Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The benefits of daydreaming - Elizabeth Cox


Enter the mind of a bored teenager to discover what happens in the brain when we daydream and find out what purpose it serves.

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On a daily basis, you spend between a third and half of your waking hours daydreaming. That may sound like a huge waste of time, but scientists think it must have some purpose, or humans wouldn’t have evolved to do so much of it. So, what exactly happens in the brain while you daydream? Elizabeth Cox takes a closer look at the science of daydreaming through the mind of a teenager.

Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Biljana Labović.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com



 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

More Than a Brotherhood: What Fraternities Can Teach Beyond College


When many people think of fraternities, they picture campus events, game days, and lifelong friendships. While those are certainly part of the experience, fraternity life can also provide opportunities to develop skills that last well beyond graduation.

Leadership Opportunities

Fraternities often give members the chance to serve in leadership roles. Whether organizing events, managing finances, leading committees, or coordinating volunteer projects, members gain experience working with teams and taking responsibility.

These experiences can help build confidence and prepare students for future careers and community involvement.

Learning to Work Together

Every successful chapter depends on teamwork. Planning philanthropy events, recruiting new members, and organizing social activities all require communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Learning how to work effectively with people who have different strengths and perspectives is a valuable life skill.

Lifelong Connections

One of the greatest benefits many members describe is the friendships they build. Shared experiences often create lasting bonds that continue long after graduation.

Many alumni stay involved by mentoring younger members, attending reunions, or supporting chapter initiatives.

Giving Back

Community service and philanthropy are important parts of fraternity life. Many chapters organize volunteer projects, fundraising events, and partnerships with charitable organizations that allow members to make a positive impact both on campus and in their communities.

A Foundation for the Future

College is about more than earning a degree. It's also a time to develop character, build relationships, and discover new opportunities. For many students, fraternity membership becomes an important part of that journey, creating memories and skills that continue long after college ends.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Giving Back: The Importance of Philanthropy in Fraternity Life


One of the defining aspects of many fraternities is a commitment to serving others. Through philanthropy and volunteer work, members have opportunities to make a positive impact both on campus and within their local communities.

Philanthropic efforts can take many forms, including fundraising events, community service projects, food drives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These activities allow members to contribute their time, talents, and resources to causes they care about.

Participating in service projects also helps students develop valuable life skills. Planning events, working with community organizations, and collaborating toward a common goal strengthen leadership, organization, and teamwork.

Beyond the practical skills, philanthropy encourages empathy and civic responsibility. Giving back reminds members that leadership includes serving others and contributing to the well-being of the broader community.

Whether volunteering for a few hours or organizing a large-scale fundraising event, service is an opportunity to build stronger communities while creating meaningful experiences that extend far beyond college.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Sunday, July 26, 2026

Expert Answers | How do robots and humans communicate?


Robotics expert Naomi Fitter talks about the importance of designing robots that will be accepted by people. Factors like robot sounds, facial expressions, movement and form make a difference as to whether they will be trusted by people. 

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com



 

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Why Community Matters During College


Starting college is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. New classes, unfamiliar surroundings, and increased independence often make students feel isolated during their first year. Building meaningful connections can make a significant difference in a student's overall college experience.

Being part of a close-knit community provides opportunities to meet people with shared interests, develop friendships, and create a support system during both challenging and successful moments.

Many fraternities encourage members to work together academically, participate in campus events, volunteer in their communities, and celebrate one another's accomplishments. These shared experiences often create friendships that continue well beyond graduation.

Strong communities also encourage personal growth. Members learn to communicate respectfully, navigate differences, and contribute to goals larger than themselves. These interpersonal skills become valuable in both professional and personal settings.

College is a chapter filled with opportunities, and having a supportive community can help students make the most of those experiences while building relationships that last a lifetime.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Leadership Beyond the Classroom: What Fraternity Life Can Teach You


College is about more than earning a degree—it's also a time to develop the skills that shape your future. For many students, fraternity involvement provides opportunities to build leadership abilities that extend well beyond graduation.

Fraternities rely on student leadership to organize events, manage budgets, coordinate philanthropy, and support chapter operations. Serving in these roles helps members develop practical skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork.

Leadership within a fraternity also teaches accountability. Officers and committee members learn how to make decisions that affect an entire organization while balancing academics, personal commitments, and campus involvement.

These experiences often translate directly into future careers. Employers frequently value candidates who can demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and organizational experience gained outside the classroom.

While every member's experience is different, taking on responsibility within a fraternity can provide valuable opportunities to grow in confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for life after college.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Friday, July 17, 2026

Blue whale skeleton assembly time-lapse


Watch as the skeleton of a 70-foot blue whale is assembled into a display at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. The massive, 5,500 pound skeleton and the steel support system built for it were assembled over six days in May 2026, with most of the bones being placed individually by hand by a three-person team from Alberta, Canada-based Dinosaur Valley Studios.

The skeleton is one of only a handful of blue whale skeletons available for public viewing in North America, and the only one between Vancouver, British Columbia, and the San Francisco Bay area. Blue whales – the largest animals ever to live – are endangered. Because they live primarily in the deep ocean, they are rarely visible to the public and tend to sink when they die.

When the whale’s body was discovered near Gold Beach, Oregon, in 2015, leaders of OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute recognized a rare opportunity to turn an unfortunate loss into a resource for learning and discovery, and now that vision has become reality.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com



 

The benefits of daydreaming - Elizabeth Cox

Enter the mind of a bored teenager to discover what happens in the brain when we daydream and find out what purpose it serves. -- On a daily...