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Job of the Week: Laboratory Technologist

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Laboratory Technologist for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory within the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (job posting 1151223). If you have a background in laboratory science, enjoy working with animal health and diagnostics, and are interested in supporting veterinary research and care, this may be the role for you.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), a service unit within the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a full-service and accredited laboratory for companion animals, horses, livestock, laboratory, zoo, and wildlife species. Additionally, the lab performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from all around Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. 

In this position, you will process and test animal and environmental specimens to detect pathological bacteria and fungi. You will identify organisms, perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conduct laboratory assays and quality control testing, and enter and retrieve information using the Laboratory Information Management System. You will also communicate with clients and other laboratory personnel, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and review standard operating procedures. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting. 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related field, along with one to three years of related experience in a diagnostic laboratory. MT, CLS, MLS (ASCP), or equivalent certification is preferred. Experience in diagnostic clinical bacteriology, antimicrobial testing, mycology, PCR, quality control, equipment maintenance, customer service, and Laboratory Information Management System is also desired. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting. 

Learn more about the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references and should be submitted by August 25.

Person in a tan jacket over a white shirt is viewed from below the chest sitting at a table in front of a laptop surrounded by a coffee cup and notebook and pen.

Educational Assistance: Fall Reminders 

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The Educational Assistance, or “Ed Assist,” support staff benefit resets with the start of the fall semester. Now is the perfect time to refresh your Ed Assist knowledge and take advantage of this opportunity for your learning and development. Here are a few important reminders regarding this benefit. 

Credit and Non-Credit Options 

You may receive financial assistance for credit and non-credit courses, including training, seminars, workshops, conferences, or other educational opportunities. Use this benefit to enhance your professional skill set or help you reach Performance Excellence goals. 

For non-credit courses, such as professional development courses offered through HR’s Organization and Professional Development, support staff employees may have up to $900 per year to use toward course registration fees, depending on their union contract. The course must be considered job-related and from an approved institution/program to receive assistance. 

You may receive up to 14 credits per academic year for credit courses. Your level of financial assistance is determined by your union group, whether you’re taking a graduate or undergraduate course, and where you’re taking the course (MSU or another university). The course must be considered job-related, degree-related, or career/professional development-related. 

Taxation Information for Graduate-Level, Degree-Related Coursework 

When using Educational Assistance funds toward graduate-level, degree-related classes for credit, it’s important to remember and plan for IRS tax exemption rules. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provides up to $5,250 in exemption per tax (calendar) year for graduate-level, degree-related courses reimbursed/waived through employer educational assistance programs, like the one at MSU. Any amount of the benefit over $5,250 for degree-related, graduate-level courses is considered taxable income by the IRS. 

If you use Ed Assist benefits for graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit over the $5,250 exemption amount, appropriate tax withholding will be made, and the amount will be added to your gross wages. If there is a tax liability, the deductions must be completed within the same calendar year. If this tax situation applies to your Ed Assist usage, you will receive a notification via email in the fall, typically around September. This notification will indicate the amount of Educational Assistance received in the calendar year, the taxable amount, and which paycheck withdrawals will occur to cover the outstanding tax liability. 

Note: This tax liability, dictated by the IRS, applies ONLY to any Ed Assist benefit usage over the $5,250 limit when applied to graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit. For example, if you received $6,250 in eligible Ed Assist benefits in a year, you would only be taxed on the $1,000 over the exemption limit and owe a percentage of that $1,000 as your tax liability. 

Find detailed information about Educational Assistance – including how to apply – on the HR website. Contact Organization and Professional Development at avphr.hrdmail@msu.edu with questions. 

The Sparty Statue on campus.

Seeking Nominations for Support Staff Awards

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

We are seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards! 

All award nominations are due Monday, October 26, 2026. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award 

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere, concurrent with their employment at MSU. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award nomination form and return it to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by October 26.   

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award 

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Clerical-Technical Recognition Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award nomination form and return it to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by October 26.

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award 

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee from all nominations received. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate. Jack was the personification of the “Spartan Spirit.” His strong and innovative leadership played a pivotal role in MSU’s growth and development as the nation’s premier land grant institution. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award nomination form and return it to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by October 26. 

An open book in front of a large stack of books.

A Middle Manager’s Book Review: “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhou

Published on by Chelsey FetherLeave a comment

This is a series where I, a middle manager who happens to be an avid reader, review leadership books to share what I learned and whether I think they’re worth the read.

As I started drafting this blog, I was prepared to write about why The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo wasn’t really for me. But after reflecting on the book, I realized there were several valuable insights worth sharing. Coincidentally, most of those takeaways came from the first 100 pages.

The book is described as a guide to building trust, navigating uncertainty, and understanding what separates great managers from average ones. While it covers a broad range of management topics, three ideas stood out to me and have already started shaping how I think about leading my team.

Everything Goes Back to the People

This chapter resonated with me because I’m part of a small team of four. Although we work mostly remotely, we’ve built strong relationships and a high level of trust. Reading this section made me realize, however, that I’ve been making an important assumption.

We rarely stop to define what “great work” looks like for our team and our individual work.

Having a strong team doesn’t eliminate the need for clear expectations. In fact, it makes those conversations even more important. Moving forward, I will incorporate discussions about what success looks like into our one-on-one meetings and performance planning conversations. I want everyone to understand not only what they’re expected to do, but also how they can excel in their work.

Trust Is Built Through Honest Conversations

One of the book’s strongest messages is that trust is the foundation of effective leadership. A specific piece of advice that stood out to me was to “strive for all your one-on-one meetings to feel a little awkward.”

At first, that idea felt counterintuitive. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The conversations that create trust often involve difficult feedback, coaching, or acknowledging our own mistakes. Those moments can be uncomfortable, but they’re also where growth happens.

Zhuo encourages managers to “strive to be human, not a boss.” That’s an approach I try to take with my team. When I make a mistake or recognize that I could have handled something differently, I talk about it openly and share what I’ve learned. My team doesn’t expect perfection, but they do deserve a leader who is committed to continuous improvement.

Invest Time in Helping Your Team Succeed

The book also reinforced feedback I recently received from my own supervisor: make one-on-one meetings more intentional and consider setting an agenda.

Historically, my one-on-ones have followed a familiar pattern. We spend a few minutes catching up personally, discussing current projects, and talking about any support that’s needed. While that approach works, Zhuo suggests adding more structure to ensure important topics don’t get overlooked.

Her framework includes discussing priorities, aligning on what “great” looks like, exchanging feedback, and reflecting on what’s working and what isn’t. I especially appreciate the emphasis on two-way feedback.

Too often, conversations about expectations and performance are reserved for annual reviews when they should be happening throughout the year. If we expect great work year-round, we need to provide guidance and feedback year-round as well.

I also believe effective leadership requires regularly asking team members how I’m doing and what they need from me to be successful. After all, my success as a leader is measured by how well I support theirs.

As a result of reading this book, I’ll be making a few changes to how I approach one-on-one meetings and feedback conversations. Sometimes a small adjustment in how we communicate can make a meaningful difference in how we lead.

Was it worth the read? Yes.

Even though most of my takeaways were found early in the book, I still think it was worth the read overall. Since much of Zhou’s management experience comes from working in tech startups and I work here at MSU, I didn’t think that every chapter was applicable to my role. However, the advice I did find helpful was timely and useful and will have a positive impact on my team.

Borrow this book or recommend my next one!

Is there a leadership book you want me to read and then write about? Or do you want to borrow this book from me? Let me know! Email me at fetherch@msu.edu.

Thanks for reading!

Unplugged: Turn Off Notifications and Turn Up the Summer Fun!

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

As we reach the heat of the summer, there is no better time to take a vacation or staycation. Taking time away from work has many health benefits including improving your connection to yourself and loved ones and resetting from or avoiding burnout.

The Benefits of Taking a Vacation

Vacationing and taking time away from your job promotes a long, healthy life and has tremendous benefits to your mind. Taking a break from routine in fun and different ways can have the same benefits as consistent meditation exercises and help you build connections with not only your loved ones but yourself, too. In addition, taking a vacation has been scientifically proven to boost brain power. Taking time off from learning, working and gaining new information every day allows your brain to consolidate existing knowledge, resulting in improved learning after vacation.

The benefits go beyond just your mind — they affect your body too. Through reduced stress, vacations can improve heart health and decrease the chances of metabolic diseases or conditions. Vacation time also improves sleep as poor sleep habits can be broken when sleeping in a new place. Coming home after vacation feels like sleeping in another new place, allowing those improved habits to continue.

Using vacation time is one of the best ways to reset from or avoid burnout. Learning the signs and how to work toward health is a positive way to promote workplace well-being.

Before Going on Vacation

To take full advantage of these benefits, you should consider fully unplugging from work — those emails and phone calls won’t go anywhere.

Before you head to the airport or hit the road, set up automatic email replies with your out-of-office details including when you will be back, who to contact in the meantime, and how to contact you in case of an emergency. If you use a shared calendar with your team, add your out-of-office dates as early as possible and notify your team verbally and/or by email. If you have ongoing projects, consider asking a coworker, supervisor, or team member to check up on them while you are away and plan to share updates when you return. If possible, leave work-related things at home or at the office to prevent the temptation to focus on work. Finally, prepare for the day you return from work before you leave by keeping your schedule as clear as you reasonably can on your first day back.

Returning from Vacation

Returning to work can often be stressful and sometimes undo the rest you achieved on vacation. To avoid getting immediately burned out, take time to ease back into your work routine. Try to avoid scheduling several meetings on your first day back and try not to set or meet big deadlines during your first week back in the office. The more time you spend away, the more time you should give yourself to get back to your normal work pace and routine.

In addition to easing into your normal work routine, it’s important to unplug from work at the end of each day. It’s easy to get burned out if you are mentally on the clock 24/7, answering emails and catching up during nights and weekends. You can use Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Google Calendar and other work team services to set out-of-office messages at the end of your workday. Finally, avoid stress by taking the necessary steps to be productive and engaged as shared in this earlier post about avoiding and reducing burnout.

All these tips and more are available through these links:

Job of The Week: Executive Secretary II

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is an Executive Secretary II for the College of Human Medicine (job posting 1142812). If you are interested in providing high-level administrative support, coordinating academic programs, and collaborating with faculty and healthcare partners across the state, this may be the role for you.

The College of Human Medicine is dedicated to educating exemplary physicians, discovering new knowledge, and providing service both at home and abroad. By providing outstanding care and promoting the inclusion and needs of all people, the College of Human Medicine fosters an environment that enhances its community.

In this position, you will provide executive-level administrative support to multiple department chairs, manage calendars and meetings, coordinate travel, prepare correspondence and reports, and track important action items. You will also coordinate specialty-specific medical student electives across eight community campuses by creating student schedules, preparing letters of recommendation, approving off-campus electives, and submitting grades. Additional responsibilities include serving as a liaison between Henry Ford Health, College of Human Medicine Human Resources, faculty, staff, and students, coordinating faculty appointments and annual reviews, processing invoices and contracts, and organizing faculty meetings, committee meetings, and executive events. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires a high school education or equivalent and five to eight years of related work experience. Preferred qualifications include experience working in a laboratory environment with safety and security measures, a collaborative approach, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Find a complete list of required and preferred qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the College of Human Medicine. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by July 7.

July Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

July is here, and summer is heating up! If you and your family are looking for activities to make the most of this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Check out these upcoming events for you and your family, and use the links below to learn more and register where required.

Campus Events

Wednesdays in July – MSU Summer Carillon Concert Series: Bring a picnic, chair, or blanket to Beaumont Tower to experience musical talent in one of the most beautiful locations on MSU’s campus! This series is open to the public, and will go through the first week of August.

Most Wednesdays in July –  Move in the Garden:  Need a midday recharge? This free outdoor movement program combines stretching, strengthening, flow, and relaxation movements to support overall mobility. Classes meet in the Beal Botanical Garden, and you can meet your instructor by the pond. Class will not be held on July 1, 2026.

July 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Abrams Planetarium Family Show: Under the Weather: Visit the Abrams Planetarium this July to join The Zula Patrol on an adventure through space as they collect weather samples and search for their missing friend, Gorga, and learn fascinating facts about weather on Earth and beyond! 

July 9 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Botany by Bethany: Join Head Horticulturalist and avid plant lover, Bethany Troy to learn about her favorite plants at Beal, covering her tips and tricks of the trade for healthy vibrant plants. 

July 11 – Chill Out with Art: If you are looking for a fun and relaxing summer event, come to the MSU Broad Art Museum for their “Chill Out with Art” event. Come explore exhibitions, explore your artistic side, and celebrate art, food, and community.

July 22 – Beal Footprints: Marvelous Malvaceae (Mallows): Meet at the garden pond and join Beal Head Horticulturist, Bethany Troy, on a tour of plants in the mallow family. Learn about care, uses, and how to identify plants in this diverse and surprising plant family. 

Learning Opportunities 

Fridays in July – Spartan Legacies Retirement Transition Program: Starting July 10, MSU’s free virtual Spartan Legacies retirement transition program will be offered every Friday through August 14. Led by Dr. Darryl Steele, the six-week discussion series helps employees and recent retirees navigate the emotional, social, and practical aspects of retirement. Questions can be directed to eap@msu.edu.

Available in July – SPARTANfit Summer Deal: SPARTANfit is celebrating summer with a limited time offer for MSU faculty, staff, and their partners. From June 1 to July 31, these Spartans can receive a Comprehensive Fitness Assessment for only $20 (50% off). These supportive assessments offer a snapshot of one’s physical health through resting and exercising tests, personalized fitness profiles, and support with goal setting. Book your fitness assessment in Microsoft Bookings no later than July 31 to score this deal. 

July 7 – Investing for Beginners: Start Your Wealth Journey:  Starting your career can be both very exciting and overwhelming. In this webinar, you will learn what to look for in job-related benefits packages, how short-term spending plans support long-term goals, the importance of building an emergency fund, and more. 

July 9 – Quarterly Economic and Market Update: Hear from TIAA’s experts in the Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors. 

July 9 – Managing Meetings: This in-person course is designed to help you plan and lead more effective, professional meetings in today’s fast-paced workplace. Here, you will learn how to reduce unproductive meetings, improve coordination and follow-through, and strengthen team productivity and engagement. 

July 9 – Fidelity Webinar: Making Early Retirement a Reality: Join the Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management team on July 9 to explore the key financial, social, and emotional aspects of early retirement. Learn how to evaluate your savings, plan for healthcare before Medicare, prepare for unexpected life changes, and build a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

July 16 – Fidelity Webinar: Starting Small: How To Start Investing for the Price of a Coffee: Discover simple ways to start investing with just a few dollars. Learn about Fidelity account options, beginner-friendly investment strategies, and tools that can help you research investments and place trades as you build your portfolio.

July 22 – Steps to help secure your income in retirement: A mid career check-in: Take stock of where you are at this critical checkpoint and use retirement-saving strategies to better balance competing financial priorities. 

July 22 – Introduction to Process Mapping: This course introduces the fundamentals of process improvement, helping learners build the knowledge and confidence to get started. Participants will learn key terminology, process mapping basics, best practices for success, and how to create a process map.

July 23 – Promapp, Interactive Process Creation: This course builds on the foundations of process mapping, helping learners create and manage processes in Nintex Promapp. Participants will also learn process standards and writing best practices for developing clear, consistent, and engaging documentation. 

July 29 and 30 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: This two day series equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to improve processes, strengthen accountability, and build a culture of continuous improvement. Grounded in the principles of Operational Excellence, the program emphasizes aligning improvements with MSU’s mission, values, and the 2030 Strategic Plan.  

July 30 – Grammar Refresher: This in-person course is here to help you improve your grammar and usage skills to communicate more clearly and professionally. Here, you will learn how to avoid common errors, use pronouns and verb forms correctly, and apply punctuation with confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

July 7 and 8 – Zoo Days at Potter Park: Don’t miss this special Zoo Days promotion at Potter Park Zoo, where admission is just $2 and parking is free for visitors from any county. Enjoy animal encounters, family-friendly character meet-and-greets, hands-on activities, and more while making summer memories with your family and friends.

July 10, 17, and 24 – Family Art Studio Days at the Broad Art Museum: Family Art Studio is a free drop-in art experience held every Friday this summer, inviting families to create, explore, and experiment together. Enjoy hands-on art stations and creative activities in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Greater Lansing Area Events 

Wednesdays in June – Meridian Township Summer Concert Series: Soak in the warm summer nights and visit Marketplace on the Green for the Meridian Township Summer Concert Series! Visit the website to see who is playing and when, every Wednesday in July. 

Various Dates in July – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Head to Jackson Field and “Go Nuts” cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts, where every game brings a fun and lively atmosphere. There’s always something exciting happening at the ballpark for fans of all ages.

July 3 – City of Lansing Fourth of July Parade: Visit Downtown Lansing for a day of Independence Day festivities featuring the Independence Day Parade, Concert on the Capitol Steps, Block Party at Lugnuts Stadium, and a patriotic concert at Adado Riverfront Park. The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.

July 10, 11, & 12 – Capital City Comic Con: Capital City Comic Con is a three-day celebration of comics, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture. Join fellow fans in downtown Lansing for panels, family activities, special events, and more.

Recurring Tuesdays – DeWitt Farmers Market: The 2026 Downtown DeWitt Farmer’s Market is being held every Tuesday until October! Here you will find  the freshest produce, locally farmed meats, fresh eggs, delicious baked goods, and locally produced foods. 

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. 

Saturdays in July – Meridian Farmers’Market: The summer schedule is here for the Meridian Farmers Market! Stop by every Saturday this month for farm-fresh ingredients, specialty foods, handmade crafts and more.

Recurring Wednesdays – The Allen Farmer’s Market: Visit the Allen Farmers Market in Lansing for seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, pasture raised eggs, dry beans, fresh, delectable cheeses, hot and ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish and fun activities. 

Looking to cool off from the hot July sun? Check out these nearby swimming pools and lakes to dive into summer! 

The Sparty Statue on campus.

Congratulations to the 2026 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Recipients!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors six MSU support staff members annually. Colleagues submit nominations of individuals who demonstrate the qualities of Jack Breslin, who served MSU as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate, personifying the “Spartan Spirit.”

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Dana Applebee, Lisa Laughman, Murtaza Lokhandwala, Jamie Lynn Marks, Katie Pease, and Mark Rokita! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, a supportive attitude, and significant contributions to MSU. On May 12, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center along with recipients of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition awards.

Dana Applebee

Research Administrator and Fiscal Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health

Dana stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside university President Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.

Dana Applebee is widely regarded as the steady force behind the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health’s remarkable growth. Colleagues describe her as a trusted partner whose financial expertise, calm leadership, and deep empathy allow complex research portfolios to thrive. One nominator shared that Dana ‘quietly clears roadblocks, anticipates needs before they arise, and helps teams move forward with confidence.’ Others emphasized that the department ‘runs better because of Dana,’ noting her ability to see both the big picture and the smallest details while supporting faculty, staff, and community partners with integrity and care.

Watch Dana’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Lisa Laughman

Training Program Developer IV, University Health and Wellbeing

Lisa stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside university President Kevin Guskiewicz and committee chair Ray Gasser.

Lisa Laughman has transformed Spartan Resilience Education at MSU through visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Spartan community. She is credited with building scalable, trauma-informed programs that support emotional wellbeing across campus. A colleague noted that Lisa ‘creates spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered,’ while another highlighted her leadership during times of crisis, emphasizing that she helped Spartans ‘process grief, manage stress, and rebuild a sense of community when it was needed most.’

Watch Lisa’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Murtaza Lokhandwala

Assistant Director, IT Services, MSU Human Resources

Murtaza, posing in front of the Spartan Experience sign, is smiling during his interview following his surprise reveal.

With more than two decades of service, Murtaza Lokhandwala has shaped critical HR and payroll systems that support employees across MSU. Nominators consistently highlighted his ability to pair deep technical expertise with humility and care, describing him as the person who ‘makes things possible where most would not.’ His leadership on large-scale system migrations and his commitment to mentoring others reflect a quiet but transformational impact on the university.

Watch Murtaza’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Jamie Lynn Marks

Administrative Business Professional, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Jamie Lynn stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Jamie Lynn Marks is described as a trusted expert, advocate, and problem solver whose initiative consistently exceeds expectations. Colleagues shared that she ‘leads by example’ and is often the first call for complex HR or facilities challenges. One letter emphasized that she is ‘among the top staff members I have worked with in over 30 years,’ praising her judgment, confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to improving systems for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.

Watch Jamie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Katie Pease

Senior Business Operations Manager, Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Katie stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Katie Pease is widely viewed as the glue that holds FRIB together, particularly during high-stakes federal reviews and executive engagements. Nominators praised her professionalism, strategic coordination, and ability to unite people across the laboratory. One colleague described her as the ‘quiet force who elevates the work of others,’ while another noted that external reviewers routinely single out FRIB’s review process as among the best in the DOE system due to Katie’s leadership.

Watch Katie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Mark Rokita

Operations Supervisor II, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities

Mark stands in front of a draped background holding her Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award certificate alongside committee chair Ray Gasser and university President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Mark Rokita is known across campus for his ‘start with yes’ approach and his exceptional leadership of the IPF Set-Up Crew. Colleagues consistently highlighted his reliability, responsiveness, and ability to deliver under pressure. One nominator shared that ‘we would not be able to accomplish most of what we do without Mark,’ while another called him ‘a pillar of excellence at MSU’ whose leadership and customer-first mindset make IPF shine.

Watch Mark’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Congratulations again to all award recipients! Learn more about the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff award on the HR webpage, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award, where you can also view the event program and a recording of the full event.

  • Award recipient Katie Pease posing with friends before the event starts.
  • Guests at the event around a table laughing and talking.
    Guests at the event around a table laughing and talking.
  • Award selection committee member Joe Rivera stands at the podium and looks over for a quick picture.
    Award selection committee member Joe Rivera stands at the podium and looks over for a quick picture.
  • Honorees and selection committee members seated together and turned toward the video screen to enjoy a surprise reveal video.
    Honorees and selection committee members seated together and turned toward the video screen to enjoy a surprise reveal video.
  • Mark Rokita's guests cheer him on.
    Mark Rokita’s guests cheer him on.
  • Lisa poses for a selfie with her friends and certificate.
    Lisa poses for a selfie with her friends and certificate.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto

All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts

Congratulations to the Service and Retirement Recognition Program Award Recipients!

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This year, the MSU Service Milestone and Retirement Recognition Program recognized support staff employees celebrating a 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50th work anniversary in 2026 or a retirement in 2025. Review the 2026 Reception Program and see if you recognize any names on the list—be sure to reach out and congratulate them!

On May 12, we celebrated over 670 employees observing long-term work anniversaries and retirements during a reception at the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Our university’s development and growth have been, in large part, due to the contributions made by our staff members, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the service of the university. This occasion was dedicated to those who have served the university through the years of its greatest development. It is a tribute to those who have found satisfaction in helping others and creating an impact for a better world. 

  • President Kevin Guskiewicz and Sparty pose for a photo.
  • Employees gathered to watch the awards ceremony.
  • Sparty alongside Todd Bradley.
  • Sparty and an employee posing for a photo.
  • Sparty and an employee smiling for a photo.
  • Donna Donovan takes the stage to speak.
  • Employees smile with green and white pom-poms for a photo.
  • MSU Police and Public Safety award held up by two employees.
  • President Guskiewicz speaking.
  • These sisters celebrated their service milestones together!
  • Two speakers collaborating at the podium.
  • President Guskiewicz shakes hands with a speaker.
  • Two employees smiling side by side for a photo.
  • Police and Public Safety Award being shown to police officers.
  • Employees laughing together in a candid photo.
  • 3 employees pose smiling for a photo.

University President, Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz and Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Donna Donovan, acknowledged service milestone and retirement honorees and expressed their gratitude during the program. Donna also passed along congratulatory remarks from Executive Vice President for Administration, Vennie Gore, who was unable to attend. We welcomed retirees and those with a service milestone of 25 years or more to walk the stage, announced by WKAR colleagues Jody Knol and Scott Pohl. We’d like to extend a special thanks to Todd Bradley, Senior Human Resources Professional, for emceeing the event. 

Watch the event recording on YouTube.

The university thanks these honorees for their talent, passion, loyalty, and contribution to our shared purpose. If you see a colleague’s name in this year’s awards program, don’t forget to congratulate them! 

All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto 
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts 

June Events Round-Up

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

Summer is right around the corner, which means it is time for June events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out to celebrate the start of the new season. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Pride Month Events:

June 5 and 6 – Kalamazoo Pride 2026: All proceeds from Kalamazoo Pride support OutFront Kalamazoo’s work providing vital programs, services, and resources to the LGBTQIA+ community all year long.

June 6 and 7 – Motor City Pride 2026: Motor City Pride is more than just a festival — it’s a vibrant celebration of music, talent and diversity. With four dynamic stages showcasing both local talent and world-renowned LGBTQIA+ artists, the entertainment lineup is as diverse as the community we represent.

June 13 – East Lansing Pride: Come celebrate PRIDE in the heart of downtown East Lansing! The fifth annual East Lansing PRIDE will take place along Albert Avenue between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue.

June 20 and 21 – Grand Rapids Pride Festival: Celebrate the West Michigan 2-SLGBTQ+ community and support local businesses, organizations, and artists. You’ll find 150+ vendors, a beer garden (including non-alcoholic beverages), activities for all ages, food trucks, a sensory space, and local, statewide, and nationally recognized performers!

June 27 – Lansing Pride 2026: Lansing Pride is Mid-Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, celebrating visibility, inclusion, and community. The annual event brings together tens-of-thousands of attendees for a free full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local vendors, food and beverage options, and a vibrant showcase of community partners.

Campus Events

June 5 – Copper Beech Tree 80th Birthday Party: The beloved Copper Beech Tree at the heart of the Department of Radiology’s Healing Gardens is turning 80 years old this year! Visit to celebrate this magnificent octogenarian tree while the gardens are in full bloom. There will be live music in the rose garden, family-friendly games and activities, and of course birthday cake! Plus, a special message from Radiology Department Chair, Dr. Mark DeLano.

June 10 – Move in the Garden: Need a midday recharge? This free outdoor movement program combines stretching, strengthening, flow, and relaxation movements to support overall mobility. Sessions meet most Wednesdays from June 10 to September 30, 2026 in the Beal Botanical Garden.

June 13 – Conjuring Kinship: Deciphering Octavia: Join Beal Botanical Garden and Dr. Kinitra Brooks in a community event diving deep into the concepts of hope, Afrofuturism, and conjure through Octavia Butler’s Kindred.

June 15 to 19 – MSU Juneteenth Celebration: This year marks the 6th annual Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration at Michigan State University! This year’s theme, Beyond Freedom: Building Futures, Protecting Our Past and Activating Change, aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of past and contemporary artists, scientists and advocates who work tirelessly to center Black excellence in the American fabric. The Juneteenth events at MSU will include components focused on voting, entrepreneurship and storytelling. Events will run from June 15 through June 19.

June 28 – Music and the Garden Go Music Trio: The MSU College of Music and Beal Botanical Garden invite you to this year’s Music and the Garden series, an outdoor celebration of music, nature, and community.

Weekends in June – Abrams Planetarium: Chasing the Ghost Particles: At the heart of Antarctica, the IceCube detector uses elusive particles called neutrinos to explore the universe’s most extreme phenomena, including exploding stars and black holes. Through stunning simulations and a journey deep beneath the Antarctic ice, this show at the Abrams Planetarium demonstrates how scientists use these “ghost particles” to uncover secrets of the cosmos from one of the most remote places on Earth.

Learning Opportunities

June 10 – Women Talk Money: Deep dive on HSAs—help make them work for you: This webinar through Fidelity breaks down the ins and outs of how HSAs can be great for health care costs today and help strengthen your long-term financial picture, and show you how to help maximize your account at every stage of life.

June 10 – TIAA: Set Your Retirement Date: Understand your factors to get you to your goal: If you are starting to think seriously about retirement, this course is perfect for insights on how you can create your retirement vision, understand what’s ahead, estimate expenses and income, and complete your plan.

June 10 and 11 – Student Supervision Series: Hiring student employees benefits both the student and the department. This series walks you through student employment policies, required procedures, and online hiring processes while helping you set clear performance expectations and connect students’ academic interests to their work. You’ll also explore effective strategies for leading and motivating student employees.

June 16 and 17 – Crucial Conversations for Accountability: This two-day course helps participants build accountability skills that strengthen trust, improve performance, and increase team effectiveness.

June 18 – The Spartan Experience: This training is grounded in real MSU examples, team activities, and self-reflection. Whether you work in student services, facilities, finance, or academic support, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to elevate your service mindset and make a positive impact, one interaction at a time.

June 24 – Creating and Sustaining a Positive Workplace: This course provides humorous insight into the seven habits of negativity, including tips to stop gossip, techniques for getting along with others, and strategies to reap the many benefits of a positive and engaged workforce.

June 25 – TIAA: Identity Theft: Safeguarding Your Finances: Whether it is a phishing email, fraudulent phone call, or fake social media profile, identity theft is a growing threat. In this webinar hosted by TIAA, you will learn common tactics used by identity thieves, steps to prevent identity theft, and what to do if your personal information is compromised.

June 25 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Tap into your unique talents and complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Learn more about your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving and how it applies to your role in the workplace. Use your research to express what you do best and grow your overall confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

June 6 – Family Day: SHINE: First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! This month, discover how light moves in art. Join in on making art that invites light to filter, bounce, and shine, inspired by the exhibition: Jan Tichy: Darkness.

Recurring Weekends – Toddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones.

Greater Lansing Area Events

Various Dates in June – Lansing Lugnuts Home Game: Head to Jackson Field and “Go Nuts” cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts, where every game brings a fun and lively atmosphere. There’s always something exciting happening at the ballpark for fans of all ages.

June 4, 11, 18 and 25 – Summer Concerts on the Square: Summer is almost here, which means Summer Concerts on the Square in Charlotte! New bands will play recurring weekly on Thursdays until the end of August.

Recurring Tuesdays – DeWitt Farmers Market: The 2026 Downtown DeWitt Farmer’s Market is being held every Tuesday until October! Here you will find the freshest produce, locally farmed meats, fresh eggs, delicious baked goods, and locally produced foods.

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods.

Saturdays in June – Meridian Farmers’ Market: The summer schedule is here for the Meridian Farmers Market! Stop by every Saturday this month for farm-fresh ingredients, specialty foods, handmade crafts and more.

Recurring Wednesdays – The Allen Farmer’s Market: Visit the Allen Farmers Market in Lansing for seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, pasture raised eggs, dry beans, fresh, delectable cheeses, hot and ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish and fun activities.