Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Master Police Officer Daniel Makamson patrols by the Drill Field. Bicycles allow officers access throughout the pedestrian campus and quicker progression through areas with heavy vehicular traffic as well. Makamson has served with MSU's Police Department for nine years. PHOTO: Nic Dampier | University Relations

ITS deploying enhanced security technology
On the recommendation of the Information Security Committee and approval of the Provost and Executive Vice President, Information Technology Services is deploying a technology known as clean DNS on the Mississippi State University campus network.

Ticket sales underway for Lyceum Series season
With the 2012-13 season to begin mid-fall semester, the Mississippi State University Lyceum Series announces the opening of ticket sales for all five, or individually selected, performances. The Capitol Steps, a Washington, D.C.-based musical and political satire troupe of former congressional staffers, will inaugurate the season Oct. 11. The American Shakespeare Center's Feb. 22 presentation of "Twelfth Night" opens the spring events.

MSU Riley Center announces Fall/Winter Series
Whether your taste runs to romantic French plays, raucous halftime shows, or somewhere in between, the MSU Riley Center's Fall/Winter Series promises to deliver fantastic entertainment in a beautiful setting. The series kicks off Aug. 24, when legendary singer/songwriter Art Garfunkel brings his trademark folk rock sound to the Riley Center stage in downtown Meridian.

Volunteer for the HCDC Back to School Bash July 28
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including volunteering for the HCDC Back to School Bash on July 28, Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity, Service DAWGS Day, GED tutoring, and more.

University hosting PERS seminar this fall
Human Resources Management at Mississippi State is hosting a PERS pre-retirement, full-day seminar on Oct. 3, 2012, at Bost Extension Center. The seminar offers general information on a range of topics, including estate planning, Mississippi Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust, Social Security benefits, and PERS benefits and options. The seminar is available to any covered PERS member at no cost, but pre-registration is required.

Road closures for summer paving projects
The following areas on the Mississippi State University campus continue to be affected by summer paving project work: the parking lot on the northwest side of McArthur Hall will be closed to all traffic from July 9-31; from July 9-July 31, access to the Zacharias parking area will be maintained, but expect to encounter construction.

Policy reminders from University Health Services
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds the campus community of several important policies for its patients to keep in mind when seeking treatment, parking, refilling a prescription online, and privacy.

Times set for early season football games
Mississippi State's 2012 season opener against Jackson State will kick off at 6 p.m. and its Southeastern Conference lidlifter against Auburn will commence at 11 a.m., the Southeastern Conference announced last week. The Jackson State game will be televised by Fox Sports Net, and shown locally on Fox Sports South. The SEC opener against Auburn will be broadcast on ESPN.

The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.

Web links are subject to change. Submit news, questions or comments to Jim Laird.

Highest-ever year for MSU giving: $86 million
In the midst of its 50-year celebration, the Mississippi State University Foundation is marking the largest private giving year in the land-grant institution's history. "We are tremendously pleased that these fundraising efforts have enabled us to experience an unprecedented $86.4 million in support from loyal contributors who understand a legacy of giving is essential to advancing the mission of our beloved university," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

Athletic Department announces $32 million in gifts
The Mississippi State athletic department received a total of more than $32 million in gifts and pledges through the Bulldog Club during the 2011-12 fiscal year, Mississippi State director of athletics Scott Stricklin announced last Thursday.

Davis named head of training center
Sumner Davis has been named department head of the Mississippi State University Extension Service center that supports local governments. For 40 years, the Center for Governmental Training and Technology, or CGT, has led the development and implementation of educational programs for county and municipal officials, provided technical assistance to local units of government, and provided specialized publications for local government officials in Mississippi.

Counseling Services gets another stamp of approval
The student counseling services program at Mississippi State continues its accreditation with a professional organization. The university recently was notified of re-accreditation by the Alexandria, Va.-based International Association of Counseling Services Inc. A part of MSU's Division of Student Affairs and led by Leigh Jensen-Crawford, Student Counseling Services offers individual, couple and group programs for undergraduate and graduate students.