Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Alix Hui (left), assistant professor of history, and Jerry Gilbert (right), executive vice president and provost, visit with Vertistine Mbaya last Thursday evening. Mbaya presented a forum on the intertwined political activism, environmentalism and anti-poverty efforts of her close friend, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Maroon Edition 2012 author Wangari Maathai, and the Green Belt Movement. Mbaya is a co-founder and current honorary treasurer of the organization, as well as a professor of biochemistry at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. PHOTO: Beth Newman Wynn | University Relations

Union Art Gallery reception for Press Thursday
The Maroon Edition, along with the College of Architecture, Art and Design and the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery, are excited to announce the photography exhibit by Betty Press, which opened on Sept. 4 and will run through Oct. 12. The reception for "Betty Press: African Wisdom in Image and Proverb" will be held this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gallery.

University hosting PERS seminar next week
Human Resources Management at Mississippi State is hosting a PERS pre-retirement, full-day seminar on Oct. 3 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.

Health and Benefits Fair at MSU-Meridian Tuesday
MSU Human Resources Management will hold the 2012 Health and Benefits Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the auditorium at MSU-Meridian. The theme for the fair is "Take Positive Steps Toward Health and Benefits."

Policy addresses employee political activity
With political campaigns for the White House and other federal offices well underway for the Nov. 6 general election, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel reminds employees to be aware of the university's policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity.

Volunteer for MS Best Robotics & Pumpkin Palooza
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including gleaning with the Society of St. Andrews, Excel by 5, Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity, Pumpkin Palooza, and much more.

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.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 09/24/12
Cross Country travels to South Bend, Ind., for the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday... Volleyball hosts LSU at 7 p.m. on Friday and Florida on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.... Soccer hosts LSU on Friday at 7 p.m. and Texas A&M at 3 p.m. on Sunday... Men's Tennis starts play on Saturday at the ITA All-American Championships at Tulsa, Okla.... Women's Tennis begins play at the ITA Riviera All-American Championships at Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Saturday... Softball participates in two exhibitions: the first on Saturday in Southaven at 3 p.m., and then on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Batesville.

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.

Recycling program rolls into third year
Mississippi State's recycling program is growing and achieving important benchmark goals as it enters its third year. According to university officials, the campus-wide initiative's success is due to the concerted efforts of students, faculty and staff. "We are excited about the increased participation in our recycling program. The increase in collection is encouraging," said Amy Tuck, vice president for campus services at the land-grant institution.

Darling named Early Childhood Institute director
Lynn Darling brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as the new director of Mississippi State's Early Childhood Institute. Interim director since 2011, she has worked for the ECI in different capacities for the past decade, including teaching, curriculum writing and coordinating training. This varied background in a major unit of the university's College of Education has helped her better understand the myriad challenges of working in the field, she said.

Dixieland highlights symphony opener Tuesday
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony opens its 44th season Tuesday, Sept. 25 with its "Pops on the Plaza" performance. The free, 6:30 p.m. event is annually held at Cadence Bank plaza in downtown Starkville on the corner of Main and Jackson streets. The concert will feature the Barons of Boardtown, a new musical group consisting of MSU faculty members professor Richard Human, trombone; instructor Sheri Falcone, clarinet; and professor Jason Baker, drums. Michael Brown, head of MSU's music department, is the symphony's director and will play cornet with the group.

NSF program director to discuss grad fellowships
Undergraduate and beginning graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctorates in science, technology, engineering or math can come to Mississippi State University to learn about applying for a $126,000 fellowship. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate school, and Gisele Muller-Parker, program director for the fellowship, will come to MSU this Friday to discuss how to apply for it.