OSU Headlines

National Science Foundation awards OSU $600,000
The National Science Foundation has awarded Oklahoma State University a $600,000 grant that will allow the university to offer scholarships to qualified transfer students who are pursing degrees in the life sciences. The scholarships, from $6,000-$10,000, will be offered to academically talented, financially needy students majoring in the life sciences who have transferred to OSU from a two-year college. The five-year program, which will start in 2010, is expected to improve recruitment and graduation rates in biological science, physiology and zoology. For more details, click here or phone (405) 744-7224.  

Inventor of baked Lays Potato Chips to speak about creativity
The Department of Entrepreneurship in the Spears School of Business is hosting Dr. Jeff Stamp, inventor of baked Lays Potato Chips, for “It Isn’t About the Box: Why Creativity Fails, and How to Use It and Win” on Friday, Feb. 20, from 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. in room 105, Business Building. Stamp is also a professor and chair of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of North Dakota as well as president of BoldThinking, LLC. Those who wish to attend need to RSVP to Crystal Guthrie at (405) 744-3325.

Hromas named recipient of national honor
Dr. James Hromas will receive the University Continuing Education Association’s 2008 Walter S. Bittner Award for Outstanding Service at the organization’s national conference in April. Hromas, who has been at OSU for 40 years, serves as the director of both the OSU International Education and Outreach, and the OSU School of International Studies. He is also an associate professor of marketing in the OSU Spears School of Business.

Wellness Wednesday focuses on breast cancer awareness
Join Sue Ellis of the American Cancer Society as she discusses breast cancer awareness, the importance of early detection, treatment and how to reduce your risk. Following the presentation, a panel of breast cancer survivors will share their own stories and experiences with you. The program will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 12:45 pm, at the Seretean Wellness Center Lecture Hall.  A free, heart healthy lunch will be served, but you must register by Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 3 p.m. (after 3 p.m., please bring your own lunch.) To register, e-mail wellness@okstate.edu or call the Seretean Wellness Center at (405) 744-WELL (9355).

Relay For Life team captains meeting tonight
Team captains will meet Tuesday, Feb. 17, in room 361 at Ag Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. Register online today at www.relayforlife.org/okstateok to help fight cancer.

Doctoral candidates to be honored at first-ever reception

Eat at Rib Crib tomorrow to raise funds for OSU Relay For Life
Go to Rib Crib anytime between 5 – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, (tomorrow) and 10 percent of your ticket will go to Relay For Life of OSU. Be sure to tell your waiter you are there to support Relay For Life. Questions? Contact Hanna Kelley at hanna.kelley@okstate.edu or phone (405) 517-7825.   

Botanical illustrator to speak, display art
Bellamy Parks Jansen, illustrator of “Field Guide to Oklahoma Plants,” will speak on “Botanical Illustration: Where Art Meets Science,” Friday, Feb. 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room in the Edmon Low Library. The talk will be followed by an art display and reception. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the OSU Library, Botany Department, Natural Resources, Ecology and Management Department, Oklahoma Native Plants Society, and the OSU Botanical Society.

Grow spiritually at “Thirst No More” Campus Encounter
College students are encouraged to participate in Campus Encounter, a campus ministry seminar hosted by the Church of Christ University Center Feb 20-22. The theme is "Thirst No More" and will feature fellowship, worship, speakers and discussion classes that are geared toward spiritual growth. Campus Encounters is free and includes meals. For more information, call (405) 372-5682, drop by the University Center at 821. N. Duck or visit the Web site, www.universitycenter.org.

Classic film series presents “Sunset Boulevard”
The OSU History Club’s Classic Film Series will present “Sunset Boulevard” on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. in 313 CLB. Gloria Swanson stars in an inside-story about Hollywood and the perils of stardom as an effort to regenerate her career in films leads to tragedy and murder. The series is free and open to the public.

OSU Theatre presents “Fool for Love”
The OSU Department of Theatre explores whether love has boundaries, limits and absolutes in the upcoming production of Sam Shepard’s “Fool for Love” Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jerry Davis Studio Theatre in Gundersen Hall. The play won an Obie award and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. General admission tickets can be purchased for $5 outside of the Studio Theatre an hour prior to each performance. For ticket information, please call (405)744-9208.

Daffodil Days are here—you can help fight cancer
Orders are now being taken at OSU for the 2009 Daffodil Days, which supports the American Cancer Society. Cut daffodils are $10 a bunch, $15 a vase, and a bunch and a bear for $25. Orders will be taken until 4 p.m. on Feb. 24. Flowers will be cut by volunteers at the Elks Lodge on March 13 and picked up or delivered to departmental contacts that day. Volunteers are needed as a department contact or to help cut or deliver daffodils. To purchase or volunteer contact Christa Curry at (918) 520-7464 or Joyce Montgomery at (405) 744-5145. This year’s drive is coordinated by Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, which is working with the OSU Service-Learning Volunteer Center.

You’re invited to non-profit showcase and free food
The Business Honors Organization is inviting all students to attend an event which will showcase several non-profit organizations in Stillwater and beyond on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in CLB 313.  Free food will be provided. Questions? Contact:  Lana Brewer at (580) 401-5423 or e-mail lana.brewer@okstate.edu.

Award applications now available for A&S honors
The Top 10 Senior and Dan Wesley Outstanding Junior applications are now available in 213 Life Sciences East, 060 Student Union and by clicking here. Completed applications for both are due 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in LSE 213. Questions? E-mail emiley.schoeb@okstate.edu or phone (405) 664-1197.

Free income tax filing assistance available
AARP tax aides are available to help people prepare their income tax forms for free at two City of Stillwater locations until April 15. The public is invited to bring all tax documents, last year’s return and valid photo ID. Aides will be at the City of Stillwater Senior Activity Center, 1015 E. 12th Ave., Mondays through Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon and at the Stillwater Public Library, 1107 S. Duck St., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For more information, phone the activity center (405) 747-8070 or library (405) 372-3633 or e-mail askalibrarian@stillwater.org.

How do you handle the fear and uncertainty generated by a natural disaster?
An OSU parenting expert has some recommendations for families with children. Click here.

Wellness tip: Correct breathing while lifting
Correct breathing during exercise helps keep blood pressure down and avoid unnecessary stress on the arteries. The National Institute on Aging recommends exhaling while you lift and inhaling as the weights return to their starting position. You should never hold your breath while lifting weights. 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).