Community Builders Stories

Through their partnerships with MSU, Community Builders are working hard to improve our region's economy and make mid-Michigan an even better place to live, work and invest. To find out more about how each Community Builder is collaborating with MSU, please choose a story from the list on the right.

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Community and Economic Development, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Land Policy Institute, MSU Extension, School of Urban and Regional Planning

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission partnered with MSU on the Tri-County Bio-Manufacturing Feasibility Study (PDF 7.0 MB) to determine the Greater Lansing region's capacity for and performance in the bio-manufacturing sector. They also partner on the Capital Area Land Use and Health Resource Team to develop regional greenways. And they've worked together on conferences, workshops, and classes to increase public awareness of water issues in Michigan.

AKT Peerless Environmental Services

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Human Medicine, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory

Over the years, Accident Fund has supported a wide range of MSU programs, including MSU Safe Place, WKAR, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Kresge Art Museum, the Michigan 4H Children's Garden, and the College of Nursing. Accident Fund also supports an endowed scholarship for students in Broad's Accounting and Information Systems program and participates with MSU's College of Human Medicine in the Capital Area Regional Health Information Organization, an electronic health information exchange that allows organizations to share patient data electronically. The company has pledged its support for MSU's planned Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).

Allen Neighborhood Center

MSU Collaborators:

4-H Youth Service Corps, Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE) program, Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences, College of Nursing, Department of Anthropology, FACT Coalition, Family Nutrition Program, Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change program, MSU Extension, Public Humanities Collaborative, Wharton Center, Writing in Digital Environments (WIDE) Center, WKAR

The Allen Neighborhood Center works with more than two dozen campus and community partners to advance neighborhood education and capacity-building on Lansing's Eastside. The Center hosts a wide range of activities related to health and safety, housing, human services, and youth and community development. Allen Neighborhood Center is also an active participant in MSU's Service-Learning program.

Andrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C.

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, MSU Extension

Andrews, Hooper & Pavlik is a regular contributor to MSU's Broad College of Business. They have also partnered with MSU Extension to educate eligible families about the Earned Income tax credit.

Arts Council of Greater Lansing

MSU Collaborators:

Cultural Engagement Council, Kresge Art Museum

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing works to advance arts and culture in the Greater Lansing region. They are partners with MSU in the Creative Futures initiative, which develops new strategies for cultural and economic development in the region. The Arts Council also supports individual arts events such as "Working America," a recent collaborative photo exhibition by Kresge Art Museum and the Michigan Historical Museum.

Auto-Owners Insurance

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, College of Human Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Division of Student Affairs and Services, Wharton Center, WKAR

Auto-Owners Insurance is a strong partner of MSU's Department of Computer Science and Engineering and was named as one of 17 strategic partners supporting that department's research, curriculum development, student employment, corporate recruiting, and student professional development. Auto-Owners also supports the College of Engineering's annual Design Day, as well as many other MSU initiatives and programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources, Department of Psychology, MSU Athletics, MSU Extension, Public Humanities Collaborative, Thoman Fellow Program

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches at-risk children with adult mentors and works to advance the interests of area children and families with dozens of campus and community partners. Michigan Capital Region BB/BS mentors Thoman Fellowship international student interns, partners with the Children, Youth, Families and Communities division of MSU Extension and regularly participates in MSU's annual "Into the Streets" community service event. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also a partner of MSU's Public Humanities Collaborative.

Black Child and Family Institute

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, College of Nursing, FACT Coalition, Family Resource Center, MIND Lab and Department of Telecommunication, School of Social Work

Black Child and Family Institute (BCFI) participated in two MSU "digital divide" projects to study Internet usage among low-income families and to provide desktop publishing and Web design training to low-income people. BCFI also partnered with MSU on the FACT-funded Grandparents Raising Grandchildren study. BCFI also participates in the Wharton Center's Seats 4 Kids program and MSU's annual "Into the Streets" community service event.

C2AE

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

C2AE has assisted MSU with a variety of projects that range from site layout and landscape architecture to the design and construction of specialized halls and classrooms. C2AE professional staff members donate their time as evaluators for students in the Senior Design in Civil Engineering capstone course.

Capital Area Michigan Works!

MSU Collaborators:

College of Human Medicine, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media, MSU Extension

MSU and CAMW are partners on the Capital Area IT Council, which helps keep skilled workers in Greater Lansing by sharing career opportunities and creating a bridge between academia and industry. MSU educators also partner with CAMW to offer direct workforce development assistance to job seekers and community development groups.

Capital Area Transportation Authority

MSU Collaborators:

College of Osteopathic Medicine, MSU Public Transportation

CATA and MSU work together to provide volunteers for the Community Integrated Medical Student Association, a group that brings health education and screening to the underserved people of our community. MSU's Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement recruits and coordinates volunteers, while CATA provides the transportation.

Capital Area United Way

MSU Collaborators:

Department of Residence Life, International Studies and Programs, MSU Extension, MSU Safe Place, National Center for the Study of University Engagement, Psychology Clinic

Capital Area United Way works with more than 60 local organizations to provide low-cost health and human services to Greater Lansing region residents. CAUW is a primary partner of MSU's annual Community Charitable Campaign, and of MSU's Visiting International Professional and Student programs. Over the past five years, CAUW has also contributed nearly $90,000 in funding for MSU's Department of Residence Life and helped sponsor a tour of rural Ireland for Michigan community leaders, agribusiness entrepreneurs, MSU Extension staff, and faculty.

Capital Region Airport Authority

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business

Through its Fly Lansing initiative, the CRAA supports MSU's research and education programs in supply chain management, marketing and international business. These programs, in turn, expand MSU's global reach and enhance mid-Michigan's appeal as an international airfreight destination.

Capital Region Community Foundation

MSU Collaborators:

College of Law Rental Housing Clinic, College of Law Tax Clinic, College of Nursing, Kresge Art Museum, MSU Museum, Wharton Center, WKAR

CRCF builds permanent endowments that are used to meet the changing needs of the tri-county community. In 2007, the Foundation helped fund 14 scholarships, the College of Nursing Building Fund, the Great Lakes Folk Festival, WKAR Public Radio and Wharton Center operating expenses. Other initiatives include a major challenge grant to the Kresge Art Museum and a grant to the College of Laws Rental Housing and Tax Clinics, which provide legal services to low-income tenants, landlords, and taxpayers.

Capitol Bancorp Limited

MSU Collaborator:

The Eli Broad College of Business

Capitol Bancorps Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid and his family established the Joseph D. & Jerry L. Reid Foundation to support efforts to improve education and the overall quality of life in the Greater Lansing region. A Capitol Bancorp executive staff member sits on the advisory board of Broad's Human Resource Management program, and company staffers are regular speakers at College of Business events.

The Christman Company

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, Michigan State University Physical Plant Division

In a unique collaboration with MSU's Wharton Center for Performing Arts and its cultural and visual museums, the Christman Company helps keep the Greater Lansing region at the forefront of fine arts and culture. Their partnership with MSU has also yielded groundbreaking research and scholarly opportunities in the fields of motivational dynamics and construction management.

Clark Construction Company

MSU Collaborators:

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Kresge Art Museum, MSU Museum

Clark partnered with MSU on the expansion of Spartan Stadium in 2004-2005 and has contributed generously to a variety of arts and other programs on campus. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Clark also provides insight and guidance on practices for building environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.

Clinton County Economic Alliance

MSU Collaborator:

CCEA is a member of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and works closely with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and other partners to retain, attract, and grow business in Clinton County. Local partners collaborated with MSU Extension to develop and create the office.

Clinton Task Force on Employment

MSU Collaborators:

The Clinton Task Force on Employment is a private, nonprofit agency founded in 1998. CTFE partners with Capital Area Michigan Works! and MSU Extension's Clinton County office to provide adult education, GED testing, and other services.

Comprehensive Emergency Management Associates

MSU Collaborators:

MSUglobal Learning Ventures

Comprehensive Emergency Management Associates (CEMA) and MSUglobal Learning Ventures have enjoyed a strong, collaborative relationship since late 2006. Together, they developed a customized training program for conflict management in the food industry, schools, emergency services, health care, and public health sectors. They're also creating an online training program for Michigan's Region 3 Health Preparedness Network to train emergency personnel in mass acute care and emergency response.

Consumers Energy

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Law, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Energy & Automotive Research Laboratories, Institute of Public Utilities, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, MSU Museum, Office of Campus Sustainability, Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions

CE's partnerships with MSU are large and long-standing. Major support for individual projects includes nearly half the financial support for MSU's Energy and Automotive Research Laboratories. In addition, CE funds support the development of a flexible power station serving the College of Engineering; new construction for the College of Law; the operation of the Institute of Public Utilities; and a project to reintroduce trumpeter swans to the Au Sable River. CE employees also volunteer their time for a wide variety of MSU initiatives, such as the annual Dia de la Mujer Conference; a farmers' survey for the MSU Museum; and the Solar Demonstration Project.

Cristo Rey Community Center

MSU Collaborators:

College of Music, College of Nursing, Community Integrated Medicine program, Department of Communicative Sciences & Disorders, Department of Family and Child Ecology, Health Communication program, MSU Extension, Wharton Center

Cristo Rey cares for the spiritual and social needs of the community with services that emphasize self-sufficiency and human dignity. In partnership with the Lansing Latino Health Alliance, Cristo Rey and MSU are conducting a baseline survey of Latinos' access to health care in Lansing. Cristo Rey is also part of MSU's "Creating Opportunities for Students to Explore Diversity from Michigan to Mexico" program to provide clinical services to mid-Michigan migrant workers and their families and to indigenous populations in Mexico.

Dart Container Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering

Dart works with MSU on a number of programs related to international business, marketing, and supply chain management. They've also joined in support of MSU's art museum and iTEC-Lansing, a unique after-school program to teach IT skills to children.

Dart Foundation

MSU Collaborators:

College of Arts and Letters, The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, College of Education, College of Natural Science

The Dart Foundation has been a major motivating force behind many of MSU's most dynamic programs. The Foundation was pivotal in the creation of the Broad Art Museum and iTEC-Lansing; they've helped MSU create a nationally renowned School of Journalism; and their unflagging support for the Wharton Center, the Kresge Art Museum, the MSU Museum and WKAR-TV has greatly enhanced the cultural lives of our community.

Dean Transportation

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement

Each year, Dean Transportation and MSU help some 15,000 MSU students perform volunteer work at more than 350 mid-Michigan non-profit organizations. MSU's Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement recruits and coordinates the volunteers, and Dean provides the transportation. Together, they conduct the largest service-learning effort in America.

Demmer Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Engineering, College of Social Science, Department of Athletics, Department of Military Science (ROTC), Department of Police and Public Safety

Demmer Corporation's investment in MSU's John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center promotes education and certification in firearm safety throughout the region. The Center's efforts cover training and certification for organizations from the ROTC to MSU's departments of Criminal Justice and Fisheries and Wildlife. The Center also serves the DNR conservation office and MSU Police officer certification training, as well as state programming and certification in firearm safety.

Dewpoint, Inc.

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, Office of University Outreach and Engagement

Dewpoint is a founding partner in MSU's new Information Technology Empowerment Center (iTEC), a community-based program to help Lansing middle-school students build IT skills. The program helps improve prospects for high-tech industries and underserved families alike.

Dykema Gossett, PLLC

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Social Science, Department of Psychology, James Madison College, Office of the Provost, Quello Center for Telecommunication Management and Law

Dykema attorneys volunteer legal and educational services to a wide range of community organizations, including Neighborhood Legal Services, the First Step Domestic Violence Program, and the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program. Dykema is a key partner in MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program to identify, recruit and develop young talent for public service. Dykema attorneys and lobbyists also work with MSU's James Madison College to mentor students and provide internships and summer employment.

East Lansing Public Schools

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, College of Arts and Letters, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Natural Science, Lyman Briggs College, Office of International Studies and Programs

East Lansing Public Schools and MSU collaborate in a wide range of programs to improve teaching and teacher training; assess innovations in math and science education; create volunteer opportunities for MSU students; advance faculty and graduate student research; and broaden educational opportunities for all people of the region.

Elderly Instruments

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Music, MSU Museum, WKAR Radio,

Elderly Instruments is a longtime supporter of mid-Michigan's music community and has participated in a wide variety of civic activities. They've been active partners with and contributors to MSU's College of Music, Lansing's annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Town event, and the Great Lakes Folk Festival, where they serve as members of the core advisory board.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, College of Natural Science

Emergent and MSU conduct collaborative research in chemistry and engineering that contributes new knowledge, new technologies, new patents and new opportunities throughout mid-Michigan.

Eyde Company

MSU Collaborators:

Wharton Center, WKAR,

The Eyde Family of Companies has donated time, talent, and financial support to Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and WKAR-TV. In addition, a number of MSU projects and faculty use space in Eyde facilities for research and product development, including the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Enterprise Business Systems Projects, Michigan 4-H Foundation, and University Development.

FinCor Holdings, Inc.

MSU Collaborator:

The Eli Broad College of Business

FinCor participates in Broad's annual Finance for the Non-Financial Manager seminar.

General Motors Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Center for International Business Education and Research, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Social Science, Institute for Public Policy & Social Research, Institute of Public Utilities

The long-standing collaboration between General Motors and MSU has fostered innovation in a wide range of disciplines, including advertising, business management, chemical engineering materials science, international business, marketing, mechanical engineering, public policy and public utilities. Their partnership has steadily improved the ability of mid-Michigan to compete in a changing automotive industry.

Granger Construction Company

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering, Construction Management Program, Michigan State University Museum, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Granger Construction has been a key partner in MSU's performing and visual arts programs and in the ongoing operation of MSU's Museum of Cultural and Natural History. Beyond their partnership in the arts, Granger works with MSU to develop new programs in construction management, engineering, international business and marketing, all of which help the mid-Michigan construction industry compete more effectively.

Greater Lansing Business Monthly

MSU Collaborators:

College of Communication Arts & Sciences, Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, Office of Career Services & Placement, MSU Alumni Association,

Under Publisher Chris Holman, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly has nurtured an array of important connections with MSU. GLBM collaborated with MSU Career Services and the Lansing Economic Development Corporation on Linking Lansing & U, an initiative to attract and retain college students as Lansing's future labor force. Holman has been emcee of or speaker at many university events, served on both the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Advisory committee and the Lansing Regional SmartZone consortium, and is an instructor in MSU's Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing. He received an Honorary Alumni Award in 2001 for his continued outstanding volunteer service to the university.

The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Cultural Engagement Council Michigan State University Museum, Office of University Outreach and Engagement, Usability & Accessibility Center, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau collaborates with MSU on a wide range of programs to foster creative communities and a fine-arts culture in mid-Michigan. These programs provide a level of community vitality that is essential to urban growth and revitalization.

Hasselbring-Clark

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Office of Campus Sustainability

Lansing's Hasselbring-Clark, purveyor of digital imaging solutions, is a long-time MSU vendor and contributor. Hasselbring-Clark also participated in MSU's Energy Vendor Expo as part of Energy Awareness Week.

HSS Material Management Solutions

MSU Collaborators:

Office of Career Services & Placement

HSS is a regular participant in the MSU Office of Career Services and Placement's Job Shadow Program.

IDV Solutions

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering

IDV's collaborative programs with the MSU Department of Computer Science and Engineering support innovations in software development and information technology that advance mid-Michigan's competitive edge in the fast-growing IT industries.

Impression 5 Science Center

MSU Collaborators:

American Chemical Society Michigan State University Local Section Child Development Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Environmental Engineering Student Society, Kresge Art Museum, Lyman Briggs College, MSU Museum, Public Humanities Collaborative,

Impression 5 has both hosted and co-sponsored arts and science events for a wide variety of MSU initiatives. In addition, Chemistry Day at Impression 5 is part of MSU's ACS National Chemistry Week celebration. Activities relate to how chemistry is used in everyday life and in various professions.

Ingham County Health Department

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Libraries Computing and Technology

The Ingham Health Department collaborates with MSU on a wide range of efforts to promote health and prosperity in mid-Michigan. They evaluate public health risks, develop and evaluate prevention programs, study ways to build and maintain human service networks within the community, study land use and urban growth, and study mechanisms for translating basic health research into new applications. The two also collaborate to provide MSU students with a wide range of volunteer opportunities.

Ingham Regional Medical Center

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Libraries Computing and Technology

Ingham Regional Medical Center and MSU collaborate on a number of fronts, including research on applying technology to medical practice and improving business management to constrain health care costs. The two organizations also co-develop health-related prevention programs, and study the possible impacts of pandemic diseases such as avian flu on community health. Ingham Regional also provides MSU medical students with clinical experience, and supports residency and intern programs for MSU physicians.

Jackson National Life Insurance Company

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Music, Wharton Center

MSU's College of Business and Jackson National Life are closely connected, sharing practical and academic expertise through seminars and research. JNL has also sponsored collaborative exchanges between MSU's College of Music and the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in China in which students and faculty participated in master classes, performances, and social activities. JNL's generous pledge toward the Wharton Center expansion will enhance arts education, distance learning, and backstage amenities. The company also helps underwrite individual performances at Wharton.

The John Henry Company

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Center for International Business Education and Research

Together, the John Henry Company and MSU have developed programs in business, marketing and supply chain management that help MSU expand its global reach and enhance mid-Michigan's competitive edge in business. Their collaboration also provides ongoing support for programs in higher education administration.

Joseph D. & Jerry L. Reid Foundation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business

Capitol Bancorp Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid and his family established the Joseph D. & Jerry L. Reid Foundation to support efforts to improve education and the overall quality of life in the Greater Lansing region. A Capitol Bancorp executive staff member sits on the advisory board of Broad's Human Resource Management program, and company staffers are regular speakers at College of Business events.

Lansing Board of Water & Light

MSU Collaborators:

African American and African Studies, The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Natural Science, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Residence Life, Department of Teacher Education, Division of Housing and Food Services, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, MSU Museum, Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice President for Government Affairs

The Lansing Board of Water & Light collaborates with MSU and the Lansing Boys and Girls Club on GET City, a program that enables kids to explore the field of engineering and green engineering technologies. MSU and BWL staff also partner in Urban Options, a nonprofit agency providing energy and environmental information and services. And BWL supports several annual MSU-related events such as One Book, One Community, Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, College of Engineering Design Day, and Chemistry Day at Impression 5 Science Center.

The BWL has also hosted/mentored MSU student practicum projects and co-sponsored with MSU a project to band Peregrine Falcons nesting at the utility's Eckert Station.

Lansing Community College

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Center for Community and Economic Development, Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Human Medicine, College of Law, College of Nursing, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media, Division of Science and Mathematics Education, James Madison College, Land Policy Institute, Office of the President, Office of University Outreach and Engagement

Lansing Community College and MSU collaborate on many programs and projects. Among the most prominent are the Lansing Regional SmartZone (PDF 400 KB) for attracting and retaining businesses in the region; the Mid-Michigan Innovation Team, which is helping to reinvent our region's economy with a $15 million WIRED grant; the Michigan Regional Community Policing Institute; and the Lansing Latino Health Alliance, which is working to improve the health of Latinos in the Greater Lansing region.

Lansing Lugnuts

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, Department of Residence Life, MSU baseball team

Lugnut Charities is dedicated to supporting existing programs and creating new opportunities to benefit youth in the Greater Lansing region. The Lugnuts sponsor the MSU College of Engineering's annual High School Engineering Institute, which gives high school students the opportunity to explore engineering with MSU faculty and students. The Lugnuts have also shared Oldsmobile Park with the MSU Spartan baseball team, and in 2007 they started what they hope will be an annual tradition the Crosstown Showdown exhibition game.

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Advanced Study of International Development, Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), College of Law, Land Policy Institute, Office of International Studies and Programs, Women and International Development Program

The Chamber partners with MSU on a number of fronts: Through the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, they offer a monthly speaker series on global business. They sponsor the Lansing Regional SmartZone incubator for growing, attracting, and retaining businesses. And they've been avid supporters of MSU's Young Spartan program; the Land Policy Institutes Strategic Growth in the Lansing Metro Region project; the Greater Lansing United Nations Association and International Trade Symposium; and MSU's Visiting International Professional and Student Programs.

Lansing School District

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Letters, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Music, College of Natural Science, College of Nursing, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Honors College, Lyman Briggs College, Office of International Studies and Programs, Office of University Outreach and Engagement, University-Community Partnerships

The Lansing School District and MSU collaborate in nearly every aspect of public education. They develop new teacher-training models, new educational delivery systems and improved curriculum in science and math. They build partnerships between parents, teachers and administrators; find new ways to emphasize education as a set of life-course possibilities for vulnerable children; support intergenerational mentoring efforts, and collaborate in ITEC, a living, learning lab that teaches IT skills to middle-school children. The Lansing School District also provides opportunities for MSU students to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.

Lansing Symphony Orchestra

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business College of Music Wharton Center WKAR

Established in 1929, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra is mid-Michigan's leading professional source of live orchestral music. MSU's Wharton Center is the symphony's performance home, and MSU faculty regularly perform with the symphony, offer pre-concert lectures, and work with LSO's "Music in the School" program. The LSO also partners with WKAR to offer its MasterWorks Series concerts on NPR.

Lansing State Journal

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Cultural Engagement Council

For decades, LSJ has served as a trusted provider of local information and a steady supporter of community initiatives. They've partnered with MSU and others on the Creative Futures initiative, a collaborative approach to developing new strategies to explore how arts and culture can be nurtured and applied as a strategy for regional economic development.

Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting P.C.

MSU Collaborators:

College of Law, Kresge Art Museum, Land Policy Institute, Wharton Center

Loomis Law Firm is a staunch support of arts performances and exhibitions and is one of the major corporate sponsors of the Wharton Center. Loomis also employs MSU College of Law students as summer interns, and helped sponsor a 2006 Planning for Prosperity Summit for the Land Policy Institute.

East Lansing Marriott at University Place

MSU Collaborators:

MSU Museum, Office of International Studies and Programs, School of Hospitality Business

In 2001, The Marriott Foundation awarded a half-million dollar scholarship endowment to MSU's School of Hospitality Business, and East Lansing Marriott at University Place actively recruits from among the school's ranks. East Lansing Marriott at University Place has also donated prizes for MSU's annual Global Focus photo contest and co-sponsored the MSU Museum's annual Chocolate Party fundraiser.

Message Makers

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Department of Sociology, WRAC Professional Writing Program

Message Makers was a key participant in a multi-year study of local art galleries and artists to ascertain the sociological role of art in the Greater Lansing region. Message Makers also hosts and mentors undergraduate students in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures' Professional Writing program.

Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Human Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University Libraries

The Michigan Farm Bureau and MSU work together to develop new ideas and applications for agriculture. Their collaborations include projects in urban gardening, forest management, land use, urban revitalization, livestock production, food safety, occupational disease, rural and urban development and community vitality, and quality of life for children, youth and families. Moreover, the Farm Bureau's support of MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station touches on the work of more than 300 scientists and 800 Extension staff spanning six of MSU's colleges.

Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company

MSU Collaborator:

Michigan Millers has contributed generously to a number of MSU programs and is a major corporate sponsor of the Wharton Center.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University Museum, Office of University Outreach and Engagement, Usability & Accessibility Center, Wharton Center for Performing Arts

The MSU Federal Credit Union's endowment of the Wharton Center Institute for Arts and Creativity has created a new model for university-based performing arts programs. The endowment allows Wharton and MSU to expand their performing arts residency programs and to build on public partnerships with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Stratford Shakespeare Festival and others, each of which has a direct impact on the undergraduate and graduate educational programs.

Mid-Michigan Physicians

MSU Collaborators:

College of Nursing, Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, The Broad School Weekend MBA Program

Mid-Michigan Physicians works with MSU's College of Nursing to provide a contracted nurse midwife at MMP's Lansing office. MMP doctors also participate in MSU Department of Pediatrics and Human Development Grand Rounds, and MMP has both nominated and sponsored students in the Eli Broad College of Business's Weekend MBA program.

National City Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), College of Osteopathic Medicine, MSU Extension, University Research Corridor, Visiting International Professional Program

National City Corporation is involved with the College Assistance Migrant Program, which provides career and financial assistance to migrant students at MSU, and they've provided major funding to the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Michigan Osteopathic College Foundation endowment. National City's ties to Broad College include sponsorship of its annual International Trade Symposium and its Weekend MBA program. The corporation was a participating sponsor of a mortgage foreclosure education series hosted by MSU Extension, and a National City executive sits on MSU-CIBER's Advisory Board.

Neogen Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, College of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine

Neogen's collaborations with MSU have led to groundbreaking research in food safety, veterinary pharmaceuticals and veterinary instruments, improved insect and rodent control, and innovations in biomedicine, engineering, international business, marketing and veterinary medicine. Their partnership has advanced mid-Michigan's economic prospects continuously for more than two decades.

Power of We Consortium

MSU Collaborators:

Birth to Work Initiative(PDF 208KB), College of Law Small Business & Nonprofit Clinic, Public Humanities Collaborative, Writing in Digital Environments (WIDE) Center

The Power of We is a network of regional relationships built on a unique, sustainable model for providing community support. The Consortium awarded a grant to MSU's Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic to help develop practical skills and professional values among students. It also supported the development of a weekly newsletter detailing on- and off-campus cultural programming by the Public Humanities Collaborative, and it supported research on the use of the Capital Area Community Voices Website and database.

Red Cedar Technology

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering

Red Cedar Technology accelerates innovation in the engineering design process with the world's fastest, most comprehensive optimization software. The company was founded by two MSU engineering professors who wanted to offer their services to the industrial community. RCT maintains the "heart of a teacher" and believes in providing continuing education on the latest trends in design exploration and optimization.

The Rehmann Group

MSU Collaborators:

Department of Radiology, Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, Kresge Art Museum, Wharton Center, Women's Resource Center

The Rehmann Group is an accounting and business consulting firm that partners with MSU to sponsor the Michigan Nonprofit Association . Rehmann is also a major sponsor of Kresge Art Museum and its Twilight in the Garden fundraiser, and it contributes generously to a wide variety of events on campus, including Global Business Club events, MSU Federal Credit Union financial seminars, and Wharton Center performances.

Sparrow Health System

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Social Science

Sparrow Health System and MSU collaborate on a wide range of programs, including research on health care delivery systems for children, programs for people with speech and communication disorders, clinical interventions for victims of sexual assault, and graduate training in infectious diseases. They also research new ways to unite technology with medical practice and to use effective business management practices to constrain health care costs.

Spartan Internet Consulting Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Arts and Letters, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Music, College of Social Science, Office of University Outreach and Engagement

Spartan Internet, the Holmes Street Neighborhood Association and MSU have formed a unique private-public partnership to develop IT skills among Lansing middle school students. Through iTEC, they're conducting after-school programs that entertain, engage and educate Lansing children in critical IT skills. The community-based effort will help underserved families and mid-Michigans' economy for decades to come.

Spartan Motors, Inc

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business

Spartan Motors is a participant in and sponsor of Imaging the Future: Revitalization of Mid-Michigan Companies Through Deep Strategic Change, an MSU project that uses faculty and students to help Michigan companies maximize their growth potential and create new jobs. The company also is a sponsor of Executive Summit, an annual conference that gives senior executives and leaders from diverse industries the chance to discuss business challenges.

SME Soil & Materials Engineers, Inc.

MSU Collaborator:

College of Engineering

Soil & Materials Engineers is a member of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and is an active participant in MSU's annual Career Gallery CommSciTech Exchange Day. MSU students intern and co-op at the company, and SME staff members have served on the MSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Advisory Board.

Symbiosis International

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, Department of Forestry

Symbiosis International has provided support for forestry research at MSU and for the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. The company regularly hires MSU students as interns.

TechSmith Corporation

MSU Collaborators:

The Eli Broad College of Business, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, Office of University Outreach and Engagement, Usability & Accessibility Center

TechSmith and MSU collaborate to create opportunities for MSU students and faculty to interact with corporate partners to enrich educational and research experiences. TechSmith's involvement with the Eli Broad College of Business raises corporate visibility at MSU and underscores the commitment of business to education and social good.

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

MSU Collaborators:

College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Social Science, James Madison College, Office of International Development

Cooley Law School and MSU participate together in a number of worthwhile projects, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and a weeklong visit by Kosovo lawyers to our region. In addition, Cooley helped sponsor the appearance at MSU of The Innocents, a travelling exhibition with photos of and videotaped interviews with innocent people released from death row on DNA evidence through the work of the Innocence Project. Students recently teamed up to raise $1,000 for the American Cancer Society with a Cooley versus MSU basketball game.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission

MSU Collaborators:

Center for Community and Economic Development, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Land Policy Institute, MSU Extension, School of Urban and Regional Planning

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission partnered with MSU on the Tri-County Bio-Manufacturing Feasibility Study (PDF 7.0 MB) to determine the Greater Lansing region's capacity for and performance in the bio-manufacturing sector. They also partner on the Capital Area Land Use and Health Resource Team to develop regional greenways. And they've worked together on conferences, workshops, and classes to increase public awareness of water issues in Michigan.

UAW Local 652

MSU Collaborators:

Department of Theatre,Michigan Political Leadership Program, Office of the Provost, School of Labor & Industrial Relations

The UAW's Health and Safety Committee works with MSU's School of Labor and Industrial Relations to develop training programs for health and safety advocates. UAW Local 652 is a strong partner of MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program, which identifies, recruits, and develops young talent for public service. Local 652 also participated in a Department of Theatre project to collect oral histories of unemployed auto workers for a documentary theatre experience.

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Need to order another Community Builders plaque? Want an outdoor plaque?

You can order extra Community Builders plaques for your office by calling Dave at Stamprite at (517) 487-5071 or by e-mailing him at dave@stamprite.com. Additional plaques are $68 each.

You can also order durable outdoor versions of your Community Builders plaque in three different sizes. For more information and prices, see: How to order Community Builders Plaques.(PDF 410KB)