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.

Police briefs 03/16/01

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.

City officials go to Washington conference to meet other leaders

Although there wasn’t much time to snap photos or sightsee, East Lansing city officials agree their trip to Washington D.C.

Contestant hopes to be resource for students

This is the fourth in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Diondraie Robertson had a goal when he became a minority aide in Hubbard Hall for the 2000-01 school year. “I wanted to be a resource for African American students because they are at a disadvantage on this campus,” the humanities and pre-law senior said.

Police briefs 03/15/01

ASMSU considers bill to fund Angelous campus visit

Women’s Council is lobbying the university’s undergraduate student government to bring Maya Angelou to campus.The ASMSU Student Assembly will be considering a bill next week that would allocate $25,000 from the ASMSU investment account to cover speaking fees for the renowned author, poet and actress.

Sparrow gives Day of Relaxation

LANSING - As she walked the maze-like pattern in the cement, Connie Purdue said it brought her inner peace, despite hearing car horns, engines and other sounds of a busy day. “As I get towards the end of the labyrinth I tend to slow down,” the East Lansing resident said.