December 3, 2010

What better way to start the week than by attending a world-renowned event centered on creativity. The Creativity World Forum was held in Oklahoma City from Nov. 15-18, and hosted speakers and attendees from 17 countries and 38 states. OSU realized the great opportunities that this event held for all students and generously sponsored the attendance of dozens of students from each college. I was very fortunate to attend Tuesday to witness inspiring discussions about creativity, design and entrepreneurship! Just to give you an idea of the wonderful messages that were delivered, emceeing the event was Sir Ken Robinson, with presentations from author Daniel Pink; author of the technology column for the New York Times, David Pogue; President and CEO of Harpo, Inc., Erik Logan; and founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie. This doesn’t include the incredible breakout sessions or the luncheon featuring none other than T. Boone Pickens and OSU President Burns Hargis! I attended the “Creative Placemaking” workshop with designers from all over the globe. It was truly an extraordinary event and I am so proud to attend a university that made it possible for numerous students to take part in this experience.  Here are some pictures!

Balloon sculptures	Designers at the breakout session

The remainder of the week was slightly less thrilling. Homework and exam made the next few days speed by though. Thursday, CKI was excited to have guest speaker Janet Fultz, the executive director at Payne County Youth Services.  Between assisting with the Valentine’s Dinner fundraiser, collecting items to donate, volunteering with the kids and “Adopt-a-family,” there are tons of opportunities for CKI to get involved with PCYS. As a thank you to Janet, we gave her a couple of our linus blankets for the kids at the shelter! Here’s a picture from the meeting.

Friday evening was the first Thank-a-thon of the year in StuFu and always one of my favorites! We all called away, thanking donors for the generous support of OSU and impact that they make on students’ lives. Such an awesome event! It’s a common reaction by donors to be surprised that you’re just calling to thank them. Haha.

Rebekah Spaulding and Heather Rodden role-playing before the event	Members calling donors!

As the semester is winding down, coursework seems to be doing the opposite. I enjoyed a homework-filled weekend, but of course I had to take a break to watch the Cowboys play KU! 10-1 going into Bedlam, I was very optimistic! It’s hard to believe football season is almost over. Between the ongoing Branding Success campaign, a football season that exceeded expectations, cross country winning the national title, and women’s soccer reaching the Elite Eight, it’s a great time to be an OSU Cowboy!!

GO POKES!