The Oregon State University Science Pub on Oct. 11 will focus on how science fiction like Star Trek movies and television programs may strengthen hope for building a better future when the world seems overcome with crises.

The virtual event, a joint effort of Oregon State University in Corvallis and OSU-Cascades in Bend, will feature a talk by Jose-Antonio Orosco, a professor of philosophy at Oregon State. His presentation is titled: “To Boldy Go: Why Scientists and Social Justice Warriors Need Star Trek.”

Oregon State University – Cascades will host free flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination clinics for faculty, staff, students and Central Oregon community members Oct. 12 and 13.

The on-campus clinics are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

The drive-thru clinic will take place in the newly opened OSU-Cascades parking lot off Simpson Avenue  between Mt. Washington Road and Century Avenue.

A civil rights activist and a leader on race, religion and contemporary culture will be featured at virtual presentations hosted by the Oregon State University - Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Laboratory this fall.

Tamika D. Mallory, who gave what has been called “the speech of a generation” in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, will join a conversation with Erika McCalpine, executive director for strategic diversity at OSU-Cascades from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 6. Her talk is titled “An Evening with Tamika D. Mallory: Real Activism.”

Research funding at Oregon State University – Cascades reached $3.4 million during the past fiscal year, the second highest total in campus history.

That figure continues an upward trajectory in research funding at the growing campus, where research dollars totaled $9.3 million over the past three fiscal years, more than double the level from the preceding three fiscal years.

Erika McCalpine, a business faculty member who has championed social justice issues within Oregon State University, OSU-Cascades and in the Bend community, has been named executive director of strategic diversity initiatives at OSU-Cascades.

McCalpine, who teaches courses in human resources, is the founder and director of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Laboratory at the Bend campus. She is also president-elect of the OSU Faculty Senate.

The Oregon State University - Cascades Advocacy and Advisory Board will consider future campus enrollment growth at its Sept. 1 meeting.

The board meeting will take place from 12:45 to 2 p.m. in Edward J. Ray Hall, Room 13 on the OSU-Cascades campus.  Members of the public may attend virtually.

A new program at Oregon State University - Cascades is aiding first-generation students and students with financial need or documented disabilities to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The TRIO Student Support Services program launched in 2020 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant provides $262,000 annually for five years to enhance student retention and graduation rates.

To date, 60 students have been accepted into the TRIO program and campus leaders expect more participants.

More than 250 area community members and others beyond Central Oregon have been served over the past year by telehealth services offered by Oregon State University – Cascades Community Counseling Clinic in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Award-winning author and poet Ellen Waterston has joined the faculty of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Oregon State University – Cascades.

“We’re thrilled to bring Ellen’s literary voice and passion for writing and writers to the MFA in Creative Writing,” said Jennifer Reimer Recio, director of the MFA program and an assistant professor of American studies at OSU-Cascades. “She is a wonderful addition to our talented faculty authors and will be an inspiration to MFA students and alumni.”

Oregon State University – Cascades  has given its 2021 Employee Awards to six faculty and staff members for outstanding contributions to the Bend campus and surrounding community.

The recipients of the campus’ 2021 employee awards were: