“I couldn’t have asked for better day,” said Claire Gould, student government vice president and Big Event coordinator.

After many months of preparation to accumulate the 700 volunteers to clean more than 100 Big Rapids homes, the Big Event showed positive communication between students and the community.

“It would not have been possible without the students, community, and good weather,” said Gould. “I’m truly grateful for the support of the community and the students.

Last year, the 200 students cleaned up 20 resident homes. This year the Big event has grown four times from last year. Steve Spoebers, city manager and member of the Clark Hall clean up crew that cleans up downtown, was happy to see the community give the opportunity to help students give back and create memories. Spoebers was also pleased to see the event grow from last year’s numbers.

Students raked leaves, washed window, planted fertilizer, and performed other household chores from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bernie's donuts provided donuts while Biggby coffee provided coffee and other refreshments, which pleased many students.

“Donuts are good motivation at 8 a.m..” Andrea Jackson, criminal justice.

Although many students appreciated the free food, giving back motivated some students.

“I love helping out my community and it is important t to have a clean community,” said Dominique Roby, a health care administration major.

Roby’s group members, Keontay Kelley, psychology major and Tiara Chaughman, social work major agreed that giving back not only helps the residents, but also the students.

Dean Davenport, resident and former athletic director for 14 years, appreciates the students assisting with yard work for his 15 square foot yard.

“This is the second year, it has saved my back and shoulder,” said Davenport. “It would usually take 3 to 4 weeks to get everything done, but the students do it in a matter of hours.”

Although the entire day was not without bumps in the road, students continued on. Ta’Sheema Jones- Murray, social work major, was missing a group member from her seven- member group.

“Even though we’re one person down, we still going to continue and have a great time!” said Jones-Murray.

Students ended their day with a lunch provided by dining services. Student government director of advertising Ian Nagy said he was proud of the university and the students for coming together with the community. Amber Balmer, student government president said she’s never seen the community so united.

“I’ve never seen this university come together so well,” said Balmer. “I’m excited for next year and hope it gets bigger.”

Energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints were the focus topics as Ferris hosted the second annual Michigan Energy Conference under the theme “Energy Challenges and Michigan Solutions.”

Doug Zentz, a professor in the HVACR department, says that this year’s conference gained support in all aspects and says, “I believe the conference is gaining support from many areas outside of Ferris, which will help lead to the creation of new curriculum and degrees within the university”

Events began during the day on Thursday with workshops that included tips on energy auditing for business owners, how to become a home energy rater, HVAC commissioning and understanding alternative fuels for transportation.

The conference continued later that night where Ferris students were presented awards in the student poster board competition. Students entered poster boards featuring topics about energy in two categories, group and individual projects, to win cash prizes.

The winner of the individual competition was Alex Dekok whose project, “Michigan Energy Initiative,” featured how the state and residents can become involved in conserving energy and reducing emissions as well as information on alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal.

Shane Keshwah, David Zeeb, and Abigail Buchin won the group competition with their project “Water Sustainability.” Their project discussed how Michigan can become more sustainable in its water practices through uses of solar water heating, backup systems, low flow water fixtures and rainwater collection.

After the student awards, three speakers gave presentations on various energy topics. The first, Paul Proudfoot who is a representative with the Michigan Public Service Commission, discussed Michigan’s new energy legislation, specifically the Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, which was signed by Gov. Granholm last fall.

The bill specifies biomass, solar photovoltaics and solar thermal energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy and energy generated from landfill gas capture as potential sources of renewable energy and also ideas for cleaner energy technology, such as integrated gas combined cycle power plants or other lower-carbon facilities.

The second speaker, Jeff Goody head of recruiting for Vestas Blades America, Inc., talked about wind energy solutions and his companies work with newer, more efficient wind turbines that are equal to the energy equivalency of 13,000 barrels of oil.

Bill Harper, the final speaker of the night, is a representative with Chevron Energy Solutions. He discussed the need for energy efficiency and alternative energy projects. He illustrated the fact that in the past 20 years, U.S. oil production has declined by four million barrels a day, while demand has increased by the same or a greater amount.

The second day of the conference featured speakers Michele Buckler, from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, who spoke on carbon footprints, and Stephen Hamstra, from GMB Architects, who discussed how to reduce carbon footprints.

The rest of the day focused on break-out sessions covering topics on creating and delivering renewable energy, alternative energy, and energy efficiency solutions in business and industry. Special guest speaker, Stanley “Skip” Pruss, director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, also made a presentation.

Less than two and a half centuries ago a group of American colonists marched into Boston Harbor and participated in what would come to be known as the Boston Tea Party, a movement that protested the unfair taxes imposed by the British government.

Americans all across the country took a page from history on April 15, tax day, as they gathered to hold ‘tea parties’ of their own. They may not have been dumping tea into Boston Harbor, but their movement, called the “Tax Day Tea Party,” was a protest of recent tax policies, the stimulus bill, and the budget that’s getting passed through Congress right now.

Julia Vangheluwe, a sophomore in the political science program says, “This is a ‘tea party’ for all the new taxes that are going through Congress right now. I don’t support the new taxes that are being instituted.”

People in cities all across the country felt the same way as they joined together to hold their own ‘tea parties’ to protest what the federal government is doing with spending and the budget.

“This isn’t just conservatives, this isn’t just moderates, this isn’t just liberals,” says Karen Hutala, a 2005 graduate of Ferris and a Big Rapids resident. “This is a grassroots movement.”

Gordon Trute, Chairman of the Mecosta County GOP/ Republicans took it upon himself to organize the protests in Big Rapids with supporters congregating outside the city post office, Rite Aid, and Hemlock Park.

Trute says that the national debt has reached a record high and that the if the budgets from the time of George Washington were added up, they would still be less than what the budget that is currently trying to be pushed through Congress is going to be.

He says that the national debt is currently over $12 trillion and that his calculations predict that the national debt is going to add another $18 trillion if the budget is passed. The money needed to pay off this debt would be equivalent to each American individual paying $200,000.

“Well who has that kind of money lying around?” he inquires. “It’s going to be our grandkids and our grandkids’ grandkids that are still going to be paying this.”

This “Tax Day Tea Party” is the second round of the nationwide ‘tea party’ protests, the first taking place on Feb. 27 where according to the Tax Day Tea Party web site, an estimated 30,000 Americans in over 40 cities took place.

“Go Green Gumby” Grooving in Quad
On Wednesday, April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the campus quad Go Green Gumby will be hosting FSU’s Best Dance Crew. Come by to watch and support the FSU performers. For more information contact Go Green Gumby at gogreengumbey@hotmail.com

Awareness Week Activities
From Wednesday, April 22 through Friday, April 24 the Professional Recreation Association will hosting a number of earth day awareness events throughout campus. Activities include a bicycling workshop, self defense workshops, tie dyeing, healthy eating on a college budget and many others. For a full schedule of events can be viewed on the Ferris Campus Calendar. All events are free of charge to participate. For more information contact Anna Branner at 231-349-0833.

REAL Life “Transitioning from College to Professional Work”
On Wednesday, April 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room there will be a presentation in a series of workshops designed to help prepare students for life after graduation. “Learning to Beat the Competition” will be presented by Professor Gary Hiel will focus on how to write your resume for a specific employer. Another workshop will be held on Thursday in Rankin 129. Door prizes and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Angie Roman at x2658.

How to Take Exams
On Thursday, April 23 from 11 to 11:50 a.m. in Science 102 there will be a presentation on taking exams as a part of the Academic Support Center Speaker Series. There is no admission charge and everyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Julie Urick at x3543.

Speaker Jean Killbourne
On Thursday, April 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room author and speaker Jean Killbourne will present “The Naked Truth: Advertising’s Image of Women” with a question and answer session to follow. There is no admission fee to attend. For more information contact Kara Gottschall at gottsck1@ferris.edu

Sibs and Kids Weekend
The weekend of April 24 will be sibs and kids weekend with the theme of “Rock n Roll”. Various activities will be taking place throughout campus over the weekend. There is a $15 fee for each kid. For more information and events contact Mary Rynearson at x6669.

Arts and Lectures: Arn Chorn Pond - Human Rights
On Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium Arn Chorn Pond, the inspiration for the Emmy nominated documentary The Flute Player, will give a presentation on his life work and story. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for general admission. For more information contact Cate Arroe at x2070.

Angry Accidents
On April 7 at 4 p.m., officers received information about a carpedestrian accident around the West Campus apartment’s area at 2 p.m. the incident was a result of neighbors disputing. Investigation continues.

Stolen Sign
On April 7 at 7 p.m., there was a report of a handicap sign stolen from the West Campus apartment’s area. The sign was recovered and the subject was referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Two-vehicle Accident
On April 6 at 7:40 a.m., there was a report of a two-vehicle accident in Lot 17.

Truck Stuck
On April 6 at 1:30 p.m., there was a report of a vehicle stuck in the grass south of the South Campus apartments. The resident drove a rental truck on the grass. A tow truck removed the vehicle. The resident is responsible for the ground damages and was referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Stolen Bike
On April 6 at 7 p.m., there was a report of a bicycle stolen from a bike rack at the Rankin Center.

Lost Cell
On April 6 at 4:30 p.m., there was a report of a lost cell phone in the IRC lobby.

Sleeping in Starr
On April 4 at 12:30 a.m., officers assisted custodial staff in the Starr Building. There was an intoxicated subject sleeping in the stairwell. He was not a minor. The subject was removed and referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Door issues
On April 3 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a suspicious situation in Finch Court. They assisted a resident with a problem with a door.

Stolen Complex Property
On April 3 at 11:30 a.m., there was a report of a projector stolen from the Sports Complex.

Three against One
On April 5 at 3:45 p.m., there was a report of a fight that occurred at 1 a.m. A male reported being assaulted by three males on the sidewalk of Cedar Street.

Funny Actions
On April 3 at 12:30 a.m., there was a report of a suspicious act in Lot 3. The subject was possibly damaging vehicles in the area.

Vehicle Stuck On April 3 at 1:20 a.m., there was a report of a vehicle stuck in the grass South of Lot 21. The driver was identified and the vehicle was towed off of the grounds. The driver was referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Going in Circles
On April 15 at 2:37 p.m., officers were called to Lot 19 for a car doing donuts. Officers issued suspects a citation for careless driving.

It definitely isn’t grass!
On April 15 at 1:17 p.m., officers were called to the Business Building and recovered marijuana paraphernalia found on the ground.

Fraud!
On April 13 at 8 a.m., officers investigated a fraud complaint and assisted other agencies in finding suspects. The case was referred to other jurisdictions.

Vending Gone Missing!
On April 14 at 5:28 officers were dispatched to the Pennock Building for a Malicious Destruction of Property complaint. It was reported that a vending machine was broken into and all products and money is gone. Investigation continues.

Quiet Down!
On April 14 at 11:55 p.m., officers were sent to South Campus apartments on a loud noise complaint. Residents had a social gathering and were asked to quiet down.

Vanishing Bicycle
On April 13 at 1:10 a.m., there was a report of a larceny complaint on a stolen bike. It was locked up on a fence near Vandercook Hall. No suspects.

Disorderly Conduct
On April 10 at 11:20 officers noticed a subject in the Save- A-Lot parking lot urinating near a pickup truck. Investigation revealed that the subject was cited for disorderly conduct.

Recovered Bicycle
On April 8 at 9:45 officers responded to Robin Court on reference to a stolen bike. On April 14 this bike was recovered on campus. Investigation continues.

Stolen $$$
On April 8 at 1:30 a subject stated that $50 was missing from his wallet a McNerny Hall. Investigation continues.

Ticket Totals:
From April 2 through the 16, public safety identified 704 violators. Each violator was ticketed for the total of $11,863. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided, or reduced.

A team of Ferris’ survey engineering students took first place at the 2009 National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is the third time in four years that Ferris has claimed top honors.

The team, led by senior Autumn Park, beat out teams from Michigan Technological University, Purdue University and eight other universities from the United States and Puerto Rico to win the competition.

The competition consisted of two parts, and this year followed the theme, “Calculating Devices and Methods for Surveyors – Past to Present.” Part one of the competition was a paper that students wrote and submitted to NSPS officials.

In part two of the competition, teams had to complete a field experiment “hands-on” component that, according to the NSPS web site, was comprised of vernier readings, slide rule and log table calculations, and readings of the subtense bar.

In addition to winning the competition, Park received The Lowell H. and Dorothy Loving Undergraduate Scholarship and sophomore Joel East received the NSPS Board of Governors Scholarship.

Professors Robert Burtch and Khagendra Thapa of the surveying engineering department presented workshops at the conference as well.

The difficult economic times in our state and nation has made it increasingly difficult for some students to pay for their education. In 2008- 2009 Ferris awarded nearly 7,000 scholarships with a total value of $18.9 million.

With Ferris’ 125th anniversary just around the corner the Ferris Foundation announced an initiative to collect an additional $250,000 for student scholarships in 2009-2010. These scholarships are intended to assist students in order that they can continue their education in these financially difficult times.

Dan Burcham, vice president for Academic Affairs and vice president for Student Affairs, is looking to the immediate Ferris community to raise $50,000 of the money. To date the Ferris community has already donated $16,000 toward the cause.

Ferris Foundation Chair Sueann Walz is hopeful that these scholarships will serve as an investment into the lives of students. Walz said, “My hope is that one day a student will be able to look back and realize what a difference this program made for them in reaching their goals.”

These scholarships are geared specifically towards Pell Grant recipients that attend Ferris which currently number around 3,800 students.

FSU President David Eisler said, “Ferris has some of the best students and they deserve to be able to pursue their dreams despite their current financial situation.”

Osprey cam viewers may be able to witness the miracle of life, as the birds await the hatching of their young.

Visitors to the Ospreys’ webcam site were greeted by the presence of a creamy white and brown speckled egg in the nest on Sunday. The ospreys, which have made the light pole in the parking lot behind the Swan building their home for the better part of a decade, have recently become a popular attraction at Ferris State. With nearly 10,000 unique visitors since its beginning, the site has seen higher numbers as the word has spread through departments and classrooms on the Osprey and their day to day activities.

However, for whatever reason, the egg was no longer intact on Tuesday morning, mostly likely broken overnight by the Osprey. Now, with one egg laid and the possibility for as many as four eggs, the Osprey family could have a few more mouths to feed. The task of incubating the egg, or sitting on it to keep it warm, is divided between both the male and female bird for a period of 38 to 42 days prior to hatching.

“Last year there was one young, the year before there were two and the year before that there were two,” said Dr. Paul Klatt, professor of biology and point man for osprey projects on campus. “There’s discussion now about naming the young, but nothing has officially been decided,” said Klatt.

The Osprey Web Cam, which was installed in Mid March, has provided web viewers with an up close personal view as the Ospreys built their nest stick by stick, and even when they devoured a sizeable fish. Expected to become a long term information resource for biology students at Ferris and elsewhere, the Osprey Cam must remain stationary to maintain the integrity of the birds’ residence, but the camera is expected to be adjusted in September once the birds have migrated for the season.

After a fair bit of promotion, the Ferris Foundation announced an initiative to raise $250,000 or more for student scholarships. The announcement came Thursday afternoon that as part of the celebration for Ferris’ 125th anniversary, extra action would be taken to raise funds and provide aid to students who have had financial difficulties due to the failing Michigan economy.

The Ferris Foundation, which manages scholarships and financial gifts to the university, has done an outstanding job of doubling the endowment to more than $35 million in the last few years and could in many ways be responsible for Ferris’ continued growth and rising standing in the realm of academia.

But this action by the foundation seems to me to be little more than a clever public relations exercise to promote Ferris’ image. The $250,000 is slated to be distributed based on a student’s financial need with special consideration to students recognized by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as Pell Grant recipients.

Michigan’s souring economic climate has likely increased the number of students with financial need and $250,000 in additional scholarships will surely make a difference. I’m just a little concerned about what the rest of us are supposed to do. Realistically, a $500 to $1,000 gift per student would be a generous prize, but that means only 250 to 500 students of the over 10,000 enrolled at Ferris would be getting a chunk of it.

The idea is a noble one and I would love nothing more than for all of my peers and I to get more financial assistance as we struggle to pay the costs of higher education. Announcing an initiative regarding something a department is already supposed to do, in this case raising money, smacks of certain level of desperation. It’s like a police department saying they are going to work extra hard to keep you safe.

That’s what they’re supposed to do.

I like the idea of helping students, but I don’t see a reason why it should have to be such a novel idea.