Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Congressman Lucas Announces $3.2 Million in OSU Projects

U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas announced today that OSU is in line for more than $3.2 million in federal funding for eight research and technology projects after a bill, which Lucas supported, was passed the U.S. House Saturday. The Senate also passed the bill over the weekend, and President Bush is expected to sign it soon. OSU Has eight projects that include:

•   $1,023,000 to research the development of biomass fuel. Funding will be used to make the product commercially viable and allow faster construction of a commercial biomass fuel production plant in Oklahoma.
  
•   $556,000 to research better and faster methods to detect food borne pathogens that could enter the food supply. The research will also work to create pathogen sensors to detect possible bioterrorism attacks, as well as unintended contamination of the food supply.
  
•    $430,000 for the OSU Rural Telemedicine Program, which allows physicians to provide assistance to patients in rural areas through video and broadband connections, so that patients can receive superior medical treatment without having to travel to the city. The funding will be used to install cost-effective telemedicine suites in Oklahoma’s rural hospitals.
  
•   $300,000 to provide Oklahoma rural manufacturers with technology transfer services to increase their competitiveness in the marketplace.
  
• $298,000 to research more environmentally safe and ecologically sound practices for animal waste management.
  
•   $275,000 to develop better technologies and management practices for wheat-cattle enterprises in Oklahoma and the Great Plains.
  
•   $207,000 to develop techniques to improve production methods for vegetable crops.
  
•   $200,000 to develop techniques to improve production methods for horticultural crops, to reduce pesticide use, increase yields and create new income opportunities for producers.
  

Campus United Way Issues Special Thanksgiving Message

Campus United Way coordinators Jacque Lochmiller and Amjad Ayoubi are issuing a special Thanksgiving message to encourage last-minute participation. "As our thoughts turn this week to the many things for which we are thankful,it is also a time to remember those who may not be as fortunate," the coordinators said. "The Stillwater Area United Way helps hundreds of our friends and neighbors each year, and campaign volunteers are working hard to contact the campus community and gather remaining donations. Lochmiller and Ayoubi said the campus campaign has reached $138,227, still short of its $150,000 goal. They encourage everyone to get donations and deposits in as soon as possible.

John Lucas - Great Player, Great Pal!

Michael Buchanan, the son of OSU animal science professor David Buchanan, had the best birthday party of his life recently when none other than OSU basketball star John Lucas showed up. Michael, who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, works at the Student Union and has struck up a friendship with Lucas. He recently gave Lucas a hand-made invitation to his party. Lucas not only showed up, but brought a signed jersey saying, 'Happy Birthday Michael" and a team poster signed by all the players. "John was completely charming, and it was fun to watch him enjoying Michael opening his presents," said Michael's father. "John visited with several of the people who were present and signed autographs for some of the children who were there, as well as for Michael's best friend Dustin (another young adult with Down Syndrome). It was an excellent example of a nice young man who came out of friendship but also understands that he plays an important part in the community. The experience, in my view, speaks well of him as an individual. In addition, Michael has had other excellent interactions with several members of the basketball team during the last year. All of this speaks well about the kind of people we recruit and the way they are taught when they are here."

OSU-OKC Schedules Holiday Open House

OSU-Oklahoma City will host its 13th annual Christmas Open House, Thursday, Dec. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the OSU-OKC John E. Kirkpatrick Horticulture Center, 400 N. Portland. The free event features Santa Claus, a poinsettia-filled greenhouse, pet gift baskets, door prizes, refreshments and special musical entertainment by Twiggy and the Gerken Sisters. Poinsettias displayed at the open house will be available for purchase at the OSU-OKC Horticulture Center, Saturday, December 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Poinsettias also will be sold Dec. 6-10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 945-3358.

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