Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Several Mississippi State University staff members celebrated upon graduating from the 2013 Learning Experience for Aspiring Professionals (LEAP) Program last Thursday. The program teaches selected employees advanced knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, and direct, practical work application. Graduates shared what they learned through the experience with the audience by playing a special version of Family Feud, hosted by 2013 LEAP graduate David Garraway. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

Barr Avenue, George Perry Street closures set
On Dec. 20, portions of Barr Avenue and George Perry Street will be closed for construction activities related to the new classroom building project at Mississippi State University. The closure on Barr Avenue will extend from the intersection with George Perry Street to the entrance of the Critz Hall parking lot. On George Perry Street, the closure will extend from the intersection with Barr Avenue to the entrance of the YMCA-Post Office loading dock.

Exam hours continue at Mitchell Memorial Library
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.

Wicker to address fall graduates on Saturday
Fall semester graduates at Mississippi State will hear from U.S. Sen. Roger F. Wicker before receiving their degrees at the university's graduation program on Saturday. More than 1,300 MSU students are candidates for degrees. Among those choosing to participate in the 10 a.m. Humphrey Coliseum commencement will be some graduates from the summer term that does not have a separate event.

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.

Take a break from finals to volunteer
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including International Economic Summit "Bankers" and Scorekeepers, 2013 Volunteer Holiday Gift Guide, Mississippi Modern Homestead Holiday Bazaar, Starkville High School basketball concessions, and more.

December employee assistance newsletter online
Mississippi State University's employee assistance program (EAP) includes a free monthly newsletter for faculty and staff, and the latest edition is now available. This month's feature is about streamlining your workday: setting priorities, delegating and avoiding interruptions.

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, 12/09/13
Men's Basketball plays Southeastern Louisiana at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo at 7 p.m. on Friday... Women's Basketball hosts Southern Miss on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Humphrey Coliseum.

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.

Thomas attains CEBS professional designation
Kim Thomas, associate director for benefits and data services for Human Resources Management at Mississippi State University, recently completed requirements to become a Certified Employment Benefit Specialist. Offered by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans in association with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, it is considered "the standard of excellence in the industry."

Winter wins campus graduate research challenge
A Mississippi State physics and astronomy instructor will represent the university in regional Three Minute Thesis competition. Joshua B. "Josh" Winter of Starkville recently was named grand champion of the university graduate school's 3MT challenge. In the next phase, he faces winners from other Southeastern Conference institutions. Winter, a two-time MSU graduate currently pursuing an educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction, won with a presentation that explored teaching methods and effects in an introductory physics classroom.

Marszalek's Gettysburg Address essay on display
Mississippi State Professor Emeritus John F. Marszalek is among those honoring the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address with an essay displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library through the end of the year. Marszalek, a Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and executive director and managing editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library housed at MSU's Mitchell Memorial Library, was invited to contribute his own hand-written remarks to the exhibit.