Subscribe
Front Page Stories
Astronaut Doug Wheelock to address OC Associates Dinner
Astronaut Doug Wheelock will be the featured speaker at Oklahoma Christian University’s eighth-annual Associates Dinner on March 25 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
The dinner, attended by more than 500 people, honors supporters of the university. Past speakers include Ken Blanchard, Ken Starr, Ambassador Paul Bremer, Michael Medved, Gene Stallings and Archie Manning. Wheelock is scheduled to launch on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft this spring, and serve for six months in space as the Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) and its six-person international crew, during ISS Expedition 25.
“We are very excited to have someone of Colonel Wheelock’s stature share his experiences with our friends and alumni,” said John deSteiguer, vice president for advancement. “His experience as an experimental test pilot and astronaut will make for an entertaining evening. He will be traveling to the International Space Station as its commander in the near future, so we’re anticipating hearing about that as well.”
Wheelock received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Infantry from West Point in May 1983. He entered flight school in 1984, graduated at the top of his flight class and was designated as an Army Aviator in September 1984. He subsequently served in the Pacific Theater as a combat aviation Section Leader, Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, and Commander of an Air Cavalry Troop in the 9th U.S. Cavalry. He was later assigned to the Aviation Directorate of Combat Developments as an Advanced Weapons Research and Development Engineer.
He began NASA Astronaut Candidate Training in August 1998. Following the initial two years of intensive Space Shuttle and Space Station training, he was assigned to the Astronaut Office ISS Operations Branch as a Russian Liaison, participating in the testing and integration of Russian hardware and software products developed for the ISS.
In 2001, Wheelock assumed duties as the Crew Support Astronaut for the ISS Expedition 2 crew, which was on orbit for 147 days from March 2001 to August 2001, and for the ISS Expedition 4 crew, which was on orbit for 195 days (U.S. long-duration record) from December 2001 to June 2002.
In January 2005, Wheelock was assigned to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, as NASA’s Director of Operations–Russia. He was responsible for supporting Russia-based training, logistic, and administrative needs of NASA astronauts preparing for flight on the ISS.
In 2007, Wheelock served as a mission specialist on the crew of STS-120. In completing his first space flight he logged more than 362 hours in space, including 20 hours and 41 minutes EVA during three spacewalks.
Wheelock has received many medals and awards for his service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster); and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Wheelock has also been recognized as the Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Army Flight Training Course (1984); named U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Men of America (1989); and was Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding Spokesman for Freedom (1990).
OC named one of the top gaming programs in U.S.
Only School in Oklahoma To Make The List
For students interested in a career in video game design, there is only one school in Oklahoma among the top 50 in the country. Oklahoma Christian University was selected as one of the top undergraduate gaming design programs by The Princeton Review and GamePro magazine.
The full list is published in both April issues. Approximately 500 game design programs in the United States and Canada were evaluated.
“The final choice for the top 50 schools really came down to teaching, curriculum and software,” said faculty member Jeff Price, gaming program advisor in the department of art and design, at Oklahoma Christian.
“In designing our program, we reviewed different programs around the country and created ours to be competitive with the top schools in game design.
“Those schools are located in gaming hotbeds such as L.A., Orlando and Dallas. There are not a lot of schools in Oklahoma that teach this subject.”
Oklahoma Christian’s game design program is overseen by Price, who teaches with adjunct professors Jason Leger and Scott Hale.
“We are trying to create something unique in the Midwest,” Price said. “We have access to software that used to be available only at large gaming companies. Now we can teach with tools available for the independent developer. Students don’t have to move to Florida or L.A. anymore.”
Another unique aspect of Oklahoma Christian’s program is its faith-based environment, something that sets it apart from many of the schools on the list.
“We are especially pleased to have one of the only top-ranked programs in the central United States, and one of the few associated with a strong faith-based university,” said Allison Garrett, vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Christian.
According to Price, this aspect is integrated in the classroom as well.
“What separates us from many programs is that we bring ethics, morality and a Christian perspective to an area that has been ‘anything goes,’” he said. “We firmly believe that gaming is a great fit at a Christian university. And really, making this list wouldn’t be possible without the support the university has given the art and design department by investing in the necessary software.”
Garrett sees the program as another opportunity to help students achieve success.
“We had a strong program already, but since Jeff arrived on our campus and revamped the curriculum, we have worked to give him the tools necessary for his students to excel in game design,” Garrett said. “It is pretty clear from this recognition that the investment is quickly paying off.”
The Princeton Review selected the top 50 programs based on a 2009-10 survey it conducted among administrators at institutions offering game design coursework and degrees. The comprehensive survey numbered more than 50 questions and covered areas from academics and faculty credentials to graduates’ employment and career achievements. Criteria included the quality of the curriculum, faculty, facilities and infrastructure. The Princeton Review also looked at data on scholarships, financial aid and career opportunities.
According to publisher Robert Franek, the Princeton Review designed the project with assistance from a national advisory board it formed to help design the survey instrument and methodology. Board members included administrators and faculty from respected game design programs, and professionals from some of the top gaming companies.
Though Price says making the top 50 list is a nice accomplishment, he wants the program to continue to grow.
“I spent a large part of last summer researching the software and programs we needed. We are probably halfway there.”
Price encourages students to identify and request new software for the program. He also maintains a game design Web site, www.cgbiglist.com, that contains numerous tips and links to help students be successful.
“I really like helping my students,” Price said. “Plus, it’s my goal for us to be named a top eight program.”
Spring Sing awards results
Spring Sing 2010 Awards
1st- Chi Lambda Phi
2nd- Gamma Rho
3rd- Iota Kappa Phi / Lambda Chi Zeta
4th- Kappa Sigma Tau
Unity Award
Iota Kappa Phi
Faculty/Staff Awards
Video Blurb- Kappa Sigma Tau
Best Lyrics- Iota Kappa Phi / Lambda Chi Zeta
Best Vocals- Gamma Rho
Best Costumes- Chi Lambda Phi
Most Original Show- Chi Lambda Phi
Best Choreography- Chi Lambda Phi
Best Banner- Delta Gamma Sigma
Favorite- Gamma Rho
OC wins seven ADDY awards
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Christian University’s Marketing Office won seven ADDY’s at the 2010 Oklahoma City Advertising Club Awards. Oklahoma Christian netted two gold, two silver and three bronze awards.
This is the third time for OC’s Marketing Office to compete against the city’s top advertising agencies and production companies in the ADDY Awards, which recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising.
OC’s haul has increased each time, from three to six to seven this year, and has included multiple gold awards (designating the best in a category) every year.
Last year, Oklahoma Christian also won a bronze ADDY for its public website (www.oc.edu) at the district level, which includes large agencies from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
“OC has a super creative team and it’s a delight to work with them every day,” Director of Marketing Judson Copeland said. “I can’t wait to see what we will do for next year.”
Oklahoma Christian won gold awards for its Faith[fully] website (www.oc.edu/faithfully) and for the information guide used by incoming students at OC’s annual Earn Your Wings event.
The university netted silver awards for its Faith[fully]-themed stationery and for a poster promoting the Fall Grand Concert put on by OC’s Department of Music.
The bronzes recognized the university’s Faith[fully] print advertising campaign, the photography used in that campaign, and a promotional brochure for OC’s Office of Admissions.
This was a noteworthy ADDY’s for Oklahoma Christian even before the results were announced Feb. 27. The Oklahoma City Ad Club selected OC’s marketing team to direct and produce the creative theme, concept and design for the entire ADDY competition.
“We were honored to do the creative for the ADDY’s, especially knowing the creative giants who have preceded us,” Copeland said. “It’s a great feeling to be a respected part of the Oklahoma City design community.”
OC’s Marketing Office produces materials in-house for departments and organizations throughout the university. All members of the marketing team – Stephen Bell, Jonathan Curtis, Scott Hill, Wes McKinzie, Rachel O’Donnell, Ann White, Micah Wooten and Copeland – are OC alumni.
