SVSU TODAY

Week of August 19, 2024

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Please plan to attend the State of the University address today (Thursday, Aug. 22) at 4 p.m. in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. 

Following President Grant’s address, the campus community is invited to enjoy the welcome back picnic at 5 p.m. in the central campus courtyard.

For those who cannot attend the State of the University address in person, a live stream will be provided via the SVSU portal. 

Campus is buzzing again as students return to SVSU's top-ranked dorms! Move-in began yesterday and continues today with our newest students checking into first-year living centers. They will be joined by returning students through Saturday.

As we gear up for fall semester 2024, it’s important to remember that the work of welcoming and supporting our students is still in full swing. New and continuing students are finalizing registration, managing payments and financial aid, and securing their housing assignments. This is a busy and sometimes stressful period for students and their families, so our role as a campus community is crucial. With a solutions-oriented mindset, patience and a warm smile, we can help ease their transition and ensure they feel supported every step of the way. This ongoing process is a normal part of the fall semester’s rhythm, and together, we can make it a positive and welcoming experience for everyone involved.

Thank you to all who helped welcome our Cardinals and for making them feel at home!

An SVSU electrical and computer engineering senior design team was recognized for its outstanding community engagement contribution by the American Society for Engineering Education. The team’s project, “Engaging and Educating Youth in Sustainable Urban Agriculture,” was chosen as the winner of the 2024 ASEE Community Engagement Video Competition.

The video describes the team’s work to design a smart aquaponics system for use by students at the Coleman Regional Agriscience Center, which is operated by Coleman Community Schools.

Members of the team, who all graduated in December 2023, were Ayman Al Abdrbalnabi, Keith Brandon, Deon Gray, Shane Gross and Timothy Townley. Gross majored in engineering technology management; the others earned degrees in electrical engineering.

Rajani Muraleedharan-Sreekumaridevi, SVSU professor of electrical and computer engineering, advised the team, and Holly Little, lecturer of biology, assisted with the hydroponics setup. Eric Fischer and Natalie Rogers from Coleman Schools also contributed to the project. The team secured funding through an SVSU Foundation community engagement grant.  

SVSU will host the annual 9/11 Heroes Run on Sunday, Sept. 15, to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation and the Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition.

This is the 11th year SVSU is hosting the annual 5K run/walk, which was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he protected his battalion.  

The race begins at 10 a.m. Check-in and late registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Ryder Center parking lot. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Several SVSU offices are collaborating to organize this year’ annual run including Military Student Affairs, Campus Recreation, Alumni Relations and University Communications.

While Cardinal football opens its season on the road at Winona State, you can make a difference for SVSU Athletics right where you are. GameDay of Giving 2024 celebrates the way SVSU plays, reflecting the NCAA Division II model that emphasizes academics and student-athlete development.

SVSU alumnus (2003) and Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur introduces this year’s GameDay of Giving, which aims to raise funds to support scholarships and operational expenses, including team travel, recruitment, sports nutrition, mental health support and more. You can help Athletics hit the ground running on Sept. 5 by making a lead gift.

In recognition of their contributions SVSU athletics, former student-athletes and an early SVSU supporter will be inducted into the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 20, prior to the home opener football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, against Truman State.

This year’s class includes six individual student-athletes: 

Joining them are the 2012 men’s soccer team and Harvey Randall Wickes (1889-1974), an early supporter whose generous gifts were instrumental in the creation of SVSU and the construction of the university’s football stadium.  

Tickets for the Hall of Fame induction dinner are $55; register here. 

If you have suggestions, comments or something to share with us, please e-mail svsutoday@svsu.edu

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