Renovated building to further partnership

A reception was held Monday to celebrate a newly acquired space in Erickson Hall and the continuation of a partnership in math and science education. Former classroom space on the second floor of the hall has been remodeled to house the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, which has been spread throughout campus since 2003. Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Mathematics and Science Education, or PROM/SE, is an initiative to better K-12 science and mathematics education in a five-year research effort, funded by a $35 million National Science Foundation agreement. PROM/SE is one of the many different efforts housed in the center, reaching out to 62 school districts across Michigan and Ohio.

ASMSU passes multiple majors, integrity bills

Members of ASMSU's Academic Assembly want to see a new academic integrity code and recognition for multiple majors on their degrees added to university policy. The assembly unanimously passed two bills last week to urge the Academic Governance system to work on implementing these ideas.

Police briefs 11/22/05

Event brings holiday cheer to Lansing

Downtown Lansing was a blur of festive lights Friday night as "Silver Bells in the City" embarked upon its 21st year.

MSU breaks ground on new auto lab

Representatives from MSU, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. broke ground on a $10 million automotive and energy research facility on campus Friday. The 29,000-square-foot Energy & Automotive Research Laboratories, where students and faculty will research more efficient engines and fuel sources, will be located at the corner of Service Road and Bogue Street. Vance Zanardelli, chief engineer for Ford's hydrogen internal combustion engine, was one of 10 people who donned hard hats to officially break the ground for the new facility, which is set to be completed next summer. Ford, GM, Consumers Energy, the MSU provost's office, the College of Engineering and individual donors helped fund the facility. The lab will include two indoor testing rooms that will allow researchers to examine how engines and vehicles function with outdoor road conditions, said Harold Schock, a mechanical engineering professor and director of the existing Automotive Research Experiment Station, located at 3361 Hulett Road in Okemos. The experiment station will move to the new on-campus facility. "The idea is to develop and improve technology that will be implemented in automobiles and trucks," Schock said.

Blood donors wanted over holiday season

The American Red Cross is asking Michigan residents to give blood during the holiday season. According to a press release from the Red Cross, eligible blood donors can help save the lives of up to three people and help stop the decrease in blood collections that occurs around the holidays. Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, will host a blood drive from 8 a.m.

Sharp sets sights on new life chapter

Burning couches and dispersed tear-gas canisters will forever remain engraved in the memory of former East Lansing City Councilmember Bill Sharp. "The on-going unrest between the students and townsfolk really bothers me," he said.

Concert showcases world music

By Holly Klaft Special to The State News The dance began slowly — partners moved gracefully around each other — but it soon became combative as the performers avoided mock blows, each pseudo-strike inching closer to their partners' bodies. "It is a lot more than what you see," said Jose Dantas, a 41-year-old Brazilian native who led the performance on Saturday at the International Center.

MSU ADHD research disproves 'old myth'

By Nicholas Richer Special to The State News More than half of the people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, as children continue to have significant impairments into adulthood, said an MSU associate professor Saturday. Joel Nigg, an associate professor of psychology and director of the MSU Adolescent and Adult Attention Study, spoke this weekend during the final lecture of the Spartan Saturday Seminar Series at the Kellogg Center. The faculty-led seminar series focused on contemporary issues and began three hours before each home football game.

Religious holidays to celebrate with lights

A "Lights to Remember" presentation will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. today in 148 Communication Arts and Sciences Building. The event will feature different religious holidays and the different lights that represent them, including Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah.

Potter Park to hold wonderland of lights

The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing will feature holiday light displays this season, including lighted lion, bear, llama, giraffe, monkey, fox and penguin structures.

Police briefs 11/21/05

Free childcare offered during semester finals

Students with children ages 2 weeks to 9 years old can sign up for free prefinals childcare from Dec.

Collection of leaves in E.L. to continue

The due date for bulk leaf collection for the city has been prolonged into early December due to inconvenient weather conditions and a behind schedule leaf drop. Residents should rake their leaves to the curb as soon as possible to have their leaves collected by the city.

CATA bus service to change over holiday

Campus bus service by the Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, will end at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Weeklong festivities showcase unique Puerto Rican traditions

MSU's campus is the perfect place to celebrate Puerto Rican Culture Week because of its mixture of people, students said. Psychology senior Natalia Mercado grew up in Puerto Rico and said the diversity and curiosity of the campus makes her feel welcome to acknowledge her culture. "If I want to celebrate my culture, if I want to show what it is about — it's easy," Mercado said.

Police briefs 11/18/05

$110M revamp plans could be ready by Jan.

Redevelopment plans for the vacant Citizens Bank headquarters and (SCENE) Metrospace art gallery are slated to include the MSU Museum, high-end residential living and office space, and they could be finalized by January. The potential eight- to 10-story structure, located near the intersection of Abbott Road and Grand River Avenue, would most likely include restaurants, three floors of the MSU Museum — to be moved from its on campus location — and loft-style residential units, said the project's developer Scott Chappelle, president of Strathmore Development. The project, previously City Center II, was renamed the Michigan Museum Place, and would have to go before the East Lansing Planning Commission and City Council for approval once plans are finalized.

Event educates, helps promote smoke-free life

The 29th Great American Smokeout came and went Thursday with few packs of cigarettes set aside in East Lansing during the national day of smoking abstinence. During the annual event, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, smokers are asked to abstain from the act for a day. Some businesses, especially restaurants, participate by going smoke-free for the day, said Lisa Prince, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division. The cancer society's hope is that smokers will consider quitting smoking for good and the day will raise awareness for smoke-free laws, she said. "It's just for one day," Prince said.

Shelters overflow as winter approaches

With the first dusting of snow Wednesday, a Lansing overnight shelter run by Volunteers of America had to have six men sleep on the floor because the shelter was full. "You get a higher demand," said Patrick Patterson, vice president of Lansing operations for Volunteers of America.