T H E U N I O N T I M E S – N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 4

IN THIS ISSUE ...In the Heat of the Night ............................................ Page 2

OrangeTech Holiday Happenings ..................... Page 2

Light Up the Campus .................................................. Page 3

Angels Among Us .......................................................... Page 3

SLVC Impacts Community....................................... Page 4UNIONSTATE

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It is hard to believe the end of the semester is closer than the beginning. The cool air, football, Homecoming, Halloween and other seasonal happenings are all sure signs of the midpoint of the semester. I guess it goes without saying that this is my favorite time of year. The energy and enthusiasm of the campus and the buzz of the Student

Union all play to my sense of what the fall college experience is all about.

Although many of the standard traditions of the fall are now past or will soon be in our rear view mirror, there is still much more to look forward to the remainder of the semester. Freshman Follies, OSU basketball season, the Non-Traditional Student Organization’s Angel Tree, Thanksgiving, Fanfare of Lights, Finals Week and Late Night Café are only a few of the things that will help close out the semester and send us into 2015.

As an avid fan of the OSU campus, I highly encourage everyone to indulge in and take full advantage of the many traditional and seasonal activities that make working and playing on the OSU campus such a magical place to be. By immersing yourself in the university and all that it offers you will hopefully find a renewed sense of pride and spirit that comes with life on a college campus, especially one as special as Oklahoma State. I often find myself walking through the halls of this building and watching with wonder the activity that I observe, and I have a great deal of satisfaction knowing the role the Student Union plays in so many lives. The number of individuals we have the opportunity to engage and influence on a daily basis is astounding and I believe we do a wonderful job doing so. I truly value our organization and know there are many more great things to come and I am looking forward to writing more history with all of you.

As always, thank you for your many contributions in helping make this time of year such an enjoyable, memorable time for so many. Have a great rest of the semester!

Photo courtesy of Paul West

by Mitch Kilcrease, Student Union Director

T H E U N I O N T I M E S – PA G E T W O

Holiday Happenings at OrangeTechOrangeThursday SaleCatch Black Friday-type deals on OrangeThursday at OrangeTech Thursday, Nov. 20. The sale is your chance to stock up on holiday gifts at great discounts. Not only will OrangeTech offer door-buster deals, but it will also have many items deeply discounted.

To catch a sneak peak at discounted items, watch for sale reveals on Twitter @OSUOrangeTech. Doorbuster items include a computer, tablet and a DSLR camera. The deeply discounted items are in limited supply, so act fast. The University Store will open an hour earlier than usual at 7 a.m., but keep in mind, lines will form early.

Tech the Halls OrangeTech at the University Store in the Student Union prepares for the holidays by giving back to you. During the week of Dec. 1 through Dec. 5, OrangeTech will offer daily sales and giveaways. Enjoy the holiday decorations while having your purchase gift wrapped. Many items are up for grabs with the flash sales and lucky giveaways. Want to win free gifts? Follow OrangeTech on Twitter @OSUOrangeTech where they will post Tech the Halls trivia questions. Answer the trivia questions correctly and you could be chosen to unwrap a gift under the tree. Gifts range from headphones to tablets. Don’t miss out on this week of huge sales!

In the Heat of the NightTake a step back to 1965 with “In the Heat of the Night” and meet the artists. L.A. Theatre Works brings a play to disseminate the gradual acceptance of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s to the Seretean Center Concert Hall Tuesday, Nov. 4.

This gripping murder mystery began as the 1965 novel, “In the Heat of the Night,” written by John Ball. The story, set in a small southern town, became an Oscar-winning film and an Emmy Award-winning television show portraying the fear, hatred and prejudices prevalent in the deep South in the 1960s.

L.A. Theatre Works, a nonprofit media arts organization, strives to preserve classic and contemporary plays. Playwright and screenwriter, Matt Pelfrey, sets his riveting stage adaptation of this classic American thriller in the environment of gradual change, rebellion, anger, frustration, and stubborn clinging to old ways of life during the integration struggle and gradual acceptance of the Civil Rights Movement.

Under the leadership of producing director, Susan Albert Loewenberg, L.A. Theatre Works has been the foremost radio theater company in the United States for more than two decades. An L.A. Theatre Works performance is immediate, spontaneous and features a first-rate cast, live sound effects and a connection to the audience rarely felt in a traditional theater setting.

“This performance will take you back in time,” Brandon Mitts, Allied Arts & Special Events manager, said. “This riveting stage adaptation of this classic American thriller portrays the environment of gradual change, rebellion, anger, frustration and stubborn clinging to old ways of life.”

The production also stars a great mix of actors with stage,

film, and television credits. Included is Tom Virtue (“Even Stevens”, “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”, “Charmed,” “Entourage,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Iron Man 3” and many more). Also in the cast are Michael Hammond whose credits include the Shakespeare Theatre DC and the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Travis Johns, a frequent television guest star (“Nip/Tuck,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Ray Donovan,” “The Mentalist” and more). Darren Richardson, L.A. Theatre Works stalwart, is also in the cast utilizing his distinctive voice that has been heard in a wide array of films from “Pirates of the Caribbean” to “X-Men.”

The community is invited to a special Meet the Artists session from 2-3 p.m. in the OSU Student Union Theater Tuesday, Nov. 4. Attendees may interact with the cast and ask questions. This outreach is free.

Tickets for “In the Heat of the Night” range from $18-$22. OSU students and children 12 and under are $10. Tickets are available online at alliedarts.okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-2612. The ticket office will be open in the concert hall at 6:30 p.m. the night of the performance. This play contains explicit language to authenticate the period and is intended for a mature audience.

“In the Heat of the Night” is the third performance in the OSU Allied Arts 2014-2015 season.

T H E U N I O N T I M E S – PA G E T H R E E

Angels Among UsImagine having a child and not having the resources to treat him or her to the Christmas they deserve. Last year that was the case with more than 370 children in the Payne County area. Without the help of the Non-Traditional Student Organization and its Angel Tree program, many children would have woken up Christmas morning without at least one gift. Thanks to the generosity of the OSU community, that didn’t happen as numerous children received gifts through the NTSO’s Angel Tree program. The plan is to do it all again this year.

This year’s Angel Tree program kicks off Thursday, Nov. 20 at noon as the angels are hung on the tree. Pistol Pete will also be on the scene to celebrate the beginning of the season of giving as the Burnin’ Black Gospel Choir performs.

Many agencies in the community have submitted candidates for the Angel Tree. These children become “angels” on the tree featuring a gift wish list that specifies the age, gender and size. Anyone is welcome to take an angel and return the unwrapped gifts from the wish list by Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Donations are also welcome in place of taking an angel. Donations can be monetary or in the form of a gift card. To donate, instead of selecting an angel, please contact Marie Basler at marie.basler@okstate.edu.

Light Up the CampusKick off the holiday season in Stillwater at the Fanfare of Lights Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. by the Edmon Low Library fountain. Enjoy refreshments and live music while watching the campus light up to celebrate the holidays.

This family-friendly event has hosted about 700 people in the past and continues to grow. Children can enjoy glow necklaces and visiting with special guest, Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” The event will begin with a concert featuring performances by local choirs from Will Rogers Elementary, Stillwater Junior High School, Stillwater Middle School, OSU Chamber Choir and OSU Trumpet Choir.

After each choir performs one or two songs, a Student Government Association representative will contribute a special remembrance in tribute to Remember the 4. To close the event, OSU’s First Cowgirl, Ann Hargis, will begin the countdown to light the campus at 8 p.m. As the campus lights up with orange and white holiday lights, a surprise guest will arrive. It’s something you certainly do not want to miss!

Knowledge is PowerTextbook buyback season is quickly approaching and the University Store wants to be sure people are educated about the buyback process as it can sometimes be a challenging, confusing one. Below are a few tips to provide education on the process:

Buy Back Tips• The University Store will begin Textbook Buybacks Dec. 1 and end Dec. 12. • The University Store can buy back books students purchased anywhere.• Students should check the University Store’s prices first as it typically pays

higher prices for more books than anywhere else in town and online. • The University Store purchases books on a first-come, first-served basis, and

may only be buying back a limited quantity depending on the title. Students shouldn’t delay in selling textbooks back.

What determines which books are bought back?• Whether or not the book is being used the next semester.• The condition of the book.• Whether or not there is a new edition of the book.• How many people are enrolled in that course for the next semester.• If enough books have been bought back to supply the next semester.• If the book has all its required pieces.

Buyback prices• If a student bought their book new, they can receive up to 50 percent back. • If they bought it used, they can receive up to 67 percent back. • These prices are based on a stable book condition. • To receive the most money for books students need to make sure they have the

whole package set and no water damage, excessive damage or missing pages.

Benefits• Selling your books back to the University Store has its advantages, including

cash payment on the spot and the buyer takes the books immediately. • Students selling their books back to the University Store provides for more used

book inventory for future students.

OSU First Cowgirl, Ann Hargis.

T H E U N I O N T I M E S – PA G E F O U R

SLVC Impacting the CommunityThe OSU Service-Learning Volunteer Center recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary and it would like to thank all of the students and volunteers who made the event possible. It is the people and volunteers who make the program what it is today and will help it grow in the future. Speaking of the future, the SLVC has two opportunities to get involved with the Stillwater community this month:

Ready ... Set ... Glo!Get your running shoes prepped and ready as the Oklahoma State University Service-Learning Volunteer Center is hosting a 5K Glo Run benefitting Stillwater Habitat for Humanity Friday, Nov. 7.

The Glo Run 5K will start at the Student Union Plaza at 7:30 p.m. with check-in beginning at 7 p.m. in front of the Student Union. Glow sticks will be distributed, along with glow body and fabric paint to amplify the theme. Prizes will be awarded to first through third place, but all participants will receive a custom button.

The Service-Learning Volunteer Center hopes to make the Glo 5K an annual event to raise funds for Stillwater Habitat for Humanity.

“This is a great opportunity to support our local community,” said Joyce Montgomery, SLVC coordinator. “With 100 percent of the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity, this fun event will strengthen and raise awareness about the program.”

Stillwater Habitat for Humanity works to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses where people can live and grow. Volunteers work alongside the selected partner families in constructing simple, decent homes. To date, more than 600,000 houses have been constructed in more than 40 countries.

Registration is $20 and those interested can register at habitatforhumanity5K.weebly.com by Monday, Nov. 6. T-shirts are included in the registration fee. For more information please contact Breeanna Russ at breeanna.russ95@gmail.com.

Volunteers NeededJudith Karman Hospice needs help stuffing envelopes. Judith Karman Hospice is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care to terminally ill people and their families. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Joyce Montgomery at (405) 744-5145.

Healthy Union UpdateThe Healthy Union committee is hard at work sponsoring more programs and activities for Student Union and University Dining Services employees. Following is a sample of what is being offered during the month of November.

Relaxation RoomThe Healthy Union committee is happy to announce the opening of the new Relaxation Room. Please join the committee for an open house and free massages on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 9-10 a.m. or 3-4 p.m. in SU Room 470. The room is designed to provide rest and relaxation for Student Union and University Dining Services full-time employees and features a hand massager, leg messager, sound machine, noise-canceling headphones, comfortable chairs, yoga mats and reading materials all in a relaxing environment.

BowlingWe hope you have plans to attend the group for Family Bowling Night Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at Frontier Bowling Lanes. Please bring the family and enjoy a great night of fun and fellowship. Don’t forget there will be a Halloween costume contest so don’t pack away those costumes just yet. We will also be collecting cans for the Harvest II Food Drive so please bring a donation with you. Please RSVP to Lisa Baldwin at lisa.baldwin@okstate.edu by Monday, Nov. 3.

Healthy LunchThis month’s Healthy Lunch features creative, healthy ways to cook in a slow cooker. The lunch will be held Friday, Nov. 21. More information about this program will be sent via email at a later date.

HEALTHY UNION