Speaker discusses politics at heritage month kickoff
To Mike Kueh, hearing Shamina Singh speak was an amazing opportunity.Singh, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, addressed an informal group of about 30 students, including Kueh, on Saturday night in McDonel Hall at the kickoff for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.Kueh, a telecommunication senior, said Singh’s address was a good way to get insight on how politics play a role in his community.“I think it just makes us better aware of where Asian Americans stand in the United States,” he said.Representation, unity and solidarity were all among issues addressed at the event, which was sponsored by the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students, the Asian and Pacific American Student Organization and the Residence Halls Association.Established by an executive order of former President Clinton in 1999, the initiative Singh worked in aimed to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased participation in federal programs where they could be underserved, such as health, human services, education and labor.Singh said to her, the initiative was a promise against hate crimes and discrimination, and for due process and prosperity in the United States.“The signing of this executive order opened a door for our community,” she said.Throughout her speech Singh stressed giving Asian Americans a louder voice.“I think it’s time that we stand up,” she said.
Global gender issues focus of conference
As part of Women’s History Month, three speakers will be on campus this weekend to discuss international gender issues.The conference, “Globalizing Women’s Studies: Feminist Perspectives,” kicks off today at 7 p.m.
Weekend dance brings fun for diverse crowd
Julie Levy-Weston describes contra dancing as “one of the few dance forms that thrusts a person of the opposite sex into your arms every 30 seconds.”Levy-Weston, the events planner for the MSU Museum, is coordinating the contra dance with the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association, an area organization dedicated to bringing arts back to Lansing.
Child enjoys fame on side of pop bottle
David and Becki Beaudoin have a new keepsake to remember their son’s childhood - that is, if he doesn’t drink it first. The couple recently received 12 bottles of Jones Cream Soda in the mail, complete with their 2-year-old son, Austin’s, pictures on the labels. The photograph helped them win a contest through Jones Soda Co., which is known for its wacky photo labels. They entered the contest last October at Union Central, a convenience store in the Union.
Pageant candidate strives to be an average guy
This is the last in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Maurice Turner thinks Mr. Black MSU should be less of a role model and more of an everyday man. “I got involved because I wanted to see a more well-rounded individual at least go out for the title and try to attain it,” the human resources and society senior said. The Mr. Black MSU pageant, sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, profiles black male undergraduates who stand out academically through their student leadership on and off campus. Marketing senior DeAndre Carter, founder and president of DCI Motivational Services, a motivational speaking business, was crowned the first Mr. Black MSU last year. In addition to being secretary of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a member of BSA, Turner also helps out at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, mentors two students at Everett High School, 3900 Stabler St., in Lansing and works with the Urban League in his hometown of Flint. BSA President Tonya Upthegrove said the title of Mr. Black MSU gives recognition to the unsung heroes of the black student community. “We put on this pageant to promote black male leadership and to honor those students who play an active role in the community, have achieved academic excellence and who represent the black community in their everyday actions,” the communication senior said. LaKesha Rawls, president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Turner’s sister sorority - said Turner’s community service involvement at MSU, in the Lansing area and at home makes him “more than qualified” to become this year’s Mr. Black MSU. “He’s very caring and very concerned about the black community,” the political science senior said.
Conversion plan will change one-way streets
Monica Zuchowski’s vehicle could be heading in a different direction in Lansing, if a two-way street conversion plan receives approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Lansing City Council.The plan would convert six of the city’s one-way streets - Allegan, Ottawa, Pine and Walnut streets and Grand and Capitol avenues - into a two-way network by 2003.Lansing city officials say the alterations will benefit the area, but Zuchowski, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, is skeptical.
New cards to curb food stamp fraud, help others
Food stamp users will be given the choice of paper or plastic twice when grocery shopping.Electronic Benefit Transfer program uses a plastic card, similar to a debit card, instead of food stamps.
Blanchard to lecture on public relations
Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard will come to campus to give a lecture on the importance of public relations in his political career.Blanchard will talk to communication students and others interested in public relations at 4 p.m.
Professor excelled despite struggles
Mary Cookingham lived her life with dignity, grace and quiet strength. Cookingham, the first woman to receive tenure from the MSU Department of Economics, died of complications from multiple sclerosis Monday.
Legislative efforts hope to combat pollution
Campus environmental groups and local authorities are pleased at the state Senate’s efforts to address pollution problems that plague the Red Cedar River, although they say the proposal is flawed. The state Senate this week passed two bills of a five-bill package that is intended to fix sewage overflow problems across the state.
Air Force, Army look to recruit
Air Force, Army look to recruit Air Force Maj. Les Hayden handed another hot dog across the table in front of Bessey Hall.
ASMSU supports groups use of recycled paper
ASMSU is looking to change its environment - indoors and outdoors.The undergraduate student government plans to support ECO, an MSU student environmental group, in efforts to convince the university to use 100 percent recycled paper.ASMSU’s Academic Assembly recently passed a bill, composed by ECO, stating the undergraduate student government will purchase only chlorine-free, 100 percent recycled paper for official usage.And ASMSU representatives hope MSU will do the same.“We want to be as conservative as possible, that’s the message we want to send out,” said Marcia Short, ASMSU Academic Assembly vice chairperson for internal affairs.
U administration pleased with virtual AP coursework
MSU is helping high school seniors advance toward college by providing a new link - Internet courses.Last semester MSU’s Virtual University began offering Advanced Placement courses to high school seniors in Michigan.The courses are administered through the Internet and are coordinated by MSU professors.
GVSU picks former U official for job
Grand Valley State University chose Mark Murray, a former MSU vice president of finance, Wednesday as its next president.Murray, 46, will leave his current position as state treasurer to take the job when current GVSU President Arend Lubbers retires in June.Murray will be the third president in GVSU’s 41-year history.“Grand Valley in particular, I believe, is an under-known asset to the greater state of Michigan,” Murray said in a written statement.
Bill may increase funding for U by $22 million
They’ve planted the seed.The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education sent on a bill that calls for a $22 million boost in state funding for the university.The committee’s efforts may help to reduce the funding gap between research schools, which has existed for decades in the state.
Survey sees bald eagles migrate to Michigan
The bald eagle, a familiar and popular symbol of American culture, is finding its way to Michigan.A survey, which is part of the nongame fish and wildlife fund, is conducted every winter by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to give officials some clue as to where bald eagles are staying during the winter.The survey, conducted in January, reported a statewide count of 1,510 bald eagles, almost twice as many as the 782 reported last year.Ray Rustem, supervisor for the natural heritage program with the DNR, said citizens who saw the bald eagle would report its location either on a Web site or by sending a postcard to the DNR.
Black Student Alliance sponsors week to promote health awareness in community
Graphic design junior Jason McGhee said he’s a health conscious person who often worries about whether or not he is doing the right things in his life to stay healthy.
Groups celebrate womens day on campus
Two student groups are working to give International Women’s Day attention on campus.Today, a new student group, Feminists Ending the Misogynist System is holding a teach-in to recognize the day.“It’s important to recognize the struggle of women both nationally and internationally,” group member Sarah McDonald said.