Among about 645 chapters of Kappa Delta Pi across the country, only 24 received Achieving Chapter Excellence awards this past month. MSU's chapter, for the first time in its history, made that list by meeting stringent requirements. Chapters wishing to submit themselves for consideration had to send in a detailed binder outlining several criteria, officials at the national chapter said.
Carol Paddock, KDP's program manager for leadership and recognition, said that binder contained information regarding each chapter's leadership development and training, alumni relations, community outreach, and fundraising efforts, each of which were evaluated for both their level of success and commitment. Paddock said each of those pieces also had to describe the impact on the community and surrounding areas.
"There are a number of criteria," Paddock said. "It's also based on the membership, recruitment and retainment efforts (of the chapters)."
Friday, June 24, 2011
JRN 200 Blog Post #1: Kappa Delta Pi
Officials at the national chapter of Kappa Delta Pi said there were several projects that made the MSU branch worthy of an Achieving Chapter Excellence award. Particularly, organizers took special notice of the group's Literacy Alive! project. The partnership is an initiative the chapter has carried out for several years, members of the MSU chapter said. This year's work took place at MacDonald Middle School in East Lansing.
Specifically, the month-long project ran alongside the state Department of Education's March Is Reading Month! activities, and gave foreign-language students the opportunity to receive books to assist with their English-language classes. More than about 150 books were given to both the classroom and its students, something which the children appreciated, said Sheila Frederixon, a recent MSU College of Education graduate and the chapter's outgoing vice president. In the future, Frederixon said that partnership will continue.
Specifically, the month-long project ran alongside the state Department of Education's March Is Reading Month! activities, and gave foreign-language students the opportunity to receive books to assist with their English-language classes. More than about 150 books were given to both the classroom and its students, something which the children appreciated, said Sheila Frederixon, a recent MSU College of Education graduate and the chapter's outgoing vice president. In the future, Frederixon said that partnership will continue.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
JRN 200 Blog Post #2: MSU's Energy Transition Team
Among many of its environmental sustainability practices, MSU now is requiring facilities to report their use of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation, or HVAC, systems. Each request to utilize a building's HVAC utilities now must receive approval from a dean who oversees that building, said Jennifer Battle, assistant director of campus sustainability.
The program was implemented through MSU's Boldness By Design initiative, which first launched in about 2005, Battle said. The university hopes to reduce use of those utilities by about 3 percent over time. In addition, classroom relocations are being examined, in order to better utilize buildings. Battle said these types of cases most often apply when only one or two classrooms are being used at a given time in a specific building.
JRN 200 Blog Post #1: MSU's Energy Transition Team
MSU always is encouraging students to "be spartan green," and for a school that wears those colors, some say it's the right move to make. MSU has started several initiatives to advance that progress in the past, said Jennifer Battle, assistant director of campus sustainability. In particular, several MSU buildings have been certified "green" under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, standards.
LEED certifications are awarded on the basis of environmentally-efficient building and design practices, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's website.
In particular, the recent addition to the Chemistry Building has received LEED certification, Battle said. On top of that, all of MSU's current construction projects are LEED-certified, Battle said. Going forward, MSU will look to continue such practices in the future, she said.
LEED certifications are awarded on the basis of environmentally-efficient building and design practices, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's website.
In particular, the recent addition to the Chemistry Building has received LEED certification, Battle said. On top of that, all of MSU's current construction projects are LEED-certified, Battle said. Going forward, MSU will look to continue such practices in the future, she said.
Monday, June 13, 2011
JRN 200 Blog Post #2--Miami versus Dallas
It looks like the "Big Three" didn't fulfill their pre-season claims after all.
In what some might call an astounding turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat and their trio of superstars to win the 2011 NBA Championship on Sunday night, 105-95. The Mavericks took Game 6 in Miami thanks in part to a 27-point effort from Jason Terry and a 21-point output from Dirk Nowitzki, who had 10 of those in the pivotal fourth quarter.
In that segment of the contest, the Mavericks led by as much as 12 before holding off a feverish comeback from the Heat that saw them chop the deficit to 7 before falling behind again.
The home loss by the Heat raises doubts about their ability to compete in the coming years. The team's "Big Three" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all scored in double figures last night, yet couldn't bring their team back from the brink of elimination despite championship aspirations.
On the other hand, Nowitzki rebounded from his team's own disappointing loss in the 2006 Finals. The championship is his first.
In what some might call an astounding turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat and their trio of superstars to win the 2011 NBA Championship on Sunday night, 105-95. The Mavericks took Game 6 in Miami thanks in part to a 27-point effort from Jason Terry and a 21-point output from Dirk Nowitzki, who had 10 of those in the pivotal fourth quarter.
In that segment of the contest, the Mavericks led by as much as 12 before holding off a feverish comeback from the Heat that saw them chop the deficit to 7 before falling behind again.
The home loss by the Heat raises doubts about their ability to compete in the coming years. The team's "Big Three" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all scored in double figures last night, yet couldn't bring their team back from the brink of elimination despite championship aspirations.
On the other hand, Nowitzki rebounded from his team's own disappointing loss in the 2006 Finals. The championship is his first.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
JRN 200 Blog Post #1---Miami versus Dallas
Tonight, the Miami Heat will meet the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Miami. The Heat return home to Miami having lost by nine on Thursday night and needing to win to stave off elimination. LeBron James — who's averaged 17.2 points for the Heat in five Finals games, about six below his playoff average — told the AP and other media members that playoff basketball is "all about pressure."
James and his teammates have underperformed in this series in comparison to their 4-1 series win over Chicago in the conference finals, but that shouldn't distract the Mavericks, who've seen each of the last two games in this series come down to the final quarter.
Historically, the winner of Game 5 has gone on to win 19 of the 26 Finals that have been tied at 2-2. That gives Dallas the advantage statistically. Tonight's game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
James and his teammates have underperformed in this series in comparison to their 4-1 series win over Chicago in the conference finals, but that shouldn't distract the Mavericks, who've seen each of the last two games in this series come down to the final quarter.
Historically, the winner of Game 5 has gone on to win 19 of the 26 Finals that have been tied at 2-2. That gives Dallas the advantage statistically. Tonight's game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A Notice to Readers....
If you're looking for my blog, Beau Knows.... has officially moved to The State News' official website!
Check out statenews.com (the official student newspaper of Michigan State University) and look under "Blogs"-my blog will appear under the same title, and featuring content exclusively related to professional sports, all as a result of my employment with The State News!
--Beau
Check out statenews.com (the official student newspaper of Michigan State University) and look under "Blogs"-my blog will appear under the same title, and featuring content exclusively related to professional sports, all as a result of my employment with The State News!
--Beau
Monday, January 3, 2011
MSU narrowly escapes Northwestern
It took everything the Spartans had to win tonight, and then some. In a surprisingly competitive and close game, MSU prevailed by the skin of their teeth thanks to an inspired effort from Draymond Green, (and a solid performance from Kalin Lucas), in a 65-62 win over the host Wildcats.
This game went back-and-forth as Northwestern kept pace behind ten three-pointers and double-digit scoring efforts from three starters, including an injured John Shurna. The gangly forward played 39 minutes on a bum leg, and while he shot 1-of-11 from the field (including a 1-for-5 effort from beyond the arc), he made eight of the team-high 11 free throws he shot, while at the same time finishing with three assists. More than Shurna though, guard Drew Crawford provided a spark for an undermanned Wildcat squad, as he led the team with 17 points.
For Michigan State though, the biggest key was Draymond Green. The undersized forward not only led the Spartans in scoring, but looked like a go-to offensive threat in the process. Although he had a late offensive foul and several ill-advised passes throughout the game, the good outweighed the bad for the junior forward tonight. While that hasn't always been the case for the Saginaw native, that's great news for a State team that needs fewer mistakes from him as the Big Ten season continues.
However, Green's late, lead-extending putback after a missed Kalin Lucas free throw shouldn't have been necessary. The Wildcats didn't do one specific thing extraordinarily well (they were outrebounded by the Spartans, shot 31% from the field, and had fewer assists and blocks than MSU), but still stayed within ten in the second half, and actually had a shot to win late. Looking at the line-up they put on the floor (which featured three starters who played over 35 minutes), the tough Spartans should've put this one away much sooner.
But, the Wildcats are clearly much better than they've been in the past, and it appears that what was once a sure win has definitely become more difficult. On that note, MSU has to be glad to leave with a conference victory. They also know what kind of a game they're in store for when they meet the Wildcats later this Big Ten season-at that point, John Shurna could be healthy and on-target from long-range.
If that happens, the Spartans could be in trouble. They should consider themselves lucky they avoided that tonight.
--Beau
This game went back-and-forth as Northwestern kept pace behind ten three-pointers and double-digit scoring efforts from three starters, including an injured John Shurna. The gangly forward played 39 minutes on a bum leg, and while he shot 1-of-11 from the field (including a 1-for-5 effort from beyond the arc), he made eight of the team-high 11 free throws he shot, while at the same time finishing with three assists. More than Shurna though, guard Drew Crawford provided a spark for an undermanned Wildcat squad, as he led the team with 17 points.
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| Draymond Green dunks during a Spartan away game earlier this year. Green had 15 points to lead MSU to a 65-62 win over Northwestern tonight. Photo courtesy of google.com |
For Michigan State though, the biggest key was Draymond Green. The undersized forward not only led the Spartans in scoring, but looked like a go-to offensive threat in the process. Although he had a late offensive foul and several ill-advised passes throughout the game, the good outweighed the bad for the junior forward tonight. While that hasn't always been the case for the Saginaw native, that's great news for a State team that needs fewer mistakes from him as the Big Ten season continues.
However, Green's late, lead-extending putback after a missed Kalin Lucas free throw shouldn't have been necessary. The Wildcats didn't do one specific thing extraordinarily well (they were outrebounded by the Spartans, shot 31% from the field, and had fewer assists and blocks than MSU), but still stayed within ten in the second half, and actually had a shot to win late. Looking at the line-up they put on the floor (which featured three starters who played over 35 minutes), the tough Spartans should've put this one away much sooner.
But, the Wildcats are clearly much better than they've been in the past, and it appears that what was once a sure win has definitely become more difficult. On that note, MSU has to be glad to leave with a conference victory. They also know what kind of a game they're in store for when they meet the Wildcats later this Big Ten season-at that point, John Shurna could be healthy and on-target from long-range.
If that happens, the Spartans could be in trouble. They should consider themselves lucky they avoided that tonight.
--Beau
Spartans-Wildcats Preview
For the third time in as many years, the Spartans open up their conference season playing at Northwestern, in the first three days of January. But, this is no ordinary road trip, and no ordinary Northwestern team. In a conference race as tight as this one promises to be, each game is extraordinarily important-a loss at this juncture could cripple the Spartans' title chances down the road.
The Wildcats are 9-2, and before double-digit losses to St. John's and Purdue, had won nine straight games to start the season. Their tricky 1-3-1 zone has given MSU some problems in the past, and to go along with that, Northwestern has an array of shooters. Michael Thompson, Drew Crawford, and John Shurna all average over 14 points a game, and the 5'10" Thompson put in 18 against the Boilermakers. On top of that, Thompson averages a prodigious 35.5 minutes a game, and has 29 assists on the year.
The guard has weapons to dish to as well-the 6'8" Shurna shoots above 60% from beyond the 3-point arc, and that could create some serious defensive problems for Delvon Roe and the rest of the Spartans' frontcourt-so far this season, they haven't seen a player with Shurna's combination of size and range.
On offense, MSU would do well to take a page from Purdue's playbook-the Boilers drilled nine threes against Bill Carmody's soft 1-3-1 zone defense, and if they shoot as well as they did in the second half of Friday's game (16-of-26), Tom Izzo's crew should be able to shred the Wildcats. On top of an advantage in athleticism, Michigan State should also have the support of numerous Spartan fans in Welsh-Ryan Arena, and the confidence that comes with six straight wins at that venue. If State is really the team that talked of a national title at the Izzone campout in October, they'll utilize every possible advantage they possess, and return to East Lansing with a solid Big Ten win. My prediction: MSU, 65-50.
--Beau
The Wildcats are 9-2, and before double-digit losses to St. John's and Purdue, had won nine straight games to start the season. Their tricky 1-3-1 zone has given MSU some problems in the past, and to go along with that, Northwestern has an array of shooters. Michael Thompson, Drew Crawford, and John Shurna all average over 14 points a game, and the 5'10" Thompson put in 18 against the Boilermakers. On top of that, Thompson averages a prodigious 35.5 minutes a game, and has 29 assists on the year.
The guard has weapons to dish to as well-the 6'8" Shurna shoots above 60% from beyond the 3-point arc, and that could create some serious defensive problems for Delvon Roe and the rest of the Spartans' frontcourt-so far this season, they haven't seen a player with Shurna's combination of size and range.
On offense, MSU would do well to take a page from Purdue's playbook-the Boilers drilled nine threes against Bill Carmody's soft 1-3-1 zone defense, and if they shoot as well as they did in the second half of Friday's game (16-of-26), Tom Izzo's crew should be able to shred the Wildcats. On top of an advantage in athleticism, Michigan State should also have the support of numerous Spartan fans in Welsh-Ryan Arena, and the confidence that comes with six straight wins at that venue. If State is really the team that talked of a national title at the Izzone campout in October, they'll utilize every possible advantage they possess, and return to East Lansing with a solid Big Ten win. My prediction: MSU, 65-50.
--Beau
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Michigan State-Alabama Recap
Going into today's game, Spartan head coach Dantonio and the rest of his staff touted their New Year's Day match-up with Alabama as a measuring stick for the program's success, as well as a tremendous opportunity to see just exactly where they fall. After the game, it's clear that the Spartans are far below the level of Alabama, in terms of talent and also performance.
On defense, the Crimson Tide swarmed the football play after play, bottling up Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker for a total of 27 yards, and knocking starting QB Kirk Cousins out of the game with a vicious hit. They also held MSU scoreless for nearly four full quarters, forced a goal-line fumble, and busted through State's O-line for four game-changing sacks. On the offensive side of the football, 'Bama pounded the Spartans 44 times for 275 yards rushing as a team, including six scores on the ground, and threw for 220 yards. Those stats, combined with their speed and talent all across the board, made a huge difference in this game, and ultimately decided the Spartans' fate.
Even more disturbing was the lack of toughness and drive that State played with. All throughout this season, MSU battled back time and again, winning games with and without their head coach, on fake field goals and rushing touchdowns. Yet, neither that classic Spartan toughness nor drive rose to the forefront today. This led to stalled drive after stalled drive, and merciless maulings by the Alabam offense. In fact, the way in which this game was won directly reflects the way the Spartans played in so many of their games.
Nick Saban's crew ran the football with abandon, mixed in the pass well, and put points on the board early and often. But, even after giving up two quick scores, the Spartans were still in the game, and after driving inside the 10 in the second quarter, MSU was in position to score. But, as was the case for much of the game, State blew their chance, quite literally fumbling their opportunity away. After that, they never established any kind of offensive rhythm until the game was out of reach.
Given the chance to seize greatness, thrust themselves into the national conversation for next season, and cap off a tremendous season with a huge win, Michigan State put forth their worst effort this season. Not only do the Crimson Tide have more talent across the board, they also executed their gameplan to perfection, and that made all the difference today. Now, the Spartans know exactly what it takes to reach the elite level that Alabama and so many others play at. Victories not only require outstanding play-they also require all the intangibles that transform good football teams into great ones: things like toughness, focus, and heart. The Spartans played with all of those traits this season. Yet, today, they played without any of those attributes, and for a squad that needed nothing less than their best effort to win, that qualifies as a disappointment. Until next year, they'll have to wait for redemption.
--Beau
On defense, the Crimson Tide swarmed the football play after play, bottling up Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker for a total of 27 yards, and knocking starting QB Kirk Cousins out of the game with a vicious hit. They also held MSU scoreless for nearly four full quarters, forced a goal-line fumble, and busted through State's O-line for four game-changing sacks. On the offensive side of the football, 'Bama pounded the Spartans 44 times for 275 yards rushing as a team, including six scores on the ground, and threw for 220 yards. Those stats, combined with their speed and talent all across the board, made a huge difference in this game, and ultimately decided the Spartans' fate.
Even more disturbing was the lack of toughness and drive that State played with. All throughout this season, MSU battled back time and again, winning games with and without their head coach, on fake field goals and rushing touchdowns. Yet, neither that classic Spartan toughness nor drive rose to the forefront today. This led to stalled drive after stalled drive, and merciless maulings by the Alabam offense. In fact, the way in which this game was won directly reflects the way the Spartans played in so many of their games.
Nick Saban's crew ran the football with abandon, mixed in the pass well, and put points on the board early and often. But, even after giving up two quick scores, the Spartans were still in the game, and after driving inside the 10 in the second quarter, MSU was in position to score. But, as was the case for much of the game, State blew their chance, quite literally fumbling their opportunity away. After that, they never established any kind of offensive rhythm until the game was out of reach.
Given the chance to seize greatness, thrust themselves into the national conversation for next season, and cap off a tremendous season with a huge win, Michigan State put forth their worst effort this season. Not only do the Crimson Tide have more talent across the board, they also executed their gameplan to perfection, and that made all the difference today. Now, the Spartans know exactly what it takes to reach the elite level that Alabama and so many others play at. Victories not only require outstanding play-they also require all the intangibles that transform good football teams into great ones: things like toughness, focus, and heart. The Spartans played with all of those traits this season. Yet, today, they played without any of those attributes, and for a squad that needed nothing less than their best effort to win, that qualifies as a disappointment. Until next year, they'll have to wait for redemption.
--Beau
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