OU's graduate programs in petroleum engineering receive high ranking

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Apr 6, 2000

The University of Oklahoma's graduate programs in petroleum engineering were ranked in the top five nationally in the 2001 "America's Best Graduate Schools" guide just released by U.S. News and World Report.

The ranking that placed the School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering among the top five programs nationally was determined by a survey of engineering school deans, deans of academic affairs and corporate recruiters regarding academic reputation.

"Our petroleum and geological engineering program continues to be one of the best in the world, and I expect it to gain further recognition over the next two to three years as a result of new initiatives we are currently making," said Arthur "Skip" Porter, dean of the College of Engineering. "The needs of this industry are changing and OU is working to adapt to those changes to create and provide the next generation of leaders for the energy industry."

OU joins Stanford University, the Colorado School of Mines, and Big 12 Conference schools Texas A&M University and the University of Texas in the top five for petroleum engineering.

Allied Waste assets purchased

Waste Connections Inc., based in Folsom, Calif., has acquired collection and disposal assets from Allied Waste Industries in Oklahoma City.

The assets have annual revenues of $6 million. It was one of seven acquisitions Waste Connections completed in the first quarter. The seven companies have annual revenues of $13 million.

The transactions include the acquisition of a franchised collection and transfer operation in north central Oregon with $2.1 million in annual revenues, a collection operation that represents the company's entry into the Amarillo market and a number of tuck-in acquisitions to existing operations in California, Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota.

Ronald J. Mittelstaedt, president and CEO of Waste Connections said the Allied Waste transaction "adds significantly to our strength throughout Oklahoma and will integrate well with our existing operations in that state."

Waste Connections is a regional, integrated, solid waste services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services. The company serves more than 500,000 commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Education nominations due

Nominations for the 2000 Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame are being accepted by Friends of the Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, announced organization President Dr. David Swank, Norman.

"The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals, both living and deceased, for outstanding achievement on behalf of higher education in Oklahoma," Swank said.

Individuals employed in Oklahoma higher education for a minimum of 10 years and those not employed in higher education but who have performed meritorious service to Oklahoma higher education are eligible for induction.

Swank added his organization wants very much to consider nominations, which represent individuals and institutions, both public and private, from throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Friends of the Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education is a nonprofit organization that supports the Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education in Stillwater and the Hall of Fame.

Nomination forms are available by writing Dr. David Swank, Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, P.O. Box 2415, Stillwater, 4076- 2415, or by calling (405) 744-4420. Deadline for nominations is April 26.

Those selected for induction will be honored at the seventh annual Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame banquet Oct. 3 at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Where did this come from?

Starting next year, under Senate Bill 1084, grocers and other retail outlets for fresh fruits and vegetables or frozen meat could inform consumers of the country of origin of those products.

The House rejected an amendment that would have made labeling mandatory. If a retailer or wholesaler failed to identify the country of origin, the state Board of Agriculture would have been authorized to levy an administrative penalty against the retailer or wholesaler of $100 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second or subsequent violation.

Two western Oklahoma legislators contended Senate Bill 1084 would provide a boost to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.

An opponent who is a grocer noted the requirements of the legislation would extend to frozen meat but not to fresh meat, and asserted the bill is toothless because its language is permissive -- participation would be voluntary, not compulsory.

A proponent, though, pointed to Wal-Mart and its successful, profitable, and purely voluntary "Made in the U.S.A." campaign. The House passed the bill 64-34 and returned it to the Senate.

Calling collect

Revenue the Oklahoma Corrections Department receives on collect telephone calls placed by state prison inmates would be earmarked by Senate Bill 1521 exclusively for inmate health-care and rehabilitation services, including drug and alcohol treatment, "and not for any other purpose."