Friday, August 2, 2024
OSU ranks No. 1 for UN Sustainable Development Goal to address hunger, food insecurity nationally
For the second straight year, Oklahoma State University has been awarded the top rank in the U.S. for its work to combat hunger and food insecurity.
The recently released 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings also moved OSU up three places to No. 2 globally for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 2: Zero Hunger — ahead of Michigan State University, Penn State University, Iowa State University and Arizona State University.
This ranking evaluated more than 800 universities’ efforts in researching hunger, teaching food sustainability, and addressing food waste and hunger among students and local communities.
“As a modern land-grant university, we are committed to finding solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “Through continued efforts to live out the We Are Land-Grant Strategy, OSU has established itself as a leader in innovation to nourish
the world. I am proud of our progress in these areas, and I’m particularly proud of the fact that we are leading the nation in this important effort.”
Significant developments to combat food insecurity include the establishment of
Pete’s Pantry Program, which provides free food and advocates for reducing food insecurity on campus, and Pete’s Eats, a food recovery program that donates surplus food from dining services to students and their families.
“One of our key efforts at OSU is to innovate to nourish the world, and it is wonderful to see our efforts recognized,” said Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture.
“Unlike many other rankings, this one focuses on objective,
‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ is the Multiversal romp fans deserve
that the next film in the franchise would tie everything together. Yet with three years of constant new content, Marvel has hardly anything to show for their new saga. Thankfully, “Deadpool and Wolverine” has come in to take a bit of weight off their shoulders and finally gives fans the excitement they’ve craved for years.
In the constantly evolving world of pop culture, the rise and fall of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has to be one of the biggest fumbles in recent memory. After “Avengers: Endgame” wrapped up a respectfully entertaining and tightly connected run of 23 films, it felt like Marvel had everything it needed to make Phase 5 a delightfully entertaining adventure set in the Multiverse.
Instead, we got a bundle of meddling films that were all set up and no payoff alongside tedious miniseries promising
The movie has a simple premise: the titular characters go on an adventure across multiple universes to save the people they love. Although it takes far too long for them to begin their journey, and the first act can be tedious, watching this movie felt like taking a long drink of water after being dehydrated by installments like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
The secret to this movie is quite simple: it’s fun. The characters have amusing banter, there’s energetic, creative fight scenes and there’s plenty of fan service and cameos.
Although the movie falls apart to the critical eye, mainly for being far too overstuffed and requiring way too much context to truly understand what the heck is going on, this is the perfect movie to turn your brain off and enjoy. As much as I love some of the fantastic arthouse films we’ve gotten this year such as “I Saw the TV Glow,” there’s a time and a place for easy, meaningless films like this as well.
One issue I had with the film that may be controversial is over the topic of cameos.
Although the writers have nothing but the best intentions when it comes to the bundle of character cameos this film has, it felt more like ushering in a bunch of retired roles for the audience to gawk at while serving no purpose to the rest of the movie. It can be frustrating, and really drags down the pacing of the film. However, I still had a big smile on my face every time it happened.
documented efforts in agricultural research, and global and local efforts to solve hunger and food insecurity. I’m pleased that our team in OSU Agriculture is having a worldwide impact while simultaneously feeding our community.”
See Sustainable on 2
Cobb joining OSU baseball as director of player development
Josh Holliday has found his next director of player development.
On Wednesday morning, the Oklahoma State head coach hired his former standout closer, Trey Cobb, to fill the void left after former director of player development, Blake Kangas, departed for an assistant coaching position at South Florida.
Cobb, who most recently held a scouting role with the New York Mets, embarks on his first coaching position in the college ranks. He was selected in the eighth round of the 2017 MLB Draft before seven seasons in the minor leagues in the Mets’ and Phillies’ organizations. Cobb finished his professional career with a 4.84 ERA to go with 215 strikeouts and 18 saves through 163 appearances and 223 innings pitched. Through three seasons at OSU, Cobb logged a 2.96 ERA while recording 189 strikeouts to just 60 walks through 167 innings pitched across 74 appearances.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Three ways to bring the Olympics to you
Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief
While we watch the world’s greatest athletes compete, it’s hard not to be inspired.
Although we may never live up to their high-caliber performances, we can still enjoy the games and get a taste of
what it would be like to train.
As we watch the rest of the Olympics play out, you can join in on the athleticism, too. Here are three ways to get a taste of the games yourself.
Jump in the pool
Although you may not rip through the water like Olympic and world-record holder Katie Ledecky, you can still spend some time in the pool.
Visit your local public pool or head to the YMCA to get some laps in.
Pull your running shoes on
Whether you want to be a sprinter or run longer distances, you can tie on your running shoes to get some time in on your feet.
Local trails are easy access points, but you can also visit a local public track to run some laps or test your speed. Give gold-medal effort for gymnastics
Although you likely will not have access to the equipment of a gym, you
can still practice some basic skills.
For beam, you can lay a two-byfour down in your yard to walk back and forth on or attempt a jump. You can also try your hand at a cartwheel or summersault. Just be sure to stretch before you break out your skills. Get outside while the Olympics are happening and try your hand at the variety of sports athletes compete in.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Extension is one of the three pillars of OSU Agriculture as a land-grant university. With a presence in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, OSU Extension educators serve communities through programming opportunities in agriculture and natural resources as well as family and consumer sciences, health and 4-H youth development.
OSU Extension educational programs emphasize the importance of plant and animal welfare, sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Also, the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at OSU supports Oklahoma’s food and agricultural business sectors with public programming in food safety and quality assurance. Advancing agricultural enterprise and ensuring food safety drives economic growth in the state, region and nation.
To involve students in providing food for families in their community, Dr. Bailey Norwood, agricultural economics professor, teaches a Farm to Fork course — an initiative to help fight food insecurity — each spring where 200 students work in the gardens at Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center to grow fresh fruits and produce that’s supplied to the community.
In 2023, OSU’s Student Farm was launched on the west side of campus on Highway 51 in Stillwater on 2.5 acres and has since produced over 60,000 pounds of food for Payne County residents.
OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture head Dr. Justin Quetone Moss leads the project and secured a partnership with Rachael Condley, director of Stillwater’s Our Daily Bread, to deliver fruits and vegetables to the food center and serve Payne County residents. Fresh produce is also supplied to Pete’s Pantry, the food bank located on campus. Currently in its second year of production, the farm has doubled in acreage.
OSU also supports local, sustainable food sources through the Cowboy Meat Retail Store, which sells a variety of local meats. This initiative helps reduce campus food waste and promotes sustainable practices.
The Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on the 17 UN SDGs, assessing their 2022 efforts in research, stewardship, outreach and teaching, with the 2024 rankings including approximately 500 more universities than the previous year.
This is the fourth consecutive year OSU has submitted data for evaluation.
OSU ranked overall in the top 10% globally and No. 9 in the U.S. among much larger universities, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Penn State, Arizona State, Iowa State and Michigan State.
OSU achieved notable rankings in other SDGs as well, including No. 89 globally and No. 4 in the U.S. for SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which evaluates universities’ collaborations to support the SDGs.
A cornerstone of OSU’s success in this area is its Center for Health Sciences’ Project ECHO. Launched in 2017, this initiative aims to improve health outcomes in rural areas. Project ECHO currently operates 17 medical and five educational echo lines, facilitating cross-sector dialogue among government officials, tribal leaders, health care administrators, physicians and educators. This virtual platform enhances health care access by enabling collab -
orative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
OSU’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through initiatives like the Oklahoma Native Plant Corridor. Established as a Monarch Waystation, this project aims to protect monarch butterflies and other pollinators from habitat destruction. OSU collaborates with various sector organizations and agencies to identify challenges and develop solutions for preserving these ecologically vital species.
The OSU Rural Renewal Initiative further exemplifies the university’s dedication to partnership and community development. This initiative connects researchers and community members to review approaches and develop best practices for rural renewal. The annual Rural Renewal Symposium offers a unique platform for faculty, students and rural community members from across
THURSDAYS IN AUGUST
THURSDAYS IN AUGUST
the U.S. and worldwide to connect and learn about the latest discoveries, trends, and approaches in rural development. The program also provides seed grants to enhance collaboration and support research projects.
BREAKOUT:
More Significant OSU Rankings
SDG No.1: No Poverty — No. 9 in the U.S. and top 10% globally
SDG No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being — No. 6 in the U.S. and top 15% globally
SDG No. 4: Quality Education — top 40% globally
SDG No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — top 25% globally and tied No. 5 in the U.S.
SDG No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — No. 7 in the U.S
SDG No. 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure — No. 8 in the U.S. and top 30% globally
SDG No. 15: Life on Land —
No. 8 in the U.S. and top 30% globally
These new numbers bring the city’s total cases to 5,179 with 16 deaths and 4,697 recoveries.
On the state level, the health department reported 1,837 new cases, bringing the total confirmed positive cases to 356,816. The state also reported seven new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total to 2,994. There have been 314,236 total recoveries since COVID reached Oklahoma in March. Oklahoma state officials are encouraging Oklahomans to wash their hands, stay away from sick individuals and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
The virus is primarily spread from person-to-person with symptoms usually appearing two to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms of the coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or s
IN AUGUST
IN THURSDAYS IN AUGUST
IN THURSDAYS IN AUGUST
Hugh Jackman coming back as Wolverine is a delight, and though his character’s involvement gets under-
mined sometimes by the need to have as many jokes per minute as possible, the entire film is a solid sendoff to one of the most iconic roles in any superhero movie. His arc in the film feels a bit redundant at times, and there really wasn’t much of a need to bring him back into the spotlight. Still, the undeniable allure
of watching Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman dropping one-liners while wreaking havoc through the Multiverse is too powerful for me to be mad.
Although the plot is simultaneously thin and overstuffed, and the constant jokes can be more grating than humorous at times, “Deadpool and Wolverine” succeeds at giving the audience what
they’ve wanted from the Multiverse Saga for the past three years: a hearty buddy-roadtrip comedy that is genuinely fun to watch.
This may be the last hurrah of the MCU, but if this is where the quality finally drops off, it’s nice to say that we ended with one last good time.
News
Tickets on sale now for Whitehead on Oct. 3
Courtesy of OSU News
Known for his versatile, genre-defying storytelling, Colson Whitehead has captivated readers for 25 years.
With two Pulitzer Prizes for fiction, a MacArthur Fellowship, a National Book Award and a National Humanities Medal, it’s no surprise to see his work among the “New York Times’” recent top 10 books of the 21st century.
On Oct. 3, Whitehead will take the stage at the H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series to discuss the intersection of writing, history and culture. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Friends of the OSU Library, which provides support for the university’s libraries.
“For this series, we look for prominent authors and great storytellers,” Dean of Libraries Sheila Johnson said. “Not only is Colson renown professionally, but he is also known for thoughtful and inspiring presentations that are candid, warm and humorous, a combination our guests are sure to enjoy.”
Whitehead is the bestselling author of 11 works of fiction and nonfiction including the highly acclaimed “The Underground Railroad” and “The Nickel Boys.” His most recent novels, “Harlem Shuffle” and “Crook Manifesto,” are the first two installments of a trilogy set on the streets of New York City in the 1960s and ‘70s.
His work has also been adapted for TV and film, including Amazon’s limited TV series, “Underground Railroad,” MGM Orion’s film adaptation of “The Nickel Boys,” releasing later this year, and HBO Max’s TV series “Sag Harbor,” which is in development.
Known for his versatile, genre-defying storytelling, Colson Whitehead has captivated readers for 25 years.
The Cobb Speaker Series will be held at ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in Stillwater. Ticket holders will enjoy dinner, complimentary wine service, and a keynote and Q&A with Whitehead. The event closes with a book sign-
ing, and selections of Whitehead’s work will be available for purchase. Tickets are on sale now, but seating is limited. Individu-
al tickets are $125, and half the cost is a tax-deductible gift to the Friends of the OSU Library. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available. Call
405-744-6322 or visit friends. library.okstate.edu to purchase tickets.
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm
OSU quarterback commit Schobel flips to TCU
Parker Gerl Assistant Sports Editor
Oklahoma State’s 2025 recruiting class took a big-time hit on Monday. Adam Schobel, a four-star quarterback committed to the Cowboys, announced his decision to instead head to TCU. Schobel was OSU’s highest-
ranked commit in the 2025 class after the Cowboys picked up a commitment from him in April when he flipped his Baylor commitment to OSU.
“I have been a TCU fan since the day I was born and when they called, I quickly realized it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Schobel said on X. “An opportunity to play alongside my cousin at my parent’s alma mater… With that being said, I will be signing with TCU in December!!”
By going to TCU, Schobel follows his family lineage. His father, uncle and cousin played at TCU before heading to the NFL. And he has a cousin in the ‘25 class who’s also committed to the Horned Frogs.
Schobel’s decommitment from OSU puts the Cowboys’ 2025 class 247Sports rankings at No. 50 overall and No. 10 in the Big 12. With 16 commits, four-star defensive lineman Michael Riles is now the highest-ranked
commit in the class. As for quarterbacks, OSU has offered 10 2025 prospects, nine of whom are currently committed elsewhere. Three-star Emile Picarella from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the only uncommitted quarterback the Cowboys have offered. He holds offers from Houston, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Oregon, among others.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
sports
OSU football position preview: Offensive line
Ashton Slaughter Sports Editor
The O’Colly is previewing the eight Oklahoma State football position groups during the next four weeks. Next up: the offensive line.
Want to know more about Oklahoma State’s offensive line? Spoiler: not much has changed from last year.
Of the seven offensive linemen who made multiple starts last season, they combined for 200 career FBS starts (284 games played), and on OSU’s Aug. 31 season opener against South Dakota State, their average age will be 23.56. The Cowboys’ men up front are one of the core units on not just the offense but the roster.
And in the transfer portal era, the Cowboys’ returning production is third in the country, led by the seven key offensive line returners who, are hungry to compete for a Big 12 Championship.
“It was like a domino thing,” center Joe Michalski said. “It wasn’t like we sat down and talked about it at the end of the year. Everyone was like, ‘Why not?’”
Michalski is at the center of the Cowboys’ success. One, because of his leadership as a captain last season and him being an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Two, because, well, he’s the center.
Beside Michalski are Preston Wilson and Jason Brooks Jr., who, like the rest of the five projected starters, are redshirt seniors with a bunch of snaps and helmet-colliding under their belts. As a Cowboy, Wilson had 34 starts, which is tied for the second-most on the roster. Brooks started the first seven games of the season before missing the rest for an injury. In his second season at OSU after transferring from Vanderbilt, he proved to be more than reliable, as Pro
Football Focus graded him as the second-best run blocker last season. At the tackle position are Dalton Cooper and Jake Springfield. After transferring from Texas State, Cooper became an integral part of OSU’s line, which, considering his 49 FBS starts and 51 games played — which is second on the team to wide receiver Brennan Presley (52) — makes sense. And Springfield, who began his career as a walk-on in 2020, is
now the team leader in starts at OSU (40).
Behind the projected starters at guard are Cole Birmingham and Taylor Miterko, who are expected to compete for starting spots. In Birmingham’s freshman and junior seasons, he missed either most of all of them due to injury; if it weren’t for those, he’d be up there on the team’s list of most starts. Miterko started three games last season — Central Arkansas, Arizona State and
OUR EYES ARE ON CHRIST!
“ As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he show us his mercy.” (Ps.123:2 NIV)
“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty...But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Ps.131:1,2 NIV)
“ I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit...he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear (stand in awe) and put their trust in the LORD.” (Ps.40:1-3 NIV)
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Is.40:31 KJV)
There is something definite and real about waiting on the Lord. I remember years ago when I sensed the Lord speak to me.
“Make yourself available!” I thought I was! I was reading my Bible some and going to church regularly. As I considered this challenge from Lord, I felt I should spend some quiet time daily with the Lord. With my busy days,I decided to spend a hour (5 to 6 a.m.) each day. That decision brought about important changes in my life and service to God.
I was learning to wait on the Lord. What a loving and faithful God we have to help us find his best for our lives. It pays off to have a definite, daily time with your Bible and Jesus
UCF. Out of the two, for now, Brooks and Birmingham seem to be in the closest race, as Brooks’ production in his seven starts last season cannot go unnoticed, while Birmingham’s experience is also legitamite.
Other offensive linemen, Noah McKinney, Austin Kawecki, Jack Endean, Davis Dotson and Jakobi Sanders, all have playing experience. Behind them are nine other linemen for depth. For an offense that’s
returning Alan Bowman at quarterback and Ollie Gordon II at running back behind the experienced O-line, that makes Bowman and Gordon’s lives undoubtedly easier. It’s why he often credited them in his Doak Walker Award winning season.
“I’m glad they stayed, because we’ve got great bonds,” Gordon said of his O-line. “And they showed me the way.”
For Lease
• 1 Bedroom cabin • Washer & Dryer
• Bills paid •$750 per month including internet
•5 miles in to the
• We are seeking a full-time professional to join our
• This outside sales role requires a gogetter with excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for media.
• Drive revenue, build strong client relationships, and grow your career with us.
• Apply today, and start making great money.
• Email your resume to lori.radford@ okstate.edu
Cowboy Calendar
Friday, August 2
Cowboy Classic Boer Goat Sale @ 1 p.m.
Location: Payne County Expo Center
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/263356073853060/
Eskimo Joe’s Vacation Photo Content @ All Day
Location: Eskimo Joe’s
https://eskimojoes.com/ Game NIght @ 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Hub with Bluepeak
https://mybluepeak.com/ Karaoke Fridays @ 9 p.m.
Location: The Midnight Bar
Kids Bowl Free @ Open - 6 p.m.
Location: Frontier Lanes Bowling Alley
Admission: Free, but you must register ages 2-15
https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_ id=3664
Larry Newsom Live @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Baker & Gambill’s EM
https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage
OK State Auctioneers Association Summer Conference @ All Day
https://www.okauctioneers.org/ Friday Flix @ 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: OSU Museum of Art
https://museum.okstate.edu/ Plants & Bugs Camp @ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: OSU Insect Adventure
Admission: $200 per kid
https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/hla/research-extension/youth/youth-camps.
html Politics & Pastries @ 9 a.m.
Location: OSU Social Science & Humanities Build-
ing https://calendar.okstate.edu/
Showstoppers Dance Studio Summer Classes: La-
dies Only @ 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Location: Showstoppers Dance Studio https://showstoppersdancestudio.com/
TND Comedy Smackdown @ 9 - 11 p.m.
Location: Baker & Gambill’s EM
Admission: $5
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tnd-comedy-smackdown-tickets-859864386527
Saturday, August 3
Aqua Zumba with OSU department of Wellness @ 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: OSU Colvin Recreation Center
Admission: free to active Colvin Recreation Center
Verbal nudge
Capitol fig.
TE?
Documentary podcast about legends
Wrapped up in court? 30 Bánh mì
By Josh M. Kaufmann
Patti Varol
Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency
Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (08/02/24). Collaboration is your special power this year. Review and adjust budgets regularly. Shared ventures earn a lucrative autumn. Creatively adapt around a wild winter plot twist. Springtime rains fruit into your baskets, before a summer shift redirects your research. Work together for what you love.
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Make repairs at home. Renovate, remodel and tend your garden. Reconfigure structures and supports for greater ease and practicality. Invent and provide domestic solutions.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Listen to your creative muses, especially loved ones and children. Learning could come in intense doses. Doodle and journal to process it all.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Discover a profitable opportunity. Tap into a lucrative groove. Keep checking tasks off your lists. You’re on a roll. Win a valuable prize.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Follow a personal passion. Put on your supersuit. You can achieve your intentions with simple actions, one step at a time. Learn new tricks.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — Slow down. Take time to reflect. Consider history, current events and future possibilities. Listen to intuition. Recognize an opportunity hiding in plain sight.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Team action gets results. Have fun with friends. Collaborate and coordinate your moves. Share ideas, resources and elbow grease. Support a community effort.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Watch where you’re going. Career opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Follow your intuition regarding timing. Listen to coaches and mentors. Trust a crazy hunch. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Reach out and touch someone. Enjoy studies, research and exploration. Direct experience educates and informs. Spread your wings. Discover new beauty. Plan adventures.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Opposites attract. Take advantage to resolve financial questions and priorities. You have a wider view together. Choose your direction. Reward yourselves with something nice. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Work with your partner for common objectives. Negotiate to refine plans. Look to the future and adjust course. Things could get deliciously spicy. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Don’t overdo a physical workout. Slow to avoid accidents or injuries. Focus on form and technique. Balance activity with rest and good food. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Connect with family and friends. Share emotional and creative support. Grab an interesting or romantic opportunity together. Have fun with people you love.