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News | Msu

MSU

Trustees discuss fate of education programs

The possible closing of MSU’s visual impairment education programs was a subject of discussion at Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting. MSU officials are considering closing the program due to low enrollment.

MSU

Contest offers to fly in graduation guest

Brent Biebuyck desperately wants his girlfriend Laura to see him graduate this May. But like many college couples, lack of money and limited transportation could prevent the communication senior’s girlfriend from making the journey from her home in Ottawa, Canada to East Lansing. But WDBM (88.9 FM) may have a solution to his travel woes - the first “Bring Your Granny to Graduation” contest.

MSU

$93 million science building opens

Wolfgang Bauer has been a busy man this week.The chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, along with countless other faculty and staff, have been preparing for today’s opening of the new Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building.Workers were in the $93 million facility Thursday making final preparations for the dedication ceremony, to be held at 3:30 p.m.

MSU

RHA sponsors river, trash cleanup

Nearly 125 volunteers will be scattered across campus Saturday picking up trash. The Residence Halls Association recycling program is sponsoring Trash Bash and River Splash as a precursor to Earth Day, celebrated April 22. This is the first year the campus cleanup will extend to the Red Cedar River in cooperation with Adopt-A-River and Red Cedar Friends. RHA Recycling Director Jennifer Chandonnet said she hopes the activity will attract a larger number of volunteers. “It gives them the opportunity to volunteer and celebrate Earth Day and just do some campus beautification,” she said. “We’re hoping that when we combine the two, we will be able to combine forces and have a greater turnout and expand the program.” She said the Mid-Michigan Environmental Council’s Adopt-A-River program is donating cleanup supplies to RHA Recycling. Chandonnet said RHA will provide food and free T-shirts to volunteers.

MSU

Funding for program decreased

MSU’s Campus Connections Program will receive $30,000 from the Michigan Department of Community Health this year - $9,000 less than last year. This program provides nondrinking social opportunities for students at MSU and at other public universities statewide.

MSU

Students, teams get diversity awards

MSU students, faculty and staff were recognized Thursday for their efforts to promote and achieve diversity on and off campus. The annual Excellence in Diversity Recognition and Awards Program gave psychology sophomore Natalie Furrow, kinesiology graduate student Matthew Gerhardt, and telecommunication graduate student Mark Shapleyin the “Excellence in Diversity” award.

MSU

RHA approves additional executive board members

After Residence Halls Association President Tim Liss, External Vice President Emily Edick and Internal Vice President John Sturk officially took office Wednesday, seven more executive board members were approved by the general assembly. Failing to meet quorum delayed the general assembly from dealing with new business, but all seven eventually were approved. Human Resources Director Melissa Kessler, who was responsible for making the initial applicant recommendations, said most positions were approved Wednesday. “I am really excited they approved all of my candidates,” she said.

MSU

Student-sponsored play returns, promotes Filipino culture

The Philippine American Student Society is sponsoring Saturday “Halo Halo 2002,” a play about a Filipino American visiting the Philippines to learn more about their culture. “Halo halo” is the name of a Filipino dessert, and translates into “mix mix.” The show, which is being held for the second time, features singing, dancing, music and spoken word.

MSU

U works to lead in preventing alcohol abuse

In response to a study showing 1,400 college students are killed each year in alcohol-related accidents, university officials say MSU is ahead of the game in using strategies to combat alcohol abuse.“I think we’re ahead with the recommendations and programs we’re currently doing,” Olin Health Educator Jasmine Greenamyer said.

MSU

ASMSU denies support for unions wage, benefit plan

ASMSU’s Academic Assembly voted Tuesday not to support the Graduate Employees Union’s request for increased wages and benefits.Thirteen out of 15 undergraduate student government members voted against supporting the union, which is seeking higher wages to cover the cost of living and health care benefits.

MSU

Data show lower minority graduate enrollment

Despite attempts to recruit minority students to MSU’s Graduate School, minorities are enrolling in graduate school at lower rates than last year, the Office of Affirmative Action Compliance and Monitoring reported this week. The data included information about faculty and staff statistics, retention and undergraduate applications, admissions and enrollment. MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said there are many factors that contribute to the decrease in enrollment for minority students. “Last year’s decline was after a significant increase in the previous years,” she said.

MSU

Oscar Mayer hotdoggers hit the road in wiener

Jessica De Los Reyes pictured herself doing a lot of things after college.Driving a 27-foot-long hot dog wasn’t one of them.But the dietetics senior and 11 other soon-to-be college graduates have been selected as “hotdoggers,” each fulfilling a yearlong tour driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.“I’m so excited,” she said.

MSU

Student Employee of the Year awarded

Nicole Plott has been named MSU’s Student Employee of the Year for 2002. She will be recognized with more than 100 other students at an awards reception from 4-5 p.m.

MSU

Study controls lamprey

MSU researchers may have found a way to control the number of fish killed by parasitic sea lamprey.Weiming Li, an associate professor of fisheries and wildlife, has been working on isolating the pheromones of sea lamprey.

MSU

Student seeks to improve cancer awareness

If Adam Schaffer gets his way, a nine-inch by four-inch card distributed in residence halls next year could save lives.Schaffer, an Olin Health Advocate and human biology sophomore, is working with residence life staff to distribute breast and testicular self-examination cards in residence halls.