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MSU

ASMSU chief of staff leaves for new space

For the sixth time in the last four years, the key to ASMSU’s chief of staff office has been turned in early.Nimri Niemchak, the undergraduate student government’s most recent chief, turned his key ring in Wednesday in exchange for a NASA ID card.Niemchak will intern at NASA this summer.“I wish Nimri the best and I don’t blame him for leaving ASMSU,” said Quinn Wright, Student Assembly chairperson.

MSU

Workshop to explore environmental journalism issues

Journalism majors and journalists have the chance to learn more about the environment at MSU. Starting Tuesday, the fifth annual Great Lakes Environmental Journalism Training Institute, a four-and-a-half-day workshop, will be held for journalists to learn about environmental issues. “The conference will focus on environmental journalism and teaching the most recent climate changes on the Great Lakes region,” said Jim Detjen, director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at MSU.

MSU

Professor remembered for wittiness, sense of humor

Although Paul Somers’ life came to a sudden halt, those who knew the American Thought and Language professor best say there is a lot to remember, admire and even laugh about.“He could always find a way to make things less serious,” said Douglas Noverr, chairman of the Department of American Thought and Language.

MSU

ACLU members plan to discuss course of action

In the wake of the information the Lansing-area chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request to the university, members are now examining the packet and considering their options. No definite action will be taken until a meeting can be held.

MSU

U honors memory of former provost

Although former Spartan Provost Lawrence Boger finished his career as an Oklahoma State University Cowboy, MSU leaders who remember his life agree that he bled green and white. “He was a member of the Spartan family in every sense of the word,” said Roger Wilkinson, former MSU vice president for Finance and Operations.

MSU

U might tap into oil, gas

MSU may be able to add more funds to its coffers - without raising tuition.Sturgeon Point Development Co. is drilling for oil and natural gas on the university’s property in Troy, Mich.

MSU

Journal celebrates 30th year

When Tropos was published for the first time 30 years ago, it was hand-stapled and delivered to MSU’s Main Library.When the newest edition of the graduate romance language journal comes back from the publisher Tuesday, it will be mailed to the Library of Congress.“We’ve had 30 years to polish what we do,” said editor Daniel Nappo, a Spanish language and literature graduate student.

MSU

Spartan parents, kids play Western games

More than 318 children spent Friday digging through hay, riding ponies and playing with farm animals.The children came to the Western Roundup event at Spartan Village, sponsored by the Department of Residence Life and Student Parents on a Mission, an organization that provides support for student parents.Trina Burnett, family stages specialist for Residence Life, said the event brings student families together and shows them the agricultural side of MSU.“It is pretty much for community awareness of agricultural life,” she said.

MSU

Student wins national business award

When Jeff Ziarko was younger, his mom would yell at him for watching too much news on television. But now, his interest in business and politics has paid off. The political economy and finance senior was one of 50 students from across the country who won a student fellowship award from the State Farm Companies Foundation, based in Illinois.

MSU

Group to trek cross-country

Four Michigan men left Point Reyes National Seashore in California on Wednesday to walk to Washington, D.C., and teach others about sexual assault on the way.Three former Central Michigan University students and one current CMU student will travel on foot and they plan on camping as they travel from state to state.

MSU

New U site offers summer fun

Beginning June 8, 261 children from Spartan Village Elementary School will have nearly three months to amuse themselves however they choose - summer vacation.But Bill Gale, principal of the on-campus elementary school, has a new tool to help parents keep their kids busy.Spartan Youth Programs, a new Web site created by University Outreach, provides a list of nearly every summer camp, activity or program created for children from kindergarten through 12th grade.“This is an amazing choice,” Gale said.

MSU

U professor receives distinguished award

Anil Jain is being recognized by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation for his own work with recognition.A professor of computer science and engineering, Jain has spent more than 10 years studying methods of personal identification through recognizing and matching patterns in fingerprints and eyes.He was chosen from a pool of 2,700 applicants competing to share more than $6 million from the New York-based foundation.

MSU

Alumnus to donate tree; add beauty, shade to campus grounds

When 1962 MSU alumnus Peter Secchia read an article last year about students donating a tree to the university, it made him reminisce about his days on campus. Secchia, a financial contributor to the Student Academic Center and the new addition to Breslin Students Event Center, thought it would be fitting to donate a tree on Arbor Day. Secchia, chairman of Universal Forest Products Inc. in Grand Rapids, and others will be planting a 20-foot autumn blaze maple tree at 10:30 a.m.