Preparing students for
`global century'
Michigan State University is among 32 colleges and
universities across the country selected to take part
in a national project designed to better prepare
students for a "global century."
Annual festival celebrates Israeli films
This year, the annual Israeli
Jellyfish codirector and best-selling Israeli writer
Film Festival at Michigan
Etgar Keret will speak at a free public event at the
State University will
Hannah Community Center in East Lansing at 7 p.m.
feature films that
March 31. Jellyfish won the Camera d'Or prize for
celebrate personal
best first feature at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007.
journeys, including the
Keret is best known for his short-story collections. 0 4,
Nearly 150 schools applied to participate in General
award-winning Jellyfish,
Education for a Global Century, a curriculum and
which explores the
faculty development project that is part of the
intersecting lives of three
Association of American Colleges and Universities'
very different women in
Israeli Film Festival
147 Communication Arts and Sciences
Etgar Keret
Shared Futures initiative.
Tel Aviv.
The project's goal is to frame general education
Now in its sixth year, the festival, which is hosted by
courses and programs in ways that address the
the MSU Jewish Studies Program, screens
knowledge and skills needed by a 21st-century
contemporary films that capture Israeli culture.
college graduate. Much of the focus at MSU is on
how to shape general education requirements so
they align better with the university's global mission.
"The Israeli film and TV industry has really been
blossoming," says Ellen Rothfeld, who teaches
modern Hebrew language courses at MSU and
"We've been working with various units on campus
coordinates the festival. "We selected quality films
to embed global knowledge and skills across the
that show what Israel is contributing to the world."
student learning experience," says Doug Estry, MSU
associate provost for undergraduate education and
dean of undergraduate studies.
"This grant provides a small amount of resources to
assist in this process," he says. "More important, it
brings together a diverse set of institutions to share
ideas and build on each other's strengths."
To learn more, visit aacu.org/SharedFutures/
global_century.
Sponsored by a number of MSU colleges and
organizations, including MSU Hillel, the film festival
is free and open to the public.
"People will learn something about the place where
Building, MSU
Missing Father-2-4:15 p.m., March 20
After the death of his father, a son
struggles to overcome anger toward him.
Hummus for Two-4:30-5:15 p.m.,
March 20
This documentary explores the two parts
of Israel—the Arab East and the Israeli
West—in search of the perfect hummus.
A Matter of Size-6:30-8:30 p.m.,
March 20
Four overweight friends from Israel
discover the Japanese sport of Sumo,
which honors people for their size.
gives the wider community a sense of Jewish life."
Jellyfish 7 9 p.m., March 21
The lives of three very different women in
Tel Aviv intersect in this tale of magical
realism.
The 2010 festival takes place March 20 and 21 in
Parking is available in the adjacent ramp.
more than half the world's Jews live," says Ken Waltzer,
director of MSU's Jewish Studies Program. "It also
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MSU's Communication Arts and Sciences Building.
Jews in Greek Life student group benefits members, greater community
The Jews in Greek Life (JIGL) student organization at
Michigan State University brings Jewish students
"It's special that we're bringing the Jewish community
who are members of Greek-letter organizations on
and extended networks together through Greek
the MSU campus together to participate in social,
houses," says Andy Lederman, a senior from West
cultural, and charitable activities.
Bloomfield, Michigan, who is a member of Alpha Tau
Omega fraternity and JIGL copresident.
The organization holds a seat on the Jewish Student
Union, which works closely with MSU Hillel, and Hillel
Large social events hosted by JIGL—including
provides JIGL with financial and staff support as well
Sparty's Hanukkah and Bar Mitzvah parties—also
as student leadership development.
"JIGL is important to the Greek community and MSU
community because it provides another outlet for
Greek students to give back," says Robyn Berkowitz,
JIGL adviser and director of engagement at MSU
have a "charitable twist," says Lederman. At its most
Andy Lederman and Zack Friedman, seniors from West Bloomfield,
Michigan, prepare food at a charity event hosted by Jews in Greek
Life.
"Jews in Greek Life has grown to be one of our most
Hillel. "Whether it's through programming or charity,
successful Jewish student organizations," says MSU
Jews in Greek Life provides another opportunity for
Hillel Executive Director Cindy Hughey. "It provides
students to develop as leaders, improve their local
Michigan State's campus with essential programs that
community, and create lasting relationships with
showcase Jewish culture as well as the Jewish
other students involved in Greek life."
tradition of tikkun olam."
recent Hanukkah party, the organization sold
lollipops, with the proceeds going to adopt a family
for Hanukkah through Jewish Family Services.
"I think the most significant thing about JIGL is
engaging with the Greek community as a whole and
teaching members who may not know much about
the Jewish religion," says Lauren Kerwin, a junior
from West Bloomfield, Michigan, who is a member of
Alpha Phi sorority and JIGL copresident. "Through our
About 30 students regularly plan events for the
Many of the organization's programs benefit charity,
events and fundraisers, we interact with the Greek
dues-free organization, which meets monthly and
says Berkowitz, and each semester it hosts up to
community and Michigan State community, sharing
reaches hundreds of students each year, teaching
three fundraisers, such as the Club Rush, for which
our culture and history."
them about Jewish holidays and customs and what
the $5 cover last year benefited the Shaare Zedek
MSU Hillel is all about.
Medical Center in Jerusalem.
14,