Few know: Culture available at Union

At the Union, students can do more than just bowl or check their e-mail in the computer lab.Students can get some culture.The Multicultural Center, located in the Union’s basement, is the home of many minority students and groups.Maggie Chen Hernandez, the center’s coordinator, said there are resources for students to learn or to just hang out and read.“Just by stopping by there, students get to learn and meet people,” she said.

Officials urge students to combat meningitis

It was almost two years ago when thousands of students lined up in IM Sports-West, waiting to receive a free meningococcus vaccine. Music education sophomore Adam Busuttil had come down with the Y strain of bacterial meningitis that left him without portions of his fingers. Busuttil was given a clean bill of health in January. In 1997, MSU saw similar lines after two students died from the disease, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. But after two years without a case of meningitis reported on campus, some people fear the need for a vaccination may not be taken as seriously. “It’s just human nature,” University Physician Beth Alexander said.

Bikes left behind can get U around

Students might notice them sitting locked up next to buildings and fences on campus.Rust might have started to cover the bars, a wheel might be bent or a flat tire might be hugging the ground.These are the bikes that get left behind by students.

$11 million Shaw Hall renovation continues

After three years of residence hall living, Nick Gordon packed up his single room in Shaw Hall and moved off campus.But he wasn’t happy about it.“The dorms really appeal to me,” the general business and pre-law senior said.

Police briefs 08/15/01

Police release sketch of imposter officer

While East Lansing’s Police Department includes a force of about 70 members, at least one officer on the city streets isn’t carrying a valid badge. A sketch has been released of the suspect in a police impersonation incident last Thursday on Marfitt Road, near the Lake Lansing Meijer. Police describe the suspect as a white male, 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-2, about 200 pounds, with medium-length brown or black hair, medium build and possibly in his late 20s to early 30s. He was wearing a dark blue, long-sleeve police shirt, uniform pants and a Garrison-style cap. This is the fourth time since 1999 a police impersonator has been reported in East Lansing.

Office helps foreign students find their place at U

Vikas Menon, a computer engineering sophomore, left his life in India with a suitcase in pursuit of a college degree at MSU.A year later, Menon is welcoming students from around the world to Spartan country.“I was excited, but I wondered if people would accept me,” he said of his first days in East Lansing.Menon said a week of orientation programs through the Office for International Students and Scholars prepared him for college life.“After having left home for the first time I was homesick, and I met friends in the same situation,” Menon said.

ASMSU asks for student-city liaison

One week after two recent MSU graduates failed to pass through the primary election for the East Lansing City Council, ASMSU’s Academic Assembly has introduced a joint resolution it says will improve relations between students and the city council.The resolution, which must be approved by both assemblies of the undergraduate student government, calls for the creation of a joint committee to act as a liaison between the city and students.“It’s very vague right now,” Academic Assembly Chairperson Matt Clayson said.

Teenager opens clothing store

LANSING - Concert T-shirts hung from racks as Trent, a pink dog with a Mohawk, scampered on the wooden floor proudly displaying his chew toy.

U official receives promotion in federal relations

Howard Gobstein lives in the same house and works in the same office, but things have changed.After six years as assistant vice president and director of federal relations for MSU, he has been promoted to associate vice president for governmental affairs.“I’m still the director of the Washington, D.C., office, but I’ve become increasingly busy,” Gobstein said.

Expert discusses benefits of olive oil

Got olive oil?About 20 people at least got information on it Tuesday while listening to visiting scholar Apostolos Kiritsakis’ seminar about the oil’s benefits.Kiritsakis, who has a doctorate in food science from MSU, talked about the history, processing, product quality, packaging and nutritional and health aspects of olive oil during “Olive Oil from Tree to Table,” at the School of Packaging.Kiritsakis has been studying olive oil since 1972, and is currently working on an olive oil project in the school with Rueben Hernandez, a professor of food packaging.

Stabenow serves as leader; signs books

OKEMOS - Debbie Stabenow’s mother, Ann Greer, proudly smiled as the U.S. senator signed books and took snapshots with her constituents Monday. “She has always had this drive to continue to help others and be a role model for women,” Greer said.

Temple receives dedication

A historical building in East Lansing will receive its historical marker. Strathmore Development Company and The Masonic Investment Group will dedicate a state Historical Marker at 4 p.m.

Kids take part in free Tae Kwon Do

Five-year-old Mariana Jimenez’s ponytail bounced in the air as she followed the older kids’ fighting stance.

Police briefs 08/13/01

Council members strive for standard permit conditions

East Lansing City Council will discuss standard conditions to be used for Special Use Permits on Tuesday. Jeanne Rogers, community development analyst for the city, said the council wants to make a standard set of conditions that are put on bars and restaurants applying for the permits. “We keep trying to make a standard set but when we get into the middle of the discussion in the meeting people will have concerns,” she said. Rogers said the council could still add conditions if it thought it was needed. “If council had concerns they could change it,” she said.

Senator aims to inspire young

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s niece and daughter were at her side during her campaign. Since then, she continues to make a statement to young women, said Dave Lemmon, Stabenow’s communication director. “Debbie has talked about how she sees herself as a role model for young women,” he said.

Programs praised for teen pregnancy drop

Low pregnancy rates among teenagers show more teens are saying sex can wait. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the national teen pregnancy rate dropped 22 percent since 1991. For every 1,000 females ages 15 to 19, there were 48.7 births in 2000. Factors for lower pregnancy rates include more awareness of HIV, AIDS and other STDs, effective contraceptives and education, said Joy Whitten, a community specialist at Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan, 300 N.

Aides tour research facilities

U.S. congressional representatives for Michigan legislators made their way to MSU to tour the university and its research facilities.The group wrapped up a three-day tour of Michigan research universities.

Camera improves cancer detection

For $400, the average gadget guru can buy a digital camera suitable for holiday snapshots and family portraits.For around $400,000, MSU’s Department of Radiology bought a digital camera made to save lives.The camera is actually a digital mammography unit, which allows doctors to take a snapshot of all areas of the breast.“You record images and download them,” said Arlene Sierra, director of clinical services for the department.