SVSU TODAY

Week of October 7, 2024

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

View previous issues of SVSU Today

Saginaw Valley State University is offering the public an opportunity to hear from the candidates vying to represent Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.

Paul Junge (R) and State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D) will meet Tuesday, Oct. 22, for a political forum moderated by Chad Livengood, politics editor at The Detroit News, and Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public Radio.

The forum will be held in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with opening remarks at 6:55 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are required and will be available prior to the event and at the door. Please note: a no-bag policy will be in effect.

C-SPAN will broadcast the forum.

As part of the Wickson-Nickless Lecture Series, SVSU will host an expert in artificial intelligence to discuss how AI is reshaping the future. Hajj Flemings, a pioneer in harnessing the power of AI, will present “The AI Revolution: Re-architecting the World” on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall.

In his lecture, Flemings will draw on his extensive experience at the intersection of technology, branding and culture to discuss how AI leverages existing ideas to create fresh solutions. Citing real-world applications of AI in various industries, he will show how AI can offer strategic advantages by enhancing creativity and driving efficiency.

To kick off its 2024-25 season, Saginaw Valley State University’s Department of Theatre is showcasing a French comedy performed in a classic Italian style. “The Miser” will run from Wednesday, Oct. 16, through Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m., as well as on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. in SVSU’s Malcom Field Theatre for Performing Arts.

The show, written by French playwright Molière in 1668, is performed in the commedia dell’arte style. Dave Rzeszutek, professor of theatre, who directs the play, said, “The show is important to perform at the university to give our students the opportunity to work on classical comedy.”

For the 20th year, Saginaw Valley State University is hosting students from area high schools, guiding them on a seven-month journey of leadership development.

The Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute opened the 2024-2025 season on Friday, Oct. 4, with programs led by Tracy Weber, founder and owner of Kaleidoscope Learning Circle, and Amber Burkhardt-Sidebottom, founder of Bridgewater Support Services, as well as SVSU faculty and staff. 

Weber and Burkhardt-Sidebottom's equine-assisted learning experience provided participants with a deeper understanding of self-awareness, leadership and team development, diversity awareness and emotional intelligence. 

The Office of Student Life invites the campus community to participate in a food drive to support the Cardinal Food Pantry. The Homecoming Food Drive runs from Monday, Oct. 14-Friday, Oct. 18. Every office that contributes food or personal hygiene items by noon on Oct. 18 will be entered into a drawing to win a pizza party lunch for their team. Donations can be delivered to the Office of Student Life. Suggested donations include:

The Cardinal Food Pantry aims to ensure that all students have consistent access to free, safe, and nutritious food, while fostering a culture of awareness and support within the campus community.

The SVSU University Art Gallery opened the SVSU Ceramic Alumni and Friends Exhibition on Monday, Oct. 7. The exhibit runs through Friday, Nov. 8.

For this homecoming season SVSU BFA majors concentrating in ceramics have been invited back to revisit their roots, reconnect and foster new clay connections. This exhibition will showcase how they’ve grown and developed their working practices since earning their degrees. Featured artists include: Alyssa Cozad ’16, Emily Davis ’23, Sean Gallagher ’97, Billy Haboush ’18, Penny Knapp ’02, Robert Rokita ’96, Kassie Smith ’13, Adam Stuart ’15, Becca Watz ’02, and Kari Young ’08.

A reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 4-6 p.m.

SVSU faculty and staff are invited to participate in the International Friends & Family Program through the Office of International Programs. 

This program is designed to extend hospitality to international students at SVSU and to promote global awareness and appreciation of other cultures, languages and countries. 

Through the program, new international students are matched with SVSU employees or community members based on shared interests. Participants are encouraged to get together for activities such as sporting events, SVSU's International Food Festival (November) and Intercultural Night (March), Michigan day trips, volunteering or holiday gatherings or simply meeting for coffee or lunch. 

The program is not designed to facilitate any type of residential “homestay” arrangements. To sign up to participate, click the button below.

The campus community is invited to the Christopher Jacobi Roundball 2024-25 Season Tip-off Event, Saturday, Oct. 19, in the James E. O’Neill Jr. Arena. The men’s basketball team will be split into two teams for the annual Red vs. White Scrimmage at 10 a.m. Music will be provided by DJ Woo Beatz.

The Roundball Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Ryder Center East Arena. Admission to the luncheon is $10, payable at the door. During the luncheon, the men’s basketball program will recognize the 2023-24 seniors. Oakland University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Kampe is the guest speaker. Coach Kampe is currently the longest tenured men’s basketball head coach at an NCAA Division 1 school and has amassed 675 career wins during his coaching career. 

Cross country travels to Lewis University tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 12).

Football plays at Roosevelt University tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 12).

Men's and Women's golf will play in the Davenport Fall Invitational hosted by Davenport University this weekend. The men will play at at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Bedford, and the women will meet at Stonehedge North in Gull Lake.

Men's soccer will host Northern Michigan University on Sunday, Oct. 13. Women's soccer will be on the road at Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday.

Volleyball will be competing at Davenport University in Caledonia tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 12).

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

SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical impairment, disability or veteran status in the provision of education, employment and other services.