To Ronald Nelson, work was more than a job — it was the importance of family. Nelson, 88, died Friday from what his daughter said could have been a heart failure. "He ran the department in a rather unique manner," said John Shelle, Nelson's colleague in the animal science department.
Robert Floden can add one more accomplishment to his esteemed résumé: membership in the National Academy of Education, or NAE. The 57-year-old MSU professor has been a part of the College of Education for 30 years. "It means I'm joining a distinguished group of people in the United States," the associate dean for research for the College of Education said.
A building donated to MSU by Pfizer Inc. could be used for bioeconomic research, possibly yielding new fuels from crops and biodiesel additives. "The hope is that if things are able to be completed during the donation, it will provide additional opportunities for the university to contribute to the development of Michigan bioeconomy," said Paul Hunt, MSU's associate vice president for research and graduate studies. A bioeconomy is one that focuses on the dependency of renewable resources, such as plants, for energy and industrial purposes.
Geeked about safety gear, bike tires and various bike styles, about 15 cycling enthusiasts gathered Saturday at Bessey Hall to discuss and learn more about their favorite mode of transportation. Tim Potter, manager of the MSU Bike Service Center, opened his shop to the class.
Educators from Olin Health Center promote safe sex on campus — and they have the numbers to prove it. Since the beginning of the school year, Olin's various sex education programs have given away nearly 80,000 condoms. Many have been given away through a program called Condom Connection which provides residence hall mentors with information on sexually transmitted diseases, healthy relationships and, of course, condoms. To fund the programs, the Residence Halls Association has granted Olin $2,000 per semester for the past few years, said Paula Wade, RHA director of health and safety. A 2000 survey reported 54 percent of MSU students used condoms the last time they had sex.
The East Village redevelopment has been cut in half. Officials from the San Diego-based Pierce Company Inc. announced Thursday they will no longer be pursuing property east of Stoddard Avenue. But changing the plans doesn't deter The Pierce Company or East Lansing from their mutual goal of a redeveloped East Village. The project originally involved a mix of retail, residential and entertainment properties in the 35-acre region bounded by East Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road, Bogue Street and the Red Cedar River by 2011. Prime Housing Group's refusal to sell its seven properties in the region made officials downsize their intentions for the project, said Fred Pierce, president and CEO of The Pierce Company. "We do support their independent development of those properties," Pierce said.
When Sally Winn was a junior at Indiana University, she became pregnant and had to choose between having a child and an abortion.
Some MSU students want to use the state legislative system to help end genocide in Darfur, Sudan. In November, members of MSU's Spartans Taking Action Now: Darfur, or STAND, went to a conference at Northwestern University where they learned about how divestment could be used as a tool against the genocide. The targeted divestment calls for the stopping of financial investments in 83 companies that directly or indirectly help the Sudanese government continue killing its citizens, according to the U.S.
Two different genocides: One during World War II, one that began in the 1980s. An MSU student found common links between the two. Jasmine Angelini-Knoll, a political science and anthropology junior, compared memoirs written by boys of the Holocaust and the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. The "Lost Boys" refer to children who were displaced, orphaned or both during Sudan's 21-year civil war that officially ended in 2005. "These groups of memoirs similarly engage you in imagining what it would be like to be in that situation as a child," Angelini-Knoll said.
Graduate students hope to get more benefits from the university when they renegotiate their contract this summer. "We really look to build on what we've been able to achieve so far," Lloyd said.
Some Michigan Democrats want to use the power of economics to reduce the amount of Canadian trash in state landfills. A bill sponsored by Rep.
Sewing 40 quilts can be a daunting task — especially for people who are not familiar with needles and fabric. But that didn't stop one local group from starting a quilting project to help a Kenyan orphanage. "It might be nice for these children to have personalized blankets," said Sally McClintock, a retired educator and the board president of Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education or LATTICE, a group of MSU graduate students and educators. Members went to The Quilt Depot, a Lansing store that sells fabrics and supplies, to see if they could receive discounted materials. Instead of just getting a few good deals, LATTICE members saw the project grow as store owner Patti Parmenter decided to help. The Quilt Depot already had some quilts because the store's employees and customers donate blankets year-round.
Mason — In the cafeteria of Heartwood School on Tuesday, 17-year-old Kelsey Manning lifted her pastel-striped cardigan sweater out like wings and swooped into the scene like a butterfly. At the same time, Adam Clark and Angie Ellis practiced being frightened little wolves from the story "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig" by Eugene Trivizas. The students were rehearsing for their school's upcoming play — "Pigs & Wolves & Tigers, Oh My!" — which is being directed by an MSU student. At Heartwood, special education junior Abbey O'Loughlin works with special education students, ranging in age from 16 to 26 years old. Clark, called "Ace" by the students and O'Loughlin, prides himself on his dramatic acting skills.
While students head home for the summer, construction on campus will be in full swing as about 20 road, building, steam and water distribution construction projects are planned. The summer months are the busiest for campus construction most of the projects are scheduled to be completed by August.
In its final meeting of the school year, ASMSU's Student Assembly elected two more students to fill its leadership roles. Two weeks after the elections of the new assembly chairpersons, the assembly elected Osman Elfaki and Stephanie Gould to oversee Programming Board and Funding Board, respectively. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Funding Board is coming off a session in which it had to ask for an extra $32,839.74 from the Assembly to sponsor its programs this year. The board's annual budget is approximately $140,000. "I think outreach is really important," Gould, a psychology junior, said.
By Nick Hurwitch For The State News Their techniques are generations apart, but their goal is the same: Knock down all the pins. Wilson Akujobi bounds toward the TV and swings with all his 12-year-old might.
As they paddled Saturday morning through the waters of the Red Cedar River, Danielle Abshagen and Carolyn Schwedler were praised for the bounty they had collected. Other volunteers yelled out compliments as the pair returned with a pile of bikes so heavy it nearly tipped their canoe. "It's always the most fun finding the interesting stuff," said Abshagen, an environmental soil science senior.
The MSU fight song blared from the gym in the Berkowitz Basketball Complex on Saturday. Inside, about 60 women danced together and clapped to the beat. Their faces were smiling and their moves precise.
Tight, flashy costumes, high heels, loud music and glitter — the MSU Drag Show was glam rock at its finest. The event was sponsored by the University Activities Board and Respecting Individuals on Neutral Ground as a part of Pride Week, which highlights the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Most participants perform as members of the opposite sex, while lip-synching and dancing to popular music from many genres. Dressed in a glittery gold evening gown, Hershae Chocolatae opened the show performing songs by Tina Turner and Macy Gray. Premedical and nutritional sciences senior Eric Harper specifically came to the show to see his friend, performing on stage as Moltyn Decadence, but thought Chocolatae did a great job. "I love the host," Harper said.
Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post Middle East correspondent Anthony Shadid will speak at 3 p.m.