State News Mail Home 1, Friday, June 28, 2013

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Aspirations, goals abound for Incoming MSU students

Spartan bucket list

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International student enrollment trends upward

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Entertainment options within an hour radius of MSU

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Who’s who within MSU athletics

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Looking for religion? MSU has you covered

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How to use the bus system, bikes to navigate campus

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN WAN AND DANYELLE MORROW | SN

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Getting to know one of the most well known landmarks on campus

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History of Sparty

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PAGE 12

Aspirations, goals abound for Incoming MSU students

Spartan bucket list

PAGE 10

International student enrollment trends upward

PAGE 9

Entertainment options within an hour radius of MSU

PAGE 8

Who’s who within MSU athletics

PAGE 5

Looking for religion? MSU has you covered

PAGE 3

How to use the bus system, bikes to navigate campus

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN WAN AND DANYELLE MORROW | SN

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ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

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Getting to know one of the most well known landmarks on campus

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History of Sparty

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2 Mail-home edition | TH E STATE NE WS | FR IDAY, JU N E 28, 2013 | STATE N E WS.COM TRADITION

Spartan statue endures as special MSU icon ■■

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‘Sparty’ has changed his look through years

By Derek Kim dkim@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

A 5,200-acre campus naturally has its landmarks, but few hold the distinction of having a 10-foot, six-inch bronze Spartan statue.

T he Spar tan , popularly known as “Sparty,” symbolizes the mascot of MSU’s athletic teams, and stands at the entrance to the campus’ athletic facilities on the intersection of Kalamazoo Street and Chestnut Road. According to MSU athletics, the Spartan was designed and produced by Leonard D. Jungwirth of the art department, and dedicated in June 1945.

The original statue was cast in terra cotta because of gold rations during World War II. Fifty years of Michigan weather — and occasional vandalism from fans of the University of Michigan — did its toll on Sparty so in 2005, the terra cotta statue was moved into Spartan Stadium and replaced by a bronze replica.

Erected in 1945, the Spartan statue has been the victim of multiple vandalism attempts The statue is mounted on a brick-and-concrete base, weighs three tons and is one of the largest free-standing ceramic figures in the world.

Sparty is a popular photo subject of students and visitors alike. Large crowds make the statue almost inaccessible during graduation and football season because of the many who desire to get a picture with one of MSU’s proudest establishments.

T he MSU football team walks by the statue prior to home games as a tradition.

During “The Walk,” the MSU football team walk from Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center to Spartan Stadium. On their way, the team passes by the

June 1945 The Spartan is designed, produced and dedicated by Leonard D. Jungwirth.

August 2005 The original terra cotta Sparty statue is replaced with a new bronze model.

March 2013 Sparty gets decorated in Valparaiso University paraphernalia the night before MSU faced off against the Crusaders in the first round of the men’s basketball NCAA Tournament.

April 2013 DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

MSU alumna and Oak Park, Mich., resident Angela BradfordAnderson takes a photo of 16-year-old Micah, left, and 11-yearold Jonathan, right, with the Sparty Statue on June 16.

“It’s kind of like the starting point to our day.

There’s nothing better than being able to touch the statue before our game.”

Joel Heath, MSU football player

Spartan statue to greet fans, friends and family.

“It’s kind of like the starting point to our day,” sophomore defensive end Joel Heath said.

“There’s nothing better than being able to touch the statue before our game.”

However, not everyone is thrilled about having Sparty on campus.

In past years, the statue has been a target of vandalism by opposing fans. Last March, the statue was decorated in Valparaiso University gear prior to MSU’s opening men’s basketball NCAA Tournament game.

Sparty has also been defaced with the maize and blue colors of archrival University of Michigan prior to the rivalry

Sparty receives an unwelcome paint job in University of Michigan colors, causing nearly $300 of damage.

football game.

MSU responded by starting a tradition known as the “Sparty Watch,” where members of the marching band take turns guarding the statue during the week before the annual football game against the U-M. “It’s a pretty funny, but awesome tradition at the same t i me,“ elementa r y education junior Chris Collier said.

“Sparty gives us an example of what it means to be a student at Michigan State; standing tall for what you know is yours and representing yourself and MSU with pride.”

Mail-home edition

stat e ne ws.co m | T he State N ews | f riday, j u n e 28 , 2013 |

Commute

Su p p o r t

Financial aid, health resources available to assist MSU students

MSU students board a bus Aug. 28, 2012, at the CATA bus station on Shaw Lane.

Since CATA began in 1972, it has given approximately 11.85 million rides.

By Holly Baranowski hbaranowski@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

MSU offers many different resources on campus to ensure students and their families can receive the support they need. The State News complied a list of a few of these resources to help guide incoming students upon their arrival at MSU.

State News File Photo

Buses, biking highlight E.L. travel options

By RJ Wolcott rwolcott@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Arriving as a freshman to a campus as sprawling and bustling as MSU’s can be daunting for even the most adventurous student. Whether it’s walking, running, biking, boarding, mopedding, driving, or even unicycling, the methods of traveling the vast landscape of East Lansing are as varied as the student body that fills the dorms and crowds the walkways.

In fall, as the leaves transition from vibrant shades of viridian to the colorful cornucopia of yellows, oranges, reds and crisp browns, students elect to experience the warmth while it lasts.

Bands of roving students walking campus are offset by bicyclists speeding by, attempting to reach class in a timely manner.

Finance sophomore Spencer Ralph said he enjoys biking around campus because of the sheer size of the campus and the speed with which he can maneuver around it.

“I prefer to bike because campus is so big that biking makes everything much easier,” Ralph said.

Instead of walking, which Ralph said can take three times

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as long, he’d rather hop on his bike and get to his destination with time to spare.

MSU has become a much friendlier place for cyclists, according to Tim Potter of the MSU Bikes Service Center, 434 Farm Lane. The last decade has seen the university constructing wider roads, and as a result, more than 60 percent of roadways have bike lanes, according to Potter. Combined with better parking, the accessibility of tirerefilling stations and service provided by the bike shop, including rentals and repairs, bikes have become one of the primary modes of transportation for students and faculty alike.

With renewed interest in bikes, Potter emphasized the importance of cyclists riding responsibly. Visibility is a chief component to this, according to Potter. “(Cyclists should) ride in the roadway with the direction of traffic where people will see them,” he said.

Potter added accessories such as helmets and lights for those who ride at night contribute to the safety of those riding and those sharing the rode.

But biking isn’t the only way to enjoy the natural spoils of campus.

Kirk Yoshonis, an employee of Modern Skate and Surf, said students have been stopping into the shop more frequently since they moved from the Frandor Shopping Center to their new location at 319 E. Grand River Ave. “I think boarding is a great way to get around campus; it’s free to ride around, plus you don’t have to put gas in it,” Yoshonis said.

Students have invested in both longboards and traditional skateboards, according to Yoshonis.

Once the weather turns cold and flakes of ice and snow become the norm, students often turn to the CATA bus service. With various routes winding through campus, CATA is the most prominent form of public transportation in East Lansing.

Laurie Robison, the director of marketing for CATA, gave some insight for students unfamiliar with the bus system at MSU. “Our advice to first-time riders: Practice makes perfect,” Robison said. “Be adventurous and take a few practice runs before classes start on the 28th, and you’ll be ahead of the curve. The best way to learn our system is, quite simply, to climb aboard.”

Olin Health Center Olin Health Center is available for MSU students in need of medical attention, with services available at the main health center on 463 E. Circle Drive or at the neighborhood clinics located in Brody, Holden, Hubbard and McDonel halls.

“The services that we offer are very similar to what you would find when you are at home,” marketing and communications manager for MSU Student Health Services Kathi Braunlich said.

“You can come in whether you have an injury or illness, and a physician can determine what you need. You don’t have to go off campus to get your medical care.”

Besides primary care, students can receive psychiatry, immunizations, sports medicine and health education services. There is also a laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and physical therapy located at Olin.

International students who haven’t received their insurance card yet can still receive services at Olin, Braunlich said. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time for the actual cards to arrive,

but students should still come in if they need medical attention. MSU also offers its own insurance, which eliminates most costs at Olin, Braunlich said.

Office for International Students and Scholars The Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, provides international students and their families support. Services include advising on the U.S. immigration regulations, academic orientations and serving as a liaison with U.S. government agencies and foreign embassies.

OISS can also help international students get their visa or a driver’s license and help connect them with the MSU community. “(We’re) kind of a comprehensive service office to help people from other countries,” OISS director Peter Briggs said. “We want them to be comfortable here, (and) we want them to know we’re a professional service to meet their needs culturally, socially and academically.”

Office of Financial Aid The Office of Financial Aid provides students financial assistance so that they can seek a college education.

International students are not eligible for financial aid, but there are other services available many international students should know about.

One of these services is the emergency shortterm loan program that MSU Office of Financial Aid offers. This allows students to borrow money for up to 60 days as long as the student has a verifiable means of repayment.

Because sponsorship money often comes within a specific time frame,

students might find themselves in a situation where they need money for rent or tuition and they haven’t received that money yet, the Associate Director of Financial Aid at MSU Wanda Edwards said. Students apply for this at the OISS, and it is processed through the Office of Financial Aid. The Women’s Resource Center The Women’s Resource Center, or WRC, serves students as a contact for women’s issues and information at MSU. Its mission is to create and implement strategies to promote the status of women.

MSU offers many different resources on campus to ensure students and familes can receive the support they need One service the WRC provides that can be especially helpful to international students is the new Ask A Spartan website. This allows students to ask questions in English or Mandarin Chinese.

“Last year about (3,700 students) were Chinesespeaking students,” Interim Director at WRC Jayne Schuiteman said. “It’s very difficult for them to ask the questions in a different language. We made this a specific outreach to Chinese-speaking students.”

The WRC also leads many different programs and conferences, Schuiteman said.

Programs can range from topics such as how transgender women are identified, understanding issues about image and tips on driving in Michigan winters.

4 Mail-home edition | TH E STATE NE WS | FR IDAY, JU N E 28, 2013 | STATE N E WS.COM FOOD

STUDENT LIFE

EAST LANSING PLAYS HOST TO AMERICAN CUISINE

By Tyler Beck tbeck@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

If you are looking for some American food, you almost always can expect chicken, hamburgers, french fries and sandwiches to be a part of the menu. Here are some of the local American food venues around campus.

LEO’S CONEY ISLAND Leo’s Coney Island, 333 Albert Ave., on the ground level of the East Lansing Marriott at University Place, about a quarter of a mile northeast of the Union. Leo’s is part of a chain run out of the Detroit area, famous for its Coney Island — a hot dog covered with chili, onions, mustard and served in a steamed bun.

Other favorites include the Leo’s Famous Greek Salad with homemade dressing and the Chicken Fingers Pita. However, Leo’s is also a good breakfast venue, with the Go Green Omelette and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast.

Leo’s is a small establishment, but they turn tables very quickly and the waiting time is never very long even if the line is out the door.

“The menu is tailored for students,” owner Bill Krall said. “So are the prices. We have a lot of foods that other people have all in one place.”

Leo’s is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

CRUNCHY’S Located about a quarter of a mile north of Mary Mayo Hall at 254 W. Grand River Ave., Crunchy’s is a staple of East Lansing dining. Crunchy’s was recently named to Complex.com’s top 25 college bars, checking in at No. 6.

The prices are fairly low, and the half-pound Crunchy’s Burger is one of the mainstays of the Crunchy’s menu, touted as one of the “Best of the Best” in the Lansing area, according to Crunchy’s website.

Crunchy’s also offers daily spe-

SOUNDARYA LAKSHMI slakshmi@statenews.com

International student experience proves rewarding

JUSTIN WAN/THE STATE NEWS

From left, Lansing resident and LCC student Andrew Weinberg, recent graduates and East Lansing residents Katie Blaszkowski and Katherine Miller dine at the patio, June 11, 2013, at Peanut Barrel, 521 E. Grand River Ave.

cials, such as half-off large pizzas on Sundays.

There is also a lot of entertainment, with live bands every Wednesday and karaoke every weekend.

Crunchy’s is open from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, and open until 2 a.m.

Thursday through Sunday; however, the kitchen does close two hours earlier.

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES The name says it all — Five Guys Burgers and Fries is known for their burgers and fries. Five Guys, 623 E. Grand River Ave., can be found right across the street from the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

“The ingredients are fresh,” general manager Tony Lutz said.

“It’s comfort food, and it’s made to order.”

Five Guys also has Cantonese and Mandarin menus, so the language barrier isn’t a problem. Five Guys offers sandwiches and hot

dogs; however, the hamburgers are what draws crowds. Five Guys has won the Best Burger in MidMichigan for the second year in a row, according to Lutz.

Also, musicians have been known to hang out in Five Guys from time to time, so if you are looking for something to do, stop at Five Guys and you might meet someone famous.

Five Guys is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

CONRAD’S COLLEGE TOWN GRILL Known for their Con-Wraps, which are “all your favorite ingredients wrapped up in a freshly-grilled tortilla.” Ingredients include grilled chicken, steak, bacon, cheese, tomato and pineapple, according to their website.

Conrad’s also offers hot dogs, salads, hamburgers, and tater tots. Conrad’s, 101 E. Grand River Ave., is located just north of the Union. Conrad’s also opened a second location on 1219 E. Grand River Ave., which handles more

of the delivery service. However, both locations deliver and are open from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

THE PEANUT BARREL The Peanut Barrel, 521 E. Grand River Ave., is a favorite hangout of East Lansing residents that is known for its hamburgers, especially the olive burger.

“We have very little staff turnover,” Peanut Barrel owner Joe Bell said. “People recognize our servers and bartenders, and a lot of times we are able know what those people want for lunch or dinner.”

The Peanut Barrel also is wellstaffed through the summer and during breaks and holidays.

“When a lot of businesses slow down, we stay fully staffed even when most students go home,” Bell said.

The Peanut Barrel is located across the street from Berkey Hall and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Being an international student on the sprawling campus of MSU is enriching.

Although I haven’t been welcomed with the traditional orientation program, since I was a spring intake and one among the few students in my program that semester, I found myself learning tricks of the trade fairly soon. It was mainly due to the incredible hospitality that was showered on me by faculty, colleagues and newfound friends. Getting a knack for local ways was only a matter of time and patience.

There are some rules for the game of life here. You follow them and you will find yourself falling in love with the diversity around you. MSU is a hub of international students, and it could be overwhelming to come to a foreign land and find yourself in the midst of a myriad of cultures.

Here’s what worked for me.

Take in every ounce of knowledge and wisdom that comes from different cultures. Understand what people do and why they do it. But remind yourself that you should only adapt yourself to the conditions here — you don’t have to transform yourself.

By altering yourself entirely, you are taking away the very essence of your presence in this multifarious college.

True, I missed the familiarity and comforts of living in a cozy city back home in India.

If there is one attribute of my personality that helped me here, it was my quest to learn new skills, no matter how vague they might be. Ranging from expanding my knowledge on types of bread to achieving finesse in certain writing software, I picked it all up.

“There are some rules for the game of life here. You follow them and you will find yourself falling in love with the diversity around you.”

I learned that “I don’t care” is not a negative phrase anymore, thanks to my American roommates. It was simply a way of saying, “Anything is fi ne by me.”

Everyone had something to teach me; I just had to keep my eyes open. A friend from China, whom I met in class taught me how to get myself to the bus station from campus without getting lost in the maze.

There will be surprises and misunderstandings, too; it is not always rainbows and butterfl ies. I have learned to act mature in such situations.

All the people at MSU have given me is warmth. I saw personal growth in many ways, some of which I never thought could happen. I came to terms with myself, and I believe there is no misfit here. Everyone is a part of a jigsaw puzzle, and together we form a beautiful picture.

It is starting to feel like home again.

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STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013 |

FAITH

Where to worship

RELIGION

MSU, East Lansing offers options to continue religious studies

By Derek Kim

OMAR THABET othabet@statenews.com

dkim@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

E

Religious communities bring flavor of home

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ntering a virtually new world on one of the nation's largest campuses, many students find salvation in furthering their religious studies during their time at MSU. With a wide spectrum available to further the teachings of modern religion, MSU and East Lansing offer many options for students.

The Lester & Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student Center

The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing

The center is a place where Jewish students may build relationships and celebrate their beliefs. During the school year, the Hillel holds both conservative and reformed services at 6 p.m. on Fridays and also holds services during Jewish holidays. “We’re more like a community center for Jewish students on campus, but in addition to that, we provide the religious experience as well,” MSU Hillel Executive Director Cindy Hughey said.

An affiliate of the Islamic Society of North America, the society offers activities for families and students alike. The Islamic Center holds congressional prayer, teaching circles, educational programs and social activities throughout the year.

Halal food is available in the kitchen with all proceeds going to the Islamic Center. A library also offers books and audio material on Islam.

360 CHARLES ST., CONTACT CINDY HUGHEY 517-332-1916 DIRECTOR@MSUHILLEL .ORG

CONTACT THE ISL AMIC SOCIET Y OF GREATER L ANSING 517-351- 4309 INFO@L ANSINGISL AM.COM

The Bharatiya Temple of Lansing

The University Reformed Church

The Lansing Area Mindfulness Community

The temple gives students the chance to find “something from where their roots are,” Board of Trustees member Meena Sharma said. The temple is open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Those interested should go to the temple website to find the Puja schedule.

During the summer, there is one service at 10 a.m.; while during the school year, services take place Sunday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. URC’s International Christian Fellowship meets at 11 a.m.

Sundays in room 102 of the church during the school year. “We want to provide a unique home for international students to feel welcome and to be around other international students to really connect and celebrate their own culture,” Director of Campus Ministry Jon Saunders said.

The community meets 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays at Van Hanh Temple, in Lansing, and gives students an opportunity to “remove the hindrances of college life,” practitioner Carolyn White said. The temple is owned by the Vietnamese-American Buddhist Association of Lansing and offers separate worship and celebration services for Vietnamese practitioners.

White said the community is a diverse group of Buddhist practitioners of the Zen tradition in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh.

955 HASLETT RD. CONTACT MEENA SHARMA 517-927-3294 SHARMAMT@AOL .COM

841 TIMBERL ANE ST. CONTACT SNEHA ABR AHAM 734-968 -1279 SNEHA . ABR AHAM08@GMAIL .COM

VAN HANH TEMPLE 3015 S. WASHINGTON ST., L ANSING CONTACT CAROLYN WHITE 517-351-5866

MSU houses close to 49,000 students from more than 130 different countries. Close to 14 percent of the students attending MSU are international students.

So if you’re wondering how well you would interact with other students once you have arrived from a different country, let’s just say MSU has you covered.

MSU offers more than 550 registered student organizations, with many of the groups dealing with the backgrounds of international students.

As a Muslim student attending MSU, I have to admit I haven’t been fortunate enough to join any of these organizations, but the community itself makes me feel like I’m at home. There are many places of worship where students can practice the religion they follow, while at the same time meeting people of the same background.

There is an organization called the Chinese/American Cross Cultural Experience that looks to break cultural barriers that hinder people from stepping out of their comfort zone and learning about each other.

The Muslim Students’ Association, or MSA, is one of the largest and most active student organizations at MSU, and it seeks to fulfill many purposes: providing a sense of community and support services for Muslim students on campus, educating Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam, promoting collaboration and unity through understanding Muslims and non-Muslims on campus and helping any individ-

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uals during times of need.

Every Friday, after the prayer of Dhuhr, members of the local mosque in East Lansing sell a variety of foods that Muslims from different countries are accustomed to eating. Some examples of the foods being served are shawarma sandwiches, samosas and a plate filled with chicken and Arabian rice with a salad on the side.

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic Center of East Lansing host dinners in the mosque for all the community members who are fasting.

This is a great time for Muslim community members to come together and try the different ethnic foods people from their same background have to offer.

More than 3,500 Jewish students at MSU chose MSU Hillel as their Jewish community center on campus. Their mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Their vision is to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.

Christianity and Culture seeks “to understand the thoughts and ideas of our culture as they relate to or interact with Christianity.” The organization’s ultimate goal is to see the influence of God’s kingdom permeate the society in which we live through the advancement of his righteousness, justice and truth.

Overall, I believe MSU does a great job interacting with students from different countries and engaging them in the new Spartan culture here in East Lansing.

“ There are many places of worship where students can practice the religion they follow, while at the same time meeting people of the same background.”

6 Mail-home edition | TH E STATE NE WS | FR IDAY, JU N E 28, 2013 | STATE N E WS.COM E N T E R TA I N M E N T

ART

MUSIC, ART ABOUND IN MSU, LANSING AREA

By Katie Abdilla kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

D

OMARI SANKOFA II osankofa@statenews.com

espite its closeknit community, MSU, along with the cities of East Lansing and Lansing, offers several forms of entertainment for students and residents alike.

Among many others, here is a list of some of the area’s most well-known locations to see art, go to a concert or fi nd music.

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum Placed amid some of the campus’ oldest buildings, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum has brought artwork to thousands of people si nce it s opening last November, both through its exhibitions and its architecture.

The museum is free and open to the public, and rotates its art exhibitions often throughout the year.

It incorporates a variety of artistic expression of artists from around the world, in places such as Pakistan and China.

Regardless of location, Aimee Shapiro, the museum’s director of education, said art within the museum serves as a universal form of expression many cultures can relate to.

“Artists coming from other countries reflect their life and their ideas, and that’s ver y similar across cultures,” Shapiro said. “People are very concentrated in their own life and their own experience, and that helps to connect people.

It helps them realize people are having the same experience, just in differ-

Explore MSU’s entertainment scene

WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Willamena lead singer Lukas Ross sings on June 13 at The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Willamena released its new album this past January.

ent places.”

Shapiro said curators at the museum plan to bring in new exhibitions for the arrival of students in the fall.

Wharton Center The performing arts center, which is located on campus, has become known as one of the top performance venues of its size in the United States.

The hall plays host to Broadway shows, concerts, musicals and everything in between.

For the fall semester, Bob Hoffman, Wharton Center’s public relations manager, said the venue has booked shows for jazz artists and classical music, along with Broadway productions. Among many things, he said diversity of performances has become a top priority.

“Regardless of what country or what nationality you are, entertainment is entertainment,” Hoffman said. “We have the best entertainment right here on campus. You don’t have to go to big international cities to see a show.”

Federally insured by the NCUA

The Loft Although it’s outside of East Lansing, The Loft, 414 Michigan Ave., in Lansing, often draws MSU students for its concerts. The concert venue brings in a variety of local bands, as well as formerly up-and-coming artists, such as Macklemore and Owl City.

The Loft typically hosts several concerts per week, often including artists from Fusion Shows, a Michigan-based booking agency. Lauren Godlesky, one of the venue’s booking agents, said the building’s intimate setting makes for a unique experience.

“It’s not really overwhelmi ng, a nd it ’s not sma l l,” Godlesky said.

“East Lansing becomes a little bubble, and it’s about going outside of that and getting used to seeing different artists and bands play.”

Flat, Black and Circular Known for bringing vinyl records to the city for more than 30 years, Flat, Black and

Circular, 541 E. Grand River Ave., has upheld the value of vinyl since its establishment.

The store, which also includes CDs and cassette tapes, showcases many genres of music.

Jon Howard, the store’s manager, said vinyl record stores have seen a big comeback in sales within the past few years.

“I think it’s a lot of word of mouth, that things are going more toward digital, and vinyl and CDs are kind of falling down,” Howard said. “The lack of CD sales brought vinyl back up.”

Although many users prefer to download their music online, Howard said he and owner Dave Bernath never gave up hope.

“When people started downloading the music, we said it wouldn’t stick around for very long,” he said.

“We didn’t know if music would be stolen or how many files would be corrupted, so we said we’re just going to stick with vinyl.”

Before I was hired as a features reporter last semester, I wasn’t fully aware of the many activities and events I had access to as a student. But beneath the surface, there’s a lot going on.

Due to the work of the Residence Halls Association (RHA), ASMSU (MSU’s undergraduate student government), University Activities Board (UAB), promotion company Fusion Shows and several other organizations, there are a host of options for students seeking a break from their daily grind.

ASMSU works to bring many shows to campus. They are responsible for bringing Macklemore and Ryan Lewis to Breslin Center earlier this year, and had plans to bring R&B star Ne-Yo to Breslin before the concert was cancelled due to low ticket sales.

Despite Ne-Yo’s waning popularity, I was glad ASMSU made the effort to bring him to campus. I’m a fan of Ne-Yo and probably would have been one of the 75 people in attendance.

In addition to working to provide a comfortable residence hall living experience for students, RHA’s goal is to bring entertainment to campus as well. Last year, RHA brought crunkelectronica-pop group Mansions on the Moon to Wharton, and hosted the Official MSU Drag Show in April.

The Macklemore and Ryan Lewis show was one of the most popular shows of 201213. However, it wasn’t the first time Macklemore visited MSU, as he performed at Mac’s

Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing, when he began his career in 2008, and also performed at The Loft in 2012.

The thrill of Macklemore later was surpassed by country star Carrie Underwood and up-and-coming country artist Hunter Hayes on April 13. It marked the third time Underwood brought her talents to Lansing, with the first and second being in 2008 and 2010.

UAB has been responsible for hosting smaller events, such as on-campus movie screenings and student gaming events. Last year, UAB hosted Spartan Family Feud and treated students to a free advance screening of “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters”. The screening certainly saved many students from wasting their money on the mediocre film when it hit theaters later in the year.

Thanks to Fusion Shows, a host of underground and upand-coming artists perform in the Lansing area on a weekly basis. A few of the acts that came to Lansing last year are folk band Frontier Ruckus, hiphop legend Ghostface Killah, Owl City and underground hiphop artist, Chance the Rapper.

Fusion Shows has increased efforts to bring more hip-hop acts to the area, and as a selfproclaimed hip-hop connoisseur, I applaud the decision.

Wharton Center brought a variety of award-winning plays to MSU’s campus, a few of which include “War Horse,” “Celtic Woman,” “American Idiot: The Musical,” “Blue Man Group” and “Funny Girl”. Students typically get discounts to view Wharton Center shows.

Several key performances will come to MSU this summer.

Common Ground Music Festival perhaps stands out most.

Taking place in downtown Lansing, this year’s celebration is highlighted by performances

by Barenaked Ladies, MGMT, Slash, ZZ Ward and Ludacris.

With a number of free events, as well as paid events taking place on and near campus, there’s no reason to be shut inside of your dorm room on weekends. Go outside and see what MSU has to offer.

Mail-home edition

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013 |

TIPS

ADVICE

Philosophy senior Samantha Goulet, left, talks with Arabic and professional writing junior Sonia Trierweiler on whether she should take a philosophy class on Jan. 9 at Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave.

MIKE KOURY mkoury@statenews.com

Communication key to success during time at MSU

JUSTIN WAN/ THE STATE NEWS

How to survive your 1st year on campus

By Soundarya Lakshmi slakshmi@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

1. Be weather wise The weather in Michigan can catch you off guard. Be prepared to invest in dandy coats, boots and gloves, especially if you are here for the winter. It is wise to search for good deals once you land in the U.S. rather than getting stuff from home. This saves you the hassle of excess baggage.

2. Homesickness Loneliness befalls most international students who are used to being around friends and family back home. Try to avoid being alone, and utilize this time to join activities and clubs on campus. “International students should get involved with the university and enjoy their experience learning and

living in a different country, but also set a balance between their priorities from the beginning,” human biology junior Hemali Patel said.

3. What’s on your plate?

You will fi nd a good friend in YouTube if you are going to cook for yourself here. If boiling, steaming and stewing is not your thing, there are dozens of choices for eating out on and off campus.

Be sure to understand the meal plans in dining halls before you opt for them.

4. Place of dwelling MSU offers a variety of oncampus housing facilities to suit different budgets’ needs.

Get in touch through MSU Live On and fi nd a residential plan that best suits your requirements. If you plan to live off campus, talk to locals before you sign a lease. Plan travel times to campus if you

choose off-campus housing.

5. Bookish Books don’t always have to cost a fortune. You can search the Main Library at MSU and check out books there for your temporary needs. Check websites such as Amazon to fi nd half-priced books.

“You can rent or buy books from Chegg.com, and it is super easy,” neuroscience sophomore Danielle Meyer said. “You can put them in a box when you are done and send them back, too.”

6. Back-home relationships Time difference, the speed of life here and hectic schedules will put a strain on the relationships you value and nurtured back at home. Figure out a time that best suits you and your family to get in touch and share

your stories about your experiences here on the banks of the Red Cedar.

7. Education Remember the primary reason you are here is to study a subject or area of your interest. Understand that the system of education is different here, and never hesitate to ask your professors questions.

8. Got some dough? Save it.

Student life in a foreign land is bound to throw unexpected expenses toward you.

Be wary of your expenses and keep a tab on unnecessary expenditures. ”When you go to the bank to deposit your money, put at least 20 percent of the total cash in your savings account,” psychology junior Debbie Hew said. “This way, you will always have money in case of emergency.”

As an international student coming into a new place, completely unknown to them, it can be a scary situation. You don’t know anybody and are entering a world where you might feel like you’re the odd person out.

That can be said for really anyone, especially the incoming freshmen. That’s where reaching out and meeting new people can be the best decision you will ever make.

But that’s easier said than done. Putting yourself out there can be an incredibly hard thing to do. You might be afraid of being rejected by others or they might not accept you for being yourself.

It’s a real fear many others have dealt with before, including myself.

Entering Michigan State University three years ago, I came in with not many friends and a pretty crappy high school experience.

It left me a little weary of people and also a little more cautious. And the one person you’re suppose to make a connection with, my roommate, was rarely seen, as he spent most of the time with his girlfriend across campus.

So far, not a great start to my college career. But I only had myself to blame because I was holding myself back from growing and meeting new people. I didn’t know if these people were going to like me or not, but I shouldn’t have been afraid to try.

When I eventually did come out of my shell and open up to these people — now some of my best friends — I shouldn’t have been surprised they embraced me and brought me into their circle.

But, then again, getting the courage to go up and speak to someone you’ve never met before can be a little scary and it’s never an easy thing to do. Nobody likes putting themselves out there only to be rejected. But it’s nothing to worry or stress out about because there are many other like you facing the same situation.

There isn’t any trick to putting yourself out there and meeting new people. It can be as simple as walking by somebody’s dorm room, seeing them watching a show you like and asking if you can watch too and bond over it.

Or walking by the basketball court at IM Sports-West and seeing a group of people playing ball and asking to join a pickup game.

Many people you meet on campus will be very open to talk with you if you give them a chance.

There will be the occasional jerk that looks and acts like they came out of the Cobra Kai dojo from “Karate Kid,” who might reject you and make you feel stupid for trying, but from what I’ve learned the majority of people you meet will be accepting of you.

Coming to a new school, let alone from a different country, can make the transition to making new friends a bit more difficult. You might feel as if there is a cultural divide preventing you from doing that.

What might be the best thing to do is to let others experience what your culture is like while also experiencing others. College always has been known for letting people experience new things and this would not only accomplish that but you might make a new friend out of the process.

The best piece of advice I could give anyone reading this is to be yourself. I was accepted by my friends, weirdness and all, and you will be too.

Because these things eventually will work out, even if you don’t think they intend to.

WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!

The key to a world class experience...

is waiting for you at the Okemos Auto Collection.

As your local connection for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche, the Okemos Auto Collection holds the keys to world class performance, quality and safety.

We have a large selection of both new and pre-owned vehicles and we buy all makes and models.

Let us assist you in getting you settled into your new world.

Ŗ Just minutes from MSU. Ŗ Employees who speak both Mandarin and Spanish. Ŗ Free chauffeur service to home and campus.

We look forward to seeing you!

Proud sponsors of CUSA (Chinese Undergraduate Student Association), Asian Student Cedar Point Trip, Chinese Entrepreneur Network and Kollaboration.

Love what you drive.

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

7

2186 Jolly Road | Okemos, MI 48864 | 1.800.215.6944 Mon-Thu 9A - 8P | Fri 9A - 6P | Sat 10A - 4P www.okemosautocollection.com

8 Mail-home edition | TH E STATE NE WS | FR IDAY, JU N E 28, 2013 | STATE N E WS.COM

WHO’S WHO IN MSU ATHLETICS

MATTHEW PIZZO MPIZZO@STATENEWS.COM

Cam Gibson BASEBALL OUTFIELDER As a freshman, Gibson received a lot of playing time in left field and proved he has the athletic ability and attitude to be a key player for the Spartans in the future.

The son of Spartan great Kirk Gibson, he possess similar traits as his father, but wants to set himself apart from his dad. Head coach Jake Boss Jr. said that he talks to Cam a lot about playing as himself. Boss Jr. said to Gibson that he wanted him to be Cam Gibson — not just Kirk’s son.

Gibson is exactly what you want in a leadoff hitter; he possesses rare speed that gives him the ability to put the ball in play and get the crucial first batter on base.

Blaise Salter STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

Valparaiso guard Will Bogan defends then-freshman guard Gary Harris as Harris drives down the baseline in the first half of the NCAA Tournament second round game on March 21, 2013.

Gary Harris BASKETBALL GUARD Gary came onto the scene as a freshman and made an immediate impact for the Spartans at guard. The 6-foot-4 sophomore has a smooth stroke from behind the perimeter along with the speed and strength needed to compete in a highly competitive Big Ten. Averaging 12.9 points and making 41 percent of his 3-pointers, Harris along with Keith Appling make up one of the best back courts in the nation.

Tom Izzo o MEN’S BASKETBALL ASKETBALL COACH

Where to begin egin — six Final Four appearances, rances, seven Big Ten championships mpionships and three Big Ten n Tournament championships. ips. Tom Izzo is the face of Michigan State basketball. One of the most wellknown student ent sections in the country is dubbed ubbed after Izzo: “The Izzone.” .” In his 18th season, Izzo is one of the most respected coaches in all of college e basketball.

BASEBALL DESIGNATED HITTER A 6-foot-5 designated hitter, Salter led the young Spartan baseball team with a .343 average during his sophomore season. Salter has a strong, durable frame, and he makes contact with a lot of the barrel on the ball. When Salter connects with the ball, it jumps off his bat. He tied for second in home runs with five and finished second in RBIs with 35.

Matt Berry HOCKEY FORWARD The MSU hockey program went through a transitional period in the 2012-13 season (14-25-3) after losing 12 players from a season ago, including team captain Torey Krug, who competed for the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in June. Sophomore Matt Berry led the Spartans with 15 go goals, including a hat trick against rival Michigan in front of o a record crowd at Munn Ice Arena. Berry led the rebuilding rebui Spartan group in assists with 16 and points with 31.

Adreian Payne Adreia BASKETBALL CENTER BASKE The 6-foo 6-foot-10 center possesses the ability not only to operate in i the post, but also to venture into 3-point land. “W “We have a great team, and with everybody coming back, Gary and I, we have a chance to get to the Fi Final Four and win a national championship,” Payne said in a press conference earlier this Payn summer. Off the court, Payne has built a heartsum warming relationship with a 7-year old girl wa named Lacey Holsworth who is battling n neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood n cancer. Payne has given Lacey some of his jerseys, and they also keep in contact over the phone and were the guests of honor at Dick Vitale’s 2013 celebrity gala. The way Payne plays on the court and carries himself off the pla court makes m him a prime example of what it means to be a Spartan Spar athlete.

Izzo yells from om the sideline during the third round und of the NCAA Tournamentt on March 23, 2013.

JUSTIN WAN/THE THE STATE NEWS

University Division

WHO is my Academic Advisor? j WHAT if I haven’t declared a major? dvising? vising?

WHY do I need advising?

HOW can I changee my major? m

?

Come visit us in the e Neighborhoods hoods Brody Engagement Center 517-353-3863 17-353-3863 160 Brody Hall East Engagement Center 517-884-3501 7-884-3501 C130 Hubbard Hall North/Union Engagement Center nter 517-884-4050 884-405 Union Building River Trail Engagement Center err 517-884-4080 4-4080 C101 McDonel Hall South Engagement Center 517-884-6680 Holden Hall Visit our website at uud.msu.edu for more information!

Follow us on Twitter @UUDMSU Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/uudmsu

The Learning Resources Center - Tutoring in the Neighborhoods in Math, Chemistry, and other Natural Sciences, Computer Skills, Social Sciences and Business - Programs in Reading Comprehension, Math Success Strategies, Chemistry Mock Exams, Test Taking and Study Skills - Open Computer/Learning Lab - And more great services!

Contact the LRC at 517-355-2363 for more information or visit us in 202 Bessey Hall Check out our tutoring and workshop schedule online at http://www.lrc.msu.edu

STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

Eastern Michigan tight end Garrett Hoskins goes upside down with then-junior linebacker Max Bullough by his side on Sept.

22, 2012.

Max Bullough

FOOTBALL LINEBACKER Bullough is the heart and soul of the Spartans’ defense, which ranked ninth in the nation last year in points against. The middle linebacker was named Big Ten player to watch in 2013 by SI.com.

Bullough is a third-generation Spartan and is joined this year by y his younger y g brother Riley. y With the words “Spartan p Pride” tattooed on his right and left bicep, Bullough is the epitome of a “Spartan Dawg” and always leaves it all out on the field.

Mark Dantonio FOOTBALL COACH In his seventh season as head coach, Dantonio has restored the tradition and pride of Spartan football. Dantonio has led MSU to a school-record six-consecutive bowl appearances, 27 Big Ten victories in the past five seasons — the most of any Big Ten team — along with claiming a share of the Big Ten championship in 2010 and winning the inaugural Big Ten Legends Divisions title in 2011. Dantonio and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi have developed the Spartans into one of the best defensive programs in the country. The Spartans were the best defensive team in the Big Ten in 2012.

Mail-home edition

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013 |

Mid-Michigan offers entertainment options

9

– Michael Kransz, The State News

JULIA NAGY/THE STATE NEWS

English senior Trevor Leatzow putts June 11, 2013, at FunTyme Adventure Park, 3384 James Phillips Drive. Miniature golf is one of the activities offered at FunTyme.

DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

Mattawan, Mich. resident Olivia Semrau, 12, plays in the arcade of Zap Zone, 936 East Mall Drive in Lansing, June 11, 2013.

FunTyme, 3384 James Phillips Drive, Okemos, Mich.

5.3 miles, 11 mins FunTyme is an entertainment complex with outdoor minigolf, arcade games, batting cages, mini lane bowling and Can-Am carts. Mini-golf costs $5.50 per person, and the Can-Am carts cost $5.50 for a single and $6 for a double.

The Michigan State Capitol Building, 100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, Mich.

4.2 miles, 12 mins Home to the Governor’s Office, State Senate, and

House of Representatives, the Capitol building offers free tours. Protests have taken place on its steps and the building “features more than nine acres of decoratively hand-painted surfaces and an awe-inspiring glass-floor rotunda and inner dome that rises 160 feet above the main floor,” according to the City of Lansing.

Zap Zone, 936 E. Mall Drive, Lansing, Mich.

9.5 miles, 16 mins Looking to play a round of laser tag? Zap Zone offers laser tag, glo-golf and arcade games. According to its site,

the laser tag experience “is like stepping into real life video game where up to 48 players and three teams can play at one time.”

said. The cider mill has a corn maze, pumpkin patch and wagon rides during the fall.

Mason Antiques District, Mason, Mich.

72.9 miles, 1 hour, 14 mins

12.8 miles, 21 mins The stores contain a variety of antiques and collectibles, Mary Gullett, owner of the Carriage Stop, said.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill, St. Johns, Mich.

29.6 miles, 33 mins Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a “fifth generation family farm, offering in-season produce, a bakery, a gift shop, a winery and a chance to get away from the city,” Mike Beck, president of Uncle John’s Cider Mill,

Founders Brewing Co..

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Founders Brewing Co. serves its own craft beer, typically with 16 to 18 on tap, Dave Engbers, co-founder of Founders, said. Engbers said the benefits of coming to Founders is getting to taste the “cleanest, brightest” beers, some of which are unavailable elsewhere and that its beer acts a conduit for friendly beer enthusiasts from all walks of life.

HopCat serves close to 48 different drafts, 150 different bottles and no domestic beers, Justin Steikar, manager at HopCat said. “(It’s) a haven for beer nerds to come and experience beers they can’t find in stores,” Steikar said.

HopCat soon will be opening up a location in East Lansing, which will be built into the ground floor of The Residences, 211 Ann St, the eight-story apartment complex currently under construction.

The Fillmore Detroit, Magic Stick and The Fox Theatre

HopCat, 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Nearly 90 miles and 1 hour 30 mins

1 hour, 15 mins, 73.2 miles

These performing arts venues

provide big name acts along with local artists, from music to plays. Notable upcoming concerts feature the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Queens of the Stone Age, Metric and Steely Dan.

Comerica Park 90.2 miles, 1 hour, 34 mins Home to the Detroit Tigers, the baseball stadium provides “an all-in-one experience where you get the food, the game and you don’t have to go far for anything,” Jill Baran, a manager at Comerica Park, said. The Tigers’ season runs from April through September — and into October with a little postseason luck.

All distances relative to downtown East Lansing

3636 E. Coleman Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823

Mail-home edition

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013 |

TIPS

ADVICE

Philosophy senior Samantha Goulet, left, talks with Arabic and professional writing junior Sonia Trierweiler on whether she should take a philosophy class on Jan. 9 at Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave.

MIKE KOURY mkoury@statenews.com

Communication key to success during time at MSU

JUSTIN WAN/ THE STATE NEWS

How to survive your 1st year on campus

By Soundarya Lakshmi slakshmi@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

1. Be weather wise The weather in Michigan can catch you off guard. Be prepared to invest in dandy coats, boots and gloves, especially if you are here for the winter. It is wise to search for good deals once you land in the U.S. rather than getting stuff from home. This saves you the hassle of excess baggage.

2. Homesickness Loneliness befalls most international students who are used to being around friends and family back home. Try to avoid being alone, and utilize this time to join activities and clubs on campus. “International students should get involved with the university and enjoy their experience learning and

living in a different country, but also set a balance between their priorities from the beginning,” human biology junior Hemali Patel said.

3. What’s on your plate?

You will fi nd a good friend in YouTube if you are going to cook for yourself here. If boiling, steaming and stewing is not your thing, there are dozens of choices for eating out on and off campus.

Be sure to understand the meal plans in dining halls before you opt for them.

4. Place of dwelling MSU offers a variety of oncampus housing facilities to suit different budgets’ needs.

Get in touch through MSU Live On and fi nd a residential plan that best suits your requirements. If you plan to live off campus, talk to locals before you sign a lease. Plan travel times to campus if you

choose off-campus housing.

5. Bookish Books don’t always have to cost a fortune. You can search the Main Library at MSU and check out books there for your temporary needs. Check websites such as Amazon to fi nd half-priced books.

“You can rent or buy books from Chegg.com, and it is super easy,” neuroscience sophomore Danielle Meyer said. “You can put them in a box when you are done and send them back, too.”

6. Back-home relationships Time difference, the speed of life here and hectic schedules will put a strain on the relationships you value and nurtured back at home. Figure out a time that best suits you and your family to get in touch and share

your stories about your experiences here on the banks of the Red Cedar.

7. Education Remember the primary reason you are here is to study a subject or area of your interest. Understand that the system of education is different here, and never hesitate to ask your professors questions.

8. Got some dough? Save it.

Student life in a foreign land is bound to throw unexpected expenses toward you.

Be wary of your expenses and keep a tab on unnecessary expenditures. ”When you go to the bank to deposit your money, put at least 20 percent of the total cash in your savings account,” psychology junior Debbie Hew said. “This way, you will always have money in case of emergency.”

As an international student coming into a new place, completely unknown to them, it can be a scary situation. You don’t know anybody and are entering a world where you might feel like you’re the odd person out.

That can be said for really anyone, especially the incoming freshmen. That’s where reaching out and meeting new people can be the best decision you will ever make.

But that’s easier said than done. Putting yourself out there can be an incredibly hard thing to do. You might be afraid of being rejected by others or they might not accept you for being yourself.

It’s a real fear many others have dealt with before, including myself.

Entering Michigan State University three years ago, I came in with not many friends and a pretty crappy high school experience.

It left me a little weary of people and also a little more cautious. And the one person you’re suppose to make a connection with, my roommate, was rarely seen, as he spent most of the time with his girlfriend across campus.

So far, not a great start to my college career. But I only had myself to blame because I was holding myself back from growing and meeting new people. I didn’t know if these people were going to like me or not, but I shouldn’t have been afraid to try.

When I eventually did come out of my shell and open up to these people — now some of my best friends — I shouldn’t have been surprised they embraced me and brought me into their circle.

But, then again, getting the courage to go up and speak to someone you’ve never met before can be a little scary and it’s never an easy thing to do. Nobody likes putting themselves out there only to be rejected. But it’s nothing to worry or stress out about because there are many other like you facing the same situation.

There isn’t any trick to putting yourself out there and meeting new people. It can be as simple as walking by somebody’s dorm room, seeing them watching a show you like and asking if you can watch too and bond over it.

Or walking by the basketball court at IM Sports-West and seeing a group of people playing ball and asking to join a pickup game.

Many people you meet on campus will be very open to talk with you if you give them a chance.

There will be the occasional jerk that looks and acts like they came out of the Cobra Kai dojo from “Karate Kid,” who might reject you and make you feel stupid for trying, but from what I’ve learned the majority of people you meet will be accepting of you.

Coming to a new school, let alone from a different country, can make the transition to making new friends a bit more difficult. You might feel as if there is a cultural divide preventing you from doing that.

What might be the best thing to do is to let others experience what your culture is like while also experiencing others. College always has been known for letting people experience new things and this would not only accomplish that but you might make a new friend out of the process.

The best piece of advice I could give anyone reading this is to be yourself. I was accepted by my friends, weirdness and all, and you will be too.

Because these things eventually will work out, even if you don’t think they intend to.

WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!

The key to a world class experience...

is waiting for you at the Okemos Auto Collection.

As your local connection for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche, the Okemos Auto Collection holds the keys to world class performance, quality and safety.

We have a large selection of both new and pre-owned vehicles and we buy all makes and models.

Let us assist you in getting you settled into your new world.

Ŗ Just minutes from MSU. Ŗ Employees who speak both Mandarin and Spanish. Ŗ Free chauffeur service to home and campus.

We look forward to seeing you!

Proud sponsors of CUSA (Chinese Undergraduate Student Association), Asian Student Cedar Point Trip, Chinese Entrepreneur Network and Kollaboration.

Love what you drive.

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

7

2186 Jolly Road | Okemos, MI 48864 | 1.800.215.6944 Mon-Thu 9A - 8P | Fri 9A - 6P | Sat 10A - 4P www.okemosautocollection.com

Mail-home edition

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013, 2013 |

11

FOOTBALL SATURDAYS EMBRACE MSU TRADITION A sold out crowd cheered the Spartans to victory during the game against Boise State on Aug. 31, 2012.

More than 78,000 people attended the victory of Boise State.

STATE NEWS FILE PHOTOS

Attendees of the Ohio State game cheer in the student section on on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 29, 2012, at Spartan Stadium.

The game had over 75,000 attendees.

Spartan Stadium, tailgates offer premium Green and White atmosphere

By Robert Bondy

MSU kicks off the football season on Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. against Western Michigan.

THE STATE NEWS Many have the Spartans in their preseason top 25 with expectaike the eye of a hur- tions to bounce back from a 7-6 ricane, Friday eve- season in 2012 where the team lost five of its games by a total nings in the fall on of 13 points. the banks of the Red Although football games are Cedar are quiet and calm but what bring back alumni and fans to East Lansing, football only a few hours later, a wave Saturdays are more than just of green and white is ready to the game itself. For many students the tailgates are equalcrash into East Lansing. ly as important as the events Football Saturdays in East that occur inside Spartan Lansing stand as one of the Stadium. staples that gives MSU Tailgates consist of stuits character. Whethdents, alumni and er it ’s t hrow ing fans coming togeththe pigskin with er before t he friends, dancgame, sharing ing on tables their thoughts outside f rats on the upcomThe capacity of or singing the ing game Spartan Stadium, fight song as while enjoyusually filled with senior quartering a hot dog students, alumni and back A ndrew o r h a m b u r gcasual fans Maxwell throws e r. D ep e nd i ng the game winning on the game time, touchdown, the first some begin tailgating dozen Saturdays of the school as soon as they wake up in the morning. year are devoted to football.

Theta Chi President Matt “There’s just a lot of green and white and excitement,” Joyner said his fraternity nornutritional sciences senior Emi- mally spends close to $1500 per tailgate, with the majorly Smajda said. rbondy@statenews.com ■■

L

75,005

ity of funding going towards food and drinks. The fraternity normally welcomes nearly 500750 students, alumni and families to their tailgates for the big games.

“It’s a really energetic time for students here at MSU,” he said. “These are the memories you’ll have down the road.”

Joyner said the frat normally starts setting up in the morning as early as 8 a.m., with the brothers moving the furniture, blocking off areas, setting up traditional tailgate games and a DJ booth.

Once the tailgating ends and opening kickoff is looming, 70,000 fans move towards Spartan Stadium, filling up the upper and lower deck portions of the stadium.

For the players who represent MSU, running out of a tunnel of smoke to legendary rock band AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” with a stadium full of fans is something that only adds to the game day experience.

“There’s no feeling like taking the field in front of 70,000 fans all cheering for you,”

Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith is tackled by thensophomore safety Kurtis Drummond during a game on Sept. 29, 2012, at Spartan Stadium.

freshman tight end Josiah Price said.

In recent years, MSU has been successful at home, boasting a 17-5 home record in the last three seasons. Spartan Stadium also seen some all-time classics in recent years including an overtime fake field goal touchdown pass, known as “Little Giants” and a last second

“There’s no feeling like taking the field in front of 70,000 fans all cheering for you.”

Josiah Price, freshman tight end

44-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass, dubbed as “Rocket.”

“The night game a few years back when MSU beat Notre Dame,” Smajda said, referring

to “Little Giants” as her greatest MSU football memory. “It just was really crazy and everyone was so excited and it was a fun atmosphere to be around.”

12 Mail-home edition | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, J U N E 28 , 2013 ACTIVITIE S

Football, Beaumont Tower comprise MSU bucket list

By Anya Rath arath@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

O

ne of the best things about MSU is just how colossal it is. And this pertains not only to the size of the campus, but all of the different activities and choices it offers for students and members of the community. All Spartans should have a bucket list of things to do before they leave MSU. Here are a few of the endless options to consider: 1. Attend an MSU football game Football is one of America’s most beloved sports. And for some Spartans, football season is a way of life.

Spartan Stadium is one of the largest football stadiums in the U.S., with a capacity of more than 75,000. The tailgating atmosphere in East Lansing is one of the best around, spanning the length of campus through the duration of Saturdays in the fall. Tents can be found all around campus on game day, and the student section in Spartan Stadium numbers in the thousands.

Every student needs to go to at least one game to get a fresh dose of Spartan spirit.

Oh, and if you ever hear someone scream “Go Green!” in your general direction, make sure you respond with a loud, “Go White!”

2. Get ice cream at the Dairy Store MSU’s Dairy Store, located at Anthony Hall and the MSU Union on campus, is one of MSU’s most iconic locations. The Dairy Store has been operating in different locations for more than 100 years, according to John Engstrom, MSU Dairy Plant manager.

Engstrom said there are 32 flavors available at all times, with flavors switched out based on season. He added that the No. 1 flavor is Sesquicentennial Swirl.

WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Laingsburg, Mich., residents Collin Logghe, 4, left, and Evenly Logghe, 6, eat ice cream on June 11, 2013 at the Dairy Store.

“People just really like the ice cream,” Engstrom said. “It’s a favorite part of their memories from when they went to school (here).”

3. Fall in love in the shadow of Beaumont Tower Standing proud since 1929 as a marker of Michigan State University, the Beaumont Tower is one of the most treasured places on campus. The Beaumont Tower has a carillon inside that has 49 bells. The tower is open for tours on Tuesdays at noon during the school year, and by appointment only during the summer.

Also, rumor has it, if you kiss your sweetheart under the shadow of the tower, you are destined to marry him or her.

4. Pull an all-nighter and the midnight scream There is something to be said about the camaraderie that takes place deep into the night in the midst of all-nighters at the Main Library. The adrenaline pumping through your coffee-soaked veins as you cram for an exam the next day is merely a rite of passage for any Spartan.

Students can try to avoid allnighters all they want; eventually, they’re inevitable.

Additionally, MSU has a tradition during finals week each semester where at midnight of each day everyone screams their lungs out for a full minute, unless

you’re in the library, of course.

Talk about stress relief.

5. Pick a side: Spartan or Zombie?

Every spring, the undead take over MSU campus for a few days.

Spartans vs. Zombies is a game where all students participating, with a handful of exceptions, begin as humans. These exceptions are zombies.

The zombies’ goal is to “bite” as many humans as possible by tagging them with their hands. The humans can fend off or “stun” zombies by using NERF guns.

“They’re planning strategies, running around campus,” communication senior Justin Weintraub said, “It’s hard not to get swept up into it, when everyone else is all excited.”

6. Find your campus niche MSU has more than 550 registered student organizations — there’s something catered to every Spartan’s interests, whether it relates to your hobbies, your ethnicity or your talents.

College is a time to learn and grow. And one of the best ways to enhance your learning is by surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests.

It’s through involving oneself in these various organizations that a strong network of people, who can help in a variety of ways in the future, can be built.