FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                April 10, 2008

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY IMPORTANT FORCES FOR JOBS, BUSINESSES
TOPIC OF ONE OF THREE SESSIONS OFFERED AT NORTHWESTERN SYMPOSIUM

Discussion on how science and technology are important forces for job creation and business development in the age of innovation will take place in one of three sessions scheduled during Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s symposium “Visions and Crossroads: Northwest Oklahoma – Our Next 100 Years.” The free event is Friday, April 25, and is open to the public. All three sessions will take place at 10:30 a.m. and be repeated at 1:45 p.m.

Dr. Duane L. Pierson, Ph.D., Class of 1966, will present the session titled “Science and Technology as a Future Force for Jobs and Business Development.” Pierson, senior microbiologist for NASA, is a 2005 Northwestern Outstanding Graduate. He actively has been involved in microbiological and biochemical research for more than 30 years at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, NASA’s Lead Center for Human Space Exploration. He also works at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. His session will take place in the J.W. Martin Library.

            Pierson will describe his path from Northwestern to NASA, and will discuss current plans for the completion and use of the International Space Station, as well as future plans for exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Pierson said he also will discuss the tangible benefits arising from the U.S. space program including the benefits used in everyday life such as telemedicine, satellites for weather prediction, climate change, communications, computers, robotics and others. He will emphasize how Oklahomans can play key roles in exploring other planets and establishing bases on the Moon and Mars for scientific studies of the universe.

“Oklahoma astronauts such as Owen Garriott and Shannon Lucid have always played important roles in NASA’s programs, and this tradition is expected to continue,” Pierson said.

“Oklahoma is experiencing opportunities in many of the much needed cutting-edge technologies, such as nanotechnology, future energy sources, environmental protection and cleanup technologies, robotics, advanced computers and many others,” Pierson said.

He also will emphasize that many of these technologies will be needed in NASA’s space exploration plans. Other important skills include math, science, engineering, English, foreign languages and international studies.

“Today’s students will be heavily involved in these challenges and opportunities; however, they must be prepared,” Pierson said. “America’s present and future challenges will require a well-educated workforce, and that is where Oklahoma’s colleges and universities are most important.”

            The two other sessions during the symposium will be led by Northwestern alumni Robert Reeg, Class of 1978, and Christi Brungardt, Class of 1984. Brett Zollinger, Ph.D., Class of 1992, will be the keynote speaker during the symposium’s noon luncheon in the Student Center Ranger Room.

Reeg, chief technology officer at MasterCard International in O’Fallon, Mo., will present the session “Doing Business in a Global Economy – Bricks and Clicks Working Together.” His session will take place in the J.W. Martin Library.

            The Alva native’s presentation will discuss e-commerce and how it can be utilized effectively in rural American businesses. He said the premise of his presentation will show that the Internet is changing not only how consumers relate to businesses, but how businesses construct their workforces.

Brungardt’s session is titled “Grab the Bull by the Horns – Implementing Service Learning and Civic Engagement for Historic Community Revitalization, The Downtown Fort Hays Model.” Originally from the Kiowa/Anthony, Kan., area, Brungardt currently is an instructor of leadership studies at Fort Hays (Kan.) State University.

In her session, she will demonstrate how students from Fort Hays have joined forces with the downtown Hays revitalization group to bring new life and opportunities to the community. Her session will be in the Joe. J. Struckle Education Center, room 109.

Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and an associate professor of sociology at Fort Hays, will be speaking during the noon luncheon on “Community Change in the Rural Great Plains: How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going.” This presentation will address past and current demographic and economic trends in Great Plains communities and the opportunities they present.

Oklahoma’s Lt. Gov. Jari Askins also will be speaking during the luncheon. She will be sharing her views of Oklahoma’s proud history and what she believes to be the state’s future opportunities.

The symposium is a new event at Northwestern and has been established because of the need to explore regional and community revitalization and encourage innovation within the regional economy in northwest Oklahoma, southern Kansas and the Texas panhandle.

The various sessions and luncheon presentation will help to connect leadership, experience and education with the people in the region so that ideas can be shared to benefit the area’s future.

Dr. Kay Decker, chair of the social sciences department and head of the symposium committee, strongly encourages faculty to bring students to each session. Additionally, she encourages business owners, economic and community development directors, educators and retirees to participate in the symposium. 

“The symposium is a prime opportunity for people in rural northwest Oklahoma to exchange ideas with respected leaders in the fields of business, science and technology, research and development, historic preservation and community revitalization, and education to spark regional development and enhance the way of life for regional citizens,” Decker said.

Pre-registration is required for the free luncheon, and a limited number of tickets remain. Decker also encourages anyone planning on attending the sessions, to pre-register with her as well so she will have an idea how many people may be attending the various sessions.

Pre-registered participants for both the luncheon and the sessions will receive a packet of materials; however, those who do not pre-register cannot be assured of receiving a packet, Decker said. For those who have pre-registered for the luncheon, tickets to attend will be placed inside the packet. Also included in the packet will be a program detailing information to be presented during each of the three sessions, as well as the luncheon.

Registration for the day’s events will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Herod Hall lobby. A welcome to all registrants will begin at 9:45 a.m. in the auditorium. Following the welcome, participants will be led to the morning breakout sessions.

For anyone not registering in the morning, a table will be located near the Student Center Ranger Room prior to the luncheon and afternoon sessions. A symposium headquarters table will be located in the foyer of the west end of the Student Center following the morning welcome session for anyone needing help or directions.

For additional information about attending the symposium, please contact Decker at (580) 327-8521, (580) 327-8111 or kldecker@nwosu.edu. Up-to-date information is located at the symposium web site at www.nwosu.edu/symposium.

-NW-

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