3/7/2010 K-State Collegian - Fountain Wars lets …

Fountain Wars lets students apply

engineering principles to design
competition
Lauren Taggart

Published: Friday, May 1, 2009

Updated: Friday, May 1, 2009

Pipes, pumps and formulas for fluid flow circled through

the minds of K-State engineering students as they
prepare to compete in Fountain Wars.

"We are an environmentally-based design team that is

given technical tasks to complete each year," said Ginger
Pugh, sophomore in biological systems engineering and
Fountain Wars team president. "This includes creating
fountains that are aesthetically and environmentally
pleasing."

Under the supervision of department advisers, Fountain

Wars team members compete in a national competition
each year to showcase their design. Pugh said
contestants are required to assemble the machine on site
in a two-hour period and have it function perfectly by
judging time. To compete successfully, design planning
Lisle Alderton
takes place early in the semester before competition.
Brent Ware, senior in biological and
agricultural engineering, cuts some piping to
"We started early this semester in the design process," be used on the new fountain underway in the
Pugh said. "Although we aren't quite finished for the next hydraulics lab in the basement of Seaton
Hall. Students are working on designs for the
competition, we always get it done on time." next Fountain Wars competition in Reno,
Nev.
The K-State Fountain Wars team has been fairly
successful in recent years, with a second place finish in
Providence, R.I., last year. Pugh said she hopes to
continue this success in Reno, Nev., for the June
competition.

College of Engineering faculty members said Fountain

Wars has proven to be an asset to the college and
student potential.
Lisle Alderton
The Fountain Wars team tests its fountain
"This group gives students [an opportunity] to take things outside Seaton to see if the structure can
they learned from class like fluid dynamics, focus on launch a beach ball into a target basket.
engineering aspects, and create something totally
original," said Gary Clark, senior associate dean in the College of Engineering and former
organization adviser. "They experience technical challenges and learn more about electronics at
the same time."

The organization has also provided its members with great experience and resources to aid in
academics, students said.

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"Applying engineering principles with designing has helped me approach problems in my classes
with greater confidence," said Rebecca Burns, senior in biological and agricultural engineering. "I
have received internship offers because I am on a team that is successful."

Clark said past designs have included voice-activated valves that react on command, as well as
valves programmed to songs that create a Bellagio effect, as in Las Vegas.

More and more professors and students have started to recognize the program as it gains
notoriety.

"The students involved with Fountain Wars have gained valuable leadership training and learned
to work as a team," Clark said. "They are wonderful representatives for Kansas State University."

As a system of networking for students, Fountain Wars also provides social benefits to its
members.

"Being a member has helped me expand my circle of friends in our department," Burns said.
"Plus, messing with water is fun."

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3/7/2010 K-State Collegian - Freethought group …

Freethought group works for acceptance

of non-religious members
Lauren Taggart

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Updated: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

As K-State students walk to class, they step on both

Biblical verses and non-religious claims chalked on the
sidewalk. On a campus where Christians seem to be in
the majority, it's the statements questioning religion that
receive the most scorn and disdain.

Individuals for Freethought was originally created more

than four years ago on the K-State campus, but Jessica
Chelsy Lueth
Ice, senior in anthropology, restarted the group last
November.

"People think we are the ones with something to prove, but we have nothing to claim," Ice said. "I
was looking for an atheist organization, and this one had kind of disappeared, so I brought it back
to life."

Though the organization is rebuilding, students have found refuge in the ideals of the Freethought
group. Ice said there are more than 25 members who come to every meeting.

"Freethought offers a place for non-religious individuals, such as free-thinkers, agnostics and non-
theists. Our principles are based on science, philosophy and logic," Ice said. "Members don't
have to be afraid to say 'I don't believe.'"

Ice said Individuals for Freethought has encouraged students to ask questions and given them the
opportunity to meet others with the same ideals.

"It is comforting to know the belief in asking questions is a lot wider, and more people believe
what I believe," said Donavan Grady, sophomore in information systems and Freethought
member. "I have learned a lot."

Some Freethought members said they are discouraged by the common misconceptions
associated with their beliefs, and want to be accepted by other students.

"All of us have good morals, but many think atheists have none, because all morals exist within
God," Grady said.

Besides attending weekly meetings, members of Freethought participate in many different events
throughout the year, including Relay for Life, potluck dinners and social gatherings.

"We recently just had a very successful spaghetti dinner fundraiser, and we are bringing a keynote
speaker to campus on April 27," Ice said.

In a traditionally Christian community, Freethought members said they want others to accept their
differences and take notice of changing demographics.

"Sixteen percent of the [U.S.] population is non-religious," said Jessica Cuppy, senior in business
administration. "Our goal is acceptance, since we are [Christians'] classmates, teammates and
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friends. We are people, too."

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3/7/2010 K-State Collegian - New cheerleading …
Jobs and internships for students - click here

New cheerleading coach helps squad through

organization, experience
By Lauren Taggart

Published: Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Dannielle Ruoff spent most of her time on the sidelines

cheering her team to victories in both junior high and high
school.
Her athletic talent paid off in college as she cheered on
Montana State University-Bozeman and joined an all-star
team that traveled through California and Hawaii for
competitions.
This is when Ruoff said cheerleading became serious Josly n Brown

for her, eventually leading her on a coaching path that

started at her alma mater, then to Montana State
University-Billings and now K-State.
As of Aug. 1, Ruoff is the new personality behind the K-
State spirit squad, and her recent arrival was still evident
by the unpacked boxes that clogged her renovated office
more than a month after her arrival.
Ruoff said accepting the role as head cheerleading
coach this fall was a pivotal moment in her athletic career. Josly n Brown

“The Big 12 is an appetizing division to enter,” Ruoff

said. “Plus my favorite color is purple.”
Many in the K-State Athletics Department have been pleased with the decision to add Ruoff as
cheerleading coach.
“Hiring her was easy — she had good expertise, great organization and can work well with all
entities she is given,” said Laura Tietjen, senior woman administrator and associate athletics
director.
Ruoff said the transition from Montana to Kansas has been easy because of the welcoming
atmosphere in the Manhattan and K-State communities.
“The people have been helpful, which is a delightful change from other places I have been
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employed,” Ruoff said.
Since the position at K-State is a step up from her previous positions, Ruoff said she has been
able to ease into the position more than previous jobs.
“There has been a lot of patience, and I am optimistic the transition will continue to be
successful,” Ruoff said.
Ruoff’s new position allows her to integrate positive changes into the structure and function of
the squad.
Besides supplying new uniforms and integrating new stunts this season, she has brought a
more professional attitude to her squad.
Ruoff said she views her squad as a positive marketing tool for the athletics department and
predicts a successful campaign with the Manhattan community in regards to displaying positive
role models for the university.
“Danielle will bring real organization to the squad that will be beneficial in future years,” Tietjen
said.
Ruoff said another goal for the new coach is to develop a deep, positive relationship with her
squad and prove herself as an effective mentor to the fellow squad members.
Jackie Capite, freshman member, said she thinks Ruoff already is making a steady transition.
“If people give her the chance, she will achieve great things,” Capite said, “because she knows
what she is talking about.”

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3/7/2010 K-State Collegian - Rare books collecti…

Rare books collection available for all

students
Lauren Taggart

Published: Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The fifth floor of Hale Library conceals a collection of rare

and special books that are often unnoticed by library
users. The department remains relatively quiet behind its
open wooden doors, away from student traffic.

Genres ranging from poetry and history to science fiction

and horror stack the shelves of the K-State Rare Books
Collection.
Chelsy Lueth
"A lot of students don't know it exists," said Roger
Adams, curator of special collections and associate
professor. "But students should take the time to check it
out."

The special collections department is composed of all

printed materials that date back as early as 1486, with
current volumes catalogued as well. The printed materials
range from books to university-archived manuscripts.

"They are often referred to as rare books, but they are

really just unique and don't have to be old to be
considered rare," Adams said. "Some are even common,
but were previously owned by someone well-known who
kept notes in the margins or are only one of five copies published."

The books hold distinct qualities that separate them from the rest of the library's printed material.

"We have a first edition Robert Frost book of poetry, a nationally ranked cookery collection, books
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given to World War II soldiers, and a 6-millimeter tall novelty book that was once considered the
smallest book in the world," Adams said.

Students have relatively open access to the special collection, and can benefit from the extensive
research opportunities within the 90,000 volumes of books and other manuscripts.

"You can find just about anything and satisfy any interest here, and many classes are integrating
projects to encourage student use of the department," Adams said.

Tony Crawford, university archivist, said the rare books and manuscripts complement each other
and both departments support student research.

The collections are an extension of the classroom and aid in any subject from history to English.

"[The collection is] here to be used and all students are welcome," Crawford said.

Special care is taken to ensure the future stability and survival of the collection obtained mostly
through alumni and other donors.

"All the materials are brought to the students, so they are handled in the proper way," Adams said.
"Temperature, lighting and humidity all need to be kept under control."

Changing exhibits are also part of the special collections department, which introduces students
to rare volumes within the various collections. Each year, the department features three to four
exhibits and holds fun events throughout the period.

"Last year, we did a lecture on the brewing process and presented our collection of alcohol
books," Adams said. "We also had a beer tasting for those of legal age."

Making sure the special collection remains open for student use is very important for the
department staff, who are available to help with any academic needs or curious minds.

"Seeing the collection is an opportunity in itself, and it's not every day you can touch a 500-year-
old book," Adams said.

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3/7/2010 K-State Collegian - Student travels on …

Student travels on Obama campaign

Lauren Taggart

Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Updated: Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The political trail is often a long and exhausting road that leads to victory or defeat.
Supporters of a particular candidate or cause invest time to assist their favorite
campaigns in any way possible. Some do this from the comfort of their own homes,
while others experience the campaign trail hands-on. Last semester, a K-State
student traveled the East Coast with Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Molly McGuire, sophomore in political science and speech, returned to K-State
this month to continue college after taking a semester off to work on the campaign
Chelsy Lueth
trail. McGuire spent five months in North Carolina during the general election
Molly McGuire, sophomore in political science,
season. traveled the East Coast on the Obama campaign trail
prior to his election. The enthused McGuire said, "I am
"It was difficult being away," she said. "I invested a lot of time with the primary excited for the next four years, and hopefully the next
eight."
season here in Manhattan and leaving meant I had to miss out on the general
election activities."
This is not McGuire's first experience with the political circuit. McGuire said her involvement with the Kansas Democratic
Party allowed her to work alongside field organizers in the state, who later invited her to North Carolina.
"I got a call in July to go and I immediately said yes," McGuire said. "Obama is the best choice for our country, so this was
a prime time to get involved."
McGuire did whatever was needed during the general election to help lead Obama's campaign to victory.
"Our main focus was to get people out to the polls as much as possible to vote," McGuire said. "This often involved
canvassing and making phone calls."
Though McGuire is accustomed to working in a political atmosphere, she encountered a few bumps along the way.
McGuire had to switch from an urban political setting to more rural surroundings.
"Working in a rural environment made me more aware of how people perceive you and how to understand different points
of view," she said.
McGuire's diligent efforts and transitions paid off at the end of her travels.
"Winning North Carolina was a long-shot, but we were ecstatic that the state went blue," she said.
Now that she is back on campus, McGuire continues to pursue a career in politics. She said she would like to continue to
work on campaigns and possibly policy-making in the future.
"If Obama runs again after his first term, I hope to work on his re-election campaign," McGuire said. "But I am up for
whatever opportunities might present themselves."

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3/10/2010 K-State Family Day | Kansas State Uni…

Kansas State University Parent Guide

K-State Family Day
Published: 05/13/2009 (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php)

The 2009 All-University Family

Weekend continues a long
tradition of honoring K-State
friends and family!

The All- University Family Day

allows friends and family to
experience first-hand a
students’ K-State experience.
Students get the opportunity
to share knowledge about the
college environment with
visitors.

Family Day attendees can tour campus, take a visit to the Konza Prairie,
satisfy their taste buds with Call Hall ice-c ream, and visit several
attractions on c ampus suc h as the Insect Zoo and K-State Gardens.

Join in the tradition of celebrating life-long loyalty to K-State by attending

the Legacy Pinning Ceremony. Alumni and current students are pinned to
honor their c hoice to attend K-State. The K-State by Choice recognition
is also given out to honor family members who are not alumni of the
university. Participants can enjoy a delicious brunch and pledge
commitment to the purple and white.

Watch Bill Snyder and his Wildcats take on the Tennessee Tec h Golden
Eagles and experience the thrill of K-State football victory. Tickets can
be ordered in advance by calling (800) 221-CATS. Explore Manhattan by
stopping in the various retail shops, restaurants, and cafes in Aggieville or
tee up a round at Colbert Hills Golf Course. Don’t forget to visit Varney’s
or the K-State Union Bookstore to outfit your family with the newest K-
State gear.

If you take pride in your K-State family or someone else’s be sure to

nominate them for Family of the Year. It is a great way to honor their
support and commitment to the university. Save the date and share in
Family Day! There is something for everyone to experience!

Save the date for K-State Family Day, Saturday, September 26, 2009!

Book your reservations today!

Morning Star Bed & Breakfast
617 Houston Street, Manhattan, KS
(785) 587-9703
www.morningstaronthepark.com (http://www.m orningsta ronthepark .com )

Clairon Hotel Manhattan

530 Richards Drive, Manhattan, KS
(785) 539-5311
www.choicehotels.com (http://www.choice hote ls.com )

Holiday Inn, Manhattan at the Campus

1641 Anderson Avenue, (888) 465-4329
www.holidayinn.com (http://www.holida yinn.com )

Fairfield Inn Manhattan

300 Colorado Street, Manhattan, KS

universityparent.com/…/k-state-family… 1/2
3/10/2010 K-State Family Day | Kansas State Uni…
(785) 539-2400
www.mariott.com (http://www.m ariott.com )

For list of other ac commodations, see Visit K-State (http://consider.k -

sta te .edu/m ote ls/)

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