Vol. 39, No. 16 • April 24, 2008

For a PDF of this issue, click here (opens in a new window).

Mandela, Koonin to be recognized at
commencement for global contributions

Koonin

	Mandela

MSU will recognize Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of South Africa, and Steven Koonin, chief scientist for BP (formerly British Petroleum), with honorary degrees during commencement ceremonies Friday, May 2. (Full story)

Students among college commencement speakers

MSU students will share experiences and words of advice with fellow students at spring 2008 college commencement ceremonies. (Full story)

Experts: Michigan tourism industry to decline in 2008

Hoping to rebound from no growth in 2007, Michigan’s tourism industry is instead expected to decline by about 2 percent this year, according to a forecast presented April 14 at the Driving Tourism 2008 Conference in Grand Rapids. (Full story)

Blanchard student named 2008 Udall Scholar

Autumn Mitchell, Blanchard, an MSU sophomore, will use her 2008 Udall Scholarship to encourage revitalization of tribal language programs. (Full story)

Students recognized for academic achievements

MSU’s Board of Trustees recognized 22 students for academic achievements on April 18. (Full story)

Board votes to increase room-and-board rates

MSU’s room-and-board rates for the next academic year will see a 5.25 percent increase for all students, a rate among the lowest at Michigan and Big Ten universities. (Full story)

Peace Corps-bound senior wins Rosenthal Award

Samantha Mills, a senior departing for Latin America with the Peace Corps after MSU graduation, was honored April 16 as winner of the 2008 Daniel Rosenthal Legislative Intern Award. (Full story)

Three seniors receive Sudler Prize in the Arts

Three MSU students are recipients of an award recognizing their achievements in the arts. (Full story)

CAT initiative advances computer literacy on campus

For some MSU employees, computers do not play a part in their work life. But a new initiative aims to change that. (Full story)

DISTINGUISHED STAFF AWARDS: MSU to honor staff members with 2008 Breslin awards in May

Six staff employees will receive the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award for 2008 on May 22. Each recipient also will receive $2,500. They will be honored at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Breslin Center. (Full story)

Kresge Art Museum summer exhibitions showcase historic, contemporary Asian art

From May 3 through August 1, the Kresge Art Museum will display “Silk Road to Clipper Ship: Trade, Changing Markets, and East Asian Ceramics,” a collection of Chinese porcelains illustrating the influence that foreign trade and changing domestic markets had on stimulating Chinese, Japanese and Korean potters. These various influences led to continual reinvention of their repertoire of shapes and decorative techniques. (Full story)

Chemo may not affect memory in breast cancer patients

Women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer frequently report problems with memory and concentration. However, two new studies, including one from MSU, suggest that chemotherapy is not the cause of these problems, rather they are caused by the stress of the diagnosis. (Full story)

Study finds media coverage of breast cancer focuses too little on prevention

News coverage of breast cancer focuses too much on treatments and not enough on prevention, a trend that could prove risky in the long run for many women, say researchers at MSU. (Full story)

GLOBIE AWARDS: Community members honored for service to international students, scholars

The journey of an international student can be challenging. Those who undertake challenges sometimes need help along the way. The Office for International students and scholars is one of many offices at MSU that work with international students. Others across campus also play roles. (Full story)

Broadway hits, national acts highlight Wharton Center 2008-09 schedule

The Wharton Center has announced its 2008-09 schedule, including a wide range of Broadway hits, national and international musical acts and home-grown performers and performances. (Full story)

Use of social networking technology by rural youths is focus of research

High school and 4-H students in four rural Michigan communities are infusing their hometowns with technology and innovation. (Full story)

Marti Heil appointed interim VP for development

The MSU Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Marti Heil as interim vice president for University Development on April 18. (Full story)

Graduating seniors win the MSUFCU Real World Makeover contest

Two MSU graduating seniors won the MSU Federal Credit Union Real World Makeover contest to prepare them for the transition from university life to the professional world. The winners, Maureen Enright and Brian Kenny, each received more than $4,300 in prizes, including new professional wardrobes from Talbot’s and S&K Menswear, and services and merchandise from Douglas J Exchange, Wheat Jewelers, the Student Book Store and MSUFCU. (Full story)

Prof’s blend of rumba, classical music to be performed by Detroit Symphony

The Cuban rumba takes the lead in composer Ricardo Lorenz’s symphonic work, “Rumba Sinfónica,” written in collaboration with Jorge Gomez, musical director of the hit Cuban music group Tiempo Libre. The piece, which debuted with the Minnesota Orchestra in November, will be performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Tiempo Libre at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. (Full story)

New era of medical education begins with Secchia Center kickoff

A new era of medical education began April 21 as construction of the Secchia Center, which will serve as the west Michigan home of the MSU College of Human Medicine, got under way in downtown Grand Rapids. (Full story)

Open entrollment benefit fairs set

The annual MSU benefits open enrollment for the 2008-09 benefits plan year is under way and will run through Monday, May 12. (Full story)