Focus EMU Online: People

The following are news briefs about important activities and events happening at Eastern Michigan University.

MPSERS information meetings: MPSERS participants who are planning on retiring in the next two to four years are encouraged to attend an online Preretirement Information Meeting (PRIM) for public school employees. This two-hour live Webinar will help you make informed decisions about your retirement and your future. Topics include pension eligibility, pension calculations, payment options, service credit, how and when to apply for insurance, and a question-and-answer session. Registration is required. Be sure to follow the instructions online. Interested employees may register at http://www.michigan.gov/orsschools PRIM registration.

Vice president for student affairs and enrollment management interviews scheduled: The campus community is invited to attend presentations and open forums for candidates for vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. The schedule of the fourth and final candidate is as follows: Wade Robinson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Friday, April 17. The presentation is scheduled from 2:30-3:15 p.m. and the open forum is from 3:15-4:30 pm in room 310A, Student Center. For more information, contact Morell Boone, search committee chair, 487-2295.

Knock Cancer Out of the Park: The Eastern Michigan University softball team hosts its "Knock Cancer Out of the Park" event April 18, when the Eagles welcome the University of Buffalo to Varsity Field for a 2 p.m. contest. Immediately following the game, the players will participate in a Home Run Derby to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made for home runs per player, for the entire team or by a flat amount. During the contest, balls that will be used during the Home Run Derby can be decorated in honor anyone who has been affected by cancer with a donation of $10. EMU Softball will do its best to return the balls after the event. During all of its 2009 home games, the Eagles will be selling Knock Cancer Out of the Park T-shirts ($10) and bracelets ($5), as well as auctioning off themed baskets that have been donated by EMU softball parents. For more information, please contact Assistant Coach Eric Oakley at eoakley@emich.edu or 487-2274.

CHEERING ON THE EAGLES: Swoop and a
group of EMU students cheer on their
Eagles at last year's Homecoming game.
Volunteers are sought to work on the
planning committee for the 2009
Homecoming.

Homecoming 2009: Be a part of the fun and help organize Homecoming 2009. To volunteer to serve on this year's planning committee, please contact Patti Cartwright in Alumni Relations at 487-0250 or patti.cartwright@emich.edu. The committee will be meeting soon.

An evening with Martin and English: The EMU Alumni Office hosts an evening with EMU President Susan Martin and Head Football Coach Ron English Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in downtown Detroit at the Roostertail (100 Marquette Drive). Tickets for the reception are $15 and can be purchased by calling the Alumni Office at 487-0250. All alumni are welcome.

Tuition waiver notice: The deadlines for employee and employee spouse/dependents tuition waiver application submission for the spring term is Thursday, May 7. For summer term, the deadline is Thursday, July 2. Failure to turn in an application on time will result in the application being denied. Please submit them to Human Resources, 140 McKenny Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Karyn Jones, 487-3195.

Ross

Rick Ross concert: Rap star Rick Ross and special guests will perform at EMU's Convocation Center, May 9, at 7 p.m. His albums include"Port of Miami" and "Trilla." Tickets are on sale now. For tickets, call 487-2282 or visit www.emich.edu/convocation. For more information, call Marcy Szabo, assistant director, Convocation Center, 487-8198.

Lecturers Outstanding Teaching Award nominations: The Provost's Office is now accepting nominations for the 2008-2009 EMU Full-Time Lecturers Outstanding Teaching Award. This award provides the formal opportunity to honor outstanding full-time lecturers for their dedication to students' education, as well as demonstrate the value placed in them by the institution. Nomination materials are available on the Web at www.emich.edu/public/aa/Info_Faculty.htm.

Alumni Awards Dinner: Seven accomplished Eastern Michigan University alumni will be honored at the 48th Annual Alumni Awards Dinner Saturday, May 9, at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest. David Blixt, Terrence J. L. Thompson, Allen D. Fazio, Nichole Francis Reynolds, Kenneth “Red” Simmons, Duane Zemper and Ken Stevens will be honored. The evening will feature a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a seated dinner and program at 7 p.m. Tickets for the awards dinner are $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Alumni Relations at 487-0250.

"Why I" feature subjects requested: If you know of an interesting faculty, staff member or administrator that you think would make an interesting "Why I" subject, please forward to Ron Podell at rpodell@emich.edu or call 487-4400. The employee must have worked at EMU for at least three years. Participants receive a green "FOCUS EMU" polo shirt.