| When: | Friday, November 22, 2019 |
| Where: | The Lansing Center, Second Floor |
| Time: | Noon |
| Speaker: | Michelle Pell, Director of MSU Union |
| Title: | "The MSU Union: A Storied Past, Inspired Future" |
| Chair of the Day: | Janet Lillie |
| Invocator: | Julie Pingston |
| Greeter: | Casey Jacobsen |
| Chair of the Month: | Janet Lillie |
| Remembrance: | Diane Sanborn |
| Editarian: | Pam Miklavcic |
Michelle’s role as Director of the MSU Union is responsible for administrative and operational oversight of the MSU Union Building, University Activities Board, and Outreach & Tours. As a proud Spartan alum, Michelle has served in a leadership position for 10 years with successful and progressive responsibilities since starting her career at MSU in 2009.Outside of her career work, Michelle has a strong desire to learn, develop, and improve systems and processes. She was nominated to represent MSU’s Residential and Hospitality Services in the 2017 cohort of the MSU Executive Leadership Academy, and most recently the 2018/19 Leadership Lansing Program. She has strong values of connection, gratitude, service, and vision that guide her leadership style at home, work, and within the community. She serves on the board of directors at Advent House Ministries, ATHENA WIN Professional Growth & Development Committee, and is a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the Greater Lansing area.
The following member has recently elected to resign from our Club:
- Teresa Szymanski, Retired Lansing Police Chief
Who turned off the lights! Rotary was called to order at 12:28 in the dark this week by President Pat Hanes. The dim lights didn’t dim our enjoyment of the wonderful program that was before us. The invocation was provided by Jacob Sabins who plead for our presence to grow with love and kindness in selfless service.
The patriotic song “America the Beautiful” was accompanied by John Dale Smith. Either he has the song memorized or he is good at playing while the lights were turned on and off during the song.
The attendance was good, especially considering it was the first day of the hunting season. After introduction of guests, the microphone was given to Alexandra Souser who informed us that John Grettenberger, Sr. was looking better in body and spirit. Our hearts and prayers are with them in his hopeful continued recovery.
President Hanes gave special recognition to Rick Schuon and his wife for their wonderful service in volunteering at Sparrow Hospital for the past 20 years. They have been providing weekly service that is invaluable to the community and hospital.
Julie Pingston gave some insight on the background of the Music Committee. Milt Berg played the piano for 64 years for the Rotary (a feat that John Dale Smith doesn’t feel he will match!) She also reminded us of the upcoming Christmas Party that will be organized by John Dale Smith and Ken Beachler. Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to them to discuss.
John Person finished up announcements by discussing the Paul Harris matching and encouraging all to participate in the month of December. Check with John to see what is required to get you to the next level of the Paul Harris award. It was also announced that the meeting will be cancelled for January 3rd due to the holiday season.
The chair of the day/month was Janet Lillie for the 3rd week in a row. She also will be the chair next week! Janet introduced us to Dr. Christopher Contag, Director of the Institute for Quantitative Health Science to discuss the Impact of MSU’s Investment in Biomedicine on Economic Growth.
Needless to say, there was a lot of scientific jargon in Dr. Contag’s presentation. The content was very fluid though as he discussed
the focus and growth of the Institute. In the last two years the institute has grown to over 350 staff members and $20M in federal grant support. The institute building is divided into (8) areas (or neighborhoods) which are built on the academic strength of Michigan State University. The institute also partners with other schools and organizations with the intent of broadening the knowledge base and increase awareness and growth in their field. Their efforts are very encouraging to see a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel for cancer treatment and awareness.
the focus and growth of the Institute. In the last two years the institute has grown to over 350 staff members and $20M in federal grant support. The institute building is divided into (8) areas (or neighborhoods) which are built on the academic strength of Michigan State University. The institute also partners with other schools and organizations with the intent of broadening the knowledge base and increase awareness and growth in their field. Their efforts are very encouraging to see a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel for cancer treatment and awareness.President Hanes commented on how “scary smart” Dr. Contag is and ended the meeting at 1:29 with a ring of the bell and the traditional speakers gift. We will meet at the Lansing Center next week on the second floor.
Brian Taylor's email is: Brian@oddfellowscontracting.com
