Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Stakes outline a future bike and walking path on Lynn Lane in Starkville. The Mississippi State University Extension Service has launched a new web page dedicated to breaking down the principles of Smart Growth, one of which is to provide a variety of transportation options to residents and visitors of a community. PHOTO: Kevin Hudson | MSU Ag Communications

Men and Women of Color Summit registration opens
Mississippi State's Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is encouraging interested members of the campus and surrounding communities to begin registering for the 2015 Men and Women of Color Summit. Now in its fourth year, the summit is designed to engage minority students with faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and others interested in dialogue about critical issues related to academic and professional success.

2015-16 Lyceum Series takes stage in September
A Sept. 3 concert by American musician and singer-songwriter ZZ Ward will kick off Mississippi State's 2015-16 Lyceum Series season. Season ticket renewals for those wishing to retain the same seats as last year will take place through June 19, while new season tickets will go on sale June 29-July 17. Season tickets for the general public are $125; for MSU employees and senior citizens, $105.

'Healthier You' summer program in full swing
The Maroon Volunteer Center at Mississippi State details a number of volunteer opportunities for the campus community on its website and in its newsletter this week, including "Healthier You" summer camp, summer reading program, food pantries, Canoe Day at the Refuge, BB4K mentoring, summer sports referees, Service Dawgs Day, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this summer.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With local and statewide political campaigning underway this year, 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.

Holmes Cultural Diversity Center seeks volunteers
The Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at Mississippi State again is seeking host families and individual mentors for its Linking Internationals in the Community program. "The LINC program is an opportunity for families and mentors to share their favorite traditions and customs of American culture, while also learning about the international student's culture," said HCDC program coordinator Rachel Ross.

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.

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resource for Mississippi State University employees.

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Public Affairs, Ag Communications win state honors
Two public information departments at Mississippi State -- the Office of Public Affairs and the Office of Agricultural Communications -- are among university units receiving high honors from the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Berkery to lead annual giving program
Starkville native Jana Berkery is the new director of Mississippi State's annual giving program. A university alumnae, Berkery began her new duties last week. She joined the MSU Foundation in 2013 and has been serving as the giving program's associate director. The MSU Annual Fund provides an avenue for donors to support any area of the university.

Ross studies heart disease, salmonella
Dr. Matthew Ross, an associate professor of molecular toxicology in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, is collaborating with scientists in China to investigate whether the endocannabinoid system can help the body’s immune cells become more efficient at breaking down cholesterol and fighting microbial infections, such as salmonella.

Distance Education earns national recognition
Mississippi State University's Center for Distance Education recently was recognized for the branding awareness of the center's current Distance@STATE campaign. The CDE's marketing unit won silver and bronze program awards during the University Professional and Continuing Education Association's recent awards competition. The organization includes universities from across the nation, as well as member institutions from Canada and Mexico.