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MSU

Soybeans join tour as farmers set to marvel latest hybrids

Tanee Elston
September 6, 2001

The MSU Corn & Soybean Research Tour and Barbecue, set for 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, will allow participants to view new corn and soybean hybrid crops produced by MSU researchers and have the chance to win more than $800 in prizes. In its fifth year, the tour will be introducing some changes. “This is the first year that soybeans have been included in the program for corn hybrid trails,” said Mark Hansen, the agricultural extension agent for Ingham County’s MSU Extension.

MSU

Price is Right fan fulfills lifelong dream on showcase showdown

Rachel Wright
September 6, 2001

DeAaron Easley didn’t have to pay the price to see a childhood dream come true - he guessed it.After sitting through two tapings of the “Price is Right” game show, Easley was finally selected to come on down as a contestant the third time.“Last year I didn’t get picked to be on the show, and in May I went and applied for more tickets,” Easley, a telecommunication junior, said.

FOOTBALL

Tailgating Project gears up for season opener Saturday

Ryan Wallace
September 6, 2001

The football players are gearing up to take on Central Michigan on Saturday at Spartan Stadium. But they’re not the only ones preparing for the game.As usual, tailgaters are getting fired up, and this year, members of the recently formed Tailgating Project are ready for them.The project, which was formed in May by university administrators, will be evaluating the activities that go on during tailgating.“This project gives us a snapshot of what is really happening at tailgates,” said Pat Enos, assistant to the vice president for student affairs and a member of the committee.The committee wants to make sure tailgating continues to be enjoyable, she said.“Tailgating is an important part of MSU,” Enos said.

MSU

U students not properly insured

Eric Morath
September 5, 2001

After a flood damaged Jessica Schulte’s belongings, she came out financially without a scratch - but other students may not be as fortunate.More than 80 percent of college students who rent do not have insurance for their personal belongings, said a recent survey conducted by the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents.Schulte, a communication senior, said she was insured through her parents with extra rental insurance.“We had our computers down there, and we got (money) back with no questions asked,” she said.Schulte said college life leaves plenty of opportunities for personal property to be stolen.“If you live in the dorm, you don’t always know your suitemates and their friends,” she said.

MSU

Llamafest fun, entertaining

Ryan Wallace
September 4, 2001

The difference between a llama and a camel is obvious - a hump. But that’s not the only difference those who attended Llamafest 2001 may have discovered.The event, which was held Saturday and Sunday at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, gave attendees a closer look at the animals.More than 200 llamas were on display for the public to view and learn about.The event also gave owners a chance to display their llamas, sell them and give the public an appreciation for the diverse animal.“It’s like going to the zoo, kids love it,” said Bob Macauley who runs Paradise Ranch, a llama farm in Mecosta, Mich.Macauley and his wife, Deb, first became interested in the animals when they saw them in a parade about 10 years ago.

MSU

Survey: freshmen volunteering more than in past years

Okey Umelo
September 4, 2001

A recent survey showed the percentage of college freshmen who volunteer has steadily increased since 1990, and volunteer leaders say MSU has been no different.The survey, which was conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, showed the percentage of freshmen who performed volunteer work in 2000 increased 15 percent since 1990.

MSU

VOX using voices to increase awareness

Camille Spencer
September 4, 2001

A new student group, VOX, which is Latin for “voices,” is planning to educate students about reproductive health. “We hope to spread awareness and to get people politically active,” said Kathryn Paquette, co-director of the group.

MSU

Live miracles wow fair crowds

Eric Morath
September 4, 2001

Detroit - Screams from nearby carnival rides and smells of cotton candy gave way to wide-eyed youngsters witnessing more than 400 live animal births at the Miracle of Life exhibit at the Michigan State Fair during the last two weeks. MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine staffed and sponsored the Miracle of Life exhibit for the eighth year in a row. Calves, lambs, piglets and poultry are born and spend the first days of their lives under the big white tent, just off the midway. Kaylene Cipolla was one of roughly 500 people at the exhibit Monday, the fair’s final day.

MSU

ASMSU fights for future of program

Ryan Wallace
September 4, 2001

One of the best visually impaired programs in the nation was placed under a moratorium, and ASMSU representatives are fighting to keep it running.In June, the College of Education’s visual impairment program, which includes hearing and mental disabilities, was put on a year long hiatus while university officials review the program.The freeze on the program was preceded by the resignation of one of its leaders, Susan Bruce, an assistant professor of counseling educational psychology & special education for nine years.

MSU

ASMSU searches for new chief of staff after summer-long vacancy

Ryan Wallace
August 31, 2001

After the ASMSU chief of staff position sat empty all summer, MSU’s undergraduate student government is looking to fill the position.And this time, the group is looking for someone who will stay around for awhile.The summer marks the the sixth time in the last four years the position was vacated.

MSU

History professor fondly remembered by students, colleagues

Eric Morath
August 31, 2001

An MSU history professor and avid skydiver, David Walker, died earlier this summer in a sky diving accident.Peter Beattie, a fellow Latin American historian at MSU, said Walker was born in Louisiana but spent much of his life in Texas.“David was a real character,” said Beattie, an associate history professor.

MSU

Llamas invade campus for Labor Day

Okey Umelo
August 31, 2001

What animal is an ideal backyard companion, requires little maintenance and doesn’t smell or make annoying noises? They’re llamas, and they’re invading campus this weekend. Up to 200 of the cute creatures can be seen at Llamafest, set for 8 a.m.

MSU

Increase helps professors pay remain competitive

Eric Morath
August 31, 2001

The university’s academic staff will notice an increase in their pay checks this October, but reactions amongst the faculty are mixed as to whether the increase will move MSU’s historically underpaid professors up the Big Ten’s salary scale.MSU ranked last in the Big Ten in average salary during the last school year, the Office of Planning and Budgets said.This year, the university increased salaries by 5 percent for the third year in a row, despite a lower than expected state appropriation.And MSU President M.

MSU

Trees: tailgaters dont tread on me

Jamie Gumbrecht
August 30, 2001

The grass in Spartan Stadium will be growing green next fall, but after football season, the soil all over the rest of campus could be as hard as concrete.To prevent the demise of campus greenery, MSU officials are prohibiting parking on any grass surface north of the Red Cedar River, leaving parking areas on south campus designated for gamegoers.“Over six football games a year, and especially when it’s wet, it would continue to cause the trees to go into a decline,” said Paul Swartz, the campus arborist in charge of tree maintenance.