Dean's position brings praise from local Dems

Michigan Democrats have expressed happiness that former presidential candidate Howard Dean has been elected to the position of chairman of the Democratic National Committee, although others say it's just good politics to be pleased about his win. Randy Neice, former chairman of MSU Students for Dean and a political theory senior, said he's happy Dean was selected, adding he could be a balancing force if the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008 is more conservative. "It benefits us to have someone who's fiscally responsible and relatively socially liberal," said Niece, who also is on the executive board of the MSU College Democrats. Dean, who is also the former governor of Vermont, took the position over from Terry McAuliffe, who led party for four years.

More volunteers needed to patrol lots

Hunched down low in an undercover vehicle in any one of the parking lots on campus, a volunteer with MSU police department's Operation Lot Watch could be keeping watch - and a passerby might never know. Lot Watch is a program where student volunteers patrol major parking lots on campus at night and watch for crimes, including thefts and assaults.

2 MSU students sued by RIAA

Two MSU students are among the more than 700 illegal file sharers sued last month by the Recording Industry Association of America, or RIAA. MSU has yet to receive a subpoena, which forces university officials to turn over the names of the students who were logged onto the network using a computer Internet address suspected of illegally file sharing, said David Gift, vice provost for Libraries, Computing and Technology. This will be the third round of file sharing lawsuits filed against MSU students since May 2004, according to the MSU Office of the General Counsel. In the January lawsuits, 68 users of computer networks at 23 universities and colleges were sued.

Area group to offer safe driving course

The National Safety Council will offer a defensive driving course Thursday at the Lansing Area Safety Council, 3315 S.

Mason event to focus on corn, soybeans

Ingham County MSU Extension will host the 2005 Corn and Soybean Day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ingham County Fairgrounds Community Building, 700 E.

380 sworn in as U.S. citizens

With her grandson by her side to interpret, Saliha Azizi made her way into Wharton Center on Monday to take the oath to become a United States citizen. Originally from Afghanistan, Azizi joined about 380 people from Michigan at the Swearing-In Ceremony of New Citizens.

Police briefs 02/15/05

ASMSU discusses role of advisers

After a disagreement over the involvement of Student Life advisers in ASMSU business affairs, undergraduate representatives and advisers are working to redefine the advisers' role.

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

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.

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 '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.

Powwow celebrates culture

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.

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.

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.

E.L. woman killed by car while crossing road

Services have been set for an East Lansing woman killed Friday evening after being hit by a car while crossing Haslett Road near Hagadorn Road. Tulin Stavely, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit at about 7:30 p.m.

Group celebrates Chicano history

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.

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.

Faculty honored for work, service

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.

Students hold party for persons with disabilities

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.

Activists seek recognition at MSU

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.