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OSU Headline News
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Wenesday, April 14, 2004
This page is updated three times weekly at approximately 4 p.m.,
except during holidays and academic breaks.
OSU and Higher Ed System Will Set Record for Graduates
Estimates indicate that Oklahoma may have a record number of college
graduates this spring. This includes OSU, which has 5,000 degree candidates
-- quite a change from our first graduating class in 1895-96 when six
people walked across the stage. The last record for OSU was set in 1978-79
when the university had 4,429 graduates. Across the state, more than 28,000
students will earn college degrees this spring, according to the Oklahoma
State Regents for Higher Education. You can view a release from the State
Regents at
http://www.okhighered.org/news-center/commencement2004.html
OSU Student Picked for Prestigious National Internship
Joel Halcomb, a history/math double major from Sand Springs, has earned the
Lehrman Institute of American History summer internship, one of only 15
granted this year. The internship is one of the top awards in the country
for undergraduates. Joel will spend six weeks studying in New York City. He
had a great OSU career that included two Wentz Research projects and a year
studying at York University, England, where he is conducting significant
research with York faculty. Joel also is an accomplished jazz musician
(bass), artist, and carpenter.
Bill to Eliminate Endowed Chairs Backlog Goes to Governor Next
A bill passed by the Oklahoma House today will help eliminate much of a $50
million backlog of private donations waiting for a state match for higher
education’s endowed chairs program. HB1904 provides for advanced funding of
the state’s contribution to endowed chairs, professorships, lectureships
and positions for artists-in-residence at public higher education
institutions. The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority will administer a
trust fund using an annual appropriation of about $7 million. The State
Senate has approved the bill. It now goes to Gov. Brad Henry, who has
indicated his strong support. Upon the governor's signature, new faculty
can be recruited and hired throughout the higher education system.
Native American Heritage Week Continues
OSU's Native American Student Association is sponsoring its annual Native
American Heritage Week. All activities are free and open to the public.
Highlights include:
- A DVD presentation of "The Fire Still Burns," by Gena Howard, at 7 p.m.,
Thursday, April 15 in room 141 of the Physical Sciences Building. Howard
is deputy director of the Native American Cultural and Educational
Authority and the Native American Cultural Center and Museum.
- A discussion with native elders in the OSU Student Union Centennial
Lounge at 7 p.m., Friday, April 16. Elders from several tribes will
discuss tribal and community values with students, faculty, staff and
visitors.
- The spring contest powwow in the Colvin Center Annex, across from the
OSU Police Department, Saturday, April 17. Gourd dancing begins at 2
p.m.; a supper break is planned for 5 p.m.; and the grand entry starts
at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are asked to bring their own folding chairs for
seating.
In Memory - Scott Orbison
A good friend and important figure in OSU's history died Saturday. Tulsa
civic leader and businessman Scott Orbison of Tulsa was a 1942 alumnus who
served as first president of the OSU Development Foundation. He also was
head of the OSU Alumni Association and a member of the Association's Hall
of Fame. He served a dozen years as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents
for Higher Education and was a trustee with the Wentz Foundation for more
than four decades.