Vol. 35, No. 17 – May 20, 2004

Photo by Kurt Stepnitz Condoleezza Rice, national security adviser, and MSU President Peter McPherson, walk by graduating seniors at MSU’s convocation Friday, May 7. Rice received an honorary doctor of humane letters and addressed the crowd. McPherson took the opportunity to discuss his future, announcing that he will be leaving the university in January 2005.

President McPherson to step down

President Peter McPherson announced Friday, May 7, that he will step down Jan. 1 after 11 years at MSU's helm. (Full story)

Video game designed to improve nutrition

MSU educators are using a video game to improve the eating and nutrition habits of adults. (Full story)

McPherson's Dynamic Decade

In announcing his intention to leave the Michigan State University presidency next Jan. 1, Peter McPherson noted that on March 31, Michigan State University announced that the capital campaign has surpassed the $800 million mark. Praising the earlier-than-expected achievement, McPherson said that the campaign will approach the $1 billion mark by the summer of 2005. He has said this record-setting accomplishment indicates “accelerated institutional momentum and broad confidence in our faculty, staff, and students as MSU prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial.” (Full story)

MSU shares in homeland security grant

A diverse group of MSU researchers from areas such as food safety, packaging and supply chain management will use a federal grant to help develop ways to protect the nation’s food supply from accidental or deliberate contamination or terrorist attack. (Full story)

Board approves 'in principle' medical college expansion

The MSU Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution agreeing “in principle” that the MSU College of Human Medicine (CHM) should be expanded into Grand Rapids. (Full story)

Trustees appoint acting deans; award bids on campus projects

The MSU Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Patrick M. McConeghy as acting dean of the College of Arts and Letters and extended the appointment of William Abbett as acting dean of the College of Human Ecology. (Full story)

MSU Broad students place first in annual Big Ten competition

For the second time in three years, a team of four Eli Broad College of Business MBA students placed first at the annual Big Ten Case Competition. (Full story)

Inspiring memoir chosen for 'One Book'

James McBride’s “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” is an inspiring memoir about growing up in Brooklyn the son of a white Jewish mother and a black father. As the reading choice of the third annual “One Book, One Community” program, co-sponsored by MSU and the City of East Lansing, it will be assigned reading for 6,500 incoming freshman this fall. (Full story)

Neuroscience prof explores biology of sexual orientation

When it comes to figuring out the biology of sexual orientation, for some it’s about spirited debate. For others, it’s about tinkering. (Full story)

Students key in creating broadband plan

Lack of broadband access is hurting northern Michigan communities by stunting rural development and job growth, and affecting emergency services, a report authored in part by MSU students has found. (Full story)

Hannah Plaza renovation under way

This week, construction began for the extensive renovation of the site in front of the Hannah Administration Building. (Full story)

Chatty washer cleans up access to high-tech appliances for disabled

A smooth-talking washing machine may not be savvy enough to keep a user from mixing whites and darks, but it can open doors that the digital revolution has closed to the blind. (Full story)

Students download for social aspects, not just free music

MSU researchers have found that the media industry’s understanding of downloading behavior is critically flawed. (Full story)

Library of Michigan, 'U' libraries partner; offer combined collections catalogue

The Library of Michigan and MSU Libraries recently announced a partnership designed to maximize service for patrons, enhance the collections of both agencies and maintain cost and time efficiencies over the next five years. (Full story)

Kresge plans Pacific Northwest art tour

The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is home to many wonderful art institutions, unique architecture and picturesque scenery. (Full story)

Program fires up young politicos to run for office

Some 20 college students are spending part of their summer break learning how to be the next Howard Dean – or how not to be. (Full story)