Michael Serling: distinguished alumnus and friend of MSU Of all the accolades The MSU alumnus credits his time at Michigan accomplished attorney State as crucial to his development and success, Program under way at MSU back in the 1990s, I Michael Serling has received, and he has been steadfast in demonstrating his was thrilled and wanted to help make it happen," he counts his 2004 MSU appreciation for MSU. he says. "To see my alma mater taking the lead in Distinguished Alumni Award as a highlight. Serling has served as chairperson of the advisory "I've been very blessed in my career and marriage, board for MSU's Jewish Studies Program and is a "When I found out there was a Jewish Studies the intellectual advancement of Jewish studies has been very rewarding." member of the advisory board of MSU Hillel—the Due to his ongoing MSU connection, Serling and so many of my blessings are because of the Lester and Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student has witnessed firsthand how the programs he education I received and influences I gained at Center—and the President's Cabinet for the supports make an impact. MSU," says Serling, who earned a BA (1966) in Campaign for MSU. Serling and his wife, Elaine, history and teaching certification from MSU and are members of the MSU Kedzie Society, which his JD (1970) from the Detroit College of Law recognizes donors who have made pledges of (now MSU College of Law). at least $1 million or planned gifts of at least Serling's Birmingham legal practice specializes in $1.5 million. "There has been a renaissance of Jewish life at MSU due to Jewish studies and Hillel," he says. "MSU provides an enriching and welcoming opportunity for Jewish and non-Jewish students to learn about Jewish history, culture, and religion and Israel." environmental and product liability law, and his The Serlings have supported music, athletics, expertise in asbestos contamination is sought medicine, and MSU Hillel with their gifts, and their around the world. Among his clients are more passion for the Jewish Studies Program led to the than 300 school districts, in addition to building endowment of a chair in Israel studies, making owners and individuals, in Michigan and 19 other MSU one of only a handful of universities in the states, as well as in Europe and Israel. country to have such a position. The Serlings also In addition to giving back to his alma mater, Serling has passed on his loyalty and love for Michigan State. His wife has become an MSU fan, and both of the couple's daughters and a son-in-law are MSU graduates. 0 created a fund for Israel-related programming, including an annual Serling Lecture on Modern Israel and Israeli Film Festival. MSU's residential college, study abroad, service-learning, and undergraduate research offerings are "stellar examples" of programs that help students succeed. News & World d'eport's Proorams to Look For. 2010 edition of America's Best Colleges CONNECT WITH MSU VISIT US ONLINE CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH MSU HILLEL CATCH UP ON THE LATEST NEWS FROM MSU msu.edu Join MSU Hillel—the Lester and Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student Center—for holiday services, dinners, and celebrations at 360 Charles St., East Lansing. For a complete list of events, go to msuhillei.orgievents. Here's what's coming up: Yom Kippur—September 28 A full day of activities: 9 a.m., services; 10 a.m., Torah service; 11 a.m., Yizkor; 2 p.m., Fast and Fun; 7 p.m., Neila and Havdalah; Break the Fast following services. RSVP for Break the Fast: operations@msuhillel.org . MARK YOUR CALENDAR Kirschner Student Recruitment Event and Jewish Studies Board Meeting— September 30 Plan on attending the Jewish Studies Advisory Board meeting and dinner at 6 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road. At 7:30 p.m., join the MSU Office of Admissions and MSU Hillel for a student recruitment event. RSVP: (248) 647-6966. MSU Homecoming—October 12-17 Celebrate your Spartan spirit during MSU Homecoming 2009! Watch MSU take on the Northwestern Wildcats and don't miss the Homecoming parade on October 16. Stay up to date on the week of events at homecoming.msumdu/2009. Spartan Spectacular—October 31 The MSU College of Music presents the annual Spartan Spectacular featuring the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Spartan Marching Band, and MSU Drumline. For tickets, go to whartoncenter.com . WATCH MSUTODAY SHOWS msutoday.msu.edu EXPLORE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES givingto.msu.edu LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUMNI PARTICIPATION msualum.com MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Your comments are welcome: write to Michigan State University, 302 Olds Hall, East Lansing, Ml 48824-1047 or call (517) 355 - 7505. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.