USAO's own Dr. Michael Nealeigh recently joined more than 5,300 professionals around the world who have been awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.
The CFRE designation is part of CFRE International. Nealeigh is vice president for university advancement at USAO and is one of only 58 Oklahomans with the CFRE designation.
“This is both an honor and a critically important credential,” Nealeigh said. “USAO is earning high marks for setting high standards, and this is an important bar for me in service to the university. It is a privilege to assist donors in building a legacy in education.”
Each year, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma spotlights student achievement with the Honors Convocation and Minerva Awards ceremony. This spring, faculty, students and staff members presented departmental, athletic and creativity awards to dozens of students during the annual event, held April 6 in the USAO Student Center Ballroom.
After a welcome by USAO President Dr. John Feaver, guests were entertained by the USAO Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jan Hanson, professor of music.
Lori Underwood, director of student activities and leadership programs, served as emcee for the event and recognized members of the university’s five honor societies for the academic year.
Just as the relationship between the United States and Cuba is in the headlines again, the Art Gallery at the University of Science and Arts will bring a portrait of Cuban life through its art during "Cuba Oriente" May 1-30.
An opening reception is scheduled May 1 at 6 p.m. The USAO Art Gallery is located on the first floor of Davis Hall on the USAO campus. Davis Hall is on the oval at South 17th Street between Grand Avenue and Alabama Street in Chickasha. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Drivers near the busiest intersection in Chickasha are the targets of a drive-by shooting – of marketing messages from the University of Science and Arts, that is.
Partnering with the City of Chickasha, USAO has built an elaborate multimedia message board, at the corner of Fourth Street and Chisholm Drive, that will share college and community information 24 hours a day to drivers in the busy corridor. According to the state highway department, more than 25,000 vehicles a day pass by that intersection.
As part of USAO’s agreement for easement with the City, the 4x13-feet electronic message board will deliver community messages as well as campus events. Local community groups, including all nonprofits, are invited to submit their messages for consideration to media@usao.edu.
When the Council on Grantsmanship and Research (CGR) met on the campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University April 2, they welcomed a new member -- Melissa Howe, director of annual giving and grants at the University of Science and Arts.
The mission of the Council is to provide a network of support to advance grantsmanship and research among Oklahoma’s undergraduate institutions of higher education. The Council discusses different external funding institutional policies and procedures, identifies potential funding sources and collaborative opportunities, analyzes funding trends, highlights barriers and opportunities to increase grantsmanship and research on Oklahoma campuses and engages in professional development.
When the 22nd class of Leadership Oklahoma met for the first time, a familiar face to the Chickasha area was a part of the respected state group. Mike Coponiti, vice president for business and finance at USAO, was named to the Leadership Oklahoma class last year.
In addition to Leadership Oklahoma, Coponiti serves as chairman of the 2009 Chickasha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on the USAO Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a 1992 graduate of USAO.
“This is a huge honor,” Coponiti said. “To be considered for this program is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. I hope to represent USAO and the community of Chickasha well among the fine people in this program. I am one of many Chickasha people who have been selected in years past.”
It may not be as big as Britney's Spears "Circus" tour, but the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at the University of Science and Arts is mapping out its own mini tour of Texas and Louisiana. The trip started April 20.
The group is planning performances in Tyler, Texas and New Orleans and are scheduled to end up at the New Orleans Jazz Festival April 25.
“The students have worked hard for this trip to New Orleans and are looking forward to singing at several places along the way,” said Dr. Ken Bohannon, associate professor of music and director of the group. "A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped to make this trip possible.
So intertwined is her life with the college that her memoir about this institution is subtitled, “A Love Story.” Sharing pieces of her life, global travels and passion for teaching, Dr. Ingrid Shafer recounted her personal and professional journey during the spring commencement ceremony at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Friday night.
Shafer concluded a 41-year career at USAO as she addressed 142 graduating seniors and their families at the ceremony April 17. Shafer retires as professor of philosophy and religion and Mary Jo Ragan Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
For only the second time in 40 years, the Alpha Psi Omega chapter at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma initiated nine new members into their local chapter April 5.
Sigma Xi is the USAO chapter of Alpha Psi Omega -- a national theatre honor society. With more than 600 casts, the organization is the largest national honor society in America. Its goal is to acknowledge those demonstrating a high standard of accomplishment in theatre and to encourage a wider fellowship for those interested in theatre.
It's not too late to see the spring bachelor of fine arts art exhibition at the University of Science and Arts. Five USAO students are featured in "Signature," the spring BFA art show that ends this Friday. The exhibition is in the USAO Art Gallery and is free and open to the public. Participants include (front row, left) Jeremy Teel and James E. Greenlee II. Back row: Tina Dymond, Mallory Edwards and Tierney Renee Rasch.
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
OR ERIC FEUERBORN: Public Relations, 405-574-1362, efeuerborn@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377
