Student trip to Mexico emphasizes labor justice

Language and lifestyle may have been barriers but Adam Szlachetka, along with other students nationwide, learned they had one thing in common with Mexican workers - they were all fighting for a difference.Along with 14 other people, Szlachetka, an MSU political economy senior, traveled to Metepec, Mexico, two weeks ago for five days to speak with striking workers who work for the Kukdong Factory - one location Nike Inc. uses to produce clothing for many universities, including MSU.“The biggest thing about this trip was knowing that all the work we are doing is being noticed by the workers,” said Szlachetka, who is a member of Students for Economic Justice, a student-led movement against unfair labor conditions and universities involved with companies tied to sweatshop involvement.

Elegant dinner in the making

Guests will be wined and dined like never before Saturday at Les Gourmets, a dinner hosted by students in the School of Hospitality Business.Those who attend this annual event can look forward to enjoying a champagne reception followed by a seven-course dinner.

Greek Week kicks off charity events

Greek Week 2001 was dealt an April Fool’s joke Sunday, when snow and rain caused the co-chairpersons of Greek Week, Jackie Kim and Mark McConnell, to cancel the opening field-game events.“We were going to have food and a DJ,” said Kim, a nutrition science senior.

Census numbers down; city may lose funding

East Lansing’s population has fallen by more than 4,000 citizens, putting the city in danger of losing funding for city services.According to the U.S.

U to host 24-hour Relay For Life

The motto of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is, “It’s about a community that takes up the fight.” And the MSU community is working to show that’s a true statement. Stephanie Rigler, community development director for the American Cancer Society, said 450 people have already signed up for the event that will take place April 20-21 at Jenison Field House.

James Madison student receives fellowship award

This summer Andrew Krepps will be working side by side with high-ranking government officials in Washington, D.C.The international relations senior from Marquette is the first MSU student to receive the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellow award.

Group investigates wrongful convictions

A Cooley Law School group working to free those wrongly convicted of crimes in Michigan is on the way to its first test.A Calhoun County judge ordered evidence used to convict Michael Hicks of the 1993 rape and kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman be sent to a California lab for DNA testing.

U scores high in math competition

Four MSU students placed in the top 15 percent of the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics competition. The students, who took the exam Dec.

LGBT Pride Week offers unity, entertainment

Despite chilly temperatures on Sunday afternoon, seven students tackled the weather during the Fruitbowl - an annual football game sponsored by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community - at Walter Adams Memorial field. “We were hoping for a better turnout, but only the hard-core LGBT community is out here today,” public policy junior Chris Szmadzinski said jokingly during halftime. Sunday’s football game was one of the kick-off events for Pride Week at MSU, which lasts through Friday.

ASMSU officials optimistic after closing of 37th session

When ASMSU officials and representatives compare the Student Assembly’s 37th session to the 36th session, it appears to be the calm after the storm.“Last year, things got personal,” said Shane Waller, Student Assembly vice chairperson for external affairs.

Engler appoints new state treasurer

Gov. John Engler appointed former state Treasurer Doug Roberts to take over his old post Thursday.Roberts will replace current Treasurer Mark Murray, who was selected to become Grand Valley State University’s next president.

Congressman passes on pension increase

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers will forgo nearly an additional $10,000 a year in his pension by changing his date of resignation from the state Senate.The Brighton Republican, who had originally resigned Jan.

Event promotes literacy

Students, adults and children went skating Friday to help wipe out illiteracy.The Student Michigan Education Association and the Capital Area Literacy Coalition held the annual Skate for Literacy program.

Police briefs 04/02/01

I-496 closure begins city traffic diversion

LANSING - Traffic officials say they’re prepared for the closure of Interstate-496 through downtown at 6:01 p.m.

U joins search for outer space life

A group of MSU scientists have been asked by NASA to join in the search for life throughout the universe.

Bill to mandate meningitis shots

Engineering freshman Jonathan Sedon hadn’t heard about the massive immunization effort for meningitis on campus a year ago, or reports about a student hospitalized with the potentially deadly disease. But he got his shot anyway. “My mom told me to get the vaccination,” said Sedon, who received a vaccination for meningitis before he came to MSU.

State ATMs rank No. 2 in fees

Heidi Wenger is sick of paying high fees to get her money out of the bank.“Banks usually charge outrageous fees,” said the finance graduate student, who withdraws money using ATMs nearly every day.

Rally honors students mentored by athletes

The hearts of MSU student athletes got a little bigger Friday morning as they spoke to more than 800 Lansing elementary school students at the “I’ve Got Heart” event.The 14th annual National Student Athlete Day was honored with the event held in the gym of the IM Sports-West.

State ATMs rank No. 2 in fees

Heidi Wenger is sick of paying high fees to get her money out of the bank.“Banks usually charge outrageous fees,” said the finance graduate student, who withdraws money using ATMs nearly every day.