Sept. 16, 2013

Media Contact: Angela Morris, Staff Writer, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, (405) 974-3752, amorris11@uco.edu

UCO SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONTINUES FACULTY ARTIST CONCERT SERIES WITH CLARINET PROFESSOR SEPT. 24

The University of Central Oklahoma will present a performance featuring assistant professor of clarinet Dawn Marie Lindblade, D.M.A., at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth Street in Edmond.           

This concert is a part of the Faculty Artist Concert Series, a yearlong performance series that highlights the talents of Central music faculty members.  All performances take place on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab with proceeds supporting scholarships and the UCO School of Music.           

Lindblade, a faculty member since 2011, has performed both nationally and internationally in such halls as the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Mich., and Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace in Austria.           

Lindblade has performed in the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, among others.           

For this concert, Lindblade will perform works originally commissioned for the prestigious Michigan-based Verdehr Trio.  The Verdehr Trio’s clarinetist Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr was Lindblade’s professor in school.           

Lindblade will perform as a part of Central’s Lupine Trio, which also includes violinist Hong Zhu, D.M.A., and pianist Sallie Pollack, D.M.A.           

Zhu also studied with a member of the Verdehr Trio while attending Michigan State, violinist Walter Verdehr.           

“The Lupine Trio and this upcoming concert is really a tribute to the Verdehr Trio,” said Lindblade.           

The Lupine Trio, still in its beginning stages, was well received by audiences at the 2013 national music conference The University of Oklahoma Symposium and continues to be encouraged by the Verdehr Trio.           

“I know all the Faculty Artist Concerts so far, including mine, have had chamber music performed with fellow Central music faculty, but I really think that is a testament to the fact that our faculty love playing together,” said Lindblade.           

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the UCO School of Music at 405-974-5004.  Admission is free for Central students, faculty and staff with a Central I.D.           

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/DawnLinblade09.13.

Cutline: UCO presents a performance featuring assistant professor of clarinet Dawn Marie Lindblade, D.M.A., at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth Street in Edmond.

Sept. 17, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO SORORITY MARCHES FOR SKIN CANCER AWARENESS IN MEMORY OF LATE SISTER

The University of Central Oklahoma chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, in partnership with UCO’s Student Programming Board (SPB) and Panhellenic Council, will honor the memory of their late sister, Madison Watts, or “Maddy,” with Maddy’s March, a memorial rally and march. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Alpha Gamma Delta house, 425 N. Jackson St. in Edmond, west of the main campus.

Watts lost her battle with stage four metastatic melanoma, a form of skin cancer, on May 27. She was diagnosed in September 2012, just weeks into her freshman year at Central.

Maddy’s March will begin with a memorial rally and balloon release and continue on to UCO’s Wantland Stadium for the UCO tailgate and football game. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple – the symbolic color for skin cancer awareness – to demonstrate their support. 

“Maddy’s March honors our sister, who not only impacted our house, but our campus and our community,” said Jillian Goodman, Alpha Gamma Delta president and UCO Student Association vice president.

“When the Central community rallied behind Maddy last year, they really rallied behind a woman who they had never met. The success of the campaign truly shows the compassion this campus has for its students, and speaks volumes for our university as a whole.”

Central’s Alpha Gamma Delta chapter raised more than $30,000 for Watts’ cancer treatment and melanoma awareness in 2012. The sorority plans to continue to raise both awareness and funds for melanoma.

For more information, contact Goodman at 405-209-9883 or jilliangoodman@me.com.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/MaddysMarch

Cutline: University of Central Oklahoma student Madison Watts lost her battle with metastatic melanoma on May 27, 2013. Watts’ sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, will honor her memory at Maddy’s March, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 425 N. Jackson St. in Edmond.

Sept. 18, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO TO HOST READING FROM AWARD-WINNING POET JEANETTA CALHOUN MISH

The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Arts, the Department of English and the Creative Writing Program will host a free, open-to-the-public reading from poet Jeanetta Calhoun Mish at 7 p.m., Sept. 25 in the Pegasus Theater in the Liberal Arts Building on Central’s campus as a part of the Fall 2013 Creative Writing Readers’ Series.

Scholar, teacher and award-winning poet, Mish also serves as the editor of Mongrel Empire Press and director of the Red Earth Creative Writing MFA Program at Oklahoma City University.

"In Oklahoma, Jeanetta is arguably at the forefront of a literary renaissance, both in publishing, and due to her award-winning poetry,” said Constance Squires, Ph.D., associate professor of English.

Mish’s poetry collection, “Work Is Love Made Visible,” won the Western Heritage Award, the Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry and the WILLA Award for Poetry. “Tongue-Tied Woman,” Mish’s first collection of poetry, won the 2002 Edda Poetry Chapbook Competition for Women.

For additional information, contact Squires at 405-974-5616 or csquires1@uco.edu.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at http://www.uco.edu/photo/Mish/

Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma will host award-winning poet Jeanetta Calhoun Mish for a free, public reading at 7 p.m., Sept. 25 at Pegasus Theater in Central’s Liberal Arts building.

Sept. 18, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO RAISES AWARENESS OF POVERTY WITH HUNGER SIMULATIONS, SERVICE PROJECTS

Poverty in Oklahoma is at 10-year high, with more than 610,000 Oklahomans living below the poverty line and more than 80,000 children in Oklahoma County schools qualifying for free and reduced lunch.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center will illustrate the impact of these realities during Poverty Awareness Week, Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

The week will feature a series of interactive educational events as well as a new partnership with Rebuilding Together OKC, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for families in need.

“The whole week will be filled with great experiences and will serve as a good basis on which we can continue to address issues of poverty and hunger in Oklahoma,” said Eric Hemphill, coordinator of the Volunteer and Service Learning Center.

“In particular, the Rebuilding Together OKC projects are a great team-building opportunity for any student group, and are a hands-on way to make an impact while simultaneously addressing issues of poverty in our community. Students will get to meet the families who they are helping and learn a bit about why they are seeking help.”

The full listing of events is as follows:

• Hunger Simulations, noon, Sept. 30; 10 a.m., Oct. 1; 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2, Nigh University Center (NUC), third floor, Henry Bellmon Room: Participants will learn first-hand the challenges of getting proper nutrients while using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and food supplementations, like food pantries.
• Privilege Walks, 11 a.m., Oct. 1; 5:30 p.m., Oct. 2, NUC Henry Bellmon Room: In conjunction with the Hunger Simulations, this interactive program will help students gain an understanding of how privileged or unprivileged their upbringing was.
• Community Living Panel, 3 p.m., Oct. 3, NUC Henry Bellmon Room: Attendees will hear from community leaders whose daily work relates directly to poverty, hunger and malnutrition in Oklahoma. 
• Rebuilding Together OKC, 1-5 p.m., Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, various locations throughout Edmond and Oklahoma City: Participants will paint, install drywall, landscape and perform other tasks for Rebuilding Together OKC. Students will carpool to work site locations and should sign up for the builds online at www.bit.ly/UCORebuildingTogether.
• SNAP Challenge: Participants will live only on the funding that someone who uses SNAP Benefits would receive, roughly $4.50 per day. Participants may agree to do the challenge for as little or as long as they would like and will have the opportunity to blog about their experiences.

For more information, visit www.uco.edu/student-affairs/vslc, or contact Hemphill at 405-974-2621, or ehemphill@uco.edu.

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Sept. 19, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT UCO ON CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS

The University of Central Oklahoma will host Pete Winemiller, senior vice president of guest relations for the Oklahoma City Thunder, at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center (NUC).

Winemiller will present “Moments Matter! Building a Culture that Empowers Employees, Benefits Customers and Creates Loyalty Inside and Out.”

Central’s faculty and staff will learn from Winemiller about the power of thinking big and acting small. He will also share how to “CLICK!™” with customers.

Two breakout sessions, “Building a Culture Customer Service at UCO,” will follow the keynote at 2:30 p.m. in Rooms 201 and 202, NUC. The university’s Office of Information Technology is sponsoring the event as a part of their staff development programming.

“The breakout sessions will raise awareness of our current culture of customer service, identify strategies and build a plan for improving service to students in the coming fiscal year,” said Sonya Watkins, assistant vice president for Information Technology.

Winemiller has been an executive for 18 seasons with NBA franchises. He is charged with creating repeat customers in a business environment where you cannot control the level of success on the basketball court (the purchased product), but you can control what happens in the stands (the fan experience).

While the breakout sessions are limited to UCO faculty and staff, the keynote session is open to the public. Faculty and staff can register for the breakouts at http://go.uco.edu/momentsmatter-link.

For more information, contact UCO’s Information Technology office at 405-974-2688.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/PeteWinemiller09.13

Cutline: Pete Winemiller, senior vice president of guest relations for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will speak at the University of Central Oklahoma on creating moments that matter for customers Sept. 26.

Sept. 20, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO SEES GROWTH IN DIVERSITY, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The University of Central Oklahoma continued its growth in fall 2013 with a total enrollment of 17,217 students, an indicator that a degree from Central continues to be an excellent investment.

Within the student body, increases include a 7.9 percent rise in Hispanic students, a 7.4 percent increase in Pacific Islanders and a 15 percent increase in students claiming two or more races.

“Changes in student demographics at UCO reflect what we see in the Oklahoma City metro area. We’re glad to see those changes on campus and we will continue to work hard to serve those students,” said Myron Pope, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. 

Fall 2013 also saw a 7.6 percent jump in international enrollment. International students represent 86 countries and 8 percent of the student body at Central. Saudi Arabia, China, Korea, Vietnam and Nepal make up about 68 percent of UCO’s international enrollment.

“International students choose UCO because of school affordability, campus safety and the friendliness of our community here in the Edmond and Oklahoma City metro,” said Timothy Kok, director of international admissions and communications for the Office of Global Affairs.

“Small classes, personalized education and the accessibility students have to professors and our student community in general all work to keep students at UCO. We hope UCO’s leadership and its community will continue to provide support to all of our valuable international students as they seek wonderful transformative experiences here.”

For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.

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Sept. 20, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO’S COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES RENAMED OFF-CAMPUS LIFE

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Commuter Student Services is now known as Off-Campus Life.

Off-Campus Life is an advocate for commuter, off-campus and non-traditional students’ needs and provides access to resources and services to assist students in becoming active and engaged participants in the UCO community as well in their home communities. Additionally, Off-Campus Life advises and collaborates with the UCOMMUTE Student Council and Bronchos with Kids Student Organization.

The office’s student resources include the Off-Campus Housing Guide, a source for finding local rental properties, and the Baby Broncho Book, a guide to finding childcare.

Off-Campus Life also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Commuter Student Appreciation Week, Non-Traditional and Transfer Student Orientation and the Housing and Living Fair.           

For more information, visit www.uco.edu/student-affairs/ocl, or contact Patrick Tadlock, coordinator of Off-Campus Life, at 405-974-3655 or patdlock@uco.edu.  

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Sept. 20, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE TO HOST FIREARMS EXPERT FOR FORUM ON GUNS, GLOBAL CRIME ORGANIZATIONS

The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute and Delta Delta Epsilon, the Forensic Science Honor Society, will host firearms expert Rachel Bolton-King, Ph.D. for a free, open-to-the-public lecture at 3 p.m., Sept. 26 in Forensic Sciences Institute auditorium.

Bolton-King will present a lecture on gun crimes, including aspects of transnational organized crime. She will address how border control, law enforcement investigation, firearms evidence analysis and information sharing can result in the conviction of members of organized crime groups.

“Recent mass shooting events, like the one in Washington, D.C., highlight the importance of forensic science and firearm identification. The forum will address the ever increasing use of firearms in the commission of crimes and its impact from a global perspective,” said Dwight Adams, Ph.D., director of UCO’s Forensic Science Institute.

Bolton-King’s research includes the variation and consistency of firearm component manufacturing as well as the use of 3-D imaging and non-contact x-ray examination of corroded and concealed weapons to gather intelligence and assess the potential for forensic evidence recovery.

In addition to her research, Bolton-King teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Staffordshire University in the U.K., focusing on material in the field of firearms identification, ballistics and analytical chemistry.

For more information, contact Central’s Forensic Science Institute at 405-974-6911, or visit www.uco.edu/forensics.

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Sept. 23, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO TO HOST READING FROM AWARD-WINNING NOVELIST MARY KAY ZURAVLEFF

The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Arts, the Department of English and the Creative Writing program will host a free, open-to-the-public reading from author and Oklahoma City native Mary Kay Zuravleff at 7 p.m., Oct. 2 in Pegasus Theater in the Liberal Arts Building on Central’s campus as a part of the Fall 2013 Creative Writing Readers’ Series.

“Mary Kay's fiction is funny and smart, utterly contemporary and utterly engaging,” said Constance Squires, Ph.D., associate professor of English at UCO.

Zuravleff is in the midst of a national book tour for her third novel, “Man Alive!” Her previous works include “The Bowl Is Already Broken” and “The Frequency of Souls.” She is a recipient of the American Academy's Rosenthal Award, the James Jones First Novel Award and has been nominated for the Orange Prize.

A teacher and editor, Zuravleff serves on the board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation and is a cofounder of the D.C. Women Writers Group.

For additional information, contact Squires at 405-974-5616 or csquires1@uco.edu.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/Zuravleff

Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma will host award-winning novelist Mary Kay Zuravleff for a free, public reading at 7 p.m., Oct. 2 at Pegasus Theater in Central’s Liberal Arts building. Photo copyright Epic Photography/Jamie Schoenberger.

Sept. 23, 2013

Media Contact: Angela Morris, University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design, 405-974-3752, Amorris11@uco.edu

COLLABORATION WITH CITY REP OFFERS UCO MUSICAL THEATRE STUDENTS PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

University of Central Oklahoma musical theatre senior Caleb Blaze knows what to expect as he searches for work in professional theater confidence after graduation in December.

He’s one of several students who have benefitted from Central’s collaboration with Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre (CityRep) on the production of “Godspell,” opening Sept. 27.

“Through this opportunity, I’ve experienced the professional world of musical theatre, exactly what it will be like once I start searching for jobs and working professionally after graduation,” said Blaze.

This is the UCO Musical Theatre division’s fourth collaboration with CityRep.  Division director Greg White, Ph.D., said the university’s metropolitan location allows for unique professional opportunities for Central students.

“Central’s relationship with City Rep provides several positive outcomes,” explained White. 

“The relationship shows CityRep’s support for our program and is a bridge between the university and other metropolitan arts communities. CityRep is a beautiful mix of both locally and nationally recognized performers.”           

For the production of “Godspell,” a musical based on the modern-day version of the Gospel according to biblical Matthew, Central students auditioned alongside unionized musical theatre professionals.   Sixteen Central students were cast in the production.           

“This is a great experience students can add to their resume.  Our success rate of graduates who go on to work in their field is quiet impressive,” White said, adding that some Central musical theatre alumni already work at CityRep professionally.

Originally written in 1971, “Godspell” ended its revival performance on Broadway this summer.  Composed by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin”), the musical has been adapted into a film and has received several pop culture credits, including mentions in the “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and Ben Stiller’s “Meet the Parents.”           

“Godspell” will run at the Freede Little Theatre, Sept. 27 – Oct. 6.  Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays.   Tickets to matinee performances are $30 and evening performances are $35.  Tickets for students or military personnel with a valid I.D. are $8.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 405-297-2264 or online at www.myticketoffice.com.  Group tickets and CityRep Season FLEXPASSES are also available.             

A “Godspell” preview, including excerpts from the musical performed by Central cast members, will be presented as a part of the Melton Gallery Performance Series from 4-6 p.m., Sept. 26 in the Melton Gallery, located in the Art and Design Building.           

Admission to all Melton Gallery Performance Series events are free and open to the public.       

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events ad performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this photo at www.uco.edu/photo/Godspell09.13.

Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s Musical Theatre division collaborates with Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre for a production of "Godspell" Sept. 27 – Oct. 6 at the Freeede Little Theatre, located in the Civic Center.  Pictured from left to right is the director of Central's Musical Theatre division Greg White, Ph.D., "Godspell" Central cast members Emily Pace, Garrett Haley, Phoebe Butts and assistant director Caitlin Jones. 

Sept. 24, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER PRESENTS SEMINAR ON US EXPORTS

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will present “Travel the World … And Get Paid For It!” from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 30 at the UCO SBDC, 1 Santa Fe Plaza, Oklahoma City.           

Presented by Tony Cambias, director of the Oklahoma State University SBDC and International Trade Specialty Center, the seminar will cover the strength of the “Made in the USA” mark, the benefits of selling overseas, how to identify goods and services with potential, basic steps of exporting, key resources for selling abroad and international marketing tips.

“Selling to overseas markets can be very profitable and help a company grow, but it’s unfamiliar. This seminar will help small businesspeople understand the basics of exporting and to think about their market as being beyond both Oklahoma and the U.S.,” said Susan Urbach, regional director of UCO’s SBDC.

The cost to attend is $49. A special early-bird rate of $35 is available for those registering on or before Sept. 25. Two attendees from the same business may attend for one registration fee.

For more information or to register, visit www.ucosbdc.org/seminars or contact Urbach at 405-232-1968 or surbach@uco.edu. 

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Sept. 24, 2013

Media Contact: Angela Morris, Staff Writer, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, 405-974-3752, amorris11@uco.edu

UCO SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONTINUES FACULTY ARTIST CONCERT SERIES WITH REED TRIO SUGAR FISH ON OCT. 1

The University of Central Oklahoma will present a performance featuring the faculty reed trio Sugar Fish at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 1 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth Street in Edmond.           

This concert is a part of the Faculty Artist Concert Series, a yearlong performance series that highlights the talents of Central music faculty members.  All performances take place on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab with proceeds supporting scholarships and the UCO School of Music.           

Sugar Fish consists of bassoonist Lori Wooden, D.M.A., clarinetist Dawn Marie Lindblade, D.M.A., and oboist Kadee Bramlett.           

All three faculty members have had careers as performers. 

Wooden has performed with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra in Minn., and the Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra in N.Y., among others.           

Lindblade has performed both nationally and internationally in such halls as the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Mich., and Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace in Austria.           

Bramlett maintains an active private oboe studio and is the founder and director of Quantum Calm, a modern chamber music ensemble that performs in meditative venues.         

The Sugar Fish trio will play a collection of both French and American composers, including Jacques Ilbert and Mabel Daniels.           

“There are only three reed instruments in an entire orchestra, so a chamber group dedicated just to that sound is unique,” said Wooden.           

Chamber music written specifically for reed instruments was a trend that began in the 1930s and 40s.  Although the fad is still newer, considering the timeline of the instruments, a lot of literature has been written for this combination, according to Wooden.           

“Even though there is tons of music for the ensemble, reed trios are still kind of rare.  But they lend a really different, authentic, fun sound.”           

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the UCO School of Music at 405-974-5004.  Admission is free for Central students, faculty and staff with a Central I.D.           

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at http://www.uco.edu/photo/SugarFish09.13.

Cutline: UCO’s faculty reed trio Sugar Fish will perform at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 1 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth Street in Edmond. Pictured from left to right are trio members clarinetist Dawn Marie Lindblade, D.M.A., bassoonist Lori Wooden, D.M.A., and oboist Kadee Bramlett.

Sept. 25, 2013

Media Contact: Reagan Hamlin, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, UCO Development Office, 405-974-3552, rhamlin@uco.edu

UCO COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS HOSTS WINE TASTING TO RAISE MONEY FOR HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts’ Department of History and Geography will host a wine and cheese tasting scholarship fundraiser from 6-8 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City.

Sponsored by Republic National Distribution, Ethel’s Travel Haus and Edmond Wine Shop, the event will showcase live music from Central students, a live auction, the tasting of various wines and beers, and also feature wine education by Central alumna Amie Ledlow-Hendrickson from Edmond Wine Shop.

Guests also can participate in a wine pull for $15, which gives attendees the opportunity to pull a wrapped bottle of wine valued between $15 and $50.

Ticket proceeds benefit the Dr. David Webb Scholarship for history and geography students.   

Guests must be 21 to enter and participate, and must show a valid ID.  

Individual tickets are $50 or $75 for couples.

Tickets may be ordered in advance by contacting Michael Springer, Ph.D., at 405-974-5453 or mspringer@uco.edu or register online at www.centralconnection.org/winetasting.

Seating is limited, so participants are encouraged to register early. Some tickets will be available at the door.

For more information, contact Lea Ann Chandler, development manager for UCO’s College of Liberal Arts, at 405-974-3782 or lchandler3@uco.edu.

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Sept. 25, 2013

Media Contact: Whitt Carter, Communications Assistant, Wellness Center, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-3127, wcarter1@uco.edu

UCO’S NEW BASS FISHING CLUB MAKES A SPLASH IN FIRST MONTH

After only a month of existence, the University of Central Oklahoma’s new Bass Fishing Club is already leaving their mark in a big way.

The club already has 14 members and won their first tournament in Ft. Gibson earlier this month, defeating last year’s national runner up, Oklahoma State University, at the “Okie Challenge Series” Circuit, hosted by the Association of Collegiate Anglers Tournament Series.

“It’s hard to believe, just three weeks ago, we didn’t even have a club,” said Alex Allen, club adviser and coordinator for recreational programs at Central. “Winning our first tournament is a testament to the club members’ hard work and passion to make this successful. The timing feels right for the student anglers.”      

The UCO Bass Fishing Club, split into two boats with a pair of anglers in each, brought in the winning stringer at 19.42 lbs. The team of Colten Hutson and Steven Isaacs brought in the winning stringer, while Josh White and Garrett Rector caught one fish at 4.97 lbs.           

“The club has been very successful thus far,” said Jeff Boyland, assistant director of recreational services. “We have more events planned for the club as the fall continues and hopefully they’ll be able to build on their early success.”           

The club will travel to events at Lake Eufala on Oct. 13 and Grand Lake on Oct. 27, followed by a tournament at Lake Tenkiller on Nov. 2.

For more information on the UCO Bass Fishing Club, contact Allen at 405-844-4560 or aallen19@uco.edu or visit www.ucooutdoorrecreation.com.

For more information on the UCO Wellness Center’s sports clubs program, contact Boyland at 405-974-3139 or jboyland1@uco.edu or visit http://www.uco.edu/wellness/sr/sportclubs/index.asp.

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Sept. 25, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, University Relations, University of Central Oklahoma, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO COMMUNITY TO AID THOSE IMPACTED BY TORNADOES WITH ‘LITTLE EVENT’ DAY OF SERVICE

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC) will host “The Little Event” beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 28. More than 700 volunteers will meet in the parking lot of the UCO Wellness Center for a kickoff ceremony and disperse to tornado relief work sites immediately afterward.

Volunteers will assist Rebuilding Together OKC, Serve Moore, Feed The Children, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Field of Teams and Habitat for Humanity. All projects will aid those impacted by the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes.

Unique to UCO, “The Little Event” is in its second year and focuses on Central’s freshman students, engaging and preparing them for “The Big Event,” an annual day of community service held in the spring at colleges and universities throughout the U.S.  

The 12th annual “Big Event” is March 29, 2014. Work site applications will be available Jan. 9, 2014.

For more information, visit www.uco.edu/student-affairs/vslc/TheBigEvent, or contact the UCO VSLC at 405-974-2621 or bigevent@uco.edu.

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Nov. 7, 2013

Media Contact: Sarah Gayken, Project Coordinator, UCO College of Business, 405-974-5333, sgayken@uco.edu

UCO SPARKS STUDENT INTEREST IN NEW ENERGY ECONOMICS DEGREE

The University of Central Oklahoma students have a new option in preparing for a career in the state’s energy industry through the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Energy Economics, offered through the university’s College of Business.

The degree program, which started this fall, is offered through the Department of Economics and International Business. The program instills the core skills all economics majors experience with an added focus on the numerous issues encountered in the oil, natural gas and electric industries. Students also learn about regulatory issues and significant quantitative analysis related to the field.

“It will be an appealing degree to students that want to serve as analysts or in a regulatory environment regarding the energy industry,” said Jeremy Oller, Ph.D., chair of UCO’s Department of Economics and International Business.

“Oklahoma is an energy driven state and a focus in not just economics but energy economics will help access that industry,” added Christopher Stiles, a major in the new Energy Economics program.

The degree is a more intensive and cross-disciplinary variant of a traditional economics education. It incorporates material from other disciplines, such as accounting or finance, which also deliver essential skills relevant to the energy industry.

“By the time a student graduates, they should be among the elite in this college with respect to quantitative and analytical skills,” Oller said.

Energy Economics is a specialized market within economics. An economist specializing in the energy industry has the tools of a practicing economist, but must also understand how energy commodities vary from traditional goods and services.

The energy industry has specific attributes, which requires professionals to have exceptional skills in microeconomics, forecasting, statistics, finance and accounting.

“An energy degree gives employers a signal that you possess certain skills above and beyond a standard economics degree,” Stiles continued. 

“I know there are a lot of opportunities in the industry as a whole and this degree will help access that job pool.”

For more information about this program, visit www.busn.uco.edu/economics.  

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Nov. 8, 2013

Media Contact:  Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, UCO University Relations, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu.

UCO’S INTERNATIONAL HOUSE INVITES COMMUNITY TO HIGH TEA

The University of Central Oklahoma’s International House offers “High Tea” with a spot of global culture from 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The International House is located at 912 N. Chowning Ave. in Edmond, just north of the main campus. It is free, come and go and open to the public.

Modeled after traditional British afternoon tea, the International House’s “High Tea” provides a time for students and guests to relax and experience global cultures through transformative learning experiences.

Such experiences include a visit from United Nations of Oklahoma City at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and Central’s Latin Jazz Ensemble at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26.

Guests are served loose-leaf Chinese oolong and green teas as well as British-style butter cookies. Malaysian, African and Thai teas, as well as Turkish and Arabic coffee, are available upon request.

“High Tea offers a warm, relaxing atmosphere for our community. Guests can enjoy a cup of tea and experience diversity. It’s a short stop between work and home, or just a place to meet up with a friend,” said Nela Mrchkovska, manager of the International House.

Anyone who wishes to share their talents with the community is encouraged to contact the International House for consideration.

For a complete schedule, visit www.uco.edu/ihouse, or contact the International House at 405-888-3583 or ihouse@uco.edu.

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Editor’s Note: To download art associated with this release, visit www.uco.edu/photo/InternationalHouse11.13

Cutline: Saxophonist Justin Young performs at Central’s International House on Oct. 22, 2013. The University of Central Oklahoma’s International House hosts “High Tea” every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The International House is located at 912 N. Chowning Ave. in Edmond, just north of the main campus. 

Nov. 8, 2013

Media Contact: Angela Morris, Staff Writer, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, (405) 974-3752, amorris11@uco.edu

UCO MELTON GALLERY PERFORMANCE SERIES FEATURES DISPLAY OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP IN NOV. 21 CONCERT

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music Student Leadership Ensembles will perform in concert as a part of UCO’s Melton Gallery Performance Series from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Melton Gallery, located in the Art and Design Building.           

The Melton Gallery Performance Series is a new initiative highlighting performance departments within the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design.  All series performances are free and open to the public.  Attendees are encouraged to come and go as they please and enjoy the light hors d’oevours and refreshments provided.           

The Student Leaderships Ensembles first originated in 2011 with the support of the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation as an initiative that provides scholarships to exceptional student musicians who demonstrate leadership and serious efforts towards the advancement of their craft.           

Within the leadership ensembles, students are responsible for choosing and rehearsing their own repertoire, developing their own program information and scheduling their own rehearsals and performance times.  A School of Music faculty member coaches each ensemble.           

Ensembles performing in the concert include the Old North Reed Trio (violin, clarinet and piano), the Harmonia Winds Trio (clarinet, oboe and bassoon), the Central Sound Brass Quintet (two trumpets, trombone, horn and tube), the Vitali quartet (two violins, viola and cello) and the 3x2 Trio (violin, clarinet and piano).                      

“Our students work hard to develop their musicianship through their study of chamber music,” said Dawn Lindblade, D.M.A. Central clarinet professor and coach of the Old North Trio.

“Our chamber groups regularly reach out to the community and the campus to share their talents.  We hope you will join us to hear some fantastic chamber music at this concert.”      

Exhibited in the Melton Gallery during the concert will be “Imagining Space: an Exhibition of Interior Design Student Work.”  This exhibit features work from all courses and levels of current Central interior design students.           

For more information regarding the Melton Gallery and its performance series, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/melton-gallery/index.asp.           

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

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Editor’s Note: Download art for publication with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/OldNorthTrio.

Cutline: The Old North Trio featuring UCO students (left to right) Shenghui Luo, Taylor Bauer and Abigail Pappas will perform as a part of a free, open-to-the-public concert featuring School of Music Student Leadership Ensembles from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Melton Gallery, located in the Art and Design Building.  

Nov. 11, 2013

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, UCO University Relations, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE WITH MONTH OF ACTIVITIES

The University of Central Oklahoma Native American Student Association kicked off Native American Heritage Month on Thursday with an afternoon of drumming, art, dance and food on Central’s campus.

“Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity for the Central community to learn about a culture that they may have been surrounded by for years, but never formally presented with,” said Stevie Johnson, coordinator of Central’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

“Interactive entertainment, guest speakers and discussion will give attendees the opportunity to experience the ideas, languages, foods and customs of Native American culture,” Johnson added.

Other events throughout the month include:

• Endangered Language, 6 p.m., Nov. 14, NUC 202: Learn the basics of the Muskogee Creek and Choctaw languages.
• “Rock Your Mocs,” Nov. 15: The all-day event encourages students, faculty and staff to wear moccasins on campus. 
•  “Misrepresentation of My Nation,” 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19, NUC 320C: A forum to examine stereotypes and misconceptions of Native Americans.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.uco.edu/native-american-heritage, or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405-974-3588.

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Editor’s Note: Download art associated with this release at www.uco.edu/photo/NativeAmericanHeritageMonth11.13

Cutline: Jared Wahkinney, of Lawton, Okla., and member of the Comanche Nation, performs a traditional dance during the kickoff event for the University of Central Oklahoma’s Native American Heritage Month on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Events will continue throughout the month. Visit www.uco.edu/native-american-heritage for a complete schedule.

Nov. 12, 2013

Media Contact:  Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, UCO University Relations, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO STUDENTS TO COMPETE FOR MISS ASIAN UCO 2013 CROWN

The University of Central Oklahoma will host Miss Asian UCO 2013 at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in Constitution Hall, located in Central's Nigh University Center. 
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free for UCO students with ID and $7 for all others. 

Winners of Miss Asian UCO are eligible for cash scholarships and Central tuition waivers totaling $2950. The pageant’s theme is "Night of the Eastern Pearl." Central sophomore Jessica Nguyen and Cameron University freshman Andy Van are the evening’s emcees.

This year's nine contestants, followed by classification, major and hometown or country of representation are:

Ari Chong
Junior, Biomedical Engineering
Malaysia

Stasjha Fulwiley
Freshman, Biology
Philippines

Linh Hoang
Freshmen, Business Administration
Vietnam

Lilian Mera
Freshman, Kinesiology
Enid, Okla./Marshall Islands

Christine Nguyen
Sophomore, Nursing
Edmond, Okla./Vietnam

Grace Phillips
Senior, Forensic Science/Psychology
Dallas, Texas/India

Tara Thorpe
Sophomore, Nursing
Ft. Smith, Ark./Vietnam

Lien Trinh
Sophomore, Marketing/Health Sciences
Vietnam

Anuja Shrestha
Freshman, Nursing
Nepal

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Editor’s Note: Headshots of the contestants are available at www.uco.edu/photo/MissAsianUCO11.13.