McPherson to speak at Penn State Friday

MSU President M. Peter McPherson will speak about Africa's agriculture production and rural income on Friday at Penn State University. The speech, entitled, "Progress Can Be Achieved in Africa," is part of Penn State's lunchtime speaker series. McPherson said the presentation will give him an opportunity to give back to the university. "Penn State is our sister university because they came into existence around the same time MSU did," McPherson said, adding Penn State's President Graham Spaniard asked him to give the speech about a year ago.

Spartan talent shines at competition

Gabrielle Russon Special to The State News Students flocked to the International Center this weekend to see the third annual Spartan Idol competition.

Police briefs 11/15/04

Women's conference focuses on leadership

Women on MSU's campus have gone from protesting in the streets to using the support of successful women to gain powerful positions. The second annual MSU Women Students Leadership Conference allowed those in attendance to spend Sunday afternoon equipping themselves with the tools necessary to become successful in a male-dominated society.

LON-CAPA software wins Sloan award

Award-winning online software is now being recognized after MSU's online teaching and learning software system, the LearningOnline Network Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach, or LON-CAPA, won an award from the Sloan Foundation. The system will also be the first American program introduced into the German-based CampusSource software exchange, which helps educational institutions create the infrastructure necessary for new media in teaching. "This is very nice, but not the greatest thing since sliced bread because we are one of five schools awarded," said Gerd Kortemeyer, LON-CAPA director and an assistant professor in the Lyman Briggs School.

Libertarians celebrate awareness, progress

Former Democratic candidate John Kerry wasn't the only one who lost the presidential election to President Bush. Behind the limelight, third party candidates fought the same fight and suffered the same loss as Kerry, and among them was Michael Badnarik of the Libertarian Party. Members of the Libertarian Party met Saturday night to celebrate what they described as a success. "We are the new refounding fathers and mothers and we will restore liberty," Badnarik said during a speech given to about 50 Libertarians gathered at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 2200 Hampton Place in Okemos.

ASMSU uses extra funds to study student opinion

To determine changes in how student taxpayer money is used and the effectiveness of its internal structure, ASMSU allocated almost $7,000 on Thursday to gather student opinion. Student reactions will be gathered through a survey of undergraduates for its Constitutional Convention Committee, which will review ASMSU's constitution and might propose changes such as combining the two assemblies into a unicameral body.

Festival displays women's art

By Mara S. Deutch Special to The State News As festival-goers perused through rows of handmade crafts, the muffled sound of a folk song filled the hallway of a festival that has progressed into almost two decades of female appreciation. The 19th annual Women in the Arts Festival was held Friday and Saturday at Edgewood United Church, 469 N.

False fire alarms on the rise

Burnt popcorn and pranksters are not the only factors to blame for a jump in false fire alarms in East Lansing and on MSU's campus, city officials said. The installation of more alarm systems during the past four years boosted the chance for malfunctions, East Lansing Fire Marshall Bob Pratt said. The city's fire department recently responded to 15 false alarms in one week, from Oct.

Trustees OK vet center, stadium work

In addition to approving contracts for MSU President M. Peter McPherson and President-designate Lou Anna Simon on Friday, the MSU Board of Trustees also approved a $3.6 million agreement to construct a new veterinary medicine center. The board took a contract with Fryling Construction Company to begin work on the $3.6 million Matilda R.

Olin offers class on importance of health

About 25 students ranging from human biology to computer science majors, gathered at Olin Health Center to learn about the Health Advocates on Thursday night. "It sounds really interesting and it's so good what they do.

Bike Fest to celebrate campus cycling today

Volunteers from the MSU Bike Project and the MSU Cycling Club are holding the MSU Bike Fest 2004 from 6-9 p.m.

Debate team places in season openers

Members of the MSU Debate Team began their season by placing in the top eight and top 16 teams at the season opener at Georgia State University in September.

Holiday art and bake sale held for shelter

Friends of Ingham County Animal Shelter, FICAS, will hold its fifth annual Holiday and Craft Bake Sale from 10 a.m.

Police briefs 11/12/04

Museum employees receive folklore prize

The American Folklore Society awarded the 2004 Américo Paredes Prize to Kurt Dewhurst and Marsha MacDowell of the MSU Museum.

Free computer classes taught at E.L. library

The East Lansing Public Library is offering computer classes for adults, beginning this month. Registration has begun and is accepted for each class individually.

Law college hosts a land use symposium

The MSU College of Law is hosting a symposium entitled "The Death of Poletown: The Future of Eminent Domain and Urban Development after County of Wayne v.

Study: Number of new hunters down

While hunters clean their guns and pack warm clothes in preparation for the opening of Michigan's firearm hunting season on Monday, some outdoors lovers say the number of new hunters is declining. Last year, a study conducted by researchers at the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife revealed the number of big game hunters in the U.S.

Asian restaurant closes after 1 year

A downtown Japanese restaurant is closing after months of unpaid rent, the building's landlord said. B & B Café, 553 E.