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Around Circle Drive
The President's Report
MSU boasts many bold achievements, successes and milestones in 2011.
The online President's Report for 2011 features video, illustration, and animation to tell stories of how Spartans are innovating and working to find solutions to the big problems of our time. In addition, you'll see some of MSU's milestone achievements and events from the year. As President Lou Anna K. Simon says in her introduction, “We knew then, and we know now, that there is no paradox in brilliance and hard work. Instead, they combine to create something distinctive—the sweet spot where Spartan researchers, faculty, and students discover, create, collaborate, contribute, nurture, and inspire as they work together and with others to find solutions to the big problems of our time.” Here is a link to the President’s Report for 2011. The report is also available in iBooks format to download to an iPad.
The Spartan Life 2
Alumni director follows up his first book with a sequel of 48 new insights.
Following up on last year’s best-selling The Spartan Life, a collection of essays and vignettes designed to motivate, enrich and entertain, Scott Westerman, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, has published The Spartan Life 2, a sequel featuring some 48 new insights on everything from time management to chasing happiness. What was the secret of the Spartan’s Outback Bowl victory? How did Tom Izzo build a basketball program where “excellence is an expectation”? What four traits do high performers share with the Disney Company? What’s the secret to landing your dream job? How do we prioritize productive relationships? All these subjects are explored in this new book, along with a forward by MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis. The paperback book version is currently available at the special discounted price of $10 (plus $4 shipping). Order your copy today.
Visit Michigan’s State Parks
Travel with fellow alumni and DNR Specialist Kevin Frailey, September 6-9, 2012.
This adventure (September 6-9, 2012) will take you through some of Michigan’s best known historical, scenic and natural sites in the state park system including Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Mackinaw City and Hartwick Pines. It will feature interpretive programs lead by State of Michigan experts. Side trips to Fort Michilimackinac, Petoskey and tour of the DNR Oden Fish Hatchery are also included in this three-night, four-day adventure. With 98 state park and recreation areas and 22 million visitors, Michigan has a state park system second to none. Click here for more information. Click here to request a brochure.
Arrogance and Scheming?
New book reveals how MSU managed entry into the Big Ten despite powerful opposition.
A new book sheds light on how MSU was able to become a member of the Big Ten Conference in the face of fierce opposition by the University of Michigan. In the new book, Arrogance and Scheming in the Big Ten (DJY Publishing, LLC, 2011), David Young, M.D., a doctor from Holland, reveals what one observer calls “a story of intrigue, lying, timing, friendships made and broken.” Based on extensive research, the book chronicles a history that ultimately resulted in a victory for President John Hannah and for the future of MSU. It shows how adroitly Hannah overcame the many obstacles along the way. Although Young is a graduate of Notre Dame, he explains in the book that he grew up as a Spartan fan and was motivated to write this history after a conversation with his one-time neighbor in East Lansing, Jack Breslin, who was then executive vice president at MSU. The book is available from Amazon.com or directly from the publisher.
Learning Opportunity at Nike
A unique chance for MSUAA members to tour Nike World Headquarters.
MSUAA members can take advantage of an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, June 13-15, 2012. This career-enhancing opportunity includes a 75-minute tour of the Nike complex, a panel discussion with MSU graduates, an opportunity to shop at the Nike Employee Store, a reception with the MSU Alumni Club of Portland and accommodations at the Hilton Portland. Select meals are included. Participants will learn how Nike co-founders Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman created a brand that inspired one of the greatest logos and slogans of all time and how they anticipated many of the trends that have defined modern business. Sign up for this tour today!
Spartans on the Move
Among the Most Influential
Alumna makes the “25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” list.
Karen Morris, ’84, MLIR ’87, senior vice president of Human Resources for Meijer, has been named among the 25 influential black women in business in 2012 by The Network Journal, a New York-based monthly African American business magazine. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized for doing something I thoroughly enjoy,” says Morris, who has held the top HR position at the Grand Rapids, MI-based supercenter since 2007. Previously Morris worked in human resources at Tyco International, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and General Mills Inc. In 2011, Morris was inducted into the MSU School of Criminal Justice Wall of Fame. She serves on the advisory board of the MSU School of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
Former MSU Trustee Honored
Russ Mawby and his wife Lou Ann receive a Spirit of Philanthropy Award at IUPUI.
Russell G. and Lou Ann Mawby were honored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University during the Spirit of Philanthropy Awards at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Russell Mawby, '49, PhD '59, served for 25 years as the CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, one of the world’s largest grant-making institutions, and also as a former member of the Center on Philanthropy’s Board of Visitors. Dr. and Mrs. Mawby recently established five Russell G. and Lou Ann Mawby RISE Scholarships at the Center on Philanthropy to prepare students to work in the nonprofit sector. “Through their dynamic leadership and their personal example, Russ and Lou Ann have inspired and improved the lives of countless young people,” says Patrick M. Rooney, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. During his tenure at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Mawby earned a global reputation as a thoughtful and visionary leader in effective philanthropy. Mawby served on MSU's Board of Trustees from 1992-96.
Alumnus is Princess Cruises & Cunard VP
PR executive is promoted to vice president of sales for North America.
Brian O'Connor, ’91, director of marketing and public relations for Cunard Line, has been named vice president of North American sales for Princess Cruises and Cunard Line. He will oversee the development of programs to meet the company's sales goals and manage the company’s field sales team. He joined Cunard in 2006 as director of public relations, where he managed media relations and special events for Queen Mary 2 and the launch of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. O'Connor began his career in 1991 at Hilton Hotels Corporation world headquarters in Beverly Hills, Calif., and served for more than eight years in various roles which included senior brand manager responsible for the identity redesign and implementation for the Hilton brand globally. From 2004-2006 he served as public relations director for The Beverly Hilton, where he directed publicity and marketing communications programs for the iconic luxury hotel.
Sports News
Former Center is 101
He bested President Jerry Ford on the playing field in 1934.
In its Winter 2012 issue, the Varsity Alumni “S” Newsletter paid homage to Joe Barrie, '36, who turned 101 in March. Now living in Altadena, CA, Barrie was the starting center on the 1934 MSC team that beat the University of Michigan 16-0—the first of four straight wins over the Wolverines under MSC Coach Charlie Bachman. (The Wolverine center was Jerry Ford, who later became U.S. President.) A native of South Bend, IN, Barrie was recruited by Notre Dame, UM and MSC. After Irish Coach Knute Rockne died in a plane crash, he considered UM and MSC. Both schools offered football scholarships, but UM wanted him to work as a ticket taker in a theatre, while MSU offered a cafeteria job peeling potatoes. Joe has never regretted picking MSC as he enjoyed a long career as a manufacturer’s representative. Joe still remembers the water carnivals in East Lansing and the Saturday night dances, which then cost 15 cents per couple.
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It's Your Network
Join our worldwide organization of Spartans helping Spartans to discover how the MSUAA is "Your Personal Network for LIfe."
Alumni Reunion Days
Calling all graduates of the 1960s! All Spartans from the 1960s and earlier are invited to the MSUAA’s Alumni Reunion Days. Members of the Class of 1962 will celebrate their 50th reunion. Click here for more information.
Locate a Club
The MSUAA has clubs in every corner of the U.S. Locate a club near you!
Evening College
Register for the MSUAA’s Evening College, offering noncredit personal enrichment courses for adults.
Watch the MSU Today Show
MSU Today appears regularly on the Big Ten Network. View online or watch them on the Big Ten Network.
Got MSU Memorabilia?
Help University Archives & Historical Collections document Spartan students of all generations. Donate your papers, photos, scrapbooks or videos—contact the Archives at 517-355-2330, email archives@msu.edu, or visit archives.msu.edu.
