Donations bring 'new hope' to historical homeless shelter

A Lansing homeless shelter can keep its doors open through September, despite losing its major source of funding.

A sobering experience

Brianna Garrett right, of Lansing, is supported by her family members during the 55th District Court Sobriety Court graduation ceremony.

Greek members left homeless

When Alex Brown went down to his basement Sunday morning, he realized something was not quite right. A few hours later, Brown - and the 20 other housemates of Alpha Tau Omega - were homeless. The support beam of the main floor, at 251 W.

Report finds study habits differ for men, women

It may be the first week of classes, but Abra Jeffers spent Tuesday afternoon poring over a chemistry workbook at the tables outside Espresso Royale Caffe, 527 E.

Study: Coffee has antioxidants

Good news for students who drink a cup or two of coffee everyday: A new study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania shows coffee has antioxidants that are important for the drinker's good health. The study also showed coffee is the number one source of antioxidants for Americans.

MSU prof finds new heart attack cause

For years, researchers didn't know what cholesterol's role in causing heart attacks is, until an MSU professor realized it's as simple as a bottle of water that's frozen and cracked. "It cuts through membranes, like shards of glass in the artery," said George Abela, a professor in the MSU Department of Medicine, whose findings are published in the September issue of the medical journal "Clinical Cardiology." "That's why you think it can create such a big ouch." Examining the process of heart attacks for about 10 years, Abela found the key was cholesterol located in the wall of an artery.

Officials continue to examine impact of power loss

Administrators are still in the process of determining the extent of damages to university buildings and equipment two weeks after the most significant power outage on campus in almost six years. Department chairpersons have been asked to report the impact of the outages in their departments to MSU controller David Brower. Brower will then prepare a report for administrators detailing safety and security concerns raised by the power loss and addressing areas requiring more funds to prevent future problems, said Marc Conlin, an administrative assistant in the department of physics and astronomy. "They're trying to look at the overall picture to see where they want to do some things differently," Conlin said.

Students adapt to facility upgrades

New floors, bleachers, locker rooms and workout equipment are among some of the updated features that greet new and returning students for the first time at IM Sports-West's renovated facility, which opened May 16. The new $5.5 million facility was renovated because the former building was not up to par, said Lawrence Sierra, director of Intramural Sports and Recreation Services.

Reserve base might close, 25 jobs could be relocated

A Lansing Army Reserve Center might close if a Base Closure and Realignment Commission action is approved by Congress as early as Nov.

Value of 'One Book' event examined

The idea of MSU's "One Book, One Community" requires freshmen to read one book to unite the students and East Lansing residents by having a common interest, but some professors and students differ on the value of the annual program. This year's book assignment, Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner," is mandatory for all freshmen and encourages East Lansing residents to participate in book-related events from Aug.

MSU helps Sparrow find pediatrician

MSU and Lansing's Sparrow Hospital have formed a partnership to bring in a pediatric hospitalist, a new addition that will improve care for children with serious illness and disease in Michigan, Sparrow officials said. A hospitalist is a doctor who practices exclusively with the hospital, Sparrow spokesman John Lux said.

Events recruit mix of minorities

Several minority student groups on campus are seeking new members in freshmen and returning students through informational receptions, which are currently being held. The receptions are a way for interested students and returning members to become acquainted with the organizations, and members say the gatherings are successful recruitment tools. On Sunday, the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs held an open house in the courtyard behind Student Services as its introductory reception. Several university and office officials were on hand for students to meet. Tammye Coles, coordinator for the Black Student Alliance, or BSA, was at the event and said the connections made at these receptions are important. "There has been work done showing (that) students who are, in some way, connected to campus are more likely to seek information or assistance via a professor or student organizations," Coles said.

LCC sponsors rally for student entrepreneurs

Lansing Community College, the small business and technology department at LCC and the Junior Achievement organization are holding a student entrepreneurship rally for 95 high school students this week. The rally will be held at 9:00 a.m.

Lyman Briggs updates labs, prepares to open

The hallways of Lyman Briggs School in the basement of Holmes Hall were clean and quiet Monday afternoon.

Former Louisianans gauge effects of Katrina

Sociology Associate Professor Toby Ten Eyck said the news of Hurricane Katrina hitting the New Orleans area takes him back to the time he spent in Louisiana.

E.L. Church to offer classes on spirituality

Two classes about religion, "Introduction to Celtic Christianity" and "Spirituality and Creativity" are being offered by the Peoples Church, 200 W.

ASMSU Web site redesigned to offer more info

Less than a month ago, ASMSU's Web site had half finished pages, broken links and missing information, but with some quick fixes and an outsourced webmaster, the Web site was revamped in time for Welcome Week. "We put as much information on the Web site for students, to show not only what exactly we offer, but what we're giving back to students," said Association Director Jason Bucholz.

Police briefs 08/30/05

Grants for children given to area shelter

The Greater Lansing Fund of the Capital Region Community Foundation has given Haven House, a shelter in Lansing for area homeless families, a grant of $1,670. The money will be used to hire a mentor to help children at the shelter keep up with school work and basic reading, math and computer skills.

Ramp construction garners positive, negative feedback

Progress on a new on-campus parking ramp located north of Morrill Hall is proceeding on schedule and on budget, university officials said. The construction of Ramp 6 broke ground in May after the completion of the spring semester, but isn't scheduled to be completed until summer 2007. When finished, the $19.5-million structure will rise about five stories tall and offer 730 parking spaces, primarily for faculty and staff members. "It won't be too long before you'll start to see the building take shape above ground," said university engineer Bob Nestle, who is supervising the project. The ramp's external structure will begin to go up in the next two to three months, he said.