Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Starkville Fire Chief Rodger Mann, right, receives a hearty serving from MSU President Mark Keenum, left, and Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman during a Thanksgiving luncheon last week. Provided by the university at Starkville's Fire Station No. 1, the meal was a gesture of appreciation to the city's firefighters for their hard work and dedication. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

Mitchell Memorial Library announces exam hours
As the fall semester nears a close at Mississippi State University, Mitchell Memorial Library announces its new, expanded hours of operation. In support of student needs during the fall exam schedule, Mitchell Memorial Library will not close until Dec. 12 at 4:45 p.m. During these 11 days, the library will remain open 267 consecutive hours.

Give the gift of Mississippi State this season
Bring the Bulldog spirit home with the new Mississippi State University calendar. The perfect holiday gift, the 2014 edition features 13 beautiful images of campus scenes. With images by MSU's own award-winning photographers, it's truly a one-of-a-kind treasure. Please note that all orders must be received by Dec. 16 in order to be delivered before the holidays.

Starkville-MSU Symphony concert Tuesday
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony Orchestra will perform music of the season during a concert Tuesday at the city's First Baptist Church. Assistant professor Gary Packwood, MSU's choral activities director, will lead the orchestra and the State Singers. Anthony B. Kirkland and Jessica Banks will perform popular arrangements, while Jeanette Fontaine, Linda Glover, Peter Infanger, Tara Warfield and Adam West will lend vocal and instrumental stylings.

Irish Tenors' 'Christmas' on campus Wednesday
To help usher in the holiday season at Mississippi State and the Golden Triangle area, the university's Lyceum Series is featuring The Irish Tenors in concert. Taking place on Wednesday in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium, the three-man group's performance -- the last of the series' 2013 fall schedule -- will begin at 7:30 p.m. As part of a current Christmas tour, tenors Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan will be presenting classics from "We Three Kings," their popular Christmas album.

'Tis the season to volunteer
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including interfaith supply drive, Bulldogs on the Move, Kroger food drive, and more.

Applications sought for teaching excellence awards
Mississippi State University faculty who are interested in submitting applications for the 2014 Grisham Master Teacher Award, the Alumni Association Early Career Teaching Excellence Award or the Alumni Association Graduate Teaching Excellence Award have until this Monday to do so. After careful review, the University Instructional Improvement Committee will select and announce the winners before the end of the spring 2014 semester.

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, 12/02/13
Women's Basketball hosts Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday at 7 p.m., and Alabama State at 7 p.m. on Saturday... Men's Basketball hosts TCU for the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Thursday at 6 p.m. (ESPNU).

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.

Educational administrators choose Blendinger
A veteran member of Mississippi State's College of Education faculty is a new officer on the governing board of the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration. Jack G. Blendinger recently was elected to a four-year term as executive editor. He will be overseeing the organization's yearbook and other publications, coordinating website operations and information, and providing leadership assistance to the president.

Collaborative research grants back for fourth year
The Office of Research and Economic Development at Mississippi State is again investing in innovative mini-grants for faculty at the land-grant institution. In its fourth year, the cross-college grant program brings together researchers from around campus and across disciplines to foster collaboration. “We are pleased that we are able to support this program for another year, and provide additional resources to faculty that help them move their work forward,” said Associate Vice President Drew Hamilton.

Staff Appreciation Days at Barnes & Noble
Staff Appreciation Days at the Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State University will be held this Monday and Tuesday. During the two-day special event, employees with a valid MSU faculty and staff ID at time of purchase will receive a 20 percent discount on qualifying merchandise at the campus bookstore.

'Game of Change' panel discussion Monday
Mississippi State celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1963 "Game of Change" on Sunday when MSU faced Loyola-Chicago in Humphrey Coliseum. The university's recognition of the 1963 game will continue Monday with "Game of Change: The Impact of Sports on Civil Rights." The symposium is set to begin at 10 a.m. in Colvard Student Union at Bill R. Foster Ballroom and will feature appearances by "Champions for Change" author and Commercial Appeal journalist Kyle Veazey as well as 1963 Loyola team captain Jerry Harkness. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter will moderate the event.