Category: Fun & Resources

Learn about fun and/or interesting things to do around MSU or interesting bits of MSU trivia.

Help MSU compete in RecycleMania 2016

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White paper and mixed paper at MSU recycling center on Tuesday November 9, 2010. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.
White paper and mixed paper at MSU recycling center. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Last year, MSU was one of 394 colleges and universities that participated in the friendly competition RecyleMania. MSU contributed more than 1 million of the 80 million pounds that was recycled across the country in the competition. Spartans can do even better during RecyleMania 2016, which runs from February 8 to April 1, by coming together to recycle more and throw out less.

In addition to continuing regular recycling habits, staff and faculty can get involved by hosting an office clean-out. The service is free and provided by the Surplus Store and Recycling Center. If your office already has recyclables prepared and sorted, Recycling Center staff will arrive at your office, help load the items and remove them that day. Or, temporary containers can be dropped off at your office and picked up at a later date. To schedule an office clean-out, call 517-355-1723.

There are a few additional ways staff and faculty can participate in RecycleMania. This year MSU Recycling is emphasizing book reuse and recycling. Books that are collected will be sold for reuse through the Surplus Store, donated to local charities or recycled. Organize a book collection by calling 517- 355-1723.

From noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at Auditorium and Tuesday, March 15, behind Wells Hall you can get a picture with Scrap Metal Sparty and talk to MSU recycling staff.

Like the MSU Recycling Center’s Facebook page for recycling tips and updates on RecycleMania.

Warm up with these savory recipes

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Beef_stew_smallThere’s nothing like a hot meal to warm you up in the cold winter months. Once again, Residential and Hospitality Services Senior Executive Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski has provided us with some delicious recipes to share. These winter warmers will bring a smile to your face and impress any guest! One of Chef Kurt’s favorite recipes is the beef dish below, and you can also try out his Shrimp Scampi and Catalan Seafood Stew recipes.

Slow Cooked Balsamic Beef

4# beef chuck roast
Salt and pepper for seasoning
2 T. olive oil
1 c. chicken broth
ÂĽ c. red wine
1 medium onion sliced
2 carrots peeled and rough cut
1 package of baby bella mushrooms quartered
1½ c. large cut pieces of rutabaga
1 bay leaf
8 oz. Tomato Sauce
3 T. Balsamic Vinegar
ÂĽ c. chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
Zest of one lemon
1 clove of garlic minced

Generously season both sides of the roast with salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side of the roast for about 3-5 minutes.

Add broth and wine to the hot skillet to de-glaze it, scraping up the brown bits on the pan remove from heat and reserve.

Place sliced onions, carrots, mushrooms then rutabaga in the bottom of the slow cooker and put the seared meat on top.

Pour the deglazed sauce mixture on top of the meat in the slow cooker.

Combine balsamic vinegar and tomato sauce in a small bowl and pour over meat in the crock pot.

Cover & Crock on Low for 6-8 hours.

Remove and serve with lemon/garlic/parsley topping (gremolata)

Happy Fun at Work Day!

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Work doesn’t always have to be “work.” Adding fun and humor to the workplace is a great way to boost productivity and morale. January 28 is Fun at Work Day, an unofficial holiday set aside to remind the workforce of the benefits of play, friendly competition and humor in day-to-day life.

Dairy Store Display
A trip to the one of the MSU Dairy Store locations is a great mid-day break activity!

Here are a few ideas to get started:

Decorations

Add some flair to your work space! Putting up pictures, posters, comics and more personalizes your space and can give your coworkers a laugh when they stop by.

An organized cubicle or desk decorating contest can also engage the whole office and increase creativity. Who in your office can give their work space the most Spartan spirit?

Bulletin Boards

A bulletin board with thank-you notes, drawings, fun facts, jokes, newsclippings and more creates a space of community and public expression. Employees can pose a daily or weekly question for everyone to respond to on the board, such as “What’s your favorite movie” or “What superpower do you wish you had?” Dry erase boards are perfect for writing daily inspirational quotes or jokes or showcasing the talents of any artists in the office.

Midday outings

A change of scenery can boost energy and clear the mind. Health4U  offers an abundance of activities from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays. You can experience something new with your coworkers at a session involving relaxation, light exercise or instructional cooking.

Fun at work builds camaraderie, increases employee satisfaction and productivity and inspires creativity. We hope you have fun today!

Engage with your community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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MLK and LBJ
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon Johnson shakes hands after the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

MSU’s Project 60/50 began in 2014 as a community-oriented conversation starter that derived its name and mission from the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These two historical pieces of legislation were born from a diverse yet united community’s countless hours of organized campaigning and conversation to achieve the worthy and crucial goal of equality.

The struggle for civil rights continues in this country, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on progress and assess what lies ahead. Dr. King has brought hope, inspiration and motivation to millions during and after his lifetime. His encouragement of peaceful protest and widespread awareness of ongoing discrimination remain relevant today.Continue Reading… Engage with your community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2015 MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

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Get something original and hand-crafted this season at the 52nd Michigan State University Holiday Arts & Crafts Show!

UAB arts and crafts pic-small

On Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Union will be filled with the work or more than 130 artisans from across the country. This event is one of two arts and crafts shows presented by the University Activities Board each year.

Some of the handmade items for sale include candles, furniture, jewelry, home and yard decor, aromatherapy, clothing, children’s toys, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture and much more! You’ll be sure to find the perfect decoration or gift with such a variety of specially crafted items, and attending the event supports the UAB and the artists.

Make sure to check out the abundance of family-friendly activities just north in downtown East Lansing at Winter Glow!  The free event is Saturday, December 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. and features ice carving, a winter barnyard, horse and carriage rides, a special outdoor holiday farmer’s market, a heated music tent, carolers, games and much more.

Remember that parking at MSU is free on weekends, too!

Find out more about the holiday craft show here.

Showing thanks to co-workers

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thanksgivig graphic-smallThe spirit of Thanksgiving is sometimes buried behind hectic food preparation, travel plans and premature holiday and shopping distractions. It’s important to remember that Thanksgiving provides us with a time to reflect upon the good fortune and good people in our lives.

Many of these good people are those that you work with, sharing experiences as you work toward the same goal. It’s easy to show them your gratitude in simple gestures that will bring the spirit of Thanksgiving in your office. Here are a few ways to show thanks:

  • Bring in a treat. Food brings people together and gives you an opportunity to show off your cooking skills. Bringing in some Thanksgiving leftovers is also a great way to clear out an over-stuffed fridge.
  • Write a note. You don’t need to clear out the shelves of the Hallmark store for this one. Even just a sticky note placed on your co-worker’s computer or a quick email can be enough to convey your gratitude.
  • Say “thank you.” Perhaps the easiest of them all, simply telling your co-workers that you appreciate them, especially by mentioning something specific that they have done for you, can brighten their day.

Before heading home to your family this long weekend, remember to send a smile or a kind word to those in your MSU family.

Safe Commuting Tips

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This article was written by the MSU Bike Advisory Committee.

MSU has upgraded to the silver level of the Bicycle Friendly University Award! As we continue to advance the bicycle-friendly nature of MSU, it’s important for drivers to do their part in ensuring safety on shared roads.

A cyclist travels alongside cars on Farm Lane. Photo courtesy of Tim Potter.
A cyclist travels alongside vehicles on Farm Lane. Photo courtesy of Tim Potter.

As you drive to work, why not use more attention and compassion towards your fellow commuters and make the morning commute safer and more enjoyable for everyone? Remember that your fellow commuter might be on foot or on a bike and that every one of them means one less car on the road and one less car competing for a parking space!

If you drive a car to work you should take special care when passing cyclists. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on Michigan roads as other vehicles. When passing a cyclist, make sure to pass at a safe distance. Don’t attempt to squeeze by cyclists in the same lane even though you think there’s enough room, as they may suddenly need extra room to avoid potholes, dead animals, or an icy patch on the road. Many places, including the City of Grand Rapids, already have safe passing laws that require 5 feet of safe passing distance.

Also, don’t forget to watch out for pedestrians at cross walks. Michigan law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in cross walks.

At the same time cyclists and pedestrians are required to follow traffic rules: don’t cross a street when you have a “don’t walk” signal or a red light. Michigan law requires cyclists to stop at stop signs and red lights just as any other vehicle.

But besides following basic rules, even more important is to be alert and courteous. This makes commuting a better experience for everyone. Just remember, the cyclist you just buzzed might be working at the Clinical Center and giving you a flu shot later, or it might be the professor of your next MSU class.

All commuters share two goals: get to work safely and get home safely after work. Let’s work together to make that happen!

Want to help MSU become more bike friendly? Attend a meeting of the MSU Bike Advisory Committee

Resources:

MSU Police MOVE SAFE campaign 

League of Michigan Bicyclists safe cycling handbook 

MSU Bike Commuter Benefits:

Learn More about Safe Bicycling 

Michigan Law Regarding Bicycling

Thank you veterans!

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U.S. flag
“Armistice Day” became Veterans Day in 1954.

MSU Human Resources extends its gratitude to all veterans that have served and defended their country in the U.S. military. It is impossible for those who never served to understand the experiences of the men and women who have, but Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to recognize their sacrifice and bravery.

We especially thank veterans at MSU, including students, faculty and staff, for choosing to join the MSU community after your service for the United States.

If you are a veteran, consider self-identifying as one in EBS. To do so, visit the Personal Information link under your ESS tab. Self-identifying allows MSU to send specific information that pertains to you as a veteran.

Veterans, let the Greater Lansing community serve you today! An abundance of businesses across the country thank veterans by offering free food and discounted services to them, and East Lansing is no exception. Eat out at your favorite restaurant or try a new one this Veterans Day.

2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients

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Congratulations to the 2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients!

The Outstanding Supervisor Award was established by the Family Resource Center in the spring of 2001 to draw attention to MSU supervisors who are highly regarded by their employees for their consistent support of the work/life (professional/personal) needs of their employees. Various academic and support staff units submitted excellent nominations this year. The nominees and nominators represent a wide variety of departments and position levels.Continue Reading… 2015 Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients

Fall Color Walk

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Fall leaves on the ground
Autumn leaves line the sidewalk to the Music Practice Building. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Time flies when you’re busy, and the season of fall is no exception to that rule with the return of students, football Saturdays and increased campus activities. Fall is stunning on campus, and now in the middle of October the colorful trees are at their most beautiful.

Set aside some time in the next few weeks to slow down with a walk through campus, taking in the scenery and breathing crisp autumn air.

Michigan State has many hidden gems that you might not be familiar with. Just north of East Neighborhood, the Sanford Natural area offers a quiet stroll through the woods right next to the Red Cedar River.

In the southeast corner of campus you can admire a variety of specially designed gardens in the Clarence E. Lewis Arboretum.

Aerial view of West Circle Drive
Paths criss-cross throughout West Circle. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

West Circle, the River Trail and Beal Botanical Garden are, deservedly so, well-known beautiful destinations for campus walks as well.

You can also find paths with campus art on the way and keep track of your mileage with this Campus Walking Loops map.

With such a wide variety of walking tours to choose from, you can spend the rest of the fall exploring campus, soothing your mind and exercising your body.