New robotics lab offers new opportunities at NWOSU
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April 30, 2017
Marione Martin
Bill Buckles of Alva speaks at the dedication of the new robotics lab that carries his name. The lab is located in Shockley Hall on the NWOSU campus.
Visitors Friday to the open house and dedication of the new robotics lab at Northwestern Oklahoma State University enjoyed touring a well-equipped workshop, design lab and computer room. Students and instructors were available to explain the facilities and the new programs to be offered starting with the fall semester.
During a brief program, Dr. Tim Maharry, chairman of the mathematics and computer science department, introduced Alva residents who provided funding for the new projects as well as university president Dr. Janet Cunningham.
Marione Martin
Billie Buckles of Alva describes her adventures with technology in her banking career during the dedication of the new robotics lab at NWOSU Friday.
Bill and Billie Buckles, for whom the lab is named, gave brief remarks. Billie Buckles described her career in banking accompanied by advances in technology from learning to use a manual typewriter to an electric version and finally to operating a computer. Throughout her speech, Billie emphasized the value of education to her career. Bill Buckles followed, speaking about his education starting with school at Dacoma where he was mostly interested in sports. He later studied engineering in college until he decided he'd rather return to farming. He then switched to math education and spent most of his working life as a banker.
The William R. and Billie Dean Buckles Endowed STEM Initiative for Computer Science will increase and enhance STEM educational opportunities for students and faculty. It will also help the department in plans to offer STEM opportunities to area youth.
Jane Tucker declined to speak. Her husband, Dr. Charles Tucker, was unable to attend. The Tuckers' gift to the Computer Science Lectureship will support the faculty, staff and students by providing funding for travel and training.
In addition to high-end computer equipment the new lab boasts a large 3-D printer and a workshop that includes a drill press, precision cutting tools and other equipment to work on various materials from plastics to metals.
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