Monday 08/26/19 - Welcome Week

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FALL 2019

Editor’s Note: You can count on The State News ‘Our role is to chronicle life on and off campus,’ Editor-in-Chief Madison O’Connor said Page 2

What can you buy with exPresident Simon’s payout?

The State News breaks down Simon’s $2.45 million retirement payout

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Preview: 2019 MSU football season Here’s what to know before the Spartans begin their football season

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WELCOME WEEK

Editor’s Note: ‘You can count on us’

BY MADISON O’CONNOR 2019-20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MOCONNOR@STATENEWS.COM

Among ever-changing classes, majors, living spaces, roommates, friends and jobs, we face plenty of transitions as students. Some of these adjustments are things we expect, but others aren’t.

During your time at Michigan State University, your interests will change. Your goals and aspirations will become clearer. You’ll find your community and grow in ways you never expected.

But that process takes time — and the road is rarely smooth.

As we find our footing in who we are and how we want to impact the world, our university is doing the same. MSU has been in turmoil since many of us stepped on campus. The community is still struggling in the aftermath.

With so much transition and change at every turn, being an MSU student is complicated, no doubt.

But our goal at The State News is to reflect your time at MSU. Our role is to chronicle life on and off campus every single day in order to help you better navigate and understand your world.

That means reporting on issues you care about, changes in our community, things that drive you crazy (looking at you, MSU Parking)

“As we find our footing in who we are and how we want to impact the world, our university is doing the same.” and stories you might not find on your own.

The State News is Michigan State’s independent student voice. That word — “independent” — is key. It means we’re legally and financially separate from the university, which allows us editorial freedom in what we report on. With that independence, we’re able to provide fair coverage without influence from the university or other parties.

In the coming year, you’ll continue to see us cover life at Michigan State and the city of East Lansing with the same fervor we always have.

But you’ll also see more localized coverage of national issues, more enterprise journalism and more stories reflecting diverse communities and voices.

You’ll see our storytelling through different mediums, including written articles, video, graphics, photos, podcasts, social media and online at

statenews.com.

Balanced and accurate reporting is a priority for us, and along the way, we’ll be conscious of biases and assumptions in our work. We know certain parties are heard more than others, and we invite you to point out stories we might have missed.

Our staff is made up of full-time students trying to balance work, school and a social life — just like you are. While recording what life as a Spartan looks like in the pages of our newspaper, know that we’re trying to navigate it all, too.

At the end of the day, this is a collective experience, and we hope our reporting gives you a greater perspective about the history that’s unfolding at MSU. As you grow and learn during your time here, we hope you’ll continue to turn to us for information, produced by people who are going through the same things you are.

If you have a story, a question or an opinion you’d like to share with us, please do. Reach out to us at editorinchief@statenews.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to — ­­ or back to — MSU. And know that when you’re looking to learn more about what’s happening here, you can count on us.

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“Our goal at The State News is to reflect your time at MSU. Our role is to chronicle life on and off campus every single day in order to help you better navigate and understand your world.”

Madison O’Connor 2019–20 Editor-in-Chief

Vol. 110 | No. 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2019

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CONTACT THE STATE NEWS (517) 295-1680 NEWSROOM/CORRECTIONS (517) 295-5149 feedback@statenews.com

Here’s a recap of what you missed while you were away from campus

GENERAL MANAGER Christopher Richert

Learn about MSU’s new president Samuel L. Stanley Jr. officially began his term as president this month.

Get to know his goals, his history and more

Breakdown of Lou Anna K. Simon’s payout What could you get with ex-President Simon’s $2.45 million payout?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madison O’Connor

MANAGING EDITOR Mila Murray

FOR NEWS RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS FOLLOW US AT:

The Spartan statue photagraphed on May 15. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK

COPY CHIEF Alan Hettinger

CAMPUS EDITOR Kaitlyn Kelley

The State News

CITY EDITOR Evan Jones

@statenews

PHOTO EDITOR Sylvia Jarrus

@thesnews

Go green & recycle this newspaper please! :)

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What you missed this summer

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WELCOME WEEK

WHAT YOU MISSED AT MSU THIS SUMMER

BY HALEY SINCLAIR HSINCLAIR@STATENEWS.COM

Most Michigan State students spent their summer away from campus, but things involving the university still continued.

Here’s what you might have missed while away from East Lansing.

MSU WELCOMES NEW UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Samuel L. Stanley Jr. as MSU’s next university president in May. Stanley officially started his term as president Aug. 1.

“Dr. Stanley is an empowering, compassionate and thoughtful leader, who will work tirelessly alongside our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and broader Spartan community to meet the challenges we face together and build our future,” Dianne Byrum, chair of the Board of Trust-

ees and co-chair of the presidential search committee, said in a university press release.

EX-DEAN WILLIAM STRAMPEL SENTENCED

William Strampel — former dean of MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) — was sentenced to one year in Ingham County jail Aug. 7 after being found guilty of misconduct in office and two counts of willful neglect in regard to overseeing ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar upon returning to his position after a 2014 Title IX investigation.

Samuel L. Stanley Jr. speaks with members of the community inside the MSU Union ballroom May 30. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK

Strampel was charged with misconduct in office for using his position as dean to “proposition, manipulate and, in my view, oppress women,” Judge Joyce Draganchuk said on the day of his sentencing.

Twelve members of the jury and compelled witnesses aided Strampel’s verdict throughout the seven days of trial, which began May 30.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a statement the day of Strampel’s sentencing, saying, “Today’s sentencing sends a resoundingly clear message to public officials: If you brandish your power

to demean, insult, harass, objectify and abuse women, you will be held accountable.”

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HEALING ASSISTANCE FUND FRAUD, SECOND-WAVE SURVIVORS SPEAK

Seven individuals were charged with false pretenses in connection with fraudulent claims into the Healing Assistance Fund. MSU women’s basketball players Maxann Reese and Donita Johnson were among those charged.

Reese and Johnson received nine counts of false pretenses among them both, amounting to between $20,000 and $50,000.

The $10 million fund was established to provide counseling and mental health services for survivors of Nassar’s abuse. Addressing the Board of Trustees about the fund has been a topic of concern for the Parents of Sister Survivors Engage (POSSE) since last October.

Termination of the fund drove criticism of former MSU Interim President John Engler. The board has since CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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WELCOME WEEK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 reestablished an intermediate healing fund in late February.

Valerie von Frank — on behalf of POSSE — said at a June 21 board meeting that survivors “don’t control their trauma and its aftermath.”

Second-wave Nassar survivors have yet to be determined as a topic on the Board of Trustees’ agenda despite the climate surrounding the issue.

“We’re just waiting. We’re waiting for you to take action,” von Frank said.

Trustee Dianne Byrum announced an independent investigation into the university’s handling of reports against Nassar’s sexual abuse. Attorney General Dana Nessel has been vocal about her disapproval of the investigation due to the university denying the release of documents from the previous investigations and for determining to not reject attorney-client privilege.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Sept. 6.

EX-MSU PRESIDENT LOU ANNA K. SIMON’S PRIMARY HEARING CONTINUES

Former MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon was charged with two counts of lying to a peace officer in a violent crime investigation and two counts of lying to a peace officer in a four year or more crime investigation. The decision to put Simon on trial or not is to be determined.

Simon retired from her tenured faculty position at MSU the same day a

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report obtained by NBC from the US Senate Subcommittee investigation was issued, determining that MSU, the FBI, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee fell short of defending survivors of Nassar’s abuse.

Upon retiring, Simon will receive $2.45 million along with president emeritus and faculty emeritus status.

Reclaim MSU is among those in the MSU community apprehensive of Simon’s retirement payout. According to the Lansing State Journal, Simon’s court cases have cost the university more than $672,000.

MSU RECEIVES ‘GOLDEN PADLOCK AWARD’

MSU received the “Golden Padlock” award by the non-profit organization Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). Their focus is on investigative reporting.

The award is given to the “most secretive publicly-funded agency in the country.”

MSU PREVENTION, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

MSU’s Prevention, Outreach and Education Department (POE) released their first report, including 10 initiatives, during the summer semester.

POE reached over 72,000 individuals in the MSU community. The Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence

Prevention Program and The Bystander Network Program commanded high completion rates.

POE stated that their first year was “exciting and successful.”

Progress will continue after hiring a climate and response specialist this year.

MSU AGREES TO REFORM TITLE IX

In light of the civil rights investigation relating to Larry Nassar, MSU is now in agreement to revise procedures dealing with sexual misconduct with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, or OCR. The agreement aims to implement a better complaint resolution process and to manage complaint responses through a neutral designated official.

Additionally, it targets medical practitioners by implementing a chaperone policy for sensitive procedures.

This agreement comes after the College of Osteopathic Medicine has faced multiple sexual assault allegation cases.

Michael Phinn, a medical resident at COM, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault.

Several women have come forward, opening an investigation into sexual comments allegedly made by Robert W. Wiseman, a physiology professor in COM. Kroll Associates, a firm MSU hired for this investigation, found Wiseman’s behavior “unwanted, persistent and pervasive.”

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ABOVE: Valerie von Frank, mother of a Nassar survivor, speaks during the public participation segment of the MSU Board of Trustees meeting on June 21 at the Hannah Administration Building.

RIGHT: Former MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon shows written notes to defense attorney Terry Dillon during her preliminary examination at the Eaton County Courthouse on July 23.

PHOTOS BY MATT ZUBIK

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WELCOME WEEK

‘Gotcha’ Scooters to arrive in East Lansing

BY EVAN JONES EJONES@STATENEWS.COM

Electric scooters will return to East Lansing sometime in September, according to Assistant to the City Manager Nicole Bartell.

Gotcha, a company that was seeking a city permit since at least April, completed a licensing agreement this summer.

City Manager George Lahanas said the city has proactively worked with Gotcha to create deployment zones for their arrival date and beyond.

He said some residents were frustrated before because they

thought there was no process and that scooters were parked almost anywhere in the city.

“I think that this is something hopefully where they’ll be trapped in much more established locations,” Lahanas said.

The company Spin sent in an application but has not completed the agreement process thus far. Bartell said Lime met with the city to discuss a renewal application, but they have not yet submitted one.

The city’s licensing agreement process is open to any company that wants to enroll and pay the fees to operate dockless scoot-

APPLY TODAY!

ers throughout the city.

Michigan State has not yet decided to sign a request for proposal, or RFP, agreement with a scooter company to determine which scooters can deploy on MSU’s campus.

MSU hasn’t announced any details of their ongoing RFP process.

The MSU Board of Trustees lifted a ban on electric scooters riding through campus in its May 2019 meeting, which means students can use scooters on campus, but at this point, the scooters will not be deployed there.

BE A STATE NEWS BOARD DIRECTOR 2019-2021 The Board establishes the policies and budget of The State News. Members attend monthly meetings during the academic year and serve two-year terms.

“I joined the board as a freshman at MSU. I am glad to be a part of an organization that touches the lives of all MSU students.

Providing a unique voice and perspective is important to me.”

Nama Naseem State News Board of Directors

Apply Today at statenews.com/board Deadline for applying is Thursday, September 19th at 5:00 pm Interviews will be Friday, Sept 27th.

MO N DAY, AUGUST 26, 2019

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WELCOME WEEK

The laws and potential risks students face with marijuana

BY EVAN JONES EJONES@STATENEWS.COM

M

ichigan legalized, by voter initiative, recreational marijuana in November 2018.

Marijuana laws differ between federal, state and local levels. While living in East Lansing, it is helpful to know the specifics of laws among the different governing authorities because there are three different police authorities who enforce each kind.

FEDERAL LAW ON MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Shortly after the voter initiative passed, MSU released a statement regarding its marijuana policy.

The statement reiterates the federal criminalization still in place, due to compliance with the DrugFree Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.

University policy also prohibits distribution and possession on MSU property.

“Those found in violation of university policies or federal laws prohib-

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iting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus are subject to legal and disciplinary action,” the statement said.

MSU also issued a separate statement for medical marijuana, saying that the university would accommodate patients taking medical marijuana by waiving their requirement on campus or to allow terminating a housing contract to move off campus.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STATE AND LOCAL LAW

The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana act, or MRTMA, passed one month after the voter initiative was approved. This law set in place both the initial limits for possession and initial penalties for public use, underage use and possessing over the legal limit.

Michigan State Police said in December that if they smell marijuana when they pull over someone over 21, they won’t perform a car search.

However, if an officer suspects a driver to be driving under the influence, they said it would be prosecuted like a DUI offense.

This has proven to be difficult since

MONDAY, AUGUST 26 , 2 01 9

the new law has been passed. Roadside field tests for driving under the influence of marijuana are the best metric officers have before new technology, like a spit-test pilot program expanding statewide in the fall.

Operating a vehicle while using marijuana carries a misdemeanor offense both under state law and local East Lansing law.

The state government is still preparing the regulatory infrastructure for the marijuana industry, as emergency rules were created in early July permitting recreational marijuana smoking lounges, festivals and home delivery.

While the state government has the authority to grant legal uses and regulations for the drug, local governments can determine how much they want to buy in.

The city of East Lansing already signed up for recreational dispensaries, approving four medical marijuana centers by the end of April 2019.

When recreational business regulations go into effect January 2020, it is assumed that medical marijuana centers will transition to recreational facilities.

When regulating penalties, city

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officials sought to have fewer misdemeanor crimes than MRTMA, and Ordinance 1457 achieves that.

Two City Council discussion-only meetings occurred regarding what penalties are appropriate for various conducts not authorized in state law. The disagreement among council members was whether to apply civil infractions across the board or to include misdemeanors.

The ordinance adopted in the council’s April 23 meeting includes misdemeanor penalties for smoking marijuana within a vehicle upon a public way, and possession or use on school grounds.

Misdemeanors could carry a $100 maximum fee, up to 90 days of jail time and 90 days of community service.

All other penalties — like possession of marijuana over the legal amount, by people underage, or consumption in public spaces — are civil infractions that could carry a $25 maximum fine, 30 days of community service and substance abuse screening.

Additionally, ASMSU provides legal services for students.

Cannabis buds. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK

WELCOME WEEK

LOU ANNA K. SIMON’S

PAYOUT BREAKDOWN What could you get with Lou Anna K. Simon’s $2.45 million payout?

BY GENNA BARNER GBARNER@STATENEWS.COM

Ex-Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon will officially retire from the university on Aug. 31, 2019 after 45 years. She will hold the titles of president emeritus and faculty emeritus with a payout of $2.45 million over three years.

Simon maintained a tenured faculty position and a Wills House office after resigning as president in January 2018.

Last fall, Simon took an unpaid leave of absence while facing criminal charges in Eaton County, where state officials allege Simon lied to police about her knowledge related to 2014 Title IX investigations into ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse.

The announcement of Simon’s retirement came one week after her preliminary hearing — which lasted seven days — for those charges concluded.

“Michigan State is on the precipice of a new chapter under the leadership of President Stanley,” Simon said in a university press release.

She said she would continue scholarly pursuits and community engagement while living in Traverse City. It has not been determined yet whether or not Simon’s case will move to trial.

Simon’s retirement payout has been met with criticism by members of the university community. Here is what you could get with her payout.

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FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

245,245

COTTAGE INN LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZAS Each person living in Ann Arbor and Lansing could have pizza, and there would still be pizza left to share.

144,202

12-PACKS OF BELL’S OBERON ALE That’s 1,730,429 cans, which is enough for each MSU undergraduate student to have 43 cans of Oberon.

1,025,104 STARBUCKS GRANDE COFFEES

That’s enough for each MSU undergraduate student to have 26 coffees.

GRAPHIC BY GENNA BARNER/THE STATE NEWS SOURCES: UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU AND MSUFACTS NUMBERS BASED ON: $484.13 A CREDIT, WITH 120 CREDITS NEEDED TO GRADUATE. GRANDE STARBUCKS COFFEE COSTS $2.39. COTTAGE INN LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZA COSTS $9.99.

BELL’S OBERON ALE COSTS $16.99 FOR A 12-PACK. THERE WERE 39,423 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT MSU IN FALL 2018. APPROXIMATELY 121,477 PEOPLE LIVE IN ANN ARBOR AND 116,986 LIVE IN LANSING, AS OF 2017.

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WELCOME WEEK

GET TO KNOW UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

DR. SAMUEL L. STANLEY JR. STORY BY KAITLYN KELLEY KKELLEY@STATENEWS.COM

PHOTOS BY MATT ZUBIK MZUBIK@STATENEWS.COM

About a year after the university announced it was going to conduct a presidential search following ex-President Lou Anna K. Simon's resignation, the Michigan State Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve Samuel L. Stanley Jr. — Stony Brook University president for almost 10 years — as MSU’s next president at a special board meeting May 28. Stanley officially began his term Aug. 1.

WHAT DID SAMUEL L. STANLEY JR. DO BEFORE MICHIGAN STATE?

Stanley became Stony Brook University's fifth president in July of 2009. Before that, he was vice chancellor for research at Washington University.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from the University of Chicago, a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and he completed a resident-physician training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also went to Washington University in St. Louis for a fellowship in infectious diseases and eventually became a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, according to his biography.

At Stony Brook, Stanley advocated for more funding for financial aid. He has been an advocate for gender equality. He is one of the U.S. University Impact Champions for UN Women’s HeForShe initiative.

“Universities are a key venue for discussing, instilling and ensuring gender equality,” Stanley said in a HuffPost article he wrote in 2016. “Our goals at Stony Brook include redressing gender imbalances from matriculation to graduation; using the University’s Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities to build global understanding of the role for men in achieving gender equality; and, integrating gender equality into the academic and social experience.”

Stanley is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public Land Grant Universities. He completed terms on the NCAA Board of Directors and served as chair of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity — which advises the government on issues related to sensitive biological research — for seven years.

Samuel L. Stanley Jr. speaks with members of the community inside the MSU Union ballroom May 30.

“Dr. Stanley has received the unanimous support of the Board of Trustees and additionally has the full support from the search committee.”

Dianne Byrum Chair, Board of Trustees STANLEY'S QUALIFICATIONS

Members of the presidential search committee and the Board of Trustees said Stanley is committed to diversity and inclusion, gender equality and student success.

"I stand here today saying, 'goal accomplished,'" Byrum said at the meeting that approved Stanley as president. "Dr. Stanley has received the unanimous support of the Board of Trustees and additionally has the full support from the search committee."

Former Associated Students of Michigan State University President and presidential search committee member Katherine "Cookie" Rifiotis said Stanley's accomplishments with student success impressed her. She said he has a proven record of "prioritizing student input and fostering good relationships with student leaders to address pressing needs around the campus community."

"Most importantly, he truly grasps what it means to foster accountability and work to earn the trust of a community," Rifiotis said. "Understanding that integrity and other institutional values must emanate from the top."

Rifiotis said one of the first priorities Stanley outlined when asked about his potential plans as president of MSU was to focus on healing through listening and to be an accessible and available president in the community.

"I am confident that Dr. Stanley is the leader we need to heal and to build a better MSU," she said. "I look forward for our community to embrace him."

“I am confident that Dr. Stanley is the leader we need to heal and to build a better MSU.” Katherine “Cookie” Rifiotis

Former ASMSU President

Samuel L. Stanley Jr. smiles during applause at the MSU Board of Trustees meeting at the Hannah Administration Building on May 28

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STANLEY'S PROMISES AND GOALS

In a Q&A with The State News, Stanley said some of his top goals are to work to make a safer campus, create a culture that’s more accountable, emphasizes sexual assault prevention, promote education and awareness surrounding sexual assault, meet with survivors of Larry Nassar's abuse, restore trust in the university administration and be more inclusive and transparent.

Stanley said he is going to live near MSU's campus. According to a university press release, he'll be living at Cowles House after renovations conclude in early 2020.

He said he is eager to listen and learn about the community.

"Know this: I'm committed to being a great listener. I'm committed to learning from you," Stanley said. "I have a lot to live up to, but I will do my best to be the president that Michigan State needs."

He said changing the culture on campus is important to him. He said it's important to have a culture that encourages people to report sexual assault and that helps to prevent sexual assault from happening.

"How do (survivors) believe we're doing?

How is the university progressing?" he said.

"I know there's been a number of important steps taken by the university to help improve its policies and procedures."

He also said he thinks diversity and inclusion play an important role in improving the campus climate.

"In terms of what I would say to people who lost trust, I would say, 'give me the opportunity to get to know the campus.

Give me the opportunity to meet with you and listen to you and understand the issues on campus. And then, when I promise to do things or say I’m going to do things, do I deliver on that? When I have tough decisions, do I make sure that I’ve talked to people and understand the issues before I make those decisions? Do I do them in the most inclusive way I possibly can for the university?' Those are the things I’d like to be judged by," he said.

Stanley also emphasized his interest in research at the university. He said he thinks there's an opportunity to grow research and make a larger impact.

WELCOME WEEK "Michigan State is now well over $600 million, closer to $700 million — that’s very impressive, puts you in the top 30 or so. I’m not satisfied, and I’d like to grow that further," he said.

"I think there’s an opportunity to have an even greater impact, and I’m particularly excited about the number of programs that are coming here."

SALARY AND OTHER PARTS OF STANLEY'S CONTRACT

According to the MSU President's Employment Contract, Stanley's base salary will be $800,000.

Stanley's term will end on July 31, 2024 unless he is terminated earlier or renewed.

The Board of Trustees can authorize an annual bonus of up to 20%, which would be $160,000, if they find that he meets the duties and goals as president.

Some of his benefits outlined in his contract are $28,000 contributed annually to his retirement plan, a university vehicle with a driver — as well as a General Motors vehicle of his choice for personal use, an annual membership at the University Club and Country Club of Lansing and tickets for himself, his wife and guests to all MSU sporting events.

STANLEY'S APPEARANCES SINCE BEING CHOSEN AS PRESIDENT

appearances he made was at a reception shortly after the emergency board meeting that voted him in.

The reception brought MSU faculty, alumni, students and other members of the university community together to meet Stanley for the first time. Most undergraduate students were gone for the summer, so not many students were in attendance at the reception.

"Again, (it's) an absolute honor and privilege to have been selected by the search," Stanley said at the beginning of the reception. "I can’t be more excited about this."

Stanley — along with former Acting President and current MSU Executive Vice President of Administration Satish Udpa and Mayor of East Lansing Mark Meadows — spoke at the opening of a new protected bike lane on campus.

"Perhaps this can become a new standard for us,” Stanley said. “It is also an excellent example of the city and university working together to benefit students, area residents and MSU employees.”

The first Board of Trustees meeting of the 2019-20 academic year will be on Friday, Sept. 6. This will be Stanley's first MSU board meeting as president.

Stanley’s first days were filled with orientations and meetings, according to a university press release.

“Know this: I’m committed to being a great listener. I’m committed to learning from you ... I have a lot to live up to, but I will do my best to be the president that Michigan State needs.”

Dr. Samuel Stanley Jr. President of MSU

Since Stanley has been approved as MSU's next president, he has made a few public appearances. One of the first

UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES BOARD PRESENTS

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There are several new things in East Lansing. Find out what they are!

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Where can you find the best coffee in East Lansing?

COLUMN How my study abroad shaped me

The State News taste tests coffee at five locations Page 16

See how a photo study abroad changed this student’s perspective Page 22

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Target, Panera and other new additions to

BY GENNA BARNER GBARNER@STATENEWS.COM

As students return to campus, they might notice that East Lansing has a different look. With construction wrapping up on several projects, East Lansing has more to offer.

A new, small-format Target held its grand opening on July 21. The store offers the same products as most Targets, but in a smaller selection. Small-format stores are designed to fit in small neighborhoods and near colleges where a normal-sized Target could not fit, according to Target Corporate.

East Lansing’s Target offers a variety of Spartan spirit wear, fresh produce, beer and wine, home items and health and beauty products. The new Target is located at 201 E. Grand River Ave. Just down the road from Target, the Hub of East Lansing is welcoming students back to campus.

The Hub offers off-campus housing with several amenities, including a rooftop pool and lounge, gaming areas, study areas and a fitness center.

As students make their way to classes and around MSU, they might notice a new bike lane and restaurant.

MSU’s new protected bike lane runs down

St. John Catholic Church & Student Center

• Theotokos Women’s Group

• Campus Bible Studies

• College Men’s Group

• Discernment Groups

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MS&U

RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Stay up to date at: www.statenews.com/religious

All Saints Episcopal Church 800 Abbot Rd. (517) 351-7160 Sun. Worship: 8am, 10am, & 5pm Sunday School: 10am www.allsaints-el.org

d’town East Lansing southbound Bogue Street. The bike lane is a pilot project being used to determine if the new lane will improve pedestrian and bicyclists safety.

Panera Bread opened inside the Broad College of Business’ Minskoff Pavilion on Aug. 1. The restaurant has seating, free Wi-Fi and checkout kiosks at the on campus location.

Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Road East Lansing (517) 337-9703 Sunday worship: 10:00am Sunday Bible study: 8:45am Thursday Bible study: 2:00pm www.ascensioneastlansing.org

Target on Grand River Avenue seen on Aug. 12. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK Panera in the Minskoff Pavilion in the Broad College of Business photographed Aug. 1. PHOTO BY JUNYAO LI The Hub construction photographed April 4. PHOTO BY ANNIE BARKER

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Greater Lansing Church of Christ 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. (Meet @ University Christian Church) (517) 898-3600 Sun: 8:45am Worship, 10am Bible Class Wed: 1pm, Small group bible study www.greaterlansing coc.org Hillel Jewish Student Center 360 Charles St. (517) 332-1916 Services: Friday night 6pm, dinner @ 7, September–April www.msuhillel.org

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Martin Luther Chapel Lutheran Student Center 444 Abbot Rd. (517) 332-0778 Sun: 9:30am & 7pm Wed: 7pm Mini-bus pick-up on campus (Fall/Spring) www.martinluther chapel.org The People’s Church Multi-denominational 200 W Grand River Ave. (517)332-6074 Sun. Service: 10:30am with free lunch for students following worship ThePeoplesChurch.com Riverview Church- MSU Venue MSU Union Ballroom, 2nd Floor 49 Abbot Rd. (517) 694-3400 Sun. Worship: 11:30am-ish www.rivchurch.com St. John Catholic Church and Student Center 327 M.A.C Ave. (517) 337-9778 Sun: 8am, 10am, Noon, 5pm, 7pm M,W,F: 12:15pm T & Th: 9:15pm www.stjohnmsu.org

Religious Organizations:

Questions? info@lansingislam.com

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The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing 920 S. Harrison Rd. (517) 351-4309 Friday Services: 12:15-12:45pm & 1:45-2:15pm For prayer times visit www.lansingislam.com/

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University Christian Church 310 N. Hagadorn Rd (517) 332-5193 Sun. Bible Study: 10am Sun. Worship: 11:15am www.universitychristianwired.com University Luthern Church (ULC) Lutheran Campus Ministry at MSU 1020 S. Harrison (517) 332-2559 Sun. Worship: 8:30am & 10:45am (Sept–May) Summer Worship: 9:30am www.ulcel.org University United Methodist Church 1120 S. Harrison Rd (517) 351-7030 Main Service: Sun: 11am in the Sanctuary Additional Services: NEW contemporary service Sundays at 9am with band titled ‘REACH’ TGiT (Thank God its Thursday): Thur: 8pm in the Chapel of Apostles universitychurchhome.org office@eluumc.org WELS Lutheran Campus Ministry 704 Abbot Rd. (517) 580-3744 Sat: 6:30pm msu.edu/~welsluth

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MS&U

Coffees of East Lansing

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STORY BY ALAN HETTINGER AHETTINGER@STATENEWS.COM

PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK MZUBIK@STATENEWS.COM

Last year, The State News listed the top five East Lansing coffee shops judged by price, location and atmosphere. But where is the best-tasting coffee?

I performed a blind taste-test along with summer Editor-in-Chief Kaitlyn

Kelley, summer Photo Editor Matt Zubik and Staff Reporter Pete Hulett.

We tried coffees from five places near our office on Grand River Avenue and scored them on a scale from one to 10 based entirely on flavor, without knowing which coffee came from where.

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MS&U 1. ESPRESSO ROYALE 2. BIGGBY 3. BLUE OWL

4. STARBUCKS 5. SPARTY’S If you’re ever rushing to get some cheap caffeine in your system between classes, you know this on-campus staple with 21 locations across MSU. But what Sparty’s has in convenience and low price, it loses in flavor.

Even Pete, who liked the medium roast from the MSU Main Library Sparty’s the most out of any of us, later admitted he couldn’t finish the full cup without any cream or sugar.

It smelled like paint thinner and tasted burnt and extremely bitter.

“Is this even coffee?” Kaitlyn asked in her notes.

AVERAGE SCORE: 3.5/10

We all expected the national chain to do better, but my notes describe the Pike Place Blend as “bitter, dark and ashy.” Some of us didn’t hate the bitter notes, though.

If you like your coffee on the dark and strong side, the flavor might be for you. Even the tallsized coffee — the smallest size at Starbucks — cost us $2.

You can probably do better elsewhere, especially among all the options in Downtown East Lansing.

AVERAGE SCORE: 4.75/10

The newcomer to East Lansing was unique in this taste test because — while the other coffees we tasted were blends — we ordered a Brazil single-origin coffee roasted by Lansing's own 517 Coffee Company at Blue Owl. While Blue Owl is in the middle of the list, their coffee was anything but middling. Our individual scores ranged from a 3/10 to a 9/10, and we thought it tasted fruity and astringent compared to the bitter and dark flavors of the rest of the coffee we tested.

Those flavors are trendy lately in the “third wave of coffee,” but aren’t to everyone’s liking.

Matt thought it was mellow and I described it as pleasantly bright, but Pete said it tasted “just ... off.”

AVERAGE SCORE: 6.25/10

We ordered the Lansing native’s house blend at their location in the MSU Union. Our consensus was that it tasted “like coffee,” as Kaitlyn’s notes put it.

It wasn’t overly bitter or sour, and didn’t smell strongly like anything. It was friendly, smooth and familiar, and we were all fans.

It’s also widely available and inexpensive.

AVERAGE SCORE: 7/10

The coffee shop just north of campus barely beat out Biggby for us, tasting similar. We thought it tasted pleasantly bitter, dark and like chocolate. We all noted how similar the coffee shops tasted, with many of us guessing that Espresso was Biggby, and vice versa.

The winners for us were coffees that tasted classic, dark and balanced. And these two long-time East Lansing staples delivered.

Espresso Royale’s coffee was just slightly more flavorful, giving it the edge over Biggby.

AVERAGE SCORE: 7.25/10

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MS&U

A guide to going Greek at MSU

BY MATT ZUBIK

MZUBIK@STATENEWS.COM

According to Vice President of Student Affairs Denise Maybank, about 12% of Michigan State’s student population is involved in Greek life. If you’re new to MSU’s community, joining a Greek letter organization can be an easy way to meet new friends and quickly get outside of your social comfort zone.

The Michigan State Greek community is home to 63 social fraternities and sororities, which are organized underneath four different councils.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is comprised of 28 fraternities, and the Panhellenic Council (PC) oversees 14 sororities.

The nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities are governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) fosters a Greek community for the 10 Latinx, Asian, Progressive, and Multicultural/Multiethnic Greek Letter Organizations at Michigan State.

Every council has a unique way of connecting potential new members with chapters, and to help students with the process, MSU’s campus-wide Greek Fall Welcome will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 at The Rock on Farm Lane.

Greek Fall Welcome is a large event that most chapters on campus attend, and is great for introducing students who may be unfamiliar with Greek life to different councils and chapters.

THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL

The IFC holds a number of pre-rush events to introduce students to chapters. IFC is Michigan State’s largest Greek council and can be difficult to navigate for new members who are unfamiliar with Greek life.

The council will have question booths at both The Rock on Farm Lane and inside Wells Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 3. In addition to this, IFC’s “Meet the Chapters” event will be held at the Kellogg Center’s Big Ten Conference Room A from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 22.

IFC’s official rush period runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 24-27 each night. During this period, potential new members can visit chapter houses and see which fraternities might be a good fit for them.

In addition to Fall rush, IFC holds a spring recruitment period for students who may not be sure if they want to join a fraternity during the fall semester.

When asked about how going Greek had impacted his life, IFC’s Vice President of Recruitment Andrew Scott said, “I really couldn’t ask for more. I’ve made professional connections and gathered a great group of life-long friends.”

THE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL

The PC requires women who want to participate in the fall formal recruitment process to register online by using a link provided on the council’s webpage.

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The first day of PC formal recruitment is Friday, Sept. 13, and continues sporadically until Bid Day, which is on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The full schedule for PC’s formal recruitment is available online.

Some Panhellenic council chapters hold spring recruitment, but the council itself typically doesn’t hold an official, council-wide recruitment period in in the spring.

THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL

The NPHC allows its chapters to recruit and initiate members through a more individual, private process. No council-wide recruitment events are listed at this time, but those interested in joining an NPHC fraternity or sorority should follow @msu_nphc to connect with individual chapters.

THE MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL

The MGC will host an introductory recruitment event on Sept. 4. The location and time of this event are still yet to be determined, but those interested can follow the MGC on Instagram @msu_mgc.

“Joining the Greek community as a first-year student was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have made lifelong friends, learned valuable leadership skills and have been given opportunities that I would not have had access to without my involvement in Greek life,” Alex Childers, president of IFC’s Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, said. “Being part of a community that values service to others is something I’m proud of and will value after I leave Michigan State.”

More information on MSU Greek life can be found at www.greeklife.msu.edu/ and www. studentlife.msu.edu/greek-affairs.

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A guide to East Lansing’s bar scene

BY CHASE MICHAELSON CMICHAELSON@STATENEWS.COM

It’s Friday night. You’ve had a long week of classes, you got your homework done (or at least some of it) and it’s time for you to enjoy yourself. Where can you go in East Lansing?

Assuming you’re of legal age, here are seven bar spots in downtown East Lansing, along with advice for how to get the maximum experience at each.

Crunchy’s

254 W. Grand River Ave.

Just a bit out of the way, Crunchy’s is known for the constant stream of events they offer. Whether it’s trivia on Tuesdays, karaoke on Thursdays, or a bucket of craft beer every day of the week, there’s always something going on at this East Lansing favorite.

This is a great place to people-watch, or let the atmosphere itself be the experience.

Field House 213 Ann St.

Centered in the middle of the downtown bar district, you can often hear live music on the Field House patio, at least while the whether is nice.

This is a great place to come during the day on the weekends, with $2 Mimosas during weekend brunch and $5 pizzas.

Harper’s

131 Albert St.

Rick’s American Cafe. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK

If you’re looking for a place with a club atmosphere, you’re probably going to end up at Harper’s soon enough. Everything is half-off on Wednesdays, and you’re going to need to get there early to avoid a line. Once you’re inside, you’ll hear today’s hits coming from an elevated DJ platform and pulsating speakers.

Lou and Harry’s

211 E. Grand River Ave.

This family-owned Greek restaurant serves great food but is known, at least among students, for a Thursday night mug special. Keeping a mug for multiple Thursdays can get you $3 refills, and the atmosphere is always fun and festive.

You’ll want to get there early, as drink specials can often end at midnight.

PT O’Malley’s 210 Abbot Road

PT’s is known for Bash, a Thursday event featuring $1 burgers and fries, half-off pitchers and a slew of other drink specials. It also features a wheel with all kinds of discounts just a spin away.

PT’s and Harper’s are sister locations, and will often advertise each other’s specials or events.

Rick’s

224 Abbot Road

This is an institution — less well-known than its Ann Arbor counterpart, but no less beloved by MSU students. The basement bar features a club atmosphere and late-night pizza.

The 1-2-3 weekend specials promise affordable drinks that you can burn away on a spacious dance floor.

The Riv

231 MAC Ave.

The Riv is often not even known by name, just by one other word: “Rama,” short for “Burgerama.”

On a Thursday or Saturday morning, throw on a jersey — it’s tradition — and wait in line to get $1 burgers and fries and $4.25 pitchers.

But beware, don’t spend too much time here or you might end up majoring in “Rama.”

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MS&U

COLUMN

Why failing a class doesn’t define me

BY KAITLYN KELLEY KKELLEY@STATENEWS.COM

W

hen I told my family, friends and peers that I had failed microeconomics this summer, no one believed me. I’ve never failed a class before. In fact, I’ve never even come close to failing a class before.

I decided to take EC 201: Introduction to Microeconomics during the first session of the summer semester. I need this class to complete my journalism major, which I still don’t understand. If I don’t understand economics during the course of my career as a journalist, I’ll just ask questions.

That’s the job.

Anyway, after six long weeks and several study sessions with one of my best friends who is an economics major, I discovered I had failed the class.

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I took it online, which was probably not the best decision. I took it during a six-week period, which was also probably not a good decision.

I also took it while I was balancing two different jobs — being the editor-in-chief of The State News and an usher at The Wharton Center. Again, not the ideal scheduling decision.

I’m approaching my senior year at Michigan State. In high school and my earlier college years, I would le-

gitimately cry if I got anything below a 4.0. Let’s just say I’ve changed a lot.

But I haven’t become less responsible. I haven’t begun to care less about my grades or education. I’ve actually changed for the better. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably not healthy to cry and feel like a failure over a bad grade. I tried my best in the situation I was in — balancing two jobs with school, in addition to all of the other things that happen

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Failing microeconomics this summer didn’t hold me back from anything. It might have reconfirmed that I have terrible math skills, but it’s not going to define me. I continued to have a productive summer, and I even took three more classes during the second summer session — classes which I didn’t fail.

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or so — because the thought of retaking the class was unsettling — but I’m okay now. And if you’ve ever failed a class before, you’re okay too.

As soon as I failed the class, I started talking to other students. Turns out, I’m not the only journalism major who has done poorly in microeconomics. I knew that I wasn’t alone.

It truly happens to the best of us.

People I look up to have failed classes before. Life happens, and math is hard.

I might have “failed” my microeconomics class, but I don’t feel like I actually failed. Failing this class showed me that grades aren’t important defining features. Maybe I’ve prided myself on getting good grades in the past, but I shouldn’t have to prove myself by getting only 4.0’s throughout my entire educational career. That’s just too much. That’s a lot of years.

I can pride myself on the accomplishments I’ve made beyond the classroom.

I can be proud of myself for balancing so much as a student and for dedicating my time to the things I think are important.

Also, I’ve turned this situation into a story. Like, I wouldn’t have been able to write a column for other students to relate to if I hadn’t failed microeconomics.

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MS&U

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I COLUMN

How my study abroad shaped me Annie Barker, Haley Sinclair and Alyte Katilus photographed in Prague. PHOTO BY MATT SCHMUCKER

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n a matter of weeks, we’ll all be settled into our new semester routines. Familiarity and structure can be immeasurably valuable going into the fall for those of us who have part-time jobs, attend clubs or spend time volunteering. Structure can sometimes be needed during summer, but it’s not mandatory.

Now is the perfect time to reflect upon your summer. What was worthwhile, and what wasn’t? Did you achieve everything you wanted to? College serves as a platform in which we propel our careers. It is also a time where we confront what we want to do in the future.

Granting myself the opportunity to learn in an unconventional way this summer drew me out of my comfort zone and into the graces of my ever-changing career path.

Often, we use various mechanisms to occupy our time over summer break that can sometimes fall short even though that was never the intention. Opting out of your everyday routine can provide you with that much-needed spon-

MS&U

“In the aftermath of the study abroad, I am striving to continue to put myself in a vulnerable place and to continue creating art I am proud of.” taneity that, without, might be holding you back from learning your area of study in a deeper, more fulfilling way.

This past month, I flew back from London to mark the end of my photo communication study abroad after my month-long trek across Europe. Committing to studying abroad was a big step for me. Truthfully, the cost was unsettling at first, as I support myself through college.

Despite financial concerns, students should consider studying abroad. I was able to receive a small scholarship to attend, which covered roughly the cost of my round-trip flight. Don’t be closed off to new experiences. I recommend attending informational sessions held by the MSU Education Abroad Office or planning a visit to talk with them about ways to fund a trip.

I embarked on my quest knowing that I was among at least two people I work with at The State News. For me, that eased the nerves of living with 10 other people I didn’t know. All skill levels were allowed on this study abroad. As a newbie, that helped and harmed me.

I was among other students who were skilled and learning at a different level than I was. Seeking out help during shooting days often fell flat due to time constraints. I had to put in extra effort to reach a place where I was happy with the work I was doing.

Study abroad is no vacation if you want to come back with skills you can refine to work with your career aspirations.

My best photos came out of fleeting moments. Developing a connection with the people I photographed was crucial to my growth throughout the program.

As a timid, new photographer, I struggled with that at first. It’s tempting to stay within the confines of your comfort zone, but experiencing moments with your peers and strangers is the real beauty behind studying abroad.

Over time, you have the opportunity

to connect with everyone. You can learn so much from living with a small group for a month. Artist studio visits, lectures from people within the field and access to photography exhibits were included in our program.

For me, the one thing that separated this study abroad from going to Europe and taking photos independently was the lectures. Try to research what you’re getting out of your program before committing. There was a consensus among our group that there were some lectures that were not beneficial compared to others.

I was stunned by how many people were willing to talk and get to know you. People from different countries would ask us about American customs, politics and music. Living in a youth hostel was an eye-opening experience.

Chatting with people at the hostel was so easy.

Staying safe while on study abroad is serious, and I advise to never go anywhere without someone else. Realize that there are cultural differences wherever you travel. And consider the opportunity early on in your college career because I know people who regret not studying abroad.

In the aftermath of the study abroad, I am striving to continue to put myself in a vulnerable place and to continue creating art I am proud of. I feel accomplished for a photographer who started less than a month ago. Taking a program that is related to your area of study sets you up to build long-lasting relationships with professors and mentors.

My outcome would have been vastly different if I stayed in East Lansing, Michigan, or even the United States.

Acting on those opportunities are crucial to getting the most out of your college experience. East Lansing has always provided me with endless new opportunities, but with study abroad, I felt as if I was able to see the world through many different lenses.

ABOVE: Alyte Katilus and Rachel Hitchcock photographed in Prague.

RIGHT: Haley Sinclair photographed in Prague.

PHOTOS BY ANNIE BARKER

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MS&U

This summer in photos PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ZUBIK

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MZUBIK@STATENEWS GALLERY AT STATENEWS.COM

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MS&U

After a year of hurdles, Park Place now has competition

BY EVAN JONES EJONES@STATENEWS.COM

The Dublin Square Irish Pub is safe for now, but the discussion around a development project changing the surrounding landscape on Evergreen Avenue continues to be placed on the city government’s plate.

The Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, voted 7-4 Aug. 22 to end its exclusive deal for the sale and redevelopment of DDAowned properties on Evergreen Avenue. The DDA is expected to open up the properties to other developers.

Vlahakis Development and Royal Apartments USA first announced the Park Place Project in August 2018 and signed a contract purchasing property from the Downtown Development Authority the following December.

The corner of Abbot Road and East Grand River Avenue has been vacant for over a decade, but with Park District’s construction under full swing, residents, city officials and stakeholders alike are deciding how far the city’s increase in development should go.

Park District includes The Abbot, a mixed-use building and The Graduate Hotel.

A full proposal for Park Place was introduced to the East Lansing Planning Commission in January, with one 12-story building and one 15-story building, including a movie theater and automated parking.

At the time, some city officials were concerned with the height of the buildings and whether or not it complied with the surrounding neighborhood.

HOW HAS PARK PLACE CHANGED?

From condominiums to affordable housing, and from movie theaters to farmers’ markets, the planning commission acted on a much different Park Place proposal in their July 23 meeting.

Park Place West is a 9-story, 110-foot-tall mixed-use building containing two levels of underground parking, with rooftop amenities, a rooftop deck, 184 rental units, 46 low-to-moderate income units and 138 market-rate units.

Additionally, the project proposes indoor retail and an outdoor year-round farmer’s market.

The closure of Evergreen Avenue for a pedestrian walkway is consistent with the initial Park Place proposal.

Vlahakis Development President Paul Vlahakis said changes resulted from the inability to acquire additional properties.

“We’ve lost a fair amount of square footage,” Vlahakis said. “The building kind of had to shrink down.”

“We haven’t made those changes lightly,” Royal Properties Vice President of Acquisitions & Development Kelly Kenefick said in a May City Council discussion meeting. “We’re on a tight timeline here just based on the contract.”

HURDLES IN THE CITY PROCESS

Before the project can be approved, the DDA-purchased properties must be rezoned to allow for the 110-foot building.

“If, for whatever reason, this project does not come to fruition, the DDA has a significant amount of debt on this property,” Community and Economic Development Administrator Tom Fehrenbach said.

Vlahakis said he hopes the process could speed up and allow approval of his project in October, but the last meeting where they could get approval might not be until November.

Fehrenbach said he urged the city to move quickly to maximize the marketing potential for the properties, because rezoning allows for a stronger selection process for projects in the area, if the project falls through.

Fehrenbach said the DDA’s executive committee made the request.

East Lansing resident William Collins plays the bagpipes during St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2017. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

BEFORE:

POTENTIAL:

RENDERING COURTESY OF THE CITY OF EAST LANSING

STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

“I’m fairly certain that the DDA would also be in line with this,” Fehrenbach said. “It’s in the best interest of the DDA to get this in front of council quicker.”

Planning commissioners weren’t ready to signal zoning code changes for the council members.

“If this proposal isn’t acceptable to us or to council, we’re going to see another line of tall buildings, which may or may not cause problems,” Vice Chair Kathleen Boyle said.

Commissioner Chis Wolf agreed. He said it permits another City Center project that the master plan goes against it.

“It sends the completely wrong message,” he said.

The rezoning recommendation failed 5-3 but is still sent to City Council.

“Perhaps a conditional zoning would have been more favorably received,” Commissioner Chair Dan Bollman said.

ISSUES RECEIVED IN COUNCIL

The plan proposed to the planning commission involves a lower height than the proposal in the May City Council discussion meeting. Council members were critical of the 14-story height of the first one-building proposal.

Council member Aaron Stephens said he would have preferred a selection process from the start.

“What the DDA did is they entered into a contract with one developer,” Stephens said.

He said that move put pressure on the city to either approve the project or risk losing money from the contract.

“In my view, I think that their timeline they laid out, as well as some of the promises they were making on the project, were fairly outlandish,” he said. “I don’t think it was a good idea for the DDA, I don’t think it was a good idea for the city, I don’t think it was a good idea for the developer at this point.”

The inclusion of a city-operated farmers market also drew some criticism from council members.

“Where’s the money going to come from for us to run this farmers’ market?” Stephens said.

Vlahakis said the funding for the market would be paid for privately. He said its use could spillover for the art festival, or could be used by the People’s Church.

Council members are uncertain about operating a year-round farmers’ market after the Lansing City Market closed last year.

THE EXTENT OF PUBLIC REIMBURSEMENT

Tax Increment Financing, or TIF’s, allow for property tax value increases to be reimbursed to the investors of a given development.

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If a developer undertakes one or more of the eligible activities, they can request from the City Council a reimbursement in the property tax value gained over the time of development. This is similar to what developers of a Michigan Avenue Corridor Project did to finance soil restoration and infrastructure improvements.

Vlahakis said all of the eligible activities for Park Place are strictly infrastructure and roads.

When Vlahakis spoke with The State News in July, he said he didn’t have a final number to request from the city.

Vlahakis spoke to infrastructure improvements in the area, such as a new 36-inch storm sewer connecting the neighborhood to a new sewer line under Evergreen Avenue.

Other infrastructure endeavors include extending Albert Avenue through with streets and walkway, and resurfacing the city parking lot.

Another financing mechanism for Park Place could come from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, or MSHDA. Kenefick said MSHDA offers two low-income housing tax credit programs, and the agency wants to get them out.

The developers have not backed down. Vlahakis seeks to reach approval for a project that creates a shared interest between Vlahakis Development and the East Lansing community.

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2019 MSU football preview

Lewerke and Spartans look to rebound after disappointing 2018 season Page 28

From the Netherlands to MSU Four of MSU’s field hockey

players look to transition from the Netherlands to the United States Page 30

How is the men’s basketball schedule created each year?

‘Scheduling is an art and a science,’ Kerry Kenny said

Page 31

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SPORTS

PREVIEW: 2019 MICHIGAN STATE

BY PETER HULETT PHULETT@STATENEWS.COM

RIGHT: The Spartans celebrate after a play during the game against Northwestern at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 6, 2018.

PHOTO BY ANNTANINNA BIONDO

O

n Aug. 30, college football will return to Spartan Stadium when Michigan State takes on Tulsa under the lights at 7 p.m.

Mark Dantonio, in his 13th season as head coach for the Spartans, aims to lead his team back to Indianapolis after a disappointing end last season with a 7-6 loss to Oregon in the Redbox Bowl.

The biggest news this offseason has been the complete restructuring of the offensive staff headed into the 2019 season, with Brad Salem taking over the offensive coordinator position from Dave Warner, among other shifts. There’s a lot to unpack and a lot to be discovered, but here’s what you can expect from Michigan State football in 2019.

Last season, the offensive production was poor and ranked among the bottom of all Division I teams. Only four teams put up fewer points per game. No single factor was to blame for the offensive woes, but two stood out among the rest.

First, the team was plagued with injuries to the point of where, for a moment in time, the Spartans reached for a fourth-string punter.

That’s something that can’t be predicted. The second leading factor was questionable play calling by the offensive staff.

Because of the total reconstructing on the offensive side of the ball, we should expect to see some new plays and a refreshed offensive direction. What that direction is could be hard to tell for now.

During the Redbox Bowl and spring game, the

Spartans came out often in the pistol formation, and incorporated some no-huddle offense to boot. While they struggled in the Redbox Bowl, the offense showed positive signs during the spring game. Expect to see similar ideas used in 2019’s offense, but at the same time,

¬

don’t expect anything radical, such as a spread no-huddle.

Quarterback Brian Lewerke was hurt after the Penn State game, and never returned to full strength until the Redbox Bowl. While he was out, Rocky Lombardi filled in and in his first

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SPORTS

FOOTBALL LOOKS TO IMPROVE GAME SCHEDULE FRIDAY, AUG. 30 Tulsa, home game at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 Western Michigan, home game at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 Arizona State, home game at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 Northwestern, away game in Evanston, IL at TBA

start, threw for 318 yards, but was inconsistent the rest of the season.

Lewerke is likely to get the start. People easily forgot about his breakthrough year in 2017, throwing for over 2,500 yards and rushing for over 500 for the first time in MSU history. The offense had a plethora of injuries, particularly in the wide receivers and offensive line. The latter should improve so long as injuries stay away.

The wide receivers have a great set returning. Cody White and Darrell Stewart each had more than 500 yards last season, and Cam Chambers and Brandon Sowards each had more than 200. Jalen Nailor, a high school track champion, adds a flexible option and a burst of speed to the already deep lineup and will likely get more touches next season.

Running backs Connor Heyward and La’Darius Jefferson will share time running the ball. Heyward saw most of the snaps behind L.J. Scott, who left for the NFL this offseason. Jefferson impressed in the spring game, so there could be competition for the starting position.

On the other side of the ball, the Spartans return one of the nation’s most dominant defenses. MSU led the country in rushing defense, allowing just 77.9 yards per game on the ground. The next two leading teams allowed just over 95, and the fourth 105. Expect that dominance to continue, as MSU returns every front seven starter except linebacker Andrew Dowell.

MSU’s defensive line has the talent to be

the best in the country. Raequan Williams, Kenny Willekes and Jacub and Mike Panasiuk combined for over 40 tackles-for-loss last season and 14 sacks. Willekes was a first team All-American by The Athletic, and led the conference with 20.5 tackles for loss.

The linebackers will be just as strong, returning two of three starters in Joe Bachie and Tyriq Thompson. Make no mistake, the Spartans will miss Dowell’s production — he gave them 97 tackles last season.

For the rushing defense to be tops in the country again, either Antjuan Simmons or Brandon Bouyer-Randle will have to make up that production. Expect Simmons to take over the start, and look for Bouyer-Randle to continue his role as a third-down, pass rushing specialist.

The secondary loses two starters but returns the other half. Corner Josiah Scott, a junior who missed much of last season, has shown potential to be the next great corner at MSU, following the footsteps of Darqueze Denard and Trae Waynes. Safety David Dowell returns after earning third-team all-conference in 2018. In 2017, he was firstteam and will look to return to that status.

The Spartans have five candidates, Xavier Henderson, Tre Person, Josh Butler, Dominique Long and Shakur Brown, who will compete for the remaining two spots. Each had playing time last season and have recorded multiple sacks, ensuring depth in the backfield.

MSU was ranked 62nd in pass defense last season, but was improving towards the

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 Indiana, homecoming game at 3:30/4 p.m.

latter half. Provided the production leaving from last season can be sufficiently filled, paired with the pass-rush from the front seven, this season’s defense could be among the best in the Dantonio era.

Special teams should be in solid hands, as well. Punter Jake Hartbarger, who was out most of last season, returns for a sixth year of eligibility. He has shown ability to pin the ball deep in enemy territory, a valuable tool in any team. Placekicker Matt Coghlin returns as well after being named a Lou Groza semifinalist and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. He was 18-22 from the field last year, including 4-5 from 40 to 49 yards.

Next season is pivotal for the Spartans. It represents a real chance to get back to Indianapolis, but could also end in disappointment if the offense fails to improve.

Some criticized Dantonio for not adding or removing anybody new to the staff, and if the offense fails to improve, those criticisms will undoubtedly echo louder.

However, should the offense show improvement, paired with a defense that will keep the team in every game, double digit wins should not be out of the question. However, that’s only if the offense proves to be productive. If they can score just 24 points a game, the defense has shown to consistently hold opponents under that mark. If they don’t, it will likely be a repeat of last year, and MSU could fight its way to six wins. To be an optimist, I’ll expect the former scenario, and the Spartans to finish 10-2 with a trip to Indianapolis.

KEEP UP THIS FOOTBALL SEASON

SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Ohio State, in Columbus, OH at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12 Wisconsin, in Madison, WI at 3:30/4 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26 Penn State, home game at TBA SATURDAY, NOV. 9 Illinois, home game at TBA SATURDAY, NOV. 16 U of M, Ann Arbor, MI at TBA SATURDAY, NOV. 23 Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ at TBA SATURDAY, NOV. 30 Maryland, home game at TBA

KEEP UP WITH LIVE COVERAGE ON TWITTER Freshman running back Elijah Collins (24) jumps to touch the cross bar prior to the game against Purdue on Oct. 27, 2018 at Spartan Stadium. PHOTO BY CJ WEISS

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SPORTS

From Holland to the MSU field hockey team What do you think of when you hear “The Netherlands”? Do you think of Amsterdam with its flowing canals and limitless allures? Perhaps you think of windmills, or the rows of tulips so proudly presented in Holland, Michigan. Next time, think field hockey — a sport which the country’s women have dominated.

“We’re the best in the world, and it’s one of the biggest sports in the Netherlands,” Isa Van Der Weij, one of four Dutch players for Michigan State field hockey, said.

Since the 1980 Moscow Olympic games, the Netherlands have medaled at all but two games, including three gold. Many of the country’s rising stars come to the United States to continue playing while also obtaining an education.

“It’s a good opportunity, of course, coming to America — getting a great experience, something really new,” freshman Merel Hanssen, who is also from the Netherlands, said.

It’s common to look across college rosters and find Dutch players sprinkled among both domestic and other international players. Though the sport might be the same, the experiences from

home to MSU are quite different. Player Aisha Osigna recalls this change.

“Its very different because, back home, we only play club. And schools are separate. So, if you decide after high school to go to a new city for your four year university, you have to switch clubs and find a new team,” Osigna said. “Here, you basically just choose the field hockey team first, then you look for your major.”

With many schools jockeying for their attention, the choice can be difficult. But at MSU, there is a standout factor for Dutch prospects: head coach Helen Knull.

“I wanted a big school. I wanted to play a high level of field hockey,” freshman Nienke Bloemsaat said. ”We could talk with the coaches if they were interested in you, and I talked to Helen and she really felt like a mother.”

This feeling was echoed by Bloemsaat’s teammates.

“I chose Helen,” Osigna said. “We talk to the coaches mainly, and for me, Helen was number one.”

Hanssen said coach Knull is “really engaged with us, she really cares about us.”

The ninth-year head coach shares international experiences with the players, being born and

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Midfield Makenzie Brown (10) goes up against Monmouth’s defense Katie Yoder (21) during the game against Monmouth at Ralph Young Field on Sept. 7, 2018. PHOTO BY ANNIE BARKER

raised in Scotland.

“I joke all the time that I’ve got two biological children, but I have 20 adult kids I look after every day,” Knull said. “I still remember clearly my freshman year. I had a family of every team I was on. The girls looked after me, and that’s something that we talk about here.”

Knull’s conversations don’t go unnoticed.

“She’s genuinely interested in our day, she’s like ‘how did school go today?’ and it just felt really secure,” Van Der Weij said.

Through the sport, borders are meaningless.

The bonds built on a team make it more than a game.

“We’re a family. We bring people in and we help them out,” Knull said. “I think part of my respon-

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sibility as their coach — if they’re coming 4,000 miles from home — is you’ve got to help guide them and help mentor them.”

Through her position as head coach, Knull said she sees an opportunity to not only to help her players progress in their game, but in life.

“It’s part of coaching. We’re educators. We’re teaching them to be better people at the end of the day,” Knull said.

“We talk all the time about lessons they learn in hockey that they’re going to have in the workplace, whether it’s conflict, whether it’s the understanding of hard work and determination,” Knull said. “The things that we do here will translate to life.”

SPORTS

How Michigan State men’s basketball schedule is created by the Big Ten

BY CHASE MICHAELSON CMICHAELSON@STATENEWS.COM

W

hat will you be doing on a Sunday in late February, a full six months from now, at 1 p.m.? What about four nights later, a Thursday, at 6:30 p.m.?

For the schedule makers who coordinate every Big Ten men’s and women’s basketball game every season, they have to know every single detail, months in advance. The process starts the previous February, when Kerry Kenny, at the Big Ten office in New York, uses a computer program to decide which of the 14 teams will be playing who, how many times, and where.

“Scheduling is an art and a science,” Kenny said.

The issue of what date the games are played on doesn’t enter into the equation until much later, in June, when the Big Ten’s four broadcast partners — ESPN, CBS, Fox, and

the conference-owned Big Ten Network — draft all 140 men’s and women’s games.

For example, a game like Michigan State’s regular season Big Ten championship-clinching home victory over Michigan from last March would be drafted very early in the process, in that case, by ESPN. The rivalry combined with the national interest in recognizable programs, coaches and players guarantees ratings. And ratings are king.

Certain networks drafting a game influences the date the game will be played on. CBS only broadcasts college basketball on Sunday afternoons. Fox has begun broadcasting Friday night games, with MSU’s February trip to Iowa last season its highest-rated ever.

Once that is decided, the exact dates are subject to blackout from the venues themselves. Some arenas at smaller Big Ten schools host other sports in addition to men’s and wom-

“Scheduling is an art and a science.”

Kerry Kenny Big Ten Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs

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WATER QUALITY REPORT Michigan State University’s 2018 Water Quality Report is now available online for review. The report is a general overview of the water quality provided in 2018.

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en’s basketball, such as wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics. Cooperation is necessary between the universities themselves and the conference office, or else you could end up with a nightmare scenario where multiple events are scheduled to take place at the same time in the same venue.

Tom Izzo, former Michigan coach John Beilein and others have called for protected rivalries like Michigan-Michigan State and Indiana-Purdue to always close the season, similar to the way Duke and North Carolina do in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Kenny was asked if that was something the conference was in favor of.

“The good news is, with moving to the 20-game schedule (the Big Ten now plays 20 conference games as of last season instead of 18, as it had been since the last round of expansion), you have the three in-state rivalries — Michigan-Michigan State, Indiana-Purdue, Illinois-Northwestern, where they are going to play a home-and-home every year,” Kenny said. “So that’s something where we heard that feedback, administrators and coaches, we heard that feedback as well, so that’s something that we

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wanted to make sure happened.

“In terms of the final game of the year for some of the rivalries, particularly those three, it’s definitely something that we’re looking into …

The one thing that prevents us from locking it in in advance is our four TV partners. We just have to see how games are selected through our draft process, and if the games are selected in a way that prevents us from being able to do it, then we won’t be able to do it. But we’re definitely trying to make every effort.”

The university is in charge of setting their own non-conference schedule, and that job falls to Assistant Athletic Director Kevin Pauga.

He manages MSU’s annual participation in marquee events such as the Champions Classic (a season-opening game against either Duke, Kentucky, or Kansas in a rotating venue), the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, and the Gavitt Games, an on-campus challenge between the Big Ten and the Big East. These games are set by conferences and TV networks, meaning the dates are set in stone and Pauga cannot schedule a different non-conference game in those timeframes.

Pauga also works to put the Spar-

tans in a banner event over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Spartans will return this November to the Maui Invitational for the first time in ten years, but have played in recent years in tournaments such as the Las Vegas Invitational, PK80 in Portland, and Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Just with those major games alone, which typically consist of games between major competition, six of MSU’s 11 non-conference games are accounted for. The other five are the discretion of Pauga, where he has to find five “guarantee games:” games where a smaller team, such as Florida Gulf Coast or Green Bay is paid a fee by MSU to come to Breslin Center, where they will be a heavy underdog to the typically dominant Spartans.

“You’re really kind of shopping around to play matchmaker, and seeing what dates work,” Pauga said.

“There’s all sorts of reasons as to why a certain game ends up on a certain day.”

Once the schedule is set, and the months of work are over, people like Kenny and Pauga can sit back and watch basketball.

Just like you and me.

KEEP UP WITH MSU SPORTS ON TWITTER @THESNEWS_SPORTS

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