Ferris Dental Hygiene students traveled to Guyana, South America for spring break to aid and educate locals on proper dental care.

Seven students from FSU spent a less than typical spring break in Guyana, a third world country near Brazil and Venezuela, providing a range of dental services with the help of dentists and other volunteers from around the country.

On some days seeing as many as 100 patients and performing everything from simple cleanings to root canals, the services are provided free of charge and serve not only as an education resource for the students, and health necessity for the patients, but as a Christian Mission.

The procedures take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in a type of converted Church with hoses, cords and instruments efficiently scattered from one chair to another.

“They have nothing, and are more appreciative than anyone in the world,” said Heather Erickson, a second year student in the Dental Hygiene program. “We’d finish the procedure and they would want us to come back to their house for dinner to say thank you.”

Erickson, who will graduate in May, said she plans to continue to volunteer her services to the Guyanese people.

Ferris Dental Hygiene students funded their nearly $2,000 per person excursion through the support of donations and yearlong fundraisers including toothbrush and bake sales. With the depleted funds in the account, the trip could not have been possible this year without the support of the community, including Dr. Margaret Gingrich, an area dentist who helped to organize the trip.

Overall, more than 500 patients were helped with more than 180 extractions, 800 fillings and root canals; totaling what would amount to over $200,000 in dental procedures in the U.S.

According to Fox News, in 2008 the world’s World War II Veterans are dying at a rate of 1,000 per day. In most cases when these individuals die they take their stories and experiences from the war to the grave with them. One Ferris professor and her students are working to help preserve the accounts of local World War II veterans.

The project began three years ago when introduction to American government professor, Dr. Christine Bailey noticed a startling trend. On one of Bailey’s tests she posed the question to students “who was Jimmy Carter and why should we care about what he did?”

The student’s responses included answers such as “some old guy” and “an old president” but the overall theme of the answers revealed a great deal of ageism. Most of the student’s not only didn’t know who he was and what he did but also didn’t seem to care.

Bailey then took it upon herself to do her part to break down the ageism stereotype by having students do a project which required them to interact with the older generation. She felt that one of the most beneficial ways to accomplish this goal was to have her students interview a World War II veteran.

The project encompassed two parts. First, was a paper review and audio recording of an interview with a World War II veteran and second a paper written in greater detail concerning one element of the interview.

At the conclusion of the first project Bailey asked her students for recommendations about the project.

Bailey was pleasantly surprised to find that the students felt they had learned a great deal and they could better relate to the older generations. The students told Bailey to continue the project and that is precisely what she has done.

Bailey said, “Through this project we have uncovered many amazing stories.”

The students have had veterans who were prisoners of war, cooked in the kitchen at Normandy, found their sibling’s bodies on the battle field, and some that had liberated the concentration camps.

What shocked Bailey was that some of her students who met these veterans have been meeting with them regularly ever since.

She said, “I have students who have coffee with their veteran once a month or go watch baseball games with them.”

In addition to the students being able to see the veteran’s generation as more than “the depends generation” the veterans also see that these college students aren’t “careless and irresponsible.” The ageism stereotypes have been broken down at both levels.

The project has also helped students realize what people their age can accomplish and endure.

Most of the veterans interviewed were teenagers and young adults about the same age as the students when they served their country in the war.

One student in Bailey’s class, John Yonkers, who interviewed his grandfather said, “I was excited when I heard about the project because I already knew who I was going to do and I was glad to be able to share his story.”

Yonkers’ grandfather was a merchant marine in the Navy and shipped iron throughout the Great Lakes.

This semester the project will be conducted by 200 students in Bailey’s class. If every semester averages even 100 students, that would mean that Ferris students over the past three years have recorded the stories of 600 veterans.

According to Bailey, the World War II veterans were for the most part accepting of their involvement in the war because there was a clear enemy and apparent goal. They understood that they were a part of something bigger than themselves and were driven by patriotism and often times fear.

One of the topics that is often raised in conversation with the veterans is their opinion of the war in Iraq, and for many of them it does not sit well.

They understand that without a clear objective the soldiers and country as a whole are getting discouraged by the relentless warfare.

Bailey said that these projects, along with the audio recordings of the interviews, will one day be available to students in the FLITE library for research and exploration. She encourages all students to talk to the heroes of World War II to ensure that their stories don’t die with the veteran.

The Open Tab Political Engagement Project (PEP) makes a difference for Shriners Children’s hospital with bottle tabs.

Students LeAnn Redman, Heidi Autterberry, Sarah Dugas, and Macey Blanchard were charged by Denise Mitten, their Recreation Management 180 instructor, to produce a student project that served a higher purpose.

“The students and I collaborate on the political engagement project,” said Mitten. “Ultimately, the students choose what cause they want to help.”

What started as a simple class assignment has blossomed into a sincere act of kindness that encourages campus wide participation.

“This is an easy and fun way for people to get involved,” said Redman. “Anyone can do this and we hope the entire campus gets involved.”

Calling their group, Open a Tab, the students are collecting aluminum bottle caps and tabs to donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, a hospital that helps under-privileged children and their families afford surgery and other medical expenses. The Shriners recycle the aluminum and are reimbursed per pound.

“Bottle tabs are everywhere and get thrown away, why not use them,” said Blanchard. “Even though they’re just bottle tabs, it really makes a difference to a lot of people.”

Each year Mitten assigns students with a PEP. Created by the American Democracy Project (ADP) as collaborative effort of the American Association of State of Colleges and Universities and the New York Times, PEP is intended to promote civic responsibility and engagement among American college and university students.

Ferris State University is one of eight U.S. institutions to participate in Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching program. Now in its second phase, the information is recorded and analyzed to report on the effectiveness over a three-year period. Over 200 American universities involved with ADP serving approximately 1.8 million students.

“Many students do help make change and we should give them a spotlight for their accomplishments,” said Mitten.

Redman, project leader, got the idea from College of Business instructor Dr. Frank Armstrong, who has been a Shriner for two years. The Shriners are an International fraternity with 375,000 members from 191 chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama. Based on fun, fellowship, and brotherly love, the Shriners have been supporting a one-of-a-kind children’s hospital since 1922.

The Shriners Children’s Hospital features an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care. The Shriners raised $11,000 in bottle caps and taps last year.

More than 865,000 children have been dramatically impacted by the Shriners. The Children’s Hospital specializes in orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Those who are eligible receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge regardless of financial need.

Due to a weakened economy, the Shriners closed their Texas hospital last year. Two billion dollars has also been cut for the Children’s Hospital budget. Many of the hospitals' previous supporters have reduced or eliminated funding.

“With the economy how it is, everyone’s trying to save for themselves,” said Armstrong. “It’s the kids who really suffer from limited funds.”

Since the beginning of the semester, Open a Tab has collected 25 pounds of bottle tabs, an amount that fills a truck bed. Their hopes are to accumulate 100 pounds or more. The tabs and caps will remain in storage until their goal is reached. The group strongly encourages campus wide support.

“It just takes a few seconds of anyone’s time,” said Armstrong. “It’s easy and you still get your can deposit without the tab.”

For more information about the Open a Tab project, or to donate contact LeAnn Redman at (231) 394-1725 or Frank Armstrong at his office, x3143.

Death in the Dome Room: An Interactive Crime Scene
On Wednesday, March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome room join the Association of Ferris Forensic Students as they show how a crime scene is properly processed. There will be a simulated homicide and the audience will help solve the crime. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Alycia Kerr by email at kerra@ferris.edu

International Student Meeting with Immigration Attorney
On Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in FLITE 133 there will be advice provided by Kathy Henenburg concerning staying in the US past your J-1 or F-1 student status. Pizza will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information contact Shana Beisiegel at x2824.

Entertainment Unlimited Presents a 5 Star Event “Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories.”
On Thursday, March 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Williams Auditorium Mike Shiley will share his stories from inside the war in Iraq. Shiley traveled to Iraq with his homemade press pass and digital camera to talk to American and Iraqi soldiers. This event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. For more information contact Jalena Strayer at x2610.

The BIG Event Mandatory Volunteer Meeting
On Thursday, March 19 from 11 to 11:50 a.m. in FLITE 304 there will be a mandatory meeting for all students, faculty, and staff who wish to volunteer for the Big Event during which FSU serves the community. Attendees will receive an hour of community service for attending the meeting and five hours the day of the event (April 18th). For more information contact Claire Gould at x2611.

“Silver Clouds”
From Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 20 in the Rankin Center Art Gallery there will be an exhibit which contains 77 helium balloons designed to unveil the realities of rape and other forms of sexual assault. The exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information contact Carrie Weis at x2536.

Ferris Relay for Life
On Friday, March 20 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the Student Recreation Center the first annual Ferris Relay for Life walk will be conducted. Individuals are encouraged to help by joining the walk, providing entertainment or activities, or donating finances to the fight against cancer. For more information contact Lyndsey Morse at x6081.

2009 Spring Table Tennis Open
On Saturday, March 21 in the Student Recreation Center the Ferris Table Tennis Team will host their annual spring table tennis tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The events include two person team, singles beginner, open and doubles. Cost to participants ranges between $1 and $5 with prize money awarded to the winners. Registration forms are available online at ferristabletennis.tripod.com/id3.html. For more information contact Nathan Reilly at (810) 434-8943.

Last to “W”- full semester
Thursday, March 26 is the last day to withdraw from full semester classes.

Suspicious Situation
On Mar 4 at 5:40 p.m., there was a suspicious situation complaint on the West Campus Apartments. A male was arrested for possession of marijuana and with the intent to deliver.

Hit and Run1
On Mar 5 at 1:50 a.m., there was a hit and run on Campus Drive. A male was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

Marijuana in Hallisy
On Mar 4 at 9 p.m., officers responded to a marijuana complaint in Hallisy Hall. The suspect was identified and referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Hit and Run2
On Feb 28 there was a hit and run in Lot 27. The victim’s parked car was damaged.

Stolen Money
On Feb 28 at 1:30 p.m., there was a report of money stolen from a wallet left in the laundry room in Bond Hall.

Theft in the Rock
On Mar 1 at 5:55 p.m., a backpack was stolen from the Rock Café.

Attempted Breaking and Entering
On Feb 28 at 4:15 a.m., there was a report of an attempt of breaking and entering in South Campus Apartments. The victims screen was cut.

Bumping the Sign
On Mar 1 at 2 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle at Cramer Drive for failure to stop at a stop sign. The two subjects in the vehicle were ticketed for being Minors in Possession (MIP).

Disturbing the Peace
On Feb 28 at 2 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle on State Street for a loud exhaust. The driver was intoxicated and lodged in the county jail for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).

Hit and Run3
On Feb 27 at 5:30 p.m., there was a hit and run in Lot 5. Investigation resulted in the identification of the driver. The driver was ticketed for failure to report.

2 Car Accident
On Feb 25 at 1:20 p.m., there was a two-car accident in Lot 1.

Ticket Totals:
From Feb 25 through Mar 5, public safety identified 420 violators. Each violator was ticketed for a total of $7,600. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided, or reduced.