The Student Voice Since 1903 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2006
New international director wins award for education
Santa Rocks!
by Abha Eli Phoboo Staff Writer
by Vista photographer Alex Gambill
A child from Sunset Elementary tells Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas at the President's Club Christmas Party Dec. 5 in the Nigh University Center's ballroom.
AAFSA creates mural
The new director of UCO's International Student Services, Dr. Dennis Dunham, received an award for outstanding service to international education at the regional meeting of National Association of Foreign StudentAdministration (NAFSA) Nov. 8 in Arkansas. "The award was a big surprise. I had no idea about the nomination and had actually planned to skip the banquet," said Dunham. Nominated by his co-workers from Oklahoma City and ELS Language Centers, Dunham has spent more than 20 years in international education. He also started Oklahoma's first foreign campus programs in six countries and led the only overseas musical and cultural tour to celebrate Oklahoma's Centennial anniversary. "Dennis didn't just learn new ideas at NAFSA, he implemented them when he returned," said Julie Blevins, district director of ELS Language Centers in her nomination statement for the award. Dunham's experience in international education started when he joined the Peace Corps as a graduate and went to Korea. "We had to learn Korean in order to be able to teach English as a second language to students there," said Dunham, who has a master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. "I had never been outside the United States before then and I realized it was important to have such an exposure when working with international students," he said. After Dr. Ronald Paddock retired, Dunham officially took over as director of UCO's International Student Services on July 6 this year. The added
by Vista photographer Alex Gambill
Dr. Dennis Dunham recently received an award, for outstanding service, from the NAFSA.
dimension of international services in a larger university has allowed him to understand and take care of students, while working on marketing and decision making. "There is a great sense of community at UCO, especially among the international students. It is not just about staff helping students but students helping staff," said Dunham. When asked what his long-term plans are, Dunham laughed and added, "There are many, but I can tell you about our short term plans. Basically, we want to improve the smooth flow of enrollment and orientation programs." Otherplans include improvement of UCO website, enrollment and retention of interna-
tional students, and increasing the experience for the community. The lounge in the international office will be adapted into an orientation room during enrollment. The advisers will also work closely with international students to think of new ways to increase finding. Dunham's vision right now is to connect the international community with Oklahoma. "Helping international education is helping the state of Oklahoma to continue to develop and reach out with international communities. Oklahoma needs to be more and more connected internationally," said Dunham. Abha Eli Phoboo can be reached at aphoboo@thevistaonline.com .
Wellness Center to stay open later by Vista photographer Alex Gambill
Shelia Miller, art junior, works on a mural across from the Barnes and Noble bookstore. by Abha Eli Phoboo Staff Writer
In a quiet corner of the Nigh University Center, across from the Barnes and. Nobles bookstore, the vivid colors of a mural in progress make passers-by stop and stare. Take a moment to drink in it, to stand for a second in between classes, disengaging from the blur of students, classes, breaks and tests. "UCO has a long and healthy relationship with its African American commu-
nity. The mural reflects that history and it is presented for all of UCO to appreciate," said Barry Lofton, vice president of the African American Faculty Staff Association. Noticing there wasn't anything that acknowledged the African American community's contribution to UCO, the association along with artist Dr. Bob Palmer's support, decided to make a mural that showcased it. "We had around 15 illustrations submitted to us, and nine of them were chosen; five by the organization members
and four by the students," said Dr Judith Wakefield, president of the association. "We put them together to make one illustration. Our message is that African Americans have been instrumental in leadership and all kinds of avenues at UCO." The mural is fiery; Africa's map plays a central theme with representations of Black American history depicted around it. The development of the African American culture is shown in relation to UCO and its students. There are two art students who are working on the mural: Shelia Miller and Michelle Shelly. "When people walk by, we want them to stop and look. This mural is meant to bring awareness about diversity on campus, especially about the African American cornmunity," said Shelia Miller.
Abha Eli Phoboo can be reached at aphoboo@thevistaonline.com .
Watch News Central on Channel 6 @ 5 p.m.
by Vista photographer Travis Marak
The Wellness Center will be adding one hour of operation per day starting in the spring semester.
by Andrew Knittle Staff Writer
The Wellness Center will stay open later starting Spring 2007, according to Assistant Director of Programs and Services Danielle Dill.
Pearl Harbor remembered
The WC will be open Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., adding one hour of operation per day. On Saturday, the WC will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving students and members an extra four hours to use the facilities.
Hours of operation for Friday (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m. to 8 p.m.) will remain the same for the upcoming spring semester.
see WC page 13
Broncho Basketball
See Sports pg. 16