Chris M.
Yelp
I'm going to end my 2011 on a high note, yelping a review of my favorite university, Michigan State. Yeah - I saved the best for last, how could you not give Sparty a perfect review? Yes, I'm a bit biased, but I tell it how it is.
I've spent most of my adult life in East Lansing and around the MSU Campus. It's a quality and reputable institution with a diverse curriculum and student body. It's also located on one of the most beautiful campuses, and no mascot is better than Sparty.
I graduated in '99 from Eli Broad College of Business, which was a fascinating and eye-opening experience. At that time MSU was ranked as a Top 30 college by US News & World Report. There were a plethora of resources available at your fingertips, the Academic Counselors were very helpful in shaping my career path. The Career Fairs were awesome and gave us a huge advantage and jump start into the job market - - so many reputable and well known companies were in attendance to recruit. Compared to some of my colleague's feedback about their Career Fair experiences at their institutions, I'd have to say that MSU put together a top notch experience.
My parents have worked at MSU since the mid 80's, so I've seen my fair share of growth and innovation. Many of MSU's academic programs are competitive and nationally recognized, with the Veterinarian, Packaging, Business, Engineering, and Agricultural schools just being a few. Supply Chain Management (for example) has been recognized nationally as a Top 3 program since the mid 90's, the Accounting program improved their curriculum, and I have always heard great things about Nursing and Speech Pathology.
I utilized the Olin Medical Center on campus a couple of times, and things always went well. I loved hanging out at the MSU Union dating back to my HS days. I love the botanical gardens near the library, and the campus colors during the Fall Season are always gorgeous and picturesque.
I was fortunate to have experienced tailgating at Munn Field, and lived through 2 widely publicized riots (non participatory, of course!). Our football program is competitive and on the rise, and Coach Izzo has built a National Powerhouse for Men's Basketball. We have a great hockey tradition, and the Women's Volleyball and Basketball are successful and competitive as well. I can't wait for MSU's Wrestling Team to win an NCAA Championship, as well as the Football Program - who narrowly missed a trip to the Rose Bowl this year by 3 God-Blessed points. Damn cheeseheads.
Some drawbacks during my student days: parking was never easy or fun (I'm sure that's common) as you're charged everywhere you park. You can always count on a ticket if you leave your meter empty. I wasn't happy about not being able to tailgate at Munn Field anymore, but I had my fill. There's a lot of theft and burglary on campus, but then again that's probably a common theme w/ other schools. Just keep tabs your stuff and lock it down, but otherwise it's relatively safe area.
Over the years I have also felt like the relationship btwn the MSU Student Body and the City of East Lansing has never really been harmonious and typically lacked that sense of "togetherness". There always seems to be some underlying tension or issues. Students are students, stuff happens, but their contributions are critical to the city's economic success, and I don't feel that's well appreciated or recognized. It seems as if the City refuses to take any crap from the students, and they've focused energies on separating the parties by outlining the physical boundaries (ex. increasing student housing restrictions, some students forced to live miles away from campus due to lack of capacity). I can say this w/ confidence after experiencing the past 12 years in Austin where I've observed a different culture - - the University of Texas Student Body and the City of Austin (generally speaking) co-exist and mesh well together, it's like one big family / community. They got it right down here, it's a complete contrast from my experiences in East Lansing.
Regardless, my blood is Green & White, I am forever Spartan, and I hope someday I will be able to teach at Michigan State - - a place I am proud to call home.