Cowboy Journal v9n1

Co From The Editors ••• From the time we began working toward our degrees in agricultural communications, we have looked forward to this final semester where our courses, internships and long hours in 266 Ag Hall all come together to produce the beloved Cowboy Journal. Now that graduation is upon us, we look back and cherish the friends and memories we have made in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. We dedicate Volume 9 No. 1 to the families, friends, faculty and staff who have made it possible for us to reach this point in our careers and lives.

Without a doubt, Cowboy Journal would not be published without the help and support of the following individuals: Dwayne Cartmell, Cindy Blackwell, Tanner Robertson, Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop, Elizabeth Whitfield, Bonnie Milby, Carl Hamby, Gayle Hiner, Melissa Dunn, Todd Johnson and Clay Billman.

Shelly - Advisers of your caliber are few and far between. Your passion for OSU is outweighed only by your desire to see students succeed. Thank you for always being there as both a mentor and friend.

Staff - It has been a pleasure to work on this magazine with each and every one of you. Thank you for all of your time and hard work. Good Luck!

Go Pokes!

A Special Thanks to our Founding Sponsors

Limousin World, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Quebecor World Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VJ and VU of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability or status as a veteran in any of its politics, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication is printed by QuebecorWorld-M idland and issued two times a year by agricultural communications seniors in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Na tural Resources. It has been prepared and distributed at no cos t to the taxpayers of Oklahoma .

Visit the Cowboy Journal Web site: http://cowboyjournal.okstate.edu.

Alumni The legacy of an Oklahoma son 14 Clem McSpadden: a cowboy, a statesman, a friend

Foresters find niche in paved paradises 22 OSU harvests a unique breed of foresters

Mike Stephens: A gold standard to countless blue jackets 28 CASNR remembers alumnus

Alumnus leaves legacy 38 Endowment supports CASNR' s livestock judging team

Hollywood v. Reality 44 OSU alumni deliver their verdict

Advancing on the winds of change 47 Change signals growth in CASNR

Students Nothing ventured, nothing gained 12

7 Helping students make the transition CASNR Living Community creates home away from home

Student studies in Spain

More than a century of change for OSU logos 27 The OSU logo: an evolution of design

Student takes flight for education 33 Graduate student discovers United States andOSU

How to thrive in college 40 Resources make surviving college a breeze

Campus bids farewell to 'Dairy Bar' 46 Changes in store for campus landmark

Research From pasture to profit 42 Jerky dehydrator provides options for small businesses

Faculty USDA honors teaching excellence 24 CASNR professors receive top honors

Pura Vida 30 Enjoying the 'pure life' Costa Rican style

Extension 4-H'ers saddle up for philanthropy 44 4-H' ers take to the trail

20 Here's Bullet!

New wheat variety 'right on target'

Working through the daily crossword puzzle doesn't have to stop being your favorite pastime.

Stay connected by receiving The Daily O'Collegian through e-mail!

Visit www.ocolly.com and sign up so you don't miss out.

The Daily O 'Collegian 405-744-8373 www.ocolly.com

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www.huntingandfishingin fo. com 4 0 5-880-426 7

utfitters and the hunting and fishing netwo rk welcome you to the four seasons.

6 • Cowboy Journal

CASNR Living Communities: Helping students make the transition

By Colby Haggard, Elk City, Okla.

Lisa Bailey (left), Rita Sanders, Magen Stevenson and Whitney Hacker relax in the CASNR Living Community common living area.

(Photo by Colby Haggard)

M

anaging time for studying, sleeping and meals. Trying to make friends, meeting your professors, getting lost and being homesick. All of these fears become reality for new and transitioning college students. However, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is taking steps to ease those fears and help students adjust to their new lives on campus.

CASNR has entered into a new era of student housing and development at Oklahoma State University. During the past two years, OSU expanded student housing and replaced some of the traditional dormitory-style housing with new suites and apartments.

To coordinate with the expansion, CASNR developed a new living program called the CASNR Living Community to complement the ongoing Freshmen in Transition program.

These two programs for student living are housed in Suite A, which now stands where residence halls Willham North and Willham South once stood.

"CLC and FIT really help students make the step to college," said Mary Ann Harris, CASNR coordinator of student development.

Freshmen in Transition While living communities for upperclassmen are new, the CASNR Freshmen in Transition program has been going strong since 2000, helping new students become future leaders on campus. Originally located in Zink and Jones halls, FIT provides a mentoring program for incoming CASNR students, offering academic and social support while they transition into their new lives as college students.

"The mission of FIT is to live, learn, lead and succeed," Harris said.

FIT is open to incoming freshmen emolled in one of CASNR' s fields of study. According to CASNR, the program is a combination of small-group support, mentoring, leadership and service. Through the program, students gain a sense of community and fellowship by living together and participating in leadership activities.

In Fall 2006, 52 FIT students occupied the third and fourth floors of the CASNR Village with three FIT student academic mentors and a community mentor. A faculty member also serves on each floor.

In Suite A, each student has his or her own room and shares a bathroom with one other person. Each floor has a large common area with a kitchen, television, wireless Internet access and study area. Harris said the design was integral in making the program socially based and functional.

Spring 2007, 7

"The building was designed with smaller individual rooms than other housing," she said. "This makes people want to leave their rooms and hang out in the large common area, creating closeness among the students."

According to CASNR, one of the greatest assets to the program is the relationship between the FIT students and their student academic mentors, or FIT SAMs. FIT SAMs are upperclass students who live in the FIT residence hall and serve as a built-in support system for the freshmen.

"We encourage them to be involved with not only the university as a whole but also with CASNR," said Erin Winegeart, an agricultural economics and accounting double major and FIT SAM. "We want to show them all of the possibilities on this campus and to make their transition as freshmen at OSU as easy as possible," she said.

At the beginning of the fall semester, FIT SAMs assist FIT students with the concerns and questions of any incoming student and serve as smallgroup leaders in the FIT section of AG 1011: Agricultural Orientation. These groups meet weekly and work together to perform service activities, as well as schedule dinners with faculty and organize educational programming.

"Small groups encourage students to make friends with people they otherwise might not reach out to, which makes a closer bond with everyone in the FIT program," said Scott Murdock, an animal science major and current FIT student.

CASNR Living Community With the FIT program's success, CASNR has started a new program modeled after FIT. The CASNR Living Community is a little less structured and provides opportunities for freshmen, as well as upperclass students.

CLC takes students and puts them into a group living situation where support is gained through relationships formed with other students and faculty mentors, Harris said.

The CASNR Living Community is located on the first and second floors of the CASNR Village. According to CASNR, this program provides an opportunity for less formal mentoring than FIT. Six faculty members from CASNR serve as faculty mentors to the CLC and its students. Faculty mentors work with CLC students to promote personal and academic success.

Rita Sanders, an animal science major and CLC student, said she was most impressed with the faculty/ stu-

dent activities for CLC members. In the CASNR Living Community, three faculty mentors serve on each floor.

At least once a month, the faculty and students will meet for an activity.

"Last month, we went out to dinner together," Sanders said. "I really enjoyed this because it truly gives the students in CLC a chance to get to know their faculty."

Jared Crain, a plant and soil science major and CLC student, said FIT is more structured and has more required activities than CLC. The CLC program has activities but allows participants to have a large amount of time to get involved on campus, study and "just be college students."

"The FIT program has several FIT SAMs, where CLC study is more independent," Crain said. "Each floor of CLC has a community mentor, but participants have to take their own initiative for their academic success."

According to CASNR, participants in the learning community form a bond with each other as well as with their faculty mentors.

"CLC is a great opportunity to get to know faculty and live in a very independent living group that has the same interest for their major: CASNR and ag majors," Crain said.

Harris said CLC is made up of 60 percent freshmen and 40 percent returning students. Students do not have to apply to CLC or pay a $150 activity fee like the FIT students do.

"There is no other model like it," Harris said. "CASNR is the only college on campus with this type of specialized living community."

OSU is evolving, and CASNR is changing with the times, as well. CLC and FIT help students make that step.

According to CASNR, students now have additional educational programs, leadership, professional development and networking opportunities, giving students a head start in developing themselves for success on campus and in their future careers. 0 Students interested in CLC or FIT can learn more by visiting http://www. reslife.okstate.edu, http://www.casnr.com or http://www.fit.okstate.edu.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Living Community is part of The Village housing that was completed in Summer 2006. (Photo by Shanna Boyett) 8 • Cowboy Journal

Clarence Watson (left), associate director of research, and James Trapp, associate director of extension, are new administrators for the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. (Photo by Gail Banzet)

DASNR associate directors primed for progress

O

ne college, two professors and 60 years of leadership experience have combined to preserve Oklahoma State University's land-grant mission. The OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources welcomed two associate directors to its administrative team in 2006.

Dedicated leaders in agriculture, James Trapp and Clarence Watson joined Ed Miller this past spring to manage extension, research and teaching programs within DASNR. With diverse backgrounds in education and career experience, both administrators found a home at OSU.

James Trapp James Trapp, former OSU agricultural economics department head, became the new associate director for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service on May 1, 2006.

After serving as the interim associate director for one year, Trapp accept-

By Gail Banzet, Edna, Kan.

ed the permanent position of managing agricultural extension programs.

"When I started, I just wanted to learn more about how the division operated," Trapp said. "But the longer I held the position, the more I began to enjoy it and see challenges."

A native of Russell, Kan., Trapp attended Fort Hays State University for two years before finishing his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics at Kansas State University in 1969. After receiving a master's degree in agricultural economics from K-State, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a second lieutenant at Fort Benning, Ga. Trapp continued his education at Michigan State University, where he received a second master's degree in economics. He completed the final phase of his education at Michigan State in 1976 when he earned his doctorate in agricultural economics. With four degrees under his belt, he set his sights on Stillwater.

"I started as an assistant professor

in the agricultural economics department and rose through the ranks to regents professor," Trapp said. "I worked as a faculty member for 24 years where I taught and advised at the undergraduate and graduate levels."

As a professor, Trapp also conducted research on areas such as beef marketing and production. In 2000, he accepted the position of OSU agricultural economics department head.

Trapp said his experiences as a professor and department head are valuable to his new role in DASNR. "It gives me a thorough understanding of Oklahoma agriculture and the way the division of agriculture serves the industry and its students," Trapp said. "My administrative experience has taught me how to organize programs, work with people and manage budgets."

Trapp' s duties involve communicating with county extension offices and extension agents or, "county educators," on a daily basis.

Spring 2007 , 9

EXTENSION

RESEARCH

James Trapp (left) works with county extension programs across Oklahoma on a daily basis. Clarence Watson devotes his time to research projects and oversees 17 Oklahoma branch experiment stations. (Photos by Gail Banzet) "I oversee the operation of about 40 on-campus faculty with extension appointments and roughly 330 offcampus county educators," Trapp said. "I have four district directors who work with the county educators and then report to me."

Accepting a position in extension is like returning to his roots, Trapp said. He is the product of a livestock and farming background where 4-H and county extension agents played an influential role in his life.

"I work to provide leadership to extension by improving existing programs and developing new ones to meet the needs of the people of Oklahoma," Trapp said. "For example, some of our major new programs in the last year emphasize canola adoption, goat production and drought management."

After a 30-year career at OSU, Trapp is still devoted to the university that gave him his start. His wife, Carol, and their two children, Scott and Wendy, received degrees from OSU. Trapp said there is always room for fresh ideas and improvements.

"Looking to the future, extension needs to be more aware of our ability to serve urban as well as rural clientele," Trapp said. "The job of extension is to take the university to the people, which means we take research that's done and make people aware of it and how to apply it to their situation."

Trapp said OSU extension pro10 , Cowboy Journal

grams are useful resources of information for Oklahomans.

"Because our county educators work and live across the state with the people of Oklahoma, we are also a very good source of information to guide researchers," Trapp said. "We can advise them on what research will help the people of Oklahoma the most."

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Another educated agriculturalist, Clarence Watson began his 30-year professional career at Mississippi State University, but today, he resides in Stillwater. Watson's new position of associate director for the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station became effective on April 27, 2006.

As chief operating officer for the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Watson manages budgets, research reporting and research directioning while contributing to final policy decisions.

"I serve as a liaison for commodity groups, and I provide general administrative support for faculty and staff," Watson said. "I do a lot of strategic planning and oversee the management of 17 Oklahoma branch experiment stations."

Communication with legislative members, producers, banking organizations and other external clientele is important to Watson, along with regular communication with DASNR department heads and faculty.

"I have visions for the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station," Watson said. "OSU is a leader in agricultural research, and I want to maintain that. I would like to enhance partnerships with sister agencies and institutions such as the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy."

Born in Stillwater, Watson is tied to Oklahoma, but he spent his childhood in southern New Mexico where his father taught agronomy at New Mexico State University for 25 years.

"My father was an agronomist and graduate of Oklahoma A&M, but I received my bachelor's degree in agronomy from New Mexico State in 1972," Watson said.

Watson earned his master's in agronomy two years later and completed his doctorate in crop science at Oregon State University in 1976. That same year, he began an assistant professorship at Mississippi State University in agronomy, working as a forage grass breeder.

"I was head of the experimental statistics unit for 10 years and served as the interim head of the plant and soil sciences department in 2000," Watson said.

Working with congressional staff and legislative members, Watson was the associate director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station for four years before retiring in 2006.

When Watson was offered a position in DASNR, he and his wife, Alice, packed up and made the journey to OSU. Their two sons stayed behind for their own jobs: Ethan in Atlanta and Tim in Omaha, Neb. "I welcomed the challenge of coming to a new place," he said. "I saw some areas where I thought I could contribute, and I was confident OSU would be a positive environment in which to work."

Similar to Trapp, Watson accepted his new position to make a difference.

He said now is the time to restaff and replace vacancies and even redirect positions in DASNR departments.

"I'd like to see more incentive pro-

grams such as workshops or awards," Watson said. "There should be more start-up opportunities for new faculty, and I would like to see more funding available for research."

Watson also said he appreciates his fellow associate directors and the efforts staff members demonstrate to develop students.

"I've really been impressed with the loyalty and enthusiasm of the alumni and students here," he said. "A lot more resources are being put into student development, and recruiting efforts are strong."

Ed Miller, associate dean of academic programs, completes the threeprong system of teaching, research and extension in DASNR. "Dr. Trapp has a great sense of history, and this is important in establishing a vision for the future," Miller said. "Dr. Watson brings excellence in research and new ideas to the division.

With this combination, I am looking forward to working with Trapp and Watson on cooperative programs in teaching, research and extension."

The three associate directors are

led by Robert Whitson, vice president of OSU agricultural programs and dean and director of DASNR. "Dr. Watson's experience includes an impressive record of research achievements and leadership accomplishments that can be applied to our experiment station system," Whitson said. "Dr Trapp's agricultural roots run deep, and his knowledge of the land-grant system and interdisciplinary issues are tremendous assets to DASNR and the cooperative extension service."

Whitson said all three associate directors are a good fit for the division and its continued success.

"We are lucky to have a top-notch¡ leadership team, and I am confident Dr. Trapp and Dr. Watson will greatly contribute to the success of DASNR," Whitson said.

Watson, a new face in a new place, and Trapp, a long-time professor and friend of DASNR, are primed to contribute to Oklahoma agriculture and preserve OSU's land-grant university traditions. Q

Spring 2007 • 11

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

By Jill Ashbrener, Wago ner, Okla.

F

illed with artwork and architectural detail, local delights and academic doings, Valencia is Spain's third largest city and the place Oklahoma State University senior James Hempfling embraced as home during his study abroad experience.

Hempfling, a double major in Spanish and turf management, left for Valencia, Spain, on Jan. 18, 2006, and returned to OSU on July 18.

Hempfling enrolled in the reciprocal exchange program at OSU, which is different from the typical study abroad program. In a reciprocal exchange program, the student remains enrolled at OSU while studying at a partner institution abroad. The student pays tuition and fees at OSU, and most scholarships and financial aid can be used. The costs are identical to any semester on campus at OSU.

The campus of Universidad Politecnica in Valencia, Spain, offers a breathtaking view.

(Photo by James Hempfling) 12 • Cowboy Journal

"The budget I prepared before leaving equaled roughly $1,000 a month," Hempfling said. "This included every possible cost: room, board, tuition, travel and leisure."

When Hempfling arrived in Valencia, he first stayed in a hostel, which is similar to a hotel in the United States.

There is not much university housing, so most students live off campus, he said. Hempfling found an apartment about three minutes from the beach, and he used public transportation to get to his classes.

"Walking everywhere, relying on public transportation, you see so much more," Hempfling said.

While studying in Europe, Hempfling also traveled throughout Spain, Italy, Germany and England. In Spain, he saw the flamenco shows in Madrid, participated in the Festival of San Fermines - the running of the bulls - in Pamplona, picked oranges and olives from groves in Denia and attended the Festival of Las Pallas in Valencia.

"The most challenging thing living abroad was trying to disguise myself as a Spaniard," Hempfling said.

America has gained the reputation of being the multitasking capital of the world. For many Americans, every minute of the day is accounted for; down time is viewed as wasted time, Hempfling said.

A typical day in Spain for native Spaniards begins at 9:30 a.m. as they wake up and enjoy a small breakfast with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at a local cafe. At 10:30 a.m., they go to work; at 2:30 p.m., all shops close for siesta and most Spaniards eat lunch, their biggest meal of the day. Meals always are shared with family or friends and many times will last more than two hours. Around 4:30 p.m., they go back to work.

Dinner is usually eaten around 10 p.m., and it easily will last until midnight. It is not uncommon for young adults to stay up until 2 a.m. and for young people to stay out until dawn.

"It seemed to me that the people in Spain put first their personal happi-

August and resumed his on-campus activities. He is a member of Mortar Board Honor Society, is involved in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and is employed at Karsten Creek Golf Course.

Hempfling also was recognized as a Collegiate Scholar by the American Society for Horticultural Science and is an officer in the turf management honor association.

"I like the aspect of a fruitful industry with the ability to see progress and results of your work rather than just sitting in a cubicle all day crunching numbers," Hempfling said.

Horticulture professor Brian Kahn has served as Hempfling' s academic adviser since the fall of 2003.

"I kind of help keep him on course toward graduation, and he does the rest," Kahn said. "He put his double major in Spanish together on his own and has done a great job of coordinating that with progress toward his turf management degree.

"In terms of motivation, a broad outlook and overall professionalism, James Hempfling plays flat-pick guitar for Knee Deep, a local bluegrass band. (Photo by James is at the same level as some othJill Ashbrener) er students who have been recognized as university-wide scholars," he said. ness and the happiness of their loved of the teorias, there is a bibliography of Hempfling also is musically talones," Hempfling said. "Relaxation recommended textbooks, rather than ented. He has been a flat-pick guitarand celebration are what most Span- an assigned textbook. For the practicas, ist for 10 years and joined a bluegrass iards pursue on a daily basis." students purchase lab manuals writ- band while at OSU. At OSU, a student typically en- ten by the professors, which include "Playing in a band is a really fun environment," Hempfling said. rolls in the classes required by his or all of the lab material for the class.

This adventurous student said he her intended major. In Valencia, stu"Studying Spanish helps me broaddents can attend any classes that are of en my education knows there are opby exploring many You have to enjoy yourself; tions in his future. interest to them.

Hempfling started classes in Janu- other areas such as otherwise, you just get He has considered ary, but his schedule did not require foreign cultures, cusgoing on to gradufinalization until March. While attend- toms and history," caught up in the grind. ate school, signing ing Universidad Politecnica, he took he said. up for the Peace James Hempfling Corps or participatplant physiology, soil chemistry and At Universidad environmental quality, Spanish lan- Politecnica, a student's coursework is ing in more study abroad programs. guage, international trade and an in- replaced with labs, and the only tests Hempfling said what he learned dependent study course from OSU. students take are final exams at the end the most from this experience is the re"I have had Spanish classes since of the term. laxed lifestyle of Spaniards. the third grade, so I've almost been "Universidad Politecnica is very "You have to enjoy yourself; othforced to be interested for the last 13 similar to OSU' s campus in that each erwise, you just get caught up in the years of m y life," Hempfling said in faculty group has separate buildings, grind," he said. 0 a joking tone. "Learning Spanish has there are many common eating areas, always come quite easily to me, and I and there is a very nice library and For additional information about really enjoy studying in another area student union," Hempfling said. participating in the reciprocal exchange besides turf management."

The cafeteria serves an affordable program at OSU, you can stop by 060 The classes in Spain are organized two-plate, traditional Spanish meal Student Union, call 405-744-8569 or visit similar to the U.S. system: two or three every day, and diners can order wine http://ieo.okstate.edu on the Web. one-hour lectures, or teorias, along with or beer along with their meals. a lab, or practicas, per week. For most Hempfling returned to OSU in Spring 2007 • 13

'Ifie [egacg of an Ok{afw~l/is~ÂŁ!!:ffeyv;/ e0kla . - , - 'he building reads "McSpad~ den and Associates" and is located in Chelsea, Okla. Upon entering the building, a stern, yet gentle voice says, "Come on in. Nice to see you." Interior rooms are filled with memorabilia from years past; each holds a memory and place in the heart of a man called a "son of Oklahoma."

Each photograph tells the story of a man who most Oklahomans have heard of, met or maybe called" friend": Clem McSpadden.

"They may not be the best photographs, but they are memories of my life," McSpadden said.

Born in 1925, his childhood was spent on two ranches in Rogers Coun-

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14 • Cowboy Journal

ty: the Bushyhead Ranch near Chelsea and his great-uncle Will Rogers' ranch in Oologah, Okla.

The Bushyhead Ranch has been in his family since the mid-1800s and was settled by his great-grandparents.

McSpadden was named after his great-grandfather Clement Vann Rogers, a member of the first Oklahoma Constitutional Convention and for whom Rogers County was named.

This family heritage helped mold McSpadden and his destiny.

McSpadden graduated in May 1943 from Oologah High School and started at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in September 1943.

"I did not finish my first semester

because I was certain I was going to be drafted, so I enlisted in the U.S. Navy," McSpadden said.

McSpadden served during World War IL After the war, he returned to school. Through the Navy, he logged enough hours to return as a junior.

"I started back after World War II," McSpadden said. "Hundreds and hundreds of veterans were going to school on the GI Bill [of Rights]."

Back at Oklahoma A&M after the war, McSpadden was determined to finish his degree and fulfill a promise he had made to his mother and father.

"One of the greatest things that happened while I was at Oklahoma A&M was that I walked on the basketball team during Mr. Hemy Iba' s years as a coach," he said.

During college, McSpadden and five other students helped start the collegiate rodeo team in 1947. He also worked as a radio broadcaster for the Cooperative Extension Service, the introduction of a voice heard in rodeo arenas around the world. He graduated in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry.

"I have been able to do w hat I wanted to do, with people I like to do it with," McSpadden said.

He has served as general manager for the National Finals Rodeo, the Old Timers Rodeo and the Indian Nation Finals Rodeo.

He has announced in such places as Hawaii, "the Challenge Cup" Rodeo between the United States and Canada and at the Winter Olympics in Calgary. McSpadden also has announced in Mexico and Argentina and was the first rodeo announcer from the United States to announce the Canadian National Finals Rodeo.

He was tapped by the Partners of Alliance, created by President John F. Kennedy, to be in charge of the exchange program between Oklahoma and Txlacala, Mexico. McSpadden produced rodeos and served as liaison between the states.

McSpadden embarked into politics in 1954 when he was elected to the Oklahoma Senate. His political career

me do.)

Spring 2007 • 15

has seen ups and downs, but his political passion has continued with a love for people and a desire to see the common man achieve greatness.

"I like politics, and I have been able to do it for more than 50 years," McSpadden said.

He served in the Oklahoma Senate until 1972, having served as the youngest president pro tempore in state history.

"He loves politics and does it well," said Donna McSpadden, his wife of 44 years.

In 1972, McSpadden was elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-third Congress. He was given the honor of being the first freshman member in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives to serve on the rules committee.

While in Washington, he helped create the Rural Caucus, a group that originated with a few members and has now grown to several of both parties, all committed to the success of rural America.

"Clem McSpadden is a very powerful, influential Oklahoman who has served us well," said Jerry McPeak, Oklahoma state representative.

After McSpadden' s time in the U.S. Congress, he ran for governor of Oklahoma. During the race for governor, he experienced one of the greatest moments of his life.

"The biggest thrill besides my family is that when I ran for governor Mr. Henry Iba endorsed me," he said.

Although he lost that race, it gave him the opportunity to "chase other things," he said.

"No one likes to lose," McSpadden said. "If something happens you don't like, sure it bothers you, but the sun will rise the next day."

The sun did rise, and he started

Clem McSpadden has owned cattle since he was a small boy. (Photo by Sarah Allison)

organizing rodeo events on the Bushyhead Ranch. In 1975, he began the "World's Richest Roping" competition, pitting the best against each other. In 1983, he established the Bushyhead 101 roping competition still held each year on Labor Day weekend. The rodeo career that began during his college days is still going strong some 60 years later.

In 1983, he also started the government relations firm, McSpadden & Associates, LLC, where he and his son Bart are partners to this day. The company, a legislative consulting and lobbying firm, also employs McSpadden' s grandson James.

"Politics is a very interesting game," McSpadden said. "Government has gotten so big; every walk of life needs a lobbyist."

To honor McSpadden for his 80th birthday, his wife and their son Bart created an endowed annual scholarship for him at Oklahoma State Univer-

YLccomp[ishments 1989 'J{ationa[ Cowboy Jla[[ of :Fame Inductee 1990 Pro!f?.9deo Jla[[ of :Fame Inductee 1998 'Ben Jolin.son :MertWria[J'l.warcf 'Winner 2001 OS'll J'l.nima[ Science (jracfuate of 'Distinction 2002 OS'll Afumni Jla[[ of :Fame J'l.utfior of ''llie Cow6og's Prayer' ancf 'If Our :F[ag Couuf'Ia[k 16 • Cowboy Journal

sity. The recipient must be a full-time student within the OSU Department of Animal Science and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

"I have been the luckiest person in the world to do the things that the Lord has let me do," McSpadden said.

As his wife accompanies him along the journey of life, McSpadden said it has not just been his life but it has been" our life."

"The greatest achievement of my life is my family and the way I have been able to raise them and to see those same values now in my grandchildren," McSpadden said.

McSpadden has two older children. Paul and wife, Connie, have two sons, John and James. His daughter Kay is married to Joe Lucas.

Now, in the later years of his life, McSpadden said he enjoys his time working at the Capitol, in a rodeo announcer's booth and at the Bushyhead Ranch, as well as spending time with the children of Bart and his wife, Katie: Noah, Chloe and Tucker.

"Donna is my No. 1 worker, supporter and truly the glue that holds the outfit together," McSpadden said.

"In life, if I have learned anything, it is you have to pay your dues," McSpadden said.

"Be persistent and when you do, good will happen. Even if you have a set back, good will come out of it. It makes you better as a neighbor and friend." 0

Natural resource programs join forces

By Amy Oalmont, Indianola, Okla.

F

or two years, three Oklahoma State University academic departments have searched for a way to integrate teaching, research and extension activities into the natural resource management area. Now, their struggles have made their desires a reality.

In Fall 2005, an 11-person task force made recommendations to accomplish this goal. A report from this team, along with additional input from administrators, faculty and outside constituents recommended forming a new department.

On July 12, 2006, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved the formation of the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The faculty and staff from forestry, rangeland ecology, wildlife and fisheries then began the transition to the new department.

Tom Hennessey, interim department head and professor, said the formation of NREM is expected to increase the interdisciplinary research in natural resources related to the sustainable management of fisheries, wildlife, rangelands and forests for a wide variety of uses.

"This formation will realign faculty, curricula and research initiatives related to natural resources, ecology and conservation," Hennessey said.

In total, NREM will have 25 faculty members, making it one of the largest departments in the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Staff numbers also will increase to ensure successful creation and operation of the new department, Hennessey said.

"We are very optimistic that our new curricula will stimulate student retention and foster student recruitment," Hennessey said.

The new department will consist of 14 forestry faculty members, four faculty members from rangeland ecology, five faculty members from zoology, and two scientists from the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

Initially, the department will include approximately 175 undergraduates and a broader graduate program.

The department will house one major: natural resource ecology and management. However, students can choose among eight degree options within the major.

Karen Hickman, associate professor, said incoming freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2006 already are emolled in the new department.

"The remaining students who have begun work on their degrees will be allowed to continue their original degree programs and options as they were," Hennessey said. "No addition-

al course requirements will delay their graduation dates."

Hickman said continuing students may even keep their original adviser.

"We want to make it easy for the students to transition," Hickman said.

Hickman said as the year progresses, there is potential for new curricula to be created. Ultimately, students will have the choice of electing new programs that may emerge without an increase in credit hours.

Ed Miller, CASNR associate dean, said the new department is just one more feature that sets OSU apart.

"OSU is the only Oklahoma university that offers a four-year degree in these areas," Miller said. "It only makes sense to bring them together."

Hickman said the goal is to integrate the curriculum so students will continue to specialize in their own areas but will have a basic understanding of all four. This merging is to help make the students more marketable, she said.

"The unifying thing for the students is the connection of land management to biology," said Tim O'Connell, assistant professor.

Student clubs within each of the original departments will remain separate and intact: the Wildlife Society, Forestry Club, Range Club, American Fisheries Society and the Society of American Foresters Student Chapter.

On Oct. 12, 2006, the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management held a ribbon-cutting ceremony: Oklahoma Sen. Daisy Lawler (left); OSU President David Schmidly; Tom Hennessey, interim NREM department head and professor; Oklahoma Rep. Dale DeWitt; Robert Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; and Peter Sherwood, dean of the College ofArts and Sciences. (Photo

by Todd Johnson) Spring 2007 • 17

OSU President and system chiefexecutive officer David Schmidly (right) speaks with faculty members and various guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Kerr Auditorium in the Food and Agricultural Products Center on Oct. 12. (Photo by Todd Johnson) "It's been an easy change," said Derek Matz, Range Club president.

"With this degree, there are many more options to choose from."

On Oct. 12, 2006, the department

held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Kerr Auditorium located in the Food and Agricultural Products Center.

Robert Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Divi-

sion of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, was the master of ceremonies. Guest speakers included David Schmidly, president and OSU system chief executive officer; Marlene Strathe, provost and senior vice president; and Hennessey. Oklahoma Rep. Dale DeWitt and Oklahoma Sen. Daisy Lawler also spoke at the event.

"We now have an academic program with faculty across interdisciplinary areas within one unit that have the ability to do the kind of research, teaching and outreach to maximize the development of natural resources in Oklahoma," Schmidly said.

Hennessey said the new department will provide graduates with a broader understanding of resource management and conservation.

"Having four core areas of fisheries, forestry, rangeland and wildlife in one department provides a framework to undertake the collaborative work that needs to be done to address critical natural resources issues in Oklahoma and beyond," Hennessey said. ÂŤ.P

Regardless of the direction you travel, we have facilities to fit your lifestyle ...

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SflLLWAJfR Convention and Visitors Bureau

www.come2stillwoter.com 18 , Cowboy Journal

(800) 991-6717

Here's Bullet!

Introducing OK Bullet (not the horse)

M

ore than 15 years can be spent developing a new variety of wheat. However, the development of OK Bullet took only 11.

"Many times it takes more than one crossing to make a new variety," said Brett Carver, Oklahoma State University plant and soil sciences professor. "So, it can take quite a bit of time to develop something new."

Research for OK Bullet started in 1994, and the variety was released for

common production in 2005. A wheat improvement team, which consisted of OSU professors and U.S. Department of Agriculture employees, assisted in the development of OK Bullet.

Carver said during that time, the teamspentnumeroushourscrossbreeding wheats, trying to find a successful breed that would improve Oklahoma wheat production.

Carver, along with the wheat improvement team, decided the OK Bullet variety was a successful cross between the Oklahoma wheat Jagger and a leaf rust resistant wheat derived from Triticum tauschii. Both parents were developed by Kansas State University researchers.

OSU crossed the two breeds, arriving at a useful variety for Oklahoma wheat producers.

Yield potential, grazing potential, high test weight and kernel size, and excellent milling and baking characteristics combined with strong disease resistance would be beneficial for the Oklahoma wheat industry, Carver said.

"We found that Bullet would hit all targets as far as producers were concerned," he said. " It met all specifications to improve Above: Jared Johnson checks wheat samples for growth. the production and yield of wheat in Oklahoma."

(Photo by Jeana Sankey) OK Bullet's signifiTop: Before harvest, golden wheat "waves" in Oklaho- cance as a new variety is ma. (Photo by Gail Banzet) important to producers and 20 • Cowboy Journal

By Jeana Sankey, Council Grove, Kan.

consumers. Hard red winter wheat is the top cash crop for Oklahoma, and the state ranks second in the nation for the production of winter wheat.

Carver said it is important for the wheat improvement team to develop a product they know will be successful.

When developing a new variety, approvals are based on honesty. Technically, there is not a specific board that approves new varieties.

OSU develops new wheat varieties, does testing plots and decides if the variety is strong enough to be successful in Oklahoma. Once OSU decides it is strong enough, the improvement team puts together a proposal and sends it to the USDA. When developing a name for a new wheat variety, Carver said it is important to find a name that reflects the variety's purpose and capabilities.

Getting the name approved is not that hard; OSU sends the suggested name to the USDA to receive approval.

"When Bullet was first released, they asked that we use numbers, so I did," he said. "However, I wanted a catchy name that would cover how special the new wheat variety was, so I came up with Bullet."

Carver said he asked his student workers and other OSU faculty to provide input on the name of the new variety. "Bullet" just seemed to fit, not only since the new variety was developed at OSU, but also because the new variety "hit all targets for the producer."

Student Involvement Jared Johnson, an agricultural education senior, worked for Carver and the wheat improvement team.

Johnson had input on the name, but he said Carver made the final decision. Johnson said his job required him to be punctual and willing to learn.

"Crossbreeding takes quite a bit of time to do; therefore, once it actually gets done, it is important to plant right away," Johnson said.

As a student worker for OSU and for the wheat improvement team, he spent a lot of time traveling around Oklahoma to plant wheat.

"For me, the best time of work involves the planting," Johnson said.

"We travel across the state to about seven different locations."

Outlook for OK Bullet Carver said improving production is the goal for the wheat improvement team and the university; the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources researchers want to produce wheat that will be successful for farmers around the state.

"I learned about OK Bullet by attending various wheat production field days held at different locations in the state," said Joe Caughlin, wheat producer near Tonkawa, Okla.

"This past year, we grew 150 acres of OK Bullet," Caughlin said. "We are excited about our plans to grow around 600 acres of OK Bullet this next year to see how the variety performs on a broader scale."

Even with the recent drought conditions in Oklahoma, Caughlin harvested 40 bushels per acre on the 150 acres of OK Bullet he planted.

Caughlin said he expects better success with OK Bullet under more favorable conditions.

Carver said for most Oklahoma

OSU wheat varieties produce high-quality wheat for bread and grain products. Hard red winter wheat is the most commonly used wheat in Oklahoma. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture)

farmers, OK Bullet must be above average on disease resistance, especially resistance to tan spot and septoria complexes, races of leaf and stripe rust, and to soil-borne and spindlestreak mosaic viruses. This is most beneficial to no-till and minimum-tillage producers, Carver said.

"If OK Bullet's disease package can continue to perform, then the variety should have a strong position in our wheat line-up for several years," Caughlin said.

According to trials performed by the wheat improvement team, OK Bullet shows a four- to five-bushel-peracre advantage over Jagger, the leading hard red winter wheat in Oklahoma.

Compared with Jagger, OK Bullet has

better forage production; however, tests show OK Bullet is not suitable for late spring grazing if high grain yield is desired.

Caughlin said this past season, OK Bullet seed dealers were asking $10 per bushel, but next season, when OK Bullet is more commonly used throughout the state, he expects the cost will come down to $8 per bushel.

Carver said if OK Bullet can withstand drought and diseases, it will be a class act" among wheat varieties.

"OK Bullet looks to be a landmark variety," Carver said. "With its rare combination, it should prove to be a hit with the producers of Oklahoma."O 11

Spring 2007 • 21

Oklahoma S'tate harvests a unique hreelofforesters who he0 urban communities3,.et hack to their roots-fiferaT(!f

ry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, said Tom Hennessey, Oklahoma State University forestry professor and interim head for the newly established OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.

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eople often give Carrie Tomlinson puzzled looks when she tells them what she does for a living. Indeed, it may seem unlikely that a forester lives and works in a suburban Oklahoma community.

However, forests abound in urban environments, said Tomlinson, who is the urban forester for Edmond, Okla.

"Urban forests are a combination of natural tree cover and urban landscape tree cover that make up the city's canopy," Tomlinson said.

"Although natural forests are an important aspect of community forestry, urban forests are not natural in their entirety."

Tomlinson said her seemingly contradictory job title represents a position many cities have come to regard as fundamental to the advancement of urban infrastructure. She said trees provide "green infrastructure," a natural system that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, provides noise reduction, sustains air and water resources, and contributes to the health and quality of life for America's communities and people.

"You can't create a machine that does everything a tree does," Tomlinson said. "The intrinsic value of trees is a value system I promote so we can have those things."

Although the concept of conserving and maintaining trees in urban settings is not new, the specialized field of urban and community forest22 , Cowboy Journal

In 2003, what was then the OSU Department of Forestry recognized the growing popularity of urban forestry as an area of specialization and established an "urban and community forestry" option under the forestry major.

"Although we didn't have it formalized as a program, students have been taking the classes to prepare themselves for careers as urban foresters for years," Hennessey said. "We saw a need to offer students an opportunity to prepare for a professional career working with trees and people in the urban and community context."

Hennessey said much of an urban forester's job relates directly to trees, but much more of it relates to people.

"Urban foresters deal with trees in a context of people and the environment they live in," he said.

Therefore, it is not surprising students who pursue this option are usually interested in working with both trees and people. Of the 60 students currently majoring in forestry at OSU, six have declared urban and community forestry as their area of focus, Hennessey said.

Amber Fritchie of Lee's Summit, Mo., is one such student. Fritchie is a senior who transferred to OSU in 2004 to pursue urban and community forestry. "[At my previous university], I chose to take a class about native Missouri plants," she said. "I absolutely loved the class and knew I had to find

By Ruth Bobbitt, Lamont, Okla. a school where I could pursue more classes about trees."

Fritchie found OSU. In addition to core courses in forestry and natural resource management; written and verbal communications; history; social sciences; math and natural sciences, Fritchie' s coursework includes a broad foundation in landscape materials and design, arboriculture, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology and geography.

The urban and community forestry curriculum also allows students to tailor part of their program to reflect personal interests through controlled electives in geographic information systems, urban planning, recreation, governmental law and administration.

As a capstone course for this option, students complete an internship in urban forestry under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

mary o(1tions Students who complete the requirements for a major option in urban and community forestry have many career options available to them.

"Urban forestry is the fastestgrowing segment in the whole discipline of forestry," Hennessey said.

"Communities are recognizing the values of planting and maintaining trees in their communities and the values the trees provide."

Seven Oklahoma cities - Bartlesville, Edmond, Midwest City, Muskogee, Norman, Stillwater and Tulsa - have made a formal commitment to maintain their urban forests by employing urban foresters.

In addition to working for a municipality, urban foresters also may find employment opportunities within public utility companies or consulting firms .

"I am still deciding exactly what I want to do with urban forestry," Fritchie said. "I might like to try being a city forester, or maybe do consulting.

Ultimately, I would really like to have my own consulting company that could help businesses and others decide what kind of trees to plant, where to plant them, how to protect the trees they already have and make decisions about pruning and disease management.

"Because I take all the traditional forestry classes, I would still be able to pursue a more traditional forestry career if I chose to later on," said Fritchie, describing the benefits of her area of study.

Students who choose "traditional" forestry will be affected by urban forestry during their career, said Mark Bays, urban forestry coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and a 1982 OSU forestry alumnus.

"Even if [foresters] choose to stay in forestry in a traditional sense, they should realize all forests that we have in this county have an urban impact by people going out and impacting the forest," Bays said.

Bays himself worked as a traditional forester before joining ODA in 1992.

"Trees are just something I have a real passion for," he said. "I guess you can say I developed my passion for trees through Boy Scouts."

That passion led Bays to a career planting, protecting and maintaining trees.

2002, when she took a job as the urban forester in Edmond.

Her most recent project has been a $2.2 million renovation of a six-block streetscape in the downtown Edmond shopping district.

To complete projects like the downtown streetscape, Tomlinson often works with horticulturalists, arborists and landscape architects.

"While landscape architects or horticulturalists work with similar types of projects, they may only look at a single tree or trees in a confined area," she said. "Urban foresters look at the entire city to meet the larger goal of getting a healthy city canopy."

Tackling the goal of achieving a healthy canopy citywide requires Tomlinson to execute extremely diverse tasks, she said.

"Any day, I could be out in the field looking at a tree, in the office writing a grant application or talking to city councilmen about a project," she said.

The diversity of Tomlinson' s job is matched only by its endurance.

"The most fun part of my job is that I can go back and see the fruition of my work over my lifetime," Tomlinson said. "Other people's work may be fleeting, but I can go back with my grandchildren and see trees I planted."

Others also will enjoy the benefits of Tomlison's work for years to come.

It is because of the work of urban foresters that there are living, growing forests whose canopies are intertwined with the parking lots, skyscrapers and roadways of America's paved paradises. 0

Ifverse {askJ路 In Bays' 24 years as a forester, he has planted, protected and maintained trees in a wide range of settings.

Bays has played an integral role in both the preservation of the "Survivor Tree" at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and in the protection of the historic trees surrounding the Oklahoma Capitol during the construction of its dome.

Yet, the majority of Bays' time is spent working alongside other urban foresters like Tomlinson.

Tomlinson received her bachelor's degree in forestry from OSU in 1996 and her master's degree in 1999. She worked as the urban forester in Stillwater from 1996 to

Urban forestry elements such as the "Survivor Tree" at the Oklahoma City N ational M emorial (above) and streetscapes like this one in downtown Edmond provide "green infrastructure" that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, provides noise reduction, sustains air and water resources, and contribu tes to the health and quality of life for America 's communities and people. (Photos and artwork by Ruth Bobbitt) Spring 2007, 23

USDA honors teaching excellence

8

By Shanna Boyett, Reidsville, Ga.

etter than a thousand days o methodology, service to the profes- has received numerous awards for diligent study is one day with sion, service to students, professional teaching excellence over the years. development, and endorsement by ad- Among these are the L.M. Ware Disa great teacher.

This Japanese proverb reminds one to think about those special individuals who have influenced lives through the gift of education.

For 15 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized some of those special people through the National Awards Program for Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences.

"This is probably the most prestigious teaching recognition awarded across all disciplines of agriculture," said Linda Martin, assistant dean of academic programs for the Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The program, which honors excellence in teaching, has extensive evaluation criteria for nominees. The six areas of evaluation assess teaching quality, teaching philosophy and

ministrators, alumni and colleagues.

In 2005, Bailey Norwood became the first Oklahoma State University professor to be recognized by the program. He was one of only two recipients in the new teacher category.

In 2006, CASNR claimed two of these coveted awards. Douglas Needham and David Buchanan were recognized in November as two of six teachers honored among four regions.

"This is only about the third time in the history of this awards program that two recipients have come from one university in a single year," Martin said, "so this is a tremendous honor for the college and the university."

Doug Needham Douglas Needham, a graduate of Purdue University, has been part of OSU' s horticulture and landscape architecture department since 1989. He

Doug Needham helps student Shelly Wolf in one of his horticulture labs. (Photo by Shanna Boyett) 24 • Cowboy Journal

tinguished Teacher recognition, the North American Collees and Teachers of Agriculture Southern Region Outstanding Teacher and Teacher Fellow awtrds, and the OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award.

Needham formed and coordinated the OSU Teaching Community Support Network where other teachers met to discuss issues of the profession.

He also was appointed as a faculty adviser to OSU's Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

"I have high expectations for myself, and I have high expectations for my students," Needham said. "I believe that my teaching techniques must be student-centered. My goal is to empower my students to become lifelong learners and collaborative decision makers."

Needham coordinates students who participate in the Horticulture in the European Community and United States Consortium. This study abroad program, known as HORTECUS, is a cooperation among four European and three U.S. universities.

"I spent the summer of 2003 studying problem-based learning and teaching horticulture at Hogeschool INHOLLAND Delft in the Netherlands," Needham said.

He develops close relationships with students that often are maintained after they graduate.

"I maintain an open-door policy, and students frequently come to my office to discuss current events, seek input on projects or talk about their career goals," Needham said. "It is essential that I am readily available to my students."

Needham advises around 25 students of various majors per semester.

"He genuinely cares about his students," said Nathan Smith, an agricultural education major. "Dr. Needham makes every effort to make sure that his students are actively involved in the learning process."

He is a past national president and current adviser for the Pi Alpha

Xi honor society in horticulture. Needham also coaches the floricultural crop judging and design team.

"Dr. Needham was what I always imagined a college professor should be," said Kristina Lewis, OSU alumna and The Ohio State University graduate student. "He never ceased to amaze me with the depth of his concern for and genuine interest in students."

David Buchanan David Buchanan's father, M. L. (Buck) Buchanan, who graduated from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1935, had an extensive career as an animal science professor at North Dakota State University. David Buchanan, who studied at NDSU and the University of Nebraska, chose to follow in his father's footsteps as a teacher.

Buchanan began his teaching career at OSU in 1980. The graduates of distinction professor has taught courses at all levels during his 26 years David Buchanan teaches the animal science capstone course. (Photo by Shanna Boyett) in the animal science department, including undergraduate, graduate and Award and the NACTA Teacher Fel- recognition of his efforts as a mentor, Buchanan received the Agricultural low Award. honors courses.

Ambassadors' Outstanding Adviser "I have to always look for the "I grew up observing a master Award in 2002. teacher," said Buchanan of his father. teachable moments," Buchanan said.

Both professors are appreciative Buchanan emphasizes his belief "While I was young, and while taking of the recognition they have received three classes from him during my un- that teaching is not only for the classdergraduate program, I received a sense room. He said the act of teaching can from the USDA. "Like all awards, it means someof the joy of teaching and saw that it is take place in the hallway or a club body thought enough of me to possible to make a real difference." meeting just as easily.

"Dr. Buchanan is so dedicated to nominate me," Buchanan said. "It's Making a difference is exactly what he has done at OSU. Although many of the students that he is always avail- gratifying to have colleagues and adBuchanan's classes are required and able for assistance," said OSU alum- ministrators that admire what I do."

The award winners, although humdemanding courses, his evaluation nus Russell Fent. "His office door is scores are consistently high for the col- always open for undergraduates and ble themselves, are proud their accomplishments bring recognition to OSU. lege and university. graduate students alike."

"It makes me proud for the uni"Teaching is important because Buchanan creates many of those the students will carry with them a "teachable moments" by involving versity and CASNR," Needham said.

They both enjoy working in a colpiece of the way I himself in student clubs and func- lege that supports their efforts and enthink," Buchanan Whatever successes I have said. "What they had are in part because I work tions. During the courages outstanding faculty.

"Whatever successes I have had course of his career do with that is up to them. It's a way in a place that encourages at OSU, the educa- are in part because I work in a place ideas move from tor has served as that encourages excellence in teachexcellence in teaching. adviser for 11 stu- ing," Buchanan said. one generation to With a combined 43 years at OSU, the next."

David Buchanan dent organizations.

In addition to these two men have excelled for the Buchanan has received numerous awards for his advising 50 to 60 students per se- university and touched the lives of teaching in the past. A few of these mester, Buchanan currently advises countless individuals through the gift honors include the NACTA Teach- two student organizations: Cowboys of education. 0 ing Award of Merit, the OSU Regents for Christ and the Oklahoma ColleFor more information and a listing of Distinguished Teaching Award, the giate Cattlewomen. In recent years, Mortar Board Golden Torch Award, Buchanan has hosted club members past winners, visit the USDA Web site: Sarkey's Distinguished Professor for a Christmas party at his home. In http://www.usda.gov.

Spring 2007 • 25

MCJR£ THAN A

I

n Oklahoma State University's 116-year existence, logos have been the face of OSU and, like the university, have seen their share of change - from the Tigers of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College to today's OSU Cowboys.

For many OSU students and alumni, the logo brings an array of emotions and a sense of togetherness.

"Whenever I see someone who is either wearing an OSU logo or has an OSU decal on their vehicle, I feel a connection with that person," said Lynn Ann Dietrich, 1978 agricultural economics alumna and former Agriculture Alumni Association president.

£'vDLLJTIDN DF TH£ LDGD

According to the OSU archives, on Dec. 25, 1890, Oklahoma State University was founded as Oklahoma A&M. Oklahoma A&M was to be the "Princeton of the Plains," and accordingly, the new college adopted orange and black as school colors and the tiger as the school mascot.

CENTURY CJF

In 1923, a group of Oklahoma A&M students saw a cowboy named Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton in an Armistice Day parade and decided "Pistol Pete" would be a better mascot than the current tiger. Though cowboy images were used, it wasn't until 1957 that "Pistol Pete" became the official OSU mascot.

The use of "Oklahoma A&M" in the logo came to an end on July 1, 1957, when Oklahoma A&M College became Oklahoma State University. Along with the new name, "Pistol Pete" was adopted as the new official school mascot.

These changes ended the old Oklahoma A&M logos and signaled the beginning of the new OSU logos.

According to the OSU Archives, many of the early logos were seen on baseball or football uniforms only. It was not until later there was a distinction between athletic logos and university logos.

"The university's athletic logo is used when we want to show a distinction between athletics and the rest of the university, but in most situations

the default brand [institutional mark] is u sed," said Mark Pennie, OSU design coordinator.

0£SIGNING TH£ LDGD

The current logos were developed

by S.E.M., a design company from New York, and adopted Nov. 1, 2000.

"When the university was getting ready to renovate Gallagher-Iba Arena, it was decided that a new logo was needed," said Judy Barnard, OSU director of trademarks and licensing. "A consistent symbol to unify the campus was wanted. The logo needed to be updated and fresh. The logo needed to say who OSU is."

The final approval came from the OSU administration, but committees decided what to bring before the administration, Barnard said.

The university established a committee in 2000 to discuss the logo and what it should convey to the public about the university. The committee was composed of students, the director of public relations, the athletic di-

11s

\,\i6

1890

26 • Cowboy Journal

1909

1920

1935

1940s

CHANGE' FOFI

DSU

LOGOS

By Colby Dorsey, Binger, Okla.

rector, Barnard and members of the OSU Alumni Association. This committee met periodically during the year to discuss the logo and what it should represent.

"The OSU logo is meant to convey strength, that cowboys are tough," Barnard said. "We are a powerful, progressive, Big 12 competitor."

One of the issues related to the new logo is that it is seen in a variety of media outlets, allowing exposure for OSU. "When you have a chance to let your university be known, whether it is through papers, magazines, or television, you want a consistent, bold image to be associated with it," Pennie said. "One simple, bold image will help quickly communicate what OSU is, both as a brand and a university."

When the current logos were finally approved, they had a message behind them.

"The block 'O' has sharp edges to show strength, while the state is larger than Oklahoma and university to show that we are Oklahoma State," Barnard said.

Pennie said the logo was designed to display characteristics that represent the university.

"The slanted' O' is meant to convey energy and activism," Pennie said.

DESIGNING THÂŁ DASNRLDGD

Following in line with the logos' evolution, the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has developed its own logo to accompany these changes.

DASNR's latest logo was approved in July 2006. In the design, DASNR implemented the university logo and a triangle, both representing ties to the university.

"When designing the DASNR logo, the university wanted the current OSU logo to be incorporated in the design," said Gayle Hiner, DASNR senior communications specialist. "DASNR wanted the triangle, which stands for the three entities of the university research, extension and teaching - to also be used."

When designing the logo, every-

0 0

Su

1960s

Early 1970s

u

one in DASNR was encouraged to help with the design. Representatives from the division met five times to discuss the logo and to share their ideas.

They finally came up with three logos to send to the administration for a final approval.

"The OSU symbol is very easily recognized across the country," Hiner said. "This makes it nice from a marketing standpoint. The triangle is meant to show how much cooperation there is among the three entities."

Regardless of the logo, students and alumni said their feelings toward OSU run deep.

"Whenever I see the OSU logo, I feel a lot of pride knowing I get to go to one of the best universities in the country," said Tyler Thomas, an animal science junior. "I also feel a lot of heritage because both of my parents have graduated from OSU." Even though the logo may continue to change, for students and alumni the feelings it invokes will continue from generation to generation.O

Institutional logo

Athletic logo

AGRICULTURE DASNR logo

Mid-1970s

2000

2006

Spring 2007 • 27

Mike Stephens:

A gold standard to countless blue jackets Mike and Shirley Stephens taught side by side for a combined 27 years at Guthrie and Chickasha high schools. (Photo courtesy of Chris Stephens)

I

believe in the future of agricul- in 2006, said Shane Stephens, the Steture, with a faith born not of phens' younger son.

"Mike and Shirley were the first words but of deeds ... E.M. Tiffany husband and wife agricultural teachE.M. Tiffany's words have touched ing team in the state of Oklahoma," thousands of lives throughout the said Linda Martin, assistant dean for years, and one of those lives was a academic programs for the OSU Colman who left an impression on hun- lege of Agricultural Sciences and Natdreds of young people. Mike Stephens ural Resources.

Mike was a man who always poslived by these words, pushing others sessed the finest sense of personal to grow in the field of agriculture.

Mike, the younger child of Marvin decency and integrity. He treated evand Margaret Stephens, grew up in eryone he met with respect, no matter the small town of Miami, Okla., where who they were, said former Chickasha student Adam McClain. he developed a love for agriculture.

"My parents were a wonderful After graduating from Miami High School in 1965, Mike stayed at home complement and tag team as high and attended Northeastern Oklahoma school teachers and FF A advisers.

A&M College. In 1970, he graduated They taught in adjacent classrooms from Oklahoma State University. Dur- for 27 years and never seemed to grow ing Mike's time at OSU, he shared a tired of one another," said Chris Steclassroom with two sisters who would phens, their older son. "They shared become the first two female agricul- the closest of bonds." tural education teachers in Oklahoma.

Chris said Mike never sought the One of those sisters was Shirley Jean spotlight or personal or professional Holman, who became Mrs. Shirley awards, but his leadership and menStephens on Aug. 30, 1969. toring allowed hundreds of youth to After graduation, Mike and Shir- achieve state and national success in ley began rewarding careers teaching FF A and livestock activities. agricultural education courses and Mike was recognized several times serving as FFA advisers. Mike be- with teaching awards at the state and gan teaching in 1970 at Guthrie High national levels.

McClain said Mike was voted School; nine years later, Shirley joined him. In 1985, they moved their ca- Chickasha High School's "Teacher of reers to Chickasha High School and the Year" twice. Some of Mike's perboth taught there until his retirement sonal achievements included National 28 • Cowboy Journal

By Zed Goodwin, South Coffeyville, Okla.

Association of Agricultural Educators membership since 1970, NAAE Outstanding Agricultural Education Program in 1997-1998 and2004-2005, Oklahoma Agricultural Educator Teachers Association member from 1970-2006, and NAAE Conference attendee in 1985, 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2005.

"Dad was a relatively quiet person, but he was also intensely competitive," Chris said. "He loved to see his sons and his FF A students succeed in whatever they did. He was very good at matching a student's interests with an FF A activity or contest where they could excel."

McClain said Mike was demanding of his sons and his students. He always expected them to work hard, to retain their humility when things went well, and to maintain sportsmanship when things did not go so well.

"Mr. Stephens had a knack about making you work hard, but you liked it," McClain said.

Chris said his father had a real passion for the FF A, youth agricultural activities, Shorthorn cattle and the people involved with those programs.

Mike was a role model for his children and many FF A students, instructing hundreds of high school students and developing wonderful friendships with them and their families along the way. Mike and Shirley developed a wonderful network of friends through

FFA and the livestock industry, and their family has treasured those special relationships, Chris said.

"Mike was very interested in the success of his students, not only high school students; he was always on campus doing something involved with the students or the FFA Foundation," said Ed Miller, CASNR associate dean for academic programs.

Shane said his dad always had a special spot in his heart for OSU. Mike was honored to serve the college, along with his wife, on the Agriculture Alumni board of directors, and he took great pride when any of his former students enrolled at OSU, especially his two sons.

"Mr. Stephens was the single biggest influence of my life," McClain said. "I would not be where I am today if it hadn't been for his positive impact on me."

Miller said Mike Stephens was a man who spoke few words, but his example and work ethic were powerful examples to his family, students and friends.

"Dad was the hardest working person I have ever met, and he tried to instill in all of us an appreciation for hard work," Chris said.

As Shane and Chris grew up, their parents were busy with FFA activities, but they often traveled to FFA competitions, livestock shows and conventions together as a family.

Chris said his dad was proud of any success his sons achieved. Though he was always hesitant to discuss any of his own accomplishments, he was never shy to describe how his boys were doing. He was even supportive when their graduate school plans took them away from Oklahoma.

Chris graduated from OSU in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. With a British Marshall Scholarship, Chris studied two years in England, earning a master's degree in land economy from the University of Cambridge and a master's degree in comparative social policy from the University of Oxford. Chris moved back and attended Yale Law School, graduating in 2004.

"After graduation, I worked two years for Judge Robert Henry on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Oklahoma City as a law clerk," Chris said.

Chris is now an attorney at Crowe & Dunlevy in Oklahoma City, where he lives with his wife, Amy. Shane graduated from OSU in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. He later earned a master's in economic management and policy from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, while studying on a Rotary Ambassador Scholarship. Shane now lives in Phoenix with his wife, Katie. He is a senior project manager for a commer-

cial real estate development company, assisting with the U.S. expansion of a British retailer.

Chris and Shane have grown to become successful young men, something they said made their father proud.

Life changed for Mike in 1993 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which required chemotherapy and extensive radiation treatment.

"Dad actually kept teaching as much as he could during his radiation and often times would head to Oklahoma City after his last class to take treatments," Shane said.

In the summer of 2005, Mike was diagnosed with cancer again, which required him to take sick leave for various treatments throughout the school year. He often would return in the afternoons to assist students with their FFA projects.

Mike Stephens lost his battle with cancer Aug. 8, 2006, but the impression he left will never be forgotten. His passion for the FFA and Oklahoma State University will continue in the countless lives he has touched. 0

The Oklahoma FFA Foundation, in cooperation with the Stephens family, has created a trust in Mike's honor. To donate, mail contributions to the Mike Stephens Trust, Oklahoma FFA Foundation, 1500 W. 7th St., Stillwater, OK 74074.

Left: Mike Stephens (left) joins his wife, Shirley, with Will Wheeler and Korey Schenk, students from their 2003 National Gold Emblem Chapter. Presenting the award is Tally (Stewart) Mitchell. (Photo by Jeremy Porter) Right: The Stephens family: Katie, Shane's wife (back left); Shane; Chris; Amy, Chris' wife; Mike (front) and Shirley. (Photo courtesy of Carl's Studio) Spring 2007 • 29

>

mall islands appeared from the blue-green Caribbean Sea as four Oklahoma State University students neared one of the world's most beautiful countries, Costa Rica.

With more than 60 volcanoes, seven types of forests, and 5 percent of the world's plant and animal biodiversity, a world of opportunity and pura vida lies within Costa Rica for anyone wanting a cultural experience.

"Hola! Bienvenidos!" came from every direction.

"Becky, look over here," said Adele Tongco, coordinator of international programs in agriculture for the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Near the immigration gate in the San Jose International Airport, Tongco pointed at a billboard of tourists traveling through the canopy of the rain-

Above: Becky Dillsaver (left), Adele Tongco, Leah Dillsaver and Jana Morris tour CA TIE University's botanical garden.

Right: Palm trees along the Caribbean coast were a familiar sight when students participated in environmental awareness tours. (Photos by Elizabeth Hopkins) 30 • Cowboy Journal

By Elizabeth Hopkins, Guthrie, Okla.

forest, just one example of the many "We traveled through winding learning experiences students soon roads up a mountain to observe a milk would enjoy. and cheese farm and an organic baThey explored the forest canopy nana and cocoa production [facility] and learned about treetop ecology, as where we actually did some processwell as experienced various forest en- ing of cocoa: picking and tasting fruit; vironments, from rainforest to cloud roasting and threshing cocoa pods; forest to tropical forest. and grinding and cooking the cocoa," Why was Tongco with a group of Tongco said. students in Costa Rica?

Students interacted with indig"I have taken students to study enous people and shared their experiabroad in Costa Rica and Thailand," ence in forming cooperatives for their Tongco said. "[This] exposure gives eco-enterprises, such as an iguana constudents new knowledge, not only of servation-breeding farm and a banana another country but for certain, the vinegar plant. students acquire new knowledge that Tongco, originally from the Philhas not happened in a classroom." ippines, has traveled the world after This past summer, four students receiving her bachelor's degree from joined Tongco on a five-hour airplane Central Luzon State University in ride to Costa Rica as part of CASNR' s Nueva Ecija, Philippines, which is 90 newest international agricultural miles south of where she was born. study abroad program. They traveled "I have been to Malaysia, Thailand, to learn about the country's rural de- Singapore, China, Turkey, Indonesia, velopment and agriculture on a field Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Mextrip coordinated by native Costa Rican ico and Guatemala," she said. "Each and CASNR alumnus Eliecer Vargas. country presents a unique experience "OSU has such strong ties with in the richness of its culture." these two countries," Tongco said.

Tongco came to the United States "Through such activities as study in 1972 to pursue her doctoral degree abroad programs, the alumni were in agricultural education at OSU, folable to develop collaborative activities lowing in her father's footsteps. with their alma mater."

"My father is an alumnus of OSU," Some of the activities included she said. "When he retired in 1975 from intensive farm and project visits com- CLSU, he was a professor and departbined with lectures by scientists about ment chairman of animal science. carbon sequestration, sound manage"My mother was educated at Coment of renewable natural resources, lumbia University in New York as a conservation of biodiversity and prac- Fulbright-Hays Scholar, where she tical, sustainable development. received her master's degree," Tongco "Through lecture and project vis- said. "She was also the dean of the its, students were offered a unique op- largest college of arts and sciences at portunity to understand what it takes Central Luzon State University." to implement sustainable agriculture The Tongco family's educational and promote wise use of natural re- success does not end w ith Adele. sources," Tongco said.

Not only did her husband, Alejandro Students learned about organic Tongco, graduate from OSU in 1988 coffee and vegetable farming, as well with his doctorate in general engias cooking and eating organic prod- neering, but also her daughter Tara ucts from farms and villages they vis- Tongco graduated in 2001 with her ited. They also had the chance to pick, journalism and broadcasting Bachelor roast, grind and package coffee. of Science degree from OSU.

Tara Tongco, is a communications specialist for CoBiz Inc. in Denver.

"There are three generations of OSU alumni in our family, and a total of four OSU graduates including my husband," Tongco said.

In addition to the OSU graduates, Tongco's son, Brent, graduated in 2003 from Loyola University in Chicago.

He currently works as a senior account executive for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in Denver.

Although Tongco's children did not have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica or Thailand with their mother, both had the chance to study in Europe. Tara Tongco also studied at Kaliningrad through OSU' s study abroad programs.

When leading study abroad trips, Tongco said she encourages students to ask questions and absorb as much of the culture as possible.

"It's encouraging how excited she gets about everything and in return gets everyone else excited," said Jana Morris, a plant and soil sciences graduate student.

Morris attended the Thailand trip, as well as the Costa Rica trip, along with three other students who went to both countries with Tongco.

"I wanted to know about the cultures and how their structure is compared to the rest of the world," said Leah Dillsaver, environmental science graduate student.

"She made the programs interesting to us and geared it toward the whole group even though our areas of study are so diverse," Dillsaver said.

Students became close with Tongco and built a relationship with her because she is a lot of fun, Morris said.

"Lifelong friendships develop, and the experience of learning and being together for almost two weeks creates some bond," Tongco said. "It just ignites the education of the students."

Tongco also said she feels close and comfortable with students and she becomes a "mother" figure when traveling with them.

"She actually took care of us," Dillsaver said.

Tongco said reading testimonials of students is the driving force behind her desire to make a difference in a student's college experience.

OSU student Becky Dillsaver picks coffee as one of the team challenges at an organic farm in Costa Rica. (Photo by Leah Dillsaver)

"[Thailand] was a trip that I will never forget," said Jennifer Walker, animal science alumna. "It opened my eyes to another world that is on the other side of the globe. Their lifestyle, beliefs and way of life is unique to their country and amazing to learn about. Some day I hope to return and study there."

Thailand and Costa Rica are just two of the international study opportunities CASNR offers.

Tongco coordinates study abroad programs and encourages students to study abroad in places such as Mexico, Honduras, China, Italy, Germany, Peru, France and Scotland.

"Students from all majors may join the trip," Tongco said.

Students can learn more about the study abroad programs through fliers, classes and other students.

"The popularity of the trips mainly comes from word of mouth from previous students who have gone on international field trips," Tongco said.

To learn about a new culture and alternative sustainable agriculture, as well as earn three credit hours, experience the pura vida of Costa Rica. 0

3 credits

2weeks + 1 international location Study Abroad Japan · Peru · China · Costa Rica Thailand · Honduras · England Italy· Brazil · Mexico 139 Agricultural Hall · 405-744-5398 david.henneberry@okstate.edu adel.tongco@okstate.edu http://internationalagprograms.okstate.edu

32 • Cowboy Journal

Student takes flight for education

By Sally Bauer, Enid, Okla.

B

ags checked and armed with a student visa, passport and airplane ticket, she stands in line to board the plane that will bring her to America. The only thing missing: her husband and two young children.

Brenda Tubafia was born and raised in San Pablo City, Philippines, to Myrnaflor and Bernabe Sr. Servaz on Nov. 9, 1971.

She attended the University of the Philippines Los Banos and received her Bachelor of Science in agriculture in 1992. Three years after graduating, she was hired as a researcher at the International Rice Research Institute.

During her employment at IRRI, she pursued a master's in soil science on a part-time assistantship. She received her master's from the University of the Philippines Los Banos in 2002.

"She is very hard working," said her husband, Edwin Tubafia. "She is very smart."

In 2004, Tubafia decided to continue her education and earn a doctorate.

At the time, IRRI was not offering a part-time assistantship for a doctorate, and she knew traveling abroad for her degree would be the best choice.

"I had a better chance of getting a job in my country if I studied in the United States," Tubafia said.

With a click of the mouse, she used the Internet to search for the particular university and doctoral program she wanted.

In her search, she found Oklahoma State University and Bill Raun, a regents' professor in the plant and soil sciences department. She sent Raun a letter asking about possibly attending school at OSU. He sent her a reply to offer her an assistantship.

"I had to offer her an assistantship," Raun said. "Her background was amazing."

With acceptance in the bag, she started to dream about and plan for the new experience. Tubafia received the name of another international student who would help her find a place to live in Stillwater. Adele Tongco, coordinator of international programs

The Tubafias enjoy living in Oklahoma: Brenda (front left), Edwin, Elasia and Casiano.

(Photo by Sally Bauer) in agriculture for the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, gave her e-mail addresses of fellow Filipino students to see if they needed a short-term roommate. Tubafia found a roommate who was a perfect match.

"It worked out perfectly," Tubafia said.

To obtain a student visa, Tubafia had to present an employment certificate from IRRI, vehicle registration, savings account information, an 1-20 issued by the International Students and Scholars, passport and, most importantly, her admission letter from OSU. The last step was an interview inquiring what Tubafia would be doing while in the United States. Once the interview was completed, she knew she could go to the United States to study.

"I knew then; I just had to wait for my visa," Tubafia said. "It takes about a week for it to come by courier."

She arrived in the United States in January 2004 when most Oklahomans are settling into the winter weather.

Tubafia was coming from a country where the low temperatures reached only 65 degrees.

"I would wear three layers of clothes with gloves, a bonnet and scarf, and I would still be cold," Tubafia said.

The first eight months of her assistantship required Tubana to be without her family. International students are required to show they have enough funding to financially support their families to come to the United States.

She decided to take three months vacation before filing her resignation because she was unsure she would be able to adjust and wanted to keep her job at IRRI. "The first two weeks were the worst," Tubafia said. "I overcame or became adjusted after three months."

Spring 2007, 33

Tubafia said she took advantage she can speak English. The schools in of technology to keep in touch with the Philippines teach academic Engher family. They talked daily using a lish, such as how to write or read, but Web cam, where they could see each it is not common to speak the language other during conversations. It was not when interacting with friends and famas easy as it sounds. Although tech- ily. Tubafia said she has worked hard nology has the ability to let you see to bring her children up to speed with and hear some~ne Through God and the their peers. thousands of miles "She works all day away, it cannot encouragement of friends here and goes home at freeze time. Time night to cook and clean zones in the United and family, I was able to and help the kids," Raun said. "Her kids States and the Phil- overcome the hardest ippines are at least finished in the top of 13 hours apart. moment of my life. their classes at the end "There were of their first year." many times I had Brenda Tubafia Tubafia's family to stay up until one or two in the morn- members have settled into their new ing so I could talk to them, watch them lives. Casiano Tubafia said he enjoys grow," she said. the ability to wear what he wants to Tubafia saved all the money she school rather than the uniform he could from her assistantship and part wore at his old school. Both children of her IRRI retirement fund to pay for have discovered American food, and her family to join her eight months af- they request to have it at home. ter she left for the United States.

"We have spaghetti at home but "It took us a while, and Edwin had no meatballs," Elasia Tubafia said. "I a job at home," Tubafia said. really like the meatballs."

Her two children, 13-year-old Tubafia said U.S. schools are much Elasia and 12-year-old Casiano, were different for their children. Back in the excited to be with their mom again. It Philippines, even kindergarten has sewas the first time on a plane for both mester tests. Although the homework children. The flight was an exciting was easy, there was plenty of it, and yet nerve-wrecking experience, Elasia the teachers, rather than the students, Tubafia said. changed classrooms.

Once in the United States, the children adjusted quickly, but that was not quite the case for Edwin Tubafia. The children were sleeping through the night and did not suffer from "jet lag." His internal clock, however, took many weeks to adjust. Going to school might have helped the children since they had little to no time at all off, Brenda Tubafia said.

"They arrived on a Tuesday, and I had to enroll them on Wednesday," she said.

"They were in [class] their first day the following Monday."

Tubafia said she was excited to start being a mom again.

She cooks all the traditional foods from her country, such as fish and rice. She helps the children with any homework problems they encounter since 34 • Cowboy Journal

"Homework here is hard, but not much of it," Casiano Tubafia said.

For Tubafia, OSU courses have more applied subject matter and more interaction with students and professors. Most laboratory courses require more time to conduct work in the field and achieve hands-on research.

Tubafia said she will never forget the look on her children's faces when the first snow stuck to the ground. They had never seen snow before, and last year Oklahoma received enough for the children to build their first snowman.

"We all love it here and want to stay," Tubafia said. "Through God and the encouragement of friends and family, I was able to overcome the hardest moment of my life."

Tubafia said after she finishes her doctorate, she would like to continue research with Raun.

"I believe the technology developed here at OSU will deliver the goods to producers, and I really want to be a part of it," she said. "I want to help spread it out."

Tubafia also has worked diligently with other graduate students. She was awarded the Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award for 2005-06 in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and the International Agroecosystem Graduate Scholarship Award for 2005-06. She is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America.

Tubafia teaches a lab and said she enjoys teaching, but she admits she needs practice.

After graduation in May 2007, she is willing to take on any opportunity in her field, w hetheritisteaching,research or extension.

"Despite all the obstacles, she has excelled in many ways," Raun said. 0

Brenda Tubafia, a plant and soil sciences graduate student from the Philippines, works in the wheat fields of South Australia.

(Photo by Mark Branson)

Expert lenders committed to Oklahoma

Agriculture

Spring 2007 • 35

4-H'ers saddle up for philanthropy

By Jennifer Nance, Owasso, Okla.

"It will be the centennial commemoration of the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show," he said.

Striving for the future

The Pawnee Bill Buffalo Ranch and Museum, located west of Pawnee, Okla., serves as one of the last landmarks of the Old West. (Photo by Jennifer Nance)

N

early a century ago, a man dubbed "Pawnee Bill" began a Wild West show. The show became a rowdy, wrangling rodeo full of trick riders, gunfights and roping between the cowboys and Indians. Now known as the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo and Cattle Drive, the event and area 4-H' ers have joined forces for a charitable cause: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

At first glance, it seems the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and a cattle drive have nothing in common. However, Oklahoma 4-H members pride themselves on strengthening families and communities. These three groups came together to accomplish that goal last August.

For years, Oklahoma 4-H has taught youth and young adults the importance of responsibility, including community service and leadership development. The 4-H program influences the lives of its members and allows them to help others.

"I try to involve the 4-H' ers in as 36 • Cowboy Journal

With the 2006 rodeo and cattle drive approaching, Pawnee County 4-H'ers "saddled up" for a philanthropic cause. They chose to donate the proceeds from the rodeo and cattle drive to St. Jude, a pediatric treatment and research center in Memphis, Tenn.

St. Jude is dedicated to treating children with cancer and other lifealtering diseases. Families without insurance who come to the hospital for treatment are never asked to pay for anything. According to St. Jude, it is not just a place to treat the sick; families are educated about problems and given the best opportunity to overcome them. It is a learning environment where the children can meet others from all across the world.

Helping today much as I can," said Jeremiah Butler, Pawnee County Cooperative Extension agriculture/ 4-H educator. "It broadens their horizons."

Honoring the yesterdays The town of Pawnee is loyal to its western legacy. Honoring the past, Pawnee County hosts an annual Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo and Cattle Drive.

"The cattle drive has given Pawnee a place on the map," Butler said. "It has become one of the biggest cattle drives in the state."

The rodeo marked its 21st anniversary in 2006. The cattle drive celebrated its 11th anniversary.

"In 2007, the Pawnee Bill celebration will be bigger and better than ever before," Butler said.

Amy Bailey, a 2006 graduate of the agricultural communications program at Oklahoma State University, said she knows first-hand the advantages of such an outstanding facility.

She grew up three hours from St. Jude.

Bailey said she learned how important the treatment center is when a close friend was diagnosed with a lifethreatening illness.

"St. Jude is a cause that I have a very special place for," Bailey said. "Emma Grace Hampton and her family are very dear friends of my family. Just after her second birthday, she was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

She passed away just months prior to her fifth birthday.

Hadley Jenson, Pawnee County 4-H'er. (Photo by Jeremiah Butler)

the Pawnee County 4-H, St. Jude would not have become the third-largest health care charity, according to St. Jude.

"A good friend's little sister was sick, and St. Jude took care of her and her family," Butler said.

"That is why I thought the rodeo and cattle drive would be a perfect opportunity to raise money and give back to a place that has given so many so much."

"Man, was it fun," Vance said. " It was hot, but it was fun! "

Passion in the plan On Aug. 6, the group of 4-H'ers and volunteers drove cattle 14 miles in a sweltering 108 degree heat from the 101 Ranch in Marland, Okla., to Red Rock, Okla.

"It was an honor to support an organization that has supported so many families in crisis," Bailey said. "During the cattle drive, I rode in memory of Emma Grace."

Following the cattle drive, there were three nights of rodeo performance, fundraising and a parade.

Lending a hand Twenty-three members of the Pawnee Morgan Vance, the top fundraiser, herds cattle during the County 4-H program drive. (Photos above and below by Jeremiah Butler) worked to raise funds for St. Jude.

Morgan Vance earned top fund"St. Jude carried her family for two years," Bailey said. "Without them, I'm raiser honors and received a buckle and not sure what they would have done." a saddle donated by Alburty Plumbing and Security Bank.

Natalie Jenson received a saddle Reaching for tomorrow According to St. Jude, the hospital blanket and bridle for second, and is dedicated to finding cures and help- Jaiden Alley earned third, getting a ing children win their battles against new saddle blanket. Those awards life-threatening diseases. This facility were donated by Teresa Smith and Jertackles the toughest cases in the world. emiah Butler.

"It was such a good cause," Vance It is one of today's top research facilities and uses the latest technology to said. "I didn't do it for the prizes; I did it to help kids all around the world." fight debilitating diseases.

Out of the shoot and off the trailSt. Jude is funded primarily through gifts and donations of others. er, the festivities began with the cattle Without donations, like those from drive and ended at the rodeo.

Serving those in need Each evening, the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo came to life as the buzz of the speaker rang over the quieted crowd. A gentle voice spoke a poignant cowboy prayer that echoed throughout the arena. Pawnee 4-H members participated in the grand entry of the rodeo during the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances, and they set up a booth and distributed yardsticks to continue their fundraising efforts.

"I am amazed at how hard these 4-H' ers w orked to raise money for such a wonderful cause," Butler said.

Whether it was ropin', ridin', or just sittin' horseback, the St. Jude Children' s Research Hospital received a $3,000 check after the festivities, and the Pawnee County 4-H members lent a helping hand - cowboy style! 0

Alumnus leaves legacy

I

n the Oklahoma State University Animal Science Building stands a bronze bull statue representing generations of livestock judgers. Behind the statue hangs a series of pictures of historic judging teams that left marks in the history books, and now, one member is leaving a legacy for judgers to come.

Raymond Glasscock, originally from Luther, Okla., was a member of the 1926 livestock judging team, coached by Al Darlow, that won the national title at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition. The success of this team, as well as the 1925 and 1928 teams, ensured the traveling bronze statue of a bull would have a permanent home at the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Glasscock and his wife, Jane, have given a $288,000 endowment for the livestock judging team to the OSU Foundation.

The interest from the

By Elissa Rager, Katy Texas

donation was first used for the 2005-06 livestock judging team.

According to the OSU Foundation, an endowment is an amount of money given to the university with a stipulation the funds are invested to earn annual interest, rather than spent immediately. A portion of the annual earnings is used for development or support of OSU programs. The rest of the earnings are reallocated back into the fund's principal to ensure the endowment continues to grow and yield more interest for future support.

One such supporter of the animal science department is Robert Totusek, a retired OSU animal science department head and livestock judging coach. He said he respects what the Glasscocks have done.

"It was very easy to discern that he held a high regard for the livestock judging program, which is now very obvious after his endowment," Totusek said.

According to the OSU Foundation and OSU animal science professor and scholarship coordinator Steve Damron, the Glasscocks' funds for the livestock judging team are allocated for workout and contest expenses, which helps defray out-of-pocket costs for the coach and team members.

"This is a tremendous benefit to the livestock judging team, especially with costs on the rise," said Mark John-

The Florentine Brotherhood Foundry designed this bronze bull statue. In 1928, Chicago's Union Stockyard and Transit Co. presented the statue to Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College after its livestock judging team won three national titles . (Photo by Sarah Allison)

Raymond Glasscock graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1927.

(Photo courtesy of Sally Vogler) son, associate professor and livestock judging team coach.

Milford Jenkins, former OSU Foundation senior director of development, worked with Don Wagner, animal science department head, and the Glasscocks to create the endowment in the early 1990s.

The endowment was originally set up to provide $100,000, and those involved were thrilled by the Glasscocks' final decision to donate more than twice that amount. This is the largest endowment given for a specific judging team.

When Wagner and his colleagues would visit the Glasscocks, Raymond Glasscock always asked about any news in the department, how the livestock team was doing and about the bronze bull.

In the university's early years, a long-standing rivalry existed between the agricultural students and the engineering students, which often led to the temporary disappearance of the bronze bull statue.

Wagner and Damron said the bull was stolen several times because of the rivalry. Once it was even found buried in the Edmon Low Library lawn after missing for "quite some time." In one occurrence, the statue disappeared for several years before an anonymous tip led to its discovery in a creek bed in eastern Oklahoma.

Raymond Glasscock shows an Angus bull. (Photo courtesy of David Price) Today, the bull is a permanent fixture in the Animal Science Building, which was constructed in 1982. Jack and Bryan Stout, who earned Bachelor of Science degrees in 1955 and 1984, respectively, built a podium for the bull using bricks from the old Animal Husbandry Building.

Raymond Glasscock was a 1927 OAMC graduate, receiving a bachelor's in animal science livestock operations. He later received a master's from West Virginia University in 1929 and a doctoral degree in biochemistry and animal dietary from the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1941.

According to OSU Archives, Raymond Glasscock was a member of the Aggie Society for three years and a member of Block and Bridle for two.

In his senior year, Glasscock was in Alpha Zeta, a national agricultural honor fraternity, where he served as treasurer. He lived in the agricultural experiment station on campus while attending OAMC, according to the 1924-1927 student directory.

After graduation from OAMC, he was manager for W.G. Skelly Hereford Ranch in Tulsa, Okla., and worked for Wilson & Co. Inc. in Kansas City as a salesman from 1933 to 1938. He taught at West Virginia University, the Uni-

versity of Florida, the University of Missouri, North Carolina State College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jane Glasscock attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a journalism degree in 1930. She was the editor for the Oklahoma Rancher Magazine. The Glasscocks were married for 66 years before he died in 2000 and she died in 2003.

Thanks to the Glasscocks' support, the OSU livestock judging team will

continue to reap the benefits of their generosity for years to come.

OSU has won the national livestock judging team title 15 times, including its most recent win in 2005.

By earning 4,776 points, the team set a team total record, receiving more points than any other team in the 106year history of the national championship contest.

"Livestock judging is a tremendously valuable experience for any student to go out for," Totusek said.

The livestock judging team participates in shows from Denver to Louisville, Ky., and from San Antonio to Austin, Minn. They attend 11 contests and visit more than 75 purebred and feeding operations throughout the year to help them prepare. The national championship contest is held in Louisville, Ky., at the North American International Livestock Exposition every November.

"The endowment is greatly appreciated by the team, as it will greatly reduce our costs and aid in our quest for a national championship," said Alex Tolbert, animal science senior and 2006 livestock judging team member.

As students pass the bronze bull statue, they are reminded and can appreciate the legacy the Glasscocks left.

"The Glasscocks wanted to leave a legacy to benefit things they enjoyed most in their lives," Wagner said. ÂŤ'J

To make OSU donations, call the OSU Foundation at 800-662-4678.

The 1926 livestock judging team: Department Head W. L. Blizzard, Harold Gould, Herbert Jones, Maurice McSpadden, Raymond Glasscock, William Gray, Lee Phillips, James Culbertson and Coach Al Darlow. (Photo courtesy of OSU Archives) Spring 2007 • 39

t~v1\le • •

How to s,-~I

n a new environment, it is easy to feel lost - in the classroom, on campus or around the community. The following tips can help when students make the transition to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University.

"Developing resources in and out of the classroom is important for students," said Mary Ann Harris, CASNR student development coordinator.

Meet me at the library!

The OSU Edmon Low Library is one of those resources. It has three tiers of study areas to accommodate students' needs: group study allows conversation, quiet study involves moderate conversation and silent study areas encourage no conversation, according to the OSU library guide. Also, meeting rooms are available upon reservation.

"Most of the time, I end up studying at the library," said Chelsea Hummel, biochemistry and molecular biology sophomore. "The different-sized rooms are perfect for small or large groups. Or, if you are studying alone, it is usually quiet and easy to concentrate in the designated quiet rooms."

Harris said study groups can encourage social interaction while facilitating academics.

Utilizing study groups, studying strategies, goal setting and adviser relations are among the topics discussed in AG 1011: Agricultural Orientation, a class devoted to enhancing students' academic success and teaching them effective study habits.

"It is always interesting to learn about and from others as we discuss our personal approaches to studying," Hummel said.

Students can benefit from the vari40 , Cowboy Journal

ous studying strategies and learning styles of others while working together, Harris said.

Group projects found in CASNR classes provide an environment for students to understand each other's learning styles.

"Some students learn better when explaining material, while others gain knowledge by listening to the process over and over," Harris said. "The interaction between students can promote academic growth for all involved."

Beyond the Books Plenty of learning happens outside of the classroom, said Harris. Students need to gain real-life experiences in every situation while in college.

"It is important to have extracurricular activities to support academics," Harris said. "Many types of organizational involvement are available within the college. Professional associations, special interest clubs and honorary agricultural organizations are just a few of the opportunities."

CASNR offers more than 30 different clubs and organizations for students to join. In addition to its own slate of officers, each club or organization is allowed two CASNR Student Council representatives. These individuals serve as liaisons between their respective groups and other collegesponsored clubs.

"Although diverse, each group promotes academic and social development," Harris said.

The CASNR Student Council works as a link between CASNR and students studying across campus.

Two CASNR student council executive members serve as senators for the student-run, campuswide Student Government Association. The senators

e 1n c

open communication between CASNR and SGA. "Some students enjoy campuswide activities, while others like to surround themselves with students of the same interests," Harris said. "But it is hard to say which degree of participation is best. The individual comfort levels of students usually relate to their involvement."

More than 300 clubs and organizations across the OSU campus are open to student membership.

"I like to be active in campuswide activities, such as SGA, because I can tell others about what CASNR has to offer," Hummel said. "I can also learn from students with majors in colleges besides my own."

Career Prep!

Students seek help in career placement and planning for the ultimate job search while an undergraduate, said Amy Gazaway, CASNR career services coordinator.

"CASNR Career Services offers assistance in resume critiques, career fairs, company research, informative workshops and career-related resources," Gazaway said. "Those resources include free resume paper as well as portfolios, business cards and thankyou notes at a reduced price."

CASNR Career Services encourages students to participate in career fairs to learn about internships as well as part-time and full-time jobs with agricultural companies and organizations on and off campus.

"Some students take on part-time or even full-time jobs while in college," Gazaway said. "Hours worked can advance career-building skills.

As students near graduation, the job search process becomes real. Through

ollege

By Stacy Whipple, Waynoka, Okla.

on- and off-campus jobs, students have the opportunity to improve interpersonal relations, time-management and competence levels, which are beneficial in all stages of life."

Students enrolled in CASNR can work in offices, college labs, farms and greenhouses. An extensive, university-wide search for student employment can be found through OSU Career Services.

Around Town CASNR and OSU offer various opportunities to become involved in the Stillwater community.

"At some point of their lives, members of society should give back to the community," Harris said. "Service learning is important to the development of students. It is a great balance of giving back to the community of which you are a part. A neat aspect of being involved in the community is that both sides of a project grow from the experience."

Organized activities include The Big Event, Into the Streets, Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. Through these events, students are able to work with community members who need assistance.

"College is a great time to collaborate with community members and start to understand the importance of that alliance," Harris said. "Working to improve the overall look of a city or just attending a community-sponsored event can benefit a student."

Various Allied Arts performances, social gatherings emphasizing diverse cultures and community-linked campus activities can be found in an OSU Mortar Board, a planner produced by students with students in mind.

"Cultural awareness is an important aspect of developing people beyond their natural comfort zone," Harris said. "There is no better time than college to explore the world because unique resources are around campus and the community, just waiting to become an experience."

More than staying in shape It is important for students to remember their health affects various aspects of college, including grades as well as involvement.

"Most college students find themselves lacking in efforts to maintain a proper health routine," said Marilyn Hutchison, who has been a registered nurse for 31 years. "The best advice would be to drink plenty of water, get adequate amounts of sleep, take multivitamins, eat fruits and vegetables, and exercise at least three times a week to ensure the best performance in college."

Students can seek help with fitness and nutrition at the OSU Colvin Recreational Center.

"Working out at the Colvin is a different experience each time," Hummel said. "Sometimes I like to just play some casual basketball, but other times, I go to take a break from school and get some serious exercise."

The CRC offers indoor and outdoor courts

and fields, an indoor track, machine and free weights, dance studios, multipurpose rooms and two swimming pools for stu dent enjoyment. A rockclimbing w all, golf simulator and state-of-the-art technology also can be found in the CRC. Staff members serve as personal trainers and assistants for those seeking health advice.

"While students should strive to maintain their bodies physically, it is also important to balance emotions and stress levels," Hutchison said.

"A strong sup port system including friends and family can encourage grow th and provide guidance in times of struggle."

The OSU Seretean Wellness Center offers a health education program to address health issues and concerns.

The program features peer educators, trained to promote positive health behaviors, increase awareness of campus and community resources, encourage the use of critical thinking during decision-making processes, and create a support network for students.

Building a support network and developing a positive attitude can benefit a student' s experience in a new environment, such as college. Striving to be active personally, on campus and within the commu nity will help students thrive in college and years after graduation. eJ

For more information on student development or involvement opportunities, visit the Student Success Cen ter located in 103 Agricultural Hall.

From pasture to profit

F

rom a backyard necessity to a convenience-store luxury, beef jerky has been a mainstay in Oklahoma for more than 100 years. Through it all, technology and research have played a role in developing a product Americans have come to love.

Now, Oklahoma State University is developing a way for small-business owners to produce their own beef jerky efficiently and economically.

"The Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center is committed to helping Oklahoma's food processors solve their problems while achieving competitive results," said Tim Bowser, associate professor of biosystems engineering and FAPC food processing engineer.

In January 2006, FAPC received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative Agreement Grant for $28,500 to assist small meat processors. Since then, they have conducted research and tests to develop an inexpensive, reliable and simple dehydrator and a drying process that will help small meat processors produce safer and higher-quality jerky products.

By Ashley Carroll, Marlow, Okla.

"Our goal with this grant is to meet the needs of small meat processors in the state and provide the science to back it up," Bowser said.

Bowser said the beef jerky business is a growing industry in Oklahoma and around the country, but it can be difficult for small meat processors to get their foot in the door. All processors must purchase, build or obtain a meat dehydrator or dryer, and the options for small processors are limited due to budget constraints.

"Most dehydrators can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000, making it hard for a business to get started," Bowser said. "Many commercially available dehydrators are either too small or too large to meet the needs of the very small meat processor."

In recent years, some small processors have attempted to build their own dryers to help meet their financial constraints, Bowser said.

"The only problem with homemade dehydrators is they tend to be difficult to clean and maintain and are more likely to produce unsafe food products," Bowser said.

Observers tour FAPC and see the new beefjerky dehydrator. (Photo by Todd Johnson) 42 , Cowboy Journal

For this reason, FAPC is committed to constructing a safer, more efficient dehydrator, he said.

The construction of the dehydrator will require no special skills from the processor, except a familiarity with common construction materials and techniques. Processors must read a simple blueprint and follow written instructions, Bowser said.

"The building materials for the dehydrator are off-the-shelf items from local hardware stores and mail-order industrial and restaurant suppliers," Bowser said. "The beef jerky dehydrator is highly beneficial to small meat processors because it is a low-cost unit the processors can assemble. It is a clever use of existing materials and equipment that meets the needs of the processor and USDA requirements."

To help small processors find something more efficient, students have played a major role in developing, researching and implementing the new dehydrator, Bowser said.

Brady Stewart, biosystems engineering senior with a food processing option, began working on the project as a research assistant in April 2006.

Stewart said he always was interested in the food industry and said the project is a great way to gain experience on campus while going to school.

"The grant is a great way to help small jerky processors get a technological advantage over their competitors," Stewart said. "It is a cost-effective way to help them get to the top of their game within the industry."

Using probes, Stewart performs temperature and relative humidity tests throughout the oven chamber during the jerky processing. He also tests the internal temperature of the jerky to ensure the oven is cooking at an even rate.

"All areas in the dehydrator must have the same rate of drying and the same temperature to dehydrate the meat evenly," Stewart said.

"If the temperature and humidity are not correct, it causes the meat to dehydrate unevenly," he said.

Bowser said not only must the

dehydrator cook the jerky evenly, but also the product must meet USDA food safety standards. Researchers performed studies in triplicate replications and collected data to ensure the dehydrator met USDA requirements.

Stewart is involved in preparing a set of blueprints, a parts list and a construction guide for the dryer. He also is writing an operator manual for the dryer that includes cleanup, sanitation and maintenance instructions.

"The goal is to have an instruction manual available to processors so they can assemble the dehydrator for around $7,500," Stewart said. "In the next couple of months, printed material will be available so processors can download it from the Internet or receive it in the mail."

With all the researching, testing, implementing and re-testing, Bowser and Stewart both said it is rewarding to know they are helping someone succeed within his or her industry.

"It is a great experience to help small-business owners with research and development of products while getting experience," Stewart said.ÂŤ'J

The new dehydrator allows small businesses to produce beef jerky at a reasonable price.

(Photo by Todd Johnson)

Spring 2007 • 43

Hollywood v. Reality OSU alumni deliver their verdict

V

iewers of the ABC drama "Boston Legal" might believe being an attorney is simply having the corner office, high-profile cases in a courtroom and cocktails at lunch.

The key word is "drama."

In reality, an attorney's life is not like Hollywood, and at least three Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources alumni can attest to that fact: Kaleb Hennigh, Shannon Ferrell and Jennifer (Marty) Gray.

Kaleb Hennigh Alumnus Kaleb Hennigh is an attorney at the Hemy Law Firm in Fayetteville, Ark. Hennigh was introduced to the firm while he attended the University of Arkansas School of Law. He has practiced law at the firm since July 2005 and devotes his time to agricultural bankruptcy cases in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

"I spend several hours a day talking to clients and other attorneys," he said. "I am also busy drafting pleadings and preparing for hearings."

Hennigh graduated from OSU

By Sharra Martin, Broken Arrow, Okla.

with a bachelor's in agricultural communications and a minor in agricultural economics in the fall of 2000.

He received his juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 2003, and then he completed his master's in agricultural law at the University of Arkansas.

Hennigh said he works an average of 10 to 12 hours a day, and every day he uses skills he acquired during his tenure at OSU. "The most important thing I received from the agricultural communications program was the ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally," Hennigh said.

Hennigh said the most beneficial activity he participated in during law school was the two semesters he spent in the legal clinic.

According to the OU College of Law, the legal clinic provides students the opportunity to represent clients and handle every aspect of the case under the direct supervision of one of the clinic's experienced lawyers.

"Client interaction, courtroom experience and basic office procedures are often neglected during law school,"

Hennigh said. "I gained a better understanding of the functionality and procedures in preparing a case from beginning to end."

Shannon Ferrell Fellow OSU alumnus Shannon Ferrell has practiced environmental law at the Hall Estill Law Firm since November 2005 and shares his time between the firm's Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices. In addition, he teaches AGEC 4413: Agricultural Law at OSU as an adjunct professor.

"When corporations are planning projects, we research regulations that might apply to them and then help the companies come up with a plan to accommodate their needs," Ferrell said.

Ferrell said a typical week could include several projects, including working on internal environmental auditing for companies or assisting agencies and clients with environmental regulations.

"I normally have at least five projects going on at one time," Ferrell said.

"Obviously, some are more important than others."

Ferrell graduated with his juris

Oklahoma State University alumni Kaleb Hennigh (left), Shannon Ferrell (with graduate student Scott Yates, seated) and Jennifer (Marty) Gray credit the College of Agricultural Sciences and Na tural Resources for their success in the legal profession. (Photos by Macey A. Panach and Sharra Martin) 44 • Cowboy Journal

doctorate in 2003 from the Oklahoma City University School of Law, having earned his bachelor's in agribusiness in 1998 and master's in agricultural economics in 2001 from OSU. After an internship at the McKinney and Stringer Law Firm in Oklahoma City in the summer of 2001, Ferrell worked full time for the firm during his last two years of law school.

Ferrell said working for the firm during law school helped him to apply what he had learned and emphasized the necessity for time-management skills.

"I was able to see the big picture," he said. "I could see how what I was learning fit into the practice of law."

During his time at OCU, Ferrell and several students who shared a background in agriculture formed the Agricultural Law Association.

"The purpose of the Agricultural Law Association is to inform people about the issues and opportunities in agricultural law," Ferrell said.

Ferrell also was involved in the Student Government Association and the Christian Legal Society.

"Law school is extremely overwhelming, and the Christian Legal Society provided a place for law students to meet and have contact with faith," Ferrell said.

Jennifer (Marty) Gray OSU alumna Jennifer (Marty) Gray is an attorney at the Watkins Law Office in Rogers, Ark., and agreed with Hennigh and Ferrell in that there is no such thing as a normal day for a lawyer.

Gray graduated with a bachelor's in agricultural communications from OSU in 1998 and received her juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas in 2001.

"I am usually at the office between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning," Gray said. "I try to answer my e-mails before the phone starts ringing and we open the doors."

Gray said the rest of the day is filled with preparing documents, returning phone calls and planning for the occasional court hearing.

"I am in court maybe two or three days a month, and these are mainly preliminary hearings," Gray said.

Gray's case load includes consum-

er and commercial collections, contracts, estate planning and personal injury cases.

Beginning their legal careers "I was not always certain what I wanted to do [for a career]," Hennigh said, "but I knew I wanted to stay involved in agriculture."

Ferrell said he imagined himself being a corporate attorney because of his background in business and economics. However, the firm he interned with hired Ferrell to work in its environmental law department.

"My agricultural background in science helped with environmental law and gave me analytical skills," Ferrell said.

As a youth, Gray was interested in medicine, science and the law. Gray said she basically flipped a coin to decide whether to go to law or medical school.

"The writing skills I gained [while a student in the agricultural communications program at OSU] best suited me to go to law school," Gray said.

Unlike the attorneys on "Boston Legal" who seem to be in court every Tuesday night, these three attorneys said the courtroom is not as common as many might believe.

"When I started working for the firm, I realized it is not all about the courtroom," Gray said. "There is so much more to the practice of law."

Ferrell said less than 5 percent of environmental law cases will actually see a courtroom.

"I have practiced law for three years and have never been in a courtroom," Ferrell said.

Preparation for law school Hennigh said the internships and coursework required in the agricultural communications program were definite advantages for his law career.

"Going through internships helps you to communicate verbally with others in a work environment," Hennigh said. "You also have to learn to relay to an audience that knows little or nothing about the subject.

"The majority of the classes you take as an agricultural communications major helps you learn to find the most important facts," he said.

(story continues on page 49)

Campus bids farewell to 'Dairy Bar'

S

tanding near a curb on Monroe Street, a student waits at the bus stop. Behind him, an old brick building, known as "the Dairy Bar," stands obscured by the nearby buildings sprawled across campus.

A lone air conditioner stands quiet, making no attempt to cool the empty building that once housed a bustle of activity.

Classes once housed in this building have been moved; the restaurant inside that once sold cinnamon rolls and sandwiches to hungry students has closed its doors for the last time.

Students will never again hold lastminute study sessions across the scarred tables and wobbly chairs or chuckle as they look upon the comical cream pitcher depicting a happy cow.

By Jennifer Lynn Langston, Drumright, Okla.

Demolition plans, announced in spring 2006, forced landscape architecture classes to move and the restaurant to close.

The end of an era Built in 1928 to house the university's dairy herd, the Dairy Science Building was one of the first buildings on the campus of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College.

"It anchored the northwest corner of campus," said Monty Karns, facilities engineer for the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. "A person could buy fresh milk and ice cream back in 1970."

Throughout the years, the building was transformed from a production agricultural facility to an active classroom building and social hotspot for students. In the 1990s, the second level of the three-story building was renovated to house two design studios for landscape architecture students.

LA students get new home

Original entrance on the east side of the Dairy Science Building. (Photo by Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop) 46 • Cowboy Journal

The fourth- and fifth-year landscape architecture students spent a lot of time in the Dairy Science Building, sometimes 20 to 30 hours per week, said Michael Holmes, assistant professor of landscape architecture.

"The students basically lived in those rooms," he said.

With the closing of the building, these classes were moved back into Agricultural Hall. To make room, some upper-division classes were moved to the vacant University Print Shop.

"I'm happy with the new facilities," said Dale Maronek, head of the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. "The Dairy Science Building wasn't built to meet our needs."

Holmes agreed.

"The rooms were ill configured," he said. "We were able to organize classes better in Agricultural Hall."

OSU has made numerous attempts to demolish the Dairy Science Building. One such attempt was as early as 1970. However, lack of funding to

expand the Physical Science building kept the it open until now.

Due to the historical significance of the building, the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture attempted to gain funds to renovate the structure to meet building and health codes.

"It's not like we didn't try to rehabilitate the building," Maronek said.

"We had a plan to renovate [the building]. We tried to raise the money, but we were unsuccessful."

Even with the knowledge of the upcoming move, students and staff did not vacate the premises until July.

"There were a lot of rumors about when we had to be out, but we had to have a place to go first," Holmes said.

Loss of historical architecture Though the building has been through many near misses with the wrecking ball, this time the Dairy Science Building cannot be saved.

The structure is not up to building code, Karns said.

"There is no way to economically renovate the building," Karns said.

"The structure doesn't lend itself to being renovated."

During the demolition, items such as fixtures, doors and windowpanes will be removed. Though the structure itself will be destroyed, some mementos will be kept for posterity.

"The contractor has worked to salvage the cornerstone and time capsule," Karns said.

Architects are trying to incorporate the salvaged materials, such as limestone portions of the architecture, into the new technology building.

Students said they are sad to say goodbye to the building, but in this case, the change is for the better.

"Space is needed for a new research building," Maronek said.

As the student boards the bus, he takes one last look at the historical structure behind him. Almost 80 years of service from the old building will not be enough to earn its keep, but the promise of a new and brighter future waits just around the corner. 0

AG ALUMNI NEWS

About 300 alumni, faculty, students and friends of CASNR attended the Agriculture Alumni Homecoming Barbecue on Oct. 21, 2006. The association honored SO-year alumni (above), as well as 10- and 25-year alumni. (Photo by Todd Johnson)

Advancing on the winds of change As I sit to write these comments, I think about my trip to the office this morning and the brightly colored orange leaves, which signify change is in progress. Yes, the days are getting shorter, and the Oklahoma winds have changed from hot and dry to cool and brisk. Just as changes go on outside, exciting changes are taking place in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

I am optimistic about the changes occurring within the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. I recommend stopping by the new Student Success Center located on the first floor of Ag Hall the next time you are on campus.

The center handles student development, recruitment and retention of high school and transfer students, and career development opportunities.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources recently announced a new department titled Natural Resource Ecology and Management which will focus on wildland fire management, wildlife

management, fisheries and pond management, rangeland management, water quality, enhancement of nature-based tourism, urban forestry, urban expansion into traditionally rural areas, and other issues related to sustainable management and conservation of natural resources.

Thanks to the numerous 25- and 50-year graduates who returned to Stillwater to attend the Homecoming barbecue and various celebrations.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources always sets the standard for the other colleges to follow when it comes to alumni returning to campus. I encourage everyone to stay involved with the Agriculture Alumni Association and challenge you to talk to at least one person who is not yet a member about the benefits of staying active. Your annual dues make you a member of the Agriculture Alumni Association and a member of the OSU Alumni Association.

Please make plans to attend next year's barbecue, and don't wait 25 or 50 years to return. Just like the sea-

sons, changes always are taking place within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Our goal is to keep you informed, and most importantly, involved.

it:::!::a::

Agriculture Alumni Association

Ag Alumni Association Board of Directors Jason Harvey, President

El Reno, Okla.

Shelly Ramsey, Vice President

Jones, Okla.

Kim Spady, Secretary

Hinton, Okla.

Brent Kisling, Past President

Enid, Okla.

Barry Bessinger.......... Watonga, Okla.

Wes Elliott.. ...................... Elk City, Okla.

Brent Garvie ............. Burlington, Okla.

Clay Jones ........................ Durant, Okla.

Jami Longacre ............ Kellyville, Okla.

Steve Upson ............... Ardmore, Okla.

Wayne Walters ............... Canute, Okla.

Spring 2007 • 47

Continuing excellence As vice president, dean and director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, it is always with great pride I am able to speak about how the college provides the highest quality educational experiences possible for students, in and out of classrooms, on campus and beyond our borders. Many of our faculty members are nationally and internationally renowned for the quality of their work, but it is our students who ultimately stand as a testament to any claims of success.

This fall, nine of Oklahoma State University's Top 10 Freshman Men and Top 10 Freshman Women were agricultural students. A number of these students, along with members of the Agricultural Student Council, attended the October meeting of the Dean's Advisory Council, a group made up of many of our state's most experienced, insightful and influential men and women representing the breadth of Oklahoma agricultural and natural resource industries, a group that helps ensure DASNR programs tackle the highest priority concerns and issues in Oklahoma .. Everyone present was of the opinion that the students possessed a greater degree of knowledge, dedication to excellence and poise than any of us - and I include myself - possessed at a similar age.

The continuing excellence of our OSU agricultural scholars is a major reason why CASNR is able to offer more financial support to students than any other college at the university. More than $815,000 in departmental and college scholarships were awarded for the 2006-2007 school year, a record-setting amount made possible by the generosity of our donors and supporters who believe in the importance of education to our citizens, communities and state in today's increasingly global marketplace.

It is not by chance the college provided our students with the opportunity to take part in 140 inter-

national experiences in 2006. International experiences can play a vital role in preparing students for careers; developing greater abilities in learning, problem solving and coping with change and new environments; and exploring new perspectives by learning as much about themselves as the cultures they visit. I wish everyone in Oklahoma could have the opportunity to see the enrichment these programs and our international students bring to the OSU campus.

International students form lifelong friendships with their fellow students and most become unofficial ambassadors for Oklahoma and the United States when they return to their native countries. Most view their association with OSU as a lifetime bond.

Travel the world, and you will find the Orange and Black worn as a badge of honor, from the Orient to Africa, from Europe to South America, and across our own great nation.

A new Bachelor of Science major is under development for students who wish to pursue a career in natural resource ecology and management with eight options that include forestry, fire ecology, wildlife, aquatic ecology, fisheries and range ecology.

The major will be administered through our new department of natural resource ecology and management. In October, people from across Oklahoma traveled to OSU' s Stillwater campus to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially unveiled the NREM department to the public.

Interest is high because the department speaks to the very heart of many high-profile issues that affect our state, and with approximately 95 percent of the land in Oklahoma being privately owned by individuals, the department's teaching, research and extension education efforts have a personal feel for many state citizens and the organizations that serve them. Members of the department are charged with conducting inter-

disciplinary research, instruction and extension education to address wildlife management, fisheries and pond management, rangeland management, wildland fire management, water quality, forest management, economic development through enhancement of nature-based tourism, urban forestry, urban expansion into rural areas and other issues related to sustainable management and natural resource conservation.

Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters can be proud of the work the division is doing to address student achievement, research and extension in Oklahoma and beyond, through new programs and the enhancement of existing programs.

As Tom Hennessey, interim head of NREM, reminded everyone during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new department, humorist Will Rogers had it right when he said, "Even if you're on the right track, you' ll get run over if you just sit there."

Robert E. Whitson Vice President, Dean and Director Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

OSU Agriculture Alumni Association• 136 Agricultural Hall• Stillwater, OK 74078 • 405-744-5395 48 • Cowboy Journal

(story continued from page 45) Ferrell said strong communication skills gained from leadership activities are beneficial for a law career.

"If you cannot communicate clearly and effectively, it does not do anyone any good," Ferrell said. "You have to read between the lines; not everything is black and white."

Hennigh and Ferrell both stressed the importance of time-management

RK

EQUIPMENT

ing through the night, my wife will deliver dinner to the office so that we can discuss the day's events and stay actively involved in each other's lives," Hennigh said.

And that is the reality of life for an attorney, doing what they need to do to get the job done in the office, the courtroom and at home. It's not a TV drama ... it's better. «:J

skills to help balance their family life with their demanding legal careers.

"You try to be as efficient as you can be while you are at the office," Ferrell said. "I also catch up with my family on the commute home."

Hennigh brings "family time" to the office when long hours are required for preparing for hearings and important examinations.

"During those evenings I am work-

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Cowboy Journal Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education , Communications and Leadership , 448 Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-6031