Ventures - MSU College of Social Science Newsletter

Welcome to the redesigned MSU College of Social Science newsletter - Ventures! This newsletter will be issued twice each year, in the fall and spring, to share news with alumni and friends about the social, behavioral, and economic sciences at MSU. Outstanding faculty, students, and programs continue to be a hallmark of the College, and we hope you are inspired by and proud of the news and stories we share with you here. More ...

Thank you for your interest in all the great things happening at MSU's College of Social Science!

Marietta L. Baba, Dean and Professor

Alumnus and Former Mayor Sam Singh Travels Around the World

Like a true Spartan, former East Lansing mayor and History ('94) alumnus Sam Singh is making people green - with envy. In January, he embarked on a 16-month journey around the world, planning to visit 25 countries on all seven continents. After years of dreaming about his worldlist - the places, events, and sites he wants to see in his lifetime - he left his adopted hometown of East Lansing, said goodbye to his dog Cob, and began fulfilling his travel dreams. More...

"We the People" Challenge Grant Met!

We are happy to announce that the Symposium on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy has met the "We the People" Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Housed in the College of Social Science, the Symposium on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy (also known as the LeFrak Forum) was bestowed this prestigious honor in 2004 for the purpose of creating a permanent endowment for its programs. Devoted to the theme of "the theory and practice of modern democracy," the Symposium sponsors lectures, conferences, and publications supporting this topic. Read the full article.

Social Science Alumni Association Update

As President of the College of Social Science Alumni Association (CSSAA), I encourage you to stay connected. We have a network of 85,000 diverse alumni in varied fields, living across the world. You can be involved with this dynamic network of Social Science Spartans by keeping your contact information current, nominating a fellow alum or former professor for a college award, joining the Alumni Board, volunteering, or contributing to the financial stability of your alma mater. More...

	Alumna Remembers Alma Mater
When Social Science ('84) alumna Ann Parker thinks of MSU, a crisp fall weekend on campus immediately comes to mind, as well as the enduring friendships that were started here. Every year since graduation, she has celebrated the holidays with friends from her freshman year in McDonel Hall. What has Parker reflecting back to her days on campus? More ...

	Outstanding Alumna and Professor Honored
At the Social Science Commencement Ceremony in May, the College of Social Science Alumni Association presented an Outstanding Teaching Award to Political Science Professor Arthur Melzer and an Outstanding Alumni Award to Terry Nafisi (Political Science 1972; Public Administration 1975). Read the full article.

Professors Making a Difference

Dr. Norm Sauer, Dr. David Foran and their colleagues in the multidisciplinary MSU Forensic Science Program are attempting to solve crimes from our past and present. The program is world-renowned and their expertise is heavily sought after for high profile cases such as the September 11 World Trade Center Attack and the reinvestigation of the Boston Strangler. Last year, Foran was able to use state-of-the-art DNA analysis to cast doubt on one of Great Britain's most infamous murder trials. More ...

	Undergraduate Researches Community Development in Ghana
Elaine Brantley, an interdisciplinary studies senior, traveled to Ghana in May of 2007 to participate as an interviewer in a community-based research project in central Ghana. The deciding factor in her participation was an undergraduate research grant from the College of Social Science Alumni Association. More ...

Your Support Means so Much

As the year ends, we hope that the MSU College of Social Science is in your thoughts as you make your charitable considerations. Through tax-advantaged giving, your support can benefit our students, faculty and research, as well as your own financial situation. Your gift to MSU can qualify as a charitable deduction on your federal income tax return and you may also be able to take advantage of the Michigan tax credit. For more information, please contact Sarah Blom, Senior Director of Development, or click here to make your gift today via MSU's secure website.

Thank you for your support of and dedication to MSU and the College of Social Science!

MSU College of Social Science * Office of Development & Alumni Relations * 306 Berkey Hall * East Lansing, MI 48824