The lecture will be at the OU College of Law, Dick Bell Courtroom and a reception will follow in the Sneed Lounge. The college building is at 300 Timberdell Rd.

Thompson is active in global trade debates of the World Trade Organization and will discuss the world food crisis. He holds an in-depth perspective on the world food economy and its predicted demand and supply, and the effects of national and world exports and imports of agricultural food and dairy products. He has lectured, consulted or conducted research in more than 90 countries, while carrying on projects in food productivity and distribution.

The endowed seminar, scheduled March 25-29, is coordinated by the OU College of Liberal Studies. It honors two OU faculty members who exemplified excellence in teaching – J. Clayton Feaver, distinguished David Ross Boyd professor of philosophy; and Paul MacMinn, professor of psychology, Honors College, and dean of students.

James S. Tyree

The classes will be offered Saturdays, starting April 4 and running through May 9. The lessons are for beginners and experienced swimmers and will be at the college’s aquatic center, 7777 S May Ave.

Seven 40-minute classes will be offered between 9 a.m. and 12:10 pm., and participants will be divided by age groups.

The cost is $25 for six sessions. To enroll, call 682-7860.

Tim Henley

Graduates are asked to submit their name, mailing address, home and work phone numbers, employer, job title, email address, major, graduation year and the activities they participate in.

The information can be emailed to lpitsiri@rose.edu or mailed to 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110. For more information, call 736-0315.

Tim Henley

“These four individuals exemplify what it means to make a difference in the lives of others,” College of Education Dean Pamela Fry said.  “We are proud of their associations with the OSU College of Education. They all are most deserving of the College’s most prestigious award.”  

 Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the College.  Inductees are chosen by a committee of representatives of the College’s Alumni Association, Associates, students, faculty and administration.  This marks the 11^th Hall of Fame Class for the COE.  

To purchase tickets or for more information about attending the June 5 event, contact Brandi Dotter at (405) 744-8933 or brandi.dotter@okstate.edu.

There will be two planning meetings this month to organize the event, 7 p.m. March 2 and March 30 in the youth room at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S University Blvd. 

Volunteers are needed to shoot video, design T-shirts, perform and speak. Parent volunteers also are needed to help with decorations.  

Baccalaureate will be at 8 p.m. May 17 at First Baptist Church of Norman.

For more information, email Donna Hooper at cam-inc@cox.net.

Today’s lecutres at the Oklahoma Memorial Union featuring other European visitors will cover women in Kosovo, growing multiculturalism in Europe, and food safety.  The final lecture, scheduled 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Union, is called “Anti-Americanism is Stronger that Obamania in Europe” and will be presented by University of Michigan scholar Adrei Markovits. Call teh School of International and Area Studies at 325-1584 for more information.

James Tyree

The competition will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the auditorium at Meinders School of Business.

Organized by Oklahoma Humanities Council, the competition is a way to encourage high school students to learn poetry through memorization and performance. It also helps students build confidence and improve their public speaking skills.

The winner will advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C.

Tim Henley

Teams from across the nation will compete, including San Diego State University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Colorado State University.

“This is a large event, and our time to show off the swimming and health amenities here on campus,” recreation and fitness director Roxanna Butler said in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure that all runs smoothly and that we accommodate each participant and spectator the very best we can.”

Tim Henley

The recipients of the CASE awards are Sarah Smith, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College; Cory Steward, Oklahoma State University; and Collins Uzuegbu and Meagan Decher, Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Three community groups will receive $1,000 each to fund the students’ proposals.

“The State Regents commend these students for such innovative proposals,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “By fostering academic-service learning, our students will make a difference in the lives of others by consistently giving back to their communities.”

Smith’s proposal identified the need for updated blood pressure and pulse vital sign machines for the Ottawa County Community Clinic. Because the current equipment is very old, community volunteers do not have the medical background and training to take vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. Modern state-of-the-art equipment will allow more efficient use of volunteer time, translating into an increase in the number of patients seen, with less patient waiting time. This development will also allow for more efficient use of the medical professionals’ time, with better care for the community.

In collaboration with the Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency, Steward will work to increase the quantity of food and extend the length of time that the regional food bank can distribute food to individuals and families in the area. Working with local businesses and the university community, Steward will spread awareness and work for more efficient food collection methods. The grant will be used primarily for food purchases and some advertising.

Uzuegbu and Decher’s proposal will provide age- and developmentally appropriate toys and fun activities to pediatric patients in the Weatherford Regional Hospital. The availability of these activities can relieve the pediatric patients by decreasing anxiety and making their hospital stays less frightening.

The CASE grant award is a program of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Foundation, whose programs recognize excellence in academic-service learning and provide financial support to outstanding examples of campus-community collaboration and innovative ideas to serve the community.

As a parent, you might worry if your American Idol-loving child says she wants to be a rock star when she grows up.

Sure it worked out for a few Okies, but wouldn’t you rather she dream of a career in say, accounting or public service?  

Not as glamorous sure, but there’s a clear educational path to those careers.

Well, hold your horses honey, now there’s a clear path to the Rock Star ranks! The University of Central Oklahoma’s Academy of Contemporary Music (a.k.a. School of Rock) opens this fall and offers several college degree plans. Talented kids will hone their skills while learning the business end of the industry.

So, darling daughter, if you want to be a Rock Star, I promise not to make a face or utter a discouraging sigh. You CAN do it. But you’re only 5. So let’s see what you want to be next year.

Susan Simpson, Staff Writer