The O'Colly, Thursday, April 25, 2024

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Rep. Bice set to speak at OSU spring commencement

Shrum said. “Bice has served the state of Oklahoma for a decade. She also comes from a family of proud Cowboys, and her OSU ties run deep.”

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma State University alumna, will be the speaker at her alma mater’s spring 2024 commencement May 11. A fourth-generation Oklahoman, Congresswoman Bice graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1995.

“It is a privilege to have Rep. Bice speak at our spring commencement ceremonies,” OSU President Kayse

Bice worked in the private sector for more than 20 years focusing on sales, marketing and consulting services. She also started her own marketing firm and later led a boutique digital marketing agency as vice president of business development.

Bice began her public service career in 2014 when she was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate. During her tenure, she was the assistant majority floor leader and chair of the Senate Finance Committee. In 2020, she was elected to Congress to represent Oklahoma’s 5th

Congressional District. “I am honored to be the graduation commencement speaker for my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. This university has played a pivotal role in my life,” Bice said. “It’s where I met my husband, it’s the school my daughters chose, and it’s a place that holds countless memories. Having the opportunity to speak with graduating students before they venture out into the world is deeply moving, and I could not be more excited. I look forward to celebrating this achievement with them.”

The 148th undergraduate ceremonies for OSU-Stillwater will start at 9 a.m., May 11, with the Ferguson College of Agriculture and the College of

CEAT Regents Professor elected AAAS Fellow

Desa James OSU News

Oklahoma State University professor Dr. Raj N. Singh has been elected to the rank of American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow. Singh is a Materials Science and Engineering Regents Professor in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

The selection of AAAS Fellows emphasizes one’s commitment to excellence and innovation, recognizing those who have been preeminent not only in their respective fields, but also in effectively communicating and disseminating scientific knowledge to the broader public.

According to AAAS, Singh is being honored “for pioneering and game-changing scientific and technological contributions to the field of materials, particularly transformative processing and manufacturing of Ceramic Composites, leading to technology insertion into commercial jet engines.”

Singh will be recognized at the annual Fellows Forum in Washington, D.C., where he will receive a certificate and the traditional rosette, which has symbolized the award since 1874. The AAAS, founded in 1848, is the world’s largest general scientific society. The nonprofit includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals.

“I am proud of having professor Singh, a recognized leader in ceramic matrix composites, in our college,” said Dr. Hanchen Huang, CEAT dean. “As an elected Fel-

low of AAAS, Dr. Singh represents OSU well and is in a great position to shape national policies of sciences.”

Singh obtained his Doctor of Science in ceramics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked at Argonne National Laboratory, GE-R&D Center, and the University of Cincinnati prior to his current position. Since joining OSU in 2012, Singh has continued to make lasting contributions in science and engineering.

Early on, he served as the founding head of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, which is the first and only school nationwide to offer graduate degrees related to advanced materials for energy technologies, nanotechnologies, electronics, medicine and aerospace.

In 2015, he was recognized with his induction as fellow of the National Academy of Inventors by the Deputy U.S. Commissioner for Patent Operations from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his inventions. Singh’s innovations have made lasting impacts in more efficient aircraft engines, more powerful sodium-sulfur batteries utilized for energy storage systems, and novel electrolyte retainers and self-repairing glasses for molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells.

Most recently, Singh was elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a title seen as the highest distinction and recognition an engineer can attain. The award was based on Singh’s outstanding contributions to the discipline of MSE and his pioneering invention of the ceramic matrix composite.

The field of ceramics has drawn Singh’s interest since entering college.

Engineering, Architecture and Technology. At 12:30 p.m., the Spears School of Business will have its ceremony, followed by the College of Professional Studies and College of Education and Human Sciences at 3:30 p.m. The ceremonies will end with the College of Arts and Sciences at 6:30 p.m.

Graduates should arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and enter through Boone Pickens Stadium’s Gate 1 South. Doors on the east side of Gallagher-Iba Arena will open for guests one hour prior to the ceremony start time.

OSU Agriculture administrators receive top scientific honor

Alisa Boswell-Gore OSU News

Two members of the Oklahoma State University Agriculture administration have received one of the highest honors within the scientific community. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, and Scott Senseman, associate vice president of OSU Ag Research, have been named 2024 Honorary Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AAAS Fellows are a distinguished group of scientists, engineers and innovators who are recognized for their achievements across disciplines, including research, teaching, technology, administration in academia, industry and government, as well as excellence in communicating and interpreting science to the public. Eligible nominees

are members whose efforts to advance science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished. Election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor. Fellows are elected annually and are recognized at the AAAS annual meeting for their achievements.

“When OSU’s faculty are recognized by national organizations as leaders in their disciplines, it shines a bright light on the university,” said Kenneth Sewell, vice president for research at OSU. “Rec-

ognition by the largest scientific organization in the U.S. carries particular weight. Drs. Lusk and Senseman are true leaders in their fields at OSU and nationwide. We couldn’t be prouder of them as members of the Cowboy family.”

Lusk was awarded for “distinguished contributions to the field of agricultural economics, particularly for research and the communication and interpretation of the science underpinning

Courtesy of Mitchell Alcala

Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, was named 2024 Honorary Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Page Mindedahl OSU News

How tennis teams deal with transition from indoor to outdoor competition

Ivan White O’Colly Contributor

Adapting to your surroundings is not only a vital part of life but it’s also a vital part of tennis.

Although the Oklahoma State men’s tennis team deals with it every season, the challenge of transitioning from indoor tennis to outdoor tennis can cause issues. OSU’s season under coach Dustin Taylor has been the best since he took over after the 2021 season.

OSU began its 2024 season with three matches inside the Greenwood Tennis Center.

After winning against TexasRio Grande Valley, Omaha and Middle Tennessee State, OSU headed to Austin for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Kickoff Weekend.

Despite being late January, the Cowboys played their first outdoor matches, beginning with a 4-0 win against Utah. However, with a match against No. 4 Texas, the Cowboys suffered their first loss.

Losing to one of the best teams in the country was not necessarily something to be concerned about, but the Cowboys’ ability to prepare for their match against UCLA a couple of days later was. While OSU was playing outdoors in Austin, UCLA was playing an indoor match in Boston as part of the ITA Kickoff.

The contrast in settings coming into the match Jan. 30 might have factored into the outcome. OSU lost the doubles point against UCLA en route to a 4-3 loss. UCLA being more equipped for a quick turnaround and playing indoors caught Taylor’s attention.

“Big serving team, and again, that’s indoor tennis,” Taylor said after the match. “Who can take care of their serve, and if they get an opportunity on the return, take it. Today, we didn’t serve well enough, and they didn’t give us too many looks on the return, and that’s how you get beat in the doubles point, and that’s how we got beat tonight.”

The challenges associated with switching from indoor to outdoor tennis can be difficult to manage, but there is a part of the switch that makes playing easier.

As Isaac Becroft has dealt with throughout this season, indoor tennis relies more heavily on serving than outdoor tennis. Serving is critical outside, but without any natural elements, the serve can determine who wins almost every point inside.

“Just taking care of our serve and trying to be as aggressive as possible because otherwise the opponent will be aggressive, and that’s never good news,” Becroft said.

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

Although the abrupt switch from indoor to outdoor and back jarred the Cowboys early in the season, they did not face any troubles in the following weeks. Most of the Cowboys, including senior Alex Garcia, seemed to think the loss was uncharacteristic of their efforts up to that point. “I’m gonna have to watch the film because what I felt on court, I didn’t feel great today,” Garcia said. “Then, what I saw in the guys, I saw fight. The guy that (Alessio Basile) played was serving really good and the guy that (Francisco Pini) played, he looked really comfortable indoor.”

After the loss to UCLA, the Cowboys had their next five matches at home.

Inside from the cold February weather, OSU began a lengthy winning streak. Including a win against No. 5 USC and a tight 4-3 match against Princeton, OSU won five

straight before officially beginning the outdoor season.

After starting the winning streak in Stillwater, the Cowboys extended it to six at Tulane in their first outdoor match in nearly a month. After the Wednesday win against the Green Wave, the outdoor portion of the Greenwood Tennis Center was ready for action. Despite the Cowboys’ struggles transitioning earlier in the season, Taylor was confident in his players because of their preparation.

“For us, I wouldn’t say it was a huge challenge because our guys are fit,” Taylor said. “Most of the time, the challenge is getting outside and being in the hot weather and having the sun beat down on you.”

Those thoughts came to fruition against Wichita State in the first home outdoor match

Feb. 25. OSU won, 7-0, with Erik Schiessl’s singles match against Marcelo Sepulveda clinching the win.

“Me, personally, I love outdoor tennis,” Schiessl said. “I don’t know about all of those guys on our team, but I think we’re a good indoor and outdoor team.”

The wind was probably the most significant factor in OSU’s first outdoor home match, for many high-hit balls were blown out of play. During the past several weeks, OSU has continued to adapt to outdoor tennis, with all of Big 12 play happening outside.

The Division-I men’s and women’s championships will take place at the Greenwood Tennis Center from May 16-25. In an ideal world, weather in Stillwater will cooperate, but mid- to late May in Oklahoma has the potential to be disruptive to an outdoor event.

There is historically about a 6% chance of severe weather in Stillwater on any day dur-

ing that span, according to the Storm Prediction Center’s severe weather climatology. Even without severe weather, leaving the fully controlled climate inside makes any elements potentially disruptive.

Still, with OSU’s players coming from numerous climates, some players are more comfortable than others when it comes to Oklahoma weather. However, the team’s love of tennis ties everyone together.

Freshman Goran Zgola is from Poznan, Poland, and is one of four European Cowboys. Although almost everyone on the team comes from different backgrounds, the entire team shares Zgola’s mindset.

“Obviously, you have the sun, you have the wind, which isn’t easy,” Zgola said. “But still, the ball is yellow, the courts are green and blue, so there’s not that much change.”

Kaytlyn Hayes

Collective

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

TULSA

Benge narrowed his sights on his target.

Benge, Oklahoma State’s right fielder, dug his right foot into the dirt making up the home plate circle and prepared to put all his force into his next swing. Moments later, pure elation seeped out as he connected with a hanging curveball from Oral Roberts right-hander pitcher Jared Ure, launching it 424 feet on a line off the towering scoreboard hovering over right field.

The faint cheering of a reported 2,259-person attendance, the majority of which featured orange and black attire at Johnson Stadium, intensified as “O-S-U” cheers erupted shortly after. It was spectacle that turned into a commonality throughout the night.

“Just like I used to hit them,” OSU coach Josh Holliday joked. “That ball was crushed.”

Benge’s two-run blast in the top of the fourth inning of the No. 19 Cowboys’ 12-4 win over ORU on Tuesday night in Tulsa not only provided OSU with an eight-run cushion in the moment but highlighted an offensive onslaught.

Benge was one of seven hitters for OSU (27-14) to record a base hit. In addition, his fourth-inning homer was one of three deep shots on the night for the group.

“We got good offense early from our guys,” Holliday said. “That was big for us going up against a very talented offensive team.”

A sign of what’s to come

over the ensuing weeks? Holliday and Co. can only hope.

During OSU’s series loss at Kansas State over the weekend, the Cowboys failed to surpass an eight-hit total in each of their three games. Although they improved that mark by only one on Tuesday, most came in a timelier manner, in contrast to meaningless two-out hits or lead-off knocks that weren’t complemented by any additional offensive spark.

To put it simply, OSU’s offense was more efficient. And it couldn’t have come at a timelier moment as Holliday’s group prepares for a rigorous tail end of their Big 12 slate. “In terms of our ability to develop and establish depth over the course of this season, I think this is a compliment to our kids for continuing to step up every time,” Holliday said. “They are elevating their game and keep stepping in, and I am very proud of them for that.”

Center fielder Zach Ehrhard commenced the scoring with a two-run home run of his own in the top of the first, punishing ORU starting pitcher Owen Reynolds for leaving a fastball down the middle of the zone.

The Cowboys then scored six in the top of the third before Benge’s two-run bomb in the fourth. Left fielder Nolan Schubart finalized the scoring with a two-RBI single to center field in the top of the fifth.

The Golden Eagles (14-26-1) threatened on multiple occasions, even breaking through with two spots in the second and fourth innings. However, quality efforts from five combined OSU arms kept the ORU offense at bay for the majority of the night.

Sophomore lefty Brennan Phillips highlighted the group, striking out a season-high seven batters while surrendering only three hits over four

innings pitched in relief. “Brennan has always been a grinder for us,” Ehrhard said. “Yes, he has had some struggles here and there. But that happens. It’s baseball. But that outing tonight was really what he needed. He executed all of his pitches and he really looked like that guy that we always knew that he was.”

Holliday echoed Ehrhard’s sentiment of Phillips. “That’s a team that, despite their overall record, has some guys that are having great years offensively,” Holliday said. “Brennan, he really kept them in the infield. I can only think of one hard hit ball to the outfield all night, really. So, very nice job on his part. Well done by him.”

Now, Holliday said he hopes his group carries any momentum from the win into Thursday’s series opener at home against BYU. It might only be a mid-

week game, and against a struggling ORU team that lost top names from its College World Series roster a year ago to the MLB Draft. However, the Golden Eagles have often got the best of the Cowboys, particularly during Holliday’s tenure. Tuesday marked OSU’s first home-and-home season sweep of ORU since 2013, Holliday’s inaugural season. This time, the Cowboys got the best of the Golden Eagles. And largely because of a collective offensive effort, which is needed come Thursday, given the Big 12 title race escalating.

“I think we’re starting to look great,” Ehrhard said. “We’re starting to swing the bats well as we’re coming off a pretty tough weekend but this day, this game was really good for us.

“We’ll obviously need to keep it going moving forward.”

– Carson

Myah Shoemake

Center fielder Zac Ehrhard was one of seven Cowboys to record a base hit against ORU on Tuesday night.

Honor . . .

Continued from 1

“OSU Agriculture is leading the way with more than 50 of our scientists as members of AAAS, with some publishing significant advances in science in the organization’s prestigious journal, ‘Nature,’” Lusk said. “I am

honored to join the ranks in an organization that, at its roots, is interested in scholarship and innovation to benefit people across the globe.”

Senseman was recognized for “distinguished contributions in research, teaching and administration in the field of agronomy, particularly in residue chemistry, mode of action and environmental fate of herbicides in agricultural systems.”

“This is a very special honor, and I am profoundly humbled by it,” Sense -

man said, “This is an acknowledgment of the students who allowed me to be part of their scientific journey, the colleagues I had the opportunity to work with and learn from, and the support of my wife, Laura, during the last three decades of a demanding career. I have no doubt we will continue to accomplish unique innovations and solutions within OSU Ag Research.” Raj Singh, a regents professor in materials science and engineering at OSU, also received the 2024 honor for

“pioneering and game-changing scientific and technological contributions to the field of materials, particularly transformative processing and manufacturing of ceramic composites leading to technology insertion into commercial jet engines.”

Kiran Mysore, professor in the OSU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was honored as an AAAS Fellow in 2019.

Mitchell Alcala

OSU Agriculture hosts the Peanut & Cotton Field Day at Caddo Research Station in Ft. Cobb on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

Bice . . .

Continued from 1

Ceremonies for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate College will be May 10 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. The OSU Institute of Technology (OSUIT) held its commencement ceremony on April 19 on the campus in Okmulgee. OSU-Oklahoma City will host its ceremony at Jim Norick Arena on the state fairgrounds at 6 p.m. May 10.

The OSU Center for Health Sciences will have its ceremonies at 5 p.m., May 16 at the Mabee Center on the campus of Oral Roberts University. OSU-Tulsa will have its ceremony at 6:30 p.m., May 13, at the Union High School Multipurpose Activity Center in Tulsa. All commencements will be

livestreamed through Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV via the Inside OSU app, and at insideosu.com. OSUIT’s ceremony will be available on demand after the ceremony. For more information about OSU’s graduation ceremonies, visit registrar.okstate.edu/commencement/.

The Cowgirl tennis team followed up its undefeated regular season with a dominant run to the Big 12 Championship title on Saturday at the Greenwood Tennis Center.

TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)

It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.

Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.

I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s

Photos by Madison Queen

Classifieds

Business Squares

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Cowboy Calendar

Thursday, April 25

4-H Horticulture Workshop @ 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: OSU Botanical Garden Education Building https://extension.okstate.edu/events/ April Donations Drive for Local Animal Shelters @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Bluepeak Tech Hub

https://mybluepeak.com/ Brazos Valley Boys Live @ 5:45 p.m.

Location: The Botanical Garden at OSU

https://botanicgarden.okstate.edu/ Clay Art Academy @ 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Admission: $100 (Ages 8 -10)

Location: Prairie Arts Center

https://artscenter.okstate.edu

Cowboy Baseball: Oklahoma State vs. BYU @ 6 p.m.

Location: O’Brate Stadium

https://okstate.com/sports/baseball/schedule

Kids’ Night @ 11a.m. - 11 p.m.

Location: Louie’s Grill & Bar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater

Kids Night @ 5 - 9 p.m.

Location: Eskimo Joe’s

Admission: $1 w/ Buffy meals

KiKi’s Karaoke @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: EM Curators of Craft

https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events

College Night @ 8 p.m

Location: Tumbleweed DanceHall & Concert Arena

Admission: $8.00 Cover Charge and free entry for 21+

https://www.calffry.com

Songwriters Circle w/ Dylan Moss @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Location: Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q

Drop & Draw @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu

Karaoke & Beer Pong Tournament @ 9:30 p.m.

Location: The Union Beverage Co

Admission: Free Karaoke and Beer Pong but you must register by 9:30

Fiber Arts Group Thursdays @ 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

https://artscenter.okstate.edu

Troubadour Thursdays @ 7:30

Location: Iron Monk Brewing Company

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (04/25/24). Realize personal dreams this year. Friendships grow with steady attention. Savor rituals and adapt around summer transitions. Your autumn social life blossoms. Obstacles require physical adaptation this winter, leading to springtime fun with family and someone special. Use your power and confidence for good. 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 9 — Listen powerfully. It’s easier to resolve misunderstandings, with Mercury stationing direct in your sign. Serve as a translator for others who don’t get each other.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Consider dreams. Articulate your feelings privately. Words and traffic flow better, with Mercury direct. Review where you’ve been. Keep a journal. Plan and strategize.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Communication barriers evaporate. Team coordination comes together naturally now that Mercury is direct. Background noise quiets and you can hear each other again.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Negotiate, collaborate and network. It’s easier to advance professionally, with Mercury direct. Brainstorming gets more productive and creative again. Discuss possibilities. Develop opportunities.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Make longdistance connections. It’s easier to travel and launch, with Mercury direct for about three months. Traffic flows better. Confirm reservations. Get your message out.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Buy and sell. Discuss financial priorities with your partner. Money, invoices and payments flow with greater ease, with Mercury direct. Sign contracts. Negotiate deals.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Misunderstandings diminish. Communication clarifies naturally, with Mercury stationing direct today. It’s easier to persuade, compromise and reach consensus. Send love messages and invitations.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — A physical barrier dissolves. It’s easier to concentrate and communicate, with Mercury direct for three months. Traffic flows with greater ease. Discover health solutions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Listen to your muses. It’s easier to express yourself, with Mercury direct. Practice your persuasive arts. Share your passion, possibilities and affection. Get creative.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Family communications clarify, now that Mercury stations direct. Collaborate and strategize. Share your visions. Determine domestic improvements. Clean up messes and resolve irritations. Aquarius

20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Creative

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk