Meet the New President - SPARTAN WOMEN CHANGING THE WORLD GHOST HUNTING IN ANTARCTICA - Michigan State ...
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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2019 Meet the New President MSU Proudly Welcomes Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. SPARTAN WOMEN CHANGING THE WORLD GHOST HUNTING IN ANTARCTICA
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FALL 2019
42 INTERGALACTIC
GHOSTS
ICECUBE SAMUEL L. STANLEY JR., M.D.
MSU astrophysicists MSU’s new permanent president
are helping solve cosmic greeted the Spartan community.
mysteries thanks to the
world’s largest neutrino
telescope, situated at the
South Pole.
7 MEET NO. 21
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously
DEPARTMENTS last spring to appoint Samuel L. Stanley Jr. ,
M.D., as MSU’s new permanent president. His
3 FROM THE PRESIDENT tenure began August 1. The former president
5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR of New York state’s Stony Brook University,
7 BENEATH THE PINES Stanley was identified during an intensive,
18 SPARTAN STORIES months-long national search.
24 FEATURES
49 GREEN & WHITE
57 PRESIDENTIAL DONOR SOCIETIES 24
65
69
CLASS NOTES
IN MEMORIAM RISING TO THE
76 FROM THESE SCENES CHALLENGE
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow introduces
ABOUT THE COVER: MSU’s President Samuel
a new generation of exceptional Spartan
L. Stanley Jr., M.D. Photo: Gennara Photography women who are succeeding in
all types of fields—from govern-
Read, share “Spartan” online: go.msu.edu/ ment to children’s health care,
Spartan-mag. “Spartan” is distributed to
alumni, donors and friends who make annual and from HIV prevention to
gifts of $100 or more to MSU. To make a
gift, visit givingto.msu.edu. Email all address
engineering and supply chain
changes to: UADV.Records@msu.edu. management.
Or mail to: UADV Records, 535 Chestnut
Rd., #300, East Lansing, MI 48824
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 1
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
We Shall Be a
Force for Good
I
see MSU as an incredible I think there’s an opportunity at
institution with the scope, MSU to advance these ideals for
scale and ambition to be even greater impact.
a catalyst for good in our Of course, there are challenges
world. I see a breadth of ahead. After the events that took
expertise and excellence at the place here, we need to work on
“
forefront of critical discoveries healing and restoring trust, and as
in areas as diverse as nuclear we do that, every part of MSU is
I see an physics and African history. going to move forward in a much
I see an outstanding faculty, better way.
outstanding one of the best in the world. I It is clear that MSU’s high
faculty, one of also see excellent students and quality and standards are
the best in the accomplished alumni—people reflected in the caliber of people
with achievements that are who are associated with it.
world. I also second to none. I look forward to getting to
see excellent I am very excited to be engaged know you and becoming part of
with a university that has such the Spartan community.
students and an extraordinary impact. MSU’s I hope to see many of you at
accomplished pioneering mission—focused upcoming receptions around the
alumni— on research and discovery that country in the coming months.
makes a difference in people’s
people with lives while providing access
achievements to a world-class education for
individuals to reach their full
that are second potential—creates a tremendous Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
to none. opportunity to do good. PRESIDENT, MSU
MSU has made impressive
strides in critical areas such
as student success, diversity
and inclusion, and expanding
biomedical research—areas
that have been important to me
personally and a driving force in
my career.
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 3
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LETTERS
Dear Readers,
We have a bounty of Spartan riches for you in this issue. You’ll
meet MSU’s new president as well as the new director of our
Alumni Office. That’s not all. We’re bringing you interviews
with five consummate Spartan women who are changing the
DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
world, tales of ghost hunting at the South Pole and another trio
of exceptional Spartan alumni. Enjoy. Stephanie Motschenbacher,
’85, ’92
Paula M. Davenport
EDITOR
EDITOR, SPARTAN
Paula M. Davenport
daven125@msu.edu
LOVED LAST ISSUE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Great article about Clif Wharton Thank you for belatedly publishing Nancy Nilles
and some of his Presidential Fellows: important articles from the 2018 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Carl Taylor, Teresa Sullivan and “Teal Issue.” At the end of the Alex Gillespie, ’17
James Spaniolo. article “The Long Fight to Be PUBLICATION
DESIGN COORDINATOR
In 1970, I was a sociology doctoral Heard” there is a list of resources
Iain Bogle
student and co-founder of the Black for survivors.
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN
Student Alliance. I got to know As Spartans who have worked in
B&G Design Studios
Dr. Wharton and his wife Dolores. the field of women’s reproductive bgdesignstudios.com
We have remained friends all these health, we’d like to add more
COPY EDITOR
years. When my wife Tanya (College organizations to the list. For Linda Dunn, ’13
of Communications Arts & Sciences, not only do rape victims have to
ADVERTISING MANAGER
’71) and I moved with our infant contend with the acts of violence Peter DeLong, ’85
daughter to Boston in 1971, our first committed against them, but often Advertising 517-355-8314
apartment was on Highland Street in with unintended pregnancies and delongpe@msu.edu
the Roxbury neighborhood. STDs.
Coincidentally, Dr. Wharton had Additional resources for
COPYRIGHT 2019
grown up on Highland Street. In survivors include: Planned MSU ALUMNI OFFICE
the mid-1980s I invited him to be Parenthood Federation of America, University Advancement
the keynoter at the Boston Black the Adoption Choice Network, MSU Alumni Office
Achievers banquet held by the city’s and Parenting and Adoption All Spartan Way
Metropolitan YMCA. Options. 535 Chestnut Rd., Room 300
Both he and Dolores wowed It is the mission of all of these East Lansing, MI 48824
a diverse audience in a racially organizations to provide to 517-355-8314
divided Boston. We even found pregnant women unbiased support, alumni.msu.edu
time to visit Highland Street in the care and referrals. MSU is an affirmative-action,
equal-opportunity employer.
predominantly black neighborhood Sharon A. Lau, ’89
of Roxbury. CHICAGO, IL
Philip S. Hart, M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’74 Kelley A. Wall, ’00
LOS ANGELES, CA BEAVERTON, OR
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 5
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Tuesday, December 3, 2019, is a global day of philanthropy. At MSU, we call it Give Green Day. It’s 24 hours when Spartans will come together to give back and support students at Michigan State. JOIN thousands of alumni and friends. Last year, more than 4,000 Spartans gave $788,725 on Give Green Day to fund scholarships, field experiences, emergency aid, library resources and more—all to help students succeed. 12.3.2019 | #GiveGreenDay | givingday.msu.edu
Beneath Pines the
News & Views from MSU
Pleased to Meet You
MSU Trustees Making
introduce 21st president
microphone andhis
greetedMark
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., stepped up to the
Spartans at a special
May 28 meetingCoach
called by the Board
Mark of Trustees
Dantonio takes
in the Hannah Administration Building.
time to autograph momentos
for some eager, young fans.
Coach Dantonio’s winning
percentage is the highest of
any Michigan State football
coach since Clarence Munn,
who coached the Spartans from
1947 to 1953.
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste
natus error sit voluptatem accusan-
tium doloremque laudantium
REY DEL RIO
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 7
BTP News
EDUCATION
OVERVIEW
1976 B.A.
Biological Sciences
University of Illinois-
Chicago
Chicago, IL
1980 M.D.
Medicine
Harvard University
Medical School
Cambridge, MA
1984-1987
Post-doctoral
Immunology
Washington
University
School of
Medicine
CHANGING MSU’S CULTURE
St. Louis, MO In first public remarks, President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., told
Spartans he’s committed to restoring trust, helping MSU to mend
“
I want to begin by expressing my deepest that creates impact which allows us to do good,
gratitude to the Michigan State University not just for individuals and their families, but
Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search also for communities, the state, the nation and
Committee for giving me the opportunity to the world.
serve this great university. MSU is engaged in initiatives I have worked
MSU is an extraordinary institution, the on in my career and which I care deeply
pioneer land-grant university, one that helped about—improving student success and grow-
to fulfill a noble mission…provide students ing sponsored research to generate discoveries
with affordable access to excellence. that will change lives.
21 There’s an excellence that shines across
the whole university: It’s reflected in the
caliber of our faculty, staff and students;
And there are other initiatives that are new
to me and have already captured my imagina-
tion, like the drive to integrate the arts into our
President
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Stanley’s position our innovative teaching and learning; our land-grant mission, and our new initiatives
groundbreaking research and scholarship; our transforming agriculture for local farmers and
in long line of
world-renowned athletic programs; and our farmers across the globe.
MSU’s permanent
vital Extension mission. I’m also impressed by MSU’s growing
presidents
MSU is a university with the scope and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,
scale few others possess. It’s a scope and scale all core values for successful institutions.
8 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP News
I want to build on that. Developing a more OUTGOING
robust campus-wide plan for diversity, inclusion
ACTING
THE SEARCH
and equity will be a high priority. And I look
forward to engaging the board and the entire PRESIDENT PROCESS
campus. GRACEFULLY
These are just a few of my initial impressions. HANDED OFF
There’s so much more I need to learn about BATON
MSU. But I’m so excited about the trajectory “It’s my pleasure to
it’s on. And I look forward to being part of that
welcome Samuel L.
journey. At the same time, I also see a Spartan
Stanley Jr., M.D., to
community that has had a turbulent, difficult
MSU. I look forward
time and a community in need of healing.
I want to meet with the survivors and their to working with
families, listen to their voices and their thoughts him throughout his
and learn from them. I want to work with them transition now that TRUSTEE DIANNE BYRUM TRUSTEE MELANIE FOSTER
Board chair and co-chair Co-chair of the Presidential
and the entire campus community to ensure the I’ve returned to my of the Presidential Search Search Committee
Committee
changes that need to be made are implemented. post as executive
What happened at MSU will not be forgotten. vice president for In August 2018, the Board of Trustees
Instead, it will drive us every day to work Administration. On appointed an 18-member search committee,
together to build a campus culture of transpar- Jan. 17, I accepted co-chaired by Trustees Dianne Byrum,
ency, awareness, sensitivity, respect and preven- the role of acting also the board chair, and Melanie Foster.
tion. A safe campus is going to be key in all our president. It was As part of a national search, the committee
initiatives. solicited input through 22 campus-wide
an honor to serve
I want to especially thank the Associated Stu- input sessions and an online submission
MSU. I have reason
dents of MSU for its letter. It was full of wisdom. form through which community members
for optimism and
But I was particularly taken by a quote from a shared their ideas on the characteristics
graduating senior, who wrote, ...‘While I will be confidence that they desired in the university’s next presi-
leaving the Spartan community, I will not be our university dent. The committee used those comments
independent of it. We hope you will become an is being led by to create the criteria used in evaluating
integral community member.’ an experienced, candidates.
That is one of my goals, and I will further it by forward-looking and “We express gratitude to the members
living on campus and making every effort to be caring individual.” of the Presidential Search Committee who
visible to my fellow Spartans. dedicated their valuable time, immense
I look forward to working hand in hand knowledge and thoughtful perspective,”
with distinguished faculty and staff, amazing said Byrum.
undergraduate and graduate students, citizens SATISH UDPA, “The committee members took the time
and elected officials in the great state of MSU’S FORMER to capture their thoughts on the process
ACTING PRESIDENT
Michigan. and the selection of President Stanley.
With 576,00 proud MSU alumni who bleed We’ve shared that feedback on the
green and white…we’ll write the next great chap- presidential search website.
ter in Michigan State University’s history. “We also want to thank the Spartan
community for taking time to share their
thoughts with us. We truly have an invested
MORE ON Learn more community,” Byrum said.
WEB president.msu.edu
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 9BTP News
Presidential
TransitionTeam
A Presidential Transition Advisory Committee was formed to ensure a smooth changeover for
President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. The committee, led by Mike Zeig, chief of staff for the Office
of the President, is providing background and advice on university functions and structure. Made up
of members of the Presidential Search Committee, as well as other campus leaders, the committee
began meeting in July. Members are:
Mike Zeig, Chief of Staff, Thomas Glasmacher, Laboratory Gregory J. Spray, Doctoral
Office of the President Director and Project Director, Candidate, Department of
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Communicative Sciences and
Meagan Abel, President, University Distinguished Professor Disorders, College of Communication
Council of Graduate Students Arts and Sciences
Mario Kakos, President,
Debra Bittner, President, Associated Students of Michigan Satish Udpa, Former Acting President,
Coalition of Labor Organizations State University Michigan State University
at Michigan State University
Leo Kempel, Dean, Kathleen M. Wilbur, Executive
Pero Gaglo Dagbovie, University College of Engineering Vice President for Government,
Distinguished Professor of History, Communications and Advancement
Associate Dean, Graduate School Bonnie Knutson, Professor,
College of Business Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah
Prabu David, Dean, Distinguished Professor of Food
College of Communication Arts Wanda Lipscomb, Senior Associate Science and Human Nutrition
and Sciences Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, and Agricultural, Food and
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Resource Economics
Mary Finn, Director and Professor, College of Human Medicine; Associate
School of Criminal Justice Professor, Department of Psychiatry
College of Social Science
MSU APPOINTS PRESIDENTIAL ADVISERS ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ISSUES
During his first month in office, President The women will coordinate meetings with sexual
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., selected two assault survivors and the president, develop a
respected experts to address relationship strategic plan following analysis of a campus climate
violence and sexual misconduct issues. Both survey, and will assist and guide related initiatives and
Rebecca Campbell will report directly to Stanley to provide groups on campus.
guidance and make strategic recommendations.
“What happened at MSU was a horrible tragedy, and
They are Rebecca Campbell, chair of the RVSM the institution failed survivors and members of our
Expert Advisory Workgroup and an MSU psychology community,” Stanley said. “I am confident that the
professor; and Lt. Andrea Munford, with MSU Police expertise, credibility and commitment of Rebecca
Department’s Center for Trauma-Informed Investiga- Campbell and Lt. Andrea Munford will help MSU take
Lt. Andrea Munford
tive Excellence. the necessary steps to address critical issues head on.”BTP News
CARING AND
CONFIDENT
We’ve curated some
Colleagues Weigh In
of the spoken remarks
by members of the Debra Bittner Rich Gelfond
President, Coalition of Labor CEO of IMAX Corporation
Presidential Search
Organizations at MSU and Chair of Stony Brook
Committee when
Foundation, Inc.
President Samuel L.
As we heard in the staff listening sessions,
Stanley, M.D., was we need a leader with experience, who I’ve worked closely with Dr. Stanley for more
introduced to the “walks the talk” and understands a than a decade, and he is an innovative and
Spartan community. collaborative environment, who respects collaborative leader who brings a high level
Additional impres- all employees of the university. I believe of intelligence to a university presidency. He
sions may be found Dr. Stanley is just that leader. has a very collaborative leadership style and is
online. Together, the inclusive in gathering various constituencies
statements paint a together. Also, as a business leader, I have
picture of a leader Gregory J. Spray been impressed with his understanding of
eager to make posi- Ph.D. Candidate, College how universities fit into the economic engine
tive changes at MSU. of Communication Arts of a community or state. He has worked
and Sciences closely with leaders in New York to create
economic innovation important to both
MORE ON
go.msu.edu/ The search committee ensured the voices of higher education and economic development.
WEB comments
students at the undergraduate, graduate and
professional level were heard, along with the
voices of survivors. Wanda Lipscomb
Senior Associate Dean for
Diversity and Inclusion,
Mark A. Murray Associate Dean for Student
Vice Chairman, Meijer Affairs, College of Human
Past president, Grand Valley Medicine
State University
At SUNY, Dr. Stanley developed and
Dr. Stanley is an experienced administrator, implemented an institutional diversity
an acclaimed scholar, a proven fundraiser and plan, created a chief diversity officer
a person of integrity. He has a clear record position, expanded support for the
of improving student outcomes. He was the Equal Opportunity Program, increased
best fit among the many solid individuals academic success of marginalized students,
considered. I am confident he will build on strengthened efforts for women in STEM,
our strong foundation, honor the survivors supported gender equity and expanded
of the university’s failures in responding to support for faculty and graduate student
Larry Nassar’s crimes and lead us to further diversity. He has the qualifications and
successes as a campus community. characteristics identified by the search
committee as ideal for our president.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 11BTP News
AUG. 1
THE DATE IN 2019
ON WHICH SAMUEL
L. STANLEY JR., M.D.,
BEGAN HIS TENURE AS
MSU’S PRESIDENT
MSU HAS HIRED
AN EXEMPLARY
LEADER
President Stanley is a
revered academic leader
in higher education.
I have known him
as an outstanding
contributor as vice
chancellor for research at
Washington University,
CAMPUS TOUR and he demonstrated
During their first two days dedication, creativity and
at MSU, President Samuel
L. Stanley Jr., M.D. and Dr.
achievement during his
Ellen Li, his wife, explored entire academic career
our verdant campus on here. His leadership at
foot, logging 12 miles on
their pedometers. Stony Brook has been
exemplary, and he has
won the admiration and
respect among presidents
and chancellors of the
Association of American
Soaking up sun and scenery Universities, the leading
research universities of
the United States. He is a
Richard Nasti, head of the search committee that hired Stanley at Stony Brook, person of unquestioned
said the New York university’s loss is MSU’s gain integrity and honesty, and
he has a demonstrated
record of working on
T
he Stony Brook Univer- capital campaign, he succeeded in behalf of students,
sity community is sad moving Stony Brook University to the faculty and staff to
help them realize their
that President Stanley upper echelons of major U.S. research
potential and aspirations.
departed, but pleased universities. In addition, President Michigan State University
he will be taking on new Stanley and his wife, Dr. Ellen Li, is fortunate to be
challenges at Michigan State. For the immersed themselves in the university able to recruit such a
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
past 10 years, he worked tirelessly on and in the community, becoming talented, experienced
behalf of Stony Brook and, by every outstanding ambassadors for SUNY. and distinguished new
president.
measure, the results are manifest. We wish them the best as they start a
— Mark S. Wrighton, former
From increasing graduation rates to new chapter in East Lansing.
Chancellor and Professor
the successful completion of a major – Richard Nasti of Chemistry, Washington
University in St. Louis
12 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP News
A FAMILY’S
JOURNEY TO
Meet Dr. Ellen Li, Renowned Researcher
SUCCESS Dr. Li is a Professor of Medicine, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics,
and a distinguished biomedical expert. She is married to President Stanley.
Shortly after World
War II, Dr. Ellen Li’s
Ellen Li, M.D., Ph.D., at Washington University. She was a Lucille
parents emigrated from
Shanghai to study a gastroenterologist and B. Markey Scholar and a Burroughs Well-
at the University of research scientist, was come Fund Toxicology Scholar. She was
Chicago, intending born in the neighbor- also elected to the American Society for
to return to China. hood of Hyde Park on the Clinical Investigators and the Association
But after the Chinese south side of Chicago. of American Physicians.
revolution in 1949, they
Dr. Li received her B.S. Prior to leaving Washington University to
made the decision
to stay in the U.S. in chemistry at Stanford join her husband at Stony Brook University,
Together, they sup- University. She received her M.D. and Ph.D. she was the director of the NIH-sponsored
ported Dr. Li’s under- degrees in 1980 from the Washington Uni- Silvio Conte Digestive Diseases Research
graduate education versity St. Louis Medical Scientist Training Core Center and was the driving force in
at Stanford University,
Program, partially funded by the Olin Fellow- developing the biobanking core within this
where she received her
B.S. in chemistry. ship Program. She did her residency training center.
in internal medicine in Boston at the Massa- Dr. Li’s major research focuses on
chusetts General Hospital, where she met her defining the role of the gut microbiome in
husband, Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. digestive diseases, particularly inflamma-
Drs. Li and Stanley returned to St. Louis tory bowel diseases, colon cancer and such
to complete their subspecialty training in functional GI disorders as irritable bowel
gastroenterology and infectious diseases, re- syndrome. She is the author of 77 peer-
spectively. They both subsequently joined the reviewed articles and several chapters in
faculty and rose through the ranks at Wash- the “Textbook of Gastroenterology.” Dr. Li
ington University. participates in the training of medical stu-
Dr. Li was a founding member and a past dents, residents and fellows at Stony Brook
president of the Academic Women’s Network University School of Medicine.
DR. ELLEN LI
Ellen Li, M.D., Ph.D.,
is a renowned gastro-
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
enterologist and
medical researcher,
shown here in her
Stony Brook University
laboratory. She is married
to MSU’s president,
Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 13BTP Arts
DRAWING STRENGTH FROM PAIN WHARTON
CENTER IN
A special exhibit, “Finding Our Voice: Sister TOP 20
The July 2017 issue
Survivors Speak,” is on view at the University of “Venues Today”
Museum. Inspired by teal ribbons tied in 2018 ranked the Wharton
Center at No. 16
around campus trees, each a tribute to a survivor, internationally
the exhibit chronicles survivors’ continuing for venues with a
capacity of 2,001
struggles to call public attention to sexual to 5,000 seats. It
violence and to promote dignity, healing and ranked the Wharton
Center’s November
positive transformation. Sister Survivors 2016 engagement
co-curated the exhibit. Experience it through of “Wicked” at No.
14 for top ticketed
March 30, 2020. events internationally
at such venues. The
results are based on
concert and event
SISTER SURVIVORS SPEAK grosses from October
Artworks, paintings, statements
and photographs of young
2016 to May 2017 and
female athletes and survivors fill are the most recent
the MSU Museum’s main gallery. figures available.
300
Tie-dyed silk
butterflies form
a beautiful dress
that appears to
fly skyward. The
sculptural work
“Ten Feet Tall”
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
was created by
sister survivor
Alexandra
Bourque.
14 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP Sports
LONG TIME
COMING
After his ninth
nomination, Spartan
football legend
Lorenzo White will
finally get his due this
year. In December,
he’ll be enshrined
in the 2019 College
Football Hall of
Fame. White is MSU’s
All-Time Leader in
rushing (4,887 yards,
43 rushing TDs; 1,082
yards in carrys) and
two-time First-Team
All-American (1985,
1987), as well as the
1987 Big Ten MVP.
He’ll be added to
MSU’s Ring of Honor
at Spartan Stadium
on Sept. 28, the
day on which the
Spartans face Indiana
in East Lansing. MAKING HIS MARK
Spartan Football Coach
Mark Dantonio autographs
sports memorabilia for
throngs of young fans.
Fan-tastic fun for hundreds of young Spartans
Enthusiastic young football fans turn out for tips, drills and a pep talk
Nearly 1,000 boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, at drill stations manned by smiling Spartan
flooded MSU sports facilities last spring to football players. Coaches and players later
get a jump start on the fall football season. signed such memorabilia as game programs,
The annual youth football clinic—held footballs and helmets.
prior to the Green and White spring football Proud adults snapped cellphone photos to
game—put participants through their paces. keep the memories alive.
Coach Mark Dantonio paced before the Sparrow Health System sponsored the kids
excited kids, who listened intently to his activities. McLaren Health Plan sponsored
pre-practice pep talk. the spring game.
The kids, many of whom sported Spartan
REY DEL RIO
MORE ON Plan your football game day
gear, broke into smaller groups, taking turns
WEB msuspartans.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 15Strong as one.
Extraordinary together.
“ Try to make things better where
you are. That’s what you do. Every
day. Every minute.”
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made a gift to support MSU every
year for 68 years running.
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SPARTAN STORY Nature nurturer
On the Open Seas
Hayley Betker finds a home for her environmentalist sensibilities conducting research
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. BY DANIEL P. SMITH
J
arvis Island sits in the Michigan, as she watched Lake officer training at the U.S. Coast
middle of the vast Pacific Michigan’s waters recede. Guard Academy in December 2017.
Ocean, separated from “I couldn’t understand why and The 20-week program prepared
any populated land by wanted to know more,” she said. Betker to captain large vessels and
hundreds of miles of glit- After earning an environmental certified her in areas such as ad-
tering waters. engineering degree from MSU in vanced firefighting, sea survival and
Viewed by only a sliver of human- December 2014—among the first fast rescue boating.
ity across centuries, the tiny island women to do so—Betker began her First assigned to the NOAA ship
remains accessible only to carefully career at Ford Motor Co., perform- Hi‘ialakai in Honolulu, one of 16 in
vetted researchers and government ing environmental testing and data the NOAA fleet, Betker’s search for
personnel.
Count Hayley Betker among the
“
lucky few.
In the summer of 2018, Betker,
then a new National Oceanic and
It’s hands-on, technical and fast-paced
Atmospheric Administration Corps work that’s considerate of people and
officer stationed in Honolulu, ven-
tured to Jarvis Island with a team
the environment, which is exactly what
of scientists and NOAA personnel. I love about it.
There, she observed dolphins and
other wonders of maritime nature,
but also the far-reaching effects of analysis on vehicles as an applica- meaningful work materialized amid
climate change as the island’s coral tions engineer. While her efforts a range of oceanographic research,
reefs battled shifting environmental served a worthwhile purpose, Betker including studies of coral reefs and
conditions. hungered for more varied, creative fish stocks as well as maritime heri-
The visit inspired a mix of awe and work and deeper ties to the environ- tage surveys.
earnest reflection. ment. “I fell in love with the work and
“In one trip, I saw the beauty of na- That’s when Susan Masten, Bet- felt I was contributing to something
ture and the urgent need to protect ker’s college adviser and a professor valuable,” she said.
it,” Betker said. of civil and environmental engineer- This past April, Betker moved
A determined guardian of the envi- ing, urged her to consider NOAA. cross-country and began an eight-
ronment and advocate for its health Though Betker had never heard month assignment on the NOAA
and sustainability, Betker traces her of the agency, her initial research ship Henry B. Bigelow, homeport-
curiosity about the natural world intrigued her enough to apply. She ed in Newport, Rhode Island. As
to her childhood years in Petoskey, was accepted, and completed basic NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries vessel,
18 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UFULL SPEED AHEAD
A Traverse City native, Hayley
Betker is qualified to drive 100-ton
ships and is certified in advanced
firefighting, seas survival, fast res-
cue boat operations and life saving
techniques.
Hayley Betker, ’14
College of Engineering
Environmental Engineering
the 209-foot ship’s crew—Betker, lobster in Maine, crab in Maryland And if it leads to one-of-a-kind
four other officers, and two dozen or mackerel in Florida. experiences like peering into the
sailors—studies marine life and “It’s hands-on, technical and waters off Jarvis Island, well, that’s
ocean conditions along the nation’s fast-paced work that’s considerate all the better.
COURTESY NOAA
Atlantic Coast. It also sets guidelines of people and the environment,
MORE ON Learn more
for East Coast fisheries, whether which is exactly what I love about it,”
that’s commercial entities chasing Betker said. WEB noaa.gov
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 19SPARTAN STORY Pantser
Winging It
Novelist and songwriter Josh Malerman is coming to
terms with newfound fame following the Netflix adaption
of his novel “Bird Box.” BY ALEX GILLESPIE, ’17
J
osh Malerman, ’98, is a alyptic novel following a mother’s
self-proclaimed “pant- journey to a prophesied sanctuary
ser.” In literary jargon, with her two children, and shortly af-
a pantser is someone ter Universal Studios purchased the
who writes by the seat of initial rights before Netflix snagged
his pants, rather than creating and them in 2015. The book, Malerman’s
following an outline. first to be published, came out in
In many ways, Malerman lives as 2014.
he writes. Rather than follow a tra- After years of “joyful delusions”
ditional career path after graduating about being a novelist—in which he
with an English degree, he pursued imagined arguments with editors,
his passions in music, performance his own books on the shelf, media
and writing—all at once. His band, interviews and movies—Malerman is
The High Strung, which he joined living the surreal. “I would imagine
at MSU with several friends, has somebody playing Malorie in a mov-
released sixteen albums, toured ie, and now there’s that movie poster
regularly since 2000, and had its in my office,” he said. Josh Malerman, ’98
song “The Luck You Got” chosen as The film premiered on Dec. 14, College of Arts and Letters
English
the theme for the Showtime series 2018, starring Sandra Bullock
“Shameless.” as the protagonist, Malorie, and
For Malerman, it was never a immediately broke streaming
matter of choosing between song- records and spawned viral memes R-rated horror flick stays true to his
writer and novelist. His two paths and social media challenges. Accord- genesis of the novel: “an image of
intertwined seamlessly. In his down ing to Netflix, 45 million accounts a mother and two kids blindfolded,
time on and off tours, he has drafted streamed “Bird Box” in its first week traveling, navigating a river, fleeing
29 novels in the horror genre. As he of availability. While Malerman something that they weren’t obvi-
worked on rewriting one of them, had no say in the film or script, the ously able to look at.”
his manager, who is also an agent for
screenwriters, vowed to get it op-
“
tioned as a film. “If I’m in a Dickens
novel, he’s my mysterious benefac-
tor,” Malerman said. On one level, it doesn’t matter if “Bird Box”
That support gave him faith in the is good or bad. It now has a place in history
project, and the manager’s prom-
ise paid off: in 2012 HarperCollins as being the first streaming blockbuster.
picked up “Bird Box,” a post-apoc-
20 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D ULIVING THE DREAM
From left, MSU alumnus and author
Josh Malerman shares a moment
with actors Sandra Bullock, Susanne
Bier and Trevante Rhodes at the
2018 special screening of the Netflix
film “Bird Box” in New York.
The days that followed the film’s #birdboxchallenge, which involved never even imagined, and helped
release were “totally nuts,” he said. attempting a variety of tasks while generate increased interest in his
He and his fiancée, Allison, attended blindfolded. newest novel, “Inspection,” pub-
the premiere flanked by Bullock and “Bird Box” has become a cultural lished in March 2019. He’s now
others from the cast in New York touchstone and signals a seismic shift published seven books.
City, had a small viewing party with in the way movies are consumed and Somehow in the midst of all of
friends in Michigan, then retreated marketed in the streaming age. “On this, The High Strung also released
to the Upper Peninsula for some one level, it doesn’t matter if ‘Bird a new album, “Quiet Riots,” and
peace and quiet. A day into their Box’ is good or bad. It now has a place Malerman has had two future films
trip, Malerman’s phone began in history as being the first streaming optioned by traditional film studios.
exploding: friends were congratu- blockbuster,” Malerman said. Not bad for someone who has
lating him, and thousands of people The zeitgeist surrounding “Bird approached life as a pantser.
GETTY IMAGES
were interacting with him over social Box” catapulted Malerman’s novel
media, sharing comedic memes onto “The New York Times” Best MORE ON Learn more
from the movie and a viral hashtag, Seller list in January 2019, a feat he WEB joshmalerman.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 21SPARTAN STORY Host with the most
The Scene Setter
With an ever-expanding roster of hospitality and entertainment ventures, entrepreneur
and Broad College of Business alumnus Rohit Khattar is still hungry for more.
BY TIM CERULLO, ’08
R
ohit Khattar will tell Filled with local bric-a-brac, and has been India’s top restaurant.
you he’s not a collector. Chor Bizarre is a charming oasis of It’s the only restaurant from India on
“Barring film posters knickknacks, mismatched silverware the “World’s 100 Best Restaurants
and film photographs,” and antique furniture. It’s an eat-in List,” ranking No. 17 in Asia. Last
he said, “I don’t really version of India’s thieves markets, for year, it also landed on “Time
have a hobby of collecting anything.” which it’s named. Magazine’s 100 Great Destinations
But looking at his body of work, But it’s the food that’s kept folks in the World.” Khattar soon took the
it’s clear the 1985 Broad College of flocking to Chor Bizarre for over two sensation worldwide, opening Accent
Business graduate and founder and decades. The menu, a collection of restaurants in London and New York
chairman of Old World Hospitality, traditional home-style dishes, is true City— to rave reviews.
India’s premier hospitality and to the old world and has garnered Today, Khattar’s amassed a
entertainment company, has a acclaim from locals, tourists and collection that includes more than 30
fondness for “more.” critics alike. restaurants, two hotels, a convention
The business got its start in 1990, Khattar’s early success made and performing arts center, and a full
when Khattar opened his first him hungrier. He soon turned his catering outfit. But you’d never know
restaurant in New Delhi’s Broadway attention to more modern and it. He’s a behind-the-scenes type of
hotel, which he inherited from his innovative takes on Indian cuisine CEO.
grandfather. While searching for with a fine dining restaurant, Indian “It is the cuisine that takes center
the restaurant’s theme, he drew Accent, in New Delhi. stage,” he said. “I prefer to let my
inspiration from some familiar With its fusion of traditional chefs take center stage too.”
American eateries popular during flavors and inventive techniques, He said his wife Rashmi is his
his college years—TGI Fridays, Indian Accent quickly exploded number one adviser. “She has an
Bennigan’s and Houlihan’s. incredible eye for detail and an
uncanny knack for knowing what will
“
work.”
Together, they continue to build
It is the cuisine that takes center stage. Old World Hospitality. Meanwhile,
Khattar is also pursuing another
I prefer to let my chefs take center stage too. passion: film.
He’s the founder and chairman of
Cinestaan Film Co. The boutique
22 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D URohit Khattar, ’85
Broad College of Business
Hospitality Business
Spartan alumnus Rohit
Khattar is the visionary force
behind his three award-
winning Indian Accent
restaurants, with locations in
New York, New Delhi
and London.
studio is a new vehicle for producing the business, he’s exploring trades. There’s no telling where he’ll
and distributing films. “Creatively this entertainment infrastructure as part show up next, or what ideas he’ll bring.
almost gives me as much satisfaction of the $20.7 billion Mahindra Group. But one thing is certain—it’s going to
OLD WORLD HOSPITALITY
as being a restaurateur,” he said. So while Khattar doesn’t call himself be good.
Further bolstering independent a collector, he has accumulated
Indian talent is Mumbai Mantra, an impressive consortium over MORE ON Learn more about Rohit
online at indianaccent.com,
another company on Khattar’s the course of his career. He’s a risk WEB oldworldhospitality.com or
eclectic roster. As chairman of taker and film buff. A true jack of all cinestaanfilmcompany.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 23Rising
to the
Challenge
In classical Greece, Spartan women were famed for their strength,
education and independence. Female Spartans have always been
among the legions of exceptional MSU grads who embody that
proud tradition in the modern world. A senator, a governor, an
author-advocate, an engineer and a doctor, each has pursued her
dreams and lived her values with determination and purpose.
INTRODUCTION BY U.S. SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW OF MICHIGAN
I
’m honored to introduce four referred to me as “that young broad.”
exceptional women who are showing Then the young broad beat him!
the world what Spartans can do. In 2000, I was honored to be the first
The women you are going to read woman from Michigan to be elected to
about share dedication, creativity and the United States Senate. Today I use
the willingness to work—sometimes against all my Spartan drive to champion issues
odds—to make a difference. They come from important to our great state and our
different backgrounds and have different families.
stories, but they share that ceaseless Spartan The four women featured on the
drive to change our world for the better. following pages are running state
I know a little something about that drive. government, working on HIV preven-
PHOTO COURTESY U.S. SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW
The first time I ran for office—a seat on the tion, breaking barriers in technology
Ingham County Board of Commissioners—I and improving the health and well-being
was 24 years old and completing my master’s of our children.
degree in social work at MSU. I didn’t have If you’re looking for inspiration, look
much political experience. But I had a cause no further than Gov. Gretchen Whitmer,
I believed in—keeping the Ingham County Dr. Mona-Hanna Attisha, Cookie
Medical Care Facility open so all of our Johnson and Priya Balasubramaniam.
seniors could get the health care they need. These women prove that Spartans Will!
I also had a Spartan willingness to work MORE ON Hear an interview with U.S. Senator
really hard. My opponent in the race derisively WEB Stabenow at go.msu.edu/stabenow
24 F A L L 2 0 1 9 A LU M N I . M S U. E D USPARTAN MAGAZINE 25
Gov. Gretchen E. Whitmer
With a passion for public service and a fierce dedication to challenging
the status quo, Gov. Gretchen E. Whitmer is committed to beefing up
education and career opportunities, improving access to health care and
protecting our state’s precious natural resources. BY PAULA M. DAVENPORT
S
omething unexpected happened Spartan: How does it feel to enter our state’s
on Gretchen E. Whitmer’s way capitol building as Michigan’s governor?
to becoming a sportscaster. She G.W.: It can be incredibly inspiring and
landed a college internship at the humbling at the same time. The gover-
state capitol. nor’s office in the capitol, which is mostly
“That changed the whole trajectory for ceremonial (my working offices are across
me. I fell in love with public policy, and that the street in the Romney Building) are an
was the inspiration for going to law school exquisitely restored set of three rooms. I’m
and eventually getting into public service,” surrounded by pictures of former gover-
Whitmer, now Michigan’s governor, said in nors from many, many decades ago. Most
a recent phone interview on her way back are white men with a lot of facial hair. I
to Lansing from a Camp Grayling veterans always look up and think about how much
memorial service. has changed, and yet some of the important A HIGHER
She grew up in Grand Rapids and is the ceremonies and important values we share DEGREE OF
namesake of both grandmothers, Gretchen have remained the same. It’s a reminder KNOWLEDGE
and Esther. of how important it is to acknowledge our Gov. Gretchen E.
Whitmer was born
“I feel very fortunate to have their names similarities, but always strive to continue
in 1971 in Lansing.
because they were both fiercely indepen- to push for innovation, making sure we’re She graduated from
dent women who were incredible mentors doing cutting-edge things here in Michigan. Forest Hills Central
and people for me to look up to,” she said. Spartan: What do you believe are the biggest High School, just
The state’s 49th governor, and only the threats our state is facing right now? outside Grand Rapids.
second woman to hold Michigan’s highest G.W.: Well, I think the lack of investment in She earned a B.A. in
communications from
office, she’s carrying on her parents’ legacy the education of our people and the infra-
MSU in 1993 and
and inspiring successive generations of structure we all rely on is the most import- a J.D. from the MSU
young women eager to follow her lead. ant work we have to do. Our roads and our College of Law in
On a less serious note, she may be the bridges are dangerous, and it’s getting more 1998, graduating
first of her kind for whom a local craft beer dangerous and more expensive every day magna cum laude.
Last May, she
is named. And she uses a contemporary we don’t address it. We’ve shortchanged
delivered one of
smart phone tool to counteract stress. everything from our universities to our the university’s com-
“I actually have Buddify, an app of short K-12 system to triage this aging infrastruc- mencement addresses
meditations. It’s really helpful, especially on ture. Consequently, we’re behind where we and received an
the go. I can tune in for a five- or 10-minute should be in terms of outcomes for kids, honorary Doctor of
Laws degree.
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
session that helps keep me centered,” she in terms of the skills gap, and of course
said in an upbeat voice. in terms of infrastructure that supports a
modern mobility system and modern-day
economy. These are the biggest challeng-
es—and they’re not just challenges for us
26 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D USPARTAN MAGAZINE 27
as a state, or for our people as individuals, but they’re CHANGE AGENT being, for instance, the Com-
A beaming Gov. Gretchen
homeland security challenges as well. While Michigan’s Whitmer displays early mander in Chief of the National
legislation she signed.
educated population has been boosted over the years, Guard. As we speak, I’m just
we still have too few people today with the degrees and FAMILY FOCUS leaving Camp Grayling, and
The governor and her hus-
certificates to be successful. That poses a number of band Dr. Marc Mallory have we had a memorial service for
challenges for us. That’s why I’m staying so focused on it. a blended family of five: her the 88 Michigan members who
daughters Sherry and Sydney
The good news is none of this is inherently partisan, and and his sons Alex, Mason and passed away this past year. Some
Winston.
I’m hopeful that even in a divided government, we can passed away because they were
find our common ground around solutions on CLOSING THE GAP currently serving in combat, and
Focusing on improved
these fronts. access to education is one (there were) others who had
Spartan: Do you think there’s a benefit to being a woman in of Gov. Whitmer’s primary previously served and who’d died
platforms.
your role? of natural causes. Making phone
G.W.: Well, I do think that women lead differently. calls to families and supporting our people in the military
Studies have shown that women in public service, in is an aspect of my role that (perhaps) the average person
the political realm, spend more time on issues like may not see. It comes with a great responsibility and can be
education and health care, and get less concerned about challenging when talking to a family whose loved one has
getting credit (while being) more concerned about paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I served in the
making sure we have results that are important. I think legislature for 14 years, and I knew a lot of aspects of this
as women, we have vital voices in how public policies are job...but this important role is not one that receives a lot of
COURTESY GOVERNOR WHITMER’S OFFICE
made, but also in terms of showing other women that we attention.
are up to taking on executive positions and leadership Spartan: What would a successful four years look like to you?
positions. I hear from parents of daughters all the time G.W.: Well, I think success will be measured in terms
on how much they like having a chief executive who is of whether we’ve started to address our infrastructure
female to show their daughters that anything’s possible. issues. Will Michiganders have confidence in the
Spartan: What’s the most difficult part of your job? quality of the water they’re giving their families at the
G.W.: The part that I think is hard for anyone to appre- dinner table? And have we made strides in closing the
ciate includes some of the heavy duties that come with skills gap and raising quality of life for people in this state?
28 FALL 2019 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UFinally, will I have contributed in a positive way to the
perception of public service and to reminding folks that
we’re Michiganders first and foremost, before parti- I think as women, we have vital
sans, and will there be good jobs so the people of our voices in how public policies
state can say their governor was looking out for them?
Spartan: Tell us about an “average” workday. Do you have a
are made, but also in terms of
driver that allows you to work between appearances? showing other women that we are
G.W.: The average day starts around 5 a.m. As governor, up to taking on executive positions
I can spend a 12-hour day in the office, or I am
frequently out on the road. Usually I jump in the car
and leadership positions. I hear
and we’re headed to the Romney Building, where I from parents of daughters all the
have my executive team meeting, and then I’m often time on how much they like
hitting the road either to Detroit or Grand Rapids or
elsewhere in the state. The Michigan State Police are
having a chief executive who is
my detail so I’m always in safe hands. They drive and female to show their daughters
help me out with logistics in and out of everywhere. that anything’s possible.
That helps ensure I can be very productive during my
day—whether I’m on the phone, (or) attending regular Spartan: How did Michigan State University influence you?
meetings and checking in with my cabinet. There are G.W.: : My years at MSU were some of the best of my
always unpredictable things happening around the life. As a freshman undergrad, I was thinking I would
state and it’s really important I keep connected with become a sports broadcaster, (but) an internship in the
my team. capitol kind of changed the whole trajectory for me. After
Spartan: What’s at the top of your personal to-do list? earning my bachelor’s degree at MSU, I went to work at
G.W.: I try to maintain a daily routine that includes the capitol and ultimately decided to go to law school.
getting some exercise every day. I drink my green I got my law degree, and I was practicing law, and that’s
smoothie, take my vitamins and spend some time with when the opportunity to run for the Michigan House
my family. Those are all important pieces to maintain of Representatives came up. During all my years in the
in the schedule and help me address…the many differ- legislature, I was fortunate to represent East Lansing and
ent issues I respond to as leader of our state. consequently my alma mater. After earning three degrees
Spartan: Are there sacred activities you try to protect there, I think the relationships and the education, the
related to family time? perspective I got from my time at MSU, is something that
G.W.: We do like to have dinner together a couple of has benefited me as a mom, as a Michigander and as a
times a week. We spend our holidays together. And public servant.
my husband and I are avid walkers. He walks every Spartan: What does it mean to be a Spartan?
single day. I’m not home enough to do it with him every GW: I am proud to be a Michigan State Spartan. I think
day, but we definitely try to make that a priority. Just we’ve got an incredible nation of Spartans around the
getting out in the fresh air and spending time together world who are connected and fiercely identify with the
is something I really love, and sitting by a campfire, as university and represent grit, determination and are
well. My family is what centers me. My parents were problem solvers. It’s something that is always with me in
incredible role models and supporters. My children are everything I do, and it’s why I will always be so invested in
what keep me focused on the future and the work that making sure that Michigan State University is successful
we have to do. And I feel very fortunate to have called and that current Spartans and future Spartans are as well.
Michigan home my whole life. It’s a wonderful place to
live, to work, to raise a family and to host an incredible MORE ON
Hear a podcast with Gov. Whitmer at go.msu.edu/MJP
university like MSU. WEB
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 29You can also read
