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 - - 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,