Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems research associate Matthew Doude charges his car at the CAVS electric vehicle charging station, located in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. In 2011, MSU became home to one of three EV charging stations donated to universities. A CAVS team also is working on a special project to develop Car of the Future, a new electric car which boasts high energy efficiency. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs

University celebrates The Fresh Food Co. opening
Mississippi State officials and invited guests were the first to sample the diverse offerings at the university's new Fresh Food Co. during a soft opening last week. The new dining facility typically will open six days a week with operating hours 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m., Sunday.

Gulf Coast Community Design Studio sees big win
A Gulf Coast-based research center for Mississippi State University has earned national recognition for a bayou restoration project. MSU's Gulf Coast Community Design Studio -- one of two research centers in the College of Architecture, Art and Design -- placed first in the Gulf Guardian Awards civic/nonprofits category for its Bayou Auguste project in East Biloxi, a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Sign up today for a free Bully Bike
Parking Services at Mississippi State invites students, faculty and staff to participate in the launch of this year's Bully Bike program beginning Monday. Bully Bikes are free, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis while they last. Participants may ride their bikes anywhere on campus and keep them until May 2016.

Starkville/MSU named premier retirement destination
A Houston, Texas,-based magazine geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions names Starkville as one of eight cities profiled in a feature titled "Touchdown! 8 Great College Football Cities." The article will be published in the September/October 2015 issue of "Where to Retire," available nationwide on Tuesday.

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 Service DAWGS Day, Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking, MVC open house, Presidents' Summit for Community Engagement, and more. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make a difference by volunteering this fall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Policy addresses employee political activity
With local and statewide campaigns underway this fall, 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.

This Week in Mississippi State Sports, 08/10/15
Soccer visits UT-Martin for an exhibition match on Wednesday at 10 a.m., and then returns home to host Memphis in an exhibition on Saturday at 7 p.m.

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.

Herrington to receive major public relations honor
A senior member of Mississippi State's Office of Public Affairs is among 15 selected for a major recognition by the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. Checky Herrington, who has served since February 2014 as the university's marketing research analyst, will be inducted into the Public Relations Society of America's prestigious College of Fellows.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Jessica Fielder
Improving the quality of care and education of young children every day is Jessica Fielder’s number-one priority. “The part of my job that I enjoy the most is participating in activities with other child care professionals when I host training workshops. Providing activities they can do in their own classrooms is very rewarding,” she said.

DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Courtney Pratt
Social skills do not come easily to all people, but Courtney Pratt makes friends wherever he goes. Pratt is a necropsy technician for the College of Veterinary Medicine Pathobiology/Population Medicine Department. He is responsible for assisting the veterinarians, providing them with tools, making sure supplies are stocked and helping CVM students when needed.

Regional energy meeting kicks off Wednesday
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 this week 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.