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MSU

U researches Alzheimers

Cutler Fetherston
March 19, 2001

Some of MSU’s best scientists are working to gain some insight into why Alzheimer’s disease affects so many Americans.Dr. Daniel Murman, an assistant professor of neurology and opthamology, is involved with two projects on campus looking at different factors which contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.“Alzheimer’s is a very common degenerative disease of the brain where certain groups of nerve cells die,” Murman said.

MSU

Speaker discusses politics at heritage month kickoff

Pamela E. Spence
March 19, 2001

To Mike Kueh, hearing Shamina Singh speak was an amazing opportunity.Singh, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, addressed an informal group of about 30 students, including Kueh, on Saturday night in McDonel Hall at the kickoff for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.Kueh, a telecommunication senior, said Singh’s address was a good way to get insight on how politics play a role in his community.“I think it just makes us better aware of where Asian Americans stand in the United States,” he said.Representation, unity and solidarity were all among issues addressed at the event, which was sponsored by the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students, the Asian and Pacific American Student Organization and the Residence Halls Association.Established by an executive order of former President Clinton in 1999, the initiative Singh worked in aimed to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased participation in federal programs where they could be underserved, such as health, human services, education and labor.Singh said to her, the initiative was a promise against hate crimes and discrimination, and for due process and prosperity in the United States.“The signing of this executive order opened a door for our community,” she said.Throughout her speech Singh stressed giving Asian Americans a louder voice.“I think it’s time that we stand up,” she said.

MSU

Global gender issues focus of conference

Leslie Escobar
March 16, 2001

As part of Women’s History Month, three speakers will be on campus this weekend to discuss international gender issues.The conference, “Globalizing Women’s Studies: Feminist Perspectives,” kicks off today at 7 p.m.

MSU

Child enjoys fame on side of pop bottle

Nicole Jacques
March 16, 2001

David and Becki Beaudoin have a new keepsake to remember their son’s childhood - that is, if he doesn’t drink it first. The couple recently received 12 bottles of Jones Cream Soda in the mail, complete with their 2-year-old son, Austin’s, pictures on the labels. The photograph helped them win a contest through Jones Soda Co., which is known for its wacky photo labels. They entered the contest last October at Union Central, a convenience store in the Union.

MSU

Pageant candidate strives to be an average guy

Sheena Harrison
March 16, 2001

This is the last in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Maurice Turner thinks Mr. Black MSU should be less of a role model and more of an everyday man. “I got involved because I wanted to see a more well-rounded individual at least go out for the title and try to attain it,” the human resources and society senior said. The Mr. Black MSU pageant, sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, profiles black male undergraduates who stand out academically through their student leadership on and off campus. Marketing senior DeAndre Carter, founder and president of DCI Motivational Services, a motivational speaking business, was crowned the first Mr. Black MSU last year. In addition to being secretary of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a member of BSA, Turner also helps out at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, mentors two students at Everett High School, 3900 Stabler St., in Lansing and works with the Urban League in his hometown of Flint. BSA President Tonya Upthegrove said the title of Mr. Black MSU gives recognition to the unsung heroes of the black student community. “We put on this pageant to promote black male leadership and to honor those students who play an active role in the community, have achieved academic excellence and who represent the black community in their everyday actions,” the communication senior said. LaKesha Rawls, president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Turner’s sister sorority - said Turner’s community service involvement at MSU, in the Lansing area and at home makes him “more than qualified” to become this year’s Mr. Black MSU. “He’s very caring and very concerned about the black community,” the political science senior said.

MSU

Professor excelled despite struggles

Ed Ronco
March 16, 2001

Mary Cookingham lived her life with dignity, grace and quiet strength. Cookingham, the first woman to receive tenure from the MSU Department of Economics, died of complications from multiple sclerosis Monday.

MSU

ASMSU supports groups use of recycled paper

Steve Bossi
March 15, 2001

ASMSU is looking to change its environment - indoors and outdoors.The undergraduate student government plans to support ECO, an MSU student environmental group, in efforts to convince the university to use 100 percent recycled paper.ASMSU’s Academic Assembly recently passed a bill, composed by ECO, stating the undergraduate student government will purchase only chlorine-free, 100 percent recycled paper for official usage.And ASMSU representatives hope MSU will do the same.“We want to be as conservative as possible, that’s the message we want to send out,” said Marcia Short, ASMSU Academic Assembly vice chairperson for internal affairs.

MSU

U administration pleased with virtual AP coursework

Nicole Jacques
March 15, 2001

MSU is helping high school seniors advance toward college by providing a new link - Internet courses.Last semester MSU’s Virtual University began offering Advanced Placement courses to high school seniors in Michigan.The courses are administered through the Internet and are coordinated by MSU professors.

MSU

Groups celebrate womens day on campus

Rachel Wright
March 15, 2001

Two student groups are working to give International Women’s Day attention on campus.Today, a new student group, Feminists Ending the Misogynist System is holding a teach-in to recognize the day.“It’s important to recognize the struggle of women both nationally and internationally,” group member Sarah McDonald said.

MSU

Contestant hopes to be resource for students

Sheena Harrison
March 15, 2001

This is the fourth in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Diondraie Robertson had a goal when he became a minority aide in Hubbard Hall for the 2000-01 school year. “I wanted to be a resource for African American students because they are at a disadvantage on this campus,” the humanities and pre-law senior said.

MSU

ASMSU considers bill to fund Angelous campus visit

Steve Bossi
March 15, 2001

Women’s Council is lobbying the university’s undergraduate student government to bring Maya Angelou to campus.The ASMSU Student Assembly will be considering a bill next week that would allocate $25,000 from the ASMSU investment account to cover speaking fees for the renowned author, poet and actress.

MSU

Experience key in contestants bid for title

Sheena Harrison
March 14, 2001

This is the third in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Something is missing at MSU, said Jelani Still, the Black Student Alliance representative for Rather Hall Black Caucus. “There’s more leaders needed in the black community to take a stand and make things happen for the good of the community,” the urban planning and geography freshman said. And if Still becomes the next Mr. Black MSU on Saturday, he said he plans to help fill the void. The Mr. Black MSU pageant, sponsored by Black Student Alliance, profiles black male undergraduates who stand out academically through their student leadership on and off campus. Marketing senior DeAndre Carter, founder and president of DCI Motivational Services, a motivational speaking business, was crowned the first Mr. Black MSU last year. Carter’s active role on campus during his reign provided Still with inspiration for the moment he will compete for the title, he said. “I thought to myself ‘this brother is really active,” Still said.

MSU

New predator colonizes Midwest crops

Cutler Fetherston
March 14, 2001

MSU insect specialists are taking to the fields to research the effects of a new plant predator - the soybean aphid.“The aphid migrated here from Asia and was first detected in Wisconsin last July,” said Christina DiFonzo, an assistant professor of entomology.

MSU

Law experts discuss North American electoral systems

Ed Ronco
March 14, 2001

Law professors from the United States, Canada, and Mexico gathered at MSU-Detroit College of Law on Monday to compare electoral systems between the three countries.Gregory Tardi, professor of law at McGill University in Montreal, said the event offered insight not found anywhere else.“As a Canadian, I want to know why things happen in the U.S.,” he said.

MSU

Graduate students seek Pilot e-mail privacy by limiting outside access

Ed Ronco
March 13, 2001

Sam Howerton is hoping to offer more privacy to graduate students.Howerton, president of the Council of Graduate Students, is seeking to limit access to the MSU Web site’s Pilot e-mail directory, permitting access only to registered Pilot users.The move comes after Howerton received several complaints from constituents about excessive advertisements and solicitations in their Pilot e-mail boxes.“We get spam for all sorts of businesses that seem to have nothing to do with graduate student life,” he said.

MSU

DCL symposium to review labor laws

Ed Ronco
March 13, 2001

Northwest Airlines mechanics gathered in front of the White House on Monday protesting President Bush’s intervention in contract talks between their union and the Minnesota-based airline. Now, one day later, attorneys and high-ranking labor officials will take part in a labor law symposium on the MSU campus. The symposium, sponsored by the Law Review of MSU-Detroit College of Law, will be held at 7 p.m.