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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020
Forward SPARTANS
VS. COVID-19
Thinkers KINITRA BROOKS
& AFROFUTURISM
MSU’s faculty are among the world’s CASSIUS’
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SUMMER 2020
36 Growing
Knowledge
26 Battling
COVID-19
DEPARTMENTS
10 Mapping a Virus
3 FROM THE PRESIDENT When the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Michigan,
5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jonnell Sanciangco, an expert in Global Information Systems
9 BENEATH THE PINES and a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University,
20 SPARTAN STORIES wondered if a dashboard focused solely
26 FEATURES on the state could be of
45 GREEN & WHITE use to local health care,
47 CLASS NOTES government officials
51 IN MEMORIAM and others.
6O FROM THESE SCENES
ABOUT THE COVER: Meet Kinitra Brooks, the Audrey and
John Leslie Endowed Chair in Literary Studies in the
Department of English at Michigan State University. Brooks
specializes in the study of Black women, genre fiction and
popular culture. Photo: Allie Siarto, East Lansing
Read, share Spartan online: go.msu.edu/Spartan-mag
Spartan is distributed to alumni, donors and friends
who make annual gifts to MSU of $100 or more. To
make a gift, visit givingto.msu.edu.
Email address changes to: UADV.Records@msu.edu
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East Lansing, MI 48824
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 1
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Together, We Will
I
want to thank you for In addition, we all are appreciative
supporting MSU during the of our researchers, physicians, faculty,
past several months, which staff, alumni and others who, during
have been challenging. But the height of the pandemic, did a great
“
as you know, we have been deal to provide personal protective
an innovative, accessible and life- equipment to first responders,
I’m honored to changing model for higher education conducted testing, undertook vital
for 165 years. research and continued outreach that
welcome into Today we face converging and will benefit people the world over.
our alumni ranks difficult circumstances, from a Presently, we’re working to ensure
global pandemic disproportionately MSU will safely re-open for in-person
the Class of affecting Black, Hispanic and and remote instruction. Planning
2020, members Indigenous communities to the is overseen by a team of experts led
of which recognition after brutal killings of by two top MSU physicians with
Black Americans that racism is often deep experience in public health
completed their still embedded in our society and and safety. Fall will look different
programs despite institutions. here as we wear face coverings and
pandemic-driven Our values require a more
equitable and inclusive experience
apply social distancing protocols.
But the fundamentals of the Spartan
disruption. for our Spartan community. We experience and the value of an MSU
will continue to do the hard work degree will remain strong.
required to ensure that all who Confronting society’s greatest
study and work here can achieve challenges is what we do. I intend that
their highest potential in a truly we be ready for the opportunities and
respectful, welcoming and supported challenges that we will face, now and
community—and most importantly, into the future.
one that is safe. Thank you for all you do for MSU.
One thing that remains constant I hope to see you soon on the banks of
is my admiration for our faculty the Red Cedar.
and staff. Last spring, they swiftly
pivoted to offer high-quality, remote
learning. As for our students, I’m
honored to welcome into our alumni
ranks the Class of 2020, members Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
of which completed their programs PRESIDENT, MSU
despite pandemic-driven disruption.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 3
SPARTAN SUMMER
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LETTERS
DEAR READERS:
As we enter the fifth month of
a worldwide pandemic, it will EXECUTIVE EDITOR
come as no surprise that the Stephanie Motschenbacher, ’85, ’92
entire Spartan community has
experienced a significant amount COPY EDITOR
Linda Dunn, ’13
of change over the last 120-plus
days. While our reality began to CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
shift to a new normal of working Nancy Nilles
from home, we also said goodbye
to Paula Davenport, who retired CLASS NOTES AND BENEATH
THE PINES EDITOR
Spring 2020 Spartan magazine
on June 3. The Spring 2020 issue, Alex Gillespie, ’17
that she edited, featured many Spartans who look forward to
serving you as destinations and businesses safely re-open. ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Iain Bogle
Also, I want to make you aware that we have changed our
schedule and will be printing the Spartan magazine three WRITERS
times a year going forward—winter, spring and fall. Devon Barrett, ’11
As we began to adjust to all these changes, stories about Liam Boylan-Pett
Lois Furry, ’89
Spartan heroes continued to pour in. Inspired, we knew we
Russ White, ’82, ’01
needed to find a way to share your stories this summer. So we
pushed forward the development of a new online space for ADVERTISING MANAGER
editorial content and are bringing to you our first digital-only Peter DeLong, ’85
issue for summer 2020. delongpe@msu.edu
In this issue you will find the work of many members of our COPYRIGHT 2020
team. Writing for the Spartan magazine was a new assignment University Advancement
and required the guidance of an experienced editor. Occasion- MSU Alumni Office
ally you get lucky—we had a few more weeks with Paula. Spartan Way
535 Chestnut Rd.,
Without a doubt, we have taken some big leaps over the last Room 300
several months. And, while more change may come, my hope East Lansing, MI 48824
is that Paula enjoys her retirement and feels the gratitude of 517-355-8314
the entire Spartan nation for a job well done. alumni.msu.edu
So, here’s to summer… a season known for calling us up and MSU is an affirmative-action,
equal-opportunity employer.
out. For inviting us to move past our fears and into new experi-
ences that help us grow.
TO SUBMIT LETTERS Email SpartanMag-
Stephanie Motschenbacher, ’85, ’92 azine@msu.edu. Or send mail to: Editor,
EXECUTIVE EDITOR 535 Chestnut Rd., #300, East Lansing, MI.
48824. We reserve the right to select and
edit letters for length and clarity.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 5
LETTERS
A REFRESHING READ My other alma mater, the
Kudos on the spring issue of University of Pennsylvania,
Spartan! What a fun read. Good, lists by year but adds a college
well-written news about MSU identifier. In my case a V for the
alumni and their interesting College of Veterinary Medicine.
achievements, and great photos. I can ether look for the class year
I was interested to learn an MSU or scan through the obits for a
graduate started SmashBurger— V. Makes it simple and fast and
there’s one in Anchorage now. should be easy for you to add to
your obits.
Margie Bauman, ’64
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA George E. Eyster, ’68
WILLIAMSTON, MICHIGAN
LASTING IMPRESSION
Thanks for the well-executed SPARTAN IN HOSPITALITY
Spartan Magazine, spring 2020. I appreciate you including me in
I was saddened to note that Dr. such a beautiful feature and the
Bertram P. Karon had died. I had entire issue is incredible. What
Caroline Bowman as Elsa in Frozen North American
Dr. Karon for Intro to Psychology a perfect time to highlight the
in the ’70s and something he said hospitality industry.
Caroline Bowman as Elsa in Frozen North American
Caroline Bowman as Elsa in Frozen North American
Tour - photo by Deen van Meer. ©Disney
in a lecture has stuck with me I have saved every issue of the
Tour - photo by Deen van Meer. ©Disney
Tour - photo by Deen van Meer. ©Disney
through the years. magazine and find myself thumb-
They were words to the effect ing through some as far back as
Ronald K. Brown/
EVIDENCE Itzhak Perlman Disney’s Frozen of: “It’s OK to think whatever you 2012 during this downtime. We
February 3
Ronald K. Brown/
Ronald K. Brown/
May 4 July 7-13 want to think because you can’t will be continuing an annual
VIDENCE EVIDENCE Itzhak Perlman Disney’s Frozen control your thoughts anyway.
Disney’s Frozen
Itzhak Perlman donation to the school as we were
ebruary 3 February 3 May 4 May 4 July 7-13 July 7-13
2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 S E A S O N What you can control, and what not able to renew our football
you are responsible for are your tickets this year. Hoping to catch
2 0 2 02-02 2002 -1S E2AS0SEO2 NA S O N
1 PSA CEKAA S O Nwords and your actions.”
GES
a game here and there when we
I am grateful to MSU professors can get in town. It’s always great
ON SALE NOW – for introducing me to so many to be back on campus. Go Green!
SSUE B
A SSO CR
SNE API A
SBO
CENKA TOPGAEC DAY
SK A G E Sideas that shaped my character—
O N S AO L EN NSO W –N O W –and maybe even my thoughts.
A N D S AV A L E E! Courtney Cawley Gray, ’04
S U B SSCR
U BISBCR
E TOI B EDAYTO DAY CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Dan Alpert, ’73,
WHAARNT OD
NACSEN
AV
NDT E E!
RS
. CAV
O ME! TROY, MICHIGAN
1-800-WHARTO N THE BEST OF US
I love the article and the layout
W H A RW
T OHNACR ET NO TNECRE. NCO T EMR . C O MEASIER ON THE EYES of my Spartan Story in the spring
1 - 8 0 0 -1 W
- 8H0 A0 R
-WT OHNA R T O NAt my age I have started reading issue. You and your staff repre-
the Obits. In the MSU mag the sent all of us so well. Continued
obits are nice but no way do I read success with all you do. Stay safe
over them. Don’t have the time and well during this very difficult
to scan through them. I have a time. Go Green!!
suggestion that you might consider Abundant blessings.
to make it easier for your readers
to identify grads from their school Tanya Hart, ’71
and year. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
6 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DU
LIKE A LOCAL
Spartan alumni know coming back to Greater Lansing feels a lot like
coming home. From diverse dining, craft cocktails and micro-brews to live
music, Spartan sports, exciting attractions and vibrant art districts, another
great adventure awaits. It’s time to come back home again. Love Lansing LANSING.org
#LOVELANSING
like a local and we promise, you’ll love Lansing as much as we do!
3%
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ANNUAL GIVING
is the lifeline for building and sustaining Michigan State University
STRONG AS ONE | EXTRAORDINARY TOGETHER
MSU honors its top annual donors in recognition
levels, which are renewable annually.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Spartan STRONG gifts of $1,000-$2,499/year
Spartan GREAT gifts of $2,500-$4,999/year THREE WAYS
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East Lansing, MI 48824
Annual giving recognition levels include all monetary donations and matching gifts received during
the fiscal year, July 1-June 30. Lifetime recognition begins at $50,000 in cumulative giving.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, GIVE ANNUALLY • go.msu.edu/loyaltyBeneath Pines the
News & Views from MSU
Leading by
Example
This spring, Sparty led by
example and donned a mask
as a way to increase aware-
ness of the COVID-19 virus
and as a symbol of what we
can all do to slow its spread.
Countless Spartans have
stepped up in the fight,
—read about some of their
efforts in the following pages.
MSU / IAIN BOGLE
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 9BTP COVID-19 News
“
SPARTANS JOIN
I was think- TASK FORCE TO
ing ... I can do ADDRESS RACIAL
this. I can put DISPARITIES IN
HEALTH CARE
up a similar
dashboard
[to a Global
Information
System one]
using just the
Michigan data Debra Furr-Holden
that is publicly
available from
the state.
Mapping a Virus: Visualizing
COVID-19 in Michigan
Randy Rasch
As cases of the novel government officials and
coronavirus began spreading other interested parties, In April, Michigan created the
across the globe earlier this especially those needing to Michigan Coronavirus Task Force
year, Jonnell Sanciangco, a make decisions related to on Racial Disparities.
The task force is acting in
Michigan State University the outbreak. an advisory capacity to the
doctoral candidate special- Thanks to Sanciango, governor and studies the causes
izing in spatial methodol- the Michigan COVID-19 of racial disparities in the impact
ogies in the Department of dashboard is updated daily of COVID-19 and recommends
Geography, Environment with information provided actions to immediately address
such disparities and the histori-
and Spatial Sciences, began by the state. The panel
cal and systemic inequities that
a routine of checking of a features data at the state underlie them.
Johns Hopkins Universi- and county level, and users There are two Spartans on
50
ty dashboard, one of the can explore the informa- the task force. The first is Debra
few websites sharing daily tion based on demograph- Furr-Holden, the C.S. Mott
COVID-19-related data at ic characteristics such as Endowed Professor of Public
Health at MSU and the director
the time. sex, age groups, race and
Number of Sanciangco, an expert in ethnicity.
of the Flint Center for Health
Equity Solutions. The second is
new MSU GIS, wondered if a similar The dashboard is public- Randy Rasch, a professor and
COVID-19- dashboard focused solely ly available on the Space, dean of the MSU College of
related on the state could be of Health and Community Nursing.
GETTY IMAGES \ MSU
research use to local health care, Lab website.
MORE ON Listen to interview:
projects MORE ON WEB wkar.org/programs/
WEB
Visit the dashboard: msu-today-russ-
go.msu.edu/covid-mi white#stream/0
10 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUBTP COVID-19 News
INNOVATIVE PROCESS Identifying patients most
FOR REUSING N95
MASKS DEVELOPED at risk from COVID-19
Partners provide financial backing through nanotechnology
In early April, MSU Extension, in partnership
with Sparrow Health System, developed a By Adrian de Novato
new way to sanitize N95 respirator masks,
allowing for reuse among medical personnel What if doctors could not only di- disease stage, somewhat akin
during the coronavirus pandemic. agnose a COVID-19 infection, but to a fingerprint. Mahmoudi said
The Consumers Energy Foundation granted
$100,000 in critical start-up funds for the
identify which patients are at the that being able to identify and
project. greatest risk of death before any catalog those patterns would be key
The protocol—awaiting Food and Drug major complications arise? One to any breakthrough in diagnostic
Administration emergency approval—involves MSU scientist believes nanotech- technology.
heating N95s in commercial ovens to kill off nology may be the answer. To begin, a patient’s biological flu-
contaminants, including the virus that causes id is introduced to a small collection
In a new paper, Morteza Mah-
COVID-19.
“Our scientists in the Food Processing and moudi, assistant professor in the of nanoparticles less than one-thou-
Innovation Center were able to spool up this Department of Radiology and Preci- sandth the diameter of a human
process in less than a week,” said Jeff Dwyer, sion Health Program in MSU’s Col- hair. The unique surface of the
extension director. “Having clean Personal lege of Human Medicine, proposed particle collects proteins, lipids and
Protective Equipment, especially N95 masks, a point-of-care diagnostic platform other molecules from the fluids in a
has the potential to save lives in hospital set-
that uses either nanoparticles or pattern that Mahmoudi refers to as
tings in Michigan and throughout the world.
We are grateful that the Consumers Energy magnetic levitation to diagnose a biomolecular corona, or crown.
Foundation saw the potential and is willing to infection and assess future risk. “By analyzing the composition
help fund our front-line workers.” “Such technology would not only of the crowns at the surface of tiny
Delta Dental of Michigan also provided be useful in protecting health care particles together with statistical
$25,000 for the efforts and was the first cor- approaches, the platform may pro-
centers from becoming over-
porate partner to get involved.
whelmed,“ Mahmoudi said, “but vide a ‘fingerprint’ pattern
could also prevent severe shortages for patients who may
of health care resources, minimize be at a death risk
death rates and improve man- after being infected
agement of future epidemics and by COVID-19,”
pandemics.” Mahmoudi said.
The concept is based on the
varying levels of infection and
stages of disease which alter the
composition of biological fluids
such as tears, saliva, urine and
plasma. Different in-
fections and diseases
create different
MORE ON Learn more: patterns specific to
WEB
MSU
go.msu.edu/masks
the viral load and
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 11BTP News
#MSUGRAD20
MSU’s first ever virtual com-
mencement was broadcast
to over 40,000 people on
Facebook Live on May 16. The
virtual event did not replace
an in-person ceremony and
members of the class of 2020
will be invited to participate
in a future in-person com-
mencement. The recording
of the event, which has over
200,000 views, can be ac-
LEADING RESEARCHER, ADVOCATE FOR cessed through MSU’s official
WOMEN IN SCIENCE NAMED PROVOST Facebook page: go.msu.edu/
virtual-2020
Following a national search, President ognized as a medical discipline.
5
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., names Teresa In addition, she is an advocate for wom-
Kaye Woodruff provost and executive en in science and led efforts to change
vice president for academic affairs. federal policy to mandate the use of
“Teresa’s experience and credentials are females in fundamental National Institutes
impeccable. But more importantly, she of Health research. She is past president
has a great understanding of education of the Endocrine Society and current editor-
and research at a university with the scale in-chief of Endocrinology. Widely recog-
and impact of MSU,” Stanley said. nized for her commitment to teaching and Number of years
As provost, Woodruff will be the chief mentoring, Woodruff was presented with
MSU consecutively
academic officer for the university, pro- the Presidential Award for Excellence in
viding leadership for academic programs, Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
earned “gold status”
research and outreach involving faculty, Mentoring by President Barack Obama in
as a veteran-friendly
school by the
COURTESY OF NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY / MSU
students and staff. Woodruff also will be an Oval Office ceremony in 2011.
an MSU Foundation Professor of obstet- She succeeds current interim provost Michigan Veteran
rics gynecology, reproductive biology and Teresa A. Sullivan, who was appointed in Affairs Agency.
biomedical engineering. September 2019. President Stanley and
Woodruff is an expert in ovarian biology the Board of Trustees have thanked and
and reproductive science. In 2006, she praised Sullivan for her outstanding ser-
coined the term “oncofertility” to describe vice and leadership during an important
the merging of two fields: oncology and time of transition and change.
fertility. Oncofertility is now globally rec- Woodruff will start Aug. 1.
12 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUBTP Arts
Ramírez-Montagut has
lived in the United States
since 2002. She earned
her bachelor’s degree
in architecture from the
Universidad Iberoamer-
icana in Mexico City and
her master’s and doctoral
degrees in architecture
from the Universitat
Politècnica de Catalunya
in Barcelona, Spain. She
is the author of “KAWS”
and “Erik Parker, Colorful
Resistance,” both books
published by Skira Rizzoli
and The Aldrich Contem-
porary Art Museum,
and notable essays on
Zaha Hadid and Frank
Lloyd Wright. She is also
co-editor of “Revisiting
Newcomer from Newcomb
the Glass House: Contem-
porary Art and Modern
Architecture,” published
by Yale University Press.
Mónica Ramírez-Montagut named new Broad Art Museum Director by Morgan Butts
Mónica Ramírez-Montagut was re- Ramírez-Montagut led a dynamic rebrand
cently appointed director of the Eli and of the Newcomb Art Museum, developing
Edythe Broad Art Museum (MSU Broad). an exhibition program focused on issues
Ramírez-Montagut, most recently director relevant to the community, and made the mu-
of the Newcomb Art Museum at Tulane seum a popular gathering place for students
University, joined MSU Broad this month. and locals alike. Under her leadership, the
Ramírez-Montagut brings nearly 20 Newcomb Art Museum presented numerous
years of arts and culture experience to the exhibitions, including Per(Sister): Incarcerat-
MSU Broad, in addition to her background ed Women of Louisiana. That exhibition was
as a trained architect. Throughout her ex- developed in partnership with formerly incar-
tensive career, her approach to art is known cerated women, community organizations,
for being both publicly engaged and socially stakeholders, and those directly impacted by
conscious. the prison system and is currently on view
“I am elated to welcome Mónica to our at the Ford Foundation for Social Justice in
Spartan community. Her wealth of expe- New York.
rience in arts and culture will be a driving “Mónica has made the Newcomb Museum
force in furthering the mission of the mu- a destination, transforming it into an integral
seum to be both a teaching institution and part of the city of New Orleans as well as a
cultural hub for our community,” said MSU driver of curricular innovation at Tulane,”
President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “I am said Judith Stoddart, associate provost for
confident she will bring a fresh perspec- university collections and arts initiatives.
tive to MSU and a renewed energy to the
museum, our university and Michigan’s arts MORE ON Learn more:
community.” WEB go.msu.edu/ramirez-montagut
S P A R T A N M A G A Z I N E 13BTP Research
Top 5
Michigan regularly ranks
in the top five states
nationally for blueberry
production, with annual
harvests contributing
more than $118.5 million
to Michigan’s economy.
Go White
Go Red
One of few naturally
blue foods, blueberries
don’t start out that way.
They first appear white,
turn red and finally
blue, making July the
perfect month for the
“All-American” berry.
July is National Blue-
BERRY BOUNTIFUL berry Month.
P
atrick Edger, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture,
received a $1.13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Berry
research the genes connected to superior fruit quality in blueberries and Interesting
cranberries. Edger’s lab is working to generate the first pangenome—a
The annual North
roadmap of all the genes within a group—of the genus Vaccinium, a shrub species
American blueberry
that both blueberries and cranberries belong to. By building a pangenome, Edger and
harvest, spread in
Ph.D. student Alan Yocca hope to identify new genes that could lead to a firmer, more
a single layer, could
flavorful and aromatic blueberry.
cover a four-lane
Firm fruit is easier to machine harvest, and machine harvesting can help blueberry
highway from Chicago
growers increase their profit margins.
to New York.
“Labor for picking fruit is scarce,” Edger said. “For growers, not to have to hire peo-
ple to pick fruit—if they can be harvested by machines—increases their profitability.”
While planning for this project, Edger and Yocca conducted a national survey of
GETTY IMAGES
500-plus growers, breeders, processors and others in the blueberry industry. Machine
harvestability was a top priority across all regions throughout the U.S. — Alex Tekip
14 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUBTP Research
A tiny particle invented by scientists shows
promise for helping some people at risk of
having heart attacks.
The new nanoparticle chomps away at portions of
plaques that can block arteries to and from the heart.
In essence, the discovery works from the inside out.
Bryan Smith, associate professor of biomedical
engineering at MSU, and a team of scientists created a
“Trojan Horse” nanoparticle that can eat debris—
reducing and stabilizing plaque.
It shows potential for treating atherosclerosis, a
leading cause of death in the United States.
The results, published in the current issue of Nature
Nanotechnology, showcase the nanoparticle that
homes in on atherosclerotic plaque due to its high se-
lectivity to a particular immune cell type—monocytes
and macrophages.
Once inside the macrophages in those plaques, it
delivers a drug agent that stimulates the cell to engulf could deliver a small molecule inside the macrophages to
and eat cellular debris. Basically, it removes the dis- tell them to begin eating again.”
eased/dead cells in the plaque core. By reinvigorating This approach also has applications beyond athero-
the macrophages, plaque size is reduced and stabilized. sclerosis, he added.
Smith said that future clinical trials on the nanopar- “We were able to marry a groundbreaking finding
ticle are expected to reduce the risk of most types of in atherosclerosis by our collaborators with the state-
heart attacks, with minimal side effects due to the of-the-art selectivity and delivery capabilities of our
unprecedented selectivity of the nanodrug. advanced nanomaterial platform. We demonstrated the
Smith’s studies focus on intercepting the signaling nanomaterials were able to selectively seek out and de-
of the receptors in the macrophages and sending a liver a message to the very cells needed,” Smith said. “It
message via small molecules using nano-immuno- gives a particular energy to our future work, which will
therapeutic platforms. Previous studies have acted on include clinical translation of these nanomaterials using
the surface of the cells, but this new approach works large animal models and human tissue tests. We believe
intracellularly and has been effective in stimulating it is better than previous methods.”
macrophages. Smith has filed a provisional patent and will begin
“We found we could stimulate the macrophages to marketing it later this year.
selectively eat dead and dying cells—these inflamma-
GETTY IMAGES
tory cells are precursor cells to atherosclerosis—that MORE ON Learn more:
are part of the cause of heart attacks,” Smith said. “We WEB go.msu.edu/plaques
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 15BTP Sports
Coming to MSU was One of
A TRIP DOWN
MEMORY LANE the Best Decisions of My Life
Perhaps one of the greatest Spartan basketball players ever,
Cassius Winston penned this love letter to his alma mater.
Dear Michigan State Basketball, Being a senior and playing on the
Coming to Michigan State University team, especially at Michigan State,
was one of the best decisions I made in my you know you’re guaranteed two more
life. games. Once your regular season is
I don’t regret my decision to come here over, you know you’ve got a game in
at all, whether it be on the court or off the the Big Ten and a game in the NCAA
court. I feel like on the court, I achieved Tourney. You know your time is com-
everything I could as a player. I grew, I got ing to an end, you know one of those
better and my weaknesses I made them games is going to be your last, but
into strengths, in a sense. Off the court, it’s you know you’ve got two more, at the
been amazing. The way the campus treats least, and you’ve got a chance to make
me, the way the professors interact with a run. You know you’ve got a chance to
me, the way the students interact with me. make a run in the tourney, to make a
It’s been an amazing experience here for run in the NCAA Tourney, so you have
me at Michigan State. a chance to play a lot more games.
Stepping on campus going into Won- That’s a whole other season if you get
On Twitter @Spartan-
ders (Hall) my first year, there were so to win. You’re in practice and you’re
tiques you’ll find a
Spartan sharing his many unknowns. I didn’t know what this preparing, and we had our last game
collection of MSU journey would bring to me, I didn’t know on the Breslin, but it wasn’t my last
memorabilia daily. what Michigan State would present to game. In my head, it wasn’t going to be
me. I came in open-minded and excited. my last game. I still had a lot more to
I embraced the journey. I didn’t rush prove, I still had a lot more to do. And
the results, I embraced every step of it. then all of a sudden, we practiced hard
Looking back on it, and where I’m at now, one day and by the end of practice, the
97
Number of MSU
I think I chose the best route to do it. I
didn’t try and look too far ahead. I didn’t
think about what was next. I stayed in
season’s over. You can’t prepare for
something that’s going to stop without
you knowing. Initially, you’re in shock.
student-athletes the moment and enjoyed each and every My career here at Michigan State
to win All-Big Ten moment that I could, through the ups and is over. There’s no more games. It
Honors for the downs. It wasn’t all pretty, it wasn’t all doesn’t hit you at that moment.
academic excel- sweet, but I stayed in the moment. I fought It probably hits you a couple of days
lence, including
seven with perfect
my way through the downs and I embraced later when you’re ready go get up and
4.0 GPAs. the ups. I think my journey here has been go to practice. March time is when
amazing for me. you go harder and you get ready to
MSU
16 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUBTP Sports
win a championship. You’re ready to
go to practice, but you have nothing to
do, there’s literally nothing to do. It’s
crazy things can end so suddenly.
To my fans, my teammates, my
coaches, thank you. Thank you for
sticking with me, thank you for
being there for me when it was tough,
thank you for being by my side. It was 1
amazing.
My time here at Michigan State has
been great and I credit all to you guys.
I couldn’t do it by myself. I couldn’t
do it without a family to embrace me.
I appreciate everyone who had a part
of this journey. I appreciate everyone
who pushed me, who got me better,
who motivated me.
I like where I’m at now, I like how I 2
ended my career, I like the things that
I’ve accomplished and hopefully I can
carry that over to the next step.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned here
during my time is to embrace every 3
moment, embrace every day. Don’t try
to shortcut anything, don’t try to get
out of anything, don’t try to look past
anything. Whatever moment you’re in,
whatever you’re doing at that moment,
4
that should be the most important
thing to you because it flies by, it flies
1. Cassius Winston kisses center court in
by. If you blink too fast, your career the Breslin Center on Senior Day,
could be over just like that. Embrace March 8, 2020. It ended up being his last
game in Spartan uniform.
it, enjoy every step of it, enjoy the
2. Embracing teammates as he leaves the
journey. The results at the end you floor for the final time.
can’t really worry about right now, just
3. Setting the offense during the game.
GREGORY SHAMUS / GETTY IMAGES
try and enjoy every moment you’re
4. Holding the 2020 Big Ten Championship
in. If you do that, you’re going to get trophy after beating the Ohio State
everything out of the university that Buckeyes 80-69 at the Breslin Center.
5
you want. 5. Talking with Coach Izzo.
Go Green … Cassius Winston
S P A R T A N M A G A Z I N E 17BTP Action of Change
Driving Change Through Education
Charged with bringing about change, MSU’s new AVP and Title IX coordinator, Tanya Jachimiak,
prioritizes self-examination of strengths and weaknesses, recalibrating attitudes, relinquishing old habits
that do not work, and embracing new ideas and methods.
“ I joined
for Institutional Equity has implemented
practices that are grounded in care and fair MSU because
process for all parties.
I have sought to learn about how the
it has built and
office has operated and what drives the continues to
individual members of the team. I have support a solid
sought to hear from community partners foundation in
and students. I have been inspired to ex-
both the areas
plore ways to fully integrate my office with
the campus community. What does this of prevention
mean? This means that we remain open and response.
and willing to meet the needs of the cam-
pus community. It means that we lead our
work with compassion; we seek to cultivate
an inclusive environment for all; and we
As I stepped into the position of associate ensure equity and fairness in all that we do.
vice president for the Office for Civil Rights and This means that we approach each day by
Title IX Education and Compliance at Michigan asking ourselves how we can be of service
State just six months ago, I met a team with an to the community and remain grounded in
unwavering commitment to creating a safe and our principles.
healthy campus. As President Stanley creates a strategic
The unconscionable acts that came to light plan for the university I will align my office
over the past several years clearly show that all with this plan to solidify our mission and
universities must prioritize resources aimed at ensure that our campus community’s needs
preventing harassment and violence in all their are met around issues of violence and ha-
forms. What drew me here was the solid founda- rassment prevention and response.
tion in both the areas of prevention and response Additionally, I have been restructuring
and a community ready for change unlike any and reallocating our talent and resources to
other. ensure that community members receive
First is the success of the Prevention, Out- timely, caring responses. We also began to
reach and Education department. It was recent- track instances of bias by subcategories,
ly recognized by the Everfi Impact Award for which will allow us to understand patterns
Excellence in Sexual Assault Prevention. Having and address systemic and climate issues.
this team honored by an international organi- My priority is to continue to develop
zation acknowledges the significant impact our relationships across the university and to
educational programs have had—in 2020 more implement improvements to make campus
than 90% of the campus community participat- a safe, inclusive space.
ed in the program’s training.
Additionally, the Resolution Office has created MORE ON Learn more:
a groundbreaking hearing process and the Office WEB go.msu.edu/jachimiak
MSU
18 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUMEET LIKE A LOCAL Michigan State alumni know coming back to Greater Lansing feels a lot like coming home. How about holding your next meeting or event in Spartan Country? From great new lodging and diverse dining options to one-of- a-kind meeting space and access to experts at MSU, there are so many reasons to #LoveLansing like a local. Add to that lots of free help planning LANSING.org from the CVB and its easy, come back home, and meet in Greater Lansing! #LOVELANSING
SPARTAN STORY Lifesaver
The Power of the Underdog
Engineer Kevin Conroy helped elevate a small company
into a medical research behemoth working to fight the
second deadliest cancer in the United States. Now,
Exact Sciences is harnessing its prowess to expand
coronavirus testing. BY LOIS FURRY
A
global pandemic may in which few companies have been
have made the class of able to carve out a leadership posi-
2020—and all of us— tion,” he said.
feel like underdogs. But Exact Sciences isn’t resting on
But Kevin Conroy its discovery.
believes being an underdog is a gift. “When the pandemic hit, our team
“Eleven years ago, I joined a small adapted our technology to test people
team with a lofty goal,” said Conroy, for the coronavirus. I’m just as excited
who grew up in gritty Flint. “We we’re putting our skills and know-how
wanted to eradicate colon cancer to work bringing other products to
through amazing DNA tools to detect market where we can make a similar
it early. We were underdogs for difference,” he said. “We now have
sure. The science was complex and the capacity to run millions of novel
unproven, and many doubted or even coronavirus tests this year.” Kevin Conroy, ’88
dismissed us,” he told soon-to-be Over the past decade, Exact College of Engineering
graduates in a virtual commencement Sciences, based in Madison, Wiscon-
address this spring. sin, has added four more research
Conroy, the company’s CEO, said enterprises. A publicly traded com- countless unforeseen challenges—
he tapped his Spartan resolve to help pany, it moved its workforce of 4,000 that they too can prevail.
propel Exact Sciences Corp. in the into a new 169,000-square-foot lab- His prescription for beating the
creation of Cologuard—an inexpen- oratory and warehouse in Wisconsin odds? “Relish your role of being
sive, noninvasive home screening last year. an underdog. Underdogs have the
test for colorectal cancer, the second This year the College of Engineer- advantage that they don’t have a lot
deadliest cancer in the United States. ing presented Conroy with one of its to lose, so they think and act differ-
“We’ve now helped more than 4 most prestigious awards, the Claud ently. They challenge the status quo.
million people,” Conroy said in his ad- R. Erickson Distinguished Alumni Underdogs are tough and resilient,
dress. The test is correct 87% of Award, recognizing technical leader- just like Coach Tom Izzo and
the time. ship, entrepreneurship and innova- his team.”
“It’s incredibly energizing to know tion in engineering. When faced with adversity, the
EXACT SCIENCES
that our collective ability and experi- He assured MSU’s soon-to-be United States always rises to the
ence are making a real difference in engineering alumni—faced with occasion, Conroy said. “Now you
the early detection of cancer, a space unexpected unemployment rates and have the ingenuity to help secure our
20 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DU“
nation’s and world’s prosperity and
build a brighter future.
“Remember, engineering is ulti- Underdogs have the advantage that they
mately about helping others. We build don’t have a lot to lose, so they think and
and invent new things to improve
people’s lives. Whether through act differently. They challenge the status
medical innovations, new methods of quo. Underdogs are tough and resilient,
transportation or just ways of keeping
our planet healthy. just like Coach Tom Izzo and his team.
“We need you more than ever and
we need that character that defines
Michigan State graduates.”
MORE ON Watch Kevin Conroy’s inspirational
WEB 2020 commencement address at
go.msu.edu/conroy
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 21SPARTAN STORY The perseverer
After the Whistle
“
Successful people
Bennie Fowler made a career in the NFL. Now he
train their minds is hoping he can inspire others to live their dreams.
by following BY LIAM BOYLAN-PETT
simple principles abundance and joy. It helped Fowler
and practices. crawl out of his slump.
They shut down “I started to understand the journey
is what it’s really all about,” Fowler
negative thoughts said. “It’s about perseverance in the
face of adversity.” So he beefed up his
to cultivate rich, workouts and intensified his focus on
prosperous ideas. the practice field.
Fans will recall that Fowler starred
They focus on in 2014’s Rose Bowl championship
things they win over Stanford.
Since his successful MSU career, he
can control, and has faced many ups and downs in the
as they gain NFL. He went undrafted in 2014—but
E
he worked his way into the league,
mastery over catching the two-point conversion
those factors, any arly in the 2012 MSU that clinched the 2016 Super Bowl win
football season, wide re- for the Denver Broncos.
sense of anxiety ceiver Bennie Fowler lost Since then, he’s signed with and
fades away. his rhythm against Notre
Dame. Late in the game,
been released by multiple pro teams.
He’s currently a free agent but contin-
he dropped an easy 19-yard pass that ues his conditioning, always looking
should’ve been a touchdown. He heard for another chance to prove himself in
the groan of the East Lansing crowd the big leagues.
as the ball slipped through his fingers. Meanwhile, he’s written a self-help
He failed to catch a single pass. Notre book, “Silver Spoon: The Imperfect
Dame hammered MSU 20-3. Guide to Success,” featuring stories
On social media, Fowler saw posts about overcoming adversity.
about his dismal play, the epitome The son of a Ford Motor Co. execu-
of MSU’s abysmal performance. On tive and an attorney, Fowler grew up
campus, students glared at him. Fowler in a suburb of Detroit and attended
feared he’d lost his mojo. private schools. Compared to some of
But fortunately, before the season’s his inner-city peers, his life may have
start, he’d read a life-changing book, looked idyllic.
“The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by “We all come from different back-
Robin Sharma. It’s a fable about how to grounds,” Fowler said, “but I believe
live with courage, balance, feelings of we all share similar principles and
22 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUBennie Fowler ’14,
College of Social Science
GREGORY SHAMUS / GETTY IMAGES / BENNIE FOWLER
characteristics that can help us In addition to promoting his book, ABOVE: Bennie Fowler #13 tries to avoid
Raymon Taylor #6 and Thomas Gordon
succeed.” Fowler is trying to launch his own #30 of the Michigan Wolverines during
Achievers, athletes and others, he business, which will strive to encour- the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on
November 2, 2013 in East Lansing, Michigan.
said, “train their minds by following age others to achieve their best. Michigan State won the game 29-6.
simple principles and practices. They Remember, he said: Life’s about
shut down negative thoughts to culti- the journey—even after a bad day or
vate rich, prosperous ideas. They focus a bad game.
on things they can control, and as they
gain mastery over those factors, any MORE ON Learn about Fowler’s book at:
sense of anxiety fades away.” WEB go.msu.edu/fowler
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 23SPARTAN STORY Girl empowerer
A Network of Support
Broadcast journalist Rhonda Walker uses her success and abundant energy to empower
inner-city teen girls in the Detroit area to become confident, successful leaders. BY RUSS WHITE
R
honda Walker has been outreach and cultural awareness, schools in the spring before they
motivating people in Walker explained. enter eighth grade.
Detroit with her ener- “My inspiration came from working The students develop confidence
gy, enthusiasm, style here as a broadcast journalist and and self-esteem in a variety of work-
and passion for 20 becoming involved in the community. shops on etiquette, public speaking,
years. The award-winning and versa- I got to know a lot about its needs,” goal setting, conflict resolution,
tile journalist starts her day at 2 a.m. said Walker, who was born in Detroit presentation skills and even week-
to co-anchor the weekday morning and moved to East Lansing at age end retreats.
show for WDIV-TV 4 News Detroit, 2. (She attended nursery school on “We’re just trying to build them up
an NBC affiliate where she’s worked MSU’s campus, joking, “That’s when I into being the best that they can be,”
since 2003. started at Michigan State.”) Walker said.
Walker’s dynamism borders on the “Every teen has the opportunity to
“
superhuman. After starting her work be matched with a carefully screened
day long before dawn, she doesn’t go professional female mentor who
home to nap later. Instead, she works
My philosophy has provides strong support and criti-
to give back to her adopted hometown always been that cal guidance. Although we ask our
as the founder, president and CEO anything is possible volunteer mentors to stay connected
of the Rhonda Walker Foundation for one year, the bond often becomes
(RWF). and I really try to so strong that the mentoring rela-
“I’ve been a lifelong volunteer since instill that in the tionship may last for the remainder
growing up in the Lansing area. It’s
just a part of who I am,” she said.
girls in the founda- of the program,” she said.
“I think it’s important we all
Her organization, founded in 2003, tion. Be fearless. remember it’s on each of us to give
works to help inner-city girls stay on back and make our communities
a path to success through a five-year To date, the RWF boasts a 100% better places,” Walker said. “I feel
program that begins in eighth grade. high school graduation and college incredibly fortunate to have this
Walker wanted to go beyond the one- enrollment rate. In all, 235 partic- career. There is much to be
off school presentations she’d done ipants have gone on to earn college expected of me and what I can do
GETTY IMAGES / RHONDA WALKER FOUNDATION
as part of her broadcast career, and degrees so far. Scholarships are also with my blessings. I want to em-
instead offer girls a more sustained provided when the girls complete power kids in Detroit who are less
message and support structure by their senior year of high school. privileged and have fewer resources
building longer relationships. RWF currently has 51 girls en- and opportunities.”
The foundation’s Girls into Wom- rolled in its preparatory academy
en Program is built on five program afterschool program, Walker said. MORE ON Learn more:
pillars: college preparation, personal Girls are nominated for admission WEB rhondawalkerfoundation.org
Hear the podcast:
development, career development, into the Girls into Women Pro- go.msu.edu/rw-foundation
health and wellness, and community gram by one of five Detroit partner
24 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DURhonda Walker ’91,
Communication Arts
and Sciences
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 25SPARTANS
ANSWERING Spartans rise to the occasion as the
coronavirus pandemic presents unique
and new challenges around the world.
A
s the coronavirus pandemic has swept the globe, families,
communities and companies have faced some of the biggest
challenges of our time. Spartans, naturally, have stepped
up to help, both personally and professionally, whether
they work in a medical field, in business or in government.
While it would be impossible to showcase every Spartan who is rising to
this historic moment, the following pages highlight some of the remarkable
work we’ve heard about that MSU alumni have been part of around the
world. The impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, but throughout it all,
Spartans have shown that they are ready to help in the fight.
BY LIAM BOYLAN-PETT
26 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUPHOTO ILLUSTRATION IAIN BOGLE / GETTY IMAGES
THE CALL
SPARTAN MAGAZINE
27bers of the hospital organi- While Taormina said in
zation to discuss everything May that she doesn’t think
Mia Taormina related to COVID-19—from the pandemic will end soon,
Osteopathic Medicine, strategy and cutting-edge she urged everyone to look
D.O. ’04 – Physician treatments to how many to experts for guidance and
gloves and N95 masks the to read articles with prima-
For Dr. Mia Taormina, hospital system had. Even ry sources. That, she said,
each day of the coronavirus after she went home at is how the world will inch
pandemic so far has been night, she made calls to back toward normal.
pretty much the same. She COVID patients who were
wakes up, takes her 6-year- not hospitalized and sent
old daughter to day care informational emails to
(she qualifies for emergen- hospital staff before finally
cy child care) and hits the closing her eyes. Then she
ground running at her job. woke up the next morning
Taormina is an infectious and did it all over again.
disease specialist serving “It feels like the longest
multiple hospitals at week ever,” Taormina said,
Edward-Elmhurst Health but she had no plans of
in the Chicago suburbs. slowing down. Taormina
Once the pandemic reached plans to keep fighting
Illinois, Taormina was see- until the coronavirus is no
COURTESY DUPAGE MEDICAL GROUP
ing about 40 patients per longer affecting daily life.
day, seven days a week—and “I somehow feel that my
90% of those patient visits contribution is getting us
were COVID-19 related. closer to the finish line,” she
Between patients, Taormina said. “And I do know that I
was on a conference call don’t plan on stopping until
each day with other mem- I really know that it’s over.”
28 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUAbby Nowicki
Education, ’18;
Nursing, ’19 – Nurse
Abby Nowicki never thought that, less than a year into her
career as a nurse, she would face a pandemic. Since it began,
Nowicki, who works at a hospital in Southeast Michigan, has
thought about calling it quits more than once. She was over-
whelmed by how immense it all was in one of the country’s hot
spots. “We got overrun,” Nowicki said. Patient after patient would
enter the emergency room with mild COVID-19 symptoms and
then deteriorate rapidly.
Drawing on the strength of her co-workers and her own urge to
fulfill her duty, Nowicki kept showing up for her patients. “I truly
feel that my time at MSU prepared me for all of this,” she said. “It
taught me to stand tall on my own belief and it taught me that I am
confident enough to get through this.” She was still getting through
it as the summer months approached. Seeing the number of cases
in the hospital fall has also helped buoy her. Now that she’s faced a
pandemic, she has also learned how to get through one.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital game. “It’s not just a goal going
at the University of Michigan. in the net,” Machak said.
Stephanie Barker, who was an All-Amer- “At this point, it’s someone’s
Yuhasz Machak ican in 2014, is a physician life.” With such high stakes, Stephanie Yuhasz
Machak (left) and
Social Science and assistant at two hospitals in Machak and Barker took Abby Barker (right)
Nursing, ’07 – Nurse inner-city Columbus, Ohio. solace in knowing they
anesthetist “If you work in the emergency were ready to
room or the ICU, they call you handle whatever
COURTESY ABBY NOWICKI / STEPHANIE YUHASZ MACHAK / ABBY BARKER
Abby Barker adrenaline junkies,” Machak was thrown
Education, ’15 – told the Lansing State Journal, at them.
Physician assistant “because you have these mo-
ments where you have to make
Stephanie Yuhasz Machak these split-second decisions
and Abby Barker didn’t know it and your heart rate is up and
when they played field hockey people are looking at you like,
at MSU, but their athletic ca- ‘What do we do?’”
reers helped prepare them for The two had to react quickly
work on the front lines in the as COVID-19 made its way
fight against the coronavirus. through their hospitals. The
Machak, who was a goalie on atmosphere was not far from
the team before graduating in the fast-paced game of field
2007, is a nurse anesthetist at hockey—only it was not a
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 29Kevin Clark
James Madison, ’87 –
Emergency services manager
As an operations manager at NYC Emergency
Management, Kevin Clark is used to ever-
evolving job duties. When many in his office were
sent home to work after the coronavirus entered
the New York region, Clark was thrust into yet
another new role—and he was happy to pick up a
job in the field. Clark helped with the logistics in
bringing the hospital ship USNS Comfort to New
York and assisted in setting up a field hospital at
the Javits Center in the city. NYC Emergency Man-
agement worked with members of the U.S. Armed The USNS Comfort hospital ship travels up the
Forces, including the Navy, Marines, Department Hudson River as it heads to Pier 90 in New York
on March 30, 2020. It was there to help ease
of Defense and National Guard to support New the pressure on New York hospitals during the
York’s medical systems. COVID-19 pandemic.
Gretchen Whitmer Gustav J. Lo
Communication Arts and Sciences, ’93; Human Medicine, M.D. ’88 –
Law, J.D. ’98 – Governor Hospital leader
“My number one priority is the health and Compared to the southern part of the state, early
safety of Michiganders,” Gov. Gretchen Whit- cases of COVID-19 in northern Michigan were
mer said in a statement, “and I will continue to minimal. That didn’t stop Dr. Gustav Lo, medical
work tirelessly to protect both lives and liveli- director of Northern Michigan MedCenter, from
GETTY IMAGES (USNS COMFORT) / COURTESY KEVIN CLARK / STATE OF MICHIGAN / NMMC
hoods.” Making difficult decisions, Whitmer has taking precautions. Lo and his team acted quickly,
led Michigan as the pandemic ravaged pockets obtaining 30 COVID-19 swab test kits from an
of the state. With no end to the pandemic in FDA-approved private laboratory
sight and many tough decisions still ahead, by March 20. On top of that, the
Whitmer’s leadership is key to moving NMMC employed an alterna-
Michigan forward. tive test—one that required only
saline and a sterile container.
Being ahead of the pandemic was
the best way to fight it. Lo helped
position northern Michigan com-
munities ahead of the curve.
30 SUMMER 2020 A LU M N I . M SU. E DUPolice Department with hand
sanitizer and distributed thousands
of gallons to hospitals and clinics
John Paul Jerome throughout the state. “We had an
Natural Science, Ph.D. ’12 opportunity to help,” Jerome said.
Detroit City Distillery “So why wouldn’t we?”
Jerome and Forsyth had some
Mike Forsyth fun while hustling to produce
Agriculture & Natural the sanitizer, too. They bottled a
Resources, ’05; special-edition “Shutdown Bour-
Social Science, MURP ’08 bon” available for sale via curbside
Detroit City Distillery pickup in May. It sold out in less
than a week. John Paul Jerome Mike Forsyth
The stay-at-home order in
Michigan did not slow down John
Paul Jerome, the master distiller
at Detroit City Distillery. Instead,
work picked up at the craft-spirit
maker’s Detroit factory as workers
used the company’s still to produce
more than 15,000 gallons of hand
sanitizer as of early May. Along
with co-founder Michael Forsyth,
Jerome and the Detroit City Dis-
tillery team supplied the Detroit
COURTESY DETROIT CITY DISTILLERY
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 31You can also read
