SVSU TODAY

Week of March 25, 2024

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Saginaw Valley State University alumni, community supporters, and organizations demonstrated their support of Saginaw Valley State University students, contributing nearly $130,000 to help students stay in college or return after a break to complete their degrees.

The SVSU Foundation held a two-day fundraising campaign, Oppor2nity Days, from March 19-20. The Foundation exceeded its stated goal to raise $90,000 to support students facing critical financial shortfalls caused by emergencies, exhaustion of scholarship eligibility, overwhelming life circumstances and other situations. 

Nurses work very closely with physicians in clinical practice, but seldom learn with them. SVSU and CMU joined to bring students together in a unique learning experience.

On Feb. 27, a small group of N5 nursing students participated in two simulations with the Central Michigan University medical students and emergency medicine residents.

One simulation was an escape room built around TeamSTEPPS, a set of teamwork tools designed to improve communication and teamwork skills among health care teams.

The other simulation was an acute care client scenario, with each discipline acting within the scope of practice for their discipline. The students took a break between the activities to enjoy some breakfast and socialize. During debrief the students mentioned the value of working with each other to further understand the training and preparation that takes place to be a doctor or a nurse.

The students took a break between the activities to enjoy some breakfast and socialize. During debrief the students mentioned the value of working with each other to further understand the training and preparation that takes place to be a doctor or a nurse.

Cardinals make a difference in our communities, and the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs invites Cardinals to participate in community spring cleanups across the region. These events are an excellent way to give back to our region and join other dedicated community members in beautifying our cities. Please consider joining us for one or more of the following events:
 
United Way of Bay County Day of Caring – Friday, April 26, 7:30 a.m., Veterans Park 
 
Saginaw Community Cleanup – Saturday, May 11 8:30 a.m., Saginaw City Hall
 
Midland Blooms ­– Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m., Locations to be announced

We will have Cardinal Volunteer T-shirts for all who join.

Please reach out to Dylan Hellus, at dehellus@svsu.edu, if you have any questions.

On Wednesday, March 20, Saginaw Valley State University was proud to host a special dinner honoring STEM teachers from the Great Lakes Bay Region. Fifteen teachers were named “STEM Stars” for their significant contributions to STEM education, showcasing their commitment and innovative approaches to teaching.

The event, which drew over 100 local K-12 educators, was not just a celebration but also an opportunity for these dedicated professionals to connect with university faculty, area businesses and each other. Deborah Huntley, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, provided an inspiring keynote speech, sharing her personal journey in STEM, emphasizing the critical role of mentors and the collective effort needed to inspire the next generation in STEM careers. 

March 18-April 5: High School Art Invitational
Students from 11 area high schools will display their artwork at the University Art Gallery. A reception will be held on Thursday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m.

Now-May 4: Richmond Barthé Exhibit
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

April 10-13: “columbinus”
The SVSU theatre department presents this play sparked by the April 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Recommended for ages 16+.

Performances run Wednesday, April 10-Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m.

April 10-May 4: Winter BFA Exhibitions
The University Art Gallery will show off the works of SVSU's BFA candidates. Exhibition 1 takes place from Wednesday, April 10-Saturday, April 20. Exhibition 2 will be held Wednesday, April 24-Saturday, May 4.

April 8: Senior Toast

May 11: Commencement

You can find more events by navigating to Events & Calendars in the blue left-hand navigation in the MySVSU portal.

SVSU swim & dive sent 11 student-athletes to the NCAA Division II National Championships (March 12-16), the most in program history. Junior Benjamin Wainman earned All-American honors, placing eighth in the 1650-yard freestyle with a program record time of 15:23.32, beating his previous record time by more than two seconds. Wainman, a native of Sydney, Australia, then competed in the DII LC Invitational on Sunday (March 17) to try to qualify for the Australian Olympic Trials. Wainman swam the 1500-meter freestyle and finished in 16:04.07, nearly three seconds ahead of the cut time earning him the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials June 10-15 from Brisbane Aquatic Center.

Men's and women’s golf hosted the SVSU Spring Invitational at Kearny Hill Golf Links in Lexington, Kentucky Saturday and Sunday (March 16-17). The women tied for third place (of 14) with the men finishing 15th (of 21).  Men's golf heads back to Kentucky next week for the Findlay Spring Invite. The women have a couple weeks off before getting back on the golf course April 1-2 in Laconia, Indiana.

Softball opened conference play on Monday traveling to Ferris State where they split a doubleheader. They are in action this weekend at home Friday and Saturday (March 29-30) hosting Wisconsin-Parkside and Purdue Northwest.

Baseball split doubleheader with GVSU on Sunday (Mar. 24) and swept two against Wisconsin-Parkside on Monday (Mar. 25). The team also won at Wayne St. on Wednesday. They continue doubleheader action this weekend traveling to face Davenport on Friday (Mar. 29) and hosting Purdue Northwest on Saturday (Mar. 30).

Tennis earned two match victories traveling to the upper peninsula last weekend against Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. The women host Wayne St. this Friday (Mar. 29) at the Midland Tennis Center. 

Track and Field opened their outdoor season with six wins at the appropriately named IWU Polar Bear Invitational as the Cardinals faced some tough weather conditions. They next compete at Michigan State on Friday (March 29).

Gov. Whitmer Encouraging Students to Complete FAFSA

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

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