Dr. Duane C. Anderson offcially became ECU’s interim president Jan. 1, 2009. With enthusiasm he welcomed everyone back during the January Faculty and Staff Meeting. He also expressed that it is an honor to serve as the interim president during ECU’s Centennial Celebration.
He vowed to do his best to keep ECU moving in the right direction until a new president arrives. Most recently Dr. Anderson spoke on a panel at the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon. Like other panel participants, Anderson identifed legislative issues of concern.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION NOW UNDERWAY
The Centennial Celebration marking ECU’s 100th birthday in 2009 is offcially underway. Exactly at midnight during First Night Ada, ECU reminded everyone that we will be celebrating its centennial all year long.
What’s next? Visit www.ecok.edu/centennial.
ECU’S HORACE MANN SOCIETY
The newly formed Horace Mann Society will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the ECU Regents Room. The meeting is open to all who want to participate. Please RSVP by Monday, Jan. 26.
The society will discuss raising funds for a memorial to commemorate the Horace Mann Laboratory School that was part of ECU for 50 years.
For more information, contact Dr. Bill Osborne at 580559-5350.
ECU WATCHES AN HISTORIC INAUGURATION
The ECU community gathered on Jan. 20 in the Estep Multimedia Center to watch history in the making with the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama.
EXPERIENCE PERU
Dr. Gregory Plumb and Corey Miller will offer “An Immersive Approach to Experiencing Peru” on Friday, Jan. 23, at 3:30 p.m. in Horace Mann, room 114.
RECYCLE YOURSELF
Organ Donation Saves Lives. Each Day 18 people die waiting for an organ. Each of us can give the gift of life by registering as an organ donor. Learn the facts about organ donation and make an informed decision.
Monday, Feb. 9 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Horace Mann, RM 116
For more information, contact Satara Armstrong at 559-5705 or sarmstro@ecok.edu.
AINSWORTH GIFT TO HELP ECU STUDENTS VISIT RUSSIA, UKRAINE
A $1,000 gift from an Ada resident will help two ECU students travel to Russia next spring to learn more about the country and language they are studying.
Linda Ainsworth made the gift on behalf of her late husband, Gary Ainsworth, an Ada businessman who had made several trips to Ukraine and had taken Russian language classes at ECU taught by Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, associate professor of English and languages.
STUDENTS COMPLETE LARGE SCALE PUBLIC SCULPTURE
Students in Aaron Hauck’s Sculpture II class at ECU built The Horse which stands 27 feet tall and 19 feet wide. The silhouette is the frst installed work in a sculpture garden that has begun taking shape in the heart of the new Arts District of Ada.
The silhouette horse sculpture project was commissioned by Mark Landrum, chairman of Landmark Bank, and underwritten by a $10,000 contribution from the bank to the ECU Foundation Inc.
STATE INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF MEET AT ECU
Oklahoma Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (OKRID) held its biannual meeting at ECU this past weekend. Janna Byrd, ECU assistant professor of human resources and OKRID’s 2008-09 vice president, registered more than 100 members from the statewide organization.
ECU was the frst university to provide comprehensive student support services for the deaf and hard of hearing in Oklahoma.
FIRST GRADUATES COMPLETE ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM
AT
ECU
Danny Hooper gets a fnal check of his cap and gown in December from Dr. Shirley Mixon, director of ECU’s Adult Degree Completion Program—Reach Higher. Hooper returned to ECU after 23 years to complete a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership. He and Melissa L. Layton of Stratford were the frst two graduates of the program which allows adults to complete bachelor’s degrees while working full time.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
ECU residence advisors are not your ordinary students. . . this spring a new method of training was introduced. “Behind Closed Doors” training consisted of mock situations in residence hall rooms. Residence hall staff members went through the situations and responded to them, then debriefed about what they did well and what they could have done better. The third foor lobby of Pontotoc Hall was set up to conduct the training from an attempted suicide to a room checkout to an angry parent. “It is a really interesting and effective way to train”, said Jason Bewley, director of housing and residence life.
Moment in ECU History
Science
Hall, the rst building on the campus of what was then East Central State Normal School was built by Texas Building Company for $94,700. Both o ces and classrooms were housed in the building and the library occupied a single classroom at the southeast corner of the second oor. An auditorium, now known as the Dorothy Summers Theatre, was part of the building as well. Throughout ECU’s 100-year history, many academic departments have called Science Hall home. At present the departments of nursing, math and communication are located within the building.
TWO ECU INSTRUCTORS WRITE BEST PAPER
ECU Business Administration faculty members Dr. Hongkai Zhang and Dr. Jim Rauch were recently notifed by the Federation of Business Disciplines that their paper, “A Note on Modeling Service Capacity Allocation Under Varying Intensities of Competition” has been named the best paper in the Services Marketing track for the upcoming Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators meeting. The paper was also selected as the best paper in the conference, and will receive the McGraw-Hill/Irwin Distinguished Paper Award.
DR. PATRIZI RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS
Dr. Patrizi served ECU from 1978 through the end of 2008. In addition to his career in higher education, Patrizi is a licensed psychologist who has maintained an independent practice since 1986. He is a past chair of the Department of Psychology and a past chair of the Cultural Activities Committee, the Continuing Education Committee and the Graduate Committee, and has been a member of the Board of United Campus Ministry and the East Central Credit Union.
WELCOME TO ECU!
Brianna Willis
Nursing Instructor
Heather Prentice
Nursing Instructor
Kristy Lankford
Nursing Instructor in Durant
Kyle Gardner
Native American Retention Specialist
Jillian McCarty
Kinesiology Instructor
Rachel Wiseman
Testing Assistant - Disabilities
Renee Hogue
Project Director - Native American Voices
Cassie Holloway
Program Assistant - Continuing Ed
Scott Templin
Native American First Year Coordinator
Stephanie Lynn Moore
Secretary/Receptionist in Academic Affairs
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 22
Oct. 20 - 25
The Amazing Centennial Race, 6 p.m., Estep
ECU Homecoming Festivities
Jan. 23
Oct. 27
Adopt an Awareness Tree, 2 p.m. Horace Mann Lawn
An Immersive Approach to Experiencing Peru, 3:30 p.m., HM 114
Alumni Orange and Black Sweetheart Social, 6 p.m. Ballroom
Nov. 3 - 8
Feb. 19 - 22
SPIRIT WEEK: Tigers Still Hunt in the Storm
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
February 25, 2009
SAVE THE DATE(S)
On March 25, 1909, Oklahoma Gov. Charles N. Haskell signed the Ada Normal Bill. When the word reached Ada, every mill and factory steam whistle in the town tooted out the good news.
The bill only provided for the creation of a normal school at Ada and $100,000 for the construction of a building. It also said the school had to be located within one mile of the city, but did not otherwise identify a specifc site.
To commemorate this momentous occasion we are celebrating all week long.
Monday, March 23
noon - University Chorale and PAST performances
Tuesday, March 24
11 a.m. - Music Department Showcase
Wednesday, March 25
ECU Proclamation to be read on the Senate Floor
11 a.m. - ECU Dance Ensemble - Collage`
3:45 p.m. - Gather for Celebration
4 p.m. Whistle Blowing Celebration
We invite every horn and bell in the city to join us as we remember the March 25, 1909 announcement.
Thursday, March 26
12:30 p.m. - Birthday Party & Opening of the Time Capsule
7:30 p.m. - ECU Instrumental Ensemble
Friday, March 27
10 a.m. & noon - CREW movies
11 a.m. CREW games
noon - President’s Pool Tournament: Shoot & Talk
6 p.m. - ECU Presentation of“What We Did Way Back When”
ECUTUBE CONTEST ENDS MARCH 8
ECU’s frst ECUTube contest will end March 8.
We are encouraging students to share their “Life at East Central University” experiences.
• What my college life has been like at ECU
• School Spirit
• What advice would I give to new freshmen
• ECU’s Centennial Celebration
For complete details visit www.ecok.edu/ecutube.
HOLLINGSWORTH, HIBLER
PERFORMING CONCERT
FEB. 26 AT ECU
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth (chair) and Dr. Starla Hibler, music faculty members at East Central University, will present a concert of music for clarinet and piano at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Dorothy Summers Theatre. Admission is free.
Performance selections include “Theme and Variations” by Jean Francaix, “Rumanian Whirling Dance” by James Sclater, “Time Pieces” by Robert Muczynski and “Variations on a Russian Romance” by Ernesto Cavallini.
ABS HOST ANNUAL BANQUET
The ECU Association of Black Students will have its annual Black Heritage Banquet on February 26, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Stanley P. Wagner Ballroom. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 10 and under.
The speaker will be Courtland Warren of Fort Worth, TX and he will speak on the theme, “Yes We Can!!”
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTS THREE
ECU inducted three individuals into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 4, during halftime of the ECU-Southeastern Oklahoma State University men’s basketball game.
Their portraits will hang in the newly renovated Athletic Hall of Fame at the Kerr Activities Center.
The inductees are: former ECU Athletic Director Dr. Tim Green; Harold Jones, former basketball and baseball player at East Central, who went on to a highly successful career as a head basketball coach and administrator; Lloyd Waner, East Central baseball player who went on to an outstanding major league career, which landed him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
ARVEST BANK DONATION
Arvest Bank President Yancy Spivey presents a $10,000 check to ECU Director of Athletics Brian DeAngelis during the ECU-Southeastern Oklahoma State men’s basketball game. The donation is to beneft ECU athletics.
MEET THE TIGERS
ECU’s Athletic Teams invited the community to “Meet the Tigers”. Several fans attended the event at the Lazer Zone for food, fun and autographs.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK NAMED
After hitting .600 with three homers and 11 runs batted in, ECU sophomore third baseman Kasey Barber has picked up another award.
Barber, from Elgin, Okla., was named Louisville Slugger/National Fast pitch Coaches Association Division II Player of the Week.
CURRENT ECU CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
Gazebo, Centennial Plaza & Fountain
Pat O’Neal Strength & Conditioning Center
Renovation of the Elvan George Building
New bleacher seating at Norris Field, Parker Tennis Courts, and the ECU baseball and soccer felds.
Removal of home at 831 E. 12th which will add 45 parking spots
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR OFFICIATES SUPERBOWL XLIII
Derick Bowers, ECU adjunct faculty member, has been a National Football League offcial for six years. This year he reached a pinnacle within his profession when he was selected to offciate the Super Bowl XLIII!
Bowers teaches a night course at ECU - Offciating Football.
PRESIDENT’S HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY SERVICE HONOR ROLL ANNOUNCED
ECU was one of nine Oklahoma Campus Compact institutions to be named to the 2008 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
Launched in 2006, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities nationwide that support innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs.
The Honor Roll is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and is sponsored by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the United States Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development.
ECU STUDENT STUDYING IN WALES AS GOV. BRAD HENRY INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR
Christopher Wyche is congratulated by Chancellor Glen D. Johnson and Gov. Brad Henry after he was named a Brad Henry International Scholar from ECU. Wyche, a junior at ECU, was selected to participate in an international study and internship program this semester at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales. Wyche, a 2000 graduate of Sulphur High School, is majoring in English at ECU and focusing on 19th century British literature.
He and six other students from Oklahoma’s regional universities were named Brad Henry International Scholars by the regents and are participating in an international study and internship program during the spring semester at Swansea University.
ECU PHI THETA KAPPA
This month Richard Rouillard, Adjunct Professor of Humanities and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor at Oklahoma City Community College was on campus to install the new ECU Phi Theta Kappa Charter.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST AND CREW OF CINDERELLA FOR THEIR SOLD OUT PERFORMANCES
COLLAGE` RECEIVES HONOR
The ECU Dance Ensemble - Collage` has been awarded it’s third national choreography award from the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Dr. Victoria Dansby submitted two works for adjudication which have been accepted for presentation at the Gala performance at the National AAHPERD conference in Tampa, FL. April 2.
• Ups & Downs (choreographed by Dansby)
• Power of Posterity (choreographed by Jade McKenzie, junior communication student)
CHOCOLATE IN THE AFTERNOON
The ECU chapter of Phi Delta Kappa hosted “Chocolate in the Afternoon” on President’s Day. Faculty and staff members were encouraged to indulge in the chocolate and enjoy watching the panelist of ECU’s local presidents as they participated in “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader”.
ECU President Duane C. Anderson, Student Body President Lauren Hensley, Faculty Senate President Guy Sewell and Staff Council President Stephanie Cooper participated in the event.
THOUSANDS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON ECU CAMPUS
Hundreds of area high schools were on campus this month as teams participated in the 93rd Annual Interscholastic Meet and the annual OSSAA District Vocal Contest which ECU has hosted since 1914.
Campus Update February 25, 2009
ECU ORANGE AND BLACK SWEETHEART SOCIAL
More than one hundred alums, students, faculty and staff enjoyed the Orange and Black Sweetheart Social that was held on Valentine’s Day.
WELCOME TO ECU!
Patricia Frasher
Data Collection Specialist for the Native American Voices Project Grant
Stephanie Lynn Moore
Secretary/Receptionist in Academic Affairs
2/27/2009
• Annual Faculty Exhibit Reception, 5-7 p.m., Art Department Gallery
• Piano Concert, 7:30 p.m., Ada Arts and Heritage Center
3/2/2009
• Annual Student Show, Art Department Gallery
3/3/2009
• Science Ethics Workshop, 7 p.m., PES 206
3/7/2009
• Alumni Reunion in Dallas
Moment in ECU History
ECU’s 50th Anniversary
East Central celebrated its 50th birthday in 1959. Numerous celebrations were held throughout the year including a TV program on KTEN that featured guests from each decade that had attended ECU. For graduation, the existing six of the seven members of the frst graduating class sat on stage and were recognized. On Sept. 20, 1959 an “Old Timers” bash was held to celebrate the frst day of classes. The Homecoming theme was Happy Birthday EC. The parade consisted of foats in the shape of giant birthday cakes and birthstone rings. An Alumni lunch was held after the parade. At the banquet, Sen. Robert S. Kerr spoke followed by newly elected Lt. Gov. George Nigh. At half time of the football game, both alums were recognized and made honorary members of the band. Kerr marched off the feld playing a drum and Nigh marched off playing the cymbals.
• Service Saturday, 9:15 a.m., UC 152
3/11/2009
• Chickasaw Dancer, noon
3/12/2009
• Annual Student Show Reception, 5-7pm, Art Department Gallery
3/13/2009
• Offces close at 5 p.m.
3/14/2009 - 3/20/2009
• *Spring Break
3/23/2009
• *Offces open at 8 a.m.
• VisionMakers, Art Department Gallery
3/23/2009 - 3/28/2009
Centennial Week of Celebration (see page 1 for details)
3/24/2009
• Speaker Series, 6 p.m., ESTEP
3/25/2009 & 3/25/2009
• Mammography Screening, Student Union
3/26/2009 - 3/28/2009
• OK Junior Academy of Science & OK State Science & Engineering Fair
March 13, 2009
Happy Birthd a y ECU! Happy Birthday ECU!
East Central University turns 100 on March 25! To commemorate this momentous occasion we are celebrating all week long.
Monday, March 23
University Center Lobby, 12 p.m. ECU University Chorale performance
University Center Lobby, 12:15 p.m. PAST performance (PAST is an Ada community performance group)
Tuesday, March 24
University Center Lobby, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ECU Instrumental Ensembles performance
Wednesday, March 25
University Center, 12:30 p.m.
ECU Collage’ (Collage’ is an ECU dance ensemble)
Science Hall steps, 4 p.m.(gather at 3:45 p.m.)
“Celebrating our Beginning” Whistle Blowing Reenactment and Celebration of the day East Central State Normal School began. Proclamation read at Oklahoma State Legislature.
On March 25, 1909, Oklahoma Gov. Charles N. Haskell signed the Ada Normal Bill. When the word reached Ada, every mill and factory steam whistle in the town tooted out the good news. We invite every horn and bell in the city to join us as we remember the March 25, 1909 announcement.
Or log on to www.ecok.edu click on the “Celebrating our Beginning Countdown” which will end with a great surprise.
Thursday, March 26
University Center Lobby, 12:30 p.m.
ECU Birthday Party and Opening of the 75th Anniversary Time Capsule
Dorothy Summers Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
ECU Instrumental Ensembles Showcase
Friday, March 27
University Center Lobby, 12 p.m.
President’s Pool Tournament: “Shoot & Talk”
Showing in Estep Multimedia Center, 10 a.m. “Bangkok Dangerous”
Showing in Estep Multimedia Center, 12 p.m. “Twilight”
University Center Lobby, 11 a.m. CREW Games – “BINGO”
Stanley Wagner Ballroom, 6 p.m.
“What We Did Way Back When”
Attend the vaudeville performance and take a step back in time to experience what an East Central State Normal School evening would have been like in 1909. Advanced passes recommended. Passes available Monday, March 23 at the Information Desk in the University Center.
Join us as we make history for ECU’s next 100 years! Hope to see you at the celebrations!
For More Information Please Contact: University Advancement Phone: (580)559-5253 Email: catncat@ecok.edu
April 16, 2009
ECU CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
ECU planned a week of festivities surrounding the events of March 25, 1909. On that date steam whistles were blown around Ada when word came that then-Gov. Haskell had signed the Ada Normal Bill establishing what is now East Central University.
On Monday the crowd was entertained by the University Chorale and PAST Performance.
Tuesday was the Music Department Showcase. Wednesday the crowd enjoyed Skye Garcia and the ECU dance ensemble – Collage’.
On March 25, 2009, several dignitaries attended the “Celebrating our Beginning” festivities on Wednesday afternoon as ECU marked its 100th birthday.
Bill Anoatubby Gov. of The Chickasaw Nation,
Regional University System of Oklahoma Chair Joe Anna Hibler and Ada Mayor Barbara Young brought greetings following the 4 p.m. Whistle Blowing event.
Thursday the campus community enjoyed the ECU Birthday Party and Opening of the Time Capsule. The day ended with a performance by the Instrumental Ensembles.
On Friday many faculty, staff and students worked hard to bring the centennial performance of “What We Did Way Back When” to the Memorial Student Union.
JIM LEHRER SELECTED AS ECU COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Jim Lehrer, the nationally respected executive editor and anchor of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, will present the commencement addresses for ECU students completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees this spring and summer.
Lehrer took over the NewsHour in 1995-96 when Robert MacNeil left The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour after an award-winning 20-year partnership. Lehrer frst became a Washington correspondent for MacNeil’s New York television program in 1975. The half-hour program was renamed the MacNeil/Lehrer Report in 1976 and won more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence during the next seven years. The MacNeil/ Lehrer NewsHour was launched in 1983.
Lehrer also has been the moderator for 11 of the nationally televised debates among presidential candidates during the last six elections.
In addition, he is a prolifc author, with 19 novels, two memoirs and three plays to his credit. His latest novel, “Oh, Johnny,” has just been published. His 18th novel, “Mack to the Rescue,” published a year ago, is the seventh in his successful series of novels featuring a fctional lieutenant governor of Oklahoma.
JACOBI NICHOLS RECEIVES GEORGE NIGH AWARD
ECU’s top senior, Jacobi Nichols of Healdton, was awarded the prestigious George Nigh Award.
Nichols, along with fnalists Julie Elkins of Ardmore, Holly Dunagan of Maud and Twylia Sherrill of McAlester, were honored by ECU offcials and community leaders for their outstanding academic achievements. Nichols received the $500 award from former Gov. George Nigh during the luncheon.
The Nigh Award is based on academic achievement, character and potential contribution to public service. The late Julian Rothbaum, a Tulsa oil man, banker and one-time state regent for higher education, established an endowment to fund the Nigh Award in honor of the former governor.
COMMUNICATION STUDENTS WIN AWARD
Jeff Burnett (from left), Chris Velasquez and Andrew Worcester, senior mass communications majors, are among the winners in the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association’s 2009 state competition. They placed second in the Sports Play-By-Play category with their coverage of ECU’s football game against Texas A&M Kingsville. Their entry was part of a Sports Production class taught by Christina Mitchell. Worcester is from Ada. Burnett is from Sachse, Texas, and Chris Velasquez is from Odessa, Texas.
INGRAM ATTENDS RESEARCH DAY AT STATE CAPITOL
Kyle Ingram of Wapanucka stands by his poster focusing on groundwater remediation at Research Day at the State Capitol. He represented ECU as one of 18 undergraduate students selected from 12 Oklahoma colleges and universities to present competitive research posters to the State Legislature and the public. The annual event is sponsored by Oklahoma EPSCoR, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and The National Science Foundation.
NIKKI STONECIPHER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
Briana Tully, Ariana Rice and Steven Carrell, all of Tupelo, have been given the opportunity to complete their degrees at ECU thanks in part to the Nikki Stonecipher Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship fund was created in 2005 to provide deserving students a full scholarship for at least one year, and possibly four, to ECU.
Nikki, the granddaughter of Harland and Shirley Stonecipher, founders of Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc., perished along with her parents in a plane crash in 2005. Preference for the scholarship recipients is given to graduates of Tupelo High School, from which Nikki’s parents graduated.
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR MATH AND SCIENCE AT ECU
Laura Johnson, daughter of Tom and Melody Johnson, is the frst recipient of the Don and Jane Kellogg Mathematics and Science Teaching Scholarship. Johnson is a freshman at ECU and is majoring in mathematics with a concentration in teacher certifcation.
The scholarship was established to assist students pursuing a degree at ECU in either mathematics or science teaching. Dr. Don Kellogg was a professor at ECU from 1965 to 1990. He originally taught physics and helped to build a science teaching program. When he retired in 1990 he was a member of the Education Department.
NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER
ECU students Ashley Robertson and Joseph Jacobi enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the grounds of the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (front of the complex in the background), one of the largest in the world.
Accompanied by Dr. Mark Micozzi, ECU associate professor of cartography and geography, they participated in a special visit to the NASA Ames Research Center in San Jose, Calif. in March.
ECU OBSERVING MATHEMATICS AWARENESS MONTH WITH ART, SPEAKER
The month began with a chalk contest and will end with a guest speaker who will talk about Latin Squares, Orthogonality and Sudoku puzzles on Friday. Dr. Lisa Mantini of Oklahoma State University will speak at 11 a.m. in Faust Hall Auditorium.
PI A PROFESSOR
Several ECU students, faculty and staff volunteer to be “pied” to help raise money for the Compassion Outreach Center in Ada. The group raised $240 for the center at $1 per pie.
TRANSFER ENROLLMENT DAY
Students about to complete associate’s degrees in May who plan to transfer to ECU visited the campus this month during Transfer Enrollment Day.
New students met with the Transfer Enrollment Center staff, became familiar with campus policies and enrollment procedures, met with their faculty advisers and enrolled for summer and fall classes.
TOP JUNIOR HIGH, HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS COMPETE
Hundreds of regional winners of junior high and high school science projects and research papers competed for prizes at the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair and the Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science held annually at ECU.
HOLCIM’S WALT PRECOURT DISCUSSES SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT ECU PARKER ETHICS LECTURE
Walt Precourt, vice president for environmental and government affairs for Holcim Inc., discussed “Social Responsibility in a Global World” at the Parker Ethics Lecture.
A panel discussion was held in conjunction with the lecture. The panel discussed various topics related to the environment, social responsibility, globalization and working in a multicultural environment. Both were ECU Centennial events.
The lecture and panel discussion were sponsored by ECU’s Oscar L. Parker Center for the Advancement of Ethical Standards in Business and Society with assistance from the ECU Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team.
ECU ALUM GIVES INAUGURAL LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE
Dr. Louise Young, a 1969 graduate of ECU, delivered a lecture titled “Why Talk About It? Addressing GLBT Issues” last month.
The Louise Young Diversity Lecture was established in 2008 with a $10,000 endowment from Young to the ECU Foundation Inc. The annual lecture will bring a speaker to campus each year to speak on various aspects of diversity.
ECU, OSBI FORM PARTNERSHIP
ECU and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation have entered into a partnership that will improve crime scene investigative measures in the state and bring specialized demonstrative training into the classroom.
Using grant funds, ECU has purchased a Nikon NPL332 Total Station that will be used by the OSBI for crime scene investigations. The equipment creates a three-dimensional forensic map pinpointing evidence and other critical objects at crime scenes.
TEXOMA HEALTH FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO ECU’S NURSING PROGRAM AT SOUTHEASTERN
The Texoma Health Foundation has awarded a three-year, $150,000 grant to East Central University, to fund a full-time faculty position for ECU’s nursing program in Durant.
The purpose of the THF grant is to increase the number of nursing students graduating each year from the ECU @ Southeastern Nursing Program, which was established on the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus in 2001.
4TH ANNUAL SCISSORTAIL CREATIVE WRITING FESTIVAL
The fourth annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival brought in more than 1,000 visitors to campus. What began four years ago as a few local writers coming together to share their work has grown into a three-day festival that features over 50 regional authors. This year’s three featured authors included Rilla Askew, Elmer Kelton and LeAnne Howe.
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND HONORED
ECU’s Veterans Upward Bound program was recognized by the American Legion’s Post 72 in Ada for the countless hours it helps prepare veterans for academic success.
ACHE AWARD
Accepting an award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education - Great Plains Region are Dr. Rick Wetherill (left), director of Continuing Education and Community Services at ECU, and Bridget Forshay (right), ECU community development coordinator. The award recognized ECU and the Ada community’s Arts District of Ada as an outstanding non-credit program, outstanding conference and outstanding credit program. Dr. Robin L. Plumb (center), director of academic programs for the Okla. State Regents, presented the award.
U.S. REP. TOM COLE VISITS
ECU CLASSROOM
Prior to a Town Hall meeting on campus, ECU students had an opportunity to visit with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole.
During both events Congressman Cole spoke about the direction of federal legislation.
MAYOR READS PROCLAMATION
Ada Mayor Barbara Young, reads a proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ada.
ADA’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION
Ada’s 2008 National Night Out (NNO) event was honored for the third consecutive year as one of the best in the United States.
This is the fourth time in fve years the Chickasaw Nation, the city of Ada and East Central University have shared the award from the National Association of Town Watch. All three organizations work together to host the event on the frst Tuesday of August each year.
Kathryn P. Boswell Memorial Chapel
The chapel was a gift to ECU from Mr. S.C. Boswell in memory of his wife and was intended to be used by religious groups on campus, and for weddings and other special occasions. The Boswell Memorial Chapel is still used for small weddings, sorority/fraternity ceremonies and special occasions.
MANY STUDENT ACTIVITIES ALSO OCCURRED DURING MARCH AND APRIL
Graduate Career Fair Native American Voices Greek Week
ECUTube Contest
Winners Announced
Watch the winning video at www.ecok.edu/ecutube
Service Saturday
ECU Child Development Center
Health Information
Management observe
Health Information
Privacy and Security
4/17/2009
Baseball, 2 p.m., Ada
Baseball, 4:30 p.m., Ada
4/18/2009
Baseball, 1 p.m., Ada
Men’s Tennis, 10 a.m., Ada
Women’s Tennis, 10 a.m., Ada
Men’s Tennis, 2 p.m., Ada
Women’s Tennis, 2 p.m., Ada
Baseball, 4 p.m., Ada
Global Ada, 6-7:30 p.m., South Dining Hall
4/20/2009
ECU Chorus and Chorale Concert
7:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
4/21/2009
School of Business Banquet 6:30 p.m., Ballroom
4/22/2009
Trash Pick Up Day, 1 p.m., UC Women’s Tennis, 1 p.m., Ada
4/23/2009
ECU Night at McAlester
4-7 p.m., EOSC - McAlester Campus Lobby
Earth Day / Water Festival, all day
4/25/2009
Black and Orange Football Game 2 p.m., Norris Field
4/28/2009
Faculty/Staff Recognition and Retirement Program, 5:30 p.m.
4/29/2009
College of Health and Sciences Spring Lecture 1-2 p.m., HM 139
4/30/2009
Athletic Awards Banquet College of Health and Sciences Awards
DR. ANDERSON HONORED TO SERVE
On Jan. 1, 2009, I became Interim President of East Central University and set about the tasks of leading the university through the scheduled spring Centennial celebrations and of managing the transition from the seventh to the eighth president. Although interim presidencies are supposed to be uneventful and focused upon the status quo, the time since last January has been both rewarding and challenging.
The centennial celebrations were a smashing success. On March 25, we commemorated the signing of Senate Bill 83 that created East Central Normal School on March 25, 1909. I offered a centennial address that acknowledged the university’s long-standing partnership with the City of Ada and the Chickasaw Nation (View the address at http://www.ecok.edu/ centennial/centennial_address.asp). Among numerous other events that week were a birthday party for the university sponsored by Student Senate, and a dinner and entertainment program set in 1909.
The capstone to the spring’s celebrations was the May 9 Centennial Commencement. The speaker was Jim Lehrer from The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS. A delightful gentleman, he entertained the audience with his famous “bus call” that he manages to include in all of his speeches. Mr. Lehrer encouraged the graduates to live a life of service to others, in one fashion or another. His appearance was a ftting end to the spring semester.
Throughout the spring, faculty and staff grappled with looming budget woes which were anticipated for the coming year. Preparation of the university’s 2009-10 budget posed a daunting challenge. Projections of declining revenues for next year caused faculty, staff
and students to rethink our needs and priorities. Faculty and staff joined together with the administration to save money during the spring semester. Student Senate supported a tuition increase, if necessary, to help bridge the projected budget shortages. In the end, no tuition increases were necessary due to the inclusion of federal Stimulus Bill money, courtesy of President Obama. The addition of a small amount of new state money to partially address our mandatory costs increase for next year resulted from the unwavering support of Governor Henry. Thus, our budget was fnalized without the draconian cuts originally feared. Diffcult times may loom ahead, but for now the university’s core mission of educating students has been protected.
As I prepare to return to my previous position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, I am confdent that East Central University is in good condition to be handed over to the new president. On July 1, 2009, the university community welcomes its eighth president, John R. Hargrave, who will lead East Central University into its second century. Please join me in welcoming him upon his return to his alma mater, and in supporting him in his new endeavor as our president.
Duane C. Anderson ECU Interim President
June 18, 2009 ECU Faculty Senate and Sta Council Invite You to Attend a Welcome Reception for ECU President John R. Hargrave
Tuesday, July 7
2 - 4 p.m., Faculty & Sta 4 - 6 p.m., Public Welcome University Center
JOHN R. HARGRAVE NAMED PRESIDENT OF ECU
John R. Hargrave of Wewoka, a founder and managing partner of the Edmonds Cole Law Firm in Oklahoma City, was named president of East Central University on May 15, 2009, by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma.
Hargrave, 54, who earned a bachelor’s degree from ECU in 1977, will become ECU’s president on July 1.
He received a juris doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1980 and began practicing law with the Folliart, Mills & Neimeyer law frm. He was managing partner of Neimeyer, Edmonds, Noland, Alexander & Hargrave from 1983 to 1985 before becoming a founder and managing partner of Edmonds, Cole, Hargrave, Givens and Woodson in 1985.
He served as mayor of Wewoka from 2002-2007. Hargrave is a board member and general counsel of the Whitten Newman Foundation which granted more than $1.4 million in 2008 for educational institutions, scholarships and organizations promoting education, primarily in Oklahoma.
As a member since 1994 of the Board of Directors of Wewoka Industries, which recruits industry and jobs, Hargrave helped negotiate the establishment of a juvenile treatment facility in Wewoka.
He founded the Downtown Investment Group and the Wewoka Community Foundation.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Seminole State College Foundation, a member of the Visitors Board of the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History on the University of Oklahoma campus, a member of the advisory board of the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum and the Wewoka Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Hargrave and his wife Kay, who is an assistant district attorney for Seminole, Hughes and Pontotoc Counties, received the Volunteer Parents of the Year Awards in 2004 and 2006 from Wewoka Public Schools. They received the Outstanding Service to the Public Award
from the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2004.
The Hargraves have four children, Jeff, a former ECU student who practices law in Oklahoma City; Robert, a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University; Lora, a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma; and Melissa, a student at Oklahoma State University.
ECU ALUMNI SUMMER REUNIONS
A McAlester-area reunion was hosted by the ECU Alumni Association on May 30. Several alums took the opportunity to reconnect with ECU.
Two more Alumni Reunions are scheduled this summer:
Oklahoma City
Bricktown Brewery
June 27 at 6 p.m.
Ardmore Café Alley
July 18 at 6 p.m.
The cost is $10 per person at the door and includes appetizers. Proceeds will fund ECU’s Alumni Association legacy scholarships for children/grandchildren of ECU alums and scholarships for junior and senior students.
Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of ECU are invited to the reunion and can register at: http://alumni. ecok.edu/events/event_details.asp?id=29246.
MICKEY COWAN STEPPING DOWN AS ECU FOUNDATION’S CEO
Mickey Cowan, executive director of the East Central University Foundation Inc., has announced he will resign as the foundation’s CEO because of health reasons. Cowan, a well-known fgure in ECU and Ada circles, said he would return to teaching in the classroom.
Cowan has served as the foundation’s executive director since June 2008. The search for a new executive director is underway.
FAMOUS ARTIST’S GRANDDAUGHTER DONATES PAINTINGS TO ECU
When the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center opens soon at East Central University, two recent acquisitions will be on exhibit in the new art gallery -- valuable paintings by one of Latvia’s most noted artists, Ludolfs Liberts.
The paintings were donated to ECU by Liberts’ granddaughter, Melita Long of Ada, who works on campus for Chartwell’s Dining Service.
Melita Long (right) shows off one of two paintings by Latvian painter Ludolfs Liberts that she has donated to East Central University. Participating in the presentation were Dr. Brad Jessop (from left), chair of ECU’s Department of Art, and Long’s niece and sister, Kyra Spradling and Mary Spradling, both of Shawnee. Long and Mary Spradling are granddaughters of the famous painter. The paintings will be part of ECU’s permanent collection in the art gallery in the new Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. One of the paintings she gave to ECU was painted in Germany of St. Mark’s Square and the other appears to have been painted in Venice. Both are valued at approximately $10,000.
ROSATO NAMED ECU HEAD BASEBALL COACH
After guiding Bacone College to a runner-up fnish in the NAIA’s Red River Athletic Conference this past spring, Dino Rosato has been named the new head baseball coach at ECU.
Rosato led the Warriors to a 29-20 fnish this past season, including a second-place fnish to Northwood (Texas) and a 10-5 mark in the RRAC regular season. It was Rosato’s frst season as Bacone head coach after serving three years as an assistant at the Muskogee institution. In his three years as an assistant, the Warriors were one of the top teams in the RRAC with an impressive 41-14 record during the 2008 campaign.
PASCHALL RETIREMENT DINNER A SUCCESS
A retirement dinner was held for Dr. Jack Paschall on June 13. More than $10,000 was donated to the ECU Foundation Inc. to endow the scholarship in his name.
Dr. Jack Paschall, an Adolph Linscheid Distinguished Teaching Professor, has taught and supervised thousands of teachers in his career.
“Dr. Paschall has taught at East Central University since the fall of 1970, helping literally thousands of young men and women obtain their dream of a college education,” said Mickey Cowan, executive director of the ECU Foundation. “He truly never met a student that he did not help.”
ECU WINS $5,000 GRANT FROM OSCPA
In a statewide competition of college accounting departments, ECU has received frst place - a $5,000 grant from the Oklahoma Society of Certifed Public Accountants.
Susan Leonard of Sulphur (center) is congratulated for her role in securing a $5,000 grant for ECU by Dr. Micheal Thompson (left), dean of ECU’s School of Business, and Dr. Sarah Holmes, chair of the Department of Accounting.
ECU APPRECIATES VETERANS
Veterans Appreciation Day was hosted by ECU’s Veterans Upward Bound Program this month. Many veterans and members of the community attended and enjoyed food and fellowship. The feature speaker was Maj. Gen. Rita A. Aragon who retired in 2007 as the Air National Guard assistant to the deputy chief of staff of Staff Manpower and Personnel at the Pentagon. Other guest speakers included John Schupp of Cleveland State University - SERV (Supportive Education for Returning Veterans) and Jeremy Williams, south central regional director for Student Veterans of America.
TARKENTON DELIVERS LIMES LECTURE
Fran Tarkenton, former professional football player, TV personality and computer software executive delivered the Leonard Limes Endowed Lecture at ECU.
Tarkenton is best known for his years with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, as well as a commentator on Monday Night Football and a co-host of That’s Incredible!
Tarkenton also founded Tarkenton Software, a computer-program generator company, and he toured the U.S. promoting CASE computer-aided software engineering with Albert F. Case, Jr. of Nastec Corporation. Tarkenton Software later merged with Knowledge Ware (with Tarkenton as president), until selling the company to Sterling Software in 1994.
ECU’S OVERMIER WINS NATIONAL FLUTE ASSOCIATION COMPETITION
Flutist Juliana Overmier, an adjunct faculty member at ECU, has won the 2009 National Flute Association’s Convention Performer’s Competition, which was created to promote newly published fute music. She will travel to New York City in August to premiere composer David Cutler’s four-movement work “Postcards” at the NFA annual convention.
Moment in ECU History
UPCOMING EVENTS
6/27/2009
Alumni Reunion in Oklahoma City
7/3/2009 Campus Closed
7/6/2009
Offces open at 8 a.m.
7/7/2009
President Hargrave Welcome Reception
7/7/2009
Beginning Freshman Enrollment
7/13/2009
Tiger Basketball Camp
7/18/2009
Alumni Reunion in Ardmore
8/12/2009 Convocation
8/17/2009
First Day of Classes
After 40 years of being housed in other buildings, the Linscheid Library was dedicated on Oct. 23 1949, and named in honor of long-time ECU President Adolph Linscheid. The library was enlarged and remodeled in 1963 and 1976, respectively.
Today, the Linscheid Library is housed in a new building that features a lot of natural light, is warm and welcoming and located along the eastern hillside of campus. Dedicated on Oct. 23, 1997, in a ceremonial reenactment of the original dedication, the new Linscheid Library has 74,020 square feet of library space that houses numerous materials including an audiovisual department, periodicals, reference, circulation, instruction and special collections.
The library is opened seven days a week and most services are available to the public. A patron card can be purchased by individuals wishing to check out material.
July 30, 2009
PRESIDENT HARGRAVE COMPLETES FIRST MONTH
It is hard to believe I am completing my frst month at ECU. I have met so many amazing people both on campus and in the community. The energy and excitement throughout brings memories of the past and ideas for the future. I want to continue in the same direction to make ECU the best place to be.
Again, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those I have met. My wife, Kay, and I have been overwhelmed by the welcomes from our community. During my frst days I met more than 500 people at a Welcome Reception hosted by ECU’s Faculty Senate and Staff Council. We look forward to moving to Ada and becoming actively involved in the community. We are getting reacquainted with our many friends who live in Ada and are gaining new friends.
A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
Dr. Duane C. Anderson holds a bronze tiger, a gift from the ECU Faculty Senate in appreciation of his service as interim president of ECU from Jan. 1 through June 30. Connie Reilly (right), a member of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, and ECU faculty and staff members applaud Anderson at a reception held in his honor. He returned to his position as ECU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs July 1 when Dr. John Hargrave became ECU’s eighth president.
RIBBON CUTTING PLANNED
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the recently completed Pat O’Neal Strength and Conditioning Center will be on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
The 6,250 square-foot workout facility was named in honor of former head coach Pat O’Neal. It is located just east of Norris Field and will house free weight and Nautilus equipment for all 13 sports.
The building dedication is planned for Sept. 19 before the frst home football game. O’Neal served as head coach of the Tiger football program from 1972-1989. He guided ECU to a 97-87-4 record in those 18 seasons and posted eight conference championships.
SAVE THE DATE
Dedication of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
Friday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. and
Inaugural Performance
ECU - A Year in the Life Friday, Sept. 25, & Saturday, Sept. 26 7:00 p.m. Ataloa Theatre
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The Chickasaw Nation, the City of Ada and ECU have teamed up once again to host National Night Out (NNO) Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Green.
National Night Out is a nationwide crime and drug prevention event designed to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Family activities, food and entertainment will be offered.
OSRHE RECOGNIZE ECU & CLEET PARTNERSHIP
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Economic Development Grant for the Partnership Recognition Program recognizes successful partnerships. This year ECU’s partner, the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, received recognition at the OSRHE Economic Development reception.
ECU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES $100,000 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
The ECU Alumni Association announced its Centennial Fundraising Campaign to raise $100,000 to beneft future students and the university.
The Alumni Association’s goal is to raise $100,000 by collecting at least $100 from 1,000 ECU graduates or friends of the university.
The funds will be used to provide fnancial support for future students by establishing a perpetual endowment for legacy scholarships and constructing a prominent brick entryway into the campus.
CHICKASAW ARTS ACADEMY ON CAMPUS
More students than ever participated in the 2009 Chickasaw Arts Academy in July.
Students, 8 through 19 years of age, had the opportunity to focus on formal training in visual arts, drama, dance, literary arts and music.
HORACE MANN SOCIETY’S SCHOLARSHIP HONORS MEMORY OF SCHOOL
The Horace Mann Training School once operated by ECU has a special place in the hearts of its former students.
James Shockley (left), a graduate of the Horace Mann School once located on the ECU campus, points out the location of a future memorial to the school to Dr. Duane C. Anderson (center) and Dr. Bill Osborne. The Horace Mann Society is raising money to establish a scholarship and replace two of the stones on the short wall in front of the Physical and Environmental Sciences Building. New engraved stones will note the charter members of the society and the establishment of the Horace Mann Memorial Centennial Scholarship for education students at ECU.
BARNES RAISES $1,000 FOR DEAN PETERSON LEGAL STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP
Jennifer Denoya Barnes is a 2002 graduate of ECU’s Legal Studies Program. She arranged a silent auction at the annual meeting of the Pontotoc County Bar Association which brought in $1,000 for the Dean Peterson Scholarship. The scholarship fund now stands at $3,176.85. $10,000 is needed for the scholarship to be endowed through the ECU Foundation Inc.
After passing the Foreign Service Exam in June, Barnes departed Ada for training in Washington, D.C., and then for a three-year overseas posting with the U.S. State Department.
VWIP - HELPING MORE VETERANS
ECU’s Veterans Workforce Investment Program has been funded again. Congratulations to everyone involved. VWIP assists veterans who may face employment barriers as they begin their transition into civilian jobs. ECU just received its third $500,000 federal VWIP grant.
The VWIP pays stipends to veterans as they participate in the program’s four weeks of academic training and four to six weeks of job training.
Page 3
ECU HOSTS 22 STUDENTS FROM WESTERN OKLAHOMA
Twenty-two students from western Oklahoma gathered at ECU for three weeks this summer as part of a grant program that allows them to earn master of education degrees with a library media specialist option.
PUTERBAUGH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The 2009-10 winners are Patricia Hodgeson and Sharon Parker. The scholarship was established through the generous support of the Puterbaugh Foundation to beneft ECU students in programs at the Eastern Oklahoma State College McAlester campus.
Hodgeson is a graduate student working toward a master of education degree with a school counseling option. Parker is an undergraduate student working toward a bachelor of social work degree.
NEW NATIVE AMERICAN VOICES PROJECT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT
In recognition of its Native American students (20 percent of the student body) and programs, ECU was awarded a $2.4 million, two-year grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Program to create the Native American Voices Inspiring Student Success.
The project is guided by one goal -- to further improve and expand ECU’s capacity to serve Native American and low-income students.
The Voices Project has three main components --culturally integrated student support services focused on recruitment and retention, building renovations and faculty development.
AWARD WINNING DEPARTMENTS
ECU’s Communications and Marketing Department and Athletic Department garnered six awards during the annual competition of the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association. The recognized include Amy Ford, director; Jill Frye, assistant director; Brian Johnson, sports information coordinator; Gina Smith, marketing coordinator; Ryan Wetherill, web manager; and Susan Ingram, administrative assistant.
Campus Update July 30, 2009
LONG-TIME ECU PROFESSOR CATALANO RETIRES
Dr. Joseph T. Catalano, the chair of ECU’s Department of Nursing, retired on June 29 after 28 years of teaching, publishing eight books and about 100 journal and Internet articles and writing or co-writing grants which have brought more than $4 million to the university.
He came to ECU in 1981 and was named department chair in 2002.
ALUMS HONORED BY ECU
During the Department of Human Resources Centennial Awards Recognition Luncheon three alums were recognized
Dr. Randal Elston (right), professor of human resources at ECU, is honored for a career of service with ECU’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni Centennial Award in the Human Services Counseling program.
Gary L. Perkinson, OSBI agent (right), is presented with ECU’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni Centennial Award in criminal justice from Dr. Dan Denny, assistant professor of human resources.
Linda Corsandra Thomas, a 1977 ECU graduate, has excelled in social work practice in public social services and child welfare in Oklahoma (left). She received ECU’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni Centennial Award in social work.
ECU ATTENDS EDUARGENTINA
Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, professor of English and languages, participated in a round table discussion in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a Trade Mission Program for U.S. Educational Institutions. She and representatives of nine other American universities were invited by Eduargentina to learn about opportunities in Argentina for American students.
DENNY NEW PRESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION
Dr. Dan Denny, coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program at ECU has been elected president of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Association for 2009-10.
Sonya Hensley, coordinator of ECU’s Tribal Policing Program, was elected state secretary of the association. Denny and Hensley will plan and prepare for the next annual conference which will be held at ECU on April 2, 2010.
HALLIE BROWN FORD FINE ARTS CENTER UPDATE:
JULY
2009 - DEPARTMENTS
BEGIN TO MOVE IN TO THE NEW CENTER. JUST IN TIME FOR THE 2009 FALL SEMESTER.
Moment in ECU History
UPCOMING EVENTS
8/13/2009
Convocation
Ribbon Cutting at the Pat O’Neal Strength and Conditioning Center, 5:30 p.m.
8/13/2009 – 8/15/2009
Panhellenic (Women’s) Formal Recruitment
8/14/2009 Enrollment
8/15/2009 - 8/16/2009
Freshmen Orientation
8/17/2009
First Day of Classes Welcome Week
8/22/2009
Alumni Soccer, 4 p.m.
8/27/2009
First Away Football Game
8/29/2009
Soccer ECU vs NSU, 3 p.m.
During the 1930s, East Central gardener Roy “Pop” Harris was busy improving the appearance of campus. With the help of student workers through the National Youth Administration, Harris reclaimed the hilly slope that runs north to south through the campus. Rock terraces were built on the hill along with water ponds and a colorful array of plants and shrubs were added.
The Rock Garden soon became a favorite hangout for students, especially those looking for a romantic rendezvous. It remained a popular meeting place on campus for many decades.
The Rock Garden
Students visiting in the Rock Garden, 1955
September 17, 2009
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION BEGINS
On September 20, 1909, East Central held its frst day of classes and in honor of this day an entire week of festivities are underway.
SATURDAY, Sept. 19
2 p.m. - Volleyball vs Central Oklahoma
4 p.m. - Pat O’Neal Strength and Conditioning Center Dedication
4:30 p.m.- Centennial Family Day Tailgate Lawn North of Norris Field Parking Lot
6 p.m. - Centennial Football Game, vs Angelo State
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
2 - 4 p.m. - Departmental Open Houses
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23
3 p.m. - “Honoring ECU’s Veterans who have Served for Our First 100 Years” on the Honor Plaza
THURSDAY, Sept. 24
3 p.m. - President Hargrave Centennial Address Student Senate Time Capsule Ceremony Ice Cream Social on Centennial Plaza
FRIDAY, Sept. 25
3 – 3:45 p.m. - Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center Tours
4 – 5 p.m. - HBFFAC Dedication & Grand Opening
5 – 6:45 p.m. - HBFFAC Tours
7 p.m.- Inaugural Performance in the Ataloa Theatre ECU – A Year in the Life: Celebrating 100 **
SATURDAY, Sept. 26
5 – 6:45 p.m. - HBFFAC Tours
7 p.m. - Inaugural Performance in the Ataloa Theatre ECU – A Year in the Life: Celebrating 100 ** ** Tickets for both performances are free and should be picked up in advance at the University Center information desk. UC hours are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 6-10 p.m.
Seats are limited. To reserve tickets for will call window to be picked up the night of the performance, contact Susan Ingram at 580-559-5664 or singram@ ecok.edu.
ECU POSTS 5.6 PERCENT INCREASE THIS FALL
East Central University’s fall enrollment at is up by 5.6 percent over fall 2008. ECU has 4,633 undergraduate and graduate students this fall, or 244 more than a year ago.
PRESIDENT HARGRAVE PARTICIPATES IN THE WELCOME WEEK EVENTS
From leading the ECU Fight Song at Freshmen Orientation to riding the bull at the annual Block Party - President Hargrave greeted and welcomed hundreds of new faculty, staff and students to campus.
OVERFLOW CROWD HEARS WHITTEN, PANEL DISCUSS EFFECTS OF ADDICTIONS
Oklahoma City attorney Reggie Whitten and a panel including State Sen. Harry E. Coats Jr., District Judge Tom Landrith, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and Jessica Hawkins of the ODMHA spoke to a full house. Whitten told his family’s story to a crowd of nearly 200 students, faculty and professional counselors. More than 100 attendees had to be turned away, but ECU President John Hargrave said Whitten would return and present his program again for those who missed it.
CONGRESSMAN COLE VISITS ECU
A Town Hall meeting with Congressman Tom Cole was held at ECU’s Dorothy Summers Theatre to discuss health care reform.
ECU SHINES AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
President Hargrave met with several alums and distributed ECU gifts to potential students during one of the top rival high school football games in the state.
ECU, RUSSIAN UNIVERSITY EXCHANGING STUDENTS THIS SEMESTER
Valeriya Kazakevich and Ekaterina Sazonova of Moscow, Russia, and Richard Baughman of Ada are switching universities for the fall semester. The two women arrived in Ada the weekend before classes started at ECU, and Baughman left for the State University of Moscow on Sept. 12.
It’s all part of a Study Abroad agreement between the two universities. This is the frst exchange for each school.
ECU NAMED TOP MILITARY-FRIENDLY SCHOOL
G.I. Jobs magazine ranks ECU in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.
ECU has had a Veterans Upward Bound program for many years that prepares eligible veterans to enter or re-enter post-secondary programs in technical or vocational schools or colleges anywhere in the United States.
The university also recently received a new $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to continue its Veterans Workforce Investment Program. VWIP helps veterans overcome employment barriers and ease their transition into civilian careers. ECU hopes to serve 160 eligible veterans in 2009-10.
ECU COMPLETES SEVERAL NEW PROJECTS OVER THE SUMMER
Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
Taft Cafeteria remodel
Fentem Hall landscaping
Pat O’Neal Strength and Conditioning Center
Elvan George Building remodel
Voice over IP Telephone System
PASCHALL RECEIVES TOP HONORS
Distinguished Teaching Professor Dr. Jack W. Paschall was inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame on Aug. 29
NEW FACULTY AT ECU
President John Hargrave (front row, from left) poses with new East Central University faculty members
Wanda Martin, Phyllis Isaacs, Valerie McWhorter, Brianna Willis and Maria Maynard; (second row) Matthew Pierce, Staci Vollmer, Ann Riley, Linda Newcomer and Kristy Lankford; (third row) Riley Bailey, Dino Rosato, Heather Prentice, Jaime Elliott and Sheilynda Stewart; and (fourth row) Matt Storm, Justin Deason, Stephanie Canada, Rashad Jackson and Will McWhorter. Not shown are Andrei Ghenciu and Chris Shofner.
UPCOMING EVENTS
9/18/2009 - 9/26/2009
Centennial Celebration (see page 1 for details)
Dinner and a Movie 5 p.m., Cafeteria
It’s Kind of a Big Deal 7 p.m., Norris Field Parking Lot
Who knew that the class of 1915 would produce two of the most prominent alums in ECU’s history? Out of a class of 41 students, Ernest McFarland (back row, fourth from left) would go on to be the Governor of Arizona, 1955-1959. His political career also included serving as a United States Senator from 1941-1953 and serving on the Arizona supreme court from 1964-1970. He was also the author of the G.I. Bill.
Robert S. Kerr (back row, sixth from left) was in the same graduating class of 1915. Kerr served as the Governor of Oklahoma from 1943-1947. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1948 and served until his death on Jan. 1, 1963. One of Kerr’s legacies for the state of Oklahoma is a series of water projects and dams along the Arkansas River, known as the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MS. WHEELCHAIR OKLAHOMA
On Oct. 31 ECU graduate student Samantha Moreno was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma 20102011. Moreno recently earned her Human Services Counseling degree at ECU. She wants to assist individuals with impairments in the journey to independence by education and empowerment. She is also interested in starting a Power Soccer team for Oklahoma.
FAMILY TIES TO UNIVERSITY HELP FORM PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ECU PRESIDENT, ECU FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
Their families have had ties to East Central University and known each other for decades, but Phyllis Kunze and John Hargrave never met until this year.
Both feel they have established a solid partnership for strengthening the foundation and growing its assets to provide more scholarships to students and help meet other needs of the university.
“I think our families’ connections and love for East Central University over the last 70 years give both of us an added incentive to work together to increase the number of endowments and gifts to the foundation,” Kunze said.
“We understand,” Hargrave added, “that a foundation scholarship often can be the difference whether a student is able to fnish a college degree.
GOLF EVENT BENEFITS ECU FOUNDATION
A total of $26,572.03 was raised during the Mike and Leslie Dicus Memorial Golf Tournament recently. The funds beneft the ECU Foundation, which matched the contribution for a total of $53,144.06, which will be available as accounting scholarships.
HORACE MANN SOCIETY DEDICATION
Members of the Horace Mann Society pose with a new plaque commemorating the dedication of the Horace Mann Memorial and Centennial Scholarship. Names on the plaque include the charter members of the Horace Mann Society and others who have donated “in honor of” former Horace Mann faculty and students. The plaque will be displayed inside the Education Building. In addition, two new plaques have been placed on the south side of the P&ES Building that honors the original site of the Horace Mann School and the charter members of the Horace Mann Society.
VIRGIL TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND EST.
The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council presents a check to Phyllis Kunze for $3,345 which established the Virgil Taylor Scholarship.
SPONSORED PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED
President Hargrave, Dr. Charles Biles,Dr. Patrick Bohan, Dr. Carol Bridges, Dr. Carolyn Thomas, Dr. James Burke and Dr. Duane C. Anderson pose with a $37,381 check which represents 4 different ECU colleges and departments. Not pictured: Dr. Terry Cluck, Dr. Greg Plumb and Dr. Regina Robertson.
President Hargrave, Dr. Guy Sewell, Dr. Bruce Weems, Dr. Duane C. Anderson, Dr. James Burke and Dr. Scott Barton were among the ECU faculty that were recognized for the Salary Recovery Program efforts which total $25,130. Not pictured: Dr. Patrick Bohan, Dr. Anne Davis and Dr. Steve Fields.
MORE THAN 1,300 HS STUDENTS VISIT ECU
Last month ECU hosted the Little Dixie Music Contest and the Chalk Art Festival. Thousands of students from across the state participated in these annual events.
BANKING PARTNERS WERE RECOGNIZED
During half-time at a recent ECU football game ECU showed their appreciation to local banking partners.
PRESIDENT ATTENDS LOCAL HS GAMES
President Hargrave attended some of the top rival games in the state to meet ECU alums that supported Ada, Ardmore, Sulphur, Davis and McAlester football teams.
SUPPORTING UNITED WAY
Frank Williams and President Hargrave proudly display their support for United Way and its mission to support the community.
INAUGURAL EVENT ON CENTENNIAL PLAZA
The Arts District of Ada held the frst event on ECU’s Centennial Plaza - Arts and Ice Cream Social. Numerous vendors and spectators enjoyed the art, activities and ice cream.
SEVERAL NATIONAL AND LOCAL SPEAKERS VISIT
ECU
Bill Bridgwater (right photo/center), ECU grad and Alzheimer’s patient and ECU 2009 Outstanding Alum.
Brian Grimm, Oklahoma’s 2009 Teacher of the Year, as part of the Marvin Stokes Endowed Lectureship
Reggie Whitten, Oklahoma City attorney who spoke to an overfow crowd at ECU last August about his son’s drug addiction and death, returned to the campus.
Dr. John Bacon, the systems integration engineer for NASA’s International Space Station Program, spoke as part of the Homecoming Physics Reunion Celebrating 100 Years of Physics at ECU.
Chad Wilkerson, Vice President and Economist at Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve.
Dr. John Hibbing, controversial political science professor will deliver the Lou Watkins Endowed Lecture at 12:30 p.m. Friday in the Oklahoma Room.
Ambassador Charles Blackwell, a 1964 graduate of ECU, will discuss “The Three R’s of Three C’s”, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ataloa Theatre
Hibbing and Blackwell’s presentations are part of the Oklahoma Political Science Association’s annual meeting being held at ECU.
Taylor Mali, a nationally known slam poet and teacher, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 as part of the Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival in the Dorothy Summers Theatre.
GO TIGERS! BEAT SOUTHEASTERN
Moment in ECU History
In 1993, East Central University enhanced its distance learning capabilities with the installation of a satellite dish that allowed for broadcasting and/or downloading of classes between ECU’s campus and other colleges and universities. The use of the Internet, however, outpaced the need for ITV classrooms and in 2005 ECU announced they would not add any more ITV classrooms preferring instead to offer more classes online with limited classroom time.
UPCOMING EVENTS
11/6/2009
Lou Watkins Lecture, 12:30 p.m., Oklahoma Room
This Is It, 7 p.m., UC
11/7/2009
Fall into ECU, 11 a.m., Briles Hall
Football, 2 p.m.
Service Saturday, 9:15 a.m., CL&L Offce
11/9/2009
SPRING WALK-IN ENROLLMENT BEGINS
11/11/2009
Career Day, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ballroom
11/12/2009
Melody Baggech and Starla Hibler Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m., Arts and Heritage Center
11/15/2009
Pianist Hughes LeClere, 3 p.m., Arts and Heritage Center
11/19/2009
FCS Fashion Show, 7 p.m., Wagner Ballroom
11/20/2009
International Dinner, 6 p.m., Wagner Ballroom
Opera - “Old Maid and the Thief / The Medium”, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
11/21/2009
Lowak Shoppala, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
Opera - “Old Maid and the Thief / The Medium”, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
11/22/2009
Lowak Shoppala, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
Starla Hibler and Guests, Mendelssohn Concert, 7:30 p.m., Arts and Heritage Center
11/23/2009
ECU Singers and Chorale, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church
