Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Life | Community

COMMUNITY

Meet Raymond, the familiar golden retriever who frequents MSU's campus

Hannah Locke
April 22, 2024

Every once in a while, when studying at the Union or taking a walk through the north side of campus, you may be greeted by a big, friendly golden retriever and his trademark red harness. Raymond and his owner, Mike Harju, have become familiar faces for students at Michigan State University. They walk around ten miles a day and many of these excursions take place on and around campus.

COMMUNITY

The Islamic Center of East Lansing celebrates Ramadan, promotes community

Kyle O'Connor
April 3, 2024

Within the month of Ramadan, many people throughout the world celebrate a time of fasting, abstinence, praying, and self-reflection. During this time, Muslims in East Lansing find companionship and community within the Islamic Center of East Lansing. Islamic Center of East Lansing Trustee Thasin Sardar said that, in addition to fasting from dawn to dusk, "Muslims indulge increased spirituality, sharing meals with one another and increased charitable giving during this month." 

COMMUNITY

MSU Black Book Initiative promotes Black belonging, community resources on campus

Jada Vasser
April 2, 2024

The Black student experience at MSU is an experience that does not get highlighted enough. This is a goal The Black Book Initiative wants to express and bring to the stage, signaling that the experience is valid and deserves to be heard equally. The book serves as a step towards promoting Black involvement on campus and Black belonging on campus, a feeling that most Black students at MSU will say they did not feel entering the university. Highlighting Greek life, faith, professional development, Black-owned businesses and many more, The Black Book is an item to signify safe spaces for Black students and students of color on and off campus. 

COMMUNITY

MSU RSO Homeless Humanity seeks to bring awareness, aid to Lansing’s homeless population

Hannah Locke
March 25, 2024

When human biology junior Chloe Lohman and her roommates moved into a new apartment during the start of the fall semester, they noticed that people would rummage through the trash cans outside their building regularly. In response, they embarked on organizing a registered student organization that could help provide for the homeless community of East Lansing and Greater Lansing area. By the beginning of the spring semester, they had started Homeless Humanity.

COMMUNITY

Local artist brightens Lansing with murals

Vivian Barrett
March 5, 2024

Local artist Brian Whitfield has made a mark on Lansing with 30 foot murals and bright colors. From giant fruit on the wall of Capital City Market to license plates driven throughout the state, local artist Brian Whitfield has made a lasting mark on the Lansing area. His artistic journey is far from over, he says. 

COMMUNITY

Black representation among faculty is vital to student belonging, success, students say

Amy Cho
February 20, 2024

“Having a professor that looks like you is important because it shows what’s possible and it, at times, can provide a sense of belonging, where you’re not feeling isolated,” Sheri Lewis, an assistant professor in the Department of African American and African Studies, said. “You see there’s someone that looks like you, (and) possibly have (a) similar background as you, it can be motivating and inspiring and provides a sense of hope and belonging.”

COMMUNITY

MSU historian talks Malcolm X's Lansing years

Kyle O'Connor
February 15, 2024

When local history often gets lost in the textbooks, it’s important to call to mind the icons who walked the same streets we do every day, including Malcolm X, one of the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement. Malcom X grew up in Lansing, Michigan. Arts and humanities professor John Aerni-Flessner focused his curriculum on Malcom X and his time in Lansing within his teaching career at MSU. 

COMMUNITY

Native American Heritage Month celebrates community, highlights issues within MSU

Kaspar Haehnle
November 30, 2023

November is Native American Heritage month, and with different events and programming taking place around campus, some community members of MSU feel that the university itself needs to do a better job to support the Native people and organizations. Ranging from things like the lack of recognition of the land grant, lack of funding and lack of support as a whole, community members look to change the treatment and role of Indigenous people at MSU.