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MSU Hillel's Facing Change program to spark
conversation, engagement
MSU launches kosher
meal service program
Facing Change is a new program at MSU Hillel that
Israeli conflict," says Danielle Gittleman, an MSU
Michigan State University Culinary
will launch in the fall to help students from all faiths
sophomore from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and one
Services launched a new kosher
converse and network on the Michigan State
of the five Facing Change interns. "I think it will give
meal service program this spring in
students and faculty a safe haven to speak about
Wilson Hall. Through the program,
University campus.
these topics without fearing that they will be judged."
Part of a nationwide initiative led by Hillel
International, the program is designed to utilize
Berkowitz and the interns will participate in a
Hillel's relationship-based engagement strategies to
weeklong training session at Washington University in
promote civil discourse on campus. After receiving a
August to prepare for the program's launch. 9
kosher meals were served during
the dinner meal period Sunday
through Thursday.
"MSU is committed to meeting the special dietary
grant from International Hillel, MSU Hillel partnered
needs of students, faculty, staff, and guests based on
with MSU's Office for Inclusion and Intercultural
everything from religious practices to food allergies
Initiatives to develop the program.
"It will allow students to have conversations with others
from different backgrounds and views," says Robyn
Berkowitz, director of engagement and Facing Change
program director at MSU Hillel. "We want this program
to be all about enhancing conversations on campus."
Jewish Student Union
honored
In April, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) at
Michigan State University was awarded the
Multicultural/Cross-cultural Program Award at
Five MSU student interns will engage with peers from
the Department of Student Life's 10th annual
different faiths, cultures, and political affiliations to
Student Leadership Awards reception. JSU
spark discussion, ask questions, facilitate community
provides MSU Jewish students and students of
forums, and create new initiatives.
diverse faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and
ethnicities a variety of programming and events
and lifestyle choices," says Guy Procopio, director of
MSU Culinary Services.
MSU's kosher meal service program was developed in
partnership with Rabbi Jason Miller of Kosher
Michigan; Cindy Hughey, executive director of MSU
Hillel; and Chuck Radd, principal owner of Woody's
Oasis restaurant in East Lansing.
To accommodate kosher rules, all foods served
through the program were prepared in a kosher
kitchen at Woody's Oasis. The program was certified
by Kosher Michigan, and all meals served were
Working with supervisors to generate relevant
to further understanding of Jewish culture and
questions to engage their peers in dialogue, the
issues. Throughout the past year, JSU delivered
interns will promote discourse by building a social
many multicultural programs—from a black
During Passover, in addition to extensive meatless
network of 30 students through one-on-one dialogue
Shabbat to a Middle East tailgate—to provide a
options available, MSU dining halls served matzos,
and also build relationships with six influential people
diverse experience for students.
hard-boiled eggs, tuna fish, and cheese. Several
on campus, such as administrators and faculty.
identified with a kosher food icon.
traditional Jewish dishes were incorporated into the
menu, and single-service disposable dinnerware was
On a larger scale, the interns will lead an "Ask Big
available upon request.
Questions" campaign during the 2011-12 school year
consisting of two informal conversations for seven to
Sparty's coffee shop and convenience store locations
10 students and two forums for 20 to 30 students,
on campus also offer a variety of kosher options.
faculty, and administrators.
For more information about MSU's kosher meal
"This program will work hard to open a dialogue about
service program, visit eatatstate.com/nutrition .
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some controversial issues, such as the Palestinian-
-4am
Wharton Center helps young performers hone musical theatre skills
MSU's Wharton Center is offering young people
arts with education to encourage the creative
Workshop participants in two age groups-10
across the state an opportunity to "Take It from the
process, especially for young people," says Kent Love,
through 13 and 14 through 18—will explore dancing,
Top" in a series of interactive workshops taught by
Wharton Center's director of communications.
singing, and acting with an eye toward a final recital.
Broadway professionals with a passion for sharing
An advanced workshop, which requires an admission
their talents and knowledge.
audition, is designed for students ages 15 through 22
who have experience with musical theatre and are
The "Take It from the Top" workshops—which are
ready for the next step. Their training will focus on
being offered this summer in East Lansing, Grand
performing an annotated version of a Broadway
Rapids, and Traverse City—are designed
musical at the recital.
to help participants find their own
voices through music, dance, and
theatre, whether they are interested in
Workshops will be held July 25-29 at Wharton Center,
TAff - 171--:
THE
August 2-5 at the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse
pursuing a professional career in musical
City, and August 8-12 at the Grand Rapids Ballet
theatre or just want to have fun with
Company. For registration information, visit
performing arts.
The program is one of many offered through Wharton
Center's MSU Federal Credit Union Institute for Arts
and Creativity. "The institute strives to integrate the
whartoncenter.com and click on the "Take It from
Participants in a Wharton Center "Take It from the Top" interactive
workshop polish their performing arts skills and musical theatre
stage presence. Workshops are scheduled in three locations this
summer to give interested young people across the state the
opportunity to participate.
the Top" link. 9