As East Lansing's Centennial coordinator and an MSU senior, I am writing in response to "Centennial artwork causes community concern" (SN 1/29), and "Photo marks city's anniversary" (SN 1/18). These articles have put a bad spin on what ultimately are positive projects and events put on by the city.

In the photo story, it was suggested that a low student turnout at our centennial kickoff was due to the date and time of the event. The event was not scheduled as a ploy to make it inconvenient for students to take part. Rather, it was scheduled in an attempt to make attending more convenient. We felt more students were likely to participate around lunchtime on a weekday than on a weekend, when many are catching up on sleep, taking trips or working. In addition to contacting student organizations, we — on several occasions — encouraged promotion of the kickoff in The State News. Despite our encouragement, little was published in promotion of the event. To make matters worse, Kristen Daum's Jan. 18 article capitalized more on a shortage of ponchos and an age gap than on the bigger story of why the event was held. The event was held to celebrate the 100th birthday of East Lansing, home of MSU, in a truly unique way.

In the article about the centennial artwork, it is argued that the price tag on the city's centennial sculpture is too high and some students wanted a say in the selection process. At no point is it stated that the sculpture, commissioned to commemorate the centennial and add to the overall appeal of East Lansing, is actually one of the least expensive ever brought to the city. As for the argument that students would have liked to view the proposed design, it was the city's effort to keep the cost of the sculpture reasonable that caused too small a number of applicants to get the whole community involved. The Art Selection Panel, a subcommittee of the East Lansing Arts Commission, is made up of a wide array of East Lansing residents. Any student interested in having a say in public art is welcome to apply for a seat on the commission.

I want to conclude by saying I was hired for many reasons, but one main reason is because the city values student insight in all it does. Too often the "anti-student" misconception leads to biased reporting. I only hope that in the future, events meant to be positive for the entire community will be covered in a more balanced way.

Meghan Schwarb
communication senior and East Lansing Centennial coordinator