MSU Board of Trustees roundup

At its Feb. 17 meeting, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved two Spartan Stadium improvement projects including a $2 million plan to install new permanent field lighting and another project to improve the South End Zone for $13 million.

The South End Zone project will include construction of a new building that will house additional amenities including restrooms and concession stands. It will also move entrance gates further away from the stadium to ensure stronger security measures. The project will be completed this fall.

Funding for both projects comes from auxiliary revenue including Intercollegiate Athletics and will not come from the university’s general fund.

Following are other actions taken by the board at its February meeting.

• The board authorized the establishment of the John A. Penner fund, an endowment that will enhance the education of graduate students studying in the areas of hematology, thrombosis or inflammation.
• The board adopted the updated Campus Land Use Master Plan that addresses changing land use needs and regulatory requirements.
• Authorization was given to begin other renovation projects including enhancements to instructional spaces in Bessey Hall, Natural Science and Veterinary Medicine.
• The board awarded a contract to Laux Construction for infrastructure improvements to the IM West building that includes upgrading the indoor pool, locker rooms and electrical systems as part of MSU’s Healthy Campus Initiative.
• The board approved the appointment of John Dorgan as the David L. and Denise M. Lamp Chair in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.