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MSU

GEU sends valentines, red roses to Simon petitioning for better contract

Sarah Norris
February 15, 2005

Bearing a bundle of arrows, red roses and a bag of valentines, Cupid descended on the Administration Building on Monday. Styling himself "The GEUpid," doctoral student and Graduate Employees Union member Matthew Boyer delivered a bagful of messages from undergraduate and graduate students to the office of MSU President Lou Anna Simon. The valentines, designed by English teaching assistant Ana Holguin, petitioned Simon for better health care, cost of living increases and parking privileges. "This is the number one love holiday of the year," said Melissa Fore, vice president of the GEU.

MICHIGAN

Pastor looks to empower women

Stacia Pierce was in her element as she stepped before a Wednesday night congregation at Life Changers Christian Center in Lansing. A co-pastor at the non-denominational Christian church, Pierce received cheers and hearty "Amens" as she shared her message that has gained national attention and even earned a nod from the White House last month. Pierce was invited to meet with pastors' wives from around the country and to listen to President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Colin Powell during inaugural events in Washington, she said. "One thing we all agreed upon is we need God to change things in our communities," Pierce said.

MSU

MSU 'family' gathers to celebrate past, progress

It was like a big MSU family reunion at Friday's Founders' Day celebrations. Everyone from former presidents to faculty members gathered at Wharton Center to honor MSU's 150th birthday and the inauguration of its 20th president, Lou Anna Simon. "I love seeing all these people," MSU Board of Trustees member Dee Cook said.

MSU

Powwow celebrates culture

Josh Jarman
February 14, 2005

Mallets began beating a precise cadence as the first high-pitched vocals soared into song. Slowly, to the drum's beat, a line of feather-adorned dancers began shuffling into the center of the arena. The dancers were performing in the 22nd annual "Pow-Wow of Love," which took place inside the Jenison Field House this weekend.

MICHIGAN

Library hosts medieval event including sword fights, crafts

By Gabrielle Russon Special For The State News Swords clashed and whips cracked during the "Dragon's Faire" at the East Lansing Public Library on Sunday afternoon. The medieval-themed event featured The Ring of Steel, a student performing troupe from the University of Michigan, who showcased their sword-fighting skills and medieval talents for about 200 people.

MSU

Then and Now

Campus buildings 1855: 3 2005: 660 Students enrolled 1855: 63 2005: 42,751 Campus size 1855: 667 acres 2005: 5,198 acres Cost of tuition in 1855: Legislative action to establish the college was passed in 1855, but the first class did not enroll until 1857.

MSU

Group celebrates Chicano history

Amy Davis
February 14, 2005

Marc Pinate, lead poet of the spoken-word group Grito Serpentino, said he wants to change society with his art. His California-based group is a NeoChicano, hip-hop flavored ensemble.

MSU

Sesquicentennial events

Memories of MSU exhibition Feb. 20-Dec. 30 An art exhibit coming to the MSU Museum that examines the past 150 years at MSU through artifacts and memorabilia. Ethics and Development: The Capability Approach in Practice April 8-15 The conference and workshop will bring international scholars to MSU while looking at the how students and faculty have been involved in international development issues. Benchmarking Outreach and Engagement Conference May 23-24 The conference will look at issues related to outreach scholarship and engagement initiatives related to MSU's land grant mission. Sesquicentennial Commencement Ceremonies May 6-8 and Dec.

MSU

Faculty honored for work, service

Margaret Harding
February 14, 2005

Shaking hands with the yet-to-be inaugurated MSU President Lou Anna Simon, 28 members of the MSU community received awards at the beginning of Friday's Founders' Day celebration. Distinguished Faculty Awards were granted to nine professors who received a certificate and $3,000 as recognition for their achievement.

MSU

Students hold party for persons with disabilities

Sarah Norris
February 14, 2005

Supply chain management senior Linsey Vasilenko sat at a table in the Union's Gold rooms on Sunday, making Valentines with guests at the Supply Chain Management Association's Very Special Valentine's Day Dance. "A lot of people look forward to coming to this event every year," said Vasilenko, president of the association.

MSU

Activists seek recognition at MSU

Josh Jarman
February 14, 2005

The contributions of students throughout MSU's 150-year history have been ignored, some students say. So to draw attention to student accomplishments, a number of student organizations started a campaign called "150 Years of Struggle," which kicked off Friday during the university's Founders' Day celebration. "This is about how students have contributed for the last 150 years," said Erik Green, director of racial, ethnic and progressive affairs for the Residence Halls Association. "The campaign focuses on the accomplishments of student groups through hard work, dedication and struggle," he said. A year-long series of events will be organized by students from the Coalition of Racial Ethnic Students, or CORES, the Council of Progressive Students, or COPS.

MICHIGAN

Beaner's to open new E.L. location

Katie Rausch
February 14, 2005

Students in the Northern Tier will soon have a new place to get their weekly caffeine boost. Construction on a new Beaner's Gourmet Coffee, located on the corners of Lake Lansing and Abbott roads, already has begun. The Beaner's store is scheduled to open in the end of February.

MSU

MSU trustees approve parking ramp plan

A contract to develop a surface parking lot near Morrill Hall into a controversial seven-level ramp was approved Thursday at a meeting of the MSU Board of Trustees. The ramp is being constructed to satisfy a 400-space deficit on north campus.

MICHIGAN

Building demolition approved by planning commission

Kris Turner
February 11, 2005

A plan to demolish a Grand River Avenue building to make room for a mixed-used property is set to go before the East Lansing City Council for approval. The East Lansing Planning Commission reviewed and approved the project at this week's meeting, sending it to the City Council. According to city documents, plans for the Grand River Avenue and Bailey Street site next to Taco Bell include creating a building to house retail space in addition to upper-level apartments targeted at young professionals and families. "If someone does not want to make a long-term solution to owning, they would have the option of renting," said David Krause of Corey Partnership, the project's developer.

MSU

Team of leaders agree on med school future

Margaret Harding
February 11, 2005

The members of the MSU medical school development team signed an agreement outlining their commitments to the expansion of the MSU College of Human Medicine to Grand Rapids during a meeting Tuesday, a statement released Thursday by the Van Andel Institute said.

MSU

Pow-wow of Love to be held this weekend

Josh Jarman  and  Tom Keller
February 11, 2005

The 22nd annual "Pow-Wow of Love" will start today at 7 p.m. inside the Jenison Field House and will run through the weekend. The powwow is sponsored by the North American Indigenous Student Organization, or NAISO, and will showcase American Indian traditional dances, drumming and food.