Preparing better teachers

Thanks to Barbara (Burtis) Peck '32, student teachers in the College's Physical Education Teacher Education program can now assess children's performance "on-the-fly" by using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The data can be easily downloaded and managed by teachers. Mrs. Peck's gift supported the purchase of 12 PDAs for training future teachers in their use. "I gave the gift in memory of my sister Helen Perry who brought me to Oregon by train in 1927 from South Dakota," Barbara said. "Helen . . . was responsible for guiding me in my education in Home Economics and Education. When I decided to give a gift, this program seemed like a natural to honor Helen."

A unique anniversary gift

"I have always been grateful for my OSU education and have used it every day of my life," said Betty (Baldwin) Cilker '46 Home Economics. "Education was important in my family and they sacrificed to send me to OSU. My education has meant everything to me. It's enhanced my life in many ways." Her husband George asked Betty what she wanted for their anniversary this year. "A scholarship," she replied. Betty's anniversary gift will fund two scholarships for full-time undergraduate students majoring in Nutrition and Food Management, Human Development and Family Studies, or Apparel, Interiors, Housing, and Merchandising. The renewable scholarships will support two Oregon residents who choose to pursue additional minors or double majors and those with financial need.

Surprising link to student's past

Cheryl Peters, master's student in Human Development and Family Studies and Gerontology, was thrilled to receive a $500 Petersen Thesis Award last year.

Cheryl and her husband Matt come from generations of Ford Motor Company employees in Michigan. What a surprise it was to find out that the Petersen Thesis Award is made possible by a gift given by Jo Anne "Jody" (Leonard) '47, Home Economics, and Donald '47, Engineering, Petersen. Members of Cheryl and Matt's families worked under Mr. Petersen's leadership at Ford when he served as chairman. In 1989 Mrs. Petersen made a generous contribution to the OSU gerontology program and the then-new Mercedes A. Bates Family Studies Center, a wing of which was named in her honor. In 1995, Mrs. Petersen and her husband deepened their commitment to family issues by establishing an endowment that allows OSU to expand teaching, research and scholarly activity in aging and family studies.

Donor funds important research

Thanks to the generosity of Gene Beach '35, General Home Economics, two outstanding graduate students recently received support for their research. Cory Bolkan, a PhD student in the Gerontology Program is studying mental health and aging under the direction of Dr. Karen Hooker in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. Michelle Yan is studying the effects of diet and nutrition on cancer. She will be advised in her research my Dr. Emily Ho in the Department of Nutrition and Food Management. Both students were selected for their scholarship, dedication, and the critical nature of their research. The Gene Beach Scholarship will be awarded annually.

Paula Schilling continues legacy of supporting students

Dorothy Schilling is honored each year as the scholarship she established is presented to a student whose passion is apparel design, construction, and fit. Dorothy was a highly skilled seamstress who studied pattern fitting at OSU. After she passed away in 1976, her daughter Paula Schilling, BS '76 Apparel Design, carried on her mother's legacy of sharing her skills with OSU students. Paula is a past member of the AIHM Advisory Board and frequently visits campus to assist in teaching the technical aspects of the high tech industry specialized computer software systems for AIHM 428, Apparel Production Processes. Like her mother, Paula believes in helping others gain skills so they can help themselves.

Celebration of Excellence

The generous contributions of more than 80 donors are enabling 127 students to continue their studies, research, and projects supporting everything from healthy children to aging parents during the 2003-2004 school year. The fellowships, scholarships, and awards were presented at the college's annual Celebration of Excellence held in May at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center.