Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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OLUN IT TAKES A PERSON WITH PATIENCE AND LOTS OF TIME FOR CARING tur.lty for volunteers. matched students with community Services on campus included the annu- youths who needed addit ional adult com-al Memorial Union Christmas party. Stu- panionship. Students found it was not so dents, some dressed in red and green out difficult to come up with fun ideas for fits as elves, helped young children from things to do around campus and within the community decorate cookies, cut out Corvallis. Children were so receptive to snowflakes and draw. It was an experi- being with the students that often hours ence that was fun to do and made such a were spent simply talking and sharing NEW CALL FOR caring — a responsibility of academic service honoraries and individual volunteers on the Oregon State campus. Student members made use of an extraordinary opportunity for greater learning and for the improvement of the university and community. “As student leaders we have the responsibility to support the ideals of the university and community, provide service and encourage each other in scholarship,” said Tom Harbolt, President of Mortar Board National Senior Honorary. Each year deserving student members of Thanes, Talons, Cardinal Key, Mortar Board and Blue Key geared up for fun, rewarding group projects in campus and community activities. There was a wide variety of programs available to accommodate all the interests of the different individuals involved with the projects. Other activities included volunteer callers in the OSU Telefund, guides for new student tours and freshmen orientation, Beaver Open House and graduation ushers. The senior honoraries worked closely with advisors to narrow the communication gap between university administration and students. Community projects included Cardinal Key visiting Heart of the Valley Care Center and spending time talking and playing games with the senior citizens. The holidays provided a prime oppor- difference to all of the children that turned out for it. Santa Claus was on hand and any time a young person who still believed in the bearded bearer of gifts sat upon his lap and rambled off a list of treasures he hoped would be under his tree on Christmas morning, it was a wonder that more people weren’t at the MU volunteering. Mortar Board members built a haunted house for Halloween in the Lambda Chi Annex on Monroe street. A “Senior Citizens Prom was planned on Valentine’s Day for all senior citizens in the community. This was a newly planned joint project between Thanes and Talons this year. “We wanted to expand our efforts beyond the campus and plan a bigger project with community citizens, said Heidi Rhodes, President of Talons. It was obvious that this kind of thoughtful planning was appreciated by members of the community because the showing at each activity always exceeded the expected amount. Mortar Board designed the Academic Planners, a popular success in their second year. Finals week “survival kits, delivered to freshmen at the end of each term, were again a traditional dual project between Mortar Board and Blue Key members. “Being involved in an active group of leaders who are creative and motivated to work together is fun and exciting and rewarding,” said Kim Ziegler, social chairwoman of Cardinal Key. The YM YWCA Round Table of Oregon State was a non-profit service organization supported by contributors and volunteers. Many students found volunteering a way to get needed work experience as well as a chance to feel good about oneself while helping others. The Big Brother Big Sister program past experiences. “We have the potential of 190 matchups,” said Carol Ward, executive director of the Y-Round Table located in Snell Hall. Students spent one hour per week meeting with his or her child. A minimum one-year commitment was required. The goal of the program was for the participants to develop a warm relationship by doing fun activities both enjoyed. Frisbee or picnics in the city parks, roller skating, golfing, horse riding, thrift shops, baking cookies and bike rides were a few favorite activities. “The Y-Round is special because everyone who works there volunteers to meet the needs of other people. said Traci Matthews, sophomore in psychology. “1 like to work with people and I realize little kids need role models—especially those from one-parent families. Children need positive reinforcement and attention when they’re younger. “1 volunteered to get a little sis because it’s rewarding to know I can brighten a child’s day.” Students also coordinated and assisted with selling UNICEF cards each year. The sale began November 23 and continued through December 18. Because the cards were decorated so beautifully it was a pleasure to purchase them and know at the same time that the money was going to someone who really needed it. Steve Jones was a volunteer in the friendly visitor program for the elderly. He was one of five members on the student advisory board of Y-Round Table. Reaching out to help others through a volunteer organization rewarded many students at OSU with a second education. That education being the knowledge that people, despite their age, despite their needs, all had the desire to share their time with someone who cared. □ by Ginny Rajnus VOLUNTEERING AROUND TOWN • 21

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Ths OSU Telefund brings many people from around campus, such as Eric Larson, to call for FUNding. The Corvallis Public Library had wonderful cooper ation with volunteer Sonia Suobiron. Teresa Schmidt volunteers her Friday afternoons to spend time with Erica Gammage at the Handicapped Clinic. 20 DEBBIE WEATHERS I 20 • VOLUNTEERING AROUND TOWN

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HER I LONGHOUSE HELPS INDIAN STUDENTS ADAPT AND SHARE CULTURE HAT DID THE term “native American” and “Indian” bring to your mind? Perhaps the roman- tic Louis L'Amour or Zane Grey novels’ idea of the strong silent warrior came to most peoples’ minds. In actuality, if one visited the Native American Student Association’s Longhouse one would probably have been disappointed. The Native American Student Association (NASA) was founded in 1969 by students. It’s purpose? As Vice-President Robert Cline said, “Many Indian students (especially freshman) who come to O.S.U. feel extremely aware that they are away from home.” NASA helped these student to adapt to Oregon State by giving them a place to go to escape the pressures of college. Since many of the students come to OSU on scholarships, “studies came first,” and the Longhouse was used as an alternate place to study. They also helped students from reservations to integrate with the college atmosphere without losing their heritage. Another function of NASA was to inform the campus about native Americans in the world today. The Longhouse is the core of NASA Participating in a weekly drumming and singing practice at the Longhouse are Mariana Mace. Mike Coolen. Tom Murphy and Dick Ross. and it is open to anyone who wishes to stop by,” said Cline. The Longhouse was not just for Indians. A wide variety of people come to NASA, among these were native Americans, “indian-way” people, and international students looking for the American Indians. The Native American Student Association’s attempts to be a home away from home was not appreciated by everyone though. A large part of OSU’s Indian population did not want to be a part of the club. “They want to forget and push their past away from them,” said Cline. Others did not want to be part of seemingly “stagnant organization. Seemingly stagnant because of lack of funds from OSU or other sources prevented NASA from presenting Indian culture to the campus. The Native American Students Association had been “caught in a dilemma of being unable to provide sendees, such as lectures like Ivan Doig, a well known writer, or other speakers on the subject of Indian culture, because they did not have the funds to support them. “Since OSU is a conservative campus, it is hard to make a statement,” said Cline. The Native American Student Association was not without problems, but it was trying to help its minority students at Oregon State. This years’s officers included: Carolyn Phillips, President—Apache from Arizona Robert Cline, Vice President—Chero-kee Blackfoot Chippewa from Washington Richard Leaton, Treasurer—Siletz from Oregon Beverly, Secretary—Warm Springs from Oregon. The Longhouse sat right next to Moreland Hall and was open during the week. □ by Sara Crisman DEBBIE WEATHERS 22 • NATIVE AMERICAN LONGHOUSE