Diversity promoted through cultural art
Maggie Chen Hernandez, coordinator for MSU’s Multicultural Center, said while students often work for racial diversity, they seldom receive recognition for their endeavors. “A lot of the effort to push for multiculturalism at Michigan State comes from students and students should be recognized for some of their outstanding contributions and efforts,” she said. Chen Hernandez and MSU’s Office of Affirmative Action Compliance and Monitoring hope to change that. The Excellence in Diversity Recognition and Awards Program will provide cash awards to individuals, teams, organizations and students who have shown a commitment to promoting and supporting diversity at MSU. As many as three individual students and three student teams will be awarded $2,500 through the “Excellence in Diversity” and “Excellence Within Community” categories.
Students celebrate Vagina Day in New York
The 19,000 people who filled Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday were asked to stand if they, or someone they knew, had been a victim of sexual assault.“Everyone in the entire place stood up,” international studies junior Melanie Olmsted said. “It was an extremely moving experience.”According the National Organization for Women, 132,00 women are sexually assaulted each year.Olmsted and 14 other MSU students traveled to New York for Vagina Day and the showing of the “Vagina Monologues”. Written by Eve Ensler, the monologues feature 15 stories women perform about experiences with sexuality.“The “Vagina Monologues” are so wonderful because they explore taboos that aren’t normally expressed,” Olmsted said.
Celebration honors Susan B. Anthony
The Tri-County Women’s Coalition hopes the flicker of candles today will remind people to honor Susan B.
Speech a chance to show ‘vision’
MSU’s tradition of its president giving an annual State of the University Address is common among some other universities in the Big Ten.But while an annual event, many students show little interest in attending.Joyce Sandie, an elementary education senior, agrees such a speech is important to keep students informed of key issues on campus.Yet she has no intention of attending.“I wasn’t aware that he gave such a speech but I am going to listen to what he has to say,” Sandie said.
Research studies insect immunity
For some MSU researchers, an analyzed bug in the hand is worth two in the bush.Professors Robert Hollingworth and Ke Dong are researching possible answers to the question of how insects become resistant to pesticides.Hollingworth, a professor of entomology, said he and Professor Dong are interested in the biochemistry and genetics of how populations of insects change and mutate in the field.“A population of insects starts off where a percentage are killed by insecticides, but by sheer chance, mutations allow some of them to become resistant to the insecticides,” Hollingworth said.
U offers political fellowships
A new group of Michigan residents was chosen to get an up-close and personal look at politics. The Michigan Political Leadership Program announced that 24 Michigan residents will receive fully paid fellowships with the MSU-based program. “We are very excited to see how such a diverse group comes together,” said Shannon Horvath, the program’s director.
Idle vehicles in the winter may harm environment, raise health concerns
Gillian Harvie is like many American motorists who hate driving in a cold vehicle.“I get my spare set of keys and let it warm up,” the journalism graduate student said.
City council to address building height limits
The East Lansing City Council will discuss a revision of an ordinance that could change the maximum height allowed for city buildings at tonight’s work session. Height limits for buildings in the downtown are eight stories, or 14 with a city permit.
Environmentalists criticize state
The Michigan Environmental Council released its second report Thursday criticizing the work of the state Department of Environmental Quality.The report, “Continuing Dereliction of Duty: How Michigan’s Environmental Agency Defies the Law and the Public,” was released by a coalition of 20 environmental agencies that say the department is not doing a good enough job protecting the environment.The 20-page report is the second released by the council.
Rogers named majority deputy whip
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers R-Brighton, has been named the majority deputy whip in the U.S. House of Representatives.Rogers, who started his term in January, noted in written statement that it is rare for a freshman to be named to the leadership position.He will be responsible for representing the upper-Midwest and the freshman class among Republican leadership.Rogers also submitted testimony Wednesday to the House Budget Committee, urging consideration of his proposal for a federal tax-free college and technical education savings accounts.
Software allows U to access information offline
A new type of free Internet software may make it easier for students and faculty to research online. The software, called “q,” allows Web browsers to save Internet links in groups and refer back to them even after connection to the net has been terminated.
Alumni visit inspires students, bridges gap
Three successful alumni retraced their paths from college to career while visiting campus last week.Jack Epps Jr., Juli Betwee and John Scott presented a panel discussion for students and faculty Friday morning as part of the second annual College of Arts and Letters Alumni Leaders Program.“The thing that impresses me is how inspiring the leaders are and how they related their experiences with students,” said Patrick McConeghy, associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters.Epps, who co-wrote several movie scripts, including “Top Gun” with the late MSU Professor Jim Cash, said he hoped to show students there are no limits to success.“It’s important to see people with experience so you can gauge where you want to go,” he said.
Date auction breeds cash, fun
As the price of one date with William Griffin mounted from $50 to $80 to $100, LaTorsha Hill repeatedly threw her hand in the air, bidding more and more money Friday evening at National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Spring Date Auction.
Healthy U helps asthma sufferers manage disease
Although asthma can be a serious disease, doctors know it’s manageable.MSU’s health promotion program, Healthy U, sponsored Breathing For Life on Friday at the Union.
Poetry ignites pride, honors black history
LANSING - Congas, bongos and poetry echoed through a downtown coffee shop Friday during a poetry slam to honor Black History Month.
LCC panel questioned over programs
LANSING - A four-person panel at Lansing Community College was bombarded Friday by questions and objections about the possible elimination of six programs from the college curriculum.
Graduate employees hope to bargain collectively
A petition bearing the signatures of more than 900 graduate employees was filed with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission on behalf of the newly formed Graduate Employees Union at MSU.
U.S. representative joins list of governor hopefuls
U.S. Rep. David Bonior has added his name to the growing list of Democratic candidates likely to run for governor. Bonior, D-Mount Clemens, said Saturday he was “more than 90 percent sure” of a run while meeting with delegates from the Macomb County district he has represented since 1976. “After 10 years, the Republicans are short of ideas, they’re low on gas and, thank God, they are almost out of time,” Bonior told the Associated Press. Bonior said his potential gubernatorial campaign would focus on improvements to the environment and schools. The congressman’s name brings the list of potential Democratic candidates to five.
Rainy weather causes flood conditions
Sparty needs more than a helmet and gown to protect him - he needs waders and an umbrella. After a period of unseasonably warm weather and rain, the largest freestanding ceramic statue in the world is battling a lake of rain and melted snow creeping up Red Cedar Road. Other areas surrounding campus aren’t faring much better.