Today’s weather forecast is predicting partly cloudy skies with a high of 72 degrees and a low of 56 degrees. For the weekend, it looks like some rain showers in the morning tomorrow and rain showers with a mix of snow on Sunday with temps around the 50s.
Top HR administrator out at MSU
Michigan State University’s top human resources officer, Christina Brogdon, is leaving her role, though it’s unclear whether the departure was voluntary. Brogdon joined the university in 2022 as the first-ever vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer. At the time, her appointment was praised by then-President Samuel Stanley for her expertise in helping recruit and retain top talent.
Brogdon will be temporarily replaced by Donna Donovan, who previously served as chief of staff in MSU Human Resources. A university notice stated Brogdon is leaving to “pursue other opportunities,” though MSU declined to comment on the specifics of her departure.
During her tenure, Brogdon helped with key initiatives like the presidential search and overseeing compensation studies, among others. The university expressed gratitude for her contributions.
This change is part of a larger shift in MSU’s leadership under President Kevin Guskiewicz, who has recently restructured several administrative roles, aiming to reduce interim positions and bring more stability to the university’s leadership.
Four Spartans named finalists for Big Ten hockey postseason awards
After a dominant season and a chance at back-to-back conference title games, four Michigan State Spartans have been named finalists for Big Ten postseason hockey awards.
Junior forward Isaac Howard, the Big Ten’s regular-season points leader with 46 points, is a finalist for Big Ten Player of the Year. In two seasons since transferring from Minnesota-Duluth, Howard has accumulated 82 points and is also a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s top Division I player.
Sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine, a finalist for Big Ten Goaltender of the Year for the second year in a row, has helped anchor MSU’s defense with a .925 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average. He also helped Team USA win back-to-back gold at the IIHF World Juniors in December.
On the defensive side, junior Matt Basgall is up for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, having recorded 10 power-play points and 19 assists, second on the team.
Head coach Adam Nightingale, a finalist for Big Ten Coach of the Year after winning the honor last season, has led MSU to a program-best 24-6-4 record and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, a first since 2006-08.
The Spartans will face Notre Dame in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena, with the game airing on Big Ten Network.
‘Life of Pi’ transforms the Wharton Center’s stage
If you happen to spot a tiger strolling down Grand River, don’t be alarmed–it’s just Richard Parker making his way to the Wharton Center for Life of Pi.
This three-time Tony Award-winning play, based on Yann Martel’s novel, is now on stage at the Cobb Great Hall. Life of Pi tells the gripping story of Pi Patel, who survives a shipwreck and shares a lifeboat with a ferocious tiger. Many are familiar with the novel and the 2012 Academy Award-winning film.
The show opened on March 11 and runs through March 16. On March 12, the cast gathered for a lively discussion with fans. The audience was in for a surprise when a roar erupted and Richard Parker, the tiger puppet, slinked into the room. Puppeteer Aaron Haskell, along with Anna Gortner and Anna Vomácka, work together to bring the tiger to life with impressive synchronicity. They explained how their breathing and movements help create the tiger’s power, fear, and energy.
Taha Mandviwala, who plays Pi, shared his experience of auditioning for a “swing role” but ultimately landing the lead. He drew inspiration from parkour to embody the physicality of Pi, and he particularly enjoys the quiet philosophical moments in the show, like a key line that reflects on the power of doubt and conviction in life.
Mandviwala also noted that the show has made him reconsider his own relationship with spirituality and what it means to live with purpose. For him, Life of Pi is not just a physical challenge but a spiritual journey as well.
Catch Life of Pi at the Wharton Center through March 16, and don’t miss this incredible blend of philosophy, puppetry, and survival.
Based on original reporting by Owen McCarthy, Madilynn Warden and Victoria Winfield.
To end our last episode of the week, here are a few announcements!
Here is the MSU Athletic line-up for the weekend…
Tomorrow
- Women’s Tennis will go against Penn State at 12 P.M. at the Indoor Tennis Center.
- Hockey will play Notre Dame at 6 P.M. at Munn Ice Arena for the B1G Tournament Semifinals.
Sunday
- Women’s Tennis vs. Ohio State at 12 P.M. at the Indoor Tennis Center.
- Gymnastics will go up against Bowling Green at 2 P.M. at Jenison Field House.
Next, here’s the MSU weekend events line-up…
Today
- The string quartet and string trio concert will take place at 6 P.M. at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.
Tomorrow
- A museum tour focused on deep-rooted with Beal Botanical Garden will happen at 1 P.M. at the Broad Art Museum.
- SpARTan Wellness will host play with clay at the museum from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. where you can reminisce over your Play-Doh days as you can roll, stretch, carve, and stamp creations.
