From the Editor - Winter 2022

IDEAS IN MOTION

February 5, 2022

So often, life is about finishing. Today, we embrace the ongoing. I’m talking about the kinds of ideas and initiatives that have no finish line—because the next thing stems seamlessly from the last.

It reminds me of Spartan alumnus Alfred Hershey who, after receiving a B.S. in 1930 and a Ph.D. in ’34, went on to perform research that proved DNA to be the building block of life. It’s notable that, while his research began in the early ’50s, Hershey collaborated with a number of partners to shed new light on a range of genetic mysteries. In 1969, he and two of those partners shared the Nobel Prize.

This issue illustrates the ways Spartans continue to work with others to supply the building blocks for stronger communities, healthier populations and more equitable opportunities. You’ll find stories of food activism, grit and growth in photography, a bold outlook on health care treatment and training, plus a look at MSU’s future.

Hershey’s discoveries didn’t end with that lauded award. In his lifetime, he saw his findings about DNA impact science in a multitude of applications. That’s the outlook I’m bringing to my role as editor: how can what we do today affect what happens tomorrow?

That remains to be seen. But I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to my colleagues who have welcomed me back to MSU and continue to encourage me to push for deeper stories, richer imagery, stronger inspiration. That’ll work. Because if you ask me, finishing is for quitters.

From the Banks,

Tim Cerullo, ’08 
Editor, Spartan Magazine

 

LETTERS

MOVING FEATURE

Great article by Judith Pearson and the accompanying Rosenberg/VanCamp stories. Very inspiring for Spartan Nation!

Dan Edson ’79, TRAVERSE CITY, MI

 

HAPPY HOMECOMING

I do not know when the composition of the Homecoming Court changed, but I LOVE that it features so many talented, engaged seniors rather than a popularity or social contest. Kudos! I read each of their profiles and I am impressed and proud to be a Spartan!

Roberta Teahen ’67, ’74, ’00, TRAVERSE CITY, MI

 

ANOTHER SPARTAN PARTNER

When I was a graduate student at MSU in 1961, I was introduced to Dr. Barnett Rosenberg. During his first year, he would join a group of us graduate students for lunch to discuss the latest seminars, “hot” scientific papers and discoveries.

One day at that lunch table, someone mentioned a seminar on “chrono-biology.” Dr. Rosenberg joined us at Giltner Hall for the session. The speaker made an offhand remark about cell division that stuck with Dr. Rosenberg. Afterward, on the walk back, he blurted out: “I can cure cancer!” I believe we all thought he had gone bonkers.

Weeks later, he asked me to find all kinds of equipment to outfit his lab, which I obtained before leaving MSU for my postdoc. Upon my return as an assistant professor, my technician and I worked to prove that cisplatin did not cause mutations in mammalian cells. Dr. Rosenberg was ecstatic with the results and asked me to contribute writings for a paper published in “Nature.”

We became great friends and both Loretta [VanCamp] and Dr. Rosenberg assisted me later with grants and support that allowed my lab to be the first to isolate human organ-specific stem cells.

James E. Trosko, Ph.D. ’62, ’63, PROFESSOR EMERITUS

 

SPARTAN TRIUMPHS

I love the MSU grad success testimony! Keep it up!

Den Decker ’74, LYONS, MI

 

GROWING UP GREEN

Thanks so much for the Class Note! MSU has been a huge positive influence on my life. I grew up in Lansing and my grandmother boarded MSU students in East Lansing. All the best.

Mike Clark ’71, PONTE VERDA, FL

Author: Tim Cerullo, '08