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Interview with Matthew "Mo" Gerhardt

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:00:00 GMT

You could call Matthew “Mo” Gerhardt a Spartan for life. He grew up in a Spartan family—he, his parents, and brother are MSU alumni—and now he works for his alma mater. As a student adviser in the Office of Supportive Services, Gerhardt works to ensure students have the kinds of opportunities he had as a student.

“I first came to MSU partly for its accessibility programs,” says Gerhardt, who has muscular dystrophy and is a wheelchair user.

In 2000, after getting a degree in business with plans to become an accountant, Gerhardt interned for a CPA firm, but he knew right away that the lack of interaction with people wasn’t for him. He credits his mentor, Vern Mason in the Eli Broad College of Business, with helping him discover his passion for working with people—especially students.

“He’s the one who told me he saw me in a career working with students,” says Gerhardt. “As an undergrad, I never saw myself in this position.”

In the Office of Supportive Services, Gerhardt coordinates a tutorial program and advises students. A big part of his job—what you won’t see on his business card—is being a mentor.

“A lot of times, talking with students about school leads to them asking for advice about personal issues they’re facing,” says Gerhardt.

He also advocates for persons with disabilities, serving on several committees, including the President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues. His voice is a valuable one, as he experiences daily many of the challenges that come with having a disability and offers insight into how MSU can make sure campus accommodates all people.

Being on campus—as both a student and an employee—Gerhardt says his wheelchair is an excellent icebreaker.

“I feel like I have a responsibility for educating others about my disability and answering questions about what it’s like being in a wheelchair,” says Gerhardt. “People can have strong feelings about race, ethnicity, and religion, but disability itself doesn’t discriminate—no one is immune from it.”

20-Oct-09 2:00 PM

Students, alumni celebrate LBGT center's expansion

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:30:00 GMT

As the Homecoming parade floats finished making their rounds and parade-goers made their ways home, there were people at Student Services who still were celebrating.

But what they were celebrating — and, more importantly, what it meant — stretched far beyond the night’s festivities.

The MSU GLBT Alumni Association, a collection of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender alumni, threw a party Friday night at the LBGT Resource Center in Student Services commemorating the office’s recent expansion.

The expansion will provide space for a conference center, a bigger reception desk, student offices and a new student lounge, which used to consist of two chairs in the corner of the room.

The LBGT Resource Center provides a safe place for people who identify as LBGT to learn about the community and get support from the center’s professionally trained staff, the center’s director Brent Bilodeau said.

Space in the center has almost doubled since the completion of a $40,000 renovation project that began in May, Bilodeau said.

“I was really thinking the center is more than just a destination,” he said. “It’s a gateway to the university, community and the world.”

Several of MSU’s LBGT student groups donated a total of $4,000 to help fund the center’s upgrade. Kate Miller, a public administration and public policy senior and president of People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality, said her group donated because of how the center welcomed her when she came to MSU.

“To know that I can come here at any time and they will let me in, they will accept me and they will be my friends even if they don’t know me is a great feeling,” Miller said.

GLBT Alumni Association board member Bill Beachler was one of many former Spartans at the open house Friday night celebrating the center’s improvements. Beachler founded the Pride Scholarship in 2000, which assists an MSU student who is active in the LBGT community, because he went through MSU without resources such as the center.

“It was the issue of not feeling comfortable with who I was and always being ashamed of who I was,” he said. “I thought it would be nice (for) society if they could treat people better and that people could be rewarded or have pride in who they are, rather than the way I felt.”

Before the center’s expansion, the office’s cramped conditions made it hard to get work done, said Danielle Masuda, a graduate assistant at the center and student affairs administration graduate student.

“It gets crowded very quickly,” Masuda said. “We’re crawling over each other to answer phones.”

The extra space will help the center provide services for students which were hampered by the claustrophobic office, Bilodeau said.

“We will continue to promote an integrated student experience,” Bilodeau said. “Where we need to continue to go is for the students to see ways the LBGT experiences are present in the curriculum, are present in the community and are present in student leadership opportunities. We play a vital role in helping students to make connections between all those things.”

Originally Published: 10/18/09 8:36pm

18-Oct-09 8:30 PM

Safe Place marking 15 years at MSU

noemail@spartanpartners.msu.edu — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

EAST LANSING - Holly Rosen faces a hard truth about her job. She wants domestic violence to stop, but she says she's realistic about the prospect.

"I doubt that that's going to happen in our lifetime," said Rosen, director of the on-campus domestic violence prevention and outreach program, MSU Safe Place.

"I think that violence is so pervasive that it's hard to just expect it to stop."

But that's all the more reason that, as MSU Safe Place celebrates its 15-year anniversary, Rosen wants to see the program grow.

MSU Safe Place, which serves Michigan State University students, faculty, staff, retirees and their partners, as well as the Greater Lansing community, was founded by then-MSU first lady Joanne McPherson in spring 1994.

The program is celebrating its anniversary this month, which is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with several fund raisers and social events.

When it was founded, Safe Place had just one full-time staff member - Rosen - and about 15 volunteers. Ranks grew slightly over the years, but a watershed moment came in 1999 when MSU Safe Place received a U.S. Department of Justice grant, allowing the program to hire two more staff members and expand its advocacy program, Rosen said.

Advocacy is now by far the most time- and energy-consuming aspect of MSU Safe Place, Rosen said.

Advocates, who can be either MSU Safe Place staff, volunteers or interns, help domestic violence victims in a variety of ways, from obtaining personal protection orders to assisting them in finding a job or child care, MSU Safe Place Volunteer and Advocacy Coordinator Alyssa Baumann said.

"Survivors have such a variety of needs; it's not a one-size-fits-all problem," Baumann said.

One Lansing woman, who asked that her name not be used out of fear for her safety, said that a Safe Place advocate recently helped her leave her now-ex-husband after he became abusive.

"Just knowing somebody was there to help me in my situation was huge," the woman said. "It's just such a great resource for women."

MSU Safe Place also has a 12-bed, temporary emergency shelter and offers community education and victim counseling programs, Rosen said.

MSU Safe Place is now working to create a program offering domestic violence training to interpreters in order to better help non-English-speaking clients, Rosen said. The organization hopes to have that active by spring 2010.

Rosen said she'd also like to see more domestic violence education woven into MSU curriculum, as well as in primary and secondary schools. Another possible area to develop includes creating a male mentoring program.

And over the next 15 years, Rosen said she hopes Safe Place "is still an integral part of the community."

"There's still a need for these kinds of services, despite the myth that domestic violence doesn't occur within those who are educated," she said.

"There's great work to be done."

16-Oct-09 9:00 PM

Volunteers find array of options

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:45:00 GMT

Many MSU students are looking for a way to dominate their next interview and a way to make it through college without lacking that sense of personal accomplishment.

Volunteering is a fun, rewarding experience that you are sure never to forget, Into the Streets co-chair president Brigid Sweeney said, and there are many opportunities available to MSU students that want to get more involved.

MSU’s Into the Streets program, which introduces students to organizations and programs that need volunteers, hosts two main events, including next month’s Make a Difference Day, which will be held Nov. 14.

“I think all things learned in life are best learned by hands-on experience, and Into the Streets can help open up a ton of community service opportunities for everyone,” Sweeney said.

Last year, 15,221 students officially were recorded as volunteers with the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center (CSLCE).

With top requested volunteer positions being those placing students in areas such as Lansing Schools, Engineering and Construction, Sparrow Health System, Youth Mentoring, and Pre-School and Day Care, just to name a few, there are plenty of venues and options out there no matter what the individual is looking for.

This year, MSU’s CSLCE was one of 18 colleges and universities to be awarded the prestigious 2008 Presidential Award for General Community Service.

“We were recognized because we have the oldest continually operating student volunteer center of its kind in the country; we celebrated our 40th anniversary last year,” Director of CSLCE Karen McKnight Casey said.

The CSLCE also was recognized for the large range of people and colleges we work with, Casey said.

“We work with all students to find the right service options for them, and even if someone is an engineering major, but they’re passionate about children, we can help you fulfill that desire,” she said.

College of Education students are not only required to volunteer by some classes, but also are highly encouraged by teachers to volunteer at schools prior to student teaching later on, and volunteering in schools can be helpful for them, Casey said.

Opportunities exist for all majors, because the CSLCE offers volunteer options for virtually all interests.

“I’m hoping we can always continue to have volunteers in our classrooms because it allows us to give one-on-one attention to students,” Bingham Elementary School Principal Dr. Freya Rivers said.

“Just watching our students work with MSU volunteers, you can see the expression on their faces of how much they appreciate the volunteers.”

MSU students learn life-changing experiences through volunteering, human biology junior Jennifer Schlitzkus said. Schlitzkus volunteered at Ingham Regional Medical Center last year.

“An act of selflessness can be something small, but really impacts those that you are serving. It teaches you to think about others and how they will benefit from the service that you are providing.” Schlitzkus said.

Without volunteers, some programs would not be able to stick around, and students should consider that they’re not only helping someone else out but also learning more about what your professional ambitions are for the future, said Casey.

Lansing’s Capital Area Humane Society is one organization that relies on volunteers to maintain their business so they can continue to serve the community, CAHS program manager Stasi Bates said.

“We only have about 30 staff really, and hundreds of animals, so we rely on volunteers to make the animals here more at home by providing them with love and care, whether that be by brushing, petting or just sitting with the animals,” Bates said.

A popular volunteer option for MSU students at the CAHS is known as foster volunteer work, which lets students take sick animals home until they have a good bill of health and no longer are contagious to other animals, Bates said.

MSU also is a member of the Michigan Campus Compact, which, through the Michigan Service Scholars program, provides a statewide $1,000 scholarship to students, offered by a grant from the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Corporation for National and Community Service, said Michigan Campus Compact Interim Executive Director Jackie Taylor.

Scholarships are limited per year, but some still are available.

“Students have to complete 300 hours of community service during one year at school, and it can also happen during breaks. MSU is one of our leading campuses and the students do a tremendous job,” Taylor said.

“MSU is a major part of the Michigan Campus Compact and is a major part of the 95,000 students that worked together to do about 9.5 million hours of service last year.”

Doing community service projects helps students connect with the community and assists students with their overall learning perspective, becoming a better citizen and builds a pathway of success, Taylor said.

“We can prove statistically through many studies that have been done in the past that engaged students who persist and are active in their communities graduate from high school and college at a higher rate than students who are not engaged,” Taylor said.

15-Oct-09 10:45 PM

Diversity and Inclusion - Liliana Gutierrez

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

“I didn’t really get to see much outside my culture,” says Gutierrez, who is the youngest of five children. “We were very isolated.”

After graduating from high school in 2005, Gutierrez was accepted to Michigan State University. At first, she says, her parents were uncomfortable with the idea of her living away from home and not knowing anyone.

“I’m the first in my family to go to college. I needed to experience the world,” she says.

Gutierrez discovered Michigan State when a representative from the university’s College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, met with families in the migrant community where she lived. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, helps students from migrant backgrounds with the transition to college, providing social and financial support, supplies, and scholarships.

“The people in CAMP really see the potential in students,” says Gutierrez, who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. “At first, my parents didn’t think I’d be able to excel in the United States because there would be too many obstacles. After my first year at MSU, they saw that I was capable of doing it.”

One reason Gutierrez was drawn to MSU was for its study abroad opportunities. It was during a spring break service trip to Mexico that she says she realized she didn’t know as much about her own culture as she thought she had. During successive trips to Yucatán, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, Gutierrez worked with disabled children and in community centers where she gained first-hand experience she will apply in her graduate program in social work.

After she completes her master’s program at Michigan State, which includes a graduate assistantship, Gutierrez says she plans to pursue a doctorate and become a therapist.

“MSU is a great place for opportunity, but you have to search for it,” she says. “Educate yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.”

Growing up a daughter of migrant workers from Mexico, Liliana Gutierrez would spend half of each year in Michoacán, Mexico, and the other half in Holland, Michigan, to correspond with the fruit harvests. In Holland, she lived with her parents and siblings in a migrant community and attended local schools while her parents worked on nearby farms.

“I didn’t really get to see much outside my culture,” says Gutierrez, who is the youngest of five children. “We were very isolated.”

After graduating from high school in 2005, Gutierrez was accepted to Michigan State University. At first, she says, her parents were uncomfortable with the idea of her living away from home and not knowing anyone.

“I’m the first in my family to go to college. I needed to experience the world,” she says.

Gutierrez discovered Michigan State when a representative from the university’s College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, met with families in the migrant community where she lived. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, helps students from migrant backgrounds with the transition to college, providing social and financial support, supplies, and scholarships.

“The people in CAMP really see the potential in students,” says Gutierrez, who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. “At first, my parents didn’t think I’d be able to excel in the United States because there would be too many obstacles. After my first year at MSU, they saw that I was capable of doing it.”

One reason Gutierrez was drawn to MSU was for its study abroad opportunities. It was during a spring break service trip to Mexico that she says she realized she didn’t know as much about her own culture as she thought she had. During successive trips to Yucatán, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, Gutierrez worked with disabled children and in community centers where she gained first-hand experience she will apply in her graduate program in social work.

After she completes her master’s program at Michigan State, which includes a graduate assistantship, Gutierrez says she plans to pursue a doctorate and become a therapist.

“MSU is a great place for opportunity, but you have to search for it,” she says. “Educate yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.”

2-Oct-09 3:00 PM

Overwhelming Support Turns Tragedy to Opportunity

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Katrina Tagget, a beloved RCPD student and mentor who passed away in September 2008, is memorialized by the caring contributions of the first Katrina Tagget Fellow, Jason Baumhover, in her name. His fellowship through the RCPD, which will begin this fall, is possible because of the dedication of her family in ensuring that others can remember and help continue the legacy of their perseverant daughter, sister, friend, and granddaughter. Like Katrina, Jason will facilitate a synergistic partnership between the students and the RCPD that culminates in self-awareness, skill development, and a sense of contribution.

Katrina ("Kara") Tagget planned to graduate summa cum laude in the spring of 2009 with a degree in Public Administration and Public Policy and a specialization in Political Economy. This 2005 graduate and Honor Roll student from Maryland's Centennial High School consecutively remained on the Dean's List every semester since the spring of her freshman year. Regarded at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities for her service to others, careful planning, and pleasant demeanor, she had received the Outstanding Mentor award for two consecutive years, and believed that helping other students was one of the most fulfilling activities she participated in during her university years. "It's not just me mentoring them; we develop a relationship and a friendship. They need my help, but at the same time, I'm helping myself and learning more about my strengths and weaknesses," she once stated.

The Katrina Tagget Memorial Foundation seeks to keep her spirit of giving alive, by awarding the Katrina Tagget Fellowship, an endowed scholarship within the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to continue her service and academic excellence, and promote awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. Her specialist, Valerie Nilson, believes that there are "certain students you just take home in your heart...she was that one." She observes that Katrina's determination in achievement is present in her family's admirable and fast action in establishing an endowment within months after her passing. Referring to the memorial bake sale that occurred at a Spartan football game only weeks after her death, Nilson remarked with astonishment that it continues to be "impressive [to see] how much they have wanted to benefit other students." Katrina's family and friends continued raising money through the Katrina Kookie Exchange on her birthday and the Kara Tagget Open in Marriottsville, Maryland. Plans to participate in the annual Out of the Darkness Walks hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the fall are also listed on her website, katrinatagget.org. Reflecting on the strength her family has shown in the face of such a devastating tragedy, Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist John Pedraza said, "They want to turn this into a positive experience to help other people and prevent it from happening again...that's where the courage comes in."

Jason understands the Tagget family's need to honor her spirit, and remembers her fondly. "She made a substantial impression on countless people and forever became a character in their [life] story." Having previously served as a teacher's assistant for a Communication Arts and Sciences class, and continuing to volunteer as an English tutor for international students, he has already displayed a passion for mentoring that is reminiscent of Katrina's love for helping others. Both students "have wonderful hearts," says Nilson, and are "scholars with their own goals, and others in mind." It is precisely because of this dedication and persistence in obtaining excellence that Pedraza believes "both have positively touched others in good ways. People respect and appreciate that."

Jason's personable demeanor and dedication to service will positively influence students struggling with learning disabilities to succeed academically. His encouragement will create a cycle of service as they, in turn, begin volunteering to impact others, and together, their activities will reflect the spirit and character of Katrina. The caring actions and attitudes of her family in continuing to promote her love of mentorship and teaching others about suicide prevention will further her impact for years to come.

24-Sep-09 12:00 PM

Announcement of “Spartan Kids” Grant Award - Child Care Support for MSU Students

noemail@spartanpartners.msu.edu — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University’s Family Resource Center was recently selected as a recipient of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Grant funds and will receive $210,452 per year, for four years to expand the availability of affordable day care for the children ages 0-12 of eligible MSU students.

This will be the third 4-year competitive grant funded to MSU since 1999. Over $2 million has been allocated to MSU Pell Grant eligible students with children from 1999 – 2009. The 2009-2013 funds will grant $3,000 to MSU domestic undergraduate students and will serve 65 children per year.

The grant from the United States Department of Education will fund expanded child care services, including drop in/part time care, emergency back up care, weekend and evening care, and care for school aged children. The MSU Family Resources Center will contract with local child care providers off campus to fill these gaps in care, as well as reserve spaces at the Spartan Child Development Center and the MSU Child Development Laboratories. The contracted providers will be required to become accredited, thus insuring a higher standard of quality, to provide the best care possible for the children.

The demand for affordable, quality child day care on the MSU campus is high. The East Lansing child care market near campus is saturated due to the high demand from students, staff and faculty at the University. Low income students often struggle to pay for the care of their children while they attend school and work. The cost of full time child care is often the same as college tuition.

MSU students with children who are interested in applying for the Spartan Kids Grant should contact the MSU Family Resource Center at (517) 432-3745 or frc@hr.msu.edu. Additional information is also available at the MSU Family Resource Center’s website at http://www.frc.msu.edu.

About the Family Resource Center

The MSU Family Resource Center (FRC) disseminates resource information to assist individuals and families in their balance of work, educational and family responsibilities. The FRC staff advocates for personal and family issues, regardless of family constellation. The office collaborates with other administrative units to develop and implement family sensitive employment and academic policies and practices. The FRC develops and coordinates initiatives to support current and anticipated future needs of families and their dependents, and to recruit and retain quality employees and students.
http://www.spartanpartners.msu.edu/FRC/

23-Sep-09 1:00 PM

Partnership Brings Accessible Books to Students Nationwide

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

September 23rd, 2009

For Junior Kinesiology major Amanda Gretka, the start of classes brings unique challenges. Unlike many MSU students, those with print-related disabilities, including blindness, learning disabilities, and motoric challenges, begin the text book shopping process with a trip to the bookstore-but this is just the first step. Thanks to leadership from the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, partnership from organizations within and outside the university, and investment from generous donors, MSU students like Gretka are able to receive their books in formats that are compatible with their disabilities.

"I was at a different university my freshman year and would typically receive my alternative textbooks just about the week before finals," said Gretka, "Having my books in alternative formats, to me, means I am able to succeed. It means equality because it allows me to have the same materials as every other person in the class."

MSU's tradition of making education accessible to students with disabilities began with the 1934 founding of the Tower Guard, a sophomore honor society created to build character, leadership, scholarship and a spirit of service by reading books aloud to students who were blind. While 75 years of service evolution has changed the techniques for accessibility, the goal of Tower Guard remains steadfast. Today, with the advancement of technology enabling better resources, most of their work is done on computer-course materials are scanned, formatted, and edited, then uploaded to a secure online books system ready for timely rendition in a range of formats, from magnified text to computer-synthesized speech, or even Braille.

Tom Hwang, RCPD Media Access Specialist, remarks, "We need technologically savvy, detail oriented students to do this work, because if it is not produced correctly it is not useful to the students. Top quality, accuracy and timely production are our main goals." Without Tower Guard, this would be a daunting task at best.

RCPD Director Michael Hudson recalls the important advancements in the past 10 years that maintained this leading edge capacity. "We leveraged an important early investment in the RCPD by the Samaritan Foundation, along with technological support from the Vice-Provost for Libraries, Computing and Technology to reinforce our national leadership in timely and effective production," he said.

In 2006, RCPD sought to further refine the accessible text program by streamlining coordination of the initiative. "In order to increase capacity in the books program, we needed a Media Access Specialist," said Hudson. After hiring Tom Hwang as the RCPD's first Media Access Specialist, MSU began to seek the leading edge in electronic media for people with disabilities. "Tom brings important new synergy to existing partnerships and furthers our deployment of technology in this long-standing effort," remarks Hudson. Hwang's coordination and leadership is instrumental in keeping MSU's accessible books program one of the best in the nation.

RCPD capacity to provide accessible textbooks was again boosted in 2008 with support from Richard and Kathleen Carlson. Their establishment of the Carlson Accessible Media Program (CAMP) endowment followed a sense of gratitude for the services their daughter received as an MSU student; the endowment exists to ensure access to educational materials. In the spring of 2009, MSU was featured as one of 14 higher education programs nationally listed as a foundational partner in the Bookshare.org initiative. In this way, MSU leadership is helping students with print-related disabilities across the nation gain access to quality educational materials. The initiative remains a partnership founded on the MSU land and world grant principles. A goal decades in the making, students, staff and alumni now showcase on the global scale how people with significant disabilities are reaching educational and career objectives, despite often overlooked obstacles.

23-Sep-09 1:00 PM

MSU Safe Place Celebrates 15 Years of Helping Domestic Violence Survivors

noemail@spartanpartners.msu.edu — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Michigan State University (MSU) Safe Place is celebrating 15 years of providing supportive services to domestic violence and stalking survivors in the MSU and Greater Lansing communities. The MSU Safe Place 15^th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Thursday, October 15 from 4:00-6:00pm at Cowles House on the campus of Michigan State University. Special guests at this event include MSU President Lou Anna Simon and Former First Lady and founder of MSU Safe Place Joanne McPherson.

MSU Safe Place is located in East Lansing on the campus of Michigan State University. The program has a mission to provide shelter, advocacy, support and counseling services for victims of domestic violence and stalking while seeking to end domestic violence through public awareness and community education. All services are free and confidential.

MSU Safe Place began offering services at Michigan State University in 1994 through the Department of Residence Life. This program was started because of community organizing efforts of Mrs. Joanne McPherson, the First Lady of Michigan State University from 1993-2004. She is delighted to be in attendance for the MSU Safe Place 15^th Anniversary Celebration.

MSU Safe Place is the only domestic violence shelter and support program on a college campus in the United States; the program offers shelter annually to approximately 65-90 adults and children. In addition, MSU Safe Place annually provides training and education to over 15,000 people on campus and in the Lansing community.

The MSU Safe Place director, Holly Rosen, has been with the program since its inception. Says Rosen of the program, “Providing support services to survivors of domestic violence and stalking is vital to those affected by violence in our community. We’ve seen firsthand the impact that support can have for those working to escape the violence in their lives.”

Proceeds from this event will support the ever increasing need for advocacy and support on behalf of MSU Safe Place clients. Due to tough economic times, the demand for services has increased and MSU Safe Place plays an instrumental role in helping those who need it most.

Other MSU Safe Place 15^th Anniversary Celebration events include:

Presentation of the Joanne McPherson Award. This award honors community members who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to support MSU Safe Place and survivors of domestic violence.
Online auction of artwork from McPeaks Photography and five tickets to the MSU Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 17, 2009 against Northwestern. More information is available at: http://www.spartanpartners.msu.edu/
Video presentation honoring MSU Safe Place and the recipient of the Joanne McPherson Award at the MSU Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

22-Sep-09 9:00 AM

Dublin Partnership Continues to Expand Perspective

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

"The biggest obstacles faced by people with disabilities are not physical, medical, or personal, but social. As people without disabilities, we often underestimate the unique talents of all individuals, regardless of ability, and feel sorry for them because of their ‘unfortunate condition.'" -Megan Fortelka

In June 2009, ten fortunate students, Fortelka among them, combined coursework with experiential learning to increase their awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of the social, cultural, legal, and political aspects of disability. Over the course of one month, students studied disability from a unique, global standpoint, considering historical conceptualizations, the impact of current legislation, and even their own preconceptions and beliefs.

The Disabilities in a Diverse Society program began in 2007, originating from a course designed through the Office of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies in the College of Education by professors Virginia Thielsen and Michael Leahy to expose undergraduates of all career choices to disabilities. Determination on the part of the RCPD's Learning Disabilities Specialist, Valerie Nilson and Cindy Chalou, Assistant Director of the Office of Study Abroad, to make studying abroad more accessible to those with disabilities led to the establishment of a program that could make the core concepts of the course come alive. A continued connection with a former student, Sister Martha Hagerty, now part of the international Catholic organization Daughters of Charity in Ireland, was a persuading force in locating the program. Though most students have a connection to the subject because of a family member or a personal diagnosis, the intensity of the experience and the opportunity to make all of Ireland their classroom are what Leahy and Thielsen believe make it powerfully awakening. While participating students are not required to have a disability, trips have allowed deaf, blind, and paraplegic students to obtain an international perspective on concerns close to their hearts while, for many, traveling for the first time beyond the borders of their home country. The program benefits from lectures by officials presenting the concept of disability from an Irish and European Union perspective and recently expanded to incorporate a service learning component in which students interact with individuals with mild and severe forms of disabilities. For Fortelka, the opportunity to "play soccer" with a woman who was a wheelchair user and nonverbal was touching and eye-opening. "I saw her again the next day at a different program. When she saw me the second day, her eyes lit up, she was grinning from ear to ear, and she pulled me over and hugged me...try getting an experience like that in the classroom!"

Professors Thielsen and Leahy spoke with pride about the transformations that their students undergo in thinking and understanding, and about the revelations they record in their journals. Leahy finds it "enlightening to see how the Irish provide services." The readings, speakers, and lectures are designed to "build them up and supplement their knowledge," and the interactions during service learning activities "carry over to allow the students to notice things" around the city. Though most of the progressive innovations discovered have a higher probability of existence in large towns and urban communities, they create dialogue for the students, who learn to examine the sights and sounds of the city with disability studies on their mind. Fortelka remembers, "We pointed out inaccessible places and commented on helpful accommodations, and we observed people with disabilities throughout the city and how others interacted with them...Chirping walk signs, dished and textured sidewalks at crosswalks, and signs on the road telling walkers which way to look for traffic not only made navigation easier and safer for people with disabilities, but for those without as well." Though Ireland is struggling with making historical structures accommodating without destroying the architecture, the assistance provided both legally and charitably left a strong, resonating impression. "Legislatively, the provision of top rated care for people with disabilities without a financial burden on their families is above and beyond anything I have encountered here in the U.S."

Fortelka, a senior majoring in Kinesiology who seeks to become an orthotics and prosthetics practitioner, received an understanding of "the personal and societal barriers associated with having a disability...I was able to see the immense talent and unbridled emotions of people with different levels of abilities, and I realized that the beliefs of people without disabilities limit people with disabilities more than the constructs of their actual disability. The best thing I can do now is to spread what I have learned to others. People with disabilities have just as much to add to society as those without and we are the ones limiting ourselves if we cannot learn to appreciate the unique abilities of everyone."

21-Sep-09 1:00 PM

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Marks 40th Anniversary by Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future

noemail@spartanpartners.msu.edu — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Marks 40th Anniversary by Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future In 1968 a gallon of gas was 34 cents, 60 Minutes on CBS began its reign as the longest-running prime-time television news magazine, and the Grammys’ Album of the Year was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles. It was also a year of turmoil, unrest, and change for the United States. The civil rights movement, the Vietnam war, the War on Poverty, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and the emotional 1968 presidential election all contributed to what historians refer to as a pivotal change in public attitudes and beliefs. And within this framework, Michigan State University established the Office of Volunteer Programs, with the belief that MSU students could make a difference at home and see some results. Forty years later the modern day result is the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE), the...

Gifts In Honor Of A Loved One

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:41:43 GMT

MSU presents many opportunities to honor a loved one. Gifts can be made to create scholarships, support programs or support the campus Arboretum. The following links offer information on how you can make a gift in honor of your loved one. Establish An Endowment. An endowed fund is a way for you to honor a loved one in perpetuity at MSU. An endowment is a fund in which the principal, usually the original gift of a donor, is never spent; a part of the investment income from MSU's investment of the principal supports a program or programs at MSU; and the remaining investment income is retained as a hedge against inflation and to provide a reserve that can be drawn on when investment returns are low or negative. Learn more about Endowments at MSU. Create An Expendable Fund. Expendable are funds that are established and the contributions are spent for the stated purpose within a year or two of the donation. Purchase a commemorative brick for the MSU Garden or...

In-Kind Gifts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:57 GMT

The Office of Student Services accepts in-kind gifts to support programs and students. When making an in-kind gift please include a signed letter stating the value of the donation with the items witha consignment/non-cash gift form. Programs that are currently accepting in-kind gifts are as follows: MSU's Give or Take Center Residents of MSU University Apartments may obtain free clothing, household items, and toys which have been donated by other residents. Learn more about the Give or Take Center. MSU Safe Place Domestic Violence Shelter MSU Safe Place provides a variety of services focusing on relationship violence, also known as partner abuse, or domestic violence. Our services include advocacy, educational programs, support (counseling and support group) and emergency shelter for MSU students, staff, faculty, retirees, alumni and their partners. View the needs list for in-kind donations For MSU Safe Place. MSU Sailing Center The MSU Sailing Center accepts...

Give Or Take Center

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:59:20 GMT

Michigan State University’s Department of Residence Life manages the MSU Give or Take Center, located in the Spartan Village Community Center. The Give or Take Center is a place where MSU students and their families can come to find used clothing for FREE! The center accepts clothes that are clean and in good condition for children and adults. If you would like to make a donation please call (517) 884-2095. *On campus? Call 4-2095. **Please note: When dropping off your items make sure to include a copy of your completed MSU Consignment/Non-Cash Gift Form and the Valuation of Intent Form in order to receive recognition of your donation to MSU. Thank you in advance! Location: 153 Spartan Village, Community Center (SVCC) At this time the center is in need of the following items: Women's shirts (sizes XS - L) Women's Dresses (sizes XS - L) Women's Skirts (sizes XS - L) Winter items all sizes White Plastic Hangers Hours of Operation...

Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:05:56 GMT

The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship is awarded through the Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities in memory and recognition of two Ford Motor Company executives who worked together and, as friends, died together in a small airplane crash in June, 1990. The two men, Robert L. Decker, Vice President of Employee Relations; and Benjamin Muns, Director of Compensation Planning Office Employee Relations Staff, were committed to increasing the productivity of the work-force while enriching the quality of the work-place environment. Through an endowment offered by the wives of Robert and Benjamin, a scholarship fund exists to facilitate the continuance of the zest for life, concern for others, and ideals and goals held by the two. The Friendship Memorial Scholarship is an investment in ability that facilitates graduate studies by persons with disabilities. The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial...

Daniel and Barbara Reid Endowment

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:16:34 GMT

In 1993 the estate of Daniel and Barbara Reid established an endowment to support the future of Intramural Sports and Recreative Services at Michigan State University. The purpose of the fund is to encourage and assist students, faculty, staff and others to participate and use the resources available through the department. Established in honor of Dr. Daniel Reid and his wife Barbara, Dr. Reid was a 1964 graduate from the college of Natural Science and demonstrated his joie de vive while a student on campus as captain and president of the MSU Crew Club as well as through his participation in MSU's intramural activities. His personal commitment to experience life to the fullest, alleviate pain, and restore and promote health was demonstrated as an active member of MSU's Sports Clubs. Graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Reid began general surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital. He served three tours of duty, including two extra tours as a Green Beret physician,...

MSU Safe Place Relationship Violence Program

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:36 GMT

MSU Safe Place (MSUSP) offers many services related to relationship violence. MSU began offering services at Michigan State University, through the Department of Residence Life, in 1994. This program was started because of community organizing efforts of Mrs. Joanne McPherson, who was the MSU First Lady at Michigan State University from 1993-2004. The only domestic violence shelter and support program on a college campus in the United States, the program offers shelter annually to approximately 65-90 adults and children. In addition, MSU Safe Place annually provides training and education to over 15,000 people in the Lansing community. MSU Safe Place provides the following free and confidential services to students, staff, faculty, alumni, retirees or their partners: Shelter: a 12-bed, emergency, 30-day shelter for adult victims/survivors and minor-aged children Counseling and support group: offered to those victimized by relationship violence Advocacy: help...

Student Tutorial Education Project (STEP)

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:23:24 GMT

On Thursday, February 11, 1965, more than 4,000 students and community residents attended a campus visit and lecture by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was standing room only in the Auditorium Building, with the overflow crowd packed into the Fairchild Theater where they could hear the civil rights leader's speech. The purpose of his visit was to launch the STEP program. The STEP program was the first all student-administered educational outreach program of its kind in the country. The STEP program involved sending student and faculty volunteers during the summers of 1965 through 1968 to assist Rust College of Holly Springs, Mississippi. It evolved out of MSU students' desire to help others and gain educational experience. On the invitation of President Smith and Dean McMillan to work with Rust College, MSU students and faculty provided a three pronged program designed to help the college maintain its accrediation and to provide support to the administration, the community...

Women's Resource Center

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:50:08 GMT

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) proudly serves as the first point of contact for women's issues and information at Michigan State University. Each year, the center works with approximately 33,000 women on campus, acting as a catalyst for collaboration on women's issues. In addition, the center provide vital information and resources to numerous MSU departments, offices, and academic disciplines. PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Support the Women's Resource Center Gifts to support The Women's Resource Center will enhance the programs and support for the MSU Community. If you are interested in making a gift to support the WRC, please contact the Student Services Advancement Office at (517) 355-7535 or make your gift online today. The Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship The Mildred B. Erickson Fellowship is designed for students who have had to interrupt their degree studies for a significant amount of time, and can demonstrate financial need. The individual scholarships cover the...

The John S. Duley Endowment for Service-Learning

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:37:21 GMT

While serving at Michigan State University (MSU) as campus minister and professor, John was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Student Tutorial Education Project (STEP), a program which utilized MSU students and faculty at summer tutorial programs at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. In the 1970's he strove to incorporate service-learning into MSU's curriculum and helped create the National Society for Experiential Education. As a result of this work, John is known affectionately by colleagues across the U.S. as the Grandfather of Service-Learning. In the 1980's John founded the Greater-Lansing Housing Coalition (GLHC), a community-wide organization dedicated to supporting quality and affordable housing. In the 1990's, he led an initiative to provide low-income residents with access to computers and the Internet, thus forming Closing the Digital Gap Program. Recently he initiated the Edgewood Village/GLHC - MSU Service-Learning Tutoring Partnership. ...

Registration Confirmation

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:23:06 GMT

Thank you for your support of MSU Safe Place! To make a donation in support of the 15th Anniversary of MSU Safe Place or for additional ways you can show your support, please complete one of the following: Make A Donation Online Make A Donation By Mail Support the Silent Auction! Download & Print I SUPPORT MSU SAFE PLACE FLYER to show your support! If you have questions about your registration or are interested in learning more about MSU Safe Place, please contact the Student Services Advancement Office at (517) 355-7535 or visit the Spartan Partners website today.

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noemail@spartanpartners.msu.edu — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:46:30 GMT

Objectives:

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Release Date: 12-Jan-09 3:46 PM
Expiration Date: 12-Apr-09 3:46 PM

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As a student professional I have the opportunity to attend and present at State and National Conferences. The Decker and Muns Memorial Scholarship has made that possible by providing discretionary

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:13:49 GMT

"As a student professional I have the opportunity to attend and present at State and National Conferences. The Decker and Muns Memorial Scholarship has made that possible by providing discretionary funds to help offset my travel costs which often includes my attendant's travel costs."

Barbara Ann Schoen, Graduate Student and Decker-Muns Scholarship Recipient

Magnolia Tree planted in honor of Don Ausman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:04 GMT

Photo of plaque in honor of Don Ausman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:04 GMT

Students planting the tree

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:04 GMT

Group photo of students with the tree planted in honor of Don Ausman

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:04 GMT

2009 New Orleans Alternative Spring Break Trip dedicated in memory of Don Ausman who was to serve as site leader for the trip. The students planned a magnolia tree in his honor at the site and left a plaque dedicating the tree. Participants: Rachel Varner, Emily Beadle, Dan Veldheer, Taryn Huizenga, Jennifer Palm, Brian Bartle, Kyle Hammermeister, Kent Workman, Caroline Marie, Matt Dandois, Marilee Rump

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Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:04 GMT

File uploaded by Ann Lindley.

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