My week began with monotonous tasks like making calls and sending e-mails, and ended with a monumentally historic event and an annual convention centered around leadership, fellowship, and service. Although every week needs balance, I would prefer the excitement that the end of this week brought on any day of the week!!

Tuesday evening was the general OSU Student Foundation meeting; the announcement of the Cowboy Spirit results got everyone pumped up! Increasing extensively from last year we raised $33,000 for the student scholarship fund! I am so grateful to all the sponsors who donated, all who bought tickets, and to all the STUFU members who worked diligently throughout this endeavor. The effort spent and money raised truly affects people lives! It's so awesome to be a part of such a wonderful event! Becky Endicott, senior director of marketing and communications, and Jonathon McCoy, assistant director of marketing and communications, also attended this meeting to discuss the upcoming campaign events! The internal launch for the OSU Foundation would be held on Thursday, the actual campaign launch on Friday, and announcements and giveaways at the OSU v. KU basketball game on Saturday! I was more than anxious to hear the exciting news of the campaign

Thursday, I was happy to help out at the internal campaign launch at the foundation and got to stay and listen to the program! The efforts and vision of this campaign really started to come alive to me as Kirk Jewel, president and CEO of the Foundation, Burns Hargis, president of the university, and Ross McKnight, co-chair of the campaign, spoke more intimately about the campaign's effects, why we needed this monumental campaign, and the level it's going to elevate OSU to when we reach our goal. The story of Evan Townsend and many other students is what truly inspires the accomplishments of this remarkable campaign. There were still a few specifics that I was eager to learn but that would all come the following morning! Here are a couple pics from the internal launch.

Rebekah Spaulding, STUFU member, and Jessi Fernandes-Flack, STUFU president, cutting the strings on the banner to reveal the campaign logo!	Kirk Jewel, president and CEO of the OSU Foundation.

Friday at the heart of the campus, the Student Union atrium, the unforgettable campaign launch for “Branding Success” transpired. As the OSU band played and people continued to filter in all tiers of the atrium, it was definitely a wonderful sight! Burns Hargis spoke powerfully about the mission of the campaign and the meaning of “Branding Success.” Then came the announcement of the campaign's ultimate goal of 1 billion dollars - the crowd erupted! Shortly following was the declaration that we were already nearly halfway to our goal! My mouth dropped open as I was clapping! What an awesome scene to be witnessing. The university, 'my university,' that I am so passionate about is striving toward heights never before reached to allow the education of more students, compensation of faculty, and the betterment of facilities and programs. I feel so completely grateful to be given the opportunity to attend a university that has goals of this nature and such impeccable leaders at the forefront. As the event proceeded, more exciting news came with the announcement from T. Boone Pickens of 100 million dollars! - on top of what he has already committed to the campaign and what he will match. Cheering filled the union and as Burns Hargis yelled “GO POKES,” confetti shot into the air from all directions, hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling, the band was playing! It was so incredible! Afterwards STUFU members, including myself, handed out tons of giveaways, the main item being a “Branding Success” t-shirt. I love to see the smiles on peoples’ faces when you give them free stuff, haha. Honestly, I am grateful just to have been a small part of the historic event that occurred Friday; I will never forget that day! If you weren't able to attend or haven't seen the great happenings of that afternoon, I encourage you to visit www.witnessosuhistory.com where you can watch the video of the campaign launch! Here is a picture of the action from the event!

As the giveaways diminished, I hurried back to my room to grab my already packed bags. I was on my way to 56th annual District CKI Convention: Highway to Service, in San Marcos, Texas. Although the 9 hr drive didn't get us there in time for opening session, we still arrived in time for the candidate's speeches in regional caucuses. After hearing the platforms of several people, our division then elected a lieutenant governor, since this task had not been done at Spring Rally.

Saturday at the convention brought a full schedule beginning with House of Delegates at 8am. This is where we vote, by way of Robert's Rules of Order, on proposed amendments to the District bylaws of CKI. Then there are 3 great sessions of workshops, which all have a variety that one can choose from. After a break for lunch we were back at the conference center for a 4 hr Salvation Army disaster relief training! I was truly surprised how in depth the training was; allowing us to work through specific scenarios and learning inside and out the services that the Salvation Army provides! I am now certified to go onto the site of a disaster whether local or international and provides services for those in need!!

During this training I did have to leave momentarily for my scholarship interview that was held during that time. Applicants submit their application at a deadline prior to convention, but must be present at the event to interview and receive their award. After the training we all returned to our rooms to prepare for the Governor's Gala, the semi-formal awards and dinner portion of the weekend. There are many outstanding individuals and chapters in our district and it's always a joyous night of celebration as awards for recognition and achievement are granted. From Oklahoma State, Allison Prisco, won the Outstanding Impromptu Essay Award, for an essay she had composed earlier that day in a timed session; Rachel Heick, was awarded a $1000 scholarship; and I was honored to receive a $1500 scholarship! The weekend was definitely a success. Overall, however, the aspect that I enjoy most is with out a doubt reuniting with all my friends and the Kiwanis family. Almost everyone in attendance I have been fortunate to meet at a prior event and it is always so much fun to catch up with all these truly wonderful people! Also, many of the Kiwanians I have known since my years in high school in Key Club, and they continue to support me in all that I do. The generosity and kindness of these individuals never ceases to amaze me!

Sunday was the second portion of House of Delegates where we elected our governing officers for the 2010-2011 year. In the Farewell session, the governor made a farewell speech, the 2009-2010 officers were retired and the newly elected were installed! After a few pictures were taken we were back on the the road! Here are a couple pics from the event!

Although this weekend was definitely full of excitement, near or far, I never lose sight of the Cowboys. Winning against Kansas - no. 1 in the country, was such a great victory!!

Go Pokes!!