Published: July 15, 2008 09:46 pm            

7-16 Ulife briefs

EDMOND — Edmond graduate part of OSU group to visit China

Rhys Gay, an Oklahoma State University senior from Edmond, was one of nine students to visit China in a program coordinated by OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

While the students explored the China of centuries past, they also saw the China of today where preparations are under way for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The “Bird’s Nest,” the National Stadium for the Olympics, was on the itinerary. Construction wasn’t completed so the students did not see the inside of the stadium.

“Everything was blocked off, but you could see the structure from the road,” said Gay, a history and economics major. “It was huge, absolutely huge,” he said about the stadium and Olympic Village that covers more than 160 acres.

Plenty of souvenirs were available. “We saw knock-offs everywhere we went,” Gay said. “At the same time, every street corner had a store selling licensed souvenirs of the Olympics.”

Military and political leader Mao Zedong’s body lies at a mausoleum across from Tiananmen Square. Touring the mausoleum meant adhering to strict rules — appropriate attire required, no bags permitted, no gestures allowed. Military troops patrol the area.

Gay did not tour the mausoleum because of dress codes, yet it remains his most memorable stop. “Mao is as revered as George Washington is in the U.S. — almost a god status,” he said.

“It was the worst experience because I was out of my comfort zone,” he said. “And it was the best experience because I was out of my comfort zone.”



Award-winning adult college program enters second year

Enrollment is now open for new students who want to join “ReachHigher: Oklahoma’s Degree Completion Program” and finish their bachelor’s degrees.

The program is designed for adults who have attended at least two years of college but did not complete a bachelor’s degree. The program is currently offered at eight of Oklahoma’s public regional universities across the state.

To qualify for ReachHigher, students must already have earned at least 72 credit hours, have at least a 2.0 grade point average and be at least 21 years old.

Students take college courses in a flexible, adult-friendly format and, when finished, will have earned a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership.

With a degree in organizational leadership, graduates will be prepared for job promotions, pay raises, or new careers that require a bachelor’s degree. They will be equipped with communication skills, data analysis proficiency, leadership ability, and other knowledge and skills that are relevant in the workforce.

Classes cost about $147 per credit hour. Students can apply for the program by calling 800-951-0768 or visiting www.ReachHigherOklahoma.org.



Oklahoma educators recognized for cross-cultural excellence

The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated cross-cultural education and recognized five Oklahoma educators for excellence at its 25th annual Multicultural Education Institute, March 7-8.

This year’s award winners include Citizen of the Year: Dr. April Haulman, Project SEEDS director, TESL/ Bilingual Education curriculum coordinator, University of Central Oklahoma.

Themed this year as “Multicultural Education: The Journey Continues,” the annual event is designed to assist teachers, administrators, counselors and other educational personnel to understand and implement strategies and programs in their respective institutions.

The sessions are aimed to build cross-cultural appreciation and academic success for all students, highlighting nationally known speakers and local presenters.

This year’s institute was co-sponsored by UCO, the Oklahoma Minority Teacher Recruitment Center, the Oklahoma Professional Development Program at the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and The Respect Diversity Foundation, among many other Oklahoma education agencies.



UCO creates scholarship fund to honor first Liberal Arts dean

The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Arts is honoring its founding dean, Frank Finney Jr., with the establishment of the Finney Scholarship Fund.

The fund will provide scholarship assistance for UCO students majoring in a discipline within the College of Liberal Arts.

A member of the UCO faculty for 25 years, Finney served as the first dean of the college when it was established in 1971. He continued in that role until his death in 1984.

Pamela T. Washington, current dean, said the scholarship fund recognizes how Finney’s dedication and commitment continues to impact UCO students.

The college is accepting donations to the Finney Scholarship Fund through the UCO Foundation with the intention of providing more scholarship support to students as the amount in the endowed fund grows.

To make a gift to the Finney Scholarship Fund, call the College of Liberal Arts Development Office at 974-5522 or make your gift online at www.ucogiving.org by typing “Finney Scholarship Fund” in the “Other Designation” field on the online giving form.

        

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