Thursday, October 28, 2004

Houstonian: COBA lunch discusses new building

From the Houstonian:
The College of Business Administration recently hosted its fall 2004 Student Leader Luncheon in the Lowman Student Center. Some topics covered were occupancy of the Smith-Hudson Building addition, and the upcoming college Career Fair.

Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. R. Dean Lewis hosted the luncheon. Three officers of COBA were invited to attend. Following a buffet lunch and introductions, the Dean began to discuss current issues and trends that were impacting the college and its future. His first topic was concerning the addition of the Smith-Hudson Building.

"The Smith-Hudson building is expected to be completed by February and we will gradually begin occupying it through spring. There may be a possibility of classes being held there in the summer, and there will definitely be classes in the fall 2005," [Margaret Quarles, Senior Assistant to the Dean] said.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Houstonian: Tour exposes haunted Huntsville sites

From the Houstonian:
There are 45 haunted locations on the Sam Houston State University campus, said Aaron Hoosier, a tour guide for Haunted Huntsville Tours. A spirit actually made its presence known near the administration building on Friday night, he said.

"I lost control of the group. Half of them went running and the other half wanted to go inside the building," said Hoosier, "It was a Class A haunting. That's where a spirit can interact with the environment around it."

Hoosier was with the group that ran and said one girl started screaming. He didn't realize what had happened because he was wrapped up with the tour. "That place terrifies me. It's one of the scariest things in the area," he added.

A lost little boy is said to roam the halls of the administration building and nobody knows why Hoosier said, and that his research revealed some clues but no hard evidence about who the boy might be. His clothing is indicative of the late 1800's or early 1900's.

Hoosier said of the 45 locations he researched, he was able to confirm 25 of them as haunted. "Out of the 25, we picked the six most haunted places on campus for the tour. I was able to document them through newspaper clippings and articles. I did the research but to see the hard evidence has changed my mind about what goes bump in the night at Sam Houston State University."

Wednesday, October 6, 2004

Today@Sam: Truth Be Told - A Bearkat is NOT a Kinkajou OR a Binturong

It is almost Homecoming 2004, in the 125th year of Sam Houston State University's existence, and a good time perhaps to clear up at least a half century of confusion about the university mascot.

As loyal Bearkats, we are often asked just what a Bearkat is. Sometimes we give the wrong answer, according to George W. Lantrip, an alum who now works as a research staff member for the Brooks City-Base, formerly Brooks Air Force Base, in San Antonio.

Before we get to Lantrip's comment, one thing must be understood. The best evidence is that the Sam Houston mascot, the "Bearkat," was never intended to be patterned after a real animal.

Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Today@Sam: Staggs Honored At Counseling Center Dedication

Former colleagues and students, as well as current SHSU administrators and faculty, shared fond memories of Jack Staggs and wife Kathleen at the dedication of the Dr. Jack S. Staggs Counseling Clinic on Thursday (Sept. 30) morning. "Sam Houston has been better for his time on campus," one former colleague said. "I can't think of a more appropriate name for the counseling clinic." The clinic is located in the recently-completed Counseling Education Center.

Houstonian: Campus becomes handicap-friendly

From the Houstonian:
Earlier this year, Kelly Rogers had a broken leg and several bones to pick with the university. It was difficult for her to get around campus due to her temporary disability and she wanted something done to change that. Now, looking back over all that has changed this year, she feels that the university should get a pat on the back.

According to a list compiled by Doug Greening, the Physical Plant has made several changes to the campus this year, some of which were due to Rogers' input. The changes include the installation of two compliant door entrances with automatic openers at south end of the Communications Building, new building signage in the Music Building to comply with accessibility guidelines, alterations to the entrance ramp at the Industrial Technology Shop. They also improved sidewalks at the parking garage, along the north side of Bobby K. Marks Drive east of the University Hotel and along Avenue J east of South Paw Dining. Also added were new ramps including one new accessible ramp at west end of mall between Academic Building I and Smith-Hutson Business Building and another at the east side of the construction site between the Library and TEC to help with construction blockage. Finally, the plant designated and re-striped all parking behind Farrington Building for handicapped parking.

"They've done so much in the last six months," she said. "Lots of the changes are ones I suggested or those that someone else did. I don't think I should get credit, but the campus should."