Keota GEAR UP juniors visit Eskimo Joe’s and tour OSU
Thirteen Keota High School juniors recently loaded onto a school bus to travel and tour Oklahoma State University. But first, no trip to Stillwater would be complete without eating lunch at Eskimo Joe’s. Students shopped in Eskimo Joe’s gift shop before walking to the Student Union to spend time before the tour. Students sat on the Union steps and enjoyed “people watching” as they observed what campus life was like during lunchtime.
Students were greeted by Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Dalaina Chester. She provided a packet with information about freshmen admissions, the campus, costs, housing, academics, fast facts and a map to each student. She discussed the importance of ACT scores and scholarships. She encouraged students to fill out a lot of scholarship applications and to work hard to raise their ACT scores.
OSU sophomore Kelsie Brown led the Keota students on a tour of the campus. Brown explained that OSU was first known as Oklahoma A&M. In 1957 the name was changed to Oklahoma State University. Students were guided through Heritage Hall, which is located in the newly renovated Gallagher–Iba complex. Heritage Hall was built to focus on the story of OSU through its athletic accomplishments, its talented students and coaches, storied history and successful growth with the university. Students enjoyed seeing the very first Pistol Pete that was created by the Walt Disney Company.
Students journeyed to the Boone Pickens Stadium where 64,000 fans can watch football games. The state–of–the–art facility not only provides Oklahoma State football with a unique game–day environment and a roaring home–field advantage, but also with unrivaled facilities for daily operations located in incredibly convenient proximities. Brown talked about the different academic colleges within OSU which offer different degree programs. Colleges are Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Education; Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Human Sciences; Spears School of Business; Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; Graduate College; Honors College; and College of Osteopathic Medicine. Each program has advisers to help students with classes, studies and majors while attending OSU. With so many programs from which to choose, everyone can find a home in Stillwater.
Students learned there are computer labs throughout the campus and printing is free as it is part of fees paid by students attending OSU. The Edmon Low Library contains the most computers and printers on campus. OSU students can check out laptops free of charge so most students don’t buy their own computers. Within the library are all levels for study with different levels of sound expectations—from no talking to music playing. Study rooms are available for reservation if a group of students wants to study together. Every classroom has Smartboards and projectors, and the larger classrooms have microphones. Students select their classes. If the student doesn’t want to be in a larger class, he/she may select a small one. But when a class is larger than 300, Brown said students typically form smaller groups within the class to complete assignments with a professor assistant to provide help when needed.
“My students loved this tour and the staff at OSU was excellent,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Dara Self. “I feel they went out of their way for us the whole time we were on campus, and my students received all the information they needed.”
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.
Enjoying lunch at Eskimo Joe’s before the campus tour are Serenity Williams, Aryann Wideman, Phillip Lipari, Brynklee Ballard, Madison Davis, Chaz Calvillo, McKayla Love, James Whaley, Ally McClary, Garrett Hayes, Miranda McClary, Bryson McClary and Timber Barton.
Keota sophomore Bryson McClary with the first Pistol Pete which was made by Walt Disney Company.
Boone Pickens Stadium—Keota students get their first glance of Boone Pickens Stadium: Pictured are Tour Guide Kelsie Brown, Garrett Hayes, James Whaley, Chaz Calvillo, Timber Barton, Bryson McClary and Ally McClary.
Keota GEAR UP students Garrett Hayes, James Whaley, Chaz Calvillo, Madison Davis, Phillip Lipari, Aryann Wideman, Brynklee Ballard, Bryson McClary, Timber Barton, Ally McClary, Serenity Williams and Miranda McClary look at the massive Boone Pickens Stadium.
Keota GEAR UP students in front of Boone Pickens Stadium. Go Pokes! Pictured are Front Row: Kelsie Brown, Miranda McClary, Serenity Williams and Madison Davis. Back Row: Garrett Hayes, James Whaley , Chaz Calvillo, Phillip Lipari, McKayla Love, Brynklee Ballard, Bryson McClary, Timber Barton, Ally McClary and Aryann Wideman.
Tour Guide Kelsie Brown—Tour guide Kelsie Brown explains the history of OSU during the visit to Heritage Hall to Serenity Williams, Brynklee Ballard, Madison Davis and Aryann Wideman.
Keota GEAR UP Students at the OSU Student Union—Keota GEAR UP students in front of the OSU Student Union are: Front Row: Miranda McClary, Serenity Williams, McKayla Love, Brynklee Ballard, Aryann Wideman and Madison Davis. Back Row: Bryson McClary, Garrett Hayes, Chaz Calvillo, James Whaley, Phillip Lipari, Timber Barton and Ally McClary Keota Students Having Fun at the OSU Student Union—Front Row: Miranda McClary, Serenity Williams, McKayla Love, Brynklee Ballard, Aryann Wideman and Madison Davis. Back Row: Bryson McClary, Garrett Hayes, Chaz Calvillo, James Whaley, Phillip Lipari, Timber Barton and Ally McClary.
Students listen to OSU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor—Keota GEAR UP students Aryann Wideman, Serenity Williams, McKayla Love Madison Davis and Brynklee Ballard listen as OSU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Dalaina Chester talks about scholarships, housing and academics at OSU.
James Whaley and Brynklee Ballard—Keota students James Whaley and Brynklee Ballard pay close attention as OSU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Dalaina Chester explains the importance of ACT scores and provides scholarship information.
OSU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Dalaina Chester—OSU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Dalaina Chester explains the Freshman Admission Criteria and Requirements handout.
Tour Guide Kelsie Brown discussing Boone Pickens Stadium—OSU Tour Guide Kelsie Brown discussing the capacity of the Boone Pickens Stadium with Keota GEAR UP students. The stadium holds 60,000 fans in seats and 64,000 fans including the suites.