OSU Headlines

OWRRI receives environmental excellence award
The Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute, which is part of the Institute for Sustainable Environments at OSU, has received the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Team Builder Award for its work on the state’s water plan. Dr. Will Focht, director of the ISE, designed the process that – with the help of ISE employees Mike Langston and Jeri Fleming – is being used to involve the public in the development of a comprehensive water plan. OWRRI is one year into the four-year process aimed at generating ideas and feedback on water management strategies for Oklahoma. For more information, contact Kelly Green, (405) 744-5827.    

State’s ag secretary offers future energy policy insights
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Robert Wegener visited OSU recently to offer insights on the importance of the continued integration of agriculture and energy in the state’s current and future energy policy. Insisting that the days of cheap, secure and plentiful energy are over, Wegener applauded collaboration between OSU scientists and public and private partners for providing energy options that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. For more information, click here.

OSU Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra to present concert Sunday
Family and friends are welcomed to an evening filled with music and exceptional artistry on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church near campus at 516 West Third Ave. The OSU Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra will present Bach's cantata “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” and the Chamber Orchestra will also perform Mozart's Symphony No. 35 (“The Haffner Symphony”).  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more information, e-mail mark.lawlor@okstate.edu or phone (405) 744-8992.    

Risk management expert to speak
Safety expert John S. Bresland will present “From Sugar Refinery to Oil Refinery Disasters—Investigations of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board” on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 7 – 7:45 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. Besland was appointed chairman and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board in 2008. For more information, contact the School of Fire Protection and Safety at (405) 744-5721.

Sociology professor to lecture on globalization
Saskia Sassen, a sociology professor at Columbia University, will discuss implications of globalization and the global cities during two lectures set for Tuesday, Feb. 10, at OSU. The afternoon lecture is at 3:30 p.m. in Room 408 of the Student Union. The second lecture starts at 7 p.m. in Room 313 of the Classroom Building. Both are part of the College of Arts and Sciences Social Sciences Lecture Series, which is free and open to the public. For more information, phone the Department of Sociology at (405) 744-6105.

Columbia University professor to offer Woods Lecture
Nicholas Dames, Theodore H. Kahan Professor in the Humanities of Columbia University, will give the Woods Lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. in Noble Research Center 108. His lecture, “The Chapter: a History of Segmented Life, 1200-1900,” will cover a brief history of the book chapter from the Bible to the modern novel, and its effects on the development of the idea of self. Dames specializes in the history of the novel and its relation to developments in psychology and medicine. For more information, contact Linda Austin (linda.m.austin@okstate.edu) or the English Department (9474).

Let Fulbright fund your study abroad dreams

Next week is “Healthy Relationship Week”
Share the WEALTH peer educators will be distributing free information on keys to healthy relationships at a booth in the in the Student Union Atrium on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The information will cover common relationship myths, abstinence, a love vs. infatuation quiz and much more. Stop by and get a free T-shirt, coaster, or some candy. Don’t miss the educational program “Relationship U Part II: Stop Playing The Relationship Game,” on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Classroom Building, room 313. Call Tia Wallace at (405) 744-4298 with any questions.   

Kit offered during National Pet Dental Health Month
The OSU Boren Veterinary Teaching Hospital will provide a free dental care starter kit for pets that receive a wellness exam during the month of February, which is National Pet Dental Health Month. According to community practice veterinarian Dr. Paul DeMars, regular dental care contributes positively to overall good health in pets. He suggests a dental exam, dental care at home and regular veterinary checkups that include monitoring dental health. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

Take the COWBOYSONTHEMOVE challenge

This week at the union…
You’re invited to these Student Union Activities Board events at the SU Theater.
Movie: “James Bond 007 Quantum of Solace,” Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $2 per person.
Movie: “Madagascar 2,” Friday, Feb. 6. At 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $2 per person, free for children 12 and under.   

Be good to your heart during American Heart Month
Find out about diet and lifestyle changes that can make your heart its healthiest, click here.   

Does it need to be on?
Turn off special purpose machines. Think of the other machines in your office that you could turn off when you are not using them – typewriters, adding machines, mail handlers, paper shredders, etc.  The longer your list, the greater the potential for saving energy. – American Express and Consolidated Edison, NY

Wellness tip: Think small portions for pasta
Did you know that one serving of pasta is 1/2 cup cooked or a portion about the size of half a baseball? Depending on gender, age and level of physical activity, most Americans need between six and 11 servings of grains each day. Heaping plates of pasta may end up providing more calorie-dense carbohydrates than you need. For a well-balanced meal, try limiting portions of pasta to 1/2-3/4 cup; consider whole wheat, if available; and include plenty of vegetables and lean meat, fish, chicken or tofu. 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).