OSU Headlines

Informal debates set for SGA candidates tonight
The OSU Student Government Association is hosting an informal debate between the candidates for next SGA president and vice president positions starting at 7 p.m. (Tuesday, Feb. 24,) in Starlight Terrace (4th floor) at the Student Union. A question and answer format will be followed for this debate and candidates will also field questions from the audience. Questions? Contact ben.stukenborg@okstate.edu. For more election information, click here.    

Hotel executive and wife named to hall of fame
The School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration at OSU recently presented its 2009 Hall of Fame Award to current AH&LA Chairman of the Board Joe Martin and his wife and business partner Pam. The award recognizes their distinguished careers in the hospitality industry and their commitment to the students and faculty of OSU. As the owners/operators of Stillwater Hospitality, LLC, the Martins have established themselves as leaders and visionaries in hospitality to the students and community in Stillwater. For more details, click here.

Whitson to head two major ag organizations
Two major agricultural organizations have chosen OSU’s Robert E. Whitson to lead them. Whitson was recently named president of the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists and chairman of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges’ Administrative Heads Section – Southern Region. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, said one of his major goals as president and chairman is to encourage land-grant institutions to expand interdisciplinary, interregional and multi-state projects. For more details, click here.    

OK-FIRE Web site getting workout
The OSU web site OK-FIRE has been registering more than a million hits a month over the past few months as user-groups take advantage of its information and data tools on a variety of fire-related topics. The site, which was opened to the public just last summer, is being described as “critical to Oklahoma,” which averages  2.5 million acres of wildlands burned annually through either prescribed burns or wildfire. One of its most useful tools is a Fire Prescription Planner which can be used to anticipate periods of high fire danger. For more information, click here or visit the site at http://okfire.mesonet.org

Come to the open house for North Classroom Building tomorrow
Provost and Senior Vice President Marlene Strathe is inviting members of the OSU Community to an open house for the new North Classroom Building on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. This state-of-the-art facility, located on the corner of Monroe and Hall of Fame, features two 125-seat auditoriums and 14 smaller classrooms, with seating for 36-48. The Success Center, on the first floor, has already become a favorite study area for students. Faculty are encouraged to consider reserving study areas at the center for study sessions with their students. The Roots café will have samples of several of their organic beverages and sandwiches as well as other light refreshment.  

Communication Networking Expo this week
OSU’s first Communication Networking Expo is Thursday, Feb. 26, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Communication majors are encouraged to attend the event to start developing relationships with leaders in the communications and media industry. For more information, visit www.cowboynetworking.org or e-mail students@cowboynetworking.org to pre-register for the event. The Association for Women in Communications and School of Journalism and Broadcasting are sponsors.

Guest speaker to lecture on “The Political Cut”
Dr. Todd McGowan will present “The Political Cut: Contemporary Theory and the Necessity of Rupture” on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. in room 207, Noble Research Center. McGowan teaches courses in film theory, history, and genre at the University of Vermont. His areas of interest include Hegel, psychoanalysis, and existentialism, and their intersection in cinema. For more information, contact Hugh Manon at (405) 744-6221 or go to www.english.okstate.edu/screen.

Learn Turkish

Fullerton to discuss “Advertising as Public Diplomacy”
Professor Jami Fullerton, the Peggy Welch Chair in Integrated Marketing Communications, will discuss "Advertising as Public Diplomacy: A Test of U.S. Tourism Commercials" from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in Room 208 of the Paul Miller Building. Dr. Fullerton's presentation is part of the Brown Bag Series in Mass Communication Research. Bring your lunch and join the discussion. For more information, contact Dr. Stan Ketterer at (405) 744-8270 or e-mail stan.ketterer@okstate.edu.

OSU Coaches vs. Cancer chosen for “text pledge” pilot
OSU has been chosen to participate in a national pilot program with the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer Program. OSU fans can now “text their pledge” to the OSU Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign. To participate, simply text the word “COACH” to 20222. Each text sent will be a $5 pledge, and up to five texts are allowed each billing cycle. The donation will appear on your next cell phone bill and will be directly applied to the OSU Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign. The texting option applies to all wireless carriers and standard text messaging rates will apply.

“Quality Customer Service” seminar to be held March 3
Dr. Lee Manzer will present “Quality Customer Service: Creating Customer Focus Through Employee Motivation” on Tuesday, March 3, from 9 a.m.  – 4 p.m.  at OSU-Tulsa. Manzer, a professor of marketing at OSU, will give practical and relevant information that can be easily applied in the workplace. To register, or for more information, call the OSU Center for Executive and Professional Development at 1-866-678-3933 or (405) 744-5208; or visit the Web site at www.cepd.okstate.edu.

The 18th annual Women’s Business Leadership Conference set for March 4
Women in business are encouraged to attend the 18th Annual Women’s Business Leadership Program on Wednesday, March 4, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tulsa from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The program includes successful speakers who share their personal insights and knowledge on being a business woman in a leadership position. To register, or for more information, call the CEPD at (405) 744-5208, or go to www.cepd.okstate.edu.

This week at the Union…
Mardi Gras Dinner - Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom - only $5 per person (cash, meal plan and bursar accepted). SUAB brings Mardi Gras to OSU. Feel free to dress up. Masks and beads will be provided. Win an iPod.
Cowboys Create: Student Art Exhibit and Sale - Come see local student artists and have an opportunity to purchase their art in the French Lounge at the Student Union. The opening is Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 8 – 10 p.m. with the art sale running Thursday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. For more information about SUAB, click here.

Wellness tip: Proper stair-stepper form
Our fitness experts say leaning on the sidebars of a stair stepper means that you burn fewer calories than the readout states. To get an accurate reading, set the intensity so you are able to stand upright, with your arms to your sides. If necessary, lightly rest your hands on the bars for balance, but make your legs do the work. 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).