MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY VOLUME 127 ENROLLMENT: 39,143 EAST LANSING, MI 48825 ■liulnrr ''“fKál fiÜ' *.« Ì.|g'* ® Il l I warn ARPANGLES Upon arrival, Spartans view campus in its broad entirety, eager to explore where adjacent paths lead—and who or what intersect them. As semesters pass, foreign oddities transform into campus comforts: The parroting of "walk sign is on to cross," as students battle for personal space on Farm Lane. The Union's consistent and distinct, soapy scent. Gallant squirrels who approach students lounging by the river banks for snacks without hesitation. Even bike collisions begin to feel common place, be they witnessed or caused. These evolved perceptions of a new place to call home occur during a journey filled with moments of pride. Whether it's chants by the thousands in Spartan Stadium, or a lone fist pump after checking D2L, these triumphs propel students to reach higher. But it is adversity that inspires the most growth. Through trial and error, Spartans take a 180 and finish their student sagas as different people. From the first day of lecture, to the final toss of a tassel, they approach problems by searching for crisp ideas. Looking from more than one vantage point. Venturing for smarter solutions. More sharp angles. GET A CLOSER LOOK AT ASMSU SPONSORED CAMPUS EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS 30-33: Homecoming & Float Building 220, 221: Do Random Acts of Kindness 36, 37: ASMSU’s 50th Reunion 100-103: Seth Meyers Comes to Campus 224, 225: Adaptive Sports Day 234-237: Bernie Sanders Rally 216, 217: Taking Down Rape Culture with Laci Green PHOTO: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGN: CHLOE FOSTER LETTER FROM THE ASMSU PRESIDENT Just five short years ago, I became a Spartan. As much as I hate to admit it, I grew up a Wolverine. Most of my family and friends went to U of M, and anytime I was asked, I would proudly say that I planned on attending the University of Michigan. Like most prospective students I visited the campus, took tours, and met students, but it didn’t feel like a fit for me. So I took a chance. Without visiting, taking a tour, or even talking to anyone from the school, I decided to attend Michigan State University. I still clearly remember my first day moving into Case Hall, having no idea what these five years would hold in store for me. I had no idea that I was attending a school with such a beautiful campus, that would take forever to walk across. I had no idea I would meet some of my closest friends here. I had no idea that by the time I left, I would have the privilege of serving as student body president of one of the top universities in the country. I had no idea I would fall in love with Michigan State University. I took a chance, became a Spartan and it all paid off. In five years, I learned what it meant to be a Spartan and a leader. I celebrated victories of sporting events, mourned the loss of Spartans who were taken too soon, stressed over exams and enjoyed walks along the Red Cedar River. Thank you to every Spartan at MSU who has made these five years the most amazing and memorable years of my life. My Spartan experience was similar to that of many students on campus, and like so many students, I am so grateful for both the challenges and opportunities that have unfolded. Serving as student body president has proven to be one of the biggest opportunities and challenges of my college career. During my time at ASMSL^H I have seen many ups and downs. I held several positions within our student government, and was a part of many projects, campaigns and initiatives. I am so proud of my team at ASMSU and for everything we have accomplished together. This year, we have seen multiple successful entertainment events ranging from top comedians to talented musicians. We have continued the conversation and raised awareness about college sexual assaults. We have created new ways for Spartans to think about how we carry ourselves with honor and integrity, and have advocated for students on campus, in the community, at the state and national level. We even created a new internal framework for how we operate as a student government making us a strong TEAM. More Transparent, Effective, Approachable, and Mentors to students across campus. I cannot thank my leadership team enough for their continued support and encouragement throughout this school year. A chief of staff and six vice presidents make up my executive leadership team at ASMSU. These seven individuals seemed like a pretty good team of colleagues that would help me accomplish my goals and push a new vision for ASMSU. I worked hard to be the best mentor and role model to these seven leaders. I pushed many of you to work your hardest and give your very best, and I am so proud that each of you did just that. During this term, ,I never thought that you would all have such a huge impact on me as leader and as an individual. Each of you have taught me something new, and helped me to become a better person. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to serve as your president. Thank you, Anna, Calvin, Lorenzo, Bryn, Jason, Sam and Molly. You have truly taught me so much and become some of my closest friends. Congratulations to the Class of 2016. We made it! I know each of you will go on to do amazing things. I am confident that the MSU Class of 2016 holds many future success stories. There will be entrepreneurs who will push new ideas and develop them into successful business ventures. There will be leaders in science and medicine who will make brilliant discoveries. There will be those of us that go into public service and push new policies to improve our community, state, and nation. There are many Spartans who will enter other fields of work and become pioneers and leaders in their industry. That’s the Spartan way. I encourage each of you to continue to push to be the best and never stop learning. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the future. Sparty On! Domonique D. Clemons Student Body President, ASMSU Class of 2016 005 MK « H B «»si wm ...» .. . ¡m W W |í - ' y-.:; *101 J mm mm FALL Zoom out. It is customary to let perspectives of campus form by roaming on foot or biking the twisting sidewalks. Craned necks look up to buildings layered in ivy or paneled with metal, as they slant upward to a sky of changing trees. Earbuds in. Eyes down. Students innocently collide, crowding pathways that diverge in all cardinal directions. Look south and the smokestacks pierce the sky. Look north and Beaumont Tower unveils itself. From east to west, the Red Cedar River bends, welcoming the serene and the studious. These East Lansing habitués can become mundane to those who walk the grounds of campus daily. Or they can guide one up, daring students to find new heights and soar above the familiar. Sophomore Madison Wernette-Leff reads the story on a backpack from the family of a student who passed away from suicide. There were 1,100 backpacks on display representing the number of students who pass away from suicide every year, each with their own story. CONTENT: TORI ZACKERY PHOTO: JESSALYN TAMEZ DESIGN: KELSEY PARKINSON PACKING AWAY THE PAIN MSU Active Kinds eniourases mentai health awareness with suicide exhibit In the United States, 1,100 students commit suicide each year. Fifty percent of college students report having thoughts of suicide at some time in their lives. Forty-four percent of college students have reported feeling so depressed that it was unbearable. In bold, black marker, these cold facts were written on signs and littered around The Rock while students trekked to class. Those statistics, while powerful on their own, were not what made students slow their pacesB-it was the visual representation of every single student that takes his or her own life each year. On Friday, Sept. 25, 1,100 backpacks were spread across The Rock’s grounds with the purpose of raising suicide awareness on campus. Michigan State’s Active Minds chapter displayed the exhibit, which travels nationally via Active Minds Inc., in hopes of encouraging the discussion of mental illness among college students. MSU is one of 400 student-led chapters in North America. According to the chapter’s website, they’re dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health to make sure that no one suffers alone in silence. Efforts are made around campus to connect students and mental health professionals. “It is important to spread the word because suicide is the second leading death cause for college students and we often don’t talk about it,” said Annette Kim, MSU Active Minds’ executive board member and a junior in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. “When we can talk about it and we can actually see it visually like this, it helps having conversations which can lead to prevention,” explained Kim. “You can recognize the early symptoms. That’s one thing we thought was really important about this event.” The backpacks on display were sent in from all over the world by the family and friends of those who have passed away. Many were equipped with personal stories in their honors. Some were adorn with medals or badges that allowed a glimpse into their lives. Students could walk through the exhibit and read these stories—a task that proved emotional for many. Sophomore Lexie Florinki had a personal connection to this event. “Dalia’s one of my very good friends from elementary school that I grew up with and when we were seniors, she hung herself,” said Lexie. Dalia’s backpack laid on display at the exhibit and triggered memories for Lexie, as many stories did for students across campus. It was the backpacks without stories, however, that she felt were most impactful. “These are the people that aren’t represented around the U.S. and they’re faceless,” she explained. “You see these people and you see their stories, but there’s so many people that you don’t see their stories and everybody’s different and everybody does this for different reasons. You might never know who it could be.” The sharing of stories and experiences was a huge aspect of the event and students were encouraged to submit their stories and get involved with Active Minds. “Our mission is to de-stigmatize the conversation that we have about mental health,” said sophomore MSU Active chair to president Sagar Rathod. “We host monthly meetings where we talk about different topics related to mental health and then we host these separate events, like Send Silence Packing, about suicide awareness. “We are all about awareness, so we try to bring light to the counseling center we have here at MSU and we try to make sure that people understand that we have these resources available.” Students affected by the exhibit were encouraged to make use of the three counseling center visits included in every student’s tuition, a service of which many students were unaware. Michigan State was one of 11 stops on the exhibits’ tour, but its message will continue to resonate on campus. For survivors like Lexie Florinki, the effects of suicide were permanent. “I wonder what she would be doing every day.” 013 Students look at the backpack display set up by The Rock. The backpacks are transported to various colleges throughout the year by Active Minds, an organization dedicated to raising suicide awareness. g|j| ;. . i We ma often #4$ in Silence Uitfc vfedo nob SMffe r.;.s'.'-tì;-\--:V:-f--: ___________________________: wÈÈÈÈÈ m?m si ¡¡¡¡I I ''??■??■ sîÿf||| iî'i'ÎC'’^! ,'f’'..ì'-Ì"’v'x'SÌ’'"' »isf«iTw isla wstÊÊtm '/V*; ^ " !;v‘VA>£ r&˧lBf '^ÉÉIIPL. ■ ■ ■■SH irBI HBI wÊÈÊË A portable recording device like this can have high-quality audio when placed and edited properly. Students in the College of Music gained valuable skills for their careers by attending audio specialist Jon Whiting’s recording workshop ■s 018 CONTENT: GABRIELLA GARZA PHOTO: PHILINA CHEN DESIGN: RACHEL DAVIS The evolution of technology has transformed as consistent as a vinyl spinning on a record player. With continuous revelations in sound production, it is essential for musicians to have a basic understanding of how to record the sounds they create. This concept drove media and information specialist Jon Whiting to host the second annual DIY Basic Recording Workshop on Sept. 16. Students in the College of Music, along with musicians from around East Lansing, joined Whiting at Cook Recital Hall as he demonstrated the science behind sound engineering. The high expense of upscale recording equipment often deters student musicians from recording, but the workshop allowed attendees to record their best sounds, without spending a buck. “With how the music industry is, the College of Music students need a wide range of skills; one of those is being able to record yourself and having more of a sense of entrepreneurship,” said Whiting. As a musician, having a recorded sample of one’s own work is crucial for obtaining auditions, gigs and eventually record deals. The workshop was dedicated to ensuring the attending musicians, regardless of genre played, could produce work to share for personal or professional use. “These programs allow students to learn recording technology and how to market themselves on social media,” said Christine Beamer, director of Career Services for the College of Music. Musicians spend treasured time learning their instrument — how to hilthe right note, stay on key and play their favorite songs. According to Whiting, however, equal energy should be put into learning how to record. “It’s interesting with musical students — they understand so much about sound and music and how things should be already, but the capture of it is so much different — they are so used to producing it,” said Whiting. Freshman John Henrikson, a vocal performance major, explained he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of information to learn in his classes. He felt that the workshop, however, taught him valuable skills pertaining to the music business. HaThis gives me a better sense of what I need to know — some direction. This is another step forward in where I want to be. It helps a lot,” said Henrikson. Though the DIY Basic Recording Workshop was less than two hours, it served as a starting point for musicians, emphasizing that success in the industry requires not only the ability to produce melodic sounds, but the ability to capture them. 019 toss country runners defeat physical challenges through camaradeie The growing pace of shoes hitting the ground quickened with each passing second. The murmur of the crowd eagerly awaiting the runners grew from a low rumble to eager shouts of encouragement. Wave after wave, athletes with looks of intent and determination barrelled down a narrow strip of grass to the finish line. It wasn’t a coincidence that during the “Spartan Invitational” on Sept. 18, series of runners with the same jersey flashed by the crowd as if it were one mass. It was the unspoken, competitive encouragement of the teammates that propelled them to the finish line. “You’re at your best when you’re with your team,” said Head Coach Walter Drenth. “On your own, you’re going to struggle more.” For Coach Drenth, the responsibility of guiding both the men’s and women’s teams left him always striving for this mindset. “It’s good for team members to work together,” said Drenth. “Everyone recognizes their strengths and weaknesses and we use this to our advantage on the course.” The growth showed on the trail, but started behind the scenes. Pull back the curtains to reveal 10-mile workouts and five-minute repeats—that’s where the building began. “We only have two workouts a week,” said sophomore Max Benoit, “but that doesn’t mean we don’t train during other days of the week; and when we do, we always train together.” For Benoit, the second male to cross the finish line at the Spartan Invitational, the cohesion between runners that started during practice carried over into the race. “It’s hard to explain what happens on the course when you run with a teammate,” said Benoit. “You just push each other to go faster. That’s sometimes what it takes to get over that mental barrier standing between you and that PR.” Erin McDonald, a sophomore on women’s cross country who posted a time of 21 minutes and 47 seconds in the women’s 6K run at the “Spartan Invitational!” was not familiar with competing on turf. Before switching to shoes and shorts, CONTENT: JACK NISSEN PHOTO: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGN: CHLOE FOSTER McDonald was racing in swimming lanes in high school. “Swimming is a lot like running,” said McDonald. “You don’t use the same muscles, but it is a mental sport, and it requires dedication in order to be successful.” McDonald saw similarities in the mindset one needs to race, be it on land or in water. “No matter what sport, you still need to sleep a lot, eat healthy and hold your teammates accountable,” said McDonald. “There wasn’t a lot that motivated me like my teammates holding me accountable.” Junior Alexis Wiersma said the pain was vital to the growth that went on throughout the season. “You push yourself and the person next to you in the workouts,” said Wiersma. “You take something from every workout and that helps build you as a runner and as a teammate.” The Spartans’ training techniques proved effective as they snagged second place at the Spartan Invitational. Junior Rachele Schulist placed first overall, with teammate Wiersma close behind placing second. While the team’s performance improved through a fast-paced running tempo and perfecting a consistent distance, the Spartans’ season success truly derived from the heartening of teammates in every stride. Runners break away fro® the start line in the Women's 5K at the 'Spartan Invitational.’ Three hundred and eighteen students ran the race, and was won by MSU’s Rachele Schulist. SEASON HIGHLIGHTS GRIAK INVITATIONAL M: 1st - 74 pts W: 2nd 116 pts B1G M: 5th 1113 pts W: 3rd - 104 pts GREAT LAKES REGIONAL M: 2nd - 88pts W: 3rd! 88pts NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS M: 25th - 543pts W: 13th - 368 pts Postdoctoral researcher Madiha Khalid distributes food for students at the pick-up station. The MSU Student Food Bank is dedicated to providing free food for students in need each semester. CONTENT: BRYAN TAYLOR PHOTO: PHILINA CHEN DESIGN: KELSEY PARKINSON SWALLOWING PRIDE ms coifcle tL|ti(^»i|rease®,Hjderìtfflaik furffls for essentiels Within the last decade, the price of tuition at Michigan State University has more than doubled. Not only did the cost-per-credit hour increase, but also the cost of living in East Lansing. Burdened by education essentials, such as textbooks, school supplies and rising rent fees, cash-strapped students found it arduous to budget for the basics, namely food. Every other Wednesday, in a relatively small cafeteria located inside Olin Health Center, the MSU Student Food Bank hosts distribution events as an effort to reduce food insecurities for students on a tight budget. “Some days I have to skip lunch or breakfast and it gets hard,” said junior Krista Dunger as she explained the role the Student Food Bank played in her life. “It helps me eat lunch and sometimes it even feeds my daughter.” When students arrived at the Olin cafeteria on a distribution day, they received a ticket at the door. After waiting in line, students were interviewed by Student Food Bank volunteers to assess their household size and determine how much food they could receive. All MSU students were eligible to receive food as long as they did not have an MSU meal plan. After the screening, volunteers gather food from storage and hand it out a distribution window. “All of our purchases are made from money donations; none of it comes from the university. We receive other items from grocery stores along with the various other ways,” said Nicole Edmonds, the Student Food Bank’s operations manager. Students and their families left the distribution with smiling faces knowing food would not be a concern for the next few weeks. “A lot of people need help. A lot of people are struggling with financial issues and economic issues,” said senior volunteer Maria Cummings. The Student Food Bank maintained its original motto of ‘Students Helping Students’ since it was founded in 1993. As the first campus-based food assistance program in the country, it promoted a culture of acceptance and encouragement for students with heavy financial burdens. Each year, the Student Food Bank distributes more than 50,000 pounds of food to over 4,000 students. Some students, however, were reluctant to take advantage of its resources despite their need for groceries. “I have a lot of pride. At first, I didn’t want to be seen at a food bank,” said Student Food Bank client Sharon Smith.* Though the notion of receiving food assistance initially felt like charity to Smith, her discomfort dwindled after realizing her peers faced similar struggles. No longer afraid to show her face, Smith advised her fellow Spartans to discover the benefits Student Food Bank provided. “Don’t feel ashamed, because that’s not what it is about,” explained Smith. “We’re here in life to help each other out. It’s all about paying it forward.” *Real name changed 023 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING An increase in female Ingine» opens doors a jbl coliaplis Stereotgpes For generations, engineering has primarily existed as a male-dominated field. However, great strides for women in society brings about changes within the university, as well. This fall, the College of Engineering broke records when it welcomed more than 1,000 female students. This milestone was not achieved overnight, but rather was a reflection of recruitment efforts oveJff the past few years. The admission of the first female into the college in 1929 was just the beginning of a historic accomplishment for MSU. “Two years ago or so we put more resources into both recruiting more women students and ensuring that they retain through the first to second year, which is the big drop off year,” said Engineering Dean Leo Kempel. The college’s K-12 Outreach, Diversity Programs and Women in Engineering (WIE) offices were all a part of crafting the successful recruitment strategies. WIE spearheaded efforts to raise awareness among female high school students by allowing them to meet current students and staff. “You can’t just say you want to do something if you’re not going to back that up with people to do it. Talented people to do it. It’s not going to happen,” Kempel added. The talent and dedication of the engineering faculty was matched by the aptitude of the women they brought in. According to Kempel, women engineering students had the highest retention rate of the school. Student groups such as the Society of Women Engineers and Women in Computing took initiative by hosting meetings, discussions, working on projects and attending conferences. Maria Allen, a sophomore chemical engineering major and member relations chair of the Society of Women in Engineering, credited her classes and the program for her feats in engineering. “The amount of help I get in classes, from recitation sections to help rooms, makes a course a lot more understandable and enjoyable,” she said. Though the increased female interest in engineering undoubtedly heightened competition within the college, peers greeted the change in landscape with praise. “I feel women in the engineering college make just as much as an impact in productivity. It’s nice to see a strong representation of women that can prove that they are technical problem solvers, and can be innovative thinkers as well,” said computer science engineering senior Joe Dinkha. “It helps to totally break the perception of only men becoming engineers.” CONTENT: TORI ZACKERY DESIGN: KELSEY PARKINSON During the "First Year Engineering Extravaganza," ajirhe Hive, students make their way through various companies. The event provides an opportunity to learn about interchips, study habits and other valuable information. PHOTO:¡¡ATE REVARD Cara Monterosso from General Electric converses with engineering students at the "First Year Engineering Extravaganza." Students asked questions and learned about options for their future careers through representatives from many Fortune 500 companies. PHOTO: MONICA STEFANIC 025 ROLLING, BRAIDING AND BAKING: THE CHALLAH WAY A Taste of Shaifeh for Hungerj