OSU Admissions Blog

OSU alums kick off inaugural PRIDE Corvallis events

Blake — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:37:42 +0000

Kudos to Tristen Shay and Chelsea Whitlow, OSU alumni, for their efforts on the inaugural PRIDE Corvallis events this weekend.

From the PRIDE Corvallis web site:

PRIDE Corvallis is a group of community members dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community of Corvallis and surrounding areas. We are excited to be hosting Corvallis’ first ever PRIDE event this June. We see PRIDE in Corvallis as an important step in moving away from seeing each other in terms of “straight” or “gay”, but rather as a place where we can remember that we are each others’ friends, neighbors, family, and loved ones.

PRIDE Corvallis is a non-profit supported by PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Corvallis and Albany.

You can see the weekend’s events on their web site including parade information. There is a nice article in the G-T about the dynamic duo.

The Admissions office supports the efforts of these alums in reaching out to the greater community!
-bv

OSU top choice for Portland’s high achieving students

Blake — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:03:27 +0000

Included in the feature on the front of today’s Oregonian – “Top grads have the brains but lack the bucks” — are some extraordinary statistics, uncovered by the Oregonian in its survey of”456 valedictorians and straight-A seniors at 97 metro-area public and private high schools”:

Top college choices
Oregon State (50)
University of Oregon (37)
University of Washington (22)
George Fox (16)
University of Portland (14)

In an accompanying article, Berenise Delgado, a valedictorian from Roosevelt High School in Portland, talks of her dream to attend OSU to be an engineer but the challenges of affording that dream. Oregon State’s ‘Bridge to Success‘ program is designed for those in state students who struggle with college costs.

From the article:

If she has to, she says, she’ll try to take out loans. “Whatever it takes, I’m going to college.”

Late last week, Delgado learned that she’s been awarded a series of grants and scholarships that will allow her to attend Oregon State and even cover the cost of books.

“I’m ready,” she says after looking over the paperwork.

Berenise Delgado-future OSU Beaver; photo courtesy of The Oregonian

Miss Delgado, we are ready for you. Welcome to Oregon State!
-bv

Addendum 12:19pm- Looks like we get some pretty good non-residents as well.

MICHIGAN CITY – Marquette Catholic High School as named 10 Summa Cum Laude seniors, all with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher…Belinda Ng, daughter of Yam Ng, Michigan City, and Sook Ng, Michigan City, will attend Oregon State University to major in apparel design and business.

Memberships and Participation: National Honor Society, dance team, captain, Blazer Award, tennis, French Club vice president, NYLC, volunteer with St. Stan’s volleyball team, drama club, major role in spring musical ‘09 and fall play ‘08.

Courtesy of The News-Dispatch.

OSU students earn top awards at national conference

Matt — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:36:14 +0000

Kudos to the MANNRS students! Read on…

From Extension Service News
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University students brought home the top award from this year’s national conference of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) in Indianapolis.

Although the OSU chapter had previously won the regional award, this was their first time capturing the national Chapter of the Year Award, which came with a $1,000 prize.

In the competition, students from MANRRS chapters from around the United States submitted written reports and gave 30-minute presentations detailing the accomplishments of their chapter. Among the accomplishments of OSU’s MANRRS group was the annual “Wardrobe Makeover.” This event, a partnership with Campbell’s Cleaners and other student groups on campus, provides clean, second-hand business clothes at very low cost for students who will be facing job interviews and entering the business work force.

MANRRS is a national organization that involves students from grade school to graduate school in programs related to agriculture and natural resources. It reaches out to groups such as ethnic minorities, international students, and urban residents who may not have access to similar rural programs, according to faculty adviser Wanda Crannell.

Congrats!

–mko

START Registrations are going strong!

Blake — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:25:14 +0000

According to Kris Winter, Director of New Student Programs and Family Outreach, the START program registrations are running well ahead of last year at this time.

So if you have been admitted and paid or are exempt from paying the Advance Tuition Deposit (ATD), you better register for START soon. Paying the ATD is the way to get invited to START.

Look for these fine folks (your START leaders) in the last issue of The Orange & Black magazine.

START leaders

See you this summer!
-bv

Vose Elementary School Students Provide Scholarship

Matt — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:14:06 +0000

Check out this touching story from today’s Oregonian.

Photo by Faith Cathcart/Oregonian

Vose second graders Abigail Figueroa, from left, Helen Caldillo, Tyler Rench, front, Sergio Correa and Carlos Padilla wear matching Oregon State shirts to their school’s annual college awareness assembly. Vose Elementary students, many of whom are low income, began raising money last year to give a $1000 college scholarship to a graduating senior who had attended Vose. When the public caught wind of their kindness, they were able to offer two scholarships.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients Eurie Hwang and Anthony Amsberry. Amsberry is planning to attend Oregon State University.

To the students, staff and supporters of Vose Elementary: These scholarships have helped two students go to college. Through your own personal goals, leadership roles, adversity, community service, systemic challenges and creativity, your kindness, generosity, hard work, and determination have shined through. These are important lessons in life that take many people a lifetime to acheive and we applaud you in doing so at such a young age. Keep up the great work and thank you for being a shining example to us all.

***Vose Elementary School plans to continue its scholarship program annually. For more information or to donate, call teacher Karen Harger at 503-672-3590.***

–mko

Honorary Degree Recipient Jack Yoshihara Passes Away

Matt — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:41:37 +0000

About a year ago, former students were brought to campus to take part in commencement to receive their honorary degrees. You may remember previous postings on this in the “At Long Last” series.

Sadly, Jack Yoshihara who attended the ceremony to receive his honorary degree has passed away. On behalf of the the Oregon State University community, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Jack’s friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Below you see Jack’s obituary from the Oregonian, a photo with former OSU Japanese American Student Association President Kristen Atebara from the Gazette Times, as well as a short video with footage from last year’s honorary degree commencement activities of former ASOSU President talking about Jack and the experience of the executive order internment announcement.

From The Oregonian:

Jack Yoshihara, a longtime Portland resident, passed away on April 20, 2009, in Seattle. He was born in Okayama, Japan on May 1, 1921, and emigrated with his parents from Japan.

A graduate of Benson High School, he attended Utah and Oregon State Universities. Jack received an honorary degree from OSU on June 14, 2008, due to his internment at Minidoka Relocation Center, Idaho, during his college years. He was a member of the 1942 Oregon State Rose Bowl team, but did not play due to wartime travel restrictions. Jack worked in refrigeration, and retired as a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 235. He was an active participant in judo, kendo, sumo, fishing, mushroom hunting and excelled in football. Working in his garden, grooming his bonsai trees and wood carving also provided enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Masuda. Jack recently remarried and moved to Edmonds, Wash., where he is survived by his wife, Mary Arai; her daughter, Stephanie Ulstein of Bellevue, Wash.; sister, Misa Minagi of Portland; son, Jay Yoshihara of Portland; daughter, Lynn Kanaya of Gig Harbor, Wash.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. There will be no service, as his spirit will be kept alive by many kind thoughts. Remembrances may be sent to the Oregon State Beaver Athletic Student Fund or the Ikoi No Kai Senior Hot Lunch Program in Portland.

[photo from The Gazette Times]

Former ASOSU President talks about Jack and the executive order announcement of the internment.

–mko

Pride Week Celebration Kicks Off

Matt — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:34:24 +0000

The Rainbow Continuum is proud to present the 2009 Queer Pride Celebration, happening this week, Sunday May 10th through Friday May 15th. There are a lot of events going on this week including a freedom of expression wall, an LGBT Family Night, a BBQ, and a drag show. You can find complete details and descriptions about the activities on The Rainbow Continuum website.

The Rainbow Continuum is a student-fee funded organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQQI) students, and our allies at Oregon State University. As a social and educational group the Rainbow Continuum strives to create a welcoming and safe space for diverse communities to interact with and relate to one another; educate OSU about the experiences of the LGBTQQIA community; and refer students to the network of support structures and resources available to the LGBTQQIA community at OSU.

I know that Oregon State University prides itself in the fact it is rated 5/5 stars on the LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index. What I thought was interesting was that on their list of 171 schools, there are only twelve colleges/universities in the nation and one of only four institutions on the west coast that received the top honor.

Additionally, be sure to take a minute to review the OSU Pride Center website.

–mko

EOP, CAMP, SSS Honor Students

Matt — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:19:54 +0000

Students in the Educational Opportunities Program, Student Support Services, and College Assistance Migrant Program take a moment to celebrate their scholastic achievements during the Honor Roll Reception held in April. Check out the photos that I got from Sheila Roberts, an Advisor in the Educational Opportunities Program. (Thanks, Sheila!) To all students honored: OSU is proud of you and your accomplishments! Congratulations!

In addition to the photos, check out the departments’ websites for more information on their programs and services.

The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) was created at Oregon State University in 1969 to provide support for historically underserved students. These include students of color, older than average students, students with disabilities, students who are single parents, low-income students, students who have been rurally isolated, veterans, older-than-average (25+), 1st generation in college (neither parent graduated), or any student whose life experiences have impacted their access to education.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO Program designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally-funded program designed to support students whose history includes migrant/seasonal agricultural work. The program provides financial and academic support to first-year freshman students with the goal of preparing them for further success in college.

–mko

Do you see the difference? OSU Student Appears on Tyra Banks

Matt — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:34:29 +0000

America’s Next Top Model, perhaps? Virginia Rafaelle, an OSU international student in biology, appeared on The Tyra Banks Show earlier today. According to the Daily Barometer Rafaelle was flown to New York City in order to appear on the show for her resemblance to Kim Kardashian. Viginia is also featured on the OSU Student Events and Activities Team. Read more about her here. (BTW, OSU students have been all over television these days. Remember Matthew Zedwick’s appearance on Deal or No Deal? Or how about Kerri Vanderbom in the Gatorade commercial?)

The photo on the right of Virginia was taken by Jayce Giddens. (Thanks Jayce!) From the set-up shot, it appears that this was taken at OSU’s Dixon Recreation Center indoor track!

Anyone have video footage of the TV show?

–mko

Oregon State University Among Greenest

Matt — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:53:18 +0000

Right there up with Starbucks and Whole Foods, Oregon State University tops the EPA’s list of the biggest green power buyers in the nation. There are only five institutions of higher education on the list. Check it out here!

…and this just in! OSU is also number one in the PAC-10!

Way to go Beaver Nation!

Kaleidoscope 2009!

Matt — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:10:44 +0000

This past Friday and Saturday, OSU’s Kaleidoscope of Colleges and Cultures went off without a hitch. Students from across Oregon were brought to campus with one mission in mind: Go to College. Along with their students, counselors and community organizers traveled to Corvallis to learn more about college including the resources available to them, academic opportunities, cultural resource centers, student organizations and more. Students were able to hear OSU students and Beaver Football players James and Jacquizz Rodgers talk about their college experience and why they felt everyone should go.

See below for photos from the academic presentations and a video on various clips from the annual event including Scenes from OSU — an OSU talent show featuring OSU student clubs and organizations. Special thanks goes out to Carl Thomas, Claire Bennett, Alex Beck, Ana Flores, and Marleigh Luster from Visitations and Programs as well as Sandy Tsuneyoshi, Earlean Wilson Huey, Gustavo Martinez Padilla and Allison Davis-White Eyes from Intercultural Student Services; Janet Nishihara from the Educational Opportunities Program; Ellen Ford and Dana Beck from Precollege Programs, Wendy Alemán from the College Assistance Migrant Program; Jennifer Viña from University Housing and Dining Services; Eric Stoller from the College of Health and Human Sciences; and Lindsay Mitchell and Matt Ogawa from the Office of Admissions; as well as all of the departments and student organizations on campus who played a hand in making this a successful event.

–mko

SMILE Challenge Weekend 2009

Matt — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:46:24 +0000

It seems like only yesterday that I was in high school participating in the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience (SMILE) Program. It was ten years ago (!), actually, in which I remember traveling to OSU to participate in the annual challenge weekend. Now in it’s 21st year (they held their 20th anniversary not too long ago) the SMILE Program hosted students from across the state and invited them to participate in various science and math related activities. This year’s theme was “What About Whales” and student teams were able to attend sessions on whale biology, marine acoustics, water pollution and climate change, just to name a few opportunities. (Speaking of whales, have you had the opportunity to see National Geographic’s footage on the first ever infant Blue Whale? It features OSU’s own Bruce Mate from the OSU Marine Mammal Institute.)

Some active SMILE students from Madras and Ontario who I had lunch with posed for photos while on campus. (See if you can spot OSU Admissions Bloggers James Miller and Stanley Yu!)

SMILE is one of several K-12 outreach initiatives based at OSU, all working on the premise that an interest in science or engineering starts at a young age and should be carefully nurtured. Other programs tap into parents or community members who are working scientists, or get OSU undergraduate and graduate students involved directly in K-12 outreach activities.

I had the privilege of speaking for a few moments to the students during the opening session as well as during lunch. Students came from everywhere in the state including Madras, Nyssa, Ontario, Chiloquin, Woodburn and Forest Grove just to name a few cities. Hats off to the SMILE staff for putting on another excellent program for students.

–mko

Sabor Latino Event a Success!

Matt — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:14:32 +0000

Cool stuff going on over at University Housing and Dining Services. In partnership with the Casa Latino/a de OSU, the Centro Cultural César Chávez, the College Assistance Migrant Program’s Multicultural Community and the Sabor Learning Community, Sabor Latino is a journey through culture and cuisine to help celebrate Latin and Caribbean culture. Entrée menu items included: Conch Fritters, Cuban Chicken, Jerk Pork Loin, Coconut Lime Tilapia, Vegan Pelau (tempeh, rice, pidgin peas and Hubbard squash), Yucca with garlic and lemon, Fried Plantains, Tropical Fruit Salad, Rice and Black Beans, Coconut Rum Cake, and other regional culinary favorites.

Office of Admissions staff members Dante Holloway, Alicia Ortega, Lizbeth Campos, Lindsay Mitchell, Megan Beresford and I were in attendance. We each sampled a little bit of everything (…ok, a lot of everything) on the menu and we all had nothing but rave reviews. They had music, entertainment, and even featured impromptu aisle dancing performances by UHDS representatives Jennifer Viña and Victor Santana-Melgoza. Great job to all those involved!

Thanks to President Jennifer for the photos!

–mko

Rodgers Brothers to Keynote Kaleidoscope

Blake — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:51:54 +0000

James and Jacquizz Rodgers are scheduled to open the annual Kaleidoscope of Colleges and Cultures (KCC) on Saturday, April 18th with a keynote address.

Rodgers duo to discuss what college has done for them

KCC is an annual event designed to assist students, especially those in underrepresented groups including first-generation and low-income, to better understand what college, college academics and the college search process is all about. KCC aims for students to seriously consider college as an option after high school, regardless of where they may choose to attend. Carl Thomas, associate director of admissions for campus visits and programs, sees the altruistic nature of the program,

“We are about promoting higher education. If they come to OSU, great. If they attend a different school, great. We have achieved our goal.”

Thanks to Paul Buker, Oregonian beat writer for noticing.

Finally, the brothers Rodgers, who haven’t been around that long but are already achieving legendary status in these parts, are scheduled to be keynote speakers Saturday at OSU’s annual “Kaleidoscope of Colleges and Cultures” program that celebrates the academic and cultural atmosphere at the school. … James and little brother Quizz are true multi-taskers.

-bv

OSU students save a life…literally

Blake — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:05:16 +0000

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), three student employees of the Dixon Recreation Center and another student successfully resuscitated a heart attack victim who was using the Dixon facilities.

More details here and here.

Well done, Miles Dodge, Michael Tasman, Joey Jenkins and Ben Misley!!!

Are You Powered By Orange?

Matt — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:59:03 +0000

I came across an interesting new site called “Powered By Orange.” It has some pretty cool stuff on it that’s worth taking a look at. My favorite part? Check out the link to the flickr page for Benny on the Move.

Here’s some video’s I found, one of which features our very own Alex Beck (who describes herself as “clearly caffeinated,” btw)! Way to go Alex!

–mko

OSU Housing and Dining wins award for Dining Excellence!

James — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:17:28 +0000

Courtesy of Life @ OSU

One of the most common questions I get from prospective students besides admission requirements and costs is: “how’s the food?” I’ve always known that the food at OSU is excellent but now UHDS boasts a very prestigious award to back up what our tastebuds have been telling us for years.

From Life @ OSU:

Housing and Dining has just been named this year’s Ivy Award Winner by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine for its demonstration of the highest standard of excellence in food, service and overall hospitality. The award places UHDS in the company of internationally recognized restaurants ranging from French Laundry to Le Cirque, and is one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

This is a huge honor for our Housing and Dining Services folks! There’s a ton of hard work that goes in to serving thousands of students, faculty and staff high quality, locally grown and delicious food every single day during the school year. More importantly, the Ivy Award rewards a tradition of dining excellence which has been passed on to the campus community…

In other words, the food here is award winning!

-jm

Coach Robinson picks Michigan State to win it all

James — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:34:26 +0000

Just a quick video of a short interview Coach Robinson did on the CBS Early Show this morning. Coach Rob talked about the amazing resurgence of the OSU program this year and then got a chance to share his pick for tonight’s championship game. CR picked Michigan State which made the Blog staff writers very happy! After all, we always root for our fellow Land Grant institutions!

Watch CBS Videos Online

Go Beavs!
-jm

Beavers Defeat UTEP for CBI Championship 81-73

Matt — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:13:39 +0000

Congratulations to Coach Craig Robinson and the OSU Men’s Basketball Team!

Visit the official homepage for OSU Athletics at www.osubeavers.com for complete details on the game.

–mko

UTEP players compare Gill atmosphere to Cameron Indoor

James — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:07:04 +0000

Great article today from the El Paso Times about tonight’s CBI match up between the Beavers and UTEP Miners. The UTEP players and coaches came away with a very favorable impression of Gill Coliseum, comparing it to Duke’s Cameron Indoor:

UTEP and Oregon State, finalists in this second annual College Basketball Invitational best-of-three championship series, will go at it in Game 2 on Wednesday night in the Don Haskins Center. Oregon State took Game 1, 75-69, in the great atmosphere at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Ore.

“Seemed like Cameron Indoor (at Duke) or something,” UTEP sophomore Gabe McCulley said of the 8,029 fans in Gill. “It was a great atmosphere. Everybody was jumping up and down and you couldn’t hear anything.”

A group from the Admissions Office made it to Gill Monday night and we all agreed that this is the loudest we have heard Gill in a long, long time. Admittedly, the OSU basketball program has struggled over the last decade or so and this has greatly affected the game day atmosphere at Legendary Gill Coliseum. I think you’d have to admit that the echoes have re-awoken at Gill!

A gentleman who was sitting in front of my colleague, Danté Holloway and I turned around and exclaimed “you guys don’t understand! It used to be like this every night!!

Here’s a picture from right after the game ended courtesy of Alicia Ortega:

GO BEAVERS!

There are some more great shots of the game at oregonlive.com.

You can catch the game tonight on HD Net (if you happen to have it). Or, you can follow the call of five time Oregon Sportscaster of the Year, Mike Parker on KPAM 860 online anywhere in the world.

It has been so great to witness this basketball rebirth on campus. Here’s to many more years of success under Coach Robinson!

GO BEAVS!
-jm

What’s Your Favorite Thing About OSU?

Matt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:22:39 +0000

A lot can happen when you give current OSU student Kourtney Goya a video camera and tell her “go shoot some stuff.” The Office of Admissions did just that, allowing her to ask some people around campus about their favorite thing about OSU. Take a look at Kourtney’s blog posting and watch her video to see some current students, faculty and staff members letting us know the things they love about OSU. Thanks for the report, Kourtney! –mko

Hi! My name is Kourtney Goya and I am one of the TOUR Coordinators in the Office of Admissions. I am currently a senior majoring in History and also working on a French minor. You may remember me from a previous blog post last year about the annual Hui O Hawaii Lu’au (which is on April 25th this year so mark your calendars!).

Last Friday I walked around campus asking students, faculty, and staff about their favorite thing at Oregon State University. There was a variety of answers and I hope you enjoy watching the video!

-kg

First ever footage of an infant Blue Whale captured

James — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:27:01 +0000

For the first time ever, an infant Blue Whale has been caught on film. The expedition, which included Bruce Mate from the OSU Marine Mammal Institute, was exploring a spot of the coast of Costa Rica called the “Dome”. This footage proves that The Dome is a birthing ground for Blue Whales.

From National Geographic:

March 4, 2009—A baby blue whale (shown with photographer) filmed off Costa Rica may be the first to have been photographed underwater and adds to evidence that a blue whale hot spot in the Pacific Ocean is a birthing ground for the endangered species.

During a January 2008 expedition to the “Dome”—a warm-water region that draws blue whales from hundreds of miles away—the researchers had begun to lose hope of finding a calf. Then two telltale spouts began erupting at the sea surface.

“Oh, tell me that one of them is a small blow, please,” Bruce Mate, of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, says in the documentary.

Courtest of National Geographic Magazine

Check out the excellent video:

Thanks to National Geographic for the wonderful content! Congrats to Bruce Mate for the huge find!!

-jm

MECOP/CECOP Internship Application now available- Deadline April 10th!

Blake — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:41:17 +0000

From Brett McFarlane, Head Adviser in the College of Engineering:

Applications are now available for the 2009-20010 MECOP/CECOP Internship Program.
Applications are DUE BY APRIL 10.

http://mecop.oregonstate.edu/apps/index.html

If you have specific questions about the MECOP/CECOP program you may contact them directly at:

MECOP Office
118 Covell Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-2409
(541) 737-9595
mecop@engr.orst.edu

Best of luck to all applicants!
-bv

Coach Robinson segment on CBS Sunday Morning

Blake — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:21:45 +0000

A nice piece on Coach Rob! Thanks to the CBS Morning Show.
-bv

Contest for Beaver Believers

Blake — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:47:18 +0000

From the nice people over at University Marketing:

The “Stage the Wave” video contest is here… Enter the contest for a chance to win an HD video camera or OSU gear.

Gather your fellow Beaver Believers, deck them out in orange and black, and film them doing the wave. Pick an original or unique location. Use your creativity. Production values don’t matter as much as spirit and originality.

Check out collegecolorsfridays.com for more information and contest rules.

Have fun and spread the wave!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=572539853578

-bv

Cielo Vista Elementary: Future Beaver All Stars!

Matt — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:29:55 +0000

Students at Cielo Vista Elementary are getting ready for college and it’s never too early start! I thought I would share some photos that were passed along my way from Jennifer Geyer at CVE who have taken “College Colors Fridays” to a whole new level. Special thanks and a job well done goes out to Ellen Ford in OSU’s Precollege Programs office. Thanks Ellen!

To the students at Cielo Vista Elementary,

As you know, our school mascot is the beaver which is an animal that is innovative, hard-working, and adaptable. From the dams that they build to the creativity that they show, beavers are intriguing creatures, aren’t they?

We are proud that you are showing your spirit for Beaver Nation and sporting your orange and black! You are all deserving of the Benny Beaver award and we hope that you strive for it week by week and year by year. Before you know it, you’ll be college bound and it’s important that you follow the characteristics of being respectful, responsible, trustworthy, fair, caring and an overall good citizen, to set yourself up on the right path. Study hard, dream big and Go Beavers!

Sincerely,

Oregon State University

Here’s a copy of the letter that was sent to Ellen:

I did want you to see our “little beavers” all dressed up and know how much we appreciate your support for our class. Each Friday is University day so we all show our spirit in our OSU shirts. We also work hard to earn a special “Benny Beaver” award. To earn Benny’s award each week the students must prove they are a kid of character. They must be respectful, responsible, trustworthy, fair, caring and an overall good citizen. Our students are growing up to be students you would be proud to have at OSU.

The prospect of getting to become a student at OSU has been a great motivation for everyone in my class. Both academically and socially they are working hard for their university. The parents are amazed at how much their children are interested in Oregon State. If there is a game on t.v. they are asking to watch it! If there is a story on the news or in the paper, they are bringing it in to share it. It is truly amazing to see the spirit of these youngsters for your university.

Thank you so much for making all of this possible. You have blessed these students and myself beyond imagination.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Geyer
Cielo Vista Elementary

–mko

Corvallis Named One of the Best Eco Friendly Towns

Matt — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:48:50 +0000

From Sunset.com.

CORVALLIS, OR

Beautiful, earnest, and very, very green

Population: 51,388

The vibe: As small towns go, you don’t get much greener than Corvallis. This Willamette Valley town happily took up the Corvallis Energy Challenge, where residents strive to use the lowest amount of energy in their homes. With two LEED-certified buildings and more on the way, OSU is listed by the Kaplan College Guide as one of the nation’s top green universities. Every downtown block seems to have at least one eco-friendly business. According to resident Collin Dunn, blogger for pioneering green website treehugger.com, Corvallis is the perfect place for those “who want to live in tune with the seasons and natural rhythms of the planet.” –Allison Arieff

–mko

Beavers Back in Detroit!

Matt — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:07:18 +0000

Beaver Nation is growing. With improved environmental clean up of the Detroit River, the area has seen the first sign of a beaver in about 75 years. Congrats Detroit! Click here to read the full article in USA Today. Here’s an excerpt:

Beavers have returned to Detroit for the first time in 75 years, The Detroit Free Press reports.

The newspaper says a single beaver lodge has been discovered in an intake canal at Detroit Edison’s Conners Creek power plant on Detroit’s east riverfront. Plant workers using motion-sensitive cameras also caught a photograph and a video of a beaver.

(from the Detroit Edison)

–mko

Voice of the Beavers Named Broadcaster of the Year

Matt — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:57:09 +0000

From OSUBeavers.com.

“Touchdown Beavers.” “The Beavers are the National Champions.”

Oregon State University Athletics is proud to announce that the “voice of the Beavers” Mike Parker has been named for the fifth time the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Oregon Broadcaster of the Year.

“I’m honored to be recognized by my peers and continue to be thankful to have the opportunity to call football, basketball and baseball games for the Beavers,” Parker said. “As a kid that’s all I dreamed about doing and to get to live out that dream at Oregon State is really special.”

Congratulations Mike!
–mko

OSU students exercise their ‘power’

Blake — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:44:12 +0000

In a great article in the Oregonian, OSU students that work out on specially retro-fitted elliptical machines are returning electricity to the campus power grid. Is there any question that Oregon State University is leading the way in sustainability??? (the answer is ‘no’ BTW)

Some article snips:

Thousands of college students regularly hit the cardio exercise machines to work off stress after an exam or stay in shape. Oregon State University is harnessing the energy the machines can generate and converting it to electricity to feed back into the power grid.

It is among the first universities in the United States to do so…

In 2007, OSU students voted to tax themselves $8.50 per student per term to purchase renewable energy for the campus. Since then, about three-quarters of the university’s electricity has come from renewable production.

“OSU students have demonstrated how big student power can be on campus,” said Matthew Pennington, chief of staff for the Associated Students of Oregon State University. “It was a grass roots movement that helped OSU turn green and this project moves it forward even farther.”….

“A battery-free system like this, tied to the grid, is quite rare,” Trelstad said. “In fact, we’re informed by ReRev which has done extensive market research that this is the largest installation of its kind in the world.”

GO BEAVS! GO WORLD!
-bv