series on environmental issues. Kyle Enevoldsen and Jennifer Johnson are experts in multi-media content development in Austin and Minneapolis, respectively, while Tara Thomas co-produces the public television series Curious in New York City. Nancy Robertson is vice president of people and communications for Sonic in Oklahoma City. Clark Bailey is in Oklahoma City too — serving as vice president of public affairs for AT&T — and the list goes on. We are very proud of our alums as well as our most recent student staff, such as Lacy Tatroult, executive editor for NPR’s Intern Edition. You might remember reading about her in last winter’s STATE magazine. Literally hundreds of OSU alums who worked at KOSU during college are currently practicing all forms of communication from radio and television to the Internet and public relations. These alumni will be forever connected to their experiences at OSU and KOSU, which continues expanding its commitment to extending the education mission of OSU. I hope KOSU will serve as your connecting point to what is happening at OSU, in Oklahoma and around the world. Think of it as FM with IQ. KOSU brings you the best that public radio has to offer, from NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered to This American Life and A Prairie Home Companion. And no matter where you’re located, KOSU will keep you up-to-date on

Meet the KOSU staff: Front row, from left, Joanna Self, Jamie Loomis, Gail Banzet and Rachel Hubbard. Center row, Don Crider, Dan Schroeder, Michael Cross and Paula Brown. In back, Kelly Burley.

Crossword

Announcing a new partnership between the OSU Alumni Association and the Student Union’s Student Store! More Than 700 of Your Favorite OSU Items at a 10% discount.*

Practice Tee 2009 Item #2174316 Show your spirit with this 100% cotton short-sleeve tee with screen printed football graphic, Oklahoma State and Cowboys at center chest. OSU brand also on back. Also available in charcoal and black. Sizes S-XXL $18.95

Mini Rubber Football Item #2183959 Fans of all ages will like this two tone mini football constructed of vulcanized rubber. Made to withstand rough play. $12.00

2009 Coaches Cap Item #2174576 This season’s on-field coaches cap is made entirely out of Dri-FIT fabrics. The structured buckram hat features a 3D embroidered OSU brand. Easily adjustable velcro closure. $20.00

College Replica Jersey Item #2174245 Worship your favorite Cowboy in this Nike jersey with screen printed number on front, back and sleeve. #24 also is available. Sizes S-XXL $52.95

Women’s Replica Football Tee Item #2174263 A slim fit design makes this tee a must for game day. It features a gathered sleeve cap and longer length. Distressed screen print at center front, back and sleeves. #1 is screen printed on back. Sizes S-XL $32.00

Core Tote Item #2183955 This is a great, versatile bag featuring an external zippered pocket plus an internal laptop sleeve. $30.00

Silent Count Polo Item #2174307 NikeFIT three-button polo designed to keep you dry and comfortable. Official sideline apparel worn by the coaches. Also available in white and black. Sizes S-XXL $60.00

Be sure to look for us on game day at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center or shop our store on the rst oor of the Student Union.

Order online at shopokstate.com or call 1-800-831-4OSU. *You must have your OSU Alumni Association membership number (located on your membership card) at the time you place your order to receive the member discounts.

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C l a s s n o t e s

’20s Melvin Welch ’28, ag econ, has farmed in Helena his whole life. He sang at the OAMC Glee Club, taught vocational ag at Merritt, worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp., and taught school in the Wichita, Kan., area before retirement. Melvin sang at the televised Oklahoma centennial celebration.

’30s Mary Huggins Harrison ’38, elem ed, lives in Midwest City. She is 93 years old and proud of her grandchild, an OSU veterinary medicine graduate. Winthrop E. Hilding ’38, mech eng, ’68, Ph.D., celebrated his 90 th birthday June 4, 2008.

’40s Harry G. Hoke Jr. ’40, gen bus, received his 70-year pin from the Masons.

’50s Kathryn M. Bilyeu ’50, bus ed, visited Alaska for the fourth time in September 2008 and spent a warm winter in Arizona. Charlie Lupsha ’50, ento, lives in Williamsburg, Va. He and his wife, Jo, celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary this summer. Barbara A. Ames ’51, HEECS, and her husband, J. Alan “Bud,” have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their three children, Lloyd Ernest, LaNae and Lance Alan, are OSU graduates. Mike Jones ’51, zoo, and his wife, Ruth, are proud of their granddaughter, Callie Ann Ulm, an alumna of OSU and Kappa Delta sorority. Mary Beth Ross ’51, elem ed, and her husband, Edwin, live in Wichita, Kan. Mary Beth volunteers for Air Force hospitals and works with civic organizations.

Lee G. Knox ’48, geog, ’49, M.S., and his wife, June B. Knox ’46, home life, have been married for 63 years, and they have three children. Lee retired from the University of North Texas in 1985.

Norman Borkan ’52, c h e m, i s a World War II veteran who served from January 1945 to December 1946 and was promoted to ensign USMS.

Morris Neighbors ’49, sec ed, ’64, M.S., psych, traveled to Armenia and Israel in April 2009 with the singing churchmen of Oklahoma for a two-week mission trip.

Robert E. Walton ’52, dairy sci, ’56, M.S., an sci, has worked as director of the World Dairy Expo, the world’s largest dairy industry show, in Madison, Wis., for 38 years.

Keep Us Posted! Whether you’ve changed jobs or last names or added a new Cowboy or Cowgirl to the mix, we want to hear about it! Members of the OSU Alumni Association can submit classnotes for publication in the STATE magazine and on the orangeconnection.org website. To submit info, visit orangeconnection.org and click on Update Your Information or contact us by phone at 405-744-5368 or by mail at 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-7043, c/o Classnotes.

Clara Boevers Perkins ’53, has a grandson, Tyler Perkins, who attends OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee. Robert “Bob” Lafferty ’53, ag econ, and his wife, Lorene, have three grandchildren attending OSU, and their son Bill and daughter-inlaw Jane are OSU graduates. Bob retired from the Farmers Home Administration in 1992. Joanne H. Dunn ’54, gen bus, has been suffering from an illness and going through rehab at Scottsdale Heritage Court. Millard Eugene Kuykendall ’54, an sci, is director of South Texas Children’s Home and manages land, mineral and cattle operations. John Jarboe ’55, mech eng, retired Jan. 30, 2009, af ter 51 years in design, construction and operation of dams in Oklahoma and Texas. John retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after 35 years and continued working with the Brazos River Authority for another 16 years. David Woodworth ’55, agron, enjoys spending his winters in Mesa, Ariz., watching OSU sports and occasionally ice skating. Paula A. Nicholson Waugh ’56, ed, moved back to her hometown, Tulsa, after marrying Bobby, a friend from high school. Herschal H. Crow ’57, sec ed, and his wife, Betty ’57, FRCD, have two sons, David and Carter, and three grandchildren, Walker, Charlotte and Thomas. Ann Maslanka ’57, FRCD, received her first computer last Christmas. Thalia C. “Liz” Oliphant ’57, env sci and journ, was named the Outstanding Texas Public Relations Practitioner by the Texas Public Relations Association’s board of directors. Liz earned the Accredited Public Relations designation and is also a Fellow of the Public Relations Society of America. She owns Liz Oliphant & Associates Inc.,

Donald O’Nesky ’57, mgmt, is vice chair of the trustee associates for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation for 2009. Lewis F. Schafers ’57, bus and pub admin, has 12 children, 33 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Donald D. Siler ’57, ind arts ed, retired after 30 years with Deere and Company. He and his wife, Peggy, have a daughter who graduated from OSU in 1982, and now their grandson attends OSU. Charles C. Williams ’57, ag econ, started his own business, Rural Appraiser, eight years ago. Max D. Anderson ’58, elec eng, ’59, M.S., is retired but continues to volunteer at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is active in band and is an AARP tax aide volunteer. He was elected to membership in the electrical engineering academy. Max and his wife, Katrina, are avid bicyclers. William “Bill” R. Barr ’58, phil, and his wife, Donna ’57, FRCD, celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary on June 8, 2009, by taking a cruise with their son Greg, daughter Jennifer and her husband, Todd Morgan, and grandsons Tyler and Carson Morgan. Bill and Donna live in Palm Bay, Fla. Robert E. Goetz ’58, spec ed, and his wife, JoAnn Grimes Goetz ’57, spec ed, say they are healthy and enjoying retirement. Charles H. Smith ’58, art, and his wife, Carolyn, enjoy spending time with their granddaughter Morgan Elizabeth Booth, who is almost 2. Charles received his 50-year pin at last year’s homecoming.

’60s Douglas Branch ’60, geol, and his wife, Sunny, retired in Longview, Texas, and they spend summers near Durango, Colo. Bruce McDonald ’60, gen bus, is retired and lives in California with his wife, Dorothy. He enjoys traveling to Oklahoma’s panhandle once a year for pheasant season.

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Classnotes

Whitney English Kolb

PhotoS couRteSy Blue Fox PhotogRaPhy

“When starting a business, it’s important to have that support system of people who will give you good advice, sound wisdom and point you in the right direction,” she says. Alum creates her own brand and marvels Kolb says her interior design professors at OSU were as it expands into an international supportive and cared about the students. company. “If we needed extra assistance, they were there to help guide and direct us,” she says. While OSU provided With baby-sitting money the backbone of growth and support from family and learning about the real members, Whitney English world for Kolb, she has been Kolb ’01, HIDCS, slowly learning to manage a paper started an innovative corpobusiness that she is passionrate stationery company, ate about for seven years. Whitney English, in 2002. While at work, Kolb Kolb began by printing designs 50 percent of the originally designed sets of brand’s paper designs while cards and using the money several other designers help from each set to grow her busiwith the other half. She also ness. Now her company sells offers assistance and input on paper products to 1,500 stores projects to team members at in the United States, numerous Whitney English. online retailers and to a couple Kolb’s favorite part of her countries outside the U.S. job is the people who work In 2006, the company with her. expanded by attaining Hicks “Working through the Paper Goods, which adds a hardships of running a busidistinctive set of designs that ness with valued coworkers complement the Whitney develops lifelong friendships,” English signature style. she says. “I had always dreamed of Not only does Whitney creating a brand,” Kolb says. English sell paper products, “It’s been fun to take the but it also gives discontinued name, Whitney English, and and overstock paper back to build a brand around that to the communities who have see how people respond to it.” helped the company grow for Kolb’s designs are elegant free. The limited selection and sophisticated with of paper the company has to a modern edge. Brilliant give is perfect for teachers, colors are displayed on note “While working at the store, I got non-profit organizations and cards, personal stationery, to see how my love for interior churches. announcements and gift items. design could tie into paper.” “We started to realize Kolb’s love for paper people need stationery somestarted at 15 years old when times,” Kolb says. “These organizations want to make money she began working at a stationery store in Oklahoma City. She not spend money. We work with them to get them what they worked at the store throughout college while commuting three need, and that’s been fun.” days a week during her senior year for work and classes. Kolb and her husband are expecting their first baby in Upon graduation, Kolb moved to Dallas to pursue a career September, and she is excited about adding to their little family. in interior design. Shortly after, she realized she wanted to She never expected her life to develop in the way that it has, take the opportunity to form her own wholesale stationery but she does not regret it. company. “I would not change my career path for anything,” she says. “I was living with my parents to save money, and I really “I cannot see myself not working at Whitney English. I can only didn’t have anything to lose,” Kolb says. see it evolving.” Kolb says she had much to learn about culture in corporate America and how to run a business.

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Fall 2009

R ac h e l S h e e t S

Darrell Christiansen ’61, acct, is the jobs director for Cypress Assistance Ministries, which helps the unemployed and underemployed find meaningful work. Joyia C. Elinson ’61, bus admin, and her husband, Jerry Setliff, travel about 90 days a year and are planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Joe George ’61, sec ed, and his wife, Kay, enjoy traveling and spending time with their three grandsons. Jaden and Eli are 7-yearold twins who live in Boulder, Colo., and Garret, 3, lives in Stillwater. Clayton Dunnihoo ’62, elec eng, retired after 45 years with Lockheed Martin. He and his wife, Liz, built a new house in Granbury, Texas, and look forward to enjoying the leisurely life. Mike Thomas ’62, an sci, ’65, prevet, ’68, DVM, works part time as a relief veterinarian, raises cattle and manages the farm. Mike and his wife, Barbara Smith Thomas ’63, gen bus, have a daughter, Michele, a 1985 OSU grad, who is marketing director at Fort Sill and has two sons. Mike and Barbara’s son Joe and his wife, Valerie, live in Phoenix and have three children.

John A. Welch ’65, hist, retired from the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2007. Now, he’s the stated supply pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfax, Miss., and a temporary member of the Heartland Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church. Bill Pope Jr. ’66, sec ed, and his wife, Sue, are proud of their oldest grandson, Brandon Elizarraras, who graduated from OSU in May. Richard G. Engel ’67, mech eng, welcomed a new daughter, Emily Marian, on Oct. 1, 2008. Ed Gallagher ’67, agron, sold his newspaper business and retired. Ed now has more time to spend with his family and grandchildren, Lukas, Jacob, Sidney and Lillie. James Hancock III ’67, psych, started his own insurance agency in September 2008. Larry Porter ’67, chem eng, ’69, M.S., retired after 41 years with DuPont Company. Nancy Kay Philipps ’68, elem ed, retired from Plano school district last October after 25 years.

Jerry L. Thompson ’62, ag ed, Ed Smith ’68, M.S., ag ed, sells and his wife, Sharon, have three chil- land for hunting and is an agent for dren and nine grandchildren. Jerry “Hunting Country” real estate. is a retired educator and farmer. Terry W. Tippens ’68, ag econ, Shelagh M. Curtin ’64, zoo, was named the hopes to retire this year after 44 Okla homa Cit y years with Hillcrest Medical Center “Best Lawyers Betand plans to travel to visit friends the-Company Litiand family. gator of the Year for 2009” by Best Henry North III ’64, sec ed, retired Lawyers. Terry has from teaching after 42 years. Henry tried more than 50 and his wife, Pat, have two daugh- jury trials with some cases involving ters who are OSU grads. The oldest, over $100 million. He also serves Jennifer, teaches middle school as a mediator in business disputes. science in Belle, Mo., and has a He has served on the board of daughter, Alexis, 5. Their youngest directors and loan committees of daughter, Jolene, is an army veteri- two banks. He also operates a narian in Japan. cattle ranch. James Owens ’64, fire prot, and his wife, Donna, have a son Jeff who married in May 2008 and works for GEICP.

Saundra Vincent ’68, bus ed, and her husband, John, moved to Muskogee, Okla., to be closer to their children.

Robert Purdue ’65, mgmt, retired in July 2008. He enjoys doing repairs and playing music at home.

Edwina Chatham ’69, DHM, and her husband, Steve, have two children, Elizabeth and Peyton. Elizabeth, a ’95 OSU grad, married Brad

Scott, a ’94 OSU grad, and they have two sons. Peyton, a ’97 OSU grad, is married and lives in Amarillo with her three children.

Katherine Sue Girod Myers ’71, sec ed, retired as a media specialist after 38 years with Claremore Public Schools.

Danny Swopes ’69, sec ed, and his wife, Cindy, purchased the Old Ball Park, the oldest sports card shop in Oklahoma City.

Charles W. Thomas ’71, M.S., sec ed, and his wife, Anita, moved to Broadmoor Retirement Community in July 2007.

’70s Larry Beeby ’70, music ed, ’75, M.S., sec ed, and his wife, Beth ’70, sec ed, ’91, M.S., retired from teaching and moved to Stillwater. Jeanene Gay ’70, Engl, and her husband, Tom ’71, mech eng, moved from Stavanger, Norway, to Reading, England. Tom retired after 31 years with ExxonMobil and began a new job in Reading with BG-Group in 2008. Ann Winsett Hawkins ’70, music ed, and her husband, Jack, moved to western Kansas last May after 22 years in Texas. She says she enjoys retirement. Dan Northey ’70, biochem, and his wife, Jane ’74, psych, have two children and two grandchildren. Dan retired after practicing medicine for 26 years. David L. Pope ’70, ag eng, ’71, M.S., and his wife, Julie, have two daughters in college and a 4-yearold grandson. David retired in 2007 as a chief engineer and director of the division of water resources for the state of Kansas. He started Pope Consulting LLC, which provides water and natural resources consulting. Charles “Larry” Chitwood ’71, ag ed, and his wife, Jackie, have a son, Bret, a 1991 OSU graduate, and a daughter, Wendy, a 1994 graduate. Larry retired from Chitwood Construction Co. Inc. after 30 years in the concrete paving industry. LeeRoy Kiesling ’71, Ed.D., ag ed, is serving his second term as a Texas Silver-Haired Legislator. Mac L. McCrory Jr. ’71, bus admin, ’78, M.S., HPER, ’80, Ed.D., retired from OSU and started a consultancy and executive coaching business.

Jim Shelton ’72, an sci, is on the board of directors of Holistic Management International, a notfor-profit international corporation headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., that assists farmers, ranchers and land managers with profitability, sustainability and the health of their land and families. Richard Holcomb ’73, Engl, is a technology coordinator for Albuquerque High School. His wife, Geraldine, is a special education teacher. They have four children, Michael, Amber, Amanda and Adam. Stella P. Hughes ’73, psych, ’76, M.S., corrections, ’81, Ph.D., soc, has a granddaughter, Leslie Cockrell, who became the sixth OSU graduate in their family in May. Kevin Turner ’73, gen ad, and his wife, Judith, celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary March 19 th. They have three granddaughters, Sophie, 5, Sydnie, 4, and Shalie, 2. John D. Zymitz ’73, Ph.D., hist, retired after 35 years in shipboard education and 25 years as CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education. He enjoyed his career and taking a dozen trips around the world. Kevin Patrick ’74, ind eng, ’76, M.S., is president of the Woodlands Concert Band, and Kevin’s wife, Cathy ’74, elem ed, is a first-grade team leader at Coulson Tough Elementary and is retiring as regional director of the Destination Imagination program. John T. Severe ’74, pre-law, and his wife, Karen ’74, spec ed, have a daughter, Melissa, who is married to Jeff Weber. Melissa and Jeff live in Enid with their son, Adam Thomas Weber, who was born on July 1, 2008. Melissa is a teacher at Waller Junior High.

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Classnotes

Carolyn Wright Henthorn ’75, DHM, is the executive vice president of Yukon National Bank.

He also retired as Edmond Schools’ superintendent after 33 years in education.

Scott Stuart ’82, mktg, married his wife, Yvonne, at last fall’s bedlam game.

Cynthia “Cindy” C. Nally ’75, soc, and her husband, Bernie, have a daughter, Erin, who will be an OSU freshman this fall studying pre-med in the Honors College.

Kirk Standridge ’79, ag econ, and his wife, Kathy ’79, nut sci, work on the family cattle farm in addition to his job as a Hickory fire chief volunteer and Kathy’s job as youth director for Sulphur First Christian Church. Their daughter, Hattie Kate, is 14 and a big OSU fan.

Lesa Deason Crowe ’84, journ, celebrated her 35 th year in the field of advertising and public relations. Her firm, Itancan Inc., serves casinos, car dealerships and other businesses.

C. Wayne Sims ’75, mgmt, and his wife, Carolyn, have four grandchildren, Peyton, 4, Charlea, 4, Paige, 1, and Ben, 6 months. Mark Gish ’77, ag econ, and his wife, Gale Easterling Gish ’77, dist ed, have two children. Anna, an OSU nutrition alum, graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s dental hygiene school in May. Their son, Thomas, is a OSU finance and accounting grad. Gale retired in May 2008 from Tahlequah Public Schools after 31 years of teaching.

’80s Curt Kelsey ’80, ag econ, purchased the Buick Pontiac GMC dealership in Purcell, Okla., and added the Chevrolet dealership and renamed it Kelsey Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC. Curt and his wife, Keri, have three children, Colby, 20, Casadi, 10, and Larry, 6.

Rick Sievert ’77, chem eng, works in Australia. Rick and his wife, Joella, have two sons who graduated from OSU with engineering degrees.

Martha Sturgis Self ’81, mgmt, and her husband, Kenneth Stephen Self ’78, radiation and nuc tech, have a daughter, Rachel, who is a senior at OSU.

Nancy Reeves Lang ’78, bio sci and teacher ed, transferred back to Halliburton’s Duncan Technology Center as a production enhancement chemist after 27 years in Wyoming and 30 years total with Halliburton. Nancy and her husband, Robert, live near their family.

Mike Stump ’81, mgmt, and his wife, Debbie Campbell Stump ’81, sec ed, have a daughter, Elizabeth, an OSU human development and family sciences graduate in May, who is now interning as a child life specialist at Rush University Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Randall Raburn ’78, Ed.D., educ admin, retired July 1, 2009, as executive director of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, the umbrella organization for three professional associations for school administrators.

Gary Houghton ’82, fin, and his wife, Karen, welcomed their first grandchild in March. They have a new family business, Miss Mango, selling purses, handbags, accessories and candles.

STATE magazine wants to know what’s on your mind. Please take a moment to complete our online survey so we can better serve your needs in future issues. Visit http:// magazine.okstate.edu.

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Kristine Mayo ’82, HIDCS, and her husband, H. DeWayne, have two daughters who attend Georgia College State University. Courtney is a senior, Chelsea is a sophomore. Kristine was promoted to senior regional account manager at Prudential Financial and was named the No. 1 top seller in the U.S. and a conference qualifier. William “Bill” S. Martin ’82, fin, is the general counsel of Bouldin Corporation, which manufactures equipment for horticulture, recycling and alternative energy industries. Bill and his wife, Marilyn, live in McMinnville, Tenn.

Lisa Deann Bruce ’84, elem ed, married Darrell Bruce on Oct. 20, 2007. They manage a cow and calf operation on their 80-plus acres. Donna Wooten Hasty ’84, acct, completed a master’s certification in government contracting from George Washington University School of Business. Her son, Keaton, is a freshman at OSU studying chemistry. Terry O. Henderson ’84, an sci, and his wife, Beth, have been married for 19 years and have two children, Oliver, 16, and Amelia, 14. They live on a small farm north of Indianapolis, Ind. Terry is founder and president of Achieva Inc., a business communications and public affairs firm, and Beth is a registered nurse and founder and president of The Rehab Connection. Mert Martens ’84, M.S., appl beh st, ’91, Ed.D., and her husband, Chris, moved to Ponca City from Denver, Colo. Retired from teaching, Mert is a self-employed educational consultant. Felix M. Cue ’85, Ph.D., econ, lectured at his campus theater, Universidad Interamericana, about opportunities for Puerto Rico from the Cuban opening and gave a dialogue about the effects of Latin American on the financial crisis at the University Senate. Michael R. Kennison ’85, org admin, returned from Iraq in October 2008 and took command of the 45th Brigade Special Troops Battalion in April 2009. While he was deployed, his second grandson, Brayden Zink, was born. Johnbull A. Aibueku ’86, fin, received his doctor of education from Alliani International University in 2008, and in 2009 he earned education specialist credentials from Chapman University.

Jill Schooler ’86, mgmt sci and comp sys, gave birth to a baby boy, Zachary James Shore, on July 17, 2008. Holly Easterling ’88, acct, is an elected official for the Chickasaw Nation and works for a local CPA firm, Sherri Owm-Calaway, P.C.

’90s Vince Bogard ’90, HRAD, ’92, M.S., occup and adult ed, works in Dallas, Texas, as a senior sales manager for Sheraton, specializing in the hotel’s primary markets. Ken Spady ’90, ag econ, and his wife, Kim Taggart Spady ’90, ag econ, live in Hinton, Okla., with their four boys, Jacob, 12, Caleb, 10, Luke, 6, and Seth, 5. They enjoy spending fall days on campus during OSU football games. In April 2008, Caleb was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cancer in the brain-stem. Much of their family time and energy is spent battling the devastating disease, and they focus on making memories every moment. Robert B. Fitts ’91, mgmt, had a stroke in 2004 at age 37. He has twin boys, Brooks and Andrew, 11. Rhonda Heiser ’91, HRAD, and her husband, John, finished renovating their newly purchased 1952 home last year, while maintaining its original craftsman style. Sufian Alkhaldi ’92, M.S., micro, ’98, Ph.D., helped solve one of the biggest food outbreak mysteries in the U.S. by collecting a pepper sample from a Mexican farm. Danny Hancock ’93, AAS, const tech, is board chair for the Association of General Contractors of Oklahoma. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Oklahoma Construction Foundation, which issues scholarship money to OSU Stillwater and OSU Institute of Technology construction programs. Andrew Carr Bennett ’93, agron, ’95, M.S., crop sci, and his wife, Sharon, welcomed their daughter Sarah Allison Bennett in November 2007 and a new baby last April.

Fall 2009

Oral His

I n

T h e I r

Ow n

wO r d s

Listen to audio excerpts of OSU alumni sharing their compelling life stories and college memories or read their interview transcripts at www.library.okstate.edu/oralhistory/ostate.

Tough But Fair

Jonathan Friend, a pioneering faculty member of OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, helped establish the fledgling veterinary program in the 1940s and contributed to its national reputation for teaching excellence.

Another important part fruition, so after visiting with In September 1948, of Friend’s legacy includes Dean McElroy, he enrolled Jonathan Friend “his influence on his former in Kansas State University’s became the seventh faculty veterinary college, graduating students who later became member hired by OSU’s faculty members and adopted in 1945. newly established College of and applied many of his When Friend returned to Veterinary Medicine, where teaching techniques and OSU in 1948, he described the first class of students had attributes.” the veterinary facilities as enrolled only six months Friend, known as a “almost primitive.” earlier. tough but fair teacher, was The anatomy and patholHired by President Henry honored with the Norden ogy courses were taught Bennett and veterinary dean Distinguished Teacher Award in “an old Army surplus Clarence McElroy, Friend in 1971 for teaching excelbuilding” on Farm Road that served OSU for 38 years lence, and in 1984 the college they referred to as TF9 for under six deans and two yearbook was dedicated in his “Temporary Frame Number interim deans and taught honor. After his retirement, 9.” In some areas of the wall more than 2,000 Friend received a signal honor you could “see daylight right students before his along with his longtime friend 1986 retirement. through it.” and fellow faculty member In those early years, Friend Duane Peters when a new faculty offices were located grew up in student residential life unit, in horse stalls, Friend said, northPeterson-Friend Hall, was laughing, and large animal central named in their honor. Friends Oklahoma surgery was done on a wresand fellow faculty members tling mat on the floor. and Today’s dean of the Center also funded an endowment in enrolled Friend’s name to support the for Veterinary Sciences, Dr. at OSU veterinary medicine library. Michael Lorenz, is one of in 1939, Friend made immeasurFriend’s former students. but plans able contributions to the field “Although Jonathan often for a of veterinary medicine and to had a heavy teaching load, veterinary the lives of his many former he always had time to visit school had students. His greatest legacy personally with students not yet come to was also his greatest love and answer their questions,” Jonathan Friend passed away shortly after sharing his — teaching. Lorenz says. memories with OSU, yet his insight and observations will live on in a series of oral histories from veterinary faculty, administrators and alumni. To hear more in Friend’s own words, visit www.library.okstate.edu/oralhistory/ostate O-STATE Stories, a project of the OSU Library’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program chronicles the rich history, heritage and traditions of OSU. For more information or to propose interviews, contact Jerry Gill at 405-744-1631 or email jerry.gill@okstate.edu. 105

Oral History, Jon Friend.indd 105

8/4/09 9:32:56 AM

Classnotes

Terry L. Sperle ’94, ag ed, and his wife, Katrina, have two children, Ryan, 11, and Mariah, 8. Terry is district manager of an insurance company. Randall Baker ’95, civ eng, ’06, M.S., and his wife, Melissa, bought a house in midtown Tulsa, and Randall started a new job at Hilti. Shirley D. Morrow ’95, hort and land arch, M.S., env sci, started a company that provides training in construction erosion and sediment control. John Campbell ’96, arch, has been a member of WTC architects in Pittsburg, Penn., since 1997. He has experience in healthcare, commercial, educational, assembly and institutional building types. He is helping design the new University of Miami Student Activities Center. Janette Herren ’96, fin, and her husband, Casey, welcomed their daughter Chanley Nicole Herren on Nov. 12, 2007. S. Fred Jordan Jr. ’96, mktg, joined Fellers Snider Law Firm as an associate. Fred is a state representative in the Oklahoma House and represents the Jenks and south Tulsa area. He is the assistant majority whip and vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and a member of several other committees. Calvin Wes Hilliard ’97, pol sci, married Melissa Cottrell on Nov. 15, 2008. Martin Williams ’97, chem eng, and his wife, Emily, welcomed baby Max in March. Martin received his master’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University last December. Lisa Donaldson ’98, M.S., ag econ, and her husband, Jesse, welcomed a baby girl, Jenna Kathryn, on July 2, 2008. Shayla Grasser ’99, ag comm, and her husband, Gary, welcomed a baby boy, Kelltyn Lee, on Oct. 21, 2008. Julie Bond-Ledford ’99, ag econ, ’01, ag ed, and her husband, Bryan, are expecting a baby girl in early August.

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Timothy Rathbun ’99, D.O., and his wife, Niki, moved from Stillwater to Oklahoma City, and Timothy joined Southwest Neurologic Association.

’00s Tawni Herburger ’00, an sci, and Kip Herburger ’88, fin, married April 26, 2008. Kip is president of a local bank in Tulsa. Tawni started a boutique business called “Tawnini,” which specializes in hip boutique style clothing and accessories. Justin Brown ’01, fin, and his wife, Kelly ’01, elem ed, welcomed their new son, Ford William Brown, in April. He joins a big sister, Hannah Grace. Rebecca Chancellor ’01, elem ed, received her master of divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in May 2008, and she received the John B. Spragens Award for Christian Education. Erin Chase Melton ’01, math, and her husband, Michael Melton ’00, chem eng, celebrated their son Hayden’s second birthday in July. Michael is a senior engineer at Fintube Technology. Travis S. Munson ’01, mktg, and his wife, Melissa, welcomed a baby girl, Madyson Jo, in July 2008. In January 2009, Travis was shot in the upper abdomen in the line of duty, but a bulletproof vest saved his life. LeeAnn L. Burgess ’02, journ, and her husband, Justin, welcomed their first child, Shelby JoAnna Burgess, on Jan. 29, 2009. They say the only baby mobile Shelby responds to is a Pistol Pete mobile that plays the OSU fight song. Melissa Epperson ’02, mktg, was promoted to merchandise financial planner for Sam’s Club last October.

Tara Hannaford ’03, gen bus, and her husband, Bo, welcomed a new son, Tucker Shane Hannaford, on Oct. 22, 2008. Rebecca McLaughlin ’03, soc, and her husband, Michael McLaug hlin ’02, journ, welcomed a baby girl, Emma Christine McLaughlin, on April 13, 2008. Michael started his anesthesiology residency this summer. Megan Mooney ’03, MBA, bus admin, is a member of Leadership Tulsa class 41 and an intern for the board of directors of Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Kelly Ann Powell ’03, ag ed, and her husband, Zach, welcomed baby Colter Ryan on Feb. 26, 2008. Colter joins his twin sisters, Jacksen Irene and Masen Jo, born Oct. 26, 2006. In 2008, the family moved to Elk City, Kan., where Zach works for Westfall Brothers Cattle Ranch. Kyle Sharon ’03, chem eng, and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed Carson Reed Sharon on Nov. 27, 2008. Jamie Lynn Gore ’04, D.O., gave birth to Coulson Lee Gore on Jan. 22, 2009. Benjamin Porter ’04, soc and psych, and his wife, Amy ’04, fire prot and safety, welcomed a baby boy in May. Alexis Grether ’04, psych, works for Stillwater National Bank at Spring Creek Plaza, the new Edmond, Okla., branch. Alexis recently returned from a visit to Greece. She frequently returns to Stillwater to visit her younger brother and sister who attend OSU. Lori Nordstrom ’04, elem ed, and her husband, Jonathan, a former OSU student, opened Nordstrom Chiropractic in Edmond, Okla. Nicole Davis Nulton ’04, journ, and Seth Nulton ’04, aviation sci, married on May 17, 2008.

Daniel Kelln ’02, plant and soil sci, and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their first child, Kevlee Lynn Kelln, on Nov. 30, 2008.

Jessica Jackson ’05, env sci, married Tyler on March 22, 2008, and they live in Drumright, Okla.

Ryan Hall ’03, mktg, and his wife, Bridgette Hall ’02, micro, welcomed their first child, Jackson Ray, in March 2008.

Keith Larsen ’06, elec eng, married Meredith ’04, nutri sci, ’06, M.S., in 2008. Keith was promoted to hardware design engineer at

STMicroelectronics, and Meredith was promoted to clinical nutrition coordinator at Medical Center of Arlington. They recently welcomed Vanessa Larsen to their family. Andie Luttrell ’06, mktg, and Eric Hendricks plan to marry on Oct. 24, 2009. Vincet S. Thanki ’06, MSIS, lives in southern California and joined Freedom Communications in February 2007. He currently works in the application development group as an information systems analyst. Crystal Turner ’06, indus eng, works for Luminant, also known as TXU, the largest power provider in Texas. She started working at the company’s Big Brown Mine as a fuel quality engineer and in 2008 transferred to a new mine in Kosse, Texas, to work as a mine planning engineer. Jim Barnard ’07, univ studies, and his wife, Julie ’75, Engl, celebrated 35 years of marriage Dec. 23, 2008. Jim is the CEO of Persimmon Ridge and Post Oak Lodge in Tulsa. Tristan Brown ’07, journ, married Whitney Stanter on June 6, 2009. Morgan Phillips ’07, journ, was promoted to one of two senior account managers at Waller & Company Public Relations based in Tulsa, Okla. Morgan, who joined Waller & Company in May 2007, brings strong writing and project management skills to her position. She leads several client accounts in fields including food service, healthcare and technology. She specializes in event planning, media relations campaigns, editorial marketing and technical writing. Morgan is a freelance writer, a member of Tulsa’s Young Professionals and serves as PRSA communications chair.

Lee Cohen

Photos courtEsy lEE cohEn

He published his first study in 1997, his master’s thesis, showing chewing gum lessened nicotine withdrawal and cravings among smokers asked to not smoke for four hours. Psychologist looks past the smoke and mirrors of cigarettes to help Later, he moved to California for a year-long clinical smokers fight their nicotine addictions. internship at U.C. San Diego’s School of Medicine. He received his doctoral degree in 1999 from OSU and upon completion of his internship, remained at the UCSD School of Medicine OSU alumnus Lee Cohen makes his living for another year as a poststudying healthy ways for people to quit smoking. doctoral fellow funded by His dedication to his work has even driven him to the National Institute on take a few puffs himself. Drug Abuse. “I’ve tried a puff here and there so that I In 2000, he accepted could try and understand it,” says the Texas Tech a tenure-track position University clinical psychologist, who adds he at Texas Tech University understands that becoming a regular smoker is a in Lubbock, Texas. By complex issue involving habitual behaviors and then he and Michelle, an dependence on nicotine, the most addictive drug occupational therapist, people abuse. were looking for a small“In my opinion, it’s horrible. The funny thing town environment where Lee and Michelle Cohen and their children is, when you talk to many smokers who’re in they could start a family. Rachel and Ross. the beginning stages, it’s like they had to fight “Ironically, all I wanted to through that a bit to do it.” do was get back to a place like Stillwater,” says Cohen, now But, his research into smoking — examining how chewing father of Ross, 5, and Rachel, 2. gum can counter nicotine withdrawal symptoms — isn’t just Nine years since joining the faculty at Texas Tech curiosity. He wants to help people, and that drive began when University, Cohen is an associate professor and directs the he was a kid dreaming of being a physician. His interest in doctoral program in clinical psychology. He also has adjunct the medical profession waned, however, when he discovered faculty appointments in psychiatry and pediatrics at the Health the mysterious depths of psychology at the University of Sciences Center. Other responsibilities include directing his California, San Diego. Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory where he works with “I started by taking a psychology course on a whim with doctoral students. Cohen and his students also work at the a friend,” he says. “That first class on learning theories just South Plains Alcohol and Addiction Research Center at the kind of struck home. I realized I could pursue a profession in Health Sciences Center. health care and help people change their unhealthy behaviors Recently elected Fellow of the American Psychological to healthier ones without performing surgery or prescribing Association, Cohen has drawn grants from the William Wrigley medications.” Jr. Co. to continue studying how chewHe graduated in 1994 “I realized I could … help people ing gum can help people quit smoking. and applied to OSU’s change their unhealthy behavHe has also received funding from the doctoral program in iors to healthier ones without National Institute of Drug Abuse, the clinical psychology after performing surgery or prescribU.S. Department of Health and Human an OSU alumna and ing medications.” Services and the National Science colleague, Leslie Carter, Foundation. Also, he broadened his research to studies on the told him of the program. Cohen, who grew up outside Los impact of binge-drinking on smoking. Angeles, admits he wasn’t excited about leaving the sunny Along the way, Cohen has published widely on the behavbeaches of southern California for Stillwater. He also admits ioral, cognitive and physiological mechanisms that contribute his uncertainty about Stillwater kept some of his bags packed to nicotine use and dependence, authoring or co-authoring during his first semester. nearly 30 peer-reviewed articles. He is the lead editor on two Cohen planned to study depression at OSU, but he comprehensive textbooks and has presented his research in switched his focus to health psychology so he could work with conferences across the nation, including this past February smoking expert Frank Collins, a clinical psychologist now at at OSU. the University of North Texas. In the process, he got to know These days, he’s looking for more federal funding to study the psychology department, made some friends and met his helping smokers stay smoke-free once they quit. He is also future wife, Michelle Seaton. All of a sudden, Stillwater’s small working with a former doctoral student of his, Jared Dempsey, town charm was growing on him. an OSU assistant professor in the department of psychology, on “The people and the program were just a perfect fit for identifying how patients respond emotionally and physically to me,” he says. “The OSU clinical psychology program takes a their addictions. true scientist-practitioner approach to training so graduates of the program are capable researchers and clinicians.”

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In Memory John Tua ’33, mktg, died Feb. 18, 2009, in McAlister, Okla., at age 98. John had three daughters, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Sue Powers Tua, preceded him in death in 1984. Joe White ’44, agron, ’45, M.S., died Oct. 5, 2005. Joe received his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin in 1947 and taught agronomy 41 years at Purdue University. He researched soil chemistry, clay mineralogy and pharmacy. Joe was married to Wanita Robertson White ’43, sec ed, ’45, M.S., math.

James Norwood Blazer Sr. ’47, bus, died Dec. 19, 2007, at age 85. He served in World War II and flew combat missions in the Air Force in Italy. While at OSU he met his wife, Ruth Helen Fischer, who was a member of the Student Entertainment Bureau at OSU. James was involved in music at OSU and played in Jimmy Baker’s O’Collegians dance band and with the Varsitonians dance band (above) for many campus dances. He later worked in valve sales, was involved with church and volunteer activities and loved watching OSU sports. E. Keith McPheeters ’49, arch, died Sept. 21, 2008. He was 84. A veteran of World War II, Keith worked on the architecture faculties of the University of Florida, Auburn and the University of Arkansas. He also became the dean of architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Later, Keith returned to Auburn to serve as the dean of architecture and fine arts and professor emeritus. After his retirement from Auburn, Keith led the team that formed drawings for the restoration of Taliesin, the home and studio complex of Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin. Keith was named a distinguished architect of the Collegiate

Schools of Architecture, was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and received number of architectural design awards for residential and church designs. Delmar Glen “Bill” Nelson ’49, ag econ, ’63, M.S., died May 3, 2008, at age 83. Bill served in Japan during World War II. After Bill and his wife, Ailene, married, he was a staff member at OSU in Stillwater. In 1958, the couple moved to Amarillo, where Bill was founder and head of Texas Grain Sorgum Association and also the Texas Wheat Producers Association. Bill was dedicated to helping farmers through education, production and marketing, and he traveled to 65 countries educate officials about transport issues, duties, tariffs and U.S. and foreign trade policies. Carl M. Wick ’54, agron, ’60, M.S., died March 24,, 2009 . After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, attaining officer status through OSU’s ROTC program. He then worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a range conservationist in South Dakota. He took a leave from the USDI and returned to OSU to earn his master’s degree, then returned to South Dakota to work in range conservation. In 1962, Carl moved to California to work for the University of California Agricultural Extension Service, retiring in August 1993. He authored many publications based on his collaboration with farmers and researchers from UC Davis. His educational emphasis focused on rice disease control and economics of production. He received numerous awards including the California Rice Industry Award and the national Distinguished Service Award.

Insurance Agency of McAlester and enjoyed working his Brangus Cattle operation. He served in various professional organizations and received numerous awards for his service. He also served with the 45th division of the U.S. Army Oklahoma National Guard. In 2005, the Educator of the Year Award was renamed “The E.L. Balkman Conservation Educator of the Year.” He and his wife, Betty, had one son and three daughters. Roger E. Koeppe, former head of OSU’s Department of Biochemistry, died May 16, 2009, at his home in Stillwater. Roger joined the OSU faculty in 1959 and continued his research on intermediary metabolism and its control using radioisotopic tracers to follow the fates of specific atoms in essential compounds. His research on glutamate metabolism was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the Atomic Energy Commission. Before his retirement in 1990, Roger directed the research of 10 Ph.D. graduates, 12 M.S. graduates and 10 research associates. He coauthored 50 research publications and the Student’s Companion to Stryer’s Biochemistry. Roger and his wife, Norma, had five children. Donations may be sent to the OSU Foundation for the Roger E. Koeppe Endowed Lectureship. Neil Robert Luebke, former OSU Regents Service Professor Emeritus, died June 18, 2009, at age 72 in Stillwater. Neil joined the OSU Philosophy Department in 1961. He served as department head for

16 years and retired in 1998 after 37 years of service. Neil served on the OSU Faculty Council, taught 15 different courses in philosophy and humanities and mentored numerous graduate students. He served on university committees, published articles and presented local and national talks on professional ethics and social philosophy. He served as national president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi from 1998 to 2001. After Neil retired, he helped form the current OSU Academic Integrity policy. Neil and his wife, Phyllis, had two daughters. Robert Lee Oehrtman, former agricultural economics professor, died July 1, 2009, at age 69 in Stillwater. He joined the OSU faculty in 1970 and continued to teach as a professor emeritus even after his retirement in 2003. Bob dedicated a lifetime of service to Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and served as OSU’s Pi Chapter adviser for 30 years. He was honored with more than two dozen teaching awards from national associations and the OSU faculty, administration and students. Bob was noted as the only instructor to teach the introductory Principals of Agricultural Economics course for 20 years. As this course instructor, he regularly generated over a quarter of his department’s teaching credit hours. Bob was recognized by the Stillwater Rotary Club as Outstanding Stillwater Citizen of the Year 2008-09 for his contribution to Scouting. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne, in 2003.

Everette Lee Balkman Jr. ’61, ag econ and mktg, died May 11, 2009, in McAlester, Okla., at age 71. After graduation, he worked for Bank of America in California for 10 years, then moved to McAlester in 1971, E.L. served as president and chief executive officer of American Bank of Commerce (now BancFirst) for 15 years and president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Krebs, Okla., for three years. Before his retirement, he established the Balkman

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The 25-Year Campus Expansion Plan presented in 1930 was the most ambitious development plan in the college’s history. Unfortunately, it coincided with the beginning of the nation’s worst economic crisis. Henry G. Bennett began his tenure as president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in July 1928, there was no inkling of the catastrophic economic storm about to engulf the world in the form of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Fortunately for OAMC, President Bennett understood the art of statesmanship in higher education, state politics and with national governmental institutions, and its necessity for future growth. He was a master at building working relationships with those in positions of influence who were willing to work with him to enhance the quality of a college education. By 1931, the college’s operating budget was reduced by one-third, as 35 faculty and staff were not rehired. Those who remained watched their salaries dwindle by 20 percent and then 40 percent. Older buildings on campus were condemned that year when no funds were available to repair them. At the same time, part of Whitehurst Hall was damaged in a fire, and in 1932 a gas explosion occurred in the Animal Husbandry building. Tents erected on the lawn between Hanner and Thatcher Halls provided classroom space. The largest tent provided additional reading space for patrons of the library. It was the perfect time for Bennett and his administrative staff to propose the investigation of new sources of revenue through both the state and national governments. President Bennett worked closely with Board of Agriculture President Harry Cordell to persuade the Oklahoma Legislature to use “self-liquidating” building bonds to construct new residence halls that would be repaid from fees charged to students for living in the facilities.

One of Bennett’s first priorities was to enhance employment opportunities for students and college staff. Numerous proposals submitted to the national Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) resulted in funding for jobs such as planting trees on campus, applying soil conservation techniques at the agricultural experiment station and paving streets, parking lots, sidewalks, steam tunnels and tennis courts. The college’s smallest WPA building was an Entomology Apiary that measured 16 feet by 24 feet and cost only $1,017 for labor and materials. By far the most significant federal program to support OAMC construction projects in the 1930s was the Public Works Administration (PWA). The state of Oklahoma had a coordinating office in Oklahoma City to review local PWA projects. Philip Stone Donnell was appointed in 1933 to serve as the PWA engineer for Oklahoma. Bennett had hired Donnell in 1929 to serve as his dean of engineering and then secured his “release” four years later from campus obligations in order to work for the federal agency. Donnell was promoted to PWA director for Oklahoma in 1935, and Bennett’s administrative staff proposed a series of construction projects to Donnell that had originally been part of the 25-Year Campus Development Plan prepared by Philip A. Wilber and Donald A. Hamilton. It would take almost five years and some creative financing before the first project was completed, but Bennett’s determination and administrative dexterity, combined with support from President Franklin Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programs, changed the scope and scale of campus facilities for generations. Dav i D C. P e t e r s sPeCial ColleCtions anD Universit y arChives

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President Henry Bennett worked closely with Board of Agriculture President Harry Cordell to persuade the Oklahoma Legislature to use “self-liquidating” building bonds to construct new residence halls such as Cordell Hall, above. A federal Public Works Administration grant covered 45-percent of the self-liquidating bonds that totaled $600,000 to construct Cordell and Willard. The remainder of the loan was repaid from resident fees. To increase occupancy rates, incoming freshmen and all students employed on campus were required to live in these and existing campus dormitories.

To secure state funds from fiscal curmudgeon Gov. William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, OAMC christened this new dormitory Murray Hall. Then, using Public Works Administration (PWA) funds to subsidize the self-liquidating bonds for Murray’s construction, the college was able to reduce the interest rate enough to allow for the addition of North Murray. But because PWA funds could not be used for a separate building — only to add to an existing facility — a covered breezeway solved the problem by connecting the two Murrays as one structure.

The federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) supplied material and labor to build a brick stadium at Lewis Field that included dressing rooms and a press box. One of the few construction projects on the OAMC campus that did not involve federal funds was the 4-H Club and Field House (Gallagher Hall). The administration had sought support from the federal government for a new Armory, but in the end the arena was completed with an authorization from the Oklahoma Legislature and revenue bonds supported with student fees and Athletic Department ticket sales.

Grants from the Public Works Administration also funded academic buildings such as Life Science (East), above, and Engineering (South). They were bid as one project totaling $510,000 and depended on the PWA grant. The Mechanical Engineering Laboratory received financial support from the PWA, while some labor was paid through WPA funds. Some were confused into thinking the national Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was also involved in building the lab, but in this instance CCC was the abbreviation for the Cowan Construction Company of Shawnee, Okla., which was awarded the contract.

The college created a unit known as the Student Self-Help Industries under the direction of A. Frank Martin and others to employ students in making rugs, flower pots, ceramics and brooms. Students also built furniture for campus facilities under the direction of DeWitt Hunt with support from the National Youth Administration (NYA), worked in the campus cafeteria serving 15,000 meals a month for less than 30 cents each and operated duplicating services with mimeograph equipment to support campus and city offices. The college also leased a 40-acre farm on college land near Perkins to students so they could produce vegetables and raise livestock.

The Campus Fire Station received funds from several sources, including the City of Stillwater and the Public Works Administration. Several structures were completed on college property at Searcy Field (Stillwater Airport), but by far one of the largest projects on college property involved the completion of the Lake Carl Blackwell dam. The project started with the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and then switched to the Resettlement Administration, Farm Security Administration, and later the Bureau of Agricultural Economics. It was completed as a WPA project.

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