Alumna named new V.P. of human resources

Pamela Beemer will become the new assistant vice president for human resources in MSU's Office of Human Resources.Beemer has worked as MSU's director of benefits since 1999 after serving a 20-year tenure in other areas of human resources.Beemer earned her bachelor's degree in employment relations and psychology and her master's degree in labor relations and human resources from MSUShe gained valuable human resource experience while working for Oakland University in Rochester, in the private sector and at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital as director of compensation and benefits.Beemer will be in charge of supervising development, implementation and administration of various human resource initiatives on campus, as well as advise on human resource strategy with the offices of the president, vice president for finance and operations and the provost.She replaces Keith Groty who rejoined the faculty in the School of Labor and Industrial Relations after serving 30 years in the position.

Students studying less, receiving higher grades

According to a new study, high school seniors are slacking on homework time but still pulling off high grades - a sign grade inflation might be taking over. The study, conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute, showed a 26.5 percent increase in the number of high school seniors who earned 'A' averages.

Granholm launches agency

Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Thursday the relaunching of Mentor Michigan spearheaded by her husband, the newly appointed chairman for the Michigan Community Service Commission.First gentleman Daniel Mulhern will lead the state agency, which funds, promotes and supports volunteer programs throughout the state.Mulhern will replace former Chairman Russ Mawby, a position Mawby held since 2000.The announcement was made at the Lansing Center, 333 E.

More than 100 physically, visually impaired athletes compete in 28th Victory Games

When Justin Major set foot on campus, he had one goal in mind - win big."My goal is to break records and move onto the national competition," said the 26-year-old Pontiac resident.Major was one of 124 athletes with physical or visual impairments from Michigan and surrounding states who competed in the 28th Annual Michigan Victory Games.

Student death ruled an accident

A drug overdose has been determined by medical examiners to be what caused the death of a 23-year-old psychology senior.John Cornelius Eckhold III was discovered dead by his father on April 20 in his East Lansing apartment.

State honors Chavez

The Legislature has moved one step closer to commemorating the legacy of a man who fought for the rights of migrant farm workers. A bill introduced by state Sen.

Student admits to crime; faces prison

Former MSU researcher Scott Doree plead guilty Friday to lying about the theft of his research fall semester when federal officials where investigating the case.Doree, a former microbiology graduate student, likely will face 10-16 months in prison once he is sentenced this summer.In September, Doree called campus police alleging materials for his $400,000 federally-funded research project had been stolen from the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building.

Officers celebrate 75 years of keeping 'U' safe

Officers and former officers of the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety celebrated 75 years of safe-guarding the campus Sunday afternoon.Friends and family of officers were shown a video about the history of the department, newspaper clippings about the department and pictures of former officers taken through the years.Exhibits of officers riding on bicycles and motorcycles along with K-9 units and firearm displays gave visitors plenty to see.Richard Bernitt, police chief from 1960 to 1986, said there was limited technological options when he was a officer."In those days we had Colts and Smith & Wessons," Bernitt said.

'Magic' opens inventor center

Lansing - A tearful Earvin "Magic" Johnson returned to his hometown for the opening of the 11th Magic Johnson HP Inventor Center Thursday at the Black Child & Family Institute, 835 W.

Faculty receives honor from group

Soil biophysics Professor Alvin Smucker joins the list of MSU faculty who have been honored with the Humboldt Research Award.

Student City Council candidacy in review

The MSU student hoping to run for an East Lansing City Council seat might have to wait two more years. Caleb Marker, an international relations junior, turned his petition into City Clerk Sharon Reid, Tuesday with 55 signatures but not all signatures were valid, she said. A candidate must turn in an petition with at least 50 valid signatures from registered East Lansing voters. Five of Marker's signatures did not belong to registered voters in East Lansing and two were illegible, bringing Marker's signature total below the mark, Reid said. The clerk's office is working to verify the last two signatures, which must be validated for Marker's name to appear on the ballot. Marker also sits on The State News Board of Directors. If Marker's petition cannot be verified, only the three incumbents will be candidates.

'U' helps lure graduates to MI

Researchers at MSU and other institutions across the state are working on ways to get more college graduates to come to Michigan. Many Michigan graduates find jobs in the state, but employers are hoping to attract out-of-state graduates as well, researchers have found. "Since 1996, 72 to 76 percent of Michigan grads have stayed in the state," said Phil Gardner, director of research at MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute.

'U' helps lure graduates to MI

Researchers at MSU and other institutions across the state are working on ways to get more college graduates to come to Michigan. Many Michigan graduates find jobs in the state, but employers are hoping to attract out-of-state graduates as well, researchers have found. "Since 1996, 72 to 76 percent of Michigan grads have stayed in the state," said Phil Gardner, director of research at MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute.

Professor receives award

Yong Zhao has dedicated his research to bridging technology and the educational process. His work has now been recognized by the American Educational Research Association. Zhao, an associate professor for the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, was awarded the Raymond B.

Trials for March rioters scheduled to begin

Those charged with crimes committed during the March 31 riot will be sent to pretrial May 28 and 30. Ian Bailey, Bala Mucki, Daniel Callton, James Luellen, Kimberly Martin and Miguel Miranda will go to pretrial May 28 and a preliminary exam May 30 before Judge David Jordon. Timothy Ricker and Tony Warren will go to pretrial May 30 and a preliminary exam June 2 before Judge Richard Ball. These students are being charged for crimes committed in the riot which caused more than $40,000 in damage to MSU's campus. University and city officials pursued rioters by formulating a task force offering a $2,500 reward for tips leading to the arrests and convictions of people involved. Joseph Montes

Police briefs 05/15/03

Weather raises risk of West Nile virus

Summer humidity and heat could bring an explosive mosquito population, increasing East Lansing's risk for the West Nile virus, city officials say. "The greater the mosquito population, the higher the concern that more people will get West Nile," said Dave Smith, environmental specialist for East Lansing. The city of East Lansing is implementing a program to monitor and control a large increase of mosquitoes during the summer months. East Lansing, along with many areas throughout the state, are at risk because of standing water and retention ponds which is creating mosquito breeding grounds, Smith said. The city has not had a mosquito control system in place in recent years, but the issue could be crucial this year, Smith said. "We have not done anything up until the point because mosquitoes were nothing more than a nuisance problem - now it is a human health issue," he said. Employees in the East Lansing Department of Public Works are identifying mosquito breeding grounds and placing donut-like cakes of larvicide to keep new mosquito populations down. The cakes, or "dunks," are composed of a natural bacteria found in soil that kills mosquito larvae. "We are trying to get ahead of the situation because there will most likely be cases of West Nile virus, it's just a question of how many and how severe," public service administrator Angela Mabin said. At a work session Tuesday, department officials explained the affects of spraying a higher-toxicity insecticide to combat the mosquitoes. "Targeted spraying would be the last resort," Mabin said.

Police chiefs celebrate 75th anniversary

During anniversary celebrations of the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety on Sunday, four police chiefs will come together to celebrate 75 years of protecting the campus community. East Lansing police patrolled MSU's campus until September 23, 1947 when an independent campus department formed.

Victory Games kick-off Thursday at 'U'

The 28th annual Michigan Victory Games begins Thursday at IM Sports-West. More than 100 athletes with physical and visual impairments from Michigan and surrounding states will compete in events including table tennis, bocci ball, track and field, power lifting, cycling and cross country.

Bernero confirms run for Lansing mayor

State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, confirmed his candidacy for Lansing mayor Tuesday morning."I'm running for mayor because I believe Lansing needs bold and effective leadership and we need it now," he said.Bernero said he plans to work toward increasing the safety of the city and revitalizing Lansing's downtown, Old Town and the Riverfront area.