Keynote speaker, Dr. Ralph Ferguson, Associate Academic Dean of the Graduate School at Texas Tech University, was well received, according to Director of Student Life, Bruce Force. "It was a timely speech. He spoke about making sure that people did the right thing financially, regarding the financial situation our country is in right now." Dr. Ferguson also touched on the decreasing number of African-Americans living in poverty, and encouraged listeners to make wise financial investments.

Returning for a second year, Okmulgee Middle School seventh-grader Kristopher Mayfield recited Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Another returning performer was Mount Zion Baptist organist Galian Murphy on the organ. Reverend Thaddyeus W. Thompson, Pastor of Saint Mary's Christian Center, sang "I Believe I Can Fly." Reverend Thompson came highly recommended after performing earlier at a community event recognizing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.

Students and Okmulgee community members enjoyed a food spread including chicken, ribs, collard greens and sweet potatoes. "Food service did a really excellent job - the food was outstanding," Force said. "We had a good turnout from the community."
 

The Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business program is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Academy, The State Chamber of Commerce, and Oklahoma Turning Point Council.

Some of the benefits that OSUIT offers to employees and students include health screenings, workplace health and nutrition education, opportunities for physical exercise activities, management support for healthy workplace environments, tobacco use prevention activities, and sharing wellness activities within their respective communities.

OSUIT's Wellness Committee Co-Chairs James Byrd and Bruce Force accepted a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the campus at the awards ceremony in February at the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City.

Byrd said the recognition OSUIT received was due to many factors. "Our university was honored for employees' efforts in a variety of areas, including creating a Recreational Trails System for the campus and local community through the National Trails Fund Act; developing a Tobacco Free Policy; creating wellness programs for employees and students; and making available recreational facilities and programs through the Student Life Department."

To learn more about the Oklahoma Certified Healthy Business Program, visit the Oklahoma Turning Point Council Web Site at www.okturningpoint.org.
 

Heinz Leuenberger, Director of Technical Field Services for Rolex U.S.A., was recently on campus to recognize the first class of SAWTA graduates. "All of OSUIT's SAWTA certified watchmaking graduates are raising the benchmark in their positions within the luxury watch market." The OSUIT watchmaking program currently has 16 students enrolled pursuing SAWTA credentialing, with program expansion scheduled over the next 24 months.

To develop the program, OSUIT Faculty members Jason Ziegenbein and Jason Champion collaborated with Rolex U.S.A., American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), the premiere watchmaker trade association dedicated to the advancement of horology, along with two other Rolex-sponsored schools. 

SAWTA Director Herman Mayer oversees the new curriculum, examinations and processes for certification. "This curriculum is designed to expand the after-sales service capabilities of U.S. watchmakers employed by fine watch retailers. It consists of two intense years, which forge the success of future watchmaking professionals in all aspects of after-sales service; from customer consultation, through watch movement and case service, to logistics and quality control. It's extremely efficient." 

"SAWTA schools all use the single comprehensive final exam," says James Lubic, AWCI's executive director. "Those who pass it receive the professional certifications of SAWTA, AWCI and the diplomas of their respective schools."  

"Key to the success of the program is a holistic approach that replicates the workplace, encouraging higher level problem solving and critical thinking," says Champion. "The SAWTA curriculum is responsive to the needs of the U.S. market and incorporates not only technical competencies, but also business management, customer service and soft skills necessary to excel in the 21st century watchmaking profession." 

"Students see a clear path from classroom to career, learning to put their work in context of the customer's expectations," says Ziegenbein. "Most watch owners prefer their watches to be serviced at their area retail jeweler by a competent watchmaking professional with whom they are acquainted. The craftsmanship that goes into the creation of such a timepiece should be supported at the same level in after sales service and care. Individual and direct relationships between the watch owner and the professionals who service these timepieces are becoming increasingly important, as owners of high-end watches gain a stronger passion for the technical dimension." 

As students enter the program, they begin by creating and visualizing technical drawings -- learning how to communicate effectively through technical documentation; a core competency for watchmakers. Projects build upon previous competencies, culminating in the 'School Watch' assignment. Students are given a block of material, no instructions and are required to apply and transfer knowledge gained in previous projects to create major structural components of a watch movement. "They acquire the ability to utilize knowledge as well as an appreciation of general design principles applied in the high end watchmaking culture," says Champion. 

"What has been developed is a revolutionary watchmaking education program for the future," says Anita Gordy-Watkins, Vice President, University and External Relations for OSUIT. "Rolex's five-year financial commitment of $1 million has provided invaluable support for the program. They've been side by side with OSUIT and AWCI throughout development of a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to work on luxury timepieces." 

The next class of OSUIT watchmaking students will graduate in December of 2010 and other Rolex-sponsored schools in the U.S. are now using the SAWTA program. "Working with Rolex Watch U.S.A. and AWCI provides a great fit for our university," says OSUIT President Robert Klabenes. "We've been involved with watchmaking and watch repair since the university was founded in 1946. The world of luxury watch service has a distinct and unique culture, and the SAWTA program enables us to infuse our students with that culture in a manner that most readily meets the needs and expectations of customers in the U.S."
 

More than 100 Oklahoma high schools and technology centers will attend the Showcase, which features a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations arranged by the educational divisions.

Events, hands-on experiences and displays include:
• Automotive Technologies - dragsters, hotrods and specialty cars
• Construction Technologies - pole climbing and conduit bending
• Culinary Arts - buffet food preparation, ice carving, dining room techniques
• Engineering Technologies - robotic arm, boiler/turbine/generator display
• Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Technologies - Caterpillar earth moving equipment, Manitowoc LIFT Program
• Health and Environmental Technologies - prosthetics thermo forming
• Information Technologies - "IT Encounter," capture-the-flag competition
• Nursing - nursing displays and tours of lab
• Visual Communications - photography, design and multimedia demonstrations
• Watchmaking - fine watch display and tooling demonstration

Showcase organizer Steven Rubert, director of OSUIT Special Events & Services, said, "This event is all about exposing prospective students to the many fascinating industries that we serve and the exciting technology that is involved in those careers. And with the hands-on format, those who attend really get to experience what a student will be doing day-in and day-out in class."

A Bartlesville Tri-County Technology Center technical education teacher who attended the Technology Showcase recently, Sam Tucker, said the event really opened the eyes of students to different career possibilities. "Students who sometimes say that college is not for them often change their mind after attending the Advancing Technology Showcase."
 

The projects that will benefit the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology campus include an Advanced Commercial Construction Technology Center, an Energy Center to house the Natural Gas Compression Program, and scholarships.

"This campaign marks the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the history of Oklahoma State University," noted Hargis, who is also an OSU alumnus. "The incredible generosity of graduates and friends around the world who believe in our land-grant mission and embrace our vision to make OSU a leader in education, public service, and research has inspired and encouraged us to move forward with this historic campaign at this time."

Hargis continued, "The need has never been greater at Oklahoma State, and now is the time for us to seek significant private funds so we can serve our students, support our faculty and fund vital research at a much higher level than ever before. This campaign will secure OSU's place as one of America's premier public universities and a leader among land-grant universities."

The $ 1 billion campaign, called 'Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University,' is chaired by OSU graduates Ross and Billie McKnight of Throckmorton, Texas. The McKnights, who founded and now operate several successful business enterprises in banking, energy and ranching, met at OSU in 1969. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Billie and me to give back in a big way to the university that means so much to both of us. We are honored to lead this campaign," Ross McKnight said. "We credit a lot of our success to the education and experiences we gained as students at OSU, and we know the lasting benefits of this campaign on OSU are incalculable."

Though the campaign is being publicly launched today, the "quiet phase" of the campaign has been underway since President Hargis' appointment in Dec. 2007. More than $437 million has been committed in conjunction with this campaign, President Hargis reported.

Pickens Announces Surprise $100 Million Challenge Gift - Pushes Total Raised to $537 Million

As President Hargis unveiled the $437 million amount, OSU alumnus, entrepreneur and philanthropist T. Boone Pickens joined him at the podium for a surprise announcement. The curious crowd watched as Pickens announced a $100 million testamentary challenge gift to fund a major endowment for scholarships to not only attract more students to OSU, but also provide financial assistance to students who are eager to attend a major research university but are unable to do so because of personal financial limitations.

"You know me - I want us to be the best in everything we do at Oklahoma State. We are not going to be second to anyone, either academically or athletically. I know the leadership now in place at OSU with Ann and Burns has been a game-changer. We are on the move in ways I could have never imagined a few years ago. These are exciting times at OSU, and the possibilities are limitless. I was amazed at the sheer number of people who stepped up to support the stadium project and the $100 million match to endowed chairs and professorships. There is no doubt in my mind we will succeed again," Pickens said.

"We are extraordinarily grateful to Boone for his continued generosity to Oklahoma State. Boone's astounding gift, combined with the many other advance gifts we have already received, puts us in a strong position to meet and even exceed our billion dollar goal before Dec. 31, 2014--the target date for the completion of the campaign," Hargis said.

In his remarks, President Hargis outlined how the one billion dollars would be used to address pressing, immediate needs as well as emerging opportunities. He said $500 million will be used to endow scholarships and fellowships for students; $200 million will be used to attract and retain top-flight professors and researchers; $200 million to construct and upgrade educational and research facilities; and $100 million to create and sustain programs and provide services that will benefit the citizens, communities and economic well-being of Oklahoma.

"We have a responsibility to build on the momentum we have established today," Hargis said. "This campaign is indeed audacious and historic in its scope and magnitude. The money we will raise through 'Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University' will have a tremendous impact on OSU, our faculty, and students as well as our state and beyond, benefitting generations to come. This is our time to redefine the future of OSU, raise expectations, seize opportunities and do something truly purposeful and exceptional."

To learn more about 'Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University,' visit www.OSUgiving.com.

About the OSU Foundation:  The OSU Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

About Oklahoma State University:  Oklahoma State University is a five-campus, public land-grant educational system that improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach. More than 32,000 students attend OSU with nearly 21,000 on the main campus in Stillwater. Students are from all 50 states and around 110 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 200,000 students. Today, OSU graduates are making a lasting difference in Oklahoma, the nation and the world.

The featured speaker will be Dr. Ralph Ferguson, Associate Academic Dean, Graduate School, Texas Tech University. Okmulgee Middle School seventh-grader Kristopher Mayfield will recite Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Mount Zion Baptist organist Galian Murphy will provide music. Reverend Thaddyeus W. Thompson, Pastor of Saint Mary's Christian Center, will be singing "I Believe I Can Fly."

Lunch will be served at a la carte pricing, and will include choice of chicken, boneless barbeque ribs, collard greens, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, black-eyed peas, cornbread, fruit cobbler and ice cream. 

Event organizers are Dr. Thomas Kipkurgat, International and Multicultural coordinator at OSUIT; Bruce Force, Director of Student Life at OSUIT; and Grant Griffin, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. The event is sponsored by OSUIT Student Life.

About Dr. Ralph Ferguson

Dr. Ralph Ferguson is the Associate Academic Dean and supervises the enrollment management division in the Graduate School at Texas Tech University. He manages the academic affairs of over 4000 domestic and international students. Dean Ferguson is an effective advocate for programs that enrich the quality of undergraduate and graduate experience. Dean Ferguson speaks to groups about the impact of the rising cost of education, personal financial planning, debt, emerging markets, and disfranchisement. 

A management generalist and futurist with more than twenty years of experience in the public and private sector, he consults with businesses and public officials about global human capital issues. Dr. Ferguson was a principal owner in DancingFibers.com, a limited liability corporation, which distributed imported knitting yarns from around the world to more than three hundred retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As leader in a global business, Dr. Ferguson brings influence and a network of public and private sector managers to design effective strategies to shape affirmative outcomes. His publications emphasize complex issues related to debt, wealth building, and management to encourage the inclusion of the disenfranchised. 

Dr. Ferguson has traveled around the world to visit developed and less developed nations. Dr. Ferguson brings a wealth of knowledge to his work and research from careers as a successful entrepreneur, corporate executive, Court Administrator, Magistrate and Municipal Court Judge. Dr. Ferguson holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a doctorate from Texas Tech University in Personal Financial Planning (CEED).

Among the activities and presentations at "An Afternoon with Pete" are:

• Financial Aid Overview
• FAFSA Walk-Through
• Scholarship Search
• Academic Visits
• General Campus Tours
• Refreshments

Mary Lou Bledsoe, OSUIT's Director of Student Financial Services, says the financial aid process starts with parents and students filling out the FAFSA form, so OSUIT is offering this service to help people find out about scholarships, loans and grants and other assistance that can help pay for a college education.

"If you are a high school senior or the parent of a high school senior who wants to go to college, and if you are wondering whether you can afford college, this is your opportunity to find out how much financial aid is available. Most of the financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis," says Bledsoe, "so, if you wait too long, much of the financial aid you may qualify for may have been awarded already to another prospective student."

For the "An Afternoon with Pete" event, prospective students should bring one or both parents with them and bring a copy of their own and their parents' 2009 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or 1040 co-file. They should also bring a W2 form and their parents' 2009 Federal Income Tax Return.

Computers will be available in the NCAT building for students and parents to use in completing FAFSA applications. School officials say participants should try to attend as many of the sessions as possible so that they leave the event with a solid understanding of the financial aid process.

"We try to hold events that walk students through the admissions and enrollment process, and securing financial aid is timely at this point in the academic year," says Steven Rubert, OSUIT's Director of Special Events and Services. "Financing college can be a stressful time for families so we want to take as much of the pressure off of parents and students as possible, and when you factor in that it's Valentine's Day, it is sure to be a fun afternoon as well."

Anyone interested in attending "An Afternoon with Pete" should register for their desired sessions by visiting the OSU Institute of Technology web site at www.osuit.edu/awp.
 

Lacy and Lisa Worthy of Checotah earned associate in applied science degrees in Information Technologies, Information Security; and associate in science degrees in Information Technologies. They will now be pursuing bachelor of technology degrees in Information Assurance & Forensics.

All six of the identical twins were on the President's Honor Roll and were members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Ina Agnew, OSUIT's vice president of enrollment management, says, "The Scholarship Banquet is one of the ways we recognize the generous donors who have made education a priority. And, student scholarship recipients and parents appreciate the opportunity to meet directly the people who have made these scholarships possible, and to thank them in person."

The students who received scholarships were: Maria Ablen, Bobby Barton, Glenn Beasley, Beatrice Benjamin, Dalton Bird, Thomas Black, Johnathon Brock, Amber Brown, Shane Christian, Travis Chupp, Kody Clark, Sammy Clay, Candace Cleland, Kenneth Copeland, Karson Cornell, Johnathan Crafton, Dustin Crenshaw, Kyle Davis, Christopher Depriest, Saul Diaz, Jonathon Donathan, Mekko Donathan, Maxx Emerson, Kylie Garner, Joshua Hanshaw, Jason Hicks, Joshua Hicks, Alyssa Hinshaw, Kayleigh James, Phillip James, Skyler Jernigan, Russell Jones, Stephanie Kelly, Derek Kinnison, Matthew Knight, Ambre' Knight, Tiffney LaMunyon, Dustin Lucas, Nickolas Marlin, Tracy Martin, Alfredo Matos, Calab Maynard, Allie McClung, Zachary McKnight, Edith McNeil, Alannah Mears, Michael Meza, William Mooney, Rachelle Morgan, Yousof Moursy, Lacie Murphy, Samara Norton, Stephen Ortega, Lindsay Osborn, Jeffery Osborne, Caleb Parris, Joshua Pfeiffer, Dillon Pyle, Cody Quinton, Jerod Ramsey, Eduardo Rodriguez, Megan Ruley, Jared Shipman, Zachary Shreffler, Stephen Smith, Larry Smith, Karissa Snyder, Fernando Soto, Amanda Sowder, David Strozier, Melinda Tackel, Dillon Taylor, Michael Taylor, Scott VanHooser, Aury Vest, Matthew Wallace, Deanna Watson, Bruce White, Rachel White, Joshua Wier, Matthew Williams, Michael Wolfmule, Cason Wolverton, Dustin Woods, May Xiong.

The donors honored at the event were: Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Automotive Technology Excellence Fund, Bill F. Burton, Baking/Culinary Arts, Building & Drafting, Burlington Northern Railroad, Captain Robert Stotts, Cecil Oakley Memorial, Chevron Instrument, Conoco, J.C. Crawford Memorial, David Allen Minson, Don Porter Educational Foundation, Don Thompson Memorial, Don Wills II Memorial, Engineering Technology School, Eaton Scholarship Fund, Ed & Helen Turner Bartlett Foundation, Frank F. Murphy Foundation, Fred Jones Ford, Gas Processors Assn - Interns, Gas Processors Assn - School, Gisela Mooney Memorial, Grady W. & Joan K. Clack, Henry & Kathy Martin, Information Technology, James Patrick Hannigan, J.D. Roberts, Jerry Barker Endowed, Kerr McGee, Lavon Rochel, Manufacturing Technology, Martha Dillman Memorial, Michelle Zehr, Nat Danas, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Paul England Endowed, Pipeliners Club, Power Plant Technology, Richard Esley, Rockwell International, Rose Shelor, Vernon Winsett Memorial, Williams Pipeline.
 

The students who received scholarships are: Mason Beavers from Elgin; Skye Bergman from Blackwell; Jordan Bedwell from O'Keene; Marvin Boehm from McLoud; Matthew Campbell from Glencoe; Warren Geionety from Apache; Jeremy Willingham from Blanchard; Brandon Willis from Chickasha; and Brian Wise from Broken Arrow. Also receiving a scholarship were Timothy Dainty, Jr. from North Zulch, Texas and Samuel Spade from Buffalo, Wyoming.

Denny Dean, DCP Midstream's Mid-Continent Vice President of Area Operations, says, "By investing in the education of our future workforce, we strengthen our position in the industry. Developing educational relationships will allow us to bring in higher quality employees and bridge the gap of pending retirements that we see coming in the very near future."

Like most programs at OSUIT, the two-year Natural Gas Compression Program relies heavily on relationships with industry leaders such as DCP Midstream. The program is part of OSUIT's Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute, which works closely with members of the Gas Processors Association to administer the program activities.

"OSUIT provides excellent technical training that fits our industry very well and gives us a resource for skilled candidates that are better prepared to become immediate assets when we employ them," said Dean.

In addition to technical skills, DCP Midstream placed a strong emphasis on analytical skills when choosing the scholarship recipients.

"We need well-rounded employees, and in today's computer-based world, we do have to be able to work with technology and also clearly and efficiently communicate plans and progress reports," said Dean.

During the two-year program, students will attend fall and spring classes on campus, followed by paid summer internships. Internships provide students with an opportunity to work alongside professionals within gas pipeline companies, gas processing/gathering companies, or gas compressor rental fleets.

Natural Gas Compression Technology instructor Charlie Whitley says the scholarships awarded by DCP provide much appreciated financial assistance to many of his students. "Incentives such as these scholarships assist in stabilizing our enrollment and maintaining a steady flow of much-needed technicians into a vital field of energy."

Whitley noted another benefit of the scholarship competition. "Aside from the money, the application process also considers students' reading and writing skills. This allowed students to see the value of the Arts and Sciences classes they are taking. They now have an appreciation for the training in those soft skills they will need as future employees."

The main focus of the industry advisors and the university are the millions of homes and businesses throughout the U.S. and North America that depend on natural gas. Whitley added, "We're grateful to DCP Midstream for the extra encouragement they are providing our students. These scholarships are yet another indicator to students that natural gas compression technology has the industry support to make it a great career."
 

Beginning on January 5, just in time for those New Year's resolutions, Pilates Class will meet Monday through Thursday, 6:00 to 7:00 am, in Covelle Hall, located on the southeast side of campus. The fee is $60 for the entire 15-week semester - which is about $1 for each class. The class ends with the semester on April 22.

Pilates is a method of extremely low impact exercise that combines stretching and strengthening exercises designed to work the body as a whole, focusing on the abdominal, lower back, and gluteus muscles. Arms and legs get a good work out, also.

Retired Okmulgee School Counselor Estherleen Gee took the class during the college's fall semester. "I can tell such a big difference in how I'm able to move since taking Pilates Class," Gee commented. "I feel stronger, more flexible, and the morning class gets my body and mind geared up for the balance of my busy day. My registered nurse can even tell the difference in me!"

"Exercises are performed on a floor mat, and you have to love any exercise that requires that you lie down just about the whole time," says Doreen White with OSUIT's Student Life department. "Many modifications assist newcomers until they are able to perform the more advanced moves. With proper postural alignment and progressive strengthening, the spine will actually expand and elongate, and the abdominal and gluteus muscles will tone and firm. Pilates has no gender or age barriers."

OSUIT employee Andrea Autaubo, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia more than 13 years ago, attends the class to control symptoms of the disease, which includes muscle and joint pain. "Doing Pilates on a regular basis keeps my symptoms in check and keeps me off pain medications," says Autaubo. "It also has progressively provided me with more strength and endurance to enjoy other forms of exercise, such as riding my horses again."

Participants learn to execute an array of movements, which they then can carry home and perform on their own to keep strong and flexible the rest of their lives, but Gee and Autaubo enjoy the accountability and camaraderie of a group class.

OSUIT student Shanelle Colbert, 19, certainly doesn't think of Pilates as an "easy" class. "The movements totally dig into your abs, and you definitely feel the burn in your lower body muscles," she said. "I feel so wonderful after class, and I can feel a progressive improvement in my balance and control each day. Like anything else, you get out of Pilates what you put in to it."

Class size is limited to 20 students, so early enrollment is critical. To enroll, contact the Office of Admissions to complete a Special Application and reference the course number -- XCE9115 EP. Admissions will create special identification card for you to gain admittance into the class. Gift buyers, the ID does not have to be made at enrollment, as long as the participant has it for the first class. Participants should talk to their physician before beginning any exercise program. For more information, contact Doreen White, 293-4942.
 

Dr. Christian says her philosophy of teaching is "that I am as much a learner as the students are. I am an ongoing learner, and my goal is to give them information, while retrieving information from them." She adds that her office door is always open to current and former students who need help writing papers for any class.

Fellow instructor Glenda Orosco nominated Dr. Christian because she uses multiple teaching techniques and multiple technologies in the classroom. "Maria is committed to continually educating herself, and she has an amazing and inspirational personality," says Orosco. "She is friendly and helpful, students are eager to approach her with questions, concerns and words of praise - and her sense of humor is unmatched!"

Dr. Christian says she keeps the students' interests in mind when she's teaching. "One of my teachers at OSU, Dr. Sarah Marshall, said, 'Whenever you forget what it's like to be a student, you lose your effectiveness to teach.' So I always think about the students' frustrations, fear, and apprehension about the class or the assignment so I can teach them more effectively."

Dr. Christian opens each class with a joke about the English language to put students in a good mood and to help them get over their intimidation or boredom. "I want to get their attention, and I want to relax the mood and the environment so they are in a better frame of mind to learn. So if we laugh a little, then we can go to a lesson and I have their attention."

Dr. Christian received many letters of recommendation for the award, including one from Dr. Mark Allen, Arts and Sciences Division Chair, who said, "Maria's greatest strength is her openness to suggestions and desire to learn. She is noted by her students as being a caring and respectful teacher, and she has a superior knowledge base and understanding of her subject matter."

Dr. David Himes, Mathematics instructor, says, "Maria's pedagogy includes advising students in their academic pursuits, delivering course content by way of the internet, and using multimedia presentations that are congruent to the individual student's learning style."

Sareca Wilson, Communications instructor, says Dr. Christian often takes the lead in developing curriculum for the English department. "She developed the online Technical Writing courses that have helped students meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Technology degree programs. Also, she recently developed the curriculum for a new creative writing course."

Student Cristi Yates said Dr. Christian provides encouraging support to students. "She always displays a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition, and she is definitely a leader."

Another student, Brian Slaughter, says, "I can tell by her attitude that she loves her job and helping students learn. Dr. Christian finds a way to relate the material to each individual student's style of learning and that is what I found to be most helpful -- as well as her positive feedback and encouragement."

Jeff Radford, a student, says, "I have had Dr. Christian for three classes and I enjoy her passionate style of teaching. She will go out of her way to relate the class material to each student. She inspires me and has a gift for making my writing the best it can be."

Dr. Christian says her current goals as an instructor include conducting more research and working with other instructors to team teach or do joint assignments. "Students in my Small Group Communications class have an assignment that is connected to an assignment that Glenda Orosco gave her Business students. The Business students are writing a marketing plan and my Communications students will present the plan to the 'clients.'" She added that when instructors work together, they generate more ideas, which helps all the instructors be more effective. She is also having students participate in more community service projects, which she says allows them to be very creative.

Dr. Christian has an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from OSU, an M.A in College Teaching English and a B.A. in English from Northeastern State University. She maintained a 4.0 grade point average in her master's and doctorate programs. She has received numerous awards from educational entities, including several "Great Ideas for Teaching Awards" from the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges, an "Excellence Award" from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, an "Academic Achievement Award for Graduate Studies" from NSU, the "Richard Mosier Leadership in Higher Education Award," and an "Honors Society Award in Scholastic Excellence and Community Service" from NSU.

Dr. Christian joined OSUIT in 2003, and teaches Composition I and II, Technical Writing I and II, Introduction to Speech and Small Group Communication. She has developed online courses in Technical Writing and developed a new Creative Writing course. She has served on the Higher Learning Commission Self Study Steering Committee, the Faculty Staff Council, several hiring committees and the Student Technology Fee Committee. She also received the OSUIT "Faculty Staff Council Award for Outstanding Faculty" in 2007.

Dr. Christian adds, "When the students smile or express excitement after understanding a lesson, I understand that my 'calling' into education was accurate. Students' 'light-bulb moments' inspire me to always improve my teaching craft in order to reach more students."
 

Both Waugh and Charles were invited to teach classes at OSUIT because each possesses the perfect blend of talent and skill with passion. "Photographers must have a passion for the craft to be successful, and these two photographers both have that passion and are doing an excellent job of bringing out the creativity in each of our students," said Kerr.

Waugh teaches the Fundamentals of Photography and Digital Darkroom classes, while Charles teaches Photoshop and Advertising Photography classes.

Bill Waugh has been a photojournalist/photographer for 30 years, starting with the Stillwater NewsPress, The Oklahoman Newspaper and the Associated Press in Milwaukee, Detroit, Dallas and Washington, D.C. Waugh says as the Associated Press Deputy Director of the State Photo Center, he managed the staff and shot big news stories. 

Waugh said, "I was in charge of all the images that came from all the news sources across the country and from our own AP photographers. I also managed the photography for the presidential campaign in 2000 with Bush and Gore, where he was in charge of having photographers on the campaign trail."

He has photographed many nationally-publicized news stories in his career, and has been involved in photography projects that won Pulitzer Prizes. He says what he learned through all of his assignments was that a good photographer must capture people's emotions on camera in order to tell the story. He teaches this element to his students at photography workshops and at OSUIT.

"I learned that in every story, everyone on all sides of the issue has a passion for what they believe is right - and that shows in the intensity of the situation. As a photographer, my job is to be as intense as I can be so I can get images that convey that passion."

Waugh says when he teaches students, he focuses on applying skills they'll need on the job. "When they graduate and are working as photographers, they will be in high pressure situations - such as shooting weddings, studio portraits or photos or video for a news outlet - and they will have the skills mastered and be able to concentrate on capturing the passion or emotion of the event in their photographs. I feel that if I teach students how to learn from their mistakes in the classroom, they won't make those mistakes on the job."

Jeremy Charles began his career because of a desire to be creative, and he spent all his free time learning photography and graphic design. Learning by doing, he started working in the graphic design field, but decided recently to concentrate on photography. "Photography gradually took over my ambition, because as a photographer, you have control over all the other aspects of design -- you control the vision for the creative piece, which I enjoy."

In his advertising photography class, Charles uses high-profile companies as teaching opportunities. For example, he has students design a hypothetical photography campaign for a well-known product brand and makes sure they determine whether a photograph would enhance or damage the brand's image.

"I have students approach a class photography project as if they are out in the real world - they have to justify why they approached a project in that way, and why their approach actually fulfills the goals of the client. The client has a distinct goal of selling products and enhancing their brand's image. So we really hone in on that process so students will be able to understand what their role will be when they're out in the career world. We use realistic assignments on brands that they would love to work for, such as Diesel Fashions."

Charles added that students are also doing photography for a real client - the owner of a Tulsa boutique gift store called Dwelling Spaces. The students will get class credit for the photographs and the shop owner will have the option of using the photographs in their advertising. Charles says, "Our goal is not to compete with professional photography studios, but to allow students to simulate the professional experience."

Kelly Kerr, who joined OSUIT in 2007 as an instructor, is an award-winning photojournalist who worked for the Tulsa World newspaper for many years. He added that Jeremy Charles' class is similar to a practicum class. "We want to be relevant in what we have students do and relevant in the techniques we use -- the style of photography we're shooting. The technology -- all the way down the line -- we want to be relevant with what we're doing. We want them to be prepared to produce work that they will actually be doing once they go to work."

Scott George, a student from Tulsa, says the types of assignments they're doing in their classes are very applicable to the real-world. "We're using video and current industry software. We have great technology here - the Canon 5D MarkII is one of the newest cameras that shoots high definition video - it's a still camera that can shoot video and record audio. It's a pretty great time to be in school and be a photographer. We're learning how to be able to shoot in any situation, whether it's photojournalism, straight commercial photography, advertising, publications or fine art photography, product photography, culinary photography, or videography."

George wants to move to Chicago after graduation to work in a large advertising market. "The future of photography does seem to need a wider, broader skill set and to have more tricks in your bag. So we'll be able to shoot people, shoot things that don't move and some architectural things. When you're on the job and a client asks you to shoot something, you don't ever want to have to say no. You want to say yes! And that's what OSUIT's photography program is preparing us to do."

Kerr said, "We in the Visual Communications division are pleased to have instructors from industry. These adjunct instructors provide a perfect blend for our program - Bill has the experience and Jeremy has the creativity and fire. It's an exciting time to be in photography -- all the rules have been thrown away because outlets of photography have changed. OSUIT is preparing graduates who are skilled photographers and videographers who are passionate and love the craft."

Mary Dickson, Visual Communications Division Chair, adds, "Our focus continues to be on the needs of our students and the companies that hire them. Visual Communications has been in the business of educating and training photographers, graphic designers and multimedia specialists for decades."
 

The Gas Processors Suppliers Association (GPSA) accounted for half the donation, with the balance being contributed by the Pat and Pete Bartlett family. Both are Tulsa groups with long and historic ties to the state and region's natural gas industry. 

The Natural Gas Compression Program is the largest on the university's campus and boasts a 100 percent employment rate for those who successfully complete the training. The funding is expected to provide qualified, trained technicians into the midstream industry for years to come.

"We've witnessed firsthand the success of the OSUIT program providing valuable employees to our industry," said Harvey Hensley with ENGlobal Engineering, and GPSA president. "Our education committee sees this as a prudent investment in an outstanding educational facility, today's youth and the future of our natural gas industry."

"The Bartlett family has a history of supporting OSUIT and its students," added Gary Bartlett, president of Bartlett Equipment Co. "My father's legacy has always been about giving back to the school and this industry, which were both so important in his life. On behalf of my mother and the rest of our family, it is our pleasure to participate in this contribution."

Receiving the check were OSUIT president Dr. Robert Klabenes and the program's division chair, Steve Doede. In their comments, they explained that the Natural Gas Compression Program has 30 graduates each year from the two-year curriculum with Associate in Applied Science degrees.

Doede further elaborated that, although natural gas compression classes have been offered at OSUIT for nearly 20 years, it has been the last nine years since it became a stand-alone program that has elevated it to the current level of prominence. He and Dr. Klabenes both gave recognition to the Tulsa-headquartered Gas Processors Association (GPA) and GPSA for being important partners to the program's growth and success.

"This is a win-win relationship for everyone," said GPA Executive Director Mark Sutton. "When one of our affiliated chapters disbanded but had some remaining funds, GPSA's education committee was quick to suggest they go to this OSUIT program. The generous match from the Bartlett family made it even more significant. The school is located in Okmulgee and many of the students are from Oklahoma, however, this program is much bigger than just local. Word is out now, with other schools across the country looking at the OSUIT model, and its graduates are finding employment in many states. This is another feather in the cap for our home state that has such a rich history in oil and natural gas leadership," Sutton added.

GPA and GPSA have provided scholarships to OSUIT's Natural Gas Compression Program students over the years, and many of their respective member companies have assisted the program with in-kind contributions of equipment and services. The GPA is the non-profit trade association for the natural gas industry, and its member companies produce, process, gather, transport and market natural gas and natural gas liquids. The GPSA is an organization of about 350 companies engaged in meeting the supply and service needs of the natural gas and gas processing industry. Gary Bartlett is president of the Tulsa-based Bartlett Equipment Co. that his father, F.M. "Pete" Bartlett - an OSU alumnus -- founded in 1951.
 

Rubert said many technical career paths are wide open for female students to excel and earn a great salary. "We want to let female students know about the possibilities that exist beyond the traditional career choices and that there are other options out there -- and that OSUIT provides the path to those careers."

Students attending the event had the opportunity to visit the Construction Technologies, Engineering Technologies, Information Technologies, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute, Visual Communications and Nursing departments. OSUIT instructors in each department and respective industry professionals spent time with the high school students to demonstrate the equipment and skills used in these areas, and to explain the educational opportunities that are available at OSUIT.

Roni Taylor, an OSUIT Advisory Board member and the Director of Product Development for TV Guide, said it's important that women entering the workforce select a career they will love, get their education in an area that they can enjoy and not settle for a traditionally-female career. "The opportunities are fantastic for women in technology-related fields such as the programs that OSUIT offers. The balance between male and female employees in these fields has changed significantly in the past 30 years and the opportunities for women to excel are endless."

Kim Mauldin, with ConocoPhillips, works in the equipment reliability area performing predictive maintenance on critical equipment in the areas of vibration, electrical, and ultrasound. She attended the "Women in Technology" event to talk with young women about her experiences. "When I attended OSUIT in the 1980's, I learned all the hands-on skills, which I wouldn't have learned in a traditional four-year university." She added that in the past 30 years, the number of women in her field has increased tremendously.

Another industry representative who attended the event, Autumn Fecht, is an interior space designer for ConocoPhillips and says there are increasing opportunities for women in her field. "I have been with the company less than three years, and the number of women employed there has increased just in that time period. ConocoPhillips, just like many companies, is encouraging diversity in the workplace so there are many more opportunities for women now."

Ina Agnew, OSUIT's vice president of enrollment management, hopes the "Women in Technology" event will lead to more diversification among the programs on the OSUIT campus. "Our culinary arts and nursing programs are comprised of mostly female students because those fields are often perceived as acceptable choices for women," said Agnew. "The 'Women in Technology' event was a way for us to educate young women about some of the other opportunities that are available that they may not have considered, so they are not restricted when they make their career choice."

OSUIT is known for its hands-on educational approach and close ties with industry leaders. Students often benefit from these relationships through internships and a high rate of employment upon graduation.
 

In the agreement, Tulsa Technology Center students would complete the two-year program during high school, earning college credit for the first two semesters of the OSUIT photography program. Those students would then begin their OSUIT classes in the fall semester as a third-semester college student. The agreement encompasses seven courses and a total of 21 credit hours.

Clay Allen, who started OSUIT's photography program in 1988 and is now the supervisor of Tulsa Technology Center's photography program, says he can see the impact the program can have on both programs. "With the upgrading and intensifying of the program at TTC, students leave here ready to enter the OSUIT college program at the third-semester level. This agreement gives students who are seriously interested in becoming professional photographers accelerated educational advantages, as well as great financial advantages."

Kerr adds that by the time a student completes the TTC program, he or she is already dedicated to becoming a professional photographer, and OSUIT would naturally be the next progression in their education. "This agreement not only gives these students an educational benefit but also sends the message that we want them to be a part of our program at OSUIT. I believe the agreement will allow the OSUIT Photography Technology program to grow in quality as well as quantity of students."

Mary Dickson, OSUIT's Visual Communications Division Chair, says the agreement will be beneficial to both OSUIT's and TTC's photography programs. "The two educational institutions have had a long-time partnership, and we both have a goal of educating students in commercial photographic skills on the cutting edge of a fast-changing technology -- a technology that requires students have experience in still digital photography, storytelling, video capture/lighting, editing and Web site development. With OSUIT and TTC working even more closely together, great things are possible."
 

Degraffenreid, a 23-year-old 2007 graduate of OSUIT's GM Automotive Service Educational Program, received the award November 4 during a special event held at Suburban Chevrolet in Claremore.

"Being recognized as a World Class Technician reassures me that the hard work I did while at OSUIT and on the job has been well worth it," said Degraffenreid. "A lot of credit goes to my Service Manager D.L. Bagwell, and to my mentor, Paul Jacobs, who led me to OSUIT, where I received the hands-on training to prepare me for the field."

Technicians must complete eight out of nine GM Master Technician Certifications in the Mechanical area, along with accompanying ASE to be recognized as a GM World Class Technician.

OSUIT Automotive Service Technology Program Chair Bill Voorhees said, "Justin was a great student at OSUIT and for him to be recognized with the World Class Technician Award, particularly at such a young age, is truly remarkable. The relationships we develop with our students do not cease when they graduate from our program. We keep track of the progress our graduates are making throughout their careers and take great pride in their achievements."

The GM ASEP program at OSUIT is a cooperative, two-year student technician-training program, which leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. The program is designed to prepare students to work exclusively with GM and its dealers. GM ASEP instructors work directly with the Regional General Motors Training Center in Dallas, as well as area GM dealers that serve as advisors to the program curriculum.

The six-semester program incorporates approximately one-half of the time designated for technical academic training at OSUIT. The remaining time is allocated for on-the-job experience at the sponsoring GM dealerships.

During this time, students are trained to diagnose, service and maintain General Motors automotive products using recommended procedures, special tools and service information.

"It has been a pleasure to have OSUIT as a partner in supporting the ASEP program for several years," said Suburban Chevrolet Service Manager D.L. Bagwell. "It is students like Justin who are the reason I stay committed to the program. He is not only a joy to have around, but he is an outstanding technician and will continue to be so with his commitment to on-the-job training."

Due to the heavy influence on hands-on training, enrollment in the GM ASEP program is contingent on students obtaining a sponsoring GM dealer that will allow them to conduct the internship portion of the curriculum in their dealership.
 

The U.S. Army National Guard provided the color guard and presentation of the flags, followed by OSUIT instructor DeLois Middleton singing the National Anthem. Bob Klabenes, OSUIT president, and Lieutenant Colonel Curtis Bohlman, Oklahoma Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Commander, cut the ribbon to the center and invited guests for a tour.

Klabenes spoke about the university's beginnings as a facility for veterans of World War II in need of rehabilitation and job training after being injured.

Lt. Col. Bohlman said the partnership between the National Guard and OSUIT will allow students to find out how to benefit from the military as he did. "The National Guard gave me the confidence to go to college, and provided me with tuition money to pay for my bachelor's and master's degrees."

President Bob Klabenes said that OSUIT started in October of 1946 when President Bennett took over the army hospital after World War II ended. "This facility in Okmulgee was needed to supplement OSU-Stillwater's capacity to rehabilitate returning veterans. This campus became an academic transfer program and a technical training program teaching veterans - and some of them in wheelchairs - farming mechanics, shoe repair, jewelry repair, dry cleaning, dairy farming - all sorts of occupations which allowed veterans to support their families well. Today, we are proud to provide this Veterans Resource Center at OSUIT as appreciation for the veterans who allow all Americans to enjoy freedom."

The Veterans Center will provide a place for students who are military veterans to study, relax, or socialize. The recruiting office will assist in providing information about the various programs and services available to veterans, as well as information for individuals interested in military service. Staff at the center also will serve veterans who are currently attending college or planning to attend in the future, and will assist in addressing their needs, answering questions and accessing resources.

National Guard recruiters are currently staffing the center. Contact OSUIT at 918-293-4678 or on the web at www.osuit.edu. Contact the National Guard recruiters at 1 (800) GO-GUARD.
 

Members of the Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University and the A&M Colleges will congratulate the graduates. Dr. Linda Avant, OSUIT Executive Vice President, will present the candidates for graduation. OSUIT President Dr. Robert Klabenes, Dr. Avant and members of the Board of Regents will confer the degrees and present the diplomas.

About Nevyle R. Cable
Nevyle R. Cable is president and chief executive officer of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Okmulgee. He has 35 years of banking and bank regulatory experience and has been president of First National Bank for 19 years. A graduate of Hominy High School, Cable earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Tulsa in 1977. He also completed the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1984.

Cable is active in community affairs. He serves on the board of the Tulsa Area United Way, and was the 2001 Campaign Chairman for Okmulgee County. He is a Regional Chairman for the Oklahoma Heritage Association, a director and past chairman of the Okmulgee Medical Center, is a director and past chairman of the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce and Okmulgee Main Street and currently serves on the Executive Advisory Board for the College of Business at the University of Tulsa. He is the Past Director of the YMCA and Current Chairman/Director of the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation, where he was the recipient of the 1997 Northeast Oklahoma Economic Development Volunteer of the Year. He is a Past Councilman and Vice-Mayor of the City of Okmulgee. He is also a director for the Indian Nations Council Boy Scouts and serves on the board of Leadership Oklahoma. Cable was Chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association in 2001-2002 and has served on the OBA Government Relations Board.

Cable started his career in 1974 with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, serving as a national bank examiner until 1979. He then joined Fourth National Bank of Tulsa and moved to Western National Bank of Tulsa in 1980. Between 1982 and 1990, he worked in several capacities for First National Bank and Trust Company of Tulsa. He joined First National Bank in Okmulgee as president and CEO in 1990.

Since he joined the bank, First National has seen substantial growth in lending while adding many products and services, including home banking and a full service Wal-Mart branch bank. During Cable's rein, First National Bank's holding company has diversified and grown, acquiring minority interests in about 18 newly-chartered banks in various parts of the U.S., and most recently, the acquisition of First National Bank - Henryetta.

Nevyle and his wife, Carol, have four children. Josh Cable works in Tulsa, Melissa Meyers is a 2006 graduate of UCO and works in Edmond, Jared Cable is a 2007 graduate of OSU and works for F&M Bank in Tulsa, and Mandy Meyers is in nursing school at OU.

About Dorothy Mwakina
Dorothy Mwakina is receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics with a 4.0 GPA. While an OSUIT student, she was a member of the Multicultural and International Student Association and the Orthotics and Prosthetics Club.

Dorothy said her education at OSUIT has prepared her well for her work at her internship and for her future career. "During my internship, I use the skills I learned in my classes and I get to see people who are benefiting from the prosthetics I help create. When I see people who come in without a leg and I get to see them walk out, I feel I am really in the right career - I've always wanted to help people."

Dorothy's fellow students and instructors comment that she has an outstanding work ethic and exhibits a positive attitude and desire to serve others. A native of Kenya, Dorothy came to the U.S. with the specific purpose of obtaining a degree in orthotics and prosthetics so she can help people both here and in her native country. After graduation from OSUIT, she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree.
 

Ledbetter said he thoroughly enjoys working with the people at Lexus. "I am very thankful for the educational excellence of the OSUIT Toyota T-TEN program. The instructors are awesome and certainly gave me a great head start on my chosen career."

Jerry Biddle, instructor in OSUIT's Toyota T-TEN program, says Bryan came into the T-TEN program hungry for knowledge. "Bryan's appreciation for excellence has helped him because he is an excellent example of the Master Technician we all appreciate working on our vehicles. Bryan is mentoring current OSUIT students in the T-TEN program who are doing internships at Lexus of Tulsa. Bryan shares his knowledge and skills by helping others, which is a very intricate part of what he is about. I am proud to have had Bryan as a former student and now as a mentor for our students."

Ledbetter started his career working in a Toyota dealership, then in 2002 began working at the Lexus of Tulsa dealership, where he continued his quest for Master certification. Lexus Service Manager Ted Dollar encouraged Ledbetter's desire for knowledge and enrolled him in many classes in both Atlanta and Dallas. In 2005, Ledbetter became a Master Certified Technician with the Lexus organization and has maintained that level of excellence. In October of 2008, Ledbetter was promoted to a Team Lead position by a vote of his peers.

Ledbetter recently accepted the award at the annual ASE Fall Board meeting in New Orleans. In his spare time, Ledbetter loves to race factory stock cars and super trucks with his co-workers, and enjoys wood working.
 

ISA secretary Clayton Walker says many area children are in desperate need of warm coats. "Cold weather is here and some children in Okmulgee County will be without coats unless we help." He asks that everyone help children by donating coats that are still in good condition.

The donation boxes on the OSUIT campus are located in the Wilson Commons area of the Miller-Kamm dormitories, the Grady Clack Student Services Center, the Student Union Bookstore, and the east lobby of the Engineering Technologies building.

For more information about the coat drive, call ISA President Nathan Woody at 706-3298 or OSUIT Engineering Technologies instructor Art Visconti at 293-4749.
 

The center serves veterans attending or planning to attend college and will assist in addressing needs, answering questions, and accessing resources.

National Guard recruiters will be staffing the center beginning November 11. Contact OSUIT at 918-293-4678 or on the web at www.osuit.edu. Contact the National Guard recruiters at 1 (800) GO-GUARD.

AGENDA

11:05 a.m. - Opening Remarks - Dr. Bob Klabenes

11:10 a.m. - Lieutenant colonel Curtis Bohlman, Oklahoma Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Commander

11:15 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
 

Bruce Force, Student Life Director, says CarniFall is an activity that student clubs provide to children in the Okmulgee Community and to the kids and families of the college's students and employees. "OSU Institute of Technology Student Life program and the students clubs put on this event each year as a fund-raiser, but also to allow children in the community to celebrate in a safer environment than traditional door-to-door trick or treating."

The free activities include:
Alpine Climb, Giant Slide, Bungee Basketball, My Little Farm, Baby Stock Cars, Bungee Run, Bouncy Boxing, Inflatable Obstacle Course and Rock Wall.

The student club fund-raising activities include:
• Go Fish - sponsored by Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Club
• Duck Pond - sponsored by Association of Information Technology Professionals
• Jail - sponsored by Consolidated Construction Clubs of America
• Cake Walk - sponsored by Future Chefs Association
• Spook House - sponsored by Future Art Directors
• Water Balloon Toss - sponsored by Horology Club
• Operation Game, Turkey Legs, hot dogs, cotton candy and pickles-sponsored by Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society and Student Nursing Association
• Frybread, nachos, popcorn, pop and water - Native American Student Association
• Spook Trail - sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
• Frets on Fire -- sponsored by Network Gaming Executives
• Ring Toss and Face Painting-sponsored by Multicultural and International Student Association.
 

The United Way will also have a booth where people can donate. KOKL Radio will also have a live remote broadcast from CarniFall.
 

Under the agreement, students completing the Associate in Applied Science in Digital Forensics degree at Richland will be able to transfer up to 63 credit hours into the OSUIT Bachelor of Technology in Information Assurance & Forensics degree program.

OSUIT's President Bob Klabenes and Information Technologies Division Chair Scott Newman met with acting Richland President Kay Eggleston and Martha Hogan, Executive Dean of Richland's School of Engineering, Business and Technology, for the official signing of the agreement.

"This is the beginning of a great partnership that will enable OSUIT and Richland College to collaborate in fulfilling the need for qualified employees in the growing field of cyber security," said Newman.

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors of the job market today. Private corporations and government entities are struggling to find qualified individuals with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to fill positions in this sector of the job market. The significance of the work and relatively low number of qualified workers has lead to expected median salaries of approximately $100,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Our society has evolved to the point where most organizations today rely on computers and other information systems 24/7," said Newman. "And we are using those systems to transmit and store highly sensitive information. By creating opportunities for Richland College's students to transfer in to our Bachelor of Technology program, we are expanding the supply of highly skilled cyber security professionals to address that demand."

Digital forensics techniques are used to analyze a wide range of computer systems and devices, including mobile phones, PDAs, laptops and game consoles. Examiners recover data in the event of a hardware or software failure, analyze computer systems after break-ins, gather evidence and obtain information about how computer systems work for the purpose of debugging, improving performance or reverse-engineering.

OSUIT's Bachelor of Technology in Information Assurance and Forensics is a three-year, applied baccalaureate program that provides students with extensive, hands-on experiences with the tools, techniques and technologies utilized by industry professionals. In addition to the real world experience students gain through their internship experiences, a core program component, many students gain full-time employment even prior to graduation.

• Replacing a broken window can be a life or death decision
• Homemade soup is better than canned
• You can make your own watch
• Photography makes fantasy a reality
• That diabetes causes more amputations than war
• The power to burn is the power to learn

These and many other possibilities were demonstrated for students and adult learners at the event, which featured demonstrations and hands-on activities in most of the 44 technical programs on campus. Guest speakers shared stories of long-term success in careers they began with a degree from OSUIT. Industry representatives identified the technical jobs currently available in the business world. University representatives provided information on admission, financial aid and on-campus housing.

Director of Special Events and Services Steven Rubert said, "The great thing about this event is that it gives high school seniors and adult learners the ability to view first-hand all that OSU Institute of Technology has to offer. They are able to experience what our students learn through a hands-on format as well as meet faculty and even the industry representatives that hire our graduates."

In the Automotive Collision Repair Technology program, instructor Kelly Ingold told students how replacing a cracked windshield is important to the overall safety of an automobile. "As future repair technicians, they need to know that product quality and accurate workmanship are critical to the safety of the customer. The windshield is critical to the overall structural integrity of the car."

Beginning Culinary Arts students were cooking some simple recipes as one of the demonstrations in that program. They prepared a variety of 12 delicious soups from scratch: Hearty Mushroom Barley, Spicy Black Bean, Roasted Pablano and Cheddar Cheese, and Classic French Onion. Instructor, Chef Ronald L'Heureux said he has 80 new students this fall, and the need in the food service industry is so great that all of them can find good jobs when they graduate.

In Watchmaking, the Rolex-sponsored program observers saw several students creating their own watches. Having watchmaking students build their own timepiece is something new to the program, and the technicians who are graduating this December will be the first to have done so.

Jeremy Charles, adjunct photography instructor, and his class arranged some fanciful costumed studio shoots for Career Encounters attendees to observe and model in. Charles is one of two new adjunct faculty members teaching in the Visual Communications Photography program this fall. His work has appeared in a variety of magazines, including Runner's World, Forbes, Oklahoma Magazine, and Wichita Magazine.  Charles is a Tulsa freelance photographer and creative director.

Improving the function of people with orthopedic difficulties is the main objective of OSUIT's Orthotics and Prosthetics program.  Director/Instructor of Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies Jennifer Block showed visitors how a butane torch can be used to shape a prosthetic socket to improve the fit for a patient.  She also demonstrated how a transfemoral prosthesis with a special knee can keep an older patient from tripping or falling, yet also create challenges in walking with a natural gait.  A Claremore alternative school counselor who attended the demonstration said she was greatly impressed by the good that the program does and that there were so many career opportunities available.

Becoming a power plant technician can be a very lucrative career for graduates of the Power Plant Technology program. An aging workforce in this industry means a looming shortage of qualified technicians. Many in this industry are worried about replacing the retirees, observed Engineering Technologies Division instructor, Eric Brabec. He demonstrated how steam powered turbines can produce electricity from coal or natural gas, using a model steam plant donated by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative.

Vice-President for Enrollment Management, Ina Agnew, said Career Encounters has been deliberately designed to present a realistic picture of the career pathways students can pursue through the various majors offered at OSUIT. "By the time participants leave Career Encounters, they understand how we prepare them for their career fields, and that "applied learning" means students will be actively engaged in the learning process -- intellectually and physically -- as they complete projects, work on equipment, and solve complex, real-world problems in the classroom and through paid internships for many of the programs." 

"The 900+ students in attendance also met with industry leaders who are a key part of the OSUIT success formula. Each program has an advisory board involved in making sure the equipment and technologies our students use, and the curriculum that is taught, is relevant to what is occurring in the workplace. It's why our graduates have multiple job offers."

The featured speaker at lunch, Kirk Hurst, Vice President of Manufacturing and Sourcing for National Oilwell Varco, told counselors and teachers about the lucrative careers available in Manufacturing. They were impressed that they had the opportunity to hear someone of his standing in the manufacturing industry.

Hurst is a past graduate of OSUIT, where he studied manufacturing. He told listeners that his career went from being a manufacturing technician working one piece of equipment to managing a world-wide manufacturing enterprise that has him travelling all over the world. Hurst told the counselors that he attributes his success to two different learning experiences at OSUIT. "I got a good solid grounding in the fundamentals of manufacturing at OSUIT, but just as importantly, I got an excellent education in business and communications. Those liberal arts courses I took were the key to me being able to advance in my career."

Ina Agnew, OSUIT's vice president of enrollment management and marketing, says the representatives each have a very important trait that helps them when working with students. "Each of the representatives has a natural ability to relate to people immediately upon meeting them," said Agnew. She added that the representatives understand that OSUIT's degree programs are in fields that are recession-proof. "Since the representatives have lived in the Okmulgee area, they know people who graduated from OSUIT who have great careers that will not disappear when the economy is in a downturn - such as construction management, plumbing, automotive service, engineering technologies, and graphic design."

Kinya Peverley
Kinya Peverley, OSUIT's Director of Prospective Student Services, is from Eufaula and has a passion to help students figure out their educational and career paths. She earned her bachelor's degree in a field that supports this passion -- Agricultural Education Leadership and Service from Oklahoma State University, and she is working on a master's degree in the same field.

Kinya's says her focus is helping students be successful in college by finding out students' interests and aptitudes to help them determine their career pathway. "Talking with students and helping them find a career in which they will be successful is a passion of mine, and a bonus is every now and then I also talk with their parents and encourage them when they want to improve their own careers, so we discuss whether attending college would be the right choice for them. I recently talked to a parent who wanted to go into management with his current company, so I told him about the bachelor of technology in instrumentation degree that OSUIT is offering. As a recruiter, I always have to be ready because sometimes my best recruiting comes in line at the story or at a football game -- that's when I have an opportunity to really connect with people."

Tabitha James
Tabitha James recently moved back to Okmulgee and is enjoying working for OSUIT and helping others. "This position gives me the opportunity to help young people around the state by letting them know that college is crucial to having a fulfilling career in a high-demand field. I'm able to give students guidance towards the correct degree field that fits their interests."

Tabitha says the best part of her job at OSUIT is meeting new people and talking with them about their career interests. Tabitha grew up in Okmulgee and graduated from Preston High School in 2000, then attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree in public relations. She then worked in Joplin and Tulsa for a few years before returning to Okmulgee.

"When I chose to come back to my hometown, it gave me a sense of pride knowing that I can give back to the same community that supported and helped me become the person I am today."

Veronica Ostapowich
Veronica Ostapowich grew up in Michoacán, Mexico and moved to Henryetta seven years ago when she got married. She worked with the Department of Human Services in Okmulgee for several years, and enjoyed working with the youth so much that she decided that working with them on the university level would be very rewarding - so she came to work at OSUIT.

"I wanted to be in a position to help young people by informing them about the education they can receive at OSUIT," said Ostapowich. "Working as a recruiter has allowed me to show students the value of a college education and how it can serve as a lifelong benefit to them." Veronica's ability to speak fluently in both Spanish and English allows her to achieve her passion of helping students and their families.

Veronica also uses the knowledge she gained from her Bachelor's degree in Computer Systems from the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac in Mexico in her job as a prospective student services representative by setting up databases and performing other computer-related tasks to help with serving students.

Logan Knapper
Logan Knapper is the newest member of OSUIT's recruitment team, having decided to work in the field because of her desire to help young people and because of her education in public relations. She earned her bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University and worked in retail during her college years. "I found I have a knack for determining people's needs and helping them find the path to achieve their goals. This is exactly my role here at OSUIT - to help prospective students decide on the degree field that best suits their interests."

Logan recently talked with a single mother who said she really needed to earn a better living for her family. "I told her about OSUIT offering financial aid, and that the university has family housing and a day care facility on campus, and she became very excited to find out that attending college was a possibility for her. She enrolled and is looking forward to getting her degree in two years so she can better support her family."

Logan adds that OSUIT made a very positive move when it changed its name to "Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology" last year. "I think the new name better reflects the mission and purpose of our university, and lets people know that our instructors are the experts in technical fields which provide great career opportunities."

Logan, who is from Oktaha, said because her father taught plumbing at OSUIT for many years that she has spent a lot of time on the campus and "it feels like home."

How to Contact OSUIT Representatives
The prospective student services representatives will be visiting high schools around the state to talk with students and educate them on their postsecondary education choices. They can be contacted online at www.osuit.edu or through the OSU Institute of Technology facebook page at facebook.com/OSUIT or by calling 918-293-4680.
 

All academic divisions on OSUIT's campus will be presenting demonstrations at the event. Students who attend will see firsthand exactly what they can expect from an OSUIT education. Many industry representatives also will be at the event, which can also give attendees an idea of the types of businesses that typically hire OSUIT graduates.

Steven Rubert, director of special events and services, says the great thing about Career Encounters is that it really shows what sets OSUIT apart from other institutions. "OSUIT offers high-performance technical educations that lead directly to high-paying jobs. With over 90% job placement among graduates and a majority of degrees that are obtainable in two years, OSUIT provides a fast-track to a successful career."

In addition to the many associate degrees and associate in applied science degrees offered, OSUIT also offers three bachelor of technology degrees in civil engineering, instrumentation, and information assurance and forensics.

Pre-registration for Career Encounters is required, and online registration is free, fast and easy at www.osuit.edu/careerencounters. You can also find more information on the Career Encounters event at that site.

For questions about Career Encounters, please call Steven Rubert at (918) 293-5220 or e-mail at steven.rubert@okstate.edu.