Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

A forum to provide information and receive input on Mississippi State's progress toward becoming a tobacco-free campus was open to all faculty, staff and students last Wednesday. Pictured from left are Dr. Robert Collins, executive director of University Health Services; Joyce Yates, director of Health Education and Wellness; Bill Kibler, vice president of student affairs; JuLeigh Baker, health specialist working with tobacco cessation classes; and Robert McMillen, associate professor of psychology in the Social Science Research Center and coordinator of Tobacco Control Unit I. Nationwide, more than 800 colleges or universities have adopted 100 percent smoke-free campus policies. PHOTO: Russ Houston | University Relations

B&N double discount days for MSU employees
The Barnes & Noble Bookstore on the Starkville campus will have appreciation days for Mississippi State University faculty and staff on Monday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec. 4. MSU faculty and staff will be able to double their existing 10 percent discount to 20 percent on many items during the special two-day event.

Flu shots for half-price this Wednesday
University Health Services at Mississippi State reminds students, faculty and staff to get the flu shot -- not the flu. A series of clinics offering flu shots was held on campus throughout the fall, and on Wednesday, Dec. 5, shots will be available for the special half-price cost of $10. Shots will be given from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Health Center classroom on the third floor.

Governor to address Mississippi State fall grads
Fall semester graduates at Mississippi State University will hear from the state's chief executive during Dec. 15 commencement ceremonies. Gov. Phil Bryant will speak during the 10 a.m. graduation program in Humphrey Coliseum. Nearly 1,400 students are scheduled to receive degrees. Those choosing to participate in the ceremony will include a number from the summer term, for which there is no separate graduation event.

MSU to commemorate 50-year hardwood rivalry
For the first time since the historic night of March 15, 1963, Mississippi State University and Loyola University Chicago will meet again on the hardwood in basketball competition. The Bulldogs and Ramblers are scheduled to meet on Dec. 15 at Joseph J. Gentile Arena in Chicago, Ill., to commemorate the NCAA Basketball Tournament game played 50 years ago at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Mich. The MSU Alumni Association, along with the Bulldog Club and the office of MSU President Mark E. Keenum, is planning a social for Bulldog alumni in the Chicago area prior to the game.

MVC: Volunteer for the holidays!
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Emerson's holiday festival, the Palmer Home Giving Tree at the Barnes & Noble, Habitat for Humanity Wrap a Gift Project, Emerson School Christmas Extravaganza, Salvation Army holiday volunteers, and more.

Mississippi State calendars now on sale
There's no place like home. The 2013 Mississippi State University hanging wall calendar features a sleek, modern design, with 13 beautiful images of campus scenes. Featuring MSU's own award-winning photographers, it's truly a one-of-a- kind treasure. Get yours today before they are sold out.

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.

Davis Wade commemorative bricks available
The Mississippi State Bulldog Club has launched the Davis Wade Stadium Commemorative Brick Program for the north end zone expansion of Davis Wade Stadium. The bricks are available online or by phone and can be ordered in two sizes -- 4'"x 8" and 8" x 8". A 12" x 12" granite paver is also available. Bricks and pavers can be personalized and several options include a replica keepsake.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 12/03/12
Men's Basketball hosts Texas-San Antonio at 7 p.m. on Tuesday... Women's Basketball hosts Florida Atlantic on Friday at 7 p.m.

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

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Collaborative research grants return for third year
The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State is again investing in an innovative mini-grant program for faculty. Now in its third year, the cross-college grants bring together researchers from around campus and across disciplines to foster collaboration. "Providing faculty members additional opportunities to share ideas and work together to move their research forward is a priority for us," said David Shaw, MSU's vice president for research and economic development.

Martin named head of North Mississippi center
An experienced administrator has been named the new head of Mississippi State University’s North Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Steve Martin will assume his duties at the center’s Verona headquarters on Dec. 1. He currently serves as the director of the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, where he has been an administrator since 2008.

Street to lead MSU’s Delta research center
A veteran administrator will return to his roots as the interim leader of Mississippi State University’s center in the Mississippi Delta. “Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station director George Hopper and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Joe Street will serve as the interim head of the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville beginning December 1," said Gary Jackson, director of MSU's Extension Service.

Gordon named Mississippi State soccer coach
Mississippi State has named Aaron Gordon the Bulldogs' fourth head soccer coach in school history, director of athletics Scott Stricklin announced last Tuesday. Gordon, hailed by many in the soccer community as one of the top coaches in the nation, comes to Starkville following six seasons on the staff at Texas Tech University, including the past year as associate head coach.