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Civil War events kick off early Dec. 3 with rally at Pioneer Square

Matt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Civil War events kick off early Dec. 3 with rally at Pioneer Square | News and Communication Services | Oregon State University. Related posts:OSU alums kick off inaugural PRIDE Corvallis eventsOregon State University Wins 2008 Civil War!…Morrison Bridge is Orange for Civil War Related posts:

SAT test day coming up? Charta Squad says RELAX!

James — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:15:39 +0000

If you’re a high school senior, this is a stressful time of year. Between school, activities, SAT/ACT tests and applying to college. Here’s an awesome music video from students at the Believe High Schools in Brooklyn, NY that will help break the stress:

Best line:

I got my SAT pants on. Got my SAT dance on. Can’t wait to get my hands on that SAT Scantron.

So do like the Charta Squad says and RELAX!

Ya heard?

Thanks to Dean J. over at the University of Virgina’s Admissions Blog for the original posting.

-jm

OSU unveils new application fee deferral process

James — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:25:44 +0000

For years, domestic undergraduate first year and transfer students who were unable to pay the $50.00 application fee have been able to seek an Oregon University System fee deferral (PDF). The deferral, which must be verified by a counselor or agency official, allows the student to transfer the application fee from an upfront cost to a fee that can be paid at the time of enrollment.

Note, the OUS fee deferral IS NOT a fee waiver. Students will be required to pay the fee (as mentioned above) upon enrollment.

The OSU Office of Admissions has unveiled a new process by which students can claim a fee deferral.

Step 1, determine whether or not you’re eligible:

Applicants seeking admission off of their high school record must meet one or more of the following:

1. Student is now eligible for, or participates in, a free- or reduced-lunch program.
2. Student now participates in or is eligible for a TRIO-type college preparatory program such as Upward Bound, Talent Search, EOP, HEP, etc.
3. Student is a current recipient of State of Oregon or U.S. Public Assistance.
4. Student is eligible for College Board fee waiver.

Students seeking admission off of their work at a two or four year regionally accredited college or university must meet one or more of the following:

1. I am a current participant in an Equal Opportunity Program (EOP), TRIO, or other similar program at the college or university I am currently attending.
Documentation Required: Signed and dated statement from the institution’s program director, including director’s name, signature, title, and phone number.

2. My Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is: $1,000 or lower
Documentation Required: Copy of Part One of your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the institution you are currently attending.

3. I am a current recipient of State of Oregon or U.S. Public Assistance (food stamps only or food stamps, cash, and medical assistance).
Documentation Required: Signed and dated statement from your caseworker.

4. I am currently classified as a dislocated worker.
Documentation Required: Copy of Determination of Dislocated Worker Form 1992B.

5. I have authorization and certification of entrance or re-entrance into rehabilitation.
Documentation Required: Federal form from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Step 2, apply for admission:

Complete your application as you normally would. When you are ready to complete your app, you will be taken to a payment option screen:

Step 3, complete the online fee deferral form by checking the eligibility requirements that apply to you and filling out your counselor/agency official’s information (If you are first year student, use the first year checkboxes. If you are transfer student, use the transfer student checkboxes.) and submit your application:

Step 4, fax (541.737.2482) or mail (OSU Office of Admissions, 104 Kerr Admin Bldg, Corvallis, OR 97331) your completed and signed by an agency official/counselor OUS fee deferral form (PDF).

NOTE: we will not completely process your application or admit you until you have submitted the completed and signed OUS fee deferral form (PDF) for approval

We hope that this will greatly streamline the process for claiming an OUS fee deferral. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call (1.800.291.4192) or email (osuadmit@oregonstate.edu) us directly.

-jm

‘THIS IS IT!’ Oregon State University Community Shatters ‘Thriller’ Record

Matt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:34:55 +0000

As part of its annual Homecoming which was celebrated over Halloween Weekend, over 600 students, faculty, alumni and friends participated in a giant synchronized Thriller dance. People gathered outside Reser Stadium beforehand to practice/learn the dance moves. The event was organized by current OSU Student Brianne Kiso on behalf of the Oregon State University Alumni Association.

According to the Gazette Times, 638 dancers gathered at Reser Stadium at 6 p.m. Friday to recreate the iconic “Thriller” dance by Michael Jackson, shattering the college world record of 242 dancers held by William and Mary College in Virginia. Way to go Brianne! Impressive work!

Check out admissions staff member Carl Thomas at mark 0:50. (Yes, he’s the one with the glitter glove).

Oregon State University Shatters Thriller College Record!

Random Fact: Devotees may remember that Carl Thomas and other OSU Admissions Staff performed Thriller as part of an on campus student affairs talent show. (They won, BTW.)

–mko

Application for Admission to be down Nov. 3rd and Thanksgiving Weekend

James — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:49:29 +0000

OSU is in the process of improving and updating our payment gateway. There will be a couple of periods when the work on that system will make payments, and as a result, the application for admission, unavailable.

The dates that the application will not be available are:

-Tuesday, November 3rd
-Several hours over the Thanksgiving weekend

If you are planning to work on your application or submit it during these periods, please adjust your schedule accordingly. Please let us know if you have questions: 1.800.291.4192 or osuadmit@oregonstate.edu.

-jm

OSU makes Bend nightly news on KTVZ

Marleigh — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:18:44 +0000

The Bend area was abuzz on Tuesday over the PNACAC Central Oregon College Fair where large groups of high school students flocked to the Deschutes Fairgrounds to learn about the college admissions process. Oregon State University was at the fair as well as the OSU Cascades Campus – both featured in this news clip. Nice job Mollie!

-Marleigh

How to Balance Academics and your Social Life

Marleigh — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:35 +0000

Judging by all the insight resumes that the Admissions staff has read over the past ten months, the class of 2013 will be very involved on campus! That said, we decided to offer up some tips to help students balance their school priorities and social life this upcoming year. After all, we can’t expect you to study all day long, right?

Straight from the Student Leadership & Involvement (SLI) office, here are just a sample of the helpful hints to being involved on campus and staying afloat in your academics.

- Make a master course syllabus. Combine all course syllabi into a mega-list.

- Keep a To-Do-List and daily planner. Rather than just listing when an assignment is due, actually schedule time prior to work on the assignment. Do the same for
exam studying.

- Get off the phone…including text messaging. Turn it on “silent” when you are trying to study…this will decrease the amount of interruptions.

- Go to class. Life goes better if you show up.

- Sleep 6-8 hours a night. All-nighters are not healthy and your memory actually suffers when you do not get enough sleep.

- Learn to say “no”. It is healthy to set limits. If you can’t succeed as a student, you won’t be able to be a student leader anymore.

- Don’t forget to have fun! The more balance you have in your life, the more successful you will be in all areas (student, leader, friend, partner,
family member, all-around healthy-happy person).

*For the full list of tips from SLI, click here.

We’re looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2013 to campus this fall and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our community!

-Marleigh

All About Sam

Sam — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:01:36 +0000

So since I am not hungry, most of my dorm is asleep, my classes are done for today, and I finally finished all of my homework I figured I would use this time wisely, instead of oh I don’t know playing halo for 99 minutes, and blog about something very important to me. Myself.

To the casual reader all they know so far is that my name is Sam, I attend Oregon State, and, hopefully, I am funny and well educated. But, much like my personal hero Optimus Prime, there is more to me then meets the eye.

Before attending OSU an arduous journey awaited me; college applications. Yes like all high school seniors I wrote the essays, took the tours, applied for the scholarships, and counted down the days until college acceptance, ore rejection letters, are sent out. Yes surprisingly enough there are a few schools out there who did not realize my potential and rejected me, but I hold no grudges against those schools for I have found a great home here in Corvallis. Other then OSU I applies to Humboldt, UC Santa Barbra, UC Davis, and unfortunately University of Oregon. But once I was accepted at the honors college here at OSU I accepted without hesitation, before recieving a response from UCSB; which is saying a lot because UCSB was my top choice for a long time.

Now that I am at OSU I am majoring in Marine Biology and I plan on graduating from the honors college in a timely manner. After OSU I will most likely attend graduate school, hopefully at Scrips, and then I plan on studying the giant squid off of the coast of Japan. Although recently I have toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher or changing my major all together and becoming an English major. My only explanation as to why I would change to an English major is because of my high school English teacher Mrs. Devlin. Mrs. Devlin challenged me in every way she could every minute she could in order to make me a better write, but more importantly a better person. Everyday as I walk around campus or I am in class an opportunity presents itself where I can apply something that Mrs. Devlin taught. Whether it be a chance to write a lovely flowing sentence or a chance to recognize an allusion to Icarus as he fell from the heavens.So thank you Mrs. Devlin, from the bottom of the souls of my shoes, I thank you for all that you have done for me.

For those of you who are not Mrs. Devlin I apologize I hope that did not bother you too much. Other then my academic life I am a ballroom dancer and I hope on joining the prestigious ballroom dance team, know as cool shoes, and I swim and play water polo. When I am with my friends I love to laugh and tell jokes or play video games, or play ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, soccer, or capture the flag, all games that I have played with my new friends at OSU. Living at OSU has been fairly simple and straight forward. Everyone I meet is friendly and eager to be my friend, though from what I have heard most freshman are like that. But as I sit downstairs in the spacious McNary dorm recreation room and look out the window to the parking lot where my parents and I parted I can not help, but feel a flicker of homesickness deep within my stomach as I think about my friends and family back home and all the crazy things that they are doing that I am missing. But then I look to my right where I see the ping pong tables and couches and remember all the conversations I had here or I look out the opposite windows to the fields and recall the hours I spent running back and forth along those fields and the homesickness flickers out. Only to be replaced by a roairng inferno of hope and happiness and excitement because at OSU all things seem possible, and, much like the weather, you never know what you will run into next.

PEACE

sam

No related posts.

Fred Meyer Night

Sam — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:01:48 +0000

Ingredients for a perfect Fred Meyer night

A pair of comfortable walking shoes
Several decks of cards
Patience
Several close friends (can be replaced for your entire wing, or your entire dorm)
Several topics to discuss
An i pod (in case you run out of things to talk about and games to play)
A list
An idea of where things are
The ability to meet new people
Patience
A pillow or lawn chair to sit on
Something warm
Patience
Strong arms
A good eye for deals
Money
Luck

Patience

A small side note: the comfortable walking shoes can be replaced with a bus ride, but that will require at least five more servings of patience.

Describing Fred Meyer to a Californian like myself is simple enough; imagine a classy version of a walmart with a bit more food, most of which is organic. To describe Fred Meyer night to anyone who is not enrolled at OSU is a near impossibility, but I will do my best.

As my entire wing of McNary headed of to Fred Meyer I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I figured there would be a few people waiting in line for sub par deals for things nobody wants. So as we meandered down King Street three hours before we were allowed inside Fred Meyer I had low expectations for what the night would bring. My fellow freshman and I talked about what the night would bring and as we arrived at Fred Meyer there were no more then twenty people in front of us and our hopes were high. And then the waiting began.

We played cards, we talked, we played more cards, and we talked some more. Slowly but surely people were filling in behind us doing much of the same thing. You could tell the upperclassmen from the underclassmen because the freshman lacked things to sit on, other then the concrete, while most everyone else had chairs or pillows to sit on. Yet the line did not seem to get any longer behind us. If anything there were more people in front of us as people let their friends and their friend’s friends cut in line. Still it did not seem appropriate for us to be at Fred Meyer three hours early. As the night wore on and the entrance time arrived the noise level grew and grew until it was indistinguishable sound. And then the doors opened.

As the creaky gates swung outward the mob of people in front of us, which had started out as ten people, but had grown to at least one hundred people due to cutting, rushed forward and I was taken along for the ride. With my arms trapped at my side and the smell of thousands in the air we flooded Fred Meyer with whoops of joy and of excitement. Upon entering we were given a raffle ticket and a page of coupons. As I looked down at the coupons I realized that these were no ordinary deals, and I felt the sudden urge to buy more pairs of jeans because they were twenty percent off or more electronic gizmos because they were ten percent off. As I perused the aisles of Fred Meyer twangs of guilt racked my stomach as I saw all the deals that I was passing up. Fred Meyer had instilled in me a sense that I had to take advantages of these deals and if I did not then there was something wrong with me. It was at that point that I realized the power Fred Meyer held over me fellow classmates and myself.

The only thing better then the amazing deals was the copious amounts of free food. Pizza, chips, monster energy drink, five hour energy drinks, kiwis, apples, and even when you were all done shopping and you walked outside and you gazed upon the line that wrapped around Fred Meyer twice; you suddenly appreciated those three hours you spent waiting in line because now you could go home while they were forced to wait for their turn inside Freddie’s. After that moment of total bliss a worker standing beside several shopping carts full of bags handed you a bag and said “thank you for shopping at Fred Meyer” as they handed you more free things. In that euphoric moment as all things seem possible and nothing is beyond your grasp, you stand in awe at the power of capitalism and Fred Meyer. The walk back was uneventful. As was the time I spent unpacking and fawning over my free treasures. That night our dorm stayed up late, as if I was Christmas and none of us dared to fall asleep for fear that we would walk up and this amazing night would be naught but happy dream.

These next section had no place in the blog, yet I feel it is a key part of the Fred Meyer experience. While waiting in line and inside Fred Meyer and even later that night, in their delusional state people say things that are truly out of this world and yet describe parts of the night. Here are a few of the quotes that I heard and remembered. If you heard any more, or had one you made up please add it to the comments section.

Fred Meyer Quotes:
“Standing in line for Fred Meyer is just like a high school dance”

“Hey what did you do last night?”
“I went to Fred Meyer and had a pretty awesome time”
This quote I used myself and heard several times throughout the time following Fred Meyer night. Fred Meyer is more then just a time to buy things for cheap it’s a social event. Sure you could go out that night and do other things, but the following day the most exciting thing people can talk about is Fred Meyer.

OSU information system back online!

Blake — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:05:28 +0000

We are back in business!

We were expecting to be down today:

Oregon State will be transitioning to an updated version of our student information system (Banner) over Labor Day weekend. Since this is a pretty big update, we are expected to be without access to Banner until September 9th. This means that we will not be able to process, search, review or update any applicant information until the upgrade is complete.

We apologize for any inconvenience during our upgrade.

Kudos to all the folks working to get us up and running again!!!!
-bv

Life Sized Benny

James — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:41:41 +0000

The only thing better for an office of die hard citizens of Beaver Nation than having the actual Benny Beaver working here is a LIFE SIZED CUTOUT of Benny. He arrived today, we are oh so excited!

This is a photo of two of our Admissions Bloggers, Matt Ogawa and Blake Vawter with the cutout of Benny.

GO BEAVS!
-jm

Orphaned Beavers Learn from Stuffed Animals

Matt — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:18:29 +0000

I caught wind of an interesting story today on KVAL.com. Read on:

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Barely two weeks old, and weighing just one pound, an orphaned beaver came to the PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood hypothermic and weak. It’s rare for PAWS to care for a baby beaver, also called a kit. But just five days later, a hiker brought a second orphan to the center after his mother was run over by a jet-ski. A sad event, but it actually helped PAWS, because beavers are highly social animals and need companions. “In the wild they’re with their mom and some older siblings,” explains PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Dondi Byrne.

“So they can become depressed if they’re by themselves or they’re not getting that.” Now the two orphans are living – and learning – together.

Awwww…. Check out the complete story and watch a video of the beavers by visiting kval.com.

–mko

OSU students earn top awards at national conference

Matt — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:36:14 +0000

Kudos to the MANNRS students! Read on…

From Extension Service News
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University students brought home the top award from this year’s national conference of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) in Indianapolis.

Although the OSU chapter had previously won the regional award, this was their first time capturing the national Chapter of the Year Award, which came with a $1,000 prize.

In the competition, students from MANRRS chapters from around the United States submitted written reports and gave 30-minute presentations detailing the accomplishments of their chapter. Among the accomplishments of OSU’s MANRRS group was the annual “Wardrobe Makeover.” This event, a partnership with Campbell’s Cleaners and other student groups on campus, provides clean, second-hand business clothes at very low cost for students who will be facing job interviews and entering the business work force.

MANRRS is a national organization that involves students from grade school to graduate school in programs related to agriculture and natural resources. It reaches out to groups such as ethnic minorities, international students, and urban residents who may not have access to similar rural programs, according to faculty adviser Wanda Crannell.

Congrats!

–mko

Vose Elementary School Students Provide Scholarship

Matt — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:14:06 +0000

Check out this touching story from today’s Oregonian.

Photo by Faith Cathcart/Oregonian

Vose second graders Abigail Figueroa, from left, Helen Caldillo, Tyler Rench, front, Sergio Correa and Carlos Padilla wear matching Oregon State shirts to their school’s annual college awareness assembly. Vose Elementary students, many of whom are low income, began raising money last year to give a $1000 college scholarship to a graduating senior who had attended Vose. When the public caught wind of their kindness, they were able to offer two scholarships.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients Eurie Hwang and Anthony Amsberry. Amsberry is planning to attend Oregon State University.

To the students, staff and supporters of Vose Elementary: These scholarships have helped two students go to college. Through your own personal goals, leadership roles, adversity, community service, systemic challenges and creativity, your kindness, generosity, hard work, and determination have shined through. These are important lessons in life that take many people a lifetime to acheive and we applaud you in doing so at such a young age. Keep up the great work and thank you for being a shining example to us all.

***Vose Elementary School plans to continue its scholarship program annually. For more information or to donate, call teacher Karen Harger at 503-672-3590.***

–mko

Honorary Degree Recipient Jack Yoshihara Passes Away

Matt — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:41:37 +0000

About a year ago, former students were brought to campus to take part in commencement to receive their honorary degrees. You may remember previous postings on this in the “At Long Last” series.

Sadly, Jack Yoshihara who attended the ceremony to receive his honorary degree has passed away. On behalf of the the Oregon State University community, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Jack’s friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Below you see Jack’s obituary from the Oregonian, a photo with former OSU Japanese American Student Association President Kristen Atebara from the Gazette Times, as well as a short video with footage from last year’s honorary degree commencement activities of former ASOSU President talking about Jack and the experience of the executive order internment announcement.

From The Oregonian:

Jack Yoshihara, a longtime Portland resident, passed away on April 20, 2009, in Seattle. He was born in Okayama, Japan on May 1, 1921, and emigrated with his parents from Japan.

A graduate of Benson High School, he attended Utah and Oregon State Universities. Jack received an honorary degree from OSU on June 14, 2008, due to his internment at Minidoka Relocation Center, Idaho, during his college years. He was a member of the 1942 Oregon State Rose Bowl team, but did not play due to wartime travel restrictions. Jack worked in refrigeration, and retired as a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 235. He was an active participant in judo, kendo, sumo, fishing, mushroom hunting and excelled in football. Working in his garden, grooming his bonsai trees and wood carving also provided enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Masuda. Jack recently remarried and moved to Edmonds, Wash., where he is survived by his wife, Mary Arai; her daughter, Stephanie Ulstein of Bellevue, Wash.; sister, Misa Minagi of Portland; son, Jay Yoshihara of Portland; daughter, Lynn Kanaya of Gig Harbor, Wash.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. There will be no service, as his spirit will be kept alive by many kind thoughts. Remembrances may be sent to the Oregon State Beaver Athletic Student Fund or the Ikoi No Kai Senior Hot Lunch Program in Portland.

[photo from The Gazette Times]

Former ASOSU President talks about Jack and the executive order announcement of the internment.

–mko

Pride Week Celebration Kicks Off

Matt — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:34:24 +0000

The Rainbow Continuum is proud to present the 2009 Queer Pride Celebration, happening this week, Sunday May 10th through Friday May 15th. There are a lot of events going on this week including a freedom of expression wall, an LGBT Family Night, a BBQ, and a drag show. You can find complete details and descriptions about the activities on The Rainbow Continuum website.

The Rainbow Continuum is a student-fee funded organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQQI) students, and our allies at Oregon State University. As a social and educational group the Rainbow Continuum strives to create a welcoming and safe space for diverse communities to interact with and relate to one another; educate OSU about the experiences of the LGBTQQIA community; and refer students to the network of support structures and resources available to the LGBTQQIA community at OSU.

I know that Oregon State University prides itself in the fact it is rated 5/5 stars on the LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index. What I thought was interesting was that on their list of 171 schools, there are only twelve colleges/universities in the nation and one of only four institutions on the west coast that received the top honor.

Additionally, be sure to take a minute to review the OSU Pride Center website.

–mko

EOP, CAMP, SSS Honor Students

Matt — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:19:54 +0000

Students in the Educational Opportunities Program, Student Support Services, and College Assistance Migrant Program take a moment to celebrate their scholastic achievements during the Honor Roll Reception held in April. Check out the photos that I got from Sheila Roberts, an Advisor in the Educational Opportunities Program. (Thanks, Sheila!) To all students honored: OSU is proud of you and your accomplishments! Congratulations!

In addition to the photos, check out the departments’ websites for more information on their programs and services.

The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) was created at Oregon State University in 1969 to provide support for historically underserved students. These include students of color, older than average students, students with disabilities, students who are single parents, low-income students, students who have been rurally isolated, veterans, older-than-average (25+), 1st generation in college (neither parent graduated), or any student whose life experiences have impacted their access to education.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO Program designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally-funded program designed to support students whose history includes migrant/seasonal agricultural work. The program provides financial and academic support to first-year freshman students with the goal of preparing them for further success in college.

–mko

Do you see the difference? OSU Student Appears on Tyra Banks

Matt — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:34:29 +0000

America’s Next Top Model, perhaps? Virginia Rafaelle, an OSU international student in biology, appeared on The Tyra Banks Show earlier today. According to the Daily Barometer Rafaelle was flown to New York City in order to appear on the show for her resemblance to Kim Kardashian. Viginia is also featured on the OSU Student Events and Activities Team. Read more about her here. (BTW, OSU students have been all over television these days. Remember Matthew Zedwick’s appearance on Deal or No Deal? Or how about Kerri Vanderbom in the Gatorade commercial?)

The photo on the right of Virginia was taken by Jayce Giddens. (Thanks Jayce!) From the set-up shot, it appears that this was taken at OSU’s Dixon Recreation Center indoor track!

Anyone have video footage of the TV show?

–mko

Oregon State University Among Greenest

Matt — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:53:18 +0000

Right there up with Starbucks and Whole Foods, Oregon State University tops the EPA’s list of the biggest green power buyers in the nation. There are only five institutions of higher education on the list. Check it out here!

…and this just in! OSU is also number one in the PAC-10!

Way to go Beaver Nation!

SMILE Challenge Weekend 2009

Matt — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:46:24 +0000

It seems like only yesterday that I was in high school participating in the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience (SMILE) Program. It was ten years ago (!), actually, in which I remember traveling to OSU to participate in the annual challenge weekend. Now in it’s 21st year (they held their 20th anniversary not too long ago) the SMILE Program hosted students from across the state and invited them to participate in various science and math related activities. This year’s theme was “What About Whales” and student teams were able to attend sessions on whale biology, marine acoustics, water pollution and climate change, just to name a few opportunities. (Speaking of whales, have you had the opportunity to see National Geographic’s footage on the first ever infant Blue Whale? It features OSU’s own Bruce Mate from the OSU Marine Mammal Institute.)

Some active SMILE students from Madras and Ontario who I had lunch with posed for photos while on campus. (See if you can spot OSU Admissions Bloggers James Miller and Stanley Yu!)

SMILE is one of several K-12 outreach initiatives based at OSU, all working on the premise that an interest in science or engineering starts at a young age and should be carefully nurtured. Other programs tap into parents or community members who are working scientists, or get OSU undergraduate and graduate students involved directly in K-12 outreach activities.

I had the privilege of speaking for a few moments to the students during the opening session as well as during lunch. Students came from everywhere in the state including Madras, Nyssa, Ontario, Chiloquin, Woodburn and Forest Grove just to name a few cities. Hats off to the SMILE staff for putting on another excellent program for students.

–mko

Sabor Latino Event a Success!

Matt — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:14:32 +0000

Cool stuff going on over at University Housing and Dining Services. In partnership with the Casa Latino/a de OSU, the Centro Cultural César Chávez, the College Assistance Migrant Program’s Multicultural Community and the Sabor Learning Community, Sabor Latino is a journey through culture and cuisine to help celebrate Latin and Caribbean culture. Entrée menu items included: Conch Fritters, Cuban Chicken, Jerk Pork Loin, Coconut Lime Tilapia, Vegan Pelau (tempeh, rice, pidgin peas and Hubbard squash), Yucca with garlic and lemon, Fried Plantains, Tropical Fruit Salad, Rice and Black Beans, Coconut Rum Cake, and other regional culinary favorites.

Office of Admissions staff members Dante Holloway, Alicia Ortega, Lizbeth Campos, Lindsay Mitchell, Megan Beresford and I were in attendance. We each sampled a little bit of everything (…ok, a lot of everything) on the menu and we all had nothing but rave reviews. They had music, entertainment, and even featured impromptu aisle dancing performances by UHDS representatives Jennifer Viña and Victor Santana-Melgoza. Great job to all those involved!

Thanks to President Jennifer for the photos!

–mko

Beavers Defeat UTEP for CBI Championship 81-73

Matt — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:13:39 +0000

Congratulations to Coach Craig Robinson and the OSU Men’s Basketball Team!

Visit the official homepage for OSU Athletics at www.osubeavers.com for complete details on the game.

–mko

Contest for Beaver Believers

Blake — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:47:18 +0000

From the nice people over at University Marketing:

The “Stage the Wave” video contest is here… Enter the contest for a chance to win an HD video camera or OSU gear.

Gather your fellow Beaver Believers, deck them out in orange and black, and film them doing the wave. Pick an original or unique location. Use your creativity. Production values don’t matter as much as spirit and originality.

Check out collegecolorsfridays.com for more information and contest rules.

Have fun and spread the wave!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=572539853578

-bv

Cielo Vista Elementary: Future Beaver All Stars!

Matt — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:29:55 +0000

Students at Cielo Vista Elementary are getting ready for college and it’s never too early start! I thought I would share some photos that were passed along my way from Jennifer Geyer at CVE who have taken “College Colors Fridays” to a whole new level. Special thanks and a job well done goes out to Ellen Ford in OSU’s Precollege Programs office. Thanks Ellen!

To the students at Cielo Vista Elementary,

As you know, our school mascot is the beaver which is an animal that is innovative, hard-working, and adaptable. From the dams that they build to the creativity that they show, beavers are intriguing creatures, aren’t they?

We are proud that you are showing your spirit for Beaver Nation and sporting your orange and black! You are all deserving of the Benny Beaver award and we hope that you strive for it week by week and year by year. Before you know it, you’ll be college bound and it’s important that you follow the characteristics of being respectful, responsible, trustworthy, fair, caring and an overall good citizen, to set yourself up on the right path. Study hard, dream big and Go Beavers!

Sincerely,

Oregon State University

Here’s a copy of the letter that was sent to Ellen:

I did want you to see our “little beavers” all dressed up and know how much we appreciate your support for our class. Each Friday is University day so we all show our spirit in our OSU shirts. We also work hard to earn a special “Benny Beaver” award. To earn Benny’s award each week the students must prove they are a kid of character. They must be respectful, responsible, trustworthy, fair, caring and an overall good citizen. Our students are growing up to be students you would be proud to have at OSU.

The prospect of getting to become a student at OSU has been a great motivation for everyone in my class. Both academically and socially they are working hard for their university. The parents are amazed at how much their children are interested in Oregon State. If there is a game on t.v. they are asking to watch it! If there is a story on the news or in the paper, they are bringing it in to share it. It is truly amazing to see the spirit of these youngsters for your university.

Thank you so much for making all of this possible. You have blessed these students and myself beyond imagination.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Geyer
Cielo Vista Elementary

–mko

Corvallis Named One of the Best Eco Friendly Towns

Matt — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:48:50 +0000

From Sunset.com.

CORVALLIS, OR

Beautiful, earnest, and very, very green

Population: 51,388

The vibe: As small towns go, you don’t get much greener than Corvallis. This Willamette Valley town happily took up the Corvallis Energy Challenge, where residents strive to use the lowest amount of energy in their homes. With two LEED-certified buildings and more on the way, OSU is listed by the Kaplan College Guide as one of the nation’s top green universities. Every downtown block seems to have at least one eco-friendly business. According to resident Collin Dunn, blogger for pioneering green website treehugger.com, Corvallis is the perfect place for those “who want to live in tune with the seasons and natural rhythms of the planet.” –Allison Arieff

–mko

Beavers Back in Detroit!

Matt — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:07:18 +0000

Beaver Nation is growing. With improved environmental clean up of the Detroit River, the area has seen the first sign of a beaver in about 75 years. Congrats Detroit! Click here to read the full article in USA Today. Here’s an excerpt:

Beavers have returned to Detroit for the first time in 75 years, The Detroit Free Press reports.

The newspaper says a single beaver lodge has been discovered in an intake canal at Detroit Edison’s Conners Creek power plant on Detroit’s east riverfront. Plant workers using motion-sensitive cameras also caught a photograph and a video of a beaver.

(from the Detroit Edison)

–mko

Voice of the Beavers Named Broadcaster of the Year

Matt — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:57:09 +0000

From OSUBeavers.com.

“Touchdown Beavers.” “The Beavers are the National Champions.”

Oregon State University Athletics is proud to announce that the “voice of the Beavers” Mike Parker has been named for the fifth time the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Oregon Broadcaster of the Year.

“I’m honored to be recognized by my peers and continue to be thankful to have the opportunity to call football, basketball and baseball games for the Beavers,” Parker said. “As a kid that’s all I dreamed about doing and to get to live out that dream at Oregon State is really special.”

Congratulations Mike!
–mko

¡Sí Se Puede! Event Rescheduled at FGHS

Matt — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:35:07 +0000

Oregon State University invites you to a special event for the Latino community. Come and meet with our bilingual representatives and find out how OSU can help you with your career and life goals.

Sí Se Puede
Forest Grove High School
1401 Nichols Lane, Forest Grove, OR
Thursday, February 26
6-8pm
RSVP at: http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

*** *** *** *** *** ***

OSU le invita a un evento informativo para la comunidad Latina. Venga y platique con nuestros representantes bilingües y descubre cómo OSU le puede ayudar con sus objetivos profesionales.

Sí Se Puede
Forest Grove High School
1401 Nichols Lane, Forest Grove, OR
jueves, 26th de febrero
6-8pm
Registración a http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

Questions? Preguntas? 541-737-9031
Oregon State University
http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/
Casa Educaional – Intercultural Student Services and the Office of Admissions

Brian Williams Sends Apology, Still Waiting for Brokaw

Matt — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:06:31 +0000

Hey everyone. I just got word that NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams, who mistook OSU Men’s Basketball Coach Craig Robinson for the personal assistant to President Obama, Reggie Love, during the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, emailed an apology to the Oregonian and The Daily Barometer for the error. Here’s a copy of the email, which can be found on the Oregonian and Barometer websites:

To the Oregon State Community,

My sincere apology. Whatever you have called me over the past few days can’t be any worse than my own anger over my mistake. I made an inexcusable error when I confused the great OSU coach Craig Robinson with a friend of mine, the personal assistant to President Obama, Reggie Love. I am sending personal apologies to both men, and this is my apology to all members of Beaver Nation. It was a mistake committed during 9 hours of live programming – I was distracted and watching many incoming video feeds, but that’s no excuse for the error, which was no one’s fault but mine. I have felt awful about it since I forced myself to read the coverage of it on OregonLive.com, and I hope that someday you can find it in your hearts to forgive my error.

Brian Williams

(photo from msnbc.com)

Respectfully,
Brian Williams
Anchor and Managing Editor
NBC Nightly News

Apology accepted, B-Dub. Still waiting for you, Mr. Brokaw.

-mko

OSU Student Deals His Way to $227,000

Matt — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:08:06 +0000

This is a late update on OSU student Matt Zedwick’s performance on Deal or No Deal. Zedwick was on the show Christmas night and walked away with over a quarter-million dollars. He even gave a ‘Go Beavers’ shout-out in the opening of the show. Check out a clip:

Congrats to the Zedwicks!

–mko