VOL. 37, NO. 10 - JANUARY 26, 2006

Endowment surges in growth, rankings

Copyright SOAR Corp., Inc., all rights reserved. This picture of NGC 3603, the largest star-forming region in the Milky Way, represents MSU’s first real science data taken with the The SOuthern Astrophysical Research – or SOAR – telescope.

The university’s endowment grew a remarkable 20.9 percent during the last fiscal year with a return on investment that ranked in the top four percent among 678 schools surveyed, according to the latest report from the National Association of College and University Business Officers. (Full Story)

Data is harvested on arctic tundra climate changes

A study that for 10 years has been putting climate change on fast forward to predict how plants will respond to global climate change is generating not only data, but a scientific legacy. (Full Story)

Simons give raises back to 'U'

At their Jan. 13 meeting, the Board of Trustees established the annual salary of President Lou Anna K. Simon at $425,000 in recognition of what board chairperson David Porteous called “exemplary performance and appropriate market positioning.” (Full Story)

Planning & Zoning Center moves to MSU

The Planning & Zoning Center (PZC), a well-known Lansing land use firm, is moving to MSU as part of MSU Extension and the MSU Land Policy Program. (Full Story)

Veteran civil rights activists to speak at 'U'

Four veteran activists, including TV and radio commentator Julianne Malveaux, will visit MSU in February, taking part in a lecture series honoring those who fought the civil rights battles of the 1950s and 1960s. (Full Story)

'U' search is under way for four new deans

The deans of four MSU colleges, including two who have a combined service of more than 20 years in their respective offices, are stepping down this year and national searches are now under way. (Full Story)

University offers new online forensic entomology course

Scouring a crime scene for evidence in the form of maggots and flies isn’t an activity that only applies to the latest episode of “CSI.” It’s a science, and a field that’s growing in importance. (Full Story)

SOAR telescope begins collecting data

After nearly two years of tweaking, adjustments and instrument additions, the SOuthern Astrophysical Research – or SOAR – telescope is being used by MSU astronomers to collect intergalactic data. (Full Story)

Farm Lane underpass project moves forward

The project team for the Farm Lane underpasses and widening project held a recent informational open house for the campus community to discuss a plan to reduce traffic congestion on campus. (Full Story)

Researcher to study work-family health issues

MSU will partner with Portland State University to conduct a first-of-its-kind study on how work-family stress affects employee health, well-being and their families as part of a National Institutes of Health work-family research network.
(Full Story)

MSU advertising faculty to pick Super Bowl ad winner

For the ninth consecutive year, MSU’s advertising faculty will meet to grade the best and worst television commercials broadcast during the Super Bowl. This year’s Super Bowl XL is set for Feb. 5. (Full Story)

Provost reflects on group's recent Thailand trip

A delegation of MSU representatives recently returned from a trip to Thailand that focused on exploring ways to expand MSU’s collaboration with the country’s government ministries, educational institutions and Thailand-based alumni. (Full Story)

BOT approves acting dean of new residential college

Stephen Esquith has been appointed acting dean of the residential college in the arts and humanities at MSU, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007. (Full Story)

MSU researchers set new world record for alfalfa yield

Good breeding, timely rainfall and warm temperatures all helped MSU crop and soil sciences researchers set a new world record for non-irrigated alfalfa yield: more than 10 tons per acre. (Full Story)

New pianos are music to school's ears

(Photo)