Friday, May 21, 2010

ISU Intramurals

ISU intramurals: another place to see students in action in Reed Gymnasium, the Student Recreation Center and at an ISU lawn or sports field near you.

There are 45 other intramural sports and activities students can sample, from racquet ball and water polo, to ping-pong and dodge ball, to a golf scramble and sideline “rock, paper, scissor” contests.


“We target all different types of people, you don’t have to be a superstar to participate,” Shelby noted.

According to Shelby total active participation in intramurals was 3,200 during the 2008-09 academic year . But active participation isn’t the full story about intramurals: during fall semester 2009 there were 7,500 “inactive” participants – i.e. spectators, friends and evil spies from other teams – who were attracted to intramural activities.


In addition, intramurals provide student job opportunities, from being a scorekeeper to officiating games.

“There is a lot of student life opportunity,” Shelby said. “There are a lot of chances to get involved.”

For more info on intramurals, visit http://www.isu.edu/camprec/intramurals/.

Next year I vow better coverage of intramurals some way or another.

World Café

World Café diversity training in early February was a well attended and interesting endeavor. About 150 people participated in small-group activities directed by Kathleen Roberts, Director, ISU EO/AA and Diversity. I was surprised by the experiences from some of my co-participants, one of whom who grew up in the South, talked about how as a youth a cross was burned in his family yard in the south. One participant talked about being judged by her tattoos.

Below is a Flip video of Roberts at the World Café.



I’ve also included a brief interview with ISU student Kevin Armstrong’s about his experience with the World Café.


Multitasking

Some activities we do as workers don’t always fit neatly in a job description. For example, as a Public Relations Specialist would you expect to knit outfits for candy bars? This is exactly what Chris Gabettas, PRS at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, did in January for the ISU media luncheon held during the Higher Education Week at the Idaho Legislature. On her own time, Chris created unique candy wrappers for the luncheon and then knitted scarves and hats for her “Bengal Bars.”


Speaking of Chris, her niece, Ainsley Jackson of Pocatello, shows off a Bengal cheer she learned from ISU Bengal Cheerleaders during the ISU Girls and Women in Sports Day in March. at the Idaho State University Bengal Cheerleading Camp this March.


Veterans Day Video

In November, Idaho State University-Idaho Falls celebrated Veterans Day with a variety of activities. Grace Latham produced this video chronicling the events put on by the Armed Forces Veterans Club (AFVC) in Idaho Falls. Latham is on the ISU-Idaho Falls Student Activities Board and is a marketing assistant for Chez Barnes, director of the Bennion Student Union at University Place in Idaho Falls.


Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Campus Rope Walkers


What is this guy doing up in the tree, walking through air?

That is what I asked myself walking back to my office through Hutchinson Quadrangle in late April. Mostly the Quad features antlike students and faculty and staff walking to and fro but one never knows. It can feature spirited cricket games by Indian students, campers during Earth Week festivities, bands and barbeques put on by the Student Involvement Center, Dutch oven cooking classes by the Outdoor Adventure Center, proponents at tables exposing various causes, or disc golfers playing through on their own personally designed course.

On this day, however, the main attraction was Idaho State University student Tony Law engaged in the act of “high lining.” I believe his actions speak for themselves.

Below are two Flip clips, one of Tony talking and one of Tony walking.



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Miller Stadium


It might not be as impressive as the sea parting before a prophet, but there was, perhaps, a fortuitous omen last week for the ISU women’s softball program: between a stormy, windy rainy morning and evening, the clouds parted and the sun came out on May 6 for the 1 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony for the new Miller Stadium located on Bartz Field.




ISU President Arthur Vailas, donor Sylvia Papenberg, representatives from DeWall Construction and Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad were among the VIP’s in attendance who gave speeches and used a shovel to make a ceremonial dig toward the completion of the stadium, which will be completed next fall.


Miller Ranch Stadium was made possible with a gift of land in the Teton Valley in the Driggs area by Sylvia Papenberg back in 2008. The donation of land, valued at over $1 million, is the largest single contribution to the athletic department in school history. The property in the Teton Valley formerly housed the family ranch, Miller Ranch, hence the new stadium's name.



“This is a great day for Idaho State University softball,” Papenberg said. “Beginning next season, those girls will be able to play softball on campus.” Later on, nearly in tears, Papenberg noted, “This is for you mom and dad.”

She also recognized and thanked the other donors and supporters of the project. After the speeches and the ceremonial shoveling – besides the collection of VIPs members of ISU’s current Bengal softball team took their turn making a symbolic dig towards their program’s future – guesst gathered at the Stephens Performing Arts Center to mingle and enjoy some refreshments.


Miller Ranch Stadium will be completed in two phases. The first phase will be feature a completely graded out and level playing surface, with new sod and a clay infield, batting cages, full-length in-ground dugouts, an electronic inning by inning scoreboard, and bullpens. The field will have a six-foot outfield fence with a full wind screen as well. The second phase, to be commenced upon the selling of the land, will feature the full amenities, such as a full press box, grandstands, concessions, and permanent bathrooms.