OSU Headlines

MLK celebration and march planned for Stillwater
The City of Stillwater’s Community Relations Committee is coordinating “March for Change: Promises Realized” on Monday, Jan. 19, starting at 5 p.m. with food, music and fellowship at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 7th and Duck. A commemorative freedom march will start at 6:45 p.m. from the church and be followed with a celebratory service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 902 S. Knoblock. Four spirited choirs and a diversity poster contest with entries from Stillwater Middle School students will be on display. For more information, click here.    

MLK parade and rally set for Tulsa
“Living the Dream: Standing Together-Transforming Lives!” is the theme for Tulsa's 22nd annual MLK Commemorative Parade which begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19. Students from OSU-Tulsa's Partners in Education schools will join Pistol Pete and students, faculty and staff from all of the OSU campuses to march in the parade. The parade will form at Pine Street and Greenwood Ave, continue through Tulsa's historic Greenwood District and end at the OSU-Tulsa campus. A MLK Rally will follow the parade. Individuals who are interested in participating should call Nekki Reagan-Neeley at (918) 594-8234.

Before leaving for the MLK weekend…
OSU Energy Conservation Management is reminding all faculty, staff and students to conserve energy by turning off lights, computers, TVs, and stereos before leaving for the MLK weekend. Lower blinds and anticipate lower temperatures in many areas.    

Student Union to host inauguration watch party next Tuesday
History will be made on Tuesday, Jan. 20, as the United States witnesses the swearing-in of Barack Obama as its 44th President. The Student Union will have all of its televisions tuned to the inauguration on Tuesday.  The ceremony also will be broadcast on the projection screen in the Student Union Theater. All students, staff, faculty and guests are invited to share in this historic event.

OSU is looking for outstanding student employees
Do you have an exceptional student employee?  The OSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, in collaboration with the OSU Office of Career Services, is seeking nominations from employers who believe their student employee should be recognized as part of the annual Student Employee of the Year reception this spring. To learn more about the program, go to www.okstate.edu/finaid/seoty or contact Sonya Kegin at (405) 744-7056. The deadline for nominations and recommendation letters is Friday, Jan. 30.

Thomas named president of Jarvis Christian College
Dr. Cornell Thomas, VP for Institutional Diversity at OSU, has been named president of Jarvis Christian College, which is located in Hawkins, Tex.  Thomas came to OSU in February of 2005 from Texas Christian University, where he was the assistant professor of educational foundations and administration. OSU President Burns Hargis said, “We appreciate all Dr. Thomas has done for OSU.  He helped us move forward in our efforts to celebrate and draw upon the diverse individuals and ideas on the OSU campus.  OSU remains committed to creating a more inclusive campus and world.”

Planning to study abroad this summer?

CoStart helps faculty researchers launch start-up companies
OSU researchers who want to establish companies and commercialize the technologies they have developed in the laboratory have more options with CoStart, a new program offered through the OSU Office of Intellectual Property Management. CoStart provides qualified OSU faculty with a selection of leave options to reduce or eliminate their regular faculty duties for periods of time up to one year so they can establish a start-up company using OSU-licensed intellectual property. Options range from a simple reduction of departmental/university responsibilities to full-year sabbatical leave or leave without pay. For more information on CoStart, contact OIPM at (405) 744-6930.

Former senator to speak on impact of chicken processing plants in Oklahoma
Retired Senator Paul Muegge will speak about the environmental impact of chicken processing plants in Oklahoma as part of the Sustainability Speaker Series on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in room 105 in the Spears School of Business. Senator Muegge appeared in the DVD documentary "Shall We Gather at the River?" produced by former Oklahoma state legislator Don McCorkell. For a trailer go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sPNFudpj7o. The series is hosted by Jane Talkington. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Live supercomputing lecture
In addition to the “Supercomputing in Plain English” Webcast series, the High Performance Computing Center is hosting a live supercomputing lecture by Henry Neeman from the University of Oklahoma on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 3-4 p.m. in Student Union Case Study 2 (Room 412). For more information about the live lecture or the Webcast series, please contact Dana Brunson at dana.brunson@okstate.edu or phone (405) 744-4455.

Study on pregnancy and the couple relationship
An OSU research study is welcoming expectant women, ages 18-35, and their male partners to participate in a study about the maternity experience and the couple relationship. All personal information will be confidential. Each couple will receive $100 for participation. Please contact Dr. Kami L. Schwerdtfeger at (405) 334-7994 to find out more about the study and your rights as a participant.

Book signing on Saturday
Dr. Eric Reitan, associate professor of philosophy at OSU, will sign copies of his new book “Is God A Delusion?: A Reply to Religion’s Cultured Despisers,” on Saturday, Jan. 17, starting at  1 p.m. at Hastings  in Stillwater. He is also scheduled for a book signing at Borders in Tulsa on Sunday, Jan. 25, starting at 2 p.m. The book is receiving praise from critics who describe it as: “Clear, penetrating, and thought provoking” and “Elegantly argued (and) refreshing.”

A&S Student Council applications now available
New membership applications for the Arts and Sciences Student Council are now available from the Arts and Sciences Student Success Center (213 Life Sciences East) and 060 Student Union. Completed applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the Student Success Center. Questions? Contact Emily.schoeb@okstate.edu or phone (405) 664-1197.

Pick up law fraternity applications at Student Union
Applications are now available for Phi Alpha Delta, OSU’s only pre-law fraternity. Please pick up an application in the informational turn style located in the Student Union basement. Membership includes a one-time fee of $100. Phi Alpha Delta brings guest lawyers from law schools around the country to inform students. Join today. Questions? Contact Sadie Stockdale (417) 861-5233.

Business Student Council applications available next week
Business Student Council Applications will be available starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, in 060 Student Union. All freshmen business majors are encouraged to apply to compete for 10 class representative positions. There is also one sophomore class opening, so sophomore business students are encouraged to apply as well. Completed applications are due in 060 SU by Wednesday, Feb. 4. Applicants will be contacted for interviews to follow the application process. Questions? E-mail aubrey.gooden@okstate.edu.

You’re invited tonight as the Student Union Activities Board presents…
The movie, “Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist,” at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, in the Student Union Theater. Admission is $2.

Classic film series returns with “Nosferatu”
History Club’s Classic Film Series returns this semester with the film, “Nosferatu,” on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in 313 Classroom Building. Based on the novel Dracula, “Nosferatu” has been described as the most frightening version of the Bram Stoker legend ever produced. The chilling experience is free and open to the public.

Wellness tip: Cowboys on the move
The Seretean Wellness Center proudly presents the new COWBOYSONTHEMOVE website, created to help you track your activity minutes and provide tips to keep you motivated. Help us kick off COWBOYSONTHEMOVE at this month’s Wellness Wednesday, Jan. 21, from noon – 1 p.m. and learn all about the program. Also, hear from a panel of busy professionals, who will share with you their strategies to stay motivated to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.  The presentation is free, along with a heart healthy lunch, but you must pre-register by Monday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m. Call 744.WELL (9355) or e-mail wellness@okstate.edu to register.

Wellness tip: Sponges and hidden kitchen germs
Did you know that sponges are great places for bacteria to grow even after they dry? Keep your kitchen sanitary. Wash sponges carefully and replace them regularly. The bacteria found in dirty sponges can contaminate your dishes and countertops. Wash sponges in the hot cycle of your dishwasher, or disinfect them in a chlorine bleach solution. Whatever your personality, try to find activities that keep you motivated. Wellness tips are brought to you by the OSU Seretean Wellness Center, dedicated to making OSU the Healthiest Campus in America. For more information about services for students, faculty and staff, call 744-WELL (9355).