GOV. ANOATUBBY ADDRESSES GRADUATES
Chickasaw
Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby addressed candidates for 242 bachelor’s and 102 master’s degrees during the fall Commencement ceremony.
During the ceremony ECU also introduced a new tradition. Senior faculty members from each school presented the new gonfalons. Pictured are Dr. Shirley Mixon, Dr. Nick Cheper, Gov. Anoatubby, President John Hargrave, RUSO Regent Connie Reilly, Provost Duane Anderson, Dr. Carol Bridges, Dr. Sterling Lynd and Dr. Bill Heitland.
UGANDAN PAIR EARN DEGREES FROM ECU
While traveling to Uganda with Pros for Africa, president Hargrave lost his luggage. Richard Kirabira and Charles Mugabi waited three days at the airport for his luggage. That act of generosity came full circle at ECU’s fall graduation as they obtained their master’s degrees during ceremonies at ECU’s Kerr Activities Center.
U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES PROMOTES
ECU ALUM
ECU Alum, Admiral Richie Grinnell was recently promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Grinnell is currently the director for the Albuquerque area and is the highest ranking officer in the Indian Health Service. Pictured are Randy Grinnell, deputy director of the Indian Health Service, ECU President John Hargrave, RADM Richie Grinnell and Capt. Patrick Bohan, associate professor of Environmental Health Science.
January 2013
LINSCHEID LIBRARY STUDENT LOUNGE
The student lounge at ECU’s Linscheid Library was recently refurbished and named in honor of Tommy Wayne Quaid Sr. His son, Tommy Wayne Quaid Jr., a 1988 ECU alum, donated $8,000 ($7,000 toward the library and $1,000 for a basketball scholarship) and secured a company match from his employer NetApp Inc. of $8,000 to refurbished the student lounge in memory of his father.
PRESIDENT JOINS LEGISLATIVE LUNCH PANEL
President Hargrave, along with Dr. Pat Harrison, superintendent of Ada Public Schools and Greg Pierce, superintendent of Pontotoc Technology Center, served as the guest speakers of a recent Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.
ECU ALUM SPEAKS AT THE YPA LUNCH & LEARN
ECU Alum Harland Stonecipher spoke to the Young Professionals of Ada at a recent Lunch & Learn. Also pictured is Sarah Jane Johnson, Chamber of Commerce senior vice president.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Native American Heritage Month was held in November. Many cultural demonstrations were held including: drummers, singers, food, jewelry, dancers and arts & crafts. The festivities were hosted by the Native American Academic Services and the Chickasaw Nation Chokka Kilimpi partnership.
ECU Scholarship applications for Fall 2013/Spring 2014 are due by March 1, 2013.
HARPER EARNS BOB BENNETT FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
ECU student Morgan Harper (center) is the recipient of the new Bob Bennett Fine Arts Scholarship. The scholarship is named in memory of ECU alum Bob Bennett, who practiced law for 50 years and was an avid guitarist. Also pictured are: Phyllis Danley (left), executive director of the ECU Foundation, Inc. and Sally Bennett, widow of Bob Bennett.
FORMER PROFESSOR DR. NORMAN FRAME HONORED
Friends, family members and former colleagues were on hand for the commemorative bench dedication for former ECU Professor Dr. Norman Frame. The new bench joins approximately 30 memorial benches in the Frank R. Crabtree Sr. Honor Plaza.
LOCAL TEACHERS RECOGNIZED
Oklahoma
Teacher
of the Year Elaine Hutchinson and 11 local teachers were recently honored during ECU’s Marvin Stokes Endowed Lecture.
SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING SERVICE PROJECT
The Human Resources Club Annual Thanksgiving Dinner served 3,152 meals. This free dinner was organized by over 350 campus and community volunteers.
CLASS RAISES FUNDS FOR FOOD PROGRAM
Dr. Christine Pappas’ political science class presents a $725 check to Brenda Price, a counselor at Homer Elementary School, to buy additional food for the Homer Backpack Program.
AGD RAISE FUNDS FOR DIABETES
Alpha Gamma Delta recently raised over $1,000 for its philanthropy, diabetes awareness and education. Members are encouraged to engage in community service that promotes this worthy cause.
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
ECU’s Raymond Estep Multimedia Center was packed during a special screening of the 2010 documentary ‘Fake Indian: Why America Bought a White Supremacist’s Native American Memoir.’ After the screening there was an hour-long discussion session with the film’s director Marco Ricci, producer Douglas Newman and executive producer Dr. Laura Browder, who is the Tyler and Alice Haynes Professor of American Studies at the University of Richmond.
TIGERS GIVE BACK TO LOCAL COMMUNITY
Several ECU studentathletes took time out of their schedules to give back to the local community during the annual FCA Thanksgiving Feed at the First United Methodist Church in Ada. They organized meals for 150+ families.
BRYANT RECEIVES HONORS
ECU football defensive end Armonty Bryant earned two major postseason honors after a magnificent senior season. Bryant was named to the prestigious 2012 American Football Coaches Association All-American Team and was chosen as The Oklahoman State College Defensive Player of the Year.
Bryant was one of only 25 players named to the AFCA All-American Team on the NCAA Division II level. He picked up the award from the state’s largest newspaper after being selected as The Oklahoman Defensive Player of the Week twice during the 2012 season.
COX EARNS FIRST PLACE
Sociology student Lauren Cox won first place in a student research competition at the annual Oklahoma Sociological Association’s conference. Her research poster presentation was called “Exonyms and Autonyms: The Origins of Cultural Group Names.”
ASLLANI WINS BEST PAPER OF THE YEAR
ECU senior Iva Asllani, a political science major from Tirana, Albania, won the award for Best Undergraduate Paper of the Year by the Oklahoma Political Science Association.
CARRIZALES PRESENTS POSTER
ECU student, Jorge Carrizales, traveled to San Jose, Calif. to present his poster at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. He had the opportunity to conduct research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City. The research was titled “In Vivo (live imaging) of Free Radicals in Cardiac Tissue Using an MRI.”
SENIOR ART EXHIBITS HELD AT ECU
Five ECU senior students –Blake Hargrove, Jack Aday, Brandon Arnold, Candace Sweatt and Dinah Boydstun - showcased their artwork throughout November and December at the Pogue Art Gallery inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
CHORALE RAISES FUNDS FOR TRIP
“A Very Chorale Christmas” was a night of food and entertainment to benefit the University Chorale. The ECU Chorale has the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral and the White House in the fall of 2013.
WILLIAMS NAMED ECU’S NEW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
ECU’s new director of athletics, Dr. Jeff Williams, has officially taken his new position.
He has served as chair of ECU’s Department of Kinesiology for the past two years. Prior to serving as chair of ECU’s Kinesiology Department, Williams was director of ECU’s Athletic Training Education Program, coordinator of the Master of Secondary Education – Sports Administration Program and head athletic trainer at ECU.
Williams, who has served as an assistant professor and was tenured at ECU in 2012, received his doctorate of philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in 2011, master of human relations from OU in 1999 and a bachelor of science in health and sports sciences from OU, with an emphasis on exercise science, in 1996. He attended ECU from 1991-1993.
OVER 100 ECU STUDENTS INDUCTED
One-hundred and one ECU students were inducted into the Oklahoma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi, a national college honor society.
Membership in Alpha Chi is limited to no more than 10 percent of the junior and senior classes. At ECU students must have at least a 3.5 grade-point average to be eligible to join.
NEW SCULPTURE ON CAMPUS
The Art Department installed the DJ Lafon sculpture, “Shaker Man.” The 12-foot, 450-pound, redwood and steel Shaker Man was in the collection of the Fred Jones Museum at OU. He was removed after being damaged by high winds. After years in storage, the sculpture was re-assigned to ECU and restored.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
Construction continues inside the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business and ECU Conference Center. ECU plans to open the doors this fall. Live exterior construction can be viewed at www.ecok.edu.
ART HISTORY AT ECU
Dr. Brad Jessop, director of the School of Fine Arts, gave a gallery presentation on the rediscovery of objects from the original East Central State College Museum. Jessop discussed finding the artifacts in the 1990s and the subsequent efforts by faculty in the art department to preserve and stabilize works of art that were badly damaged in the decades following the closing of the museum.
WOMEN’S CLUB LECTURE
ECU faculty members Mary Kay Tarver and Stacy Bolin presented “Explorations in Computer Science and Robotics” at the 10th Annual ECU Women’s Club Lecture.
SCOTT EARNS EPA AWARD
Congratulations to Dane Scott and ECU for being chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency for the 2012-2013 P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet.
12/12/12
WEDDING TAKES PLACE ON CAMPUS
Congrats to ECU instructor Sonya Hensley-Chronister. She married the love of her life on campus on 12/12/12 in a 12-minute ceremony.
2012 LEADERSHIP ADA GRADUATE
Dean of Students, Boomer Appleman, recently graduated from Leadership Ada.
Tickets are on sale now for “I’ve got a little TWIST”
Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
Tickets: $18
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 21
MLK Day - Campus Closed
MLK Day of Service, 9 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha)
Jan. 24
Women’s Basketball vs Southeastern Oklahoma State, 5:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Southeastern Oklahoma State, 7:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Gilbert & Sullivan Players “I’ve Got a Little Twist,” 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Jan. 28
Formal Greek Recruitment, 5 p.m., Pesagi Hall Lounge
Jan. 31
Women’s Basketball vs Henderson State, 5:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Henderson State, 7:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Feb. 2
Baseball vs St. Gregory’s, 1 p.m. Double Header, Baseball Field
Women’s Basketball vs Ouachita Baptist, 2 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Ouachita Baptist, 4 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Feb. 5
Baseball vs Oklahoma Baptist, 2 p.m., Baseball Field
Feb. 8 - 9
East Central Oklahoma Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Feb. 12
Softball vs Northeastern Oklahoma State, 1 p.m. Double Header, Softball Field
Feb. 14
Women’s Basketball vs Southwestern Oklahoma State, 5:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Men’s Basketball vs Southwestern Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Feb. 14 - 16
Once Upon A Mattress, 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Feb. 15
Baseball vs Ouachita Baptist, 2 p.m., Baseball Field
ECU’S NEWEST FACILITY TO BE NAMED
ECU is pleased to announce that its newest facility on campus will be named the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. Chickasaw Nation
Gov. Anoatubby said that having the Chickasaw name on the business center is a tribute to centuries of Chickasaw history.
WORLD WAR II NAVAJO CODE TALKER SPEAKING AT ECU
A significant glimpse into World War II and Native American history can be experienced as Navajo Code Talker Bill Toledo will be in attendance to share his story during the Fifth Annual Louise Young Diversity Lecture on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
AT&T AWARDS $10,000 GRANT TO ECU
The Vision Bank Presidential Leadership Program at ECU was awarded a $10,000 grant from AT&T.
The $10,000 grant will provide more opportunities for student leaders to engage and enhance leadership skills and opportunities and will specifically facilitate the planning and hosting of the inaugural Oklahoma Presidential Leadership Collegiate Conference.
ECU students and administration pose with Chancellor Glen Johnson during the 2013 Higher Education Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol this month.
ECU
TO INSTALL NEW TURF
ECU’s Norris Field is receiving a makeover in its truest sense. For the first time in the 80-year-plus history of the venerable football stadium, it will receive an artificial playing surface in time for the 2013 season. The sod from the former field will be on campus for years to come, as it was used in various places around ECU.
A majority of the $880,300 project came from private donations from the Chickasaw Nation, Victor Pryor, Randall and Shirley Pogue, Wink and Rachel Kopczynski and Craig Scheef.
RIVAL WITH SOUTHEASTERN TIED
In college athletics every school has a rival and for ECU it’s Southeastern Oklahoma State Univ. This series that dates back to 1909 stands at 44 wins each and 6 ties. The men’s basketball teams joined in the fight back in 1927-28 and after the 164 meetings the teams have 82 wins each. The Tigers and the Savage Storm have taken that fight to new heights.
ECU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTS THREE
The ECU Hall of Fame inducted three new members on Feb. 2. Christy Burdon (Jones), first women’s soccer player; Gerome Castleberry, football player; and Jason Wilkerson, basketball alum, are added as the Class of 2013.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE
In honor of the holiday, a city-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service was held on Monday, Jan. 21. Members of King’s family had urged that his service to our country be honored by considering it ‘A Day On, Not a Day Off.’ Pictured with City of Ada Mayor Greg McCortney are members of ECU’s Pi Sigma Alpha, Ada’s Multiculturalism Committee and Ada Sunrise Rotary Club.
DISTINGUISHED ALUM
DR. DONNIE L. NERO SR.
Dr. Donnie L. Nero, Sr., a Distinguished ECU Alum, spoke on Feb. 18 as ECU celebrates Black History Month. His speech, entitled “Walk a Mile ‘N’ My Shoes” was well attended. Several other events have been scheduled this month.
LOCAL EIGHTH GRADERS VISIT ECU
ECU President addresses Pontotoc County eighth graders during Career Discovery Day at ECU – My Future, My Career, My Responsibility. This program introduced hundreds of students to jobs in the area and to the skills required for a career.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET
CONNECTED High school juniors and seniors had the opportunity to learn what it’s like to be a college student at ECU during the Spring 2013 Tiger Connection Day.
CHANGE A STUDENT’S LIFE
The ECU Foundation, Inc. announced a plan to raise money for the Books R Us Scholarship which provides much needed book scholarships to the students of ECU. “Change an ECU Student’s Life” campaign has placed a “change jar” in each building and encourages all to donate spare change.
KROEKER WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to Porsha Courtney from Blanchard and Brandy Baldwin from Wynnewood winners of the Dr. Marvin
Kroeker Best Historical Paper Award.
STAFFORD’S SELECT RECIPIENT
Congratulations to Chase McMichael, recipient of the Donald G. Stafford Centennial Scholarship.
ECU ENTERS
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHINESE INSTITUTION
ECU and Hunan University in China are continuing a partnership.
The agreement encourages global learning and understanding. The signed agreement of cooperation enables ECU students to learn at Hunan University and vice versa.
Fourteen students from Hunan University are attending ECU this semester as part of a partnership and agreement of cooperation between the two institutions of higher learning.
THOUSANDS OF STUDENT VISIT CAMPUS
Interscholastic Meet, District Choral Contest and Regional OJAS have all taken place over the past few weeks introducing thousands of junior high and high school students to campus.
ECU STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN VOLUNTEER TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
ECU’s School of Business is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program this year.
VITA is a national program, supported by the Internal Revenue Service, which is designed to provide free tax assistance to individuals with basic tax returns, particularly those with low and fixed incomes.
BAIRD NAMED ECU ENTREPRENEUR OF YEAR
Jeff Baird, who has crafted inventions for the energy, oil and gas and plumbing industries, was honored as ECU’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year and delivered the 2013 Leonard Limes Endowed Lecture.
Among Baird’s inventions is the no-clog, self-cleaning drain p-trap, called PermaFlow, in the plumbing industry and electromagnetic generator for the energy industry.
HEDGEHOG & FOX FACULTY LECTURE
Taryn Chubb, assistant professor of art, gave the 17th Annual Annual Hedgehog & Fox Faculty Lecture this month.
Her lecture “Power Play: The Book of Games of Alfonso X” also known as the Book of Chess, Checkers and Dice.
DR. RANIYAH RAMADAN SYMPOSIUM HELD
Four researchers presented to a full house at the first Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Symposium on Jan. 31.
Among the topics presented were: Central Mechanisms Regulating Visceral Pain, Molecular Pathogenesis of Severe Bacterial Endophthalmitis, Exploring the Role of Caveolin-1 in Retinal Physiology and Pathophysiology and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Inhibit Retinoblastoma.
STUDENTS VISIT WITH LEADERS OF CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
Legal Study and President’s Leadership Students had the opportunity to visit with Continental Resources leaders Harold G. Hamm and Mike Cantrell (‘72 ECU Alum).
Hamm has served as chief executive officer and a director since the company’s inception in 1967, and currently serves as chairman of the board of directors. Cantrell is vice president of government and regulatory affairs.
Continental Resources is a Top 10 petroleum liquids producer in the United States and the largest leaseholder in the nation’s premier oil industry.
ECU STUDENT TEACHERS PREPARE
Student teachers hit the schools.
More than 50 ECU students are in local elementary, junior and high schools which will help them prepare for their future roles at educators -- Best of Luck!
June 2013
HOLCIM HONORED BY OSRHE
Holcim (US) Inc.’s Ada plant was recently honored for its partnership with ECU. Pictured (from left) are: Oklahoma State Regents Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Glen Johnson; ECU Vice President for Finance and Administration Jessica Boles; Dr. Krishna Kumari; Holcim Plant Manager Ajay Kumar; ECU President John R. Hargrave; ECU Graduate Dean and Director of Continuing Education Dr. Rick Wetherill; and Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb.
GEORGE NIGH AWARD
Tobey Hatton is the winner of ECU’s prestigious George Nigh Award as the top graduating senior for 2012-2013.
Hatton graduated in December with a Bachelor of Scince degree in Biology with a pre-dental concentration. He is from Pauls Valley. Other finalists were Lindsey Dugan, of McAlester; Ashley Cardwell, of Mustang; Checed Rodgers, of Stonewall; and Kristin Belicek, of Purcell.
LAW DAY TAKES PLACE
More than 200 students and local legal professionals attended Law Day hosted by the ECU Dept. of Political Science and the Pontotoc County Bar Association. Okla. Supreme Court Justice James R. Winchester was the featured speaker. He has also served as an executive board member and president of the Okla. Judicial Conference as well as Chief Justice of the Okla. Supreme Court. Winchester’s wife, Susan is a RUSO regent and former member of the Okla. House of Rep.
ASKINS SPEAKS AT ECU
Former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and now associate provost for external relations at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center was on campus to address the Young Professionals of Ada recently. She educated the group about the new Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, scheduled to open this summer.
ECU RECEIVES CENTERPOINT REBATE
ECU received a $6,000 rebate check from CenterPoint Energy to go toward the purchase of boilers for the new Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
OVAA TRAINING HELD
The Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy is an intensive week-long course of study designed to improve the quality and consistency of victim services in Oklahoma. OVAA provides training to victim advocates, service providers, law enforcement professionals and social service providers.
EVENING OF HONORS AND RECOGNITION
Recipients were R. Alan Marcum, Distinguished Alumnus; Joe Steven Stokes, Distinguished Alumnus (posthumous award); The Ramadan Family, Distinguished Family; Dr. Elizabeth C. Schmelling, Distinguished Former Faculty (posthumous award); Margaret ‘Peggy’ Nims, Distinguished Former Faculty; Monica L. Neal, Distinguished Service; the Chickasaw Nation, Distinguished Philanthropist.
NEW ECU CENTENNIAL ENDOWMENTS
In 2009, while acting as interim president, Dr. Duane C. Anderson challenged the university and its various departments to raise five $15,000 scholarships to honor the university’s 100th birthday. To his surprise, 22 centennial endowments were established that year for a total of over $350,000. Eleven were created in 2010, ten in 2011 and 2012, and eleven in 2013 for 53 totaling $1,185,000. New scholarships were funded this year by Ross SHARE, and the Murray, Ainsworth, Millsap, Crabree and Taylor families. Two of the new scholarships were created in honor of Dr. Williamson.
TRAVELING VIETNAM VETERANS WALL
ECU and Ada communities paid tribute to Vietnam veterans as the AVTT Traveling Wall, an 80 percent scale version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C., was on display on the ECU campus.
The mission of the AVTT project is to travel the nation to honor, respect and remember men and women who served, and to pay specific tribute to those who gave all in the service. Since the tribute is mobile it allows people to honor and respect veterans and active military personnel without having to travel great distances.
VETERANS & MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Veterans & Military Appreciation Day was recently held at ECU. The day of honor was hosted by the ECU Veterans Upward Bound Program. Chickasaw Nation Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel addressed the group of veterans.
ECU’S GODWIN NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Wendell Godwin, dean of the ECU School of Business, recently received the 2013 Ada Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award.
ECU’S DR. MARK MICOZZI HONORED
Geography is a passion for Dr. Mark Micozzi. In fact it’s his life.
The ECU professor of cartography and geography will be honored for his lifelong passion on Aug. 3 in Denver, Colo., as he will be the 2013 recipient of the National Council for Geographic Education’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is the only professor in the country to receive the award at the higher education level by the National Council for Geographic Education.
DR. FIELDS HONORED TWICE
Dr. Stephen Fields was recently honored twice. He earned a 2012-2013 Teaching Excellence Award and was recently promoted from assistant professor of biology to associate professor of biology.
McKINNEY WINS $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
ECU senior business major Andrea McKinney won a $5,000 Paulsen Award Scholarship recently at the 2013 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition in Oklahoma City.
POLITICAL SCIENCE & LEGAL STUDIES MAJORS VISIT LAW SCHOOLS
ECU students from the Department of Political Science and Legal Studies visited OU and OCU Law Schools with Legal Studies Director Jenna Owens.
In 2013, department applicants were accepted into law school adding to last year’s success when five out of five students were accepted. Currently 13 of their students are now in law school.
ECU STUDENT DUNNAM NAMED
2013 NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOW
ECU’s Loren Dunnam is one of 11 inspirational college students from Oklahoma to be named to the 2013 Newman Civic Fellows for service in their local communities.
The award is designed to recognize college students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country through service, research and advocacy. Dunnam, a junior accounting major from Coalgate and an enrolled member of the Creek Nation, is deeply involved in improving the quality of life and standard of living for Native Americans.
BIDDY REPRESENTS ECU AT RESEARCH DAY
ECU student Brent Biddy, of Seminole, was chosen to represent ECU at Research Day at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Twenty undergraduate students representing
15 Oklahoma colleges and universities presented competitive scientific research posters to the State Legislature and the public during this annual event sponsored by Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the National Science Foundation. Biddy’s research focused on biofuels.
ECU WOMEN’S CLUB HOSTS FUNDRAISER
The ECU Women’s Club Annual Silent Auction and Brunch raised $1,265 this year to go toward scholarships for ECU students.
ECU HOSTS SUMMER CAMPS
Hundreds of students visited ECU to attend one of the many summer camps held on campus. Some camps included Russian Language and Culture, Robotics, Oklahoma American Music, OSU Medical, Tennis, Volleyball, NFL Football and Oklahoma Business Week. For a complete list of camps visit www.ecok.edu/ce
SIMMONS RECEIVES HONORABLE MENTION
ECU softball senior Shelby Simmons has been named to the 2013 Daktronics All-America Softball Honorable Mention team, and is the only member from the Great American Conference.
ROBBINS EARNS COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS
ECU men’s golf senior Dakota Robbins added to his season honors, as he was named to the 2012-13 CoSIDA Academic All-District Men’s AtLarge First Team.Robbins is one of 12 members on the District 7 First Team, He is also one of just two recipients from the Great American Conference.
Robbins ended his career with the Tigers by earning All-GAC First Team and GAC All-Tournament honors in 2013. He finished second overall at the 2013 GAC Tournament, with an even 216, and helped ECU move from 10th on the first day to 3rd at the GAC Tournament, with a four-under par second round (68).
EIDSON NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT
Cale Eidson, a Calera native has a 3.58 GPA in history education and adds to his academic honors for the season after earning USTFCCCA All-Academic honors earlier this season for the secondstraight year. Eidson was an All-GAC First Team pick in 2012 after helping pace the Tigers to back-to-back GAC titles. He finished second overall at the 2012 GAC Championships and was the top finisher for ECU in six of seven races during 2012.
CARDWELL NAMED TO ALL-AMERICA WOMEN’S TEAM
ECU women’s golf senior Ashley Cardwell was named to the 2012-13 CoSIDA Academic All-America Women’s At-Large Second Team.
ALUMS ATTEND RANGER GAME & REUNIONS
Tigers hit the road this summer for some fun at the Dallas - Fort Worth reunion on May 17. Alums gathered for tailgating activities before attending the Texas Rangers game. On May 31, Tulsa alums gathered for food and fun at the Full Moon
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 4-5
ECU Campus Closed
July 29-30 Summer Semester Finals
Aug. 15
ECU Employee Convocation
Aug. 19 Fall Semester Begins
Aug. 22
Chickasaw Business & Conference Center Grand Opening
WELLINGTON NAMED ECU ALUMNI DIRECTOR
East Central University stayed within the family to hire its new alumni director. Katie Wellington, who had served as a counselor in ECU’s Educational Talent Search Program, recently assumed the new duties as alumni director at ECU.
MUSICAL ONCE UPON A MATTRESS ENDS THE PERFORMANCE WITH A SURPRISE
The Princess, ECU
Senior Lacee Elliott, from ECU’s production of the Once Upon a Mattress was pleasantly surprised at the end of her performance Friday night as her now fiance’, Coby Beatley, brought her flowers and an engagement ring and popped the big question.
Tickets available now!
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 26
Softball vs OBU, 1 p.m. double header, ECU Softball Field
Harlem Ambassadors, 7 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
February 27
Lockmiller Lecture in Art History, 4 p.m., Estep, UC
February 28
Louise Young Diversity Lecture, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
March 1
Baseball vs Arkansas Tech, 2 p.m., ECU Baseball Field
March 2
Baseball vs Arkansas Tech, 1 p.m., double header ECU Baseball Field
March 3
Stuart Deaver Piano Concert, 3 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
March 5
Aaron Steinman Senior Recital, 7:30 p.m. Ada Arts & Heritage Center
March 7
Oklahoma State Science & Engineering Fair
ECU Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band Midwinter Concert, 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
March 8
Oklahoma State Science & Engineering Fair
Softball vs Arkansas-Monticello, 1 p.m. double header ECU Softball Field
March 9
Softball vs Arkansas-Monticello, 11 a.m. double header ECU Softball Field
March 11
ECU Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
March 13
Jeri Sager in “Broadway by Jeri”, 7:30 p.m. Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Kirill Gliadkovsky Concert Pianist, 7:30 p.m. Ada Arts & Heritage
March 14
Only Mozart, 7:30 p.m. Ada Arts & Heritage
Residence Life Presents “Spring Luau” 7:30 p.m., ECU Volley Ball Court
April2013
ECU HAS ‘EGG’CELLENT TIME RAISING FUNDS
President Hargrave and Executive Director of the ECU Foundation
Phyllis Danley end the “43 for ECU” campaign with an egg roulette challenge. Also pictured are the first 10 employees to donate to the campaign. They were treated to pizza with the President. The entire campaign raised $8,708. All funds will go toward the ECU book scholarship.
PRIVATE TOUR FOR GOVERNOR
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby (‘72) toured the Chickasaw School of Business and Conference Center at ECU for the first time.
Dean Wendell Godwin and President Hargrave gave him a personalized tour and informed him that the building construction is still on schedule.
MARCUM TO GIVE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Distinguished Alumni recipient Alan Marcum (‘90) will be the speaker at ECU’s 2013 commencement on Saturday, May 11.
Marcum is the executive vice president for administration at Devon Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City and has held that position since 2008. Marcum also received ECU’s Milam Award in 2009, which is presented to a former ECU football player who has excelled in his chosen profession.
ECU HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING
U.S. Senator Tom Coburn spoke to a fullhouse during a town hall meeting earlier this month. Coburn serves on the Senate Committees for Finance, Homeland Security and Government Affairs and Judiciary. Healthcare, the Defense of Marriage Act and gun control were among the topics.
BOSWELL LECTURE TO BE HELD
The 2013 Boswell Lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 2 p.m. in the Estep Multimedia Center. ECU Alum Kristen Cambell will be the featured speaker. Cambell is now the Chief Program Officer for the Washington, D.C. based National Conference on Citizenship or NCoC. Categories included in the index are Social Connectedness, Volunteering, Political Involvement, Confidence in Public Institutions and Citizenship Education.
SAVE THE DATE
The ECU Distinguished Award Recipients for 2013 have been announced and will be recognized at the ECU Foundation’s Honors and Recognition Banquet on Friday, May 10, 2013.
Distinguished Alumni
Alan Marcum and Steve Stokes (posthumous award)
The Distinguished Family Ramadan Family
Distinguished Former Faculty
Dr. Elizabeth Schmelling (posthumous award) and Ms. Margaret ‘Peggy’ Nims
Distinguished Service Award
Monical Neal
Distinguished Philanthropist
Chickasaw Nation
REVERSE ARTICULATION AGREEMENT
ECU has worked a reverse articulation agreement with Murray State College, Eastern Oklahoma State College and Seminole State College. With the agreement, ECU students who have transferred in from those three institutions, but have not achieved their associate’s degrees, can do so by taking courses at ECU. Students must have completed 50 hours of course work from MSC, EOSC or SSC in order to obtain their associate’s degrees from those respective institutions.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and with community partnership, ECU participated in “Stomp Out Sexual Assault,” which was a community-wide event that featured a 5k walk and will host “National Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” on April 16.
OKLA. BUSINESS WEEK ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications are being accepted for ECU’s Second Annual Oklahoma Business Week Camp, June 2-7. The camp is open to all high school students, who will complete the ninth through 12 grades this spring. The camp introduces students to the business world as they learn about business practices and compete in a simulated business challenge. For more information visit okbusweek.com
BOOKS FOR FIJI
Books For Fiji was a complete success as the ECU ENACTUS Team, along with the ECU School of Business and the Ada Rotary Club collected over 30,000 books to be distributed to 70 public schools in and around Nadi, Fiji.
EIGHTH ANNUAL SCISSORTAIL CREATIVE WRITING FESTIVAL
Over 50 published authors participated in the Eighth Annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival earlier this month. The featured authors included poets Andrew Hudgins and Walter Bargen along with historical fiction writers Constance Squires and Anna Myers.
LOCAL
WRITERS RECOGNIZED Winners of the Ninth Annual R. Darryl Fisher Creative Writing Contest were announced at the Scissortail Creative Writing Festival.
Meagan Harden of Norman, Cheyenne Hope Ballard of Shawnee, Samantha Ciaramitaro of Lawton, Joshua Marrs of Norman, Colleen Maher of Dickson and Katelyn Elrod, of Chickasha.
MCALESTER MAIN STREET BOARD VISITS ADA
A contingent from McAlester recently toured the ECU Arts Incubator to learn about the sheltered environment of low rental rates and tax breaks for arts-related businesses.
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT TO BENEFIT ADA COMMUNITY
Dr. John Ulrich’s public policy capstone class is working with the community for their service-learning requirement. As part of the class, students had to propose a project. They took the proposal all the way to the Ada City Council. And with the council’s blessing, the students are conducting a study among Ada residents concerning the reasons for low-voter turnout, particularly in municipal elections.
Surveys are being conducted on the internet at http://goo.gl/iaFg3. Randomly selected residents are also being surveyed by telephone.
ECU GRAD STUDENT SHINES
Tatiana Booth, an ECU graduate student, has made an impact as a student teacher and coach in the nearby Byng School District. Booth excelled as a student teacher in Lynne White’s eighth grade history class and as an assistant coach for Byng High School Basketball Team. Booth had such a bond with the team she volunteered after her student teaching duties were completed to help the team go on to qualify for the state basketball tournament. Something the BSH will never forget.
RELAY FOR LIFE FASHION SHOW
The ECU Family and Consumer Science/Retail Merchandising Program in conjunction with Maurices recently held a fashion show at Maurices in Ada. The show, which included a silent auction, benefited the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
ONLY EPA GRANT AWARD IN THE STATE
Dr. Dane Scott and students – Josh Smith of Ardmore, Cody Soden of Owasso and Laura Blanco-Berdugo of Colombia – are headed to Washington D.C. later this month to make a presentation on a grant they received from the Environmental Protection Agency. The study focused on solar cells that are devices that convert solar energy into electricity but are not used in everyday lives as they have limitations due to cost, availability, stability and lack of efficiency. The grant was the only one awarded to an individual or college institution in the state.
OBW RECEIVES AWARD
ECU’s Oklahoma Business Week was presented the Exceptional Program Award for Best Conference in the Great Plains Region of the Association for Continuing Higher Education. The award was presented to Stacey Bolin, OBW Camp Director, and Charlee Lanis, coordinator of ECU’s Community Education Program, at a banquet at Kansas State University.
PSYCHOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED
Tom Crabtree and his family established the first psychology scholarship at ECU in memory of Tom’s wife, Judy. She attended and taught at ECU. The scholarship will be awarded to outstanding junior or senior students.
MAINTENANCE WORKERS HELP SAVE LIFE
Two ECU maintenance employees – Jonathan Townsend (left) and Keith Hopper (right) – helped to save the life of ECU student Tracy Holman (middle). The two were changing air filters and when they arrived at Holman’s door and knocked, there was no answer. Sensing that someone was home and something was wrong, they unlocked the door and found Holman sprawled out on the floor and unconscious on the other side of the door. They immediately sprang into action and Holman feels they saved her life.
NEW PHYSICAL PLANT DIRECTOR
Darryl Overstreet, who has spent the last 18 years in various capacities at the University of Oklahoma, has been selected as the new physical plant director at East Central University.
Overstreet most recently served as OU’s director of facilities, housing and food services.
HOLLINGSWOTH PARTICIPATES IN PARADE
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth recently participated in the Arbroath Pipe Band of Oklahoma City for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bricktown on March 16. Bagpipe bands throughout Oklahoma gather together for this annual event.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Michael Frye
Tommy Daubenspeck
Stephanie Moss
Glenn Ronning
Katherine Sleyko
Scotty Sprague
Carol Sugg
Jonathan Townsend
Mica Howard
Alisha Hughes
Amie Orr
Randy Pippin
Davis Sadongei
Kim Rogers
Peggy Saunkeah
Wendy McKibben
ECU STUDENTS HAVE FUN THIS SEMESTER
UPCOMING EVENTS
All Month Summer/Fall Enrollment
58th Annual Student Art Exhibition Pogue Art Gallery
April 13
Softball vs Northwestern, 12 p.m. double header, ECU Softball Field
April 15- 17
State Band Contest, HBFFAC
April 15
First United Awards, 6:45 p.m., Ataloa Theatre
April 16
Boswell Lecture, 2 p.m., Estep, UC
Tennis vs OBU, 3 p.m., Mayhue Court
College of Health & Sciences Awards 7 p.m., Ballroom
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, 7 p.m., UC Mall
April 18
School of Business Awards, 6 p.m., Ballroom
April 18 - 20
Picnic, 7:30 p.m., Chalmers Theatre, HBFFAC
April 19
Human Resources Awards, 12 p.m., Ballroom
Baseball vs Northwestern 2 p.m., ECU Baseball Field
African-Caribbean Fusion Night 7 p.m., Ballroom
April 20
Baseball vs Northwestern 1 p.m. double header, ECU Baseball Field
July2013
ECU’S ANNUAL RED, WHITE & BLUE DAY
ECU President John Hargrave hosted the Second Annual Red, White and Blue Day on July 2 as employees were treated to ice cream sundaes in the Taff Cafeteria. Prizes were presented for best patriotic costumes and best office/department costume participation.
THREE INDUCTED INTO KEEFER EDUCATOR’S HALL OF FAME
Three new people were inducted into the Gene and Evelyn Keefer Educator’s Hall of Fame at ECU on July 9. Dr. Pam Deering, the late Dr. Tim Green, and Jackie ‘Tex’ Rollins were the three formally enshrined. The Educators Hall of Fame is sponsored by Janice Diamond and Paul Keefer, the children of Gene and Evelyn Keefer, and recognizes ECUprepared educators at any level who have made a significant contribution to the field of education. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to the Keefers and other parents like them who could not afford to go to college but made it a priority that their children have that opportunity.
MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING PROGRAM RECOGNIZED
The ECU Master’s in Accounting Program was recognized as one of the top 50 in the nation for 2013 by Master’s Degree Online, it was recently announced. ECU was the only Oklahoma institution on the list.
ECU GRAD INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL TEACHERS HALL OF FAME
Byng teacher and ECU graduate Deborah Cornelison –along with four educators whose experience combined with hers to total 116 years– were inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in June in Emporia, Kan. Cornelison has taught ninth-grade physical science at Byng Junior High School for most of her 28-year career. She earned a master’s of education in secondary education and bachelor’s in biology and chemistry from ECU. She was an adjunct instructor of general biology and general physical science before taking the job at Byng.
CHICKASAW BUSINESS & CONFERENCE CENTER GRAND OPENING SET FOR AUG. 22
The grand opening for ECU’s new Chickasaw Business and Conference Center, which will house ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, is set for Thursday, Aug. 22. Events include: tours from 1-5 p.m., 4 p.m. reception and 5 p.m. ribbon cutting. Scheduled to make appearances are Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Harland C. Stonecipher.
TIM GREEN ALL-SPORTS GOLF CLASSIC
The Seventh Annual Tim Green AllSports Golf Classic, held at the Brent Bruhel Memorial Golf Course in Purcell, was a great success as over $10,000 was raised for the ECU Department of Athletics. The 20 teams of four had a perfect day for a round of golf and camaraderie with ECU head coaches and staff in attendance. The participants received some pointers from ECU alum and PGA Champions Tour professional Dr. Gil Morgan. The winning team consisted of former ECU football coach Hank Walbrick, Blake Drumm, Dee Drumm and Jerry Hildebrand.
GENEROUS DESIGNER CLOTHING DONATION
A generous donation from the estate of Margaret Scott will benefit three departments at ECU. Nearly 3,000 pieces and seven closets full of designer clothing and pairs of shoes, with a retail value of anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million, were donated to ECU’s Family and Consumer Science, Business and Drama Departments. Ms. Scott resided in Seminole until her death in 2011. While many of the pieces were divided among the three departments, a portion of clothing was donated to the Chickasaw ReUse Center and will be given away.
ECU STUDENT PART OF SUMMER MATH RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Ashley Huhman, a member of ECU’s Presidential Leadership Class, has been a part of the 2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Institute in Experimental Mathematics at Michigan State University. This summer research experience, based out of the Lyman Briggs College of Science and Humanities at MSU, is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and National Security Agency. The applied mathematics major and sophomore from Dickson High School spent seven weeks in East Lansing, Mich., and has gained a valuable learning experience in preparation for graduate school.
THREE SPEAK AT ECU COLLEGE OF HEALTH & SCIENCES LECTURE SERIES
Three special guests – C. Michael Carolina, of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST); Dr. Benny Bruton, recently retired research plant pathologist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Alejandro Canale-Guerrerro, a visiting professor of Food Science from the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico were the special guests in the ECU Health and Sciences Lecture Series on July 2. Bruton played football at ECU for coaches Elvan George and Pat O’Neal and ran track. The format was a question-answer session with the trio and attendees.
ROBOTICS TEAM FINISHES THIRD IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
A team of ECU computer science students and alumni placed third overall in the KIPR (KISS Institute for Practical Robotics) Autonomous Aerial Robotics Tournament held recently in Norman. The international tournament was part of the 2013 Global Conference on Educational Robotics. The ECU team also received a judges’ choice award for their use of external indicators to aid in navigating the course in the game called ‘Loop the Hoops’.
McDONALD RECIPIENT OF RANDALL MEMORIAL ENGLISH SCHOLARSHIP
Macy McDonald is the recipient of the Sara Randall Memorial English Scholarship for 2013-14 at ECU. McDonald, an English major with a minor in sociology, graduated from Vanoss High School. McDonald was a Brad Henry Scholar for 2012-13. Randall was a junior at ECU majoring in English when she passed away. Her parents, Clifford and Janis Randall, have just completed the endowment of this scholarship in Sara’s memory.
ECU WELCOMES EIGHT NEW SOCCER PLAYERS
ECU Head Soccer Coach
Riley Bailey has announced the addition of eight new student-athletes for the 2013 season. Transfers are: Adrian Fairchild, from Independence Community College and Milan Galloway, San Bernardino Valley College. The freshmen include: Lexie DeVore, from Frisco, Texas (Wakeland High School); Elizabeth Dodd, from McLoud (Dale HS); Kylee Harper, from Bartonville, Texas (Argyle HS); Brooke Hazard, from Burbank, Calif. (John Burroughs HS); Lexi Hurley, from Mesquite, Texas (John Horn HS); and Breeana Jewell, from Harrah. The Lady Tigers open the season on Sept. 6 at Colorado State Pueblo. The team’s first home match is Sept. 10 against Northeastern State at 4 p.m.
GAINES NAMED TO PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
ECU football senior Fred Gaines has been named to the 2013 Beyond Sports Network Preseason AllAmerican Second Team. The safety was a 2012 Daktronics Super Region No. 3 Second Team Defensive selection after leading the Tigers and Great American Conference with seven interceptions for 80 yards. He also added 63 tackles, including 46 solo, and three pass breakups in 2012. Gaines was also honored as an All-GAC First Team selection as a safety in 2012. The Fresno, Calif., native is one of nine players from the GAC honored by Beyond Sports Network. ECU will open the 2013 season at home on Norris Field on Sept. 7 against ArkansasMonticello at 6 p.m.
MICOZZI FINDS DINOSAUR TOOTH
A new hobby has consumed ECU’s Dr. Mark Micozzi and it has led to an amazing and exciting discovery as he spends the summer in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Dabbling in paleontology for the first time in his life, Micozzi, a professor in ECU’s Department of Cartography and Geography, recently found a dinosaur tooth near Kenton, Okla., in the far northwestern corner of the Okla. panhandle. The tooth belonged to a theropod, a dinosaur with strong hind legs and short front limbs. The finding was the first indication of a dinosaurian carnivore from what is dubbed the “Homestead Quarry”, on land owned by the Whitten-Newman Foundation.
SUTER SELECTED AS NEW DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND GREEK LIFE
Sarah Suter has been selected as ECU’s new Director of Student Organizations and Greek Life, it was announced recently. Suter recently completed her master’s degree, MSE-PD with an emphasis in higher education leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
She also received her bachelor’s degree of science education from that institution. She most recently served in the career and leadership development office at Wisconsin-Whitewater. Suter has a wide variety of experience working with student leaders and organizations, primarily fraternities and sororities.
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DEPARTMENT ACHIEVES AWARDS
ECU’s Communications and Marketing Department achieved awards in seven categories during the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association’s annual conference.
Amy Ford and students James Neeley and Matthew Taylor received first place for digital advertising campaign “It’s Time”.
Sports Information Director Teri LaJeunesse won second & third in the Sports Writing category.
Gina Smith won second in the traditional photography/sports category.
The department also received honorable mention awards for 2012 Football Media Guide, 2012 Viewbook and the Navajo Code Talkers Video which was shown at the Louise Young Diversity Lecture in 2013.
2013-14 ECU FINE ARTS SEASON ANNOUNCED
Tickets will soon be on sale for ECU’s 2013-14 Fine Arts Season, which will feature Improvised Shakespeare (Sept. 26), Miller in Concert (Nov. 14-16), Chicago Tap Theatre (Jan. 24), the Brad Richter and Viktor Uzur Duo in concert with the Oklahoma City Community Orchestra (Feb. 22) and Aquila Theatre’s production of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (March 6). ECU productions of Doubt: A Parable (Oct. 10-12), The Imaginary Invalid by Moliere (Nov. 14-16), School House Rock (Feb. 13-15) and George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara (April 10-12) are also scheduled. A season pass can be purchased for all eight special performances and more for $100. For $75, a patron can purchase a ticket for all ECU productions plus two more special events. Ticket will go on sale next month.
For more information call the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center Box Office at 559-5751.
CAMPERS ON ECU CAMPUS THIS SUMMER
Hundreds of students from across the country visited ECU to attend one of the many camps this summer. Students attended the Startalk Russian Summer Institute, NFL High School Player Development Camp, Football Championship 7-on-7, Tiger Youth Football Camp, Robotics Camp, Cheer Camp, Seminole Diabetes Camp, Chickasaw Arts Academy, Lewis and Clark Camp and Math Pursuits.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 29-30 Summer Semester Finals
Aug. 15
ECU Employee Convocation
Aug. 19
Fall Semester Begins
Aug. 22
Chickasaw Business & Conference Center Grand Opening
ECU CHICKASAW BUSINESS & CONFERENCE
CENTER OFFICIALLY OPENED AUG. 22
Hundreds gathered at ECU on Aug. 22 for the grand opening of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The 59,111 square-foot facility, which houses the new Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, awed governmental officials, community leaders, dignitaries and other attendees alike.
The afternoon and night featured tours of the facility, a reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a gala banquet, which featured dinner and speeches from Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Mike Turpen, vice chairman of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, who read a scripted speech for friend Harland C. Stonecipher, who was scheduled to speak and was unable to attend due to illness.
STONECIPHER MEMORIAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT
The Nikki Stonecipher Memorial Golf Tournament was held Sept. 9. Afterwards, Harland and Shirley Stonecipher hosted a reception at the new Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business.
PRESIDENT HARGRAVE ATTENDS OCAN KICKOFF EVENT
ECU President John Hargrave and Regional University System of Oklahoma Regent Connie Reilly are pictured during a kickoff event for the new Oklahoma Community Anchor Network (OCAN) held recently in Durant. Funded by a $74 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, OCAN is designed to deliver high-speed broadband services to rural and under served Oklahoma.
‘ROARY LOVES THE 90s’ HOMECOMING CELEBRATION SLATED
‘Roary Loves the 90s, Celebrating our 1993 Breakthrough Championship’ will be the theme during ECU’s annual homecoming festivities. The weeklong celebration will wrap up on Saturday, Oct. 5, highlighted by the homecoming parade at noon on Main Street in Ada and the football game against Southern Nazarene at 4 p.m. at Norris Field. The theme centers on the 20th anniversary of ECU’s 1993 NAIA National Championship in football as former players and coaches on that team will be in attendance.
MEMORIAL FUND ESTABLISHED
The ECU family lost a well-liked member with the tragic death of Chris Lane, a student-athlete on the Tiger baseball team, on Aug. 16, 2013. ECU has established the Chris Lane Memorial Fund in his memory as the university is working closely with the Lane family to memorialize their son. Donations can be made to the ECU Foundation, Inc. at alumni.ecok.edu/donations or by contacting ECU Foundation Executive Director Phyllis Danley at pdanley@ecok.edu.
TWO ECU GRADS ARE NOMINEES FOR STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Two ECU graduates – Mara Richards and Susan Rindal – are two of 12 nominees for the State of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Award. Richards received a master’s degree in library media from ECU and teaches at Durant Middle School. Rindal earned a master’s degree in reading education from ECU. She teaches at Vanoss Elementary School.
BILLIE FATHREE FLOYD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
Tyler Mills, a junior from Stratford, is pictured after receiving the Billie Fathree Floyd Elementary Education Scholarship at ECU for 2013.
FIRST FOUR SILVER TIGERS RECOGNIZED
The first four Silver Tigers - Dr. Pat Fountain, Karen Hudson, Leslie Fisher and Todd Moon - were recently recognized. The new Silver Tiger Program is for alumni, faculty, administrators, staff and friends of ECU who have 25-plus years of association with ECU. Those with less than a 25-year association have the opportunity to be a Future Silver Tiger.
PHIPPS SPENDING SEMESTER IN WALES
ECU junior biology student Catherine Phipps was named as one of the 2013 Brad Henry International Scholars, and is spending this semester studying at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales as part of scholar program and ECU’s Global Education Program.
CLUCK STUDIES ABROAD
Jamie Cluck, an ECU senior from Ada, is studying abroad this semester at the Kiev National Linguistic University in Kiev, Ukraine as part of ECU’s Global Education Program.
THIRD ANNUAL ‘STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS’ EVENT ANNOUNCED
Step Out of the Darkness, a day of prevention and recovery from addiction, is scheduled for Sept. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at the Pontotoc County Courthouse in Ada and wrapping up at ECU’s Kerr Activities Center.
ART STUDENTS PAINT HOUSES EACH YEAR
Members of the ECU Art Department prepare and paint a house as part of a service learning project each fall. A house within the Arts District of Ada is selected. Funding is provided by a $500 grant.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT HELD ON ECU CAMPUS
Hundreds turned out for National Night Out on the ECU campus on Aug. 6. The event is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.
DR. COLLINS TO DELIVER ROTHBAUM LECTURE
Dr. Paul Collins will deliver the annual Rothbaum Lecture on “The Future of the Second Amendment” as ECU commemorates Constitution Day on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Ataloa Theatre in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Collins is an associate professor of political science at the University of North Texas. His research focuses on judicial politics, with a particular interest in the democratic nature of the judiciary.
LEARN ABOUT NEGOTIATING THE JOB MARKET
Wendell Godwin, dean of the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, will present two seminars on “Negotiating The Job Market – How To Get Hired” on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and Monday, Oct. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 221 of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The seminar is designed to help attendees become better prepared for interviews and how to handle critical questions in the selection process. The seminar is open to everyone.
ECU STUDENT TEACHERS SHOW TRUE COLORS
ECU student teachers can be spotted across elementary and high school campuses throughout the state. ECU’s College of Education introduced new ECU lanyards and ID’s for ECU student teachers to wear.
HONORS CONVOCATION TRADITION CONTINUES
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and music professor, plays the bagpipes on stage during the annual Honors Convocation on Aug. 22 in the Ataloa Theatre at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
STUDENTS TAKE TRIP TO NATCHEZ TRACE
A group of ECU Native American Studies students toured portions of the historical Natchez Trace, a near 440-mile path from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn., in August. The trace links the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers and was created and used by Native Americans, particularly Chickasaws for centuries, for trade. The experience enabled the group to learn about the Chickasaw culture prior to the tribe’s removal from its true homeland. ECU professors Dr. Tom Cowger, Dr. Scott Barton and instructor Laura Clark were among those who led the contingent.
TWELVE ECU STUDENTS AWARDED FUNDING
Twelve ECU students were awarded funding under the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program for the 2013-2014 academic year. Awards are in the form of scholarship and research stipends and range from $700 to $2,000 for the academic year. The recipients are: Laura Asaro, Aileen Barton, Courtney Beachel, Brent Biddy, Kaylin Cullum, John Dale, Meagan Griffin, Tyler Griffin, Nikoloas Razo, Kayla Ronning, Cody Soden and Linzi Thompson.
VETERANS GROUP AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
Sisters Charlsey and Breanna Foster (daughters of disabled veteran John Foster) pose after receiving scholarship awards from the Oklahoma Veterans Council and the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. At far left is Scott Ellis, government relations director for the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and at the far right is Pete Peterson, chairman of the Oklahoma Veterans Council.
ECU COACH SELECTED FOR NFL MINORITY COACHING FELLOWSHIP
ECU football offensive coordinator Rashad Jackson spent the summer working with the Denver Broncos coaching staff in the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship program.
The program’s objective is to be used as a vocational tool to increase full-time NFL minority coaches among all 32 NFL teams and is conducted on an annual basis. Jackson was selected to the program by the Denver Broncos and was hired to assist during minicamp, training camp and one of the preseason games.
ECU ALUMNI, TEACHERS HONORED AT SHAKESPEARE SYMPOSIUM
Four ECU alumni and public school teachers received scholarship awards to the Katy Morris Shakespeare Symposium (KMSS), sponsored by the 34th Annual Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival (OSF). Katy Peercy, Tishomingo; Erin Robertson, Byng; Samantha Manuel, Seminole and Megan Cooper, Kingston, were honored for their impact on public education. They are all alumni of ECU’s English Education Program.
WELCOME CLASS OF 2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 14
Volleyball vs Cameron, 1 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Volleyball vs Mid-America Christian, 7 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Sept. 15
Soccer vs Missouri Southern State, 1 p.m., ECU Soccer Field
Sept. 17
Volleyball vs St. Gregory’s, 5 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Rothbaum Lecture, 7 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Sept. 20
Tiger Frenzy, noon, University Center Mall
Sept. 21
Step Out of the Darkness, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., begins at Pontotoc Co. Courthouse
Football vs Ouachita Baptist, 6 p.m., Norris Field
Sept. 22
Soccer vs McMurry, 1 p.m., ECU Soccer Field
Sept. 24
Volleyball vs SWOSU 7 p.m., Kerr Activities Center
Powder Puff Game 8 p.m., Norris Field
Sept. 25
Negotiating the Job Market-How to Get Hired, 6 p.m., RM 221 Chickasaw Business & Conf. Ctr.
Bingo Palooza 7 p.m., University Center
Sept. 26
Improvised Shakespeare Company 7:30 p.m., Ataloa Theatre, HBFFAC
Sept. 30 - Oct. 5
Homecoming Week alumni.ecok.edu for details
GRANT OBTAINED FOR SCIENCE FAIRS AT ECU
Pushing for the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack and Oklahoma House of Representative Todd Thomsen, along with representatives from ECU obtained a $50,000 grant from the Okla. State Dept. of Ed. to be applied toward ECU’s two science and engineering fairs – the East Central Oklahoma Regional Science Fair and the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair – and all of the other International Science and Engineering Fairs and associated regional fairs in Oklahoma.
ECU STUDENT HONORED AT NATIONAL STEM CONFERENCE
Linzi Thompson, a junior environmental health science and chemistry major from Sulphur, recently received the Student Leadership in Research Award at the National Women of Color STEM Conference in Dallas during fall break. Thompson, of Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, was one of only three recipients of the award presented to minority students from across the country. Thompson has worked on three research projects with the latest being an Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OKLSAMP) project with ECU Professor Dr. Guy Sewell.
CHRIS LANE NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
A memorable exhibition event between ECU and Redlands Community College was held on Oct. 24, in Duncan in memory of Chris Lane.
BREAKING GROUND IN ARDMORE
President John Hargrave participated in the groundbreaking for the University Center of Southern Oklahoma’s new campus. The first phase of the new campus will include a 48,000 sq. ft. health and science building which will house the ECU nursing program currently offered in Ardmore.
‘SEWING
HOPE’ FILM TO PREMIERE AT ECU
Just days after being viewed at the Napa Valley Film Festival, one of those documentary movies, “Sewing Hope,” will be shown on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at ECU’s Ataloa Theatre inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. “Sewing Hope,” which will be making its premiere at ECU, is a documentary film, narrated by Forest Whitaker. The story is about Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, who runs a school in Gulu, Uganda for young women formerly abducted and used as sex slaves and child soldiers by the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony. The 54-minute film was directed by Derek Watson.
WAGNER MAKES DONATION
ECU President Emeritus Dr. Stanley P. Wagner has established a $50,000 endowment, the “Stanley P. and Diana M. Wagner University Chorale Endowment,” to help defray costs as ECU’s University Chorale is scheduled to make a trip to Washington D.C. in December. The University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. J. Steven Walker, is the touring ensemble for the choral department and performs a wide spectrum of the finest chorale literature. Wagner’s donation is made in tribute to his late wife, Diana.
BENCH DEDICATION HELD FOR DR. SHARP
A bench dedication was held on the ECU campus in honor of Dr. Ralph Sharp, retired professor of education. Sharp was nominated on numerous occasions for Teaching Excellence Awards and twice served as interim dean of ECU’s Education and Psychology Department. Sharp also helped establish secondary principal and school superintendents programs at ECU.
TALKINGTON, ODOM RECEIVE JUDY CARROLL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Anna Talkington, an ECU sophomore English education major from Pauls Valley, and sophomore Cayla Odom, an English education major from Purcell, are the recipients of the Judy Carroll Memorial English Scholarships. Judy Carroll, who graduated from ECU with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, was an educator who taught English from 1975 until she retired in 1998, and served as a guidance counselor. Prior to teaching in Ada, she taught three years in Norman. Presenting the awards was Carroll’s granddaughter Holly Beers.
TIGERPALOOZA CONTEST
The fourth annual Bron Warren Tigerpalooza Marching Band contest was held at ECU. More than 3,000 people participated in the event. Proceeds will go toward the Bron Warren Scholarship Fund.
ECU ALUM MURRAY PROMOTED TO COLONEL IN U.S. ARMY
ECU alum J. Scott Murray was promoted to rank of Colonel in the United States Army during a ceremony held at the Sterling L. Williams Foundation & Alumni Center this summer. Col. Murray has received numerous awards and decorations during his military career. He received a regular army commission as an infantry officer from ECU’s ROTC in 1992.
ECU ALUM/FORMER INSTRUCTOR BISHOP SPEAKS AT GSA EVENT
Mary Bishop, ECU alum and her partner, Sharon Baldwin, served as guest speakers at a Gay-Straight Alliance event on Oct. 10 at ECU. They shared the journey they have taken to fight for same-sex marriages in Oklahoma.
ECU GRAD CONDUCTS BOSWELL LECTURE
Social media expert Maira Moraes Ollila delivered the 2013-2014 Boswell Lecture, Social Media in the Business World. Ollila received a business administration degree from ECU in 2007, and was named a School of Business Distinguished Graduate. She earned an MBA, with a concentration in international business and marketing, from Oklahoma City University, in 2010. Today, she holds the position of associate program manager, marketing, Latin America for Liberty Mutual Insurance.
PONTOTOC COUNTY RETIRED TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION
Charlee Lanis, coordinator of the ECU Center of Continuing Education and Community Services, spoke to members of the Pontotoc County Retired Educators Association during their monthly luncheon on Sept. 20, at the Elks Lodge in Ada. Lanis encouraged the attendees about participate and/or teach continuing education programs for all ages.
ALUM IMPRESSED WITH CAMPUS CHANGES
Oklahoma Heritage Bank Chairman of the Board R. Darryl Fisher, an alumnus of ECU, receives a plaque from President John Hargrave, recognizing OHB’s support for ECU programs and activities, during the Tigers’ home football opener against Arkansas-Monticello on Sept. 7. It was the first time in which Fisher had been to Norris Field in over 50 years. He wrote about his experience on Sept. 7, past involvement as an ECU student and the changes to the campus in OHB’s October Wrangler Newsletter. Here is a link to that newsletter: http://www.okheritage.com/newsletters/October%20Newsletter.pdf.
TIGER FOOTBALLER HOLLEY SETS ECU RECORD
ECU senior Caleb Holley set an ECU record with 224 receiving yards in the Tigers’ 64-14 home victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State on Oct.19. He had 212 yards of receiving in the first half which had already established the school record. Holley, from Anchorage, Alaska, caught 10 passes in the contest and tied a school mark with three touchdown receptions of 54, 11 and 46 yards.
GRANT TO HELP ECU STUDENTS
Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, it may now be easier for ECU students, who have young children, to complete their degrees. The $88,300 grant to ECU, through the Tiny Tiger Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Project, is designed to benefit campus-based child care services for low-income students. Among the benefits for ECU will be the addition of a full-time family services specialist, working in conjunction with the already established campus children’s center. The new family services specialist will assist military students and their children, function as an assistant in the child development center and have some classroom responsibilities within the department.
ECU’S JUNIOR BUSINESS ACADEMY A SUCCESS
Elementary students from Ada’s Willard Grade Center participated in ECU’s Junior Business Academy in which they planned, secured loans, purchased supplies, set up stands and sold lemonade at a Tigers’ home football game. During the three-week academy, sponsored by the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, the Willard students learned about advertising, record keeping, promotions and how to manage their stands. Funds raised were donated to local nonprofit organizations.
GADDIS’ DONATE ELECTRIC CAR TO ECU
Roger and Leigh Gaddis (‘80 Alum) of Gaddis & Gaddis Wealth Management donated an electric car to ECU for use as a campus-wide transportation vehicle. The Tomberlin Emerge LE is a “street legal,” all electric, low speed vehicle (LSV) with a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
GRANT TO ENGAGE CAMPUS IN PREVENTING YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The ECU Brandon Whitten Institute and Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition has received a $625,000 grant for five years ($125,000 each year) to involve and engage the campus and Ada community in preventing substance abuse among youth. The grant came through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. According to Holli Witherington, executive director of the Brandon Whitten Institute, funds from the grant will be used to perform environmental prevention strategies for things like compliance checks, retailer education, promotion and education on social host laws, etc. A full-time grant coordinator will be hired as well.
CAREER FAIR HELD ON CAMPUS
A massive number of ECU students attended the Career Fair on Oct. 23 in the new Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. Representatives from business and career fields were on hand to answer questions and meet with students concerning their future plans following graduation.
BIDDY PARTICIPATES IN AMGEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Brent Biddy, a senior at ECU, participated in the Amgen Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. The program provides fullyfunded, hands-on scientific research experiences to undergraduate students across 10 United States universities and three in Europe. He was one of 255 U.S. students to be selected as an Amgen Scholar from a national pool of 3,640 applicants. Complementing his science education at ECU, Biddy has completed a summer research project on A Triple Antibiotic Combination to Combat MRSA Infection, under the mentorship of Gautam Dantas.
SPELLING-READING CONNECTION GRANT OBTAINED BY DR. REGINA SMITH
ECU Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Regina Smith believes there is a closer connection between spelling words and simply reading them. That is why Smith, thanks to a $7,000 grant from the OSRHE, is venturing into Ada City Schools to help in-service and pre-service early childhood teachers recognize and understand that there is synchrony in literacy development. In a program titled Synchrony in Literacy Development –Spelling-Reading Connection, participants will learn about the spelling-reading connections and that reading and spelling development are intertwined and mutually supportive tasks. Through the spelling-reading connection program, an emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate instructional materials to maximize instructional time and learning.
PROFESSOR RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE
Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, ECU’s English and languages professor / global education director, was recently awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of two cooperating universities –Ukrainian-American Liberal Arts Institute “Wisconsin University Ukraine” and the M.P. Dragomanov National Pedagogical University in Kiev, Ukraine. By her visit, Sukholutskaya communicated with WIUU teachers and students, took part in practical exercises, and performed a presentation of the various ECU programs. As a result, she found two (and possibly more) Ukrainian students who will study at ECU.
PHYSICAL PLANT STAFF MEMBERS
HONORED ECU’s physical plant conducted an awards assembly in September as numerous staff members were presented certificate of training and supervisor training awards. The event was conducted by Darryl Overstreet, director of physical plant, and the awards were presented by Jessica Boles, vice president for finance and administration.
