UO E-clips, Nov. 29
Top stories for November 29, 2007: KVAL covered the efforts of UO students who presented conceptual designs for a regional convention center near the new federal courthouse; Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden visited the UO to talk about proposed legislation on issues related to credit card fees and interest rates, and, the Register-Guard reported, the story he heard was that first comes college, then graduation, then credit card debt; blood supplies take a hit during the holiday season when UO students aren't around to donate, reports the Daily Emerald; and in the midst of war in Iraq, UO and OSU flags are flying in readiness for Saturday's football "Civil War," the Register-Guard reports
Students present conceptual designs for regional convention center (KVAL.com): It may not be on the drawing board for city officials, but University of Oregon students have created designs for a regional convention center. Wednesday, architecture students presented their design concepts for a building that would serve Eugene/Springfield and sit on a five acre site near the new federal courthouse. "Our hope is it spins off. The main ingredient was to make sure the students had a good experience. The spin-off would be giving the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon enough graphics, enough drawings enough models so they could actually start the dialogue." said Prof. Otto Poticha. The student designs incorporate three exhibit halls, a ballroom and parking for 750 cars. Prof. Poticha says they will submit digital copies of all of the work to CVALCO.
Into adulthood and debt (Register-Guard): Most college students don’t expect to have to declare bankruptcy as part of their rite of passage into adulthood, but that’s what happened to Jobetta Hedelman. Hobbled by credit card debt after she graduated from the University of Oregon in 2003, and unable to find a job in the communications field, she began using credit cards to pay for essentials such as food and rent. Moving back in with her parents to cut expenses and going in for credit counseling were too-little, too-late strategies and Hedelman learned the hard way how borrowing can spiral out of control.
The drive to give (Daily Emerald): The holiday season is a time when many students get into the giving spirit. But for Lane Memorial Blood Bank, an organization that relies on students for much of its supply, it can cause uneasiness. "December and January, I would say, are some of the toughest times that we face, partly because we depend so heavily on the U of O," said Kristi McElhinney, community affairs manager at the blood bank.
Football rivalry plays out in midst of Iraq war (Register-Guard): There are times when nothing can stand between diehard Duck and Beaver fans and the annual Civil War game. Not even, well, war. For proof, look no further than 1st Lt. Brandon Hill and Technical Sgt. Darren Jee, two Oregon Air National Guard members stationed in Baghdad. Being half a world away in the hottest conflict zone on the planet has not stopped them from supporting their teams or flying the colors. Literally.