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MSU

Record votes by students decide future of 'U' groups

ASMSU's elections last week drew a record number of voters to the polls.About 4,900 students voted on MSU's undergraduate student government tax referendum.About 1,400 students cast ballots in 2002.A bill to increase the undergraduate student government's base tax by 75 cents was approved by 937 votes.ASMSU officials said they are excited the initiative was well-received by students."They think we're doing a good job," said Missy Kushlak, Student Assembly vice-chairperson for internal affairs.The increase will mainly go toward a scholarship endowment which would assist students who can't afford to attend MSU because of a possible increase in tuition.The remainder of the money will be distributed to various groups within the organization.Students also approved the renewal of the Residence Halls Association's $21 tax and a $3 tax for the Impact WDBM (88.9-FM) student radio.But the result of the $5 Eco tax initiative, which would pay for renewable energy sources for University Farms, has not been disclosed because the required number of voters is still in question.When a new fee is introduced by student governments, such as the case of the $5 tax, university rules require more than 50 percent of undergraduate students to vote on the issue.

MSU

Candidates disqualified from ASMSU race

Andrew Ibrahim decided to run for a seat on ASMSU because he wanted to make a difference.With possible university cuts and a tuition increase, the no-preference sophomore said he wanted to be a part of MSU's undergraduate student government so he could have a say in what goes on with the university.But Ibrahim might not get to represent the University Undergraduate Division because he, along with 44 other students - out of 60 applications plus write-ins - was disqualified from the election after being endorsed by political organizations on campus."It was a great shock," he said.

MSU

Vendors bring African clothes, goods to International Center

Leather purses, long flowing garments colored in bright hues and intricately carved masks and stools from Africa covered three tables in the International Center lobby Wednesday."We bring the beauties of Africa to people because not everyone gets to go," food industry management junior Alassane Beye said.

MSU

Former Brazilian president lectures

The United States should have waited two or three weeks for approval from the U.N. Security Council before attacking Iraq, former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso said Monday night."It's a very delicate situation and I'm not the president of the United States," Cardoso said, addressing a crowd of more than 500 at Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre.It would have been "terrible" if the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain had proceeded to strike Iraq with disapproval from the council, he said.A resolution asking the U.N.

MSU

ASMSU supports 'U' divestment

In a battle of words, both on and off paper, ASMSU passed a bill supporting the Coalition for Social Responsibility's divestment suggestions to the MSU Board of Trustees.The group maintains MSU has violated its own investment policy by investing in companies which do not show social conscience.

MSU

Student wins $30K award

Amy Bartner
March 26, 2003

When Jared English was contacted and told to proceed immediately to MSU President M. Peter McPherson's office on Friday, he thought he was in trouble.He didn't, however, think he was going to be notified he won a $30,000 scholarship."How often are you called into the president's office?" said English, an international relations and finance senior and ASMSU's Academic Assembly director of university, governmental and budgetary affairs.

MSU

Group strives for Congress action

Kendra Snyder
March 25, 2003

Since the end of last semester, Katie Houghton has felt like a part of democracy. The social relations and Spanish freshman joined the MSU student group RESULTS earlier this school year to fight for more action in Congress. RESULTS is a national network of local advocacy groups working to end hunger and poverty.

MSU

Week addresses African culture

The African Students Union will present African Culture Week '03 starting Wednesday with a discussion about different experiences African students have had in the United States. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

MSU

'U' to help in agricultural emergencies

MSU has joined a collaborative effort to develop products to prevent, respond to and recover from agriculture disasters. A homeland security initiative, the Agriculture Disaster Research Institute brings together universities, a private research group and the agriculture industry to research natural, accidental and intentional agriculture disasters - such as the possibility of agri-terrorism.

MSU

Student with illness home from hospital

The female journalism sophomore diagnosed with a meningitis-like disease was released from Lansing's Sparrow Hospital last week, a source close to the student said Monday. The student, who was a resident of the ninth floor on South Hubbard Hall, was diagnosed with meningococcemia on Jan.

MSU

Sorority scholarship deadline approaches

Aaron Foley
March 24, 2003

April 16 is the deadline to apply for a $250 book scholarship awarded by Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Applicants must be a black MSU female freshman, sophomore or junior; have a minimum 2.3 grade-point average; two letters of recommendation detailing community service; and write a 620-word essay on the topic "How does affirmative action contribute to the well-being of women, especially African-American women in society?" The winner will be announced at the sorority's Blue and White Scholarship Ball on April 25. For more information, e-mail gibsonyo@msu.edu.

MSU

Emotional poem wins first place at 4th annual Keepin' It Real

Amid the soft glow of multicolored flashing lights and rotating circles and diamonds on a background screen, performers took the stage at the fourth annual Keepin' It Real on Saturday at the Lansing Center.The talent show was coupled with Taste of Blackness which highlighted the creative talent of blacks from MSU and the Lansing community."Taste of Blackness is a display of African-American culture," psychology senior and Spartan Soul performer Ebony White said.

MSU

Brazil ex-president to speak at Wharton

The former president of Brazil will speak at 6 p.m. today at Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. Fernando Henrique Cardoso served as president from 1995 to 2002, after serving on the Brazilian senate and as economy minister.

MSU

Recital's music heals

Kendra Snyder
March 24, 2003

A spotlight lit the portrait of Eric Winter's smiling face in the Music Building auditorium Friday evening - a reminder his music will live on in the music therapy program.