Pittsburg GEAR UP students visit the University of Tulsa
Seventeen Pittsburg GEAR UP students recently traveled to the campus of the University of Tulsa. The tour began with greetings from University of Tulsa Ambassadors Mercedes Vega and Kelly Shelts. Both shared the history of the University of Tulsa.
A walking tour began outside Collins Hall where students saw the beautiful Rogers Fountains that adorn the campus. Students also saw Chapman Commons where tailgating takes place before football games and many other events are held throughout year. Students walked to Fisher Hall South, a TU residence hall. They viewed a dorm room and heard information about amenities such as free laundry, shuttle service, individual heat/air for each dorm room and about the many activities of the hall designed to acclimate the new freshmen to college life. Students walked into the spacious Fisher Hall that houses the Pat Case Dining Center and saw one of the dining options for students and learned about the different meal plans available.
Next, they walked to the Lottie Jane Mabee Hall and John Mabee Hall residence houses. The Dietler Commons is between the female and male residence houses. At the request of the Mabees that were married, nothing was to be built in between them so they would always face each other. The students enjoyed learning the history of the Mabees and their generous contributions to the University of Tulsa.
Students passed several academic buildings including Phillips, Helmerich and Chapman Halls. The University of Tulsa houses the Collins Fitness Center with over 67,000 square feet. The fitness center is available for all students and has over 200 pieces of equipment and many other exercise rooms. The Alexander Health Center provides free health care to students who need to see a physician or registered nurse. Students only pay for lab work and prescriptions.
The next stop was McFarlin Library which houses over 3 million volumes of study material and books. The library contains many resources for students such as tutors, study halls, computer labs, and a snack room. Students walked around several buildings and visited the newest building on campus, Hardesty Hall. The tour concluded with a sneak peek into Allen Chapman Student Union where a food court is housed. Many choices are available to students who can use their meal card for restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Chick–Fil–A, Subway and a Sushi restaurant.
Students made their way back to Collins Hall where they were given information on admission and scholarships.
“It was a wonderful tour,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Natalie Kennedy. “The students were impressed with the student–teacher ratio and the many activities that the University of Tulsa offers.”
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.
Learning History of TU—Pittsburg GEAR UP students listening to the tour guide explain the history of the University of Tulsa. Pictured are: Anthony Shields, Nathan Labor, Fallon Scott, Shawna Stiles, Dakota Pollock, and Jenni Turner.
Pittsburg GU students in front of fountain—Pittsburg GEAR UP students during a tour of the University of Tulsa are GEAR UP Education Coordinator Natalie Kennedy, Blane Rice, Mandi Barron, Jennings Powell, Shawna Stiles, Tyler Sullivan, Fallon Scott, Kyler Burchfield, Dakota Pollock, Jenni Turner, Sayven Rowland, D. J. O’Dell, Nathan Labor, Tanner Horn, Gavin Roberts, and Anthony Shields.
Pittsburg GU Students Tulsa Skyline—Pittsburg GEAR UP students take a break while touring the University of Tulsa campus. Front Row: Jenni Turner, Dakota Pollack, Blane Rice, Gavin Roberts, Anthony Shields, Sayven Rowland, Tyler Sullivan, Tanner Horn, Fallon Scott, and Mandi Barron. Back Row: D. J. O’Dell, Jennings Powell, and Kyler Burchfield.