CAS CONNECT 2013

Arts and Sciences Magazine is a publication of the Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences. All communications should be mailed to OSU College of Arts and Sciences ATTN: Arts and Sciences Magazine 205 Life Sciences East Stillwater, OK 74078-3015 Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision of services or benefits offered by the University based on gender. Any person (student, faculty or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the OSU Title IX Coordinator, Mackenzie Wilfong, J.D., Director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, (405) 744-5371 or (405) 744-5576 (fax). This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Arts & Sciences, was printed by University Printing Services at a cost of $9,000/9M. #xxxx 10/13 2 0 1 3 © Ok l ahoma S tat e Un i v e r s i t y 2013 v15 Editor Dorothy L. Pugh ’83 Art Director Paul V. Fleming ’90/’00 Photographers Phi l Shockley Gary Lawson ’83 Designer Mark Pennie c a s . o k s t a t e . e d u 2 On the Cover OSU a l umn u s a nd s u c c e s s f u l o i l ma n Va u g h n Ve n n e r be r g c r ed i t s h i s f am i l y f o r h i s a c c omp l i s hme n t s — a nd s hows t h a t age 50 i s no t t oo l a t e t o s t a r t h i s own f am i l y. Writers Lorene A. Roberson ’84 Aust in Chappel l Mat t El l iot t Sylvia E. King-Cohen ’81 Jonathan L. Lacaba ’13 Jim Mi tchel l ’81 Ryan Toml inson College of Arts and Sciences Dean Bret Dani lowicz Senior Director for Development Lauren Kidd Communications Coordinator Lorene A. Roberson ’84 s t a f f 10 Political Play A r e c e n t OSU g r ad u a t e boo s t s h e r r é s umé w i t h a c ommu n i c a t i on s i n t e r n s h i p i n Ok l a homa Gov. Ma r y Fa l l i n ’ s o f f i c e . 28 Tracking Tolerance An OSU p r o f e s s o r i s l e ad i n g a r e s e a r c h t e am f o c u s ed on a n ex t r eme l y r e s i s t a n t a l g a (a bove) t o s ee i f i t s t ox i n t o l e r a n c e c a n be s h a r ed . p l a y b i l l Year indicates OSU College of Arts and Sciences graduates. Gary Lawson / University Marketing 12 Leading the Way T h r ee OSU g r ad u a t e s t u de n t s p l ayed l e ad i n g r o l e s i n t h e r e l i e f a nd r e c ove r y e f f o r t s f o l l ow i n g t h e dev a s t a t i n g May t o r n ado i n Moo r e , Ok l a .