Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

In advance of the fall semester, workers paint the Mississippi State logo on the water tower at the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, also known as South Farm. In the foreground, MSU's maroon and white banners hang from a post anchored at the Blackjack Road roundabout. PHOTO: Russ Houston | Public Affairs

Congressman to keynote regional energy meeting
Mississippi State officials say the university is positioned to help shape the future of energy storage in the Southeast region, and a conference on campus in August will help frame the conversation for what the region's future holds. Recently-elected U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Miss., will deliver the keynote address.

Register today: Men and Women of Color Summit
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.

'The Factory' maker space established on campus
Recognizing the national trend toward creativity and invention, Mississippi State University has created a space that allows students, faculty and staff to turn ideas into reality. Called “The Factory,” this designated maker space was created as a collaboration between the Bagley College of Engineering and the Entrepreneurship Center.

Hardy Rd. traffic re-route now in place
Hardy Rd. from Etheredge Hall south to Morrill Rd. on Mississippi State's campus will be rerouted through December 2016 while an addition to Mitchell Memorial Library is under construction. During this time, all traffic will be rerouted around Herbert St. and re-enter Hardy Rd. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are advised to plan their daily commutes accordingly.

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.

MSU Riley Center announces Fall/Winter Series
Singing legends and fresh young talents, theatrical productions that delights children and intrigue adults, and an athletic, creative contemporary dance company will entertain the state as part of the MSU Riley Center’s Fall/Winter Series. The series gets off to a romantic start in the historic venue in downtown Meridian on Aug. 24 with ballad singer and Grammy winner Michael Bolton.

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.

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.

Cunetto honored with 2015 Cochran theatre award
A longtime library administrator at Mississippi State is being honored for his dedication and service to arts education in the Magnolia State. Stephen H. Cunetto, systems administrator for the university's libraries, recently received the 2015 Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator Award in Theatre.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With party primaries slated for Tuesday, 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.

Maroon Volunteer Center needs you
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 MVNU2MSU, Humane Society volunteer orientation, President's Summit for Community Engagement, Service DAWGS Day, Montgomery Leadership Program, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering.

Tenth MVNU2MSU event coming Saturday
When more than 4,000 students arrive at Mississippi State University to move into campus housing for the fall semester, help will be there waiting. The Department of Housing and Residence Life is sponsoring the 10th Movin' You to MSU (MVNU2MSU) Day on Saturday, marking the opening of MSU's 15 residence halls for the fall semester. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m.