OSU Headlines

Regents approve posthumous degrees
The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents gave approval Friday to award posthumous degrees to Robert Alden Lucy of Tulsa and Kevin Morgan Babson of Olathe, Kan. Lucy, a graduate student who died Dec. 6, 2008, had completed all coursework for the M.S. degree and was working on the completion of his thesis at the time of his death. Babson transferred to OSU in 2005 to join the OSU Wheelchair Basketball Team, and although illness prevented him from playing basketball, he persisted academically. He died Nov. 5, 2008. If approved by the State Regents, the posthumous degrees will be presented on behalf of the university to their families during commencement ceremonies on May 8 and May 9. For more information on today's board actions, click here.     

Students make presentations at State Capitol
Four OSU students presented competitive research posters to state legislators and the public during Research Day at the State Capitol. Christie Backoulou, a Niblack scholar and a biochemistry and management senior from Stillwater, placed third in the research intensive campus category for her research on osteoporosis. Other OSU participants included Wentz scholars Ashley Hayes from Oklahoma City, and Ellen Jarrett from Tulsa, as well as Niblack scholar Lauren White from Idabel. For more details, click here. Research day is sponsored annually by Oklahoma EPSCoR, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and The National Science Foundation.  

Sanders recognized with lifetime achievement award
OSU’s Larry Sanders has received one of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association’s most prestigious honors, its lifetime achievement award. Sanders is an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service agricultural economist and professor with the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He is noted for his broad contributions to agricultural extension, research and teaching, especially when it comes to work with farm policy, natural resources, managing change and trade issues. For more details, click here.

OSU cross country teams earn national academic honors
The OSU men’s and women’s cross country programs were recognized this week as all-academic teams by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The Cowboys have earned all-academic recognition from the association in each of the last 11 years and the Cowgirls have secured the honor in each of the last six seasons. The Cowboys won the NCAA Midwest Regional championship and posted a 3.135 combined grade point average in the classroom. The Cowgirls took fifth at the NCAA Midwest Regional and combined to record a team grade point average of 3.184.

Carnival 2009 set for tonight at OSU
Come taste the food and see the performances of Carnival 2009 at Wes Watkins Exhibit Hall, Friday, March 6, from 6 – 11 p.m. Celebrate a widely recognized international festival while promoting study abroad and the many cultures represented at OSU. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for youth (ages 7-12), and free for children. Tickets will be available at the event entrance. For more information, contact Pedro Lozada at pedro.lozada@okstate.edu or phone (405) 744-3948.

Web page details new funding allocations
The Office of University Research Services has created a Web page with links that detail how federal agencies plan to allocate their new funding under President Obama’s stimulus plan. This could be a resource for faculty researchers as they respond to requests for proposals. Click on the following to go to the Web page.

Fellowship to host luncheon next week

Teens invited to exploration academy
High school students interested in the integration of business and technology are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to attend the OSU Information Systems Technology Exploration Academy which will be held on May 31 – June 5 on campus in Stillwater. Twenty students will receive a full scholarship that covers all the expenses for the program. The program is designed for those who will be high school sophomores to seniors in the 2009-2010 academic year. For more information, go to www.cepd.okstate.edu/isyte.   

Your Student Union Activities Board invites you to the union…
Friday, March 6 – Test your blackjack and poker skills or push your luck with roulette in the Casino from 9 – 11 p.m. at Starlight Terrace (4th floor, Student Union) free. For more about SUAB, click here.

Workshop presenters needed for 4-H Roundup
The 4-H Office at OSU is looking for presenters to teach interactive education workshops to youths ages 13-19 during this year’s 4-H Roundup on the afternoons of July 29 and 30. This Roundup will celebrate Oklahoma’s 4-H centennial and teens from across the state will be here to participate in workshops, competitive events and social activities.  If you are interested, please contact Tracy Branch at (405) 744-8891 or e-mail tracy.branch@okstate.edu by March 31.

Beware of “energy vampires”
When you turn off an appliance or electrical device and it continues to consume electricity, you’re dealing with an “energy vampire.” Though some refer to this as “stand-by power,” the problem is that the device is using electricity 24 hours a day, even when it’s supposed to be off. Can you identify energy vampires in your home or office area? Can you reduce them to reduce energy waste?

Folate is essential
Find out why folate is an essential part of every diet. Click here.

Wellness tip: A proper warm-up
A warm-up should be part of every exercise program, as it prepares your body for more intense activity. A good warm-up is to perform five to 10 minutes of a lower-intensity version of whatever exercise you are about to do. For example, if you are going to do fast walking, then the warm-up should entail a slower-paced walk to acclimate your muscles. 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).