Spring enrollment at ECU is up by 3 percent compared to spring enrollment one year ago. This is the sixth semester in a row that ECU’s enrollment has been higher than the previous comparable semester.
Enrollment for the 2011 Spring Semester is 4,662 students.
“ A Conversation with Justice Rudolph Hargrave” is the title of the 2011 Lou Watkins Lecture. The lecture will be on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre. Hargrave received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from ECU in 1989 and he served on the Oklahoma Supreme Court from 1978 to 2011. This public address will be his first since retiring from the bench. Justice Hargrave will be introduced and interviewed during this program by John Williams, executive director of the Oklahoma Bar Association and a graduate of ECU. For more information, contact Christine Pappas at 559-5640.
ECU ADMINISTRATORS MEET WITH US REP. COLE
Meeting with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (third from left) in his Washington, D.C., office are East Central University President John Hargrave (far right); Dr. Steve Turner (left), ECU vice president for administration and finance; and Amber Pollard, a field representative for Cole. The ECU administrators talked with Cole about issues important to ECU.
SOUTHEAST REGION LEGISLATIVE TOUR
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s 2011 Legislative Tour was a great success. More than 70 elected officials, regents, trustees and academic leaders throughout the southeast gathered in Krebs to hear OSRHE Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. The chancellor shared the importance and success of higher education in Oklahoma.
HONORING OF BILL COLE
One of the three major buildings constructed at ECU during the presidency of Dr. Bill S. Cole was formally dedicated in his honor on his birthday on Nov. 29.
The Estep Multimedia Center was packed as Dr. Cole was remembered. Speakers at the ceremony included OSRHE Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, RUSO Regent Joanna Hibler, ECU President John Hargrave and his sons, who represented Cole’s family.
ECU’S EIGHTH PRESIDENT INAUGURATED
John R. Hargrave was inaugurated as ECU’s eighth president on. Nov. 19.
Hundreds of Hargrave’s friends, family and community members were on hand to celebrate the special day. Connie Reilly, chair of the RUSO Board of Regents, delivered the charge of leadership. The symbols of office were presented by Reilly, Chancellor Glen D. Johnson and Regent Mike Mitchel.
WHITTEN ADDRESSES DECEMBER GRADUATES
An award-winning attorney who works to stop drug and alcohol abuse among young people and also helps impoverished people in Africa delivered the memorable commencement address. Reggie Whitten, co-founder and managing partner of the Whitten Burrage law firm in Oklahoma City, spoke to 262 bachelor’s degree candidates and 108 master’s degree candidates and their families.
Whitten also is the co-founder of the Whitten-Newman Foundation, which helps children realize their potential, Pros for Africa and Pros for Vets.
MARVIN STOKES ENDOWED LECTURE
Area Teachers of the Year meet with Elizabeth Smith (center, front row), the 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, also Byng’s Teacher of the Year and an ECU graduate, before she spoke at ECU’s Marvin Stokes Endowed Lectureship.
‘JERRY ANDERSON NIGHT’
ECU held ‘Jerry Anderson Appreciation Night’ on Jan. 19. Coach Anderson served as ECU men’s basketball coach from 1967-78 and then filled the role of athletic director from 1978-82.
During his coaching tenure, Anderson was named NAIA District 9 Coach of the Year for 1970-71 and guided the Tigers to three District 9 titles in 1970, 1971 and 1975. As a result of the district championships, ECU participated in three NAIA national tournaments under Anderson’s direction
MLK REMEMBERED
ECU students re-enacted a sit-in in honor of MLK and Smart Start South Central sponsored an internationally known expert, Jerry Tello, in the areas of culturally based violence prevention, strengthening families and community mobilization.
ECU JOINS GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE
ECU is now a member of the Great American Conference. ECU joins a nine-member league that includes six NCAA Division II universities from Arkansas and three from Oklahoma.
The nine member institutions are ECU, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma and in Arkansas, Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Harding University in Searcy, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
FOOTBALL ENDS ON A HIGH
It was a turnaround of gigantic and magnificent proportions for the ECU football program in 2010.
The Tigers, coming off a 0-11 finish in 2009 and predicted to finish in the cellar of the Lone Star Conference North Division, silenced the critics by grabbing a share of the LSC North crown at 5-1 and finishing at 5-6 overall.
ECU
Postseason Awards
Tim McCarty - LSC North Coach of the Year Armonty Bryant - LSC North Defensive Lineman of the Year Carlos Savala - LSC North Offensive Lineman of the Year Bryant and Dontae Smith - All-LSC North First.
FEED THE FAMILIES
The ECU Fellowship of Christian Athletes, under the direction of State Rep. Todd Thomsen and the ECU Athletic Department, held their third annual ‘Feed the Families’ event. The event helped 100 needy families from Ada and the surrounding communities receive a complimentary Thanksgiving meal.
THREE GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS!
60 PIANISTS PERFORMING
Sixty pianists of all ages and abilities from the Ada area will present a unique concert Jan. 23 at ECU, with as many as 16 pianists performing at the same time on eight pianos.
The ECU Department of Music, in conjunction with the 2011 worldwide celebration of Collaborative Music, will present the Piano Ensemble Concert at 2:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The concert is being coordinated by ECU music instructor W.T. Skye Garcia and has been officially registered with the Music Teacher’s National Association.
SOUTH PACIFIC
ECU Theatre presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific Feb. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre. The production is directed by graduate student Vickie Reifsnyder. Please contact the ECU Theatre at 559-5600 for ticket info.
DALLAS BRASS - AMERICAN MUSICAL JOURNEY
Dallas Brass will perform at ECU on March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre. Tickets are $10 for the public and $8 for students and ECU faculty and staff.
This program incorporates a full complement of brass and percussion for a musical travelogue through American history. There is definitely “something for everybody.”
‘TASTE OF UKRAINE’
ECU offered a unique dining experience -- “Taste of Ukraine,” which included borsch and dumplings prepared by three officials from International Christian University in Kiev, Ukraine.
The Ukrainians, including the president of the university, also provided cooking demonstrations.
Campus Update January 2011
STUDENTS ATTEND CONFERENCE
Eight political science and legal studies majors at ECU attended the American Association of Political Consultants Academic Outreach Conference at the University of Akron in November to learn about careers in politics. They were mentored by professional political consultants and heard panels on campaigns and elections.
NOYCE TEACHERS RECOGNIZED
The first recipients of $10,000 Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships at ECU are Laura Johnson (front row, from left) of Holdenville, Jessica Pitts of Winter Haven, Fla., Tabitha Heaton of Noble and Erin Fixico of Konawa, with Dr. Janet Wansick and (back row) Dr. Robert Ferdinand, and James Gordon of Ada, Cody Barlow of Hartshorne and Seth Barkhimer of Wewoka. Not shown is Jeffery Spears of Ada. ECU is the only university in Oklahoma ever to receive the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant. After the recipients graduate, they will teach high school mathematics for six years in a “high-need” school district in Oklahoma.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR OVERSEAS MILITARY
The Veterans Assistance and the Admissions and Records Offices at ECU asked people to sign Christmas cards that were be sent to military personnel serving overseas.
CHILI COOKOFF AIDS ADA BOYS, GIRLS CLUB
The annual chili cookoff held by ECU’s fraternities and sororities joined together to raise money for the Ada Boys and Girls Club.
ART AUCTION
Works of art by ECU alumni and faculty members were auctioned off to raise money for scholarships in ECU’s Art Department. The auction was held at Loretta Yin’s Ninth Street Studio.
ECU FOUNDATION INC.
RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
ADA ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION
The Ada Artist’s Association has transferred $15,000 that their members have raised over the years for scholarships to the ECU Foundation Inc.
The Ada Artists’ Association Loretta Yin Centennial Scholarship goes to an upper level art major. Pictured: Phyllis Kunze, Dr. Brad Jessop, Loretta Yin, Dr. Gerald Williamson and Dr. Rosemary Benya.
ADA HIGH CLASS OF 1970
The creation of the Ada High School Class of 1970 Centennial Endowment Scholarship was announced at its 40th class reunion with an initial donation of $7,500. This scholarship is for Ada High School students who plan to attend ECU. AHS class of 1970 pictured: Dan Asklund; Phyllis Kunze, executive director of the ECU Foundation Inc. and AHS class member; Jim Rice; LaDona Hill and Bob Cantrell.
FRANK & RUTH KENNON
The Frank and Ruth Kennon Scholarship was established in memory of former ECU Football Hall-of-Famer Frank Kennon. Kennon coached high school athletics for 36 years and was inducted into the National High School Coaches’ Hall of Fame. The scholarship will assist a football player who has used up all athletic scholarship funds but needs financial assistance to complete a degree to become a football coach. Ruth Kennon (right) is pictured with Phyllis Kunze and Dr. Gerald Williamson.
W.E. & MINNIE MARTIN
This scholarship was established by W.E. and Minnie Martin’s grandchildren, Pete and Jackie Duncan (left) and Don and Maria Martin, to defray the cost of books for ECU students from Pontotoc or Seminole Counties. Also Shown is Phyllis Kunze.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/23/2011
ECU Piano Ensembles Concert 2:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
1/24/2011
Nick and Chris Geisler Senior Recital 7:30 p.m., Ada Arts and Heritage Center
Women’s Basketball vs Northeastern State 6 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Northeastern State 8 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
2/1/2011
Stalking Awareness SeminarWhat you should know about stalking. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Estep
Mentors in Violence Prevention 6:30 p.m., Ballroom
2/3/2011
Christina Kushnick Senior Recital 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church
2/5/2011
Service Saturday
Women’s Basketball vs Texas Woman’s 2 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Rhema Bible 4 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
2/6/2011
Baseball vs St. Gregory’s noon & 2:30 p.m., Baseball Field
2/8/2011
Mentors in Violence Prevention 6:30 p.m., Ballroom
Interscholastic Meet 9 a.m.-noon
2/10/2011
Fatal Flaw, presented by ACT II 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
ECU Mission
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society.
Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
BARRESI CONGRATULATES TEACHER OF THE YEAR
During the January RUSO Board meeting at ECU,Janet Barresi (left), state superintendent of public instruction and new RUSO board member, congratulated Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and ECU alum Elizabeth Smith. Smith has taught at Byng Junior High for nine years and has 17 years’ experience in education.
HIGHER ED DAY
Hundreds of university leaders and students gathered at the state Capitol on Higher Ed Day, Feb. 22, to promote the value and importance of higher education in Oklahoma.
DALLAS BRASS
Dallas Brass will perform at ECU at 7 p.m., March 4 in the Ataloa Theatre. Tickets are $10 for the public and $8 for students and ECU faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ecok.edu or at the box office the night of the show. There is a $2 per ticket transaction fee for online and/or credit card sales.
ECU NIGHT IN McALESTER SET FOR MARCH 7
Students, prospective students, alumni and friends of ECU are invited to the ECU Night in McAlester, scheduled for March 7. The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the student lounge of the Wanda Bass Building at the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College.
February 2011
ECU GRADUATE ENROLLMENT CONTINUES TO CLIMB
This year ECU has more students than ever, but in the past five years the growth in the number of graduate students has outpaced everything. Graduate students now make up 1/5 of ECU’s student population. During the past several semesters it was not unusual for some graduate classes to max out on the first day of enrollment.
Why the increase? Some of this is due in part to the wide variety of graduate programs added at ECU. Currently, ECU offers 18 different master’s options.
ECU SELECTED FOR “OKLAHOMA PROJECT GREEN” FUNDING
ECU is one of six Oklahoma workforce training programs selected for financial support in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant to train Oklahomans for careers in emerging “green” industries such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The Southern Oklahoma Green Jobs Consortium at ECU was awarded $255,840. This will allow 200 participants to receive training with LEED Green Associate, Photovoltaic Systems Technology Technician, Weatherization Unemployed Worker or Weatherization Worker Enhancement.
Save the Date
An Evening of Honors and Recognition 6 p.m., April 8, 2011
Stanley P. Wagner Ballroom
SNOW DAYS
Oklahoma has experienced a great deal of bad weather this year. The ECU campus, along with several surrounding schools and businesses, was closed for several days.
For the first time, students were notified directly from the university. Last fall ECU announced that students could sign up for text messaging. So when school was closed, each student who enrolled received the text message first and were very pleased with the service.
LOUISE YOUNG DIVERSITY LECTURE
Max Glauben, Holocaust survivor, will be the guest speaker at the third annual Louise Young Diversity lecture Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theater. The event is free and open to the public.
Photo courtesy of the Dallas Holocaust Museum
INTERNATIONAL BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT
The ECU International Student Connection Club and Global Education Office will present an International Banquet and Entertainment to raise money for international students’ scholarships for fall 2011, on Friday, Feb. 25, from 7 - 9 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church. Food from 10 different countries will be served.
THREE INDUCTED INTO ECU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
ECU recently inducted three new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame.
Former baseball players Eddie Collins (left to right), Mike Fairchild and longtime public address announcer John Smith for meritorious service.
ECU NIGHT WITH THE THUNDER
Several ECU families attended the OKC Thunder game. Some of the kids participated in “On the Court Program” and got to go on the court before the game started.
ECU HOLDS TIGER CONNECTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Hundreds of high school students visited campus for Tiger Connection on Feb. 23. Future students did everything from take a campus tour to sit in a real college classroom. It was the perfect opportunity to learn about what it’s like to be a college student at ECU.
NEW MISS ADA CROWNED
Entertainment will be provided by international students, featuring dance, African percussion, video and slide presentations of ISCC activities and a medley of cultural songs. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for children and ECU students with ID. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Global Education Office located in room 160 of the Administration Building and also at the door on the day of the event.
Congratulations to the 2011 Miss Ada, Lacy Newport. Newport is a sophomore at ECU majoring in family and consumer sciences.
Page 3
LEAH LYON WINS NATIONAL CONTEST
Leah Lyon, project director of two federal grants at East Central University and an ECU graduate, recently won another national cooking contest, the Cacique Go Autentico Recipe Contest, which was televised on the Cooking Channel. She will select between a week-long trip for two to Napa Valley and a five-day Culinary Institute of America Boot Camp vacation – or $5,000 in cash.
She has been a serious competitor for about nine years and enters between 50 and 60 contests each year. So far, she’s won close to $75,000 in cash, prizes and trips.
MUSICAL “SOUTH PACIFIC” A SUCCESS
Audiences left singing the songs from the successful production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” directed by Vickie Reifsnider. The Ataloa Theatre was filled each night as the production, with several memorable songs, told the story of Americans stationed on a Pacific island during World War II. In addition to an extraordinary score, the musical had comedy, danger, drama and an exotic locale. It also explores racial prejudices, an unusual topic for a 1949 musical.
Campus Update February 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS
2/25/2011
Baseball vs Angelo State 2 p.m., Baseball Field
French Film Festival, 4 p.m., Estep Multimedia Center
International Banquet, 7-9 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church, 123 N. Mississippi
“The Simple Truth,” presented by Act II 7 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
2/26/2011
“The Simple Truth,” presented by Act II 7 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
Oklahoma Community Orchestra 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
Baseball vs Angelo State Noon & 2:30 p.m., Baseball Field
2/27/2011
“The Simple Truth,” presented by Act II 2 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre
3/2/2011
Lip Sync Contest, 7 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
3/4/2011
Dallas Brass, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
3/5/2011
Service Saturday
Softball vs Oklahoma Panhandle State 1 & 3 p.m., Softball Field
Serbian Concert Pianist, Milica Jelača Jovanović 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
Alumni Reunions
Dallas: March 25
Houston: April 3
McAlester: April 15
Tulsa: April 29
Ardmore: May 13
Bricktown Bash: June 4
Ada: August 12
Wewoka: TBA
ECU Mission
alumni.ecok.edu
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
April 2011
ECU OFFERING TRAINING FOR ‘GREEN JOBS’
A $255,840 “Oklahoma Green” grant awarded to ECU, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, will train, certify and place up to 200 workers who will become eligible for “green jobs” in energy efficiency and renewable energy occupations.
The free courses will be offered throughout the year in Ada, Ardmore and Durant. The consortium includes ECU, the Southern Oklahoma Workforce Board, Chickasaw Nation Career Services, Dr. Green Energy, Byng and Ada Schools and Pontotoc Technology Ctr.
BENGALS’ ROY WILLIAMS SPEAKS AT ECU
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Roy Williams joined Reggie Whitten, the founder of FATE (Fighting Addiction Through Education), at ECU to speak about the reality of substance abuse.
Three awards were also given at the event to Judge Tom Landrith, ECU senior John Gaines and Mike Smith for their character and support.
ECU’s Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery hosted the program on “Substance Abuse: Perception vs. Reality.”
SPRING
FOOTBALL!!!
The ECU Tiger Football team began spring drills last month. The annual Orange & Black game will be held on April 23 at 2 p.m.
TAMING OF THE SHREW
ECU Theatre performed William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” on April, 15 & 16 in the Ataloa Theatre.
PASCHALL, SMITH, ROBINSON INDUCTED IN KEEFER EDUCATORS HALL OF FAME AT ECU
Dr. Jack Paschall, retired ECU professor; Elizabeth Smith, 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year; and Stella Robinson, early-day ECU graduate, were inducted into ECU’s Gene and Evelyn Keefer Educators Hall of Fame.
ECU ALUMS AND FACULTY TO DISPLAY WORK IN NYC
Benrimon Contemporary, prominent art gallery in New York City, is pleased to announce a group exhibition that examines the impact of a small liberal arts college on the contemporary art world.
RED COUNTRY PICTURES is curated by Bradley Jessop, ECU director of fine arts, and Justin Irvin, ECU Alum. This exhibition will feature works on paper, paintings and sculptures from 11 artists who are all linked to East Central University. The exhibit will open May 12, 2011.
ECU YEARBOOKS NOW ON SALE!
The 2011 Pesagi Yearbook is on sale for just $45. Visit www.ecok.edu/yearbook to get your copy today - supplies are limited!
STAND FOR THE SILENT
How can you help stop bullying in our community? The Stand For The Silent (SFTS) program addresses the issue of school bullying with an engaging, factual and emotional methodology. Through the efforts of Kirk Smalley, father of a son who committed suicide due to bullying, and SFTS director Francie Moss, those attending will be shown first-hand the life-and-death consequences of bullying as well as how we can prevent it. The presentation will be Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre. The event is free and open to the public
LOCAL STUDENTS, TEACHERS & MUSICIANS CROWD THE ECU HALLS
Each year ECU hosts many annual events to give area junior high and high school students opportunities to compete and learn.
Eight high school students had their papers certified at Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science meet at ECU, all progressed to the state OJAS meet.
ECU recently hosted the Regional Science Fair which gave students the opportunity to compete at the state level.
ECU hosted the Oklahoma State Science & Engineering Fair and the Oklahoma Jr. Academy of Science this year. Over 237 projects were completed by 261 junior and high school students.
During the performance of the Dallas Brass two high schools had the opportunity to learn and perform with the group - Ada and Southmoore High School Bands.
ECU hosted the annual Vocal Music Contest in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Singers had the opportunity to perform on the state of the art Ataloa Theatre stage.
KERR ACTIVITIES CENTER WAS HOME TO TWO UNIQUE EVENTS THIS MONTH
All Nations Pow Wow was held on April 2. Kerr Dome was overflowing with Native American heritage. Vision Bank’s Relay for Life’s Donkey Basketball fund raiser was held on April 5. President Hargrave and Vision Bank President Jim Hamby had the job of cleaning up after the donkeys.
SIXTH
ANNUAL SCISSORTAIL CREATIVE WRITING FESTIVAL
More than 50 regional, published and emerging authors made presentations during the three-day festival at ECU. Hundreds of literary enthusiasts attended.
RUSSIAN TEA ROOM
Exchange students from Kiev National University of Linguistics entertained Oklahomans at ECU’s Russian Tea Room. The event was sponsored by the Global Education Committee and Russian Studies Program.
STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VISITS
John Doak, 12th Insurance Commissioner of Oklahoma visited with President Hargrave to discuss future health care needs.
BOSWELL LECTURER
ECU
Graham Towerton, a chemical engineer and entrepreneur who believes biofuels could represent between 20 and 50 percent of energy use in the United States, spoke at ECU’s annual Boswell Lecture. He discussed “BiofuelsPast, Present and Future.”
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR TOUCHES LIVES
The Ataloa Theatre was packed with attendees of all ages to hear the inspirational story of Holocaust survivor Max Glauben. The event was part of the Louise Young Diversity Lecture and was sponsored by the ECU Diversity Committee.
BOOK SIGNING FOR ‘PHILOSOPHY OF THE WESTERN’
The Linscheid Library Academic Friends hosted a book signing for two of the contributors and the editors of “The Philosophy of the Western,” a collection of essays focused mainly on western films, specifically the American western. Editors are Dr. Jennifer L. McMahon, chair of ECU’s English and Languages Department, and her husband, Steve Csaki, an independent scholar and part-time instructor at ECU. Contributors are Dr. Ken Hada and Dr. Robin Murphy, faculty members in ECU’s Department of English and Languages.
OKLA. INTERCOLLEGIATE HONOR BAND SELECTS STUDENTS
Nine music students from ECU were selected for the 2011 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band which performed as part of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association convention recently in Tulsa.
ECU NIGHT IN McALESTER
Current and prospective students, along with former students and friends of ECU enjoyed many laughs at ECU Night in McAlester. ECU offers several courses at the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College.
TRiO DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Senior students from ECU’s
Upward Bound Program pause in the state capitol during TRiO Day.
BIG PLANS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL SPIRIT
New Director of Campus Life and Leadership Ron Williams is ready to “Get Things Poppin’” at ECU. Williams has 10 years of student affairs experience through his work at Delaware State University, the University of Florida, West Virginia University, Genesee Community College and the State University of New York at Brockport.
ORANGE CRUSH WEEK AT ECU
The annual faculty, staff, student softball game was out of the park this year.
Several organizations participated in the annual Lip Sync Contest as part of the Orange Crush festivities. The ladies of Alpha Gamma Delta celebrate their victory.
President Hargrave fell short this year and came in second at the President’s Pool Tournament.
WELCOME TO ECU
Daniel Welch, Programmer System Analyst
Christopher Mays, Custodian
Peggy Saunkeah, CIRCAW Coordinator
Jamie Holt, Degree Audit Assistant
Christina Carter, Alumni Secretary/Receptionist
Chelsea Baker, Librarian/Instructor
Jonathan Beauchamp, Custodian
Tammy Hayes, Degree Audit Assistant
Colton Madron, Custodian
Brandi Brasiel, Health Services Secretary
Lindsey East, Child Development Ctr. Lead Teacher
DR. ELMER BROWN DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY
JEFF FREDERICK
2011 DISTINGUISHED FORMER FACULTY
THE BULMAN FAMILY DISTINGUISHED FAMILY
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE STEPHANIE CANADA & ELIZABETH SMITH
THE HORNE FAMILY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
2011 CENTENNIAL ENDOWMENT
DONALD G. STAFFORD
GIL AND JEANINE MORGAN
MARY DEMKE GIRLS’ STATE
DENNIS BOE
MASONIC CHARITY FOUNDATION OF OKLA.
ADA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1970
MARK STRINGFIELD
VINITA JUNE (SHIRLEY) OLIVER
ADA ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATIONLORETTA YIN
TREASE LAYTON PHYSICS
UPCOMING EVENTS
4/18/2011 – 4/20/2011
Art Show - 56th Annual Student Show, Pogue Art Gallery
4/18/2011
GOLD Program Military Banquet, 6 p.m., Ballroom Spring Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
4/19/2011 - 4/21/2011
State Instrumental Ensembles, HBFFAC
4/19/2011
George Nigh Award Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Ballroom
Softball vs Bacone 2 & 4 p.m., softball field Stand for the Silent, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
FREE End Polio Now Benefit Concert sponsored by Rotaract Club, 6:30 p.m., Centennial Plaza, HBFFAC
5/2/2011 - 5/6/2011
FINAL EXAMS
Textbook Buyback, ECU Bookstore
ECU Mission
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society.
Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
June 2011
ECU TO TAKE PART IN OKLAHOMA GREEN EXPO
ECU’s Dr. Doug Weirick and Dr. Guy Sewell will present workshops at the 2011 Oklahoma Green Expo which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24 & 25, at the Pontotoc County Agriplex.
NASCAR sensation Leilani Munter and State Secretary of Environment Gary Sherrer will be the keynote speakers Friday evening at ECU’s Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
The expo has five themes: Home and Garden, Business and Industry, Community, Lifestyle and Agriculture.
ECU STUDENTS CAN CARPOOL THIS SUMMER
ECU is kicking off a carpooling program to help cut transportation costs for students, staff and faculty who live outside Ada.
The Web-based carpooling program is open only to the ECU community. Participants can sign up for potential carpool partners with similar class schedules, work schedules and commuting preferences on ECU’s website at www.ecok.edu/carpool.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ECU administrators continue to work with architects Miles and Associates on the planning of the new Conference Center/School of Business. The project is on target for a fall ground breaking.
TOM COLE ATTENDS VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY AT ECU
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole attended ECU’s Veterans Appreciation Day in May. A number of displays and workshops provided information to veterans, active duty military and National Guard and Reserve members and their families. Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon spoke to a crowd in ECU’s Estep Multimedia Center. She is now Oklahoma’s secretary for veterans affairs.
Patriot Guard Riders also attended and displayed a military tribute bike. Its members volunteer, if invited, to attend funeral services of fallen military members to show their respect and shield families and friends from interruptions from protestors.
BETTY PARHAM RECEIVES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM ECU
Betty Ely Parham was named the Entrepreneur of the Year at ECU’s annual Leonard Limes Endowed Lecture in Entrepreneurship. A luncheon was held to celebrate her nearly 65 years in the credit profession.
Parham is the owner of the Credit Bureau of Ada. Thirteen years ago she also acquired the collection departments from credit bureaus in McAlester and Durant, and just this January she purchased the Credit Bureau of Ardmore, both its collections department and credit reporting brokerage.
ECU FINE ARTS SEASON TICKETS
ECU 2011-2012 Fine Arts season tickets are on sale now. The season features more than 25 events including all ECU theatre, dance, vocal & instrumental music performances; art shows, both ECU and noted artists; Andy Gross, comedian, magician and ventriloquist; Jim Peterik, singer and songwriter whose hits include The Eye of the Tiger by Survivor and Vehicle by the Ides of March; Nobodies of Comedy, big name comedy without the price; Franc D’Ambrosio, Phantom of the Opera’s Man in the Iron Mask; and Black Violin, a hip-hop/classical fusion violin duo.
Season tickets are $111.12. Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information call 580-5595353.
SUMMER CAMPS UNDERWAY
ECU hosts many camps during the summer. Students from all over the state find their way to Ada. Some upcoming camps include Cheerleading, Football Basketball, Volleyball, Upward Bound and the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy.
ONE BUSY SUMMER
Several renovation and construction projects are underway across campus this summer. The City of Ada’s Main Street projects are adding a nice median and walkways near the entrance to the campus.
BWI OFFICIALLY OPENS
A ribbon cutting hosted by the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce officially opened the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction & Recovery at East Central University. Pictured are Holli Witherington (from left), the institute’s executive director; ECU President John Hargrave; Reggie Whitten, who established the BWI at ECU to educate students and others about substance abuse and addictions; and Jim Priest, executive director of Fighting Addiction Through Education (FATE), which also was established by Whitten. Reggie Whitten is the father of the late Brandon Whitten who fought addictions to prescription drugs and alcohol before dying in a motorcycle crash in 2002 at the age of 25.
EIGHT MORE YEARS!
The Commission on Accreditation (COA) of the Council on Social Work has voted to reaffirm ECU’s social work program’s accreditation for the next eight years, through June 2019.
Dr. Carol J. Bridges, professor of human resources, Linscheid distinguished teaching professor and director of the social work program, coordinated the self study and site visit that preceded the reaccreditation.
EVENT HELD FOR NIKKI STONECIPHER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
From new windows to painting stripes on parking lots, from adding a new irrigation system to resurfacing floors, the ECU Physical Plant and some private contractors are working hard to bring updates to ECU’s campus.
More than 120 golfers convened at Oak Hills Golf & Country Club for the sixth annual Nikki Stonecipher Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Scramble. Proceeds from the scramble go directly to a fund established at the ECU Foundation Inc. in Nikki Stonecipher’s name. Nikki and her parents, Brent and Tina Stonecipher, were killed in a tragic plane accident on July 24, 2005. Pictured with President Hargrave and the foundation’s executive director, Phyllis Danley, are Harland and Shirley Stonecipher, and both the past and current Nikki Stonecipher scholarship recipients.
Campus Update June 2011
DR. TIM GREEN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Alums, community members and ECU supporters attended the 2011 Dr. Tim Green Memorial Golf Tournament. President Hargrave gives Dr. Gil Morgan a token of his appreciation at the tournament. Dr. Green died in April.
ECU FOOTBALL PLAYERS LEND-A-HAND
ECU Football players and coaches volunteer to help families in the Chickasha area clean up after the devastating tornados of May 24, 2011.
STUDY ABROAD
This summer several students experienced Russian and Ukrainian culture and history. The class toured two East Slavic countries and their three major cities.
They enjoyed the richness of Moscow, the capital of Russia, with its Kremlin treasures, churches and parks.
VVRH RECOGNIZED AS A GREAT PARTNER
Recognized for their successful collaboration to further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce are representatives of ECU and Valley View Regional Hospital. Dr. Glen D. Johnson (from left), chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, is shown with ECU representatives Dr. Rick Wetherill, Dr. Steve Turner and ECU President John Hargrave; and Valley View representatives Todd Essary, Belinda Runnells and Gini Lewis; Dr. Shelley Ross Hamby of ECU; and the Honorable Dave Lopez, state secretary of commerce and tourism.
INGRAM RECEIVES FIRST KROEKER AWARD
Susan Ingram of Ada accepts the Dr. Marvin Kroeker Annual Best Historical Research Paper Award from Kroeker, a retired ECU history professor. She is the first person to win the $300 award which Kroeker established last year for the ECU student with the best paper in history and/ or Native American studies. Ingram wrote her graduate thesis about Louise Hornbeak, who taught history at ECU from 1923 to 1967, and her two sisters, also long-time teachers.
ECU STUDENT RECEIVES NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOW AWARD
Stefany Stewart of Paoli, a junior at ECU, is one of 135 students from 30 states honored as Newman Civic Fellows by Campus Compact. The award recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.
ECU STUDENTS CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL PROGRAM
Two junior political science majors, Joe Trail and Conner Alford, were chosen to participate in the 2011 Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of North Texas. The two were selected for 10 slots among 150 applicants nationwide. They are the first two ECU students to be selected for this program.
MEDCALF NAMED i2E FELLOW
Laura Medcalf of Ada, a senior at ECU, is one of six college students from across the state named i2E Fellows – and the only student selected from a regional university. She will do web marketing with a specialty pharmaceutical company for 10 weeks this summer.
ECU PRESIDENT MEETS WITH NEW PLC STUDENTS
President Hargrave recently met with some of the fall 2011 members of the President’s Leadership Class.
ECU POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR CHOSEN TO ATTEND N.E.W.
Sarah Erwin, an ECU junior political science major, was selected to represent ECU at the National Education for Women conference. The 2011 N.E.W. Leadership program was held May 20 – 24 at OU.
The leadership program is part of the N.E.W. Leadership National Network at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
EDUCATION PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARD
Dr. Marty Pennington (center), assistant professor of education at East Central University, receives the Outstanding Conference Award for 2011 from the Great Plains Region of the Association for Continuing Higher Education. The award was for “Best Conference” for the Kaleidoscope and Science Spectacular events presented by ECU’s Education Department and Center of Continuing Education. Dr. Robin Plumb (left), chair of the awards committee, and Charlee Lanis, chair of the association and coordinator of ECU’s Community Education Program, presented the award. The conference was held in Muskogee.
DR. WATSON-MAILE HONORED
Family and consumer sciences professor
Dr. Diana Watson-Maile was awarded the FCCLA State Honorary Membership Award at the Oklahoma Future Career and Community Leaders of America State Conference in recognition of her service to Oklahoma FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
ECU Mission
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
July 2011
ECU ADMINISTRATORS RETREAT
ECU Administrators prepare for the future. On July 14 &15 several ECU faculty and staff met at the Chickasaw National Cultural Center in Sulphur. The team worked on:
Relationship Building
Strategic Planning
Succession Development
The Higher Learning Commission visit and Enrollment Management
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ROUND-UP
ECU President’s Circle met for an evening of entertainment, complete with great food, entertainment and prizes. President Hargrave (right) presents alum Clayton Lodes of Ardmore a CASE knife courtesy of Zane’s Knifes in Tupelo, Okla.
ECU’S TUITION INCREASE AMONG LOWEST OF REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
The OSRHE approved a 5 percent tuition increase for ECU students for the 2011-12 academic year. ECU did not raise any student fees. President Hargrave said ECU’s tuition increase is among the lowest of the six universities that make up the Regional University System of Oklahoma. ECU’s Student Senate supported the tuition increase, he said.
SOLAR PANELS
ECU recently constructed an on-campus training lab to teach about solar panels. Dr. Doug Weirick and Dr. Guy Sewell were recipients of the grant used to provide this hands-on learning opportunity.
THOUSANDS OF CAMPERS ON CAMPUS THIS SUMMER
The Chickasaw Nation’s Summer Arts Academy is the latest camp to be held on campus. Other camps include tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football.
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
FORBES NAMED ECU’S VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Jerry Forbes became ECU’s vice president for student development on July 1. Forbes formerly served as the dean of students at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. He was hired as ATU’s first associate dean and director of retention services in 2005 specifically to oversee and improve student retention rates. During his tenure, ATU experienced an increase of almost 1,200 students, a 40 percent increase in students living on campus and a 7 percent increase in retaining firstyear students.
ECU NAMES PIERSON ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr. Katricia Guyn Pierson became ECU’s assistant vice president for academic affairs on July 1. Pierson had been associate dean of academic assessment since 2008 at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. She had taught at William Woods since 2004 and held the rank of associate professor of English. She also was chair of the Science and Humanities Division.
HLC INVITES THIRD-PARTY COMMENT
ECU will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university to: Public Comment on East Central University, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, or submit comments electronically at www.ecok.edu/ self_study/comments. Written, signed comments must be received by Sept. 30, 2011.
ECU WINS AWARDS AT STATE CONFERENCE
Five awards were presented to members of ECU’s Communications and Marketing Department at the state conference of the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association.
ECU won a first-place, three third-place and an Honorable Mention Award. Congrats to Amy Ford, Jill Frye, Gina Smith, Susan Ingram, Jacob Sircy, Jomain McKenzie and Catrina Nelson.
ALUM INDUCTED INTO STATE ACCOUNTING HALL OF FAME
Rodney Gray, a graduate of ECU became the 52nd inductee into the Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants’ annual awards ceremony June 10 in Tulsa.
SUMMER CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS CONTINUE
Main Street is now open, new parking lots have been created and paved, new windows have been installed in Pesagi Hall and the Education Building and the old Band Building has been transformed into the Kinesiology Department.
UPCOMING EVENTS
8/1/2011 – 8/12/2011
Art Show - Alumni Show , Pogue Art Gallery, HBFFAC
8/2/2011
National Night Out, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mall behind the UC 8/6/2011
Collegiate Veterans BBQ, 5 p.m., Wintersmith Park
8/11/2011
Intersession Ends Convocation, 9 a.m., HBFFAC
8/12/2011
Beginning Freshman Fall Enrollment
Ada Alumni Reunion, 6 p.m., Vintage 22
8/15/2011
Fall Classes Begin
Mike Reeves (Hypnotist) , 8p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
8/16/2011
Brian Brushwood, 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
8/17/2011 – 9/30/2011
Art Show - Paul Heaston, Pogue Art Gallery, HBFFAC
September 2011
STONECIPHERS MAKE GENEROUS DONATION
A $2 million gift to the ECU Foundation Inc. from entrepreneurs Harland and Shirley Stonecipher (center) will provide the major boost to construct a new business school and conference center at East Central University.
The 62,000 square-foot building – which will house the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business – will be located due west of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center and is estimated to cost $10-12 million.
HIGHEST SCORES EVER!
ECU keeps getting better and better. Cumulatively, ECU new fall 2011 students have the highest ACT composite scores in the university’s history.
ECU HAS HIGHEST MED SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE IN THE STATE
OSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine reports that 86% of ECU applicants are accepted into its medical school. That’s higher than any other university in the state.
BEST BOSS IN ADA!!
ECU President John Hargrave was caught off guard when the university threw a surprise party for him. President Hargrave was voted the “2011 Best Boss” in the Ada News’ Readers Choice Awards.
IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON!
ECU’s first home game is Saturday. Tailgating and entertainment will start two hours prior to the 6 p.m. kickoff.
The first 300 fans will receive t-shirts – don’t be late.
MASCOTS WELCOME STUDENTS
ECU President Hargrave, Tiger Mascot Roary and OKC Thunder Mascot Rumble welcomed students during the OKC Thunder basketball camp.
ECU Mission
East Central University’s mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area, East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.
DAY SET FOR COMMUNITY TO ‘STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS’
Ada Mayor Dick Scalf signs a declaration for the “Step Out of the Darkness” on Saturday, Sept. 17, a day devoted to prevention and recovery from the disease of addiction. The event is sponsored by The Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery, ECU and the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition.
PCDFC will kick off events at 10 a.m. with a prayer march from Glenwood Park to the Centennial Plaza at ECU. The first 500 marchers will receive free t-shirts. The march symbolizes the journey young people make from kindergarten to college. Stops will be made along the march for prayer and to focus attention on the importance of communities being united in spirit against substance abuse.
BWI ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Serving on the Advisory Committee of the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction & Recovery are Holli Witherington (front row, from left), executive director of the BWI; Vicki Orsburn, executive director of the Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center; Terri White, commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services; Dr. Jim Burke, chair of ECU’s Human Resources Department; and (second row) student coordinator Donita Whitehead; Bronson Warren, ECU dean of students; Jim Priest, executive director of Fighting Addiction Through Education (FATE); Reggie Whitten, co-founder of the Whitten-Newman Foundation and founder of the BWI; and ECU President John Hargrave. Not shown are Latricia Bryant, Ada Regional United Way; ECU faculty members Janet Flowers and Dr. Brenda Walling; and Brandi Johnson, president of FATE’s ECU student organization.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Hundreds of visitors were on campus as ECU hosted the Chickasaw Nation National Night Out in August.
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
President’s Leadership Program Students recently visited with Congressman Tom Cole.
YORK WINS SCHOLARSHIP FROM NATIONAL COLLEGE HONOR SOCIETY
Melissa York of Ada, a senior at ECU majoring in psychology with a legal studies minor, has been awarded a $1,500 Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship from Alpha Chi national college honor society. She is one of only 10 winners nationwide.
NASA FELLOWSHIPS AWARDED TO ECU STUDENTS
Seventeen ECU students have been awarded funding under the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program for the 2011-12 academic year. Recipients are ECU students Noelle Hurt (front row, from left), Rosa Denton, Tina Martin, Alison Siweckyj, Hilary Sanchez, Bethany Beachel and (back row) Morgan Dickerson, Bobby Trail, Lindsy Polk, Amber Cannon, Felicia Goure, Justin Gates, Courtney Beachel, Jeff LaCroix, Brent Biddy, Glenn Ronning and Stewart Welch.
KEEPING KIDS SAFE
Smart Start South Central partnered with the Chickasaw Nation to provide a free car seat safety check at the Ada Regional United Way’s Family Fun Night.
SANTA FE STEAKHOUSE
SPONSORING DINNER FOR ECU’S GOLD PROGRAM
An Ada restaurant will sponsor a dinner Sept. 20 for the Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program at ECU. Santa Fe Cattle Company will provide a steak/chicken dinner with sides, salads and drinks at 6:30 p.m. at the Pontotoc County Agriplex. Cost for the dinner is $15 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Several area businesses have contributed items for a silent auction to be held during the dinner.
ECU NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
Twenty-four faculty members have begun teaching full time this fall at ECU. Six new staff members also have been added in the last few months to academic departments. New faculty and staff members shown with ECU President John Hargrave (front row, left) are Jan Long, Jessica Hyatt, Kevin Lynch, Sonya Hensley, Tanya Roland and Dr. Santa Velez; Dr. Yolanda Forero-Villegas (second row), Donna Urbassik, Edward Smith, Dr. Dane Scott, Dr. Susan Brigman, Dr. Katricia Pierson and Philip A.S. Todd; Chelsea Baker (third row), Ruth Richardson, Regina Smith, Mary Harper, Sharon Bryant, Dr. Thomas Parr, Cody Weaver and Brian Lorance; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Duane Anderson, Dr. Kurt Edwards, Mac McConnell, Chris Browning, Jeff Jordan and Stacey Bolin. Not shown are Dr. Jason Murray, Shari Kindrick, Daniel Welch and Holli Witherington.
UPCOMING EVENTS
All month
Art Show - Paul Heaston, Pogue Art Gallery
9/17/2011
Step Out of the Darkness, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Volleyball vs Harding University, 2 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Football vs Northeastern, 6 p.m., Norris Field
9/19/2011
Constitution Day Lecture, 6:30 p.m., Estep, UC 9/20/2011
GOLD Program Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m., Agriplex
National Addiction Professionals Day Awards
Reception, 7 p.m., ECU Ballroom
Volleyball vs Southwestern, 7 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
9/21/2011
Residual ACT, 8 a.m.
9/22/2011
Box City, 6:30 p.m., Horace Mann Lawn
9/23/2011
Soccer vs Austin College, 4 p.m., Soccer Field 9/24/2011
Football vs Southeastern, 6 p.m., Norris Field
9/25/2011
Soccer vs Central Oklahoma, 1 p.m., Soccer Field
9/28/2011
Life of an Athlete sponsored by BWI, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Timothy Long Senior Recital, 7:30 p.m., Ada Arts & Heritage Center
9/30/2011
Volleyball vs Henderson State, 6 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
10/1/2011
Volleyball vs Ouachita Baptist, 1 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
10/3/2011
Art Show - David Phelps , Pogue Art Gallery, 10/6/2011 – 10/8/2011
Blithe Spirit, 7:30pm, Chalmers Herman Theatre, HBFFAC
November 2011
BREAKING GROUND ON A NEW BUILDING
Hundreds of people gathered on campus Oct. 18 as ECU broke ground on the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business and ECU Conference Center.
VISION BANK GIFT
Jim Hamby, CEO of Vision Bank, holds a $25,000 check, part of the bank’s $100,000 gift to the new business building. The check represents a grant awarded to the bank from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Joining him are Dean Godwin, Jeff Hairston, ECU President and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole.
CITIZENS BANK GIFT
Jimmy Eppler president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Ada, presents a $75,000 check from the bank to ECU for the new Stonecipher School of Business and ECU Conference Center.
HLC VISIT
The Higher Learning Commission conducted a site visit on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 at ECU. Faculty, staff, students and community members had the opportunity to visit with the review committee.
ECU ALUM NAMED NSU PRESIDENT
Dr. Steve Turner (‘92 & ‘93) was named the 19th president of Northeastern State University. He will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, 2012.
Turner currently serves as ECU’s vice president for administration and finance and executive assistant to the president for governmental relations and economic development.
CHICKASAW APPRECIATION DAY
ECU will hold Chickasaw Appreciation Day on Saturday, Nov. 5. Area Chickasaw middle and high schools will have an opportunity to tour campus and learn about special programs and services. Following the morning events, participants will beginning tailgating at 12:30 at Norris Field, During this time there will be a demonstration by the Chickasaw Nation Metal Mayhem.
Prior to the 2 p.m. kick-off, the Chickasaw Royalty will perform the Lord’s Prayer and toss the coin. At halftime the Chickasaw Nation will be recognized and the Chickasaw Nation Martial Arts will do a demonstration.
Admission to the ECU football game will be free for Chickasaw citizens and employees. The Tigers will take on Harding University.
ECU to host GAC Soccer Championship Tournament on Friday, Sunday ECU’s soccer team, winners of the Great American Conference regular season, will host the inaugural league championship tournament on Friday and Sunday at Lady Tiger Field at ECU.
The four-team tournament begins on Friday at 1 p.m. as Southwestern Oklahoma State, the No. 2 seed, takes on Ouachita Baptist, the No. 3 seed, while topseed ECU battles Harding, the No. 4 seed, at 4 p.m. The two winners will meet for the tournament title on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Admission for Friday’s two matches is $5 per person and free for university students as well as the students from the other GAC institutions.
MARK TWAIN, HANNIBAL MUSEUM CURATOR, DR. ALVIN TURNER COMING TO ECU NOV. 10 FOR DAY OF HISTORYRELATED EVENTS
Mark Twain is coming to ECU on Nov. 10, along with the curator of his museum in Hannibal, Mo., and retired ECU dean Dr. Alvin Turner, the author of a book of poetry about a famous historical event in Ada.
In addition, Native American cultural events, demonstrations and performances are planned for Nov. 7-9.
The history-related events are free and open to the public. For complete details visit www.ecok.edu.
ECU PRESENTS TWO OPERAS
ECU Opera will present “The Impresario” and “Hansel and Gretel” with assistance from the Williard 5th and 6th grade Honor Choir on Nov. 11 - 13 in the Dorothy Summers Theatre.
ECU HOSTS STATE EVENTS
Thousands of visitors traveled to Ada for competitions last month. The second annual ECU Bron Warren Tiger Palooza, held Oct. 8, brought 22 marching bands to compete on campus.
More than 1,300 students from across the state traveled to ECU to compete in the Little Dixie Music Contest, which was held on Oct. 25 & 26.
Several area schools also participated in a Grounded Chalk Art Festival on Oct. 25.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
On Oct. 29 ECU hosted a very successful Household Hazardous Waste collection event. Environmental Health Science students assisted a record number of area residents and recycled 115 gallons of paint.
ECU RECEIVES $2 MILLION NASNTI GRANT
ECU was awarded a five-year, $2 million grant, effective Oct. 1, from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.
The grant is funded from the Department’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions, Part F Program. ECU’s program, Strengthening the Culture: Undergraduate Research and Student Academic Success, will improve and expand ECU’s capacity to serve Native American students and low-income students.
ECU OPENS NEW KINESIOLOGY BUILDING
This summer ECU remodeled the former band building into offices and classrooms for the Kinesiology faculty, staff and students. On Oct. 11 ECU officially opened the building.
LIFE OF AN ATHLETE
The Brandon Whitten Institute and FATE organization presented John Underwood, president of the American Athletic Institute and creator of Life of an Athlete. He spoke to a packed house in the Ataloa Theatre about many topics including the impact of alcohol and other drugs on athletic performance.
SENATOR PADDACK SPEAKS TO CLASS
Sen. Susan Paddack recently spoke to Dr. Christine Pappas’ Oklahoma Politics class. Students had the opportunity to hear first hand about Oklahoma politics.
WHITENER VISITS ECU STUDENTS
Supreme Court plaintiff Carolyn Whitener visited political science and legal studies students in October. She spoke about her role in the famous case Craig v. Boren.
ECU STUDENTS RECEIVE NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Six ECU students have been awarded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships in mathematics.
The students, who will receive $10,000 for up to three years while they work toward bachelor’s degrees in mathematics with a secondary teacher certification option, are Bobby Carnes, Chris Eckler, Matthew Harding, Simmon Harjo, Stephanie Maas and Andrae Tramble.
ECU RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN MIND GAMES
Mind Games is an Oklahoma Academic Challenge. The KSBI TV show presents an opportunity to bring together teams of students from Oklahoma colleges and universities in a weekly battle of the brains. Over the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters, students will be competing for scholarship awards totaling $200,000!
ECU STUDENTS PREPARE FOR REAL WORLD
This semester almost 50 seniors will enter classrooms throughout the state to begin their student teaching career.
Currently ECU has more than 800 alums teaching in the state.
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS ATTENDS RETREAT
ECU PLP students had the opportunity to tour the Oklahoma State Supreme Court and the Oklahoma Cancer Center on a recent mini-leadership retreat in Oklahoma City. Students also practiced team building exercises on the ropes course prior to cheering the Tiger football team on as they battled UCO.
STUDENTS HONORED BY OHP
ECU’s Chris Shoffner and his class were honored by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety. Shoffner’s class produced an 18-minute video, “Anatomy of a Crash,” which explains the importance of wearing a seat belt and what happens in car accidents.
This video will be used throughout the state. Troopers say this video will have a huge impact on students around the area and they hope to use it for many years to come.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN BOX CITY
Habitat for Humanity sponsored Box City. Box City organizers believe that sleeping in a box overnight will bring awareness to the issue of poverty and homelessness in Oklahoma.
DON’T FORGET
Early Enrollment for the 2012 Spring Semester begins this month
CONGRATULATIONS ECU
The East Central Oklahoma Blood Institute recently announced that ECU beat rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University in a blood drive!
ECU STUDENTS PERFORM FOR SECOND GRADERS
Dr. Rick Groetzinger’s Oral Interpretation class recently participated in a service learning project. Five students performed short stories of Native American origin and took a 35-minute program to Mrs. Nelson’s 2nd grade class at Hayes Elementary.
FALL FASHION TIME
The ECU Retail Fashion Promotion class recently presented their fall fashion show for the FCCLA Southeast District I Leadership Meeting held at the Chickasaw Nation’s Cultural Center in Sulphur.
ECU STUDENT QUALIFIES FOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Sophomore Stephen Decker of Whitewright, Texas qualified for the National Forensics Association Championships in Public Speaking with a fourth-place finish in After Dinner Speaking at ECU’s first speech tournament of the season. The tournament was hosted by Longview College of Lee’s Summit. Twenty-nine colleges and universities from six states attended the tournament.
UPCOMING EVENTS
All month
Art Show - Bert Seabourne, Pogue Art Gallery
Native American Heritage Month 11/4/2011
GAC Tourn.-ECU vs Harding, 4 p.m., Soccer Field 11/5/2011
Football vs Harding (Pink Out), 2 p.m., Norris Field Chickasaw Appreciation Day
Volleyball vs Mid-America Christian, 7 p.m., Kerr 11/6/2011
GAC Tourn.-Final Game, 1 p.m., Soccer Field 11/7/2011
Teacher of the Year Luncheon/Education Scholarships & Awards, 11:30 a.m., Ballroom 11/10/2011
Okla. Literary Arts Festival, 9 a.m., Ataloa Theatre
Marine Corps Birthday Celebration 1 p.m., North Lounge
Dave Ehlert as Mark Twain (Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival), Noon, Ataloa Theatre
Dr. Alvin Turner, book signing & reading 2:30-4:30 p.m., Library
Historical Perspectives of Mark Twain’s Cultural Influence presented by Henry Sweets 6:30 p.m., Library Atrium
Spotlight on Spain, 6-8 p.m., Regents Room 11/10/12 – 11/13/12
The Impresario/Hansel and Gretel, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Summers Theatre (3 p.m. on Sunday) 11/11/2011
Veterans Day Event-Flag Raising Ceremony 11 a.m., Honor Plaza (Tiger Fountain).
Veterans Day Program, 1:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre 11/12/2011
Football vs Southern Arkansas, 2 p.m., Norris Field 11/14/2011
Cassaundra Long Senior Recital, 7:30 p.m., Ada Arts and Heritage Center
11/15/2011
Alpha Chi Initiation, 7 p.m., Ballroom
THE 2011 ECU SOCCER CLUB WRAPS UP SEASON
ECU FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES BOARD
Seated: Dr. Steve Turner, David Story, Martha Rhynes, Dr. Bill Chapman, Chickasaw Nation Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel and Frankie Crawford. Standing: Mick Cowan, President Hargrave, Jimmy Eppler, Dr. Duane Anderson, Yancy Spivey, Phyllis Danley, Richard Craig, Glen Bawcum, Larry Pulliam, Clayton Lodes and Craig Scheef.
AND THE WINNER IS
. . .
The School of Business receives an ECU Tiger from Phyllis Danley. The school had the largest percentage of employees purchasing Fine Arts Season Tickets.
CRAZY HORSE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
ECU Assistant Professor of English and alum Dr. Jason Murray was recently recognized as the 2011 Crazy Horse Educator of the Year for his work teaching at the Indian University of North America.
HOLLINGSWORTH PERFORMS
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth (center) and members of the Arbroath Pipe Band of OKC recently performed for the season opener of the Oklahoma City Curling Club. In attendance was curling World Champion and U.S. Olympian Debbie McCormick.
CONGRATS TO ALUMNUS PATRICK RILEY
Riley will receive a Governors Art Award for Special Recognition on Nov. 15. He served as the Fine Arts Director for the Oklahoma City Schools. He is widely recognized for his whimsical handmade masks and has exhibited them nationally and internationally.
OU PRESIDENT BOREN HONORS WIFE WITH DONATION
TO ECU
A $5,000 gift from University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren to the ECU Foundation Inc. will increase the endowment fund of an ECU scholarship named for his wife, Molly Shi Boren.
With the endowment now at $15,000, the scholarship will provide additional assistance for the recipients and will be known as the Molly Shi Boren Centennial Scholarship. It will be awarded to a freshman, based on need, and will continue until the student graduates, as long as the student is enrolled in at least 12 hours each semester and maintains a 2.0 grade point average.
ANNUAL STOKES LECTURE
Kristen Shelby, 2012 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, will speak at the Marvin Stokes Endowed Lecture at 6:30 p.m. in Estep. Area Teachers of the year will be honored.
TRIO FUNDED AGAIN
ECU received $435,645 grant to keep ECU’s Educational Opportunity Center open. ECU’s federally funded TRIO program has been operating since 1991. EOC provides financial aid and admissions counseling, information and assistance to qualified adults who want to enter, re-enter, or continue a program of post secondary education. EOC programs nationwide primarily serve displaced or under-employed adults with annual family incomes of under $24,000.
The trained counselors at ECU’s EOC help students gain the skills needed to enter or re-enter college, vocational training programs or complete GED’s. All the services of EOC are free to eligible adults.
GREENSTREET TO BE HONORED BY ASSOCIATION
The Central States Communication Association Argumentation and Forensics Division will honor ECU faculty member Dr. Robert Greenstreet at the 2012 convention. He has been active in the national organization for many years.
