Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

The sun crests the eastern horizon of Chadwick Lake earlier this month. No matter what time of day, walkers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the mile-long walking track surrounding the lake. In April, the American Heart Association designated Mississippi State a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite based on the university's wide range of fit-friendly opportunities. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

University achieves fundraising record at $106M
Having topped the $106 million mark in private support, Mississippi State leaders announced lat week the university's most successful fundraising year ever. "The visionary individuals and organizations who are investing their resources in the future of this institution and the people it serves recognize the vital role that Mississippi State plays in the life of the state and region," said President Mark E. Keenum. MSU is in the midst of the largest comprehensive campaign in school history.

MSU Riley Center announces fall/winter series
The MSU Riley Center’s 2014/2015 Fall/Winter Performing Arts Series offers an amazing lineup of talent for music lovers of every age and taste. The series will showcase a wide array of performances in a beautiful historic setting, providing audiences with musical and theatrical experiences unlike any other.

Lyceum season ticket sales underway
An Aug. 20 concert by country music legend Merle Haggard will kick off Mississippi State's 2014-15 Lyceum Series season in newly renovated Lee Hall. Season-ticket renewal sales take place July 1-July 18. With the return of the full venue and reserved seating, season ticket holders again may reclaim seats reserved in the 2011-12 season.

Movin' You to MSU volunteers needed
Faculty and staff volunteers are needed for Mississippi State University's annual Movin' You to MSU move-in day, which will take place Aug. 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Duties include working check-in at Humphrey Coliseum or McCarthy Gym, moving boxes from cars to rooms, greeting students and directing traffic.

SPA taking DAWG program applications
Sponsored Programs Administration at Mississippi State University is now taking applications for the 2014-15 Departmental Administrators Working Group program. The primary goal of DAWG is the development and application of knowledge and skills in the area of sponsored project administration.

Summer volunteer opportunities this week
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community in its current newsletter, including Noxubee Wildlife Refuge fence construction, Back 2 School Bash and Health Fair, Starkville Community Market, Oak Hall residents move-out day and more.

Register today for CERT half-marathon, 5K
The Community Emergency Response Team at Mississippi State is hosting The Preparathon -- a half-marathon, 5K, half-mile family fun run and Emergency Preparedness Fair -- in mid-October. Proceeds from the races will benefit the Oktibbeha County Volunteer Fire Departments, OSERVS and the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.

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.

Broyles named interim student affairs VP
Bill Broyles will assume the role of interim vice president of Mississippi State University's Division of Student Affairs. Broyles is filling the vacancy created by the departure this month of Bill Kibler, who recently was named president of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

Thomas to lead fundraising for CAAD
Perry King "P.K." Thomas is the new director of development for Mississippi State's College of Architecture, Art and Design. Thomas officially assumed the position last week. He succeeds Nathan Moore, who recently became director of corporate and foundation relations for the MSU Foundation.

Redoña joins Delta Research and Extension Center
Mississippi State University increased its support of the state’s rice industry in the state with the recent appointment of Ed Redoña as rice breeder at the Delta Research and Extension Center. “The rice industry needs to have rice varieties to fulfill the requirements of the market,” said Jeff Johnson, director of the Stoneville research station. “Dr. Redoña has a wealth of experience that he can bring to bear on the needs of consumer and producers in Mississippi.”