The Work of Play Meet alumni making their mark in hospitality - ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE - Michigan State University
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SPRING 2020 The Work of Play Meet alumni making their mark in hospitality ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE A BABY BLACK RHINO IS BORN
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SPRING 2020
18 Armed with Knowledge
17 Meet Coach Tucker
DEPARTMENTS
28 The Work of Fun
3 FROM THE PRESIDENT In the pages that follow, we introduce you to more than 25 MSU alumni who
5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are making their mark in the entertainment and hospitality fields. We hope
9 BENEATH THE PINES that these stories can provide a little vicarious fun for those who’ve been
22 SPARTAN STORIES home-bound and that, when it’s safe to mingle freely again, we might also
28 FEATURES inspire your next adventure.
53 GREEN & WHITE
55 CLASS NOTES
61 IN MEMORIAM
72 FROM THESE SCENES
ABOUT THE COVER: Meet Alexandra “Alex” Clark, a Spartan
and Forbes “30 under 30” and Crain’s “20 in their 20s”
recipient. She’s opened Detroit’s first artisan chocolate shop
in more than 40 years. Already, her business has grown to
include three stores. Photo: Gerard + Belevender, Detroit
Read, share Spartan online: go.msu.edu/Spartan-mag
Spartan is distributed to alumni, donors and friends
who make annual gifts to MSU of $100 or more. To
make a gift, visit givingto.msu.edu.
Email address changes to: UADV.Records@msu.edu
Or mail: UADV Records, 535 Chestnut Rd., #300,
East Lansing, MI 48824
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 1
SOPHISTICATED. BOLD. INSPIRING.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Working for a Safe,
Welcoming MSU
T
he first anniversary undergraduate years were marked events annually. I look forward to
of my being named by painful reckonings on the part of welcoming guests there once more.
MSU’s 21st president is this institution, postponement of its In this issue, you’ll meet several
approaching, as I write well-deserved commencement was Spartans who reflect the highest
this column. Among heartbreaking. As our graduates enter standards in the hospitality and
the many highlights are my visits a world that itself has changed, this entertainment industries, here
with alumni on campus and across band of Spartans deserves particular in Michigan, across the country
the country. I’m grateful for their acknowledgment. and around the world. You’ll also
consistently warm welcome. While most students returned to meet a new resident at Lansing’s
In my first days as president of their permanent residences, MSU Potter Park Zoo, a black rhinoceros,
Michigan State University, I was is still home to many, including born Dec. 24. I’m proud that MSU
asked what keeps me up at night. It is international students who can’t veterinarians and students helped
always the safety of our community, yet return to their families. Campus play a part in the preservation of
and I think most thoughtful leaders staff members have been working this endangered species.
would say the same. diligently to see to housing, dining Whether we’re caring for others or
Scarcely had my first semester and academic needs, as we do our our fellow creatures, accommodating
passed when this imperative reached best to make students who’ve students unable to return home or
a scale few would have imagined. The remained on campus feel comfortable planning future alumni gatherings,
novel coronavirus quickly reordered and welcome. I like to think Spartans have a
our priorities and routines, and I Alumni gatherings, too, have been natural gift for hospitality. I know
am immeasurably proud of how the affected. Among the highlights of my these are challenging times, but I
Spartan community has responded. first months as president were my hope this place on the banks of the
Thanks to extraordinary efforts visits with many of you. I am grateful Red Cedar will always feel like
by faculty, the support of staff to have been so warmly welcomed home to you and that we will be able
and the flexibility of students, into the Spartan family. to see one another soon. Stay safe
spring semester courses were I hope to extend such warmth and Go Green!
moved online. Research has been soon from new quarters. With the
affected; employees have worked reopening of a renovated Cowles
remotely or under more challenging House in March, I moved from 1855
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
conditions; and the competitions, Place — one of MSU’s newest housing
performances, conferences and options — to its most historic, dating Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
other activities we looked forward back to 1857. Cowles House has long PRESIDENT, MSU
to have been canceled or postponed. been a center of campus hospitality,
For the class of 2020, whose hosting more than 150 university
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 3
LETTERS
ADVENTURE AWAITS
When we were researching
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE WINTER 2020
and writing this issue’s
Fast Forward cover feature, it felt like a fun
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
way to greet spring.
MSU is helping shape the future of transportation
AND MARKETING
Reports about COVID-19 Stephanie Motschenbacher,
had only just begun to ’85, ’92
emerge from China. The
EDITOR
mood, and many people’s Paula M. Davenport
sense of adventure, has since daven125@msu.edu
shifted dramatically as the
illness spread far beyond CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Nancy Nilles
China. So while adventure
awaits, for many of us it CLASS NOTES EDITOR
might wait a little longer. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy Alex Gillespie, ’17
a little armchair traveling.
ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Iain Bogle
Paula M. Davenport
EDITOR, SPARTAN COPY EDITOR
Linda Dunn, ’13
ADVERTISING MANAGER
FEELING EXTRA PROUD TO many other articles in this issue, and I Peter DeLong, ’85
BE A SPARTAN still have a few more to read. Howev- Advertising 517-355-8314
I just read most of the Winter 2020 er, I just wanted you to share in the delongpe@msu.edu
issue and I thought it was superb! joy I received in reading this issue.
Beautiful job with organization, Congratulations on a job well done!
COPYRIGHT 2020
writing and graphics. I feel extra proud to have attended MSU ALUMNI OFFICE
Since I am a Comm Arts graduate MSU for one of my degrees. University Advancement
and a former book publishing MSU Alumni Office
executive, I was most interested in L. Christine Blackwell, M.A. ’83 Spartan Way
the articles relating to publishing and BLOOMFIELD HILLS 535 Chestnut Rd., Room 300
writing. I had no idea that Pulitzer East Lansing, MI 48824
Prize-winning author David Blight 517-355-8314
alumni.msu.edu
was an MSU alumnus. Also, I was
tickled to read samples of short EDITOR’S NOTE MSU is an affirmative-action,
equal-opportunity employer.
stories from the web address you MSU’s Devon Barrett, ’11, provided
provided at the end of the interesting (tons) of research and information
to the “Getting There” story in the
feature by Cindy Hunter Morgan
Winter 2020 magazine. We apologize TO SUBMIT LETTERS Email daven125@
titled “Ticker Tape Tales.” The for this omission. msu.edu. Or send mail to: Editor, 535
feature “Sharing Some Gude Stuff” Chestnut Rd., #300, East Lansing, MI.
48824. We reserve the right to select
also intrigued me. Of course, there are and edit letters for length and clarity.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 5
LETTERS
INCREASE THE DIVERSITY and the University of Maine (Orono). I
I just received my Spartan winter also worked in university advancement
2020 magazine. I was dismayed there for MSU for 13 years. So, I think I have
were not more minorities in it. It some credentials to say that the latest
would be nice to see more minori- issue of Spartan alumni magazine is
ties—other than athletes—in the the best of its genre that I have seen.
magazine. I’m sure we have promi- Both the graphics and the content were
nent African American graduates that superb. Congratulations to you and your
we can highlight. staff for a great “product.” I look forward
to receiving your next effort.
Darrell Washington, MBA ’94
ANN ARBOR Susan Reardon, M.S. ’82
ASHEVILLE, NC
JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY THANK YOU
I was heartened to see the letter to This winter issue looks fantastic. It is an
the editor by Mike Morrison (“Four honor to be included amongst so many
Elements of Reparation”) published dynamic MSU alumni. Thank you for
in your winter edition. I agree with including me!
his sentiments 100 %.
Surely, there have been hundreds Dustin Hunt, ’07
of similar communications MSU LANSING
has received since the sex abuse
scandal.
I’m sure you had to battle consider- CONNECTED AND INSPIRED
able institutional blockades to get that After reading through the recent Spar-
letter into the magazine. But some- tan, I just wanted to say: “thank you!” It
how you did it. is inspiring to see my MSU family doing
Congratulations for helping their best, using their God-given talents,
restore journalistic integrity to your helping others and having elite success.
publication. The magazine covers a nice variety of
MSU highlights from academics to ath-
Larry P. Miller, ’60 letics, to world outreach and more.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA Living in California, the Spartan
magazine is another way for me to stay
connected to MSU. I’m grateful to be
CONGRATULATIONS a Spartan.
I am an MSU alumnus who had a
35-year career in university advance- Dan Steenstra, ’96
ment, ending as vice president of Uni- MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
versity Advancement at Ferris State
6 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D U
As one of MSU Alumni Office’s long-standing
featured offerings, the Coffee with the Profs
series highlights research by some of the
university’s finest faculty and staff.
To receive notification when registration opens
for the upcoming Fall 2020 series, please
email Elizabeth Wheeler at szufnar@msu.edu.
Spartans, it’s time to come home.
ALUMNI UNIVERSITY | AUG. 27-28
This two-day educational experience brings generations
of Spartans back to the banks of the Red Cedar to
reconnect with classmates, and tour new sites on
campus — all while learning from some of MSU’s best
educators. Bring a friend and show off your alma mater!
REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 1
• Opening reception at the newly renovated Cowles House
• Tours of campus, new developments and projects
• Choice of two educational sessions
• Variety of campus activities
• Closing reception at Billman Music Pavilion
VISIT GO.MSU.EDU/ALUMNIUNIVERSITY
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
ANNUAL GIVING
is the lifeline for building and sustaining Michigan State University
STRONG AS ONE | EXTRAORDINARY TOGETHER
MSU honors its top annual donors in recognition
levels, which are renewable annually.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Spartan STRONG gifts of $1,000-$2,499/year
Spartan GREAT gifts of $2,500-$4,999/year THREE WAYS
Spartan BOLD gifts of $5,000-$9,999/year
TO MAKE A GIFT
Spartan INSPIRED gifts of $10,000-$19,999/year
Spartan EXTRAORDINARY gifts of $20,000+/year PHONE: (800) 232-4MSU
ONLINE: givingto.msu.edu/3914
LOYALTY LEVELS
MAIL: University Advancement
Spartan LOYAL gifts of $100-$499/year Spartan Way
Spartan PROUD gifts of $500-$999/year 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300
East Lansing, MI 48824
Annual giving recognition levels include all monetary donations and matching gifts received during
WKHÀVFDO\HDU-XO\-XQH/LIHWLPHUHFRJQLWLRQEHJLQVDWLQFXPXODWLYHJLYLQJ
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, GIVE ANNUALLY • go.msu.edu/loyaltyBeneath Pines the
News & Views from MSU
Mind if I
Horn In?
This curious newborn
rhino made a much-
heralded entrance into
the world on Dec. 24.
MSU vets and students
joined Potter Park Zoo
staff in following his
mother’s 15-month
pregnancy and her
baby’s safe arrival.
(Story on page 46)
POTTER PARK ZOO
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 9BTP News
TOP PROF
Beronda Montgom-
RAVE REVIEWS IN SAN DIEGO
ery has been named
A community of chemists one of the 100 most
were wowed by young- inspiring black scien-
sters’ clever creation: a 3-D
periodic table accessible tists in America. The
to those with hearing and recognition comes from
vision impairments.
“CrossTalk,” the official
blog of Cell Press, a
leading publisher of
“The display ignited conversations
Youngsters’ 3D about disabilities and accommoda-
tions like I have never observed
cutting-edge biomedi-
cal and physical science
research and reviews.
Periodic Table before—it emotionally connected An MSU Foundation
Professor, Montgomery
with the scientific community,”
Wows Scientists said Michelle Cummings, research is based in the College
of Natural Science
scientist at Dow and key contact for and is a member of
How would you teach someone who the project. the MSU-DOE Plant
is blind or deaf about the periodic “The combination of tactile and Research Laboratory.
table of elements? You remember that visually stimulating design highlight- Award criteria included
complex chart from your high school ing both sign language and braille research importance,
writings on diversity
chemistry and physics classes, right? created a one-of-a-kind interactive
and inclusion and
It’s the 150-year-old table composed display—perfect for the 2019 Interna- mentorship of develop-
of 118 chemical elements arranged by tional Year of the Periodic Table,” she ing scientists of diverse
their respective atomic numbers, said. “The excitement for this project backgrounds.
electron configurations and recurring was contagious.”
chemical properties. MSU St. Andrews hosts a combina-
That question was posed to a group of middle tion of partner-supported
school and high school students participating
in extracurricular learning at MSU St. Andrews
research; science, technology,
engineering, arts and mathematics NO. 8
in Midland. The Committee on Chemists with (STEAM) education programs for U.S. Public
Disabilities—which has connections to Midland’s students and families; and profes-
Program ranking
Dow Chemical Company—initiated the idea. sional development opportunities
of MSU’s
A total of 30 students created a 3D version of for teachers in the greater Midland
Executive MBA
LINDA WANG / MSU
the table with braille and signing hands for every region. It also offers a lending library
element. It drew rave reviews at its fall debut at of equipment for schools, students program
the American Chemical Society National Meeting and robotics teams.
- FINANCIAL TIMES
in San Diego. ~ Melanie Kauffman
10 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP News
NASCAR DRIVER IN SAFE ‘HANS’ ALBRIGHT SPEAKS AT
BLANCHARD FORUM
Ryan Newman’s car was traveling at 200 mph, when it was
clipped, flipped, went airborne, landed on its roof and burst into
flames. Daytona 500 spectators feared the worst. Amazingly,
less than 48 hours after skidding across the finish line in a flurry
of sparks and blazes, Newman strolled out of a hospital holding
the hands of his two young daughters. It was due in no small
part to the HANS device, a head and neck support invented by
the late Robert Hubbard, an MSU engineering professor, and his Madeleine Albright, who in 1997
became the first female U.S.
brother-in-law Jim Downing, a driver himself. They’d discovered secretary of state, delivered a
after crashes, drivers were dying from skull fractures. That led to spirited interview during the
2020 Blanchard Public Service
their creation of a collar-shaped device to restrain drivers’ heads Forum in February. She served
and reduce spinal compression. Four years after the 2001 death under President Bill Clinton and
was awarded the Presidential
of Dale Earnhardt, the industry made the HANS mandatory. Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Meanwhile, Newman said it felt like angels were holding him. She said, “Democracy is not
a spectator sport. I think that
people need to absorb the things
that are going on and participate
in many different ways.
“Democracy is a gift. It really is.
I know from having been a victim
of having to leave the country I
was born in (the former Czecho-
slovakia) because of totalitarian
governments. We have a respon-
sibility to understand what is
going on and participate.
“We all know, ‘See something,
say something.’ I added to that:
‘Do something.’”
The Blanchard Forum was
created in 2015 through a gift
to MSU from former Michigan
Governor Jim Blanchard and his
wife, Janet.
Previous speakers have includ-
ed U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, journalist
Cokie Roberts, U.S. Rep. John
Lewis, documentarian Ken
Burns and former U.S. President
GETTY IMAGES \ MSU
Bill Clinton.
Follow the 64th secretary of
state on Twitter @madeleine
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 11BTP News
WORKING
SIDE BY SIDE
MSU and its state
partners are always
striving to create a
stronger, healthier,
more prosperous to-
morrow for Michigan
and the world.
WOMEN IN STEM
In 2019, female un-
dergraduate students
made up slightly more
than half the pupils
studying biosystems
engineering.
INSPIRED CREATORS
MSU’s undergraduate
entrepreneurship
programs rank in the
top 20, according to
the Princeton Review
Helping Ellie Feel Her Way through Art Class and Entrepreneurship
Magazine.
DETROIT’S FUTURE
CIVIC LEADERS
Student Ellie Morgan is blind. But she didn’t space all around the edges. Ellie could then
MSU Political Scientist
let that stop her from taking a fall art class. A feel the areas outside her image and apply Joshua Sapotichne
junior—with a dual major in the Residential Col- paint, beads and other decorative objects. and his team have
lege in the Arts and Humanities—she enrolled “Working on the portrait project was quite deployed more than
in the class Yoga and Art: Creative Possibilities fun and interesting,” she said, adding it was 160 students from 17
through Contemplative Practices. the first time she’d ever tried such a project. majors to partner with
more than 32 Detroit
Students engage in such reflective practices She enjoyed it so much that she’s currently
civic organizations
as yoga, meditation and walking to fire up their taking another art class with Delgado. Called through InnovateGov,
inner artists when tackling such assignments as The Prison Poetry ’Zine Project, the class an undergraduate
drawing, painting, collage making, journaling gives MSU students the opportunity to con- internship program
and more. duct art and poetry workshops with teenag- launched in 2015.
Professor Guillermo Delgado, who teaches the ers in Ingham County’s Juvenile Detention
class, said Ellie helped deepen his understand- Center.
ing of how to help students with visual impair- Delgado said, “I’m more the teacher I want
ments to express themselves through art. to be because of my experience working with
He adapted one assignment in which students Ellie. It’s allowed me to flex and stretch my
embellished photographs of themselves to creative muscle by creating course goals that
convey their creative auras. He outlined Ellie’s are accessible and inclusive.”
photograph with hot glue and applied textured
MSU
gel to just her picture, leaving smooth white ~ Morris Arvoy
12 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UDUSTIN HUNT, ’07
College of Arts and Letters
BTP News
On the Right Track
MSU research leads to contract for North America’s first commercial
hydrogen-powered train
“ Initially,
the passenger
train will zip
along a nine-
When the first hydrogen-powered train
pulls away from its San Bernardino County
California station in 2024, Spartans will have
helped bring it to fruition.
The San Bernardino County Transportation
Andreas Hoffrichter, Burkhardt Profes-
sor in Railway Management and executive
director of MSU’s railway research group,
said, “We are globally leading in this field
with particular expertise in hydrogen-fuel
mile corridor Authority (SBCTA) turned to the university to -cell railway vehicles, so this project was a
in San Bernardino explore zero-to-low-emissions fuel options for natural fit.”
its new Arrow railway service. MSU is home to Initially, the passenger train will zip
County. Planners the Center for Railway Research and Educa- along a nine-mile corridor in San
envision a day tion, in the Eli Broad College of Business. Bernardino County. Planners envision a
when Arrow “Being in one of the worst air quality areas day when Arrow will make runs to and
will make runs in the nation, projects like this are critical to from Los Angeles too.
our mission to improve the quality of life for The Birmingham Center for Railway
to and from Los
San Bernardino County residents,” said Carrie Research Education and Mott MacDonald
Angeles too. Schindler, director of Transit and Rail Pro- partnered with MSU on the project.
grams at the SBCTA. Funding came from the California State
MSU researchers considered such fuels as Transportation Agency.
hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, diesel,
biofuels, batteries and some hybrids. MORE ON Learn more:
The SBCTA chose the hydrogen-fuel-cell- WEB broad.msu.edu/railway-center
hybrid train for its scalability and the potential
to expand service areas.
STADLER
S P A R T A N M A G A Z I N E 13BTP News
GATEWAY
TO HEALTH
IM WEST
Just outside the IM West
gym, this “Gateway to
Health” sculpture shows
people enjoying a range
of recreational sports. It
aims to convey the value
STAFF MEMBERS
CENTER FOR SURVIVORS of exercise and sports
in our lives. MSU artist
Doug DeLind created
MSU Center for Survivors the work in welded
Expands to Include New bronze. His piece is
among more than 100
First-Response Health Care works of art dotting
campus grounds and on
display in buildings.
The Center for Survivors this month Services are confidential, free and
added 24-hour-a-day medical care available 24/7. All care is guided by
for sexual assault survivors. Now trauma-informed practitioners.
specially trained nurses will provide Crisis intervention, individual
first-response care at the center, and group therapy, safe-space
located in the Student Services meeting places and trans-
Building. MSU’s Relationship portation are also offered.
Violence and Sexual Misconduct “We want survivors to
workgroup recommended the addi- know they’re not alone. We
tion, formally known as the Sexual care about their well-being
Assault Nurse Examiner program. and will help them along
Survivors will be seen in a newly refur- whichever healing path
bished suite of private rooms designed to they choose,” said Tana Fedewa,
be more comfortable than a hospital or the center’s director.
police station.
MSU / DAVENPORT
The new addition encompasses a wait- MORE ON Learn more:
ing room, exam room and meeting rooms. WEB centerforsurvivors.msu.edu
14 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP News
PLANNING Indigenous Law and Policy Center SLAVERY TO
FOR GREATER Honored for Advocacy, Education FREEDOM
DIVERSITY, LECTURES
EQUITY AND A trio of nationally
revered African Amer-
INCLUSION ican leaders delivered
President Samuel L. public presentations at
Stanley, Jr. recently this year’s 20th annual
tapped 26 experts Dr. William G. Anderson
across campus to Lecture Series.
examine ways in
which to bolster
diversity, equity and
inclusion at MSU.
The steering com-
mittee will examine,
among other areas, STAFF MEMBERS OF THE INDIGENOUS
the composition and LAW AND POLICY CENTER
Kevin R. Murriel, a
success of the faculty,
social activist, author,
staff and student There are more than 570 human rights reform deserves researcher and senior
bodies; research and recognized Native Amer- great acknowledgment. pastor of the Cascade
scholarship; curricu- United Methodist Church
ican tribes in the United The university’s center pro-
lum and educational in Atlanta, Georgia.
programs; communi- States. Each governs itself as a vides legal services to tribes,
ty engagement; and sovereign nation. Today, tribal educates students and others
the culture that MSU court systems are handling an about American Indian law,
community members ever-growing list of criminal and recruits and supports
experience on a daily and civil justice issues. Native students to the law
basis. Findings will
MSU’s College of school. In addition, it sup-
inform a new, univer-
sity-wide strategic Law stands ready ports the Indian Child
plan intended to to help. It offers Welfare Appellate April Ryan, a White
serve as a figurative legal training for Project—the House Correspondent,
North Star. Presently, CNN political analyst,
those interested in sole such clinic of author and bureau chief
22 MSU advisors are
working for, and on its kind—afford- for American Urban
working as mem-
bers of the Strategic behalf of, Native ing MSU students Radio Networks.
Planning Steering American tribes. distinctive learning
Committee. In January, its opportunities.
Indigenous Law and Additionally, the center
Policy Center garnered na- launched TurtleTalk, a leading
tional praise from the Society blog on Native American is-
of American Law Teachers, sues, providing access to legal
which bestowed upon it the and regulatory opinions in Bankole Thompson,
M. Shanara Gilbert Human tribal cases and tribal matters an op-ed columnist at
Rights Award. without fees or other barriers. The Detroit News. He is
The honor is awarded to a also editor-in-chief of
The PuLSE Institute, a
person or institution whose MORE ON Learn more: Detroit-based anti-pov-
TripSaavy.com investment in the pursuit of WEB law.msu.edu/indigenous
erty think tank.
MSU
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 15BTP Arts
NEW EXHIBIT
EXPLORES
HISTORY OF
HUMAN-ANIMAL
CONNECTIONS
A new exhibit at the MSU Libraries gathers rich collection might expand and deepen their projects
historic books from the veterinary medicine and understanding,” Salem said.
collections and notable items in Special Col- Andrea Kepsel, MSU Libraries Health Sciences
lections to examine how the special bond be- librarian, curated the exhibit. She said it reveals early
tween humans and animals has been illustrat- understandings—and sometimes misunderstand-
ed, documented and described for hundreds ings—of animal anatomy, veterinary practices, disease
of years. transmission, dairy farming and breeding.
The exhibit examines the history of the horse, the “The pleasure of the exhibit is that it presents work
link between human and animal health, the role of that is historical, practical and beautiful,” Kepsel said.
farm animals, the practice of beekeeping, and the his- “It gives people an opportunity to view delicate, rare
tory of hunting and fishing. It includes rare books and books that address real-world, everyday issues. It also
illustrations dating from the 17th century. underscores how powerful the relationship between
“This exhibit feels particularly appropriate to share people and animals can be.”
here in the MSU Libraries because it reveals a prac- Highlights in the exhibit include a 17th-century book
tical approach to teaching and learning that we have of crude equine remedies written by a poet, a book from
always valued here at MSU,” Dean of Libraries Joseph the beginning of the 18th century with a useless remedy
Salem said. for rabies, an 18th-century book with beautiful illus-
“It also feels timely. There is much discussion now trations of equine anatomy and a 19th-century map of
about viruses that evolve and spread from animals to dairy farming in America.
humans, and this exhibit considers theories of zoonot- The exhibit will be on display in the Main Library
ic diseases as well as concepts of connection and com- through July.
panionship. We encourage students, researchers and
MORE ON Before you visit:
the public to explore the exhibit and consider how this
WEB lib.msu.edu/hours
MSU
16 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBTP Sports
Mel Tucker Named New
Head Football Coach
Mel Tucker—a 23-year coaching veteran with
college and NFL chops—is the Spartan football
team’s new coach. He was introduced to the
Spartan community Feb. 12.
His resume, which began as an MSU graduate assistant
under Nick Saban, includes a head coaching position at the
University of Colorado (2019), five seasons as a defensive
coach in the Southeastern Conference (2000 and 2015-18), 10
seasons in the NFL (2005-14) and four seasons at Ohio State
(2001-04). He was a defensive coordinator in the NFL for
seven seasons and for 11 seasons overall in his coaching career.
The 48-year-old Tucker is nationally recognized as a top
recruiter and talent developer. He’s worked with numerous
NFL Draft selections, including nine first-rounders, and mul-
tiple All-Americans and Pro Bowlers.
In 142 games as a full-time coach in the Football Bowl
Series, Tucker’s teams collected a 106-36 record, including
11 postseason bowl games, three conference championships,
three national championship games and two national champi-
onships. He coached 160 games in the NFL.
He’s the university’s 25th head football coach. Tucker most
recently coached the University of Colorado’s team. He took
the Spartan helm from Mark Dantonio, who retired as head
coach. Tucker and his wife, Jo-Ellyn, a Rutgers University law
school alumna, have two sons, Joseph and Christian.
Catch the home season opener Saturday, Sept. 5, against
Northwestern University.
Get your tickets now. Call (517) 355-1610, or send an
email to tickets@msu.edu
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COACH TUCKER
1 Coach Tucker’s
first collegiate
coaching job was 2 Coach Nick
Saban hired
Tucker to be part 3 Tucker is a former
cornerback/safety
from the Universi- 4 Tucker, 48, spent
10 years in the
NFL with three 5 Tucker proposed
to his wife on
their first date. He
ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
at MSU, where he was of his staff three times, ty of Wisconsin, where teams: Cleveland, Jack- later made it official at
a graduate assistant in at MSU, LSU and the he lettered three times sonville and Chicago. MSU when he proposed
1997-98. University of Alabama. and helped the Badgers He’s a Cleveland native. a second time.
win the 1993 Big Ten
title and the Rose Bowl.
S P A R T A N M A G A Z I N E 17BTP Room to Explore
Armed with
Knowledge
Professor Galit (gah-LEET) Pelled (Peh-LED) is investigating how injuries
alter brain function—and is striving to discover new ways to aid those
recovering from traumatic head injuries, strokes, epilepsy, spinal cord
injuries and other brain disorders. Her work is supported in part by a new
$2.8 million grant from The National Institutes of Health. Her research
bridges biomedical engineering, radiology and neuroscience. She’s the
director of the neuroengineering division at MSU’s Institute of Quanti-
tative Health Sciences and Engineering. The scope of her examination
of brains goes from cellular up to whole organisms. Here’s a glimpse of
parts of her research laboratory, some of her team members and a few of
the fascinating tools of their trade.
T
here are 300 species of octopus living in
our oceans. But scientists thus far have
sequenced the genome of only one, the
relatively small California octopus. In one area DREAM TEAM
of Pelled’s laboratory, four separate saltwater Pelled guides a
team of researchers,
tanks each hold a single such octopus. composed of students,
post-docs and
Like their counterparts the world over, technicians.
they’re intelligent, can solve puzzles and are
known to be escape artists. They’re good study
subjects because they possess about two-thirds
of their neurons in their arms, which function
relatively autonomously. Using video record-
ings and artificial intelligence, scientists in
Pelled’s lab can glean detailed information on
how an octopus waves its tentacles and grabs
objects.
If these movements can be described in CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Professor Galit Pelled is director
mathematical terms, it may be possible to of the neuroengineering division.
create an arm brace one’s brain could control. Her lab is located in the Institute
of Quantitative Health Sciences
Pelled said one of the actions desired most by and Engineering building.
people who’ve lost the use of their arms is the In a flourish, an intrepid California
ability to pick things up and hold them. octopus leaves his hiding spot for
the camera.
Small, glass catfish native to Thailand swim
in a separate freshwater tank nearby. Pelled Researchers can keep tabs on the
octopi 24/7 thanks to a phone app
and her husband, Assaf Gilad, a professor of connected to video cameras.
biomedical engineering and radiology, have Pelled and her husband, also a
discovered an electromagnetic gene in this spe- researcher, discovered that glass
catfish possess a gene that helps
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
cies. The discovery has the potential to revolu- them navigate, with help from the
tionize treatments for humans and help those Earth’s magnetic poles, in murky
water.
who suffer from tremors related to Parkinson’s
disease and epilepsy.
18 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UIn other research, team members are
striving to find improved methods for treating
traumatic brain injuries in children. “We’re
so fortunate to be here and have the absolute
finest research tool,” Pelled said. “We come in
every morning, and there are new discoveries.”
Recently, she received university funding to
assist in efforts to recruit and encourage mi-
norities and women to pursue STEM degrees.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
A team member in the laboratory exam-
ines a slide to determine how currents
from a brain’s neurons change after
injury and disease.
A team of students built this exoskel-
eton, which relies on biomechanical
principles like those explored in the
Pelled Lab.
A researcher prepares to study ultra-high
resolution brain signals thanks to a new
26,000 microelectrodes array.
MORE ON Learn more:
WEB pelledlab.org
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 19BTP Financial Report MSU 2019 FINANCIAL REPORT AT A GLANCE In 2018, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees adopted student-focused budget guidelines for academic years 2018- 19 and 2019-20, which included tuition freezes, tuition restraint and financial aid increases. Below is a summary of the 2018-19 budget showing the sources of revenue, annual operating expenses, and a breakdown of annual cash gifts and pledge payments. 20 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D U
MEET LIKE A LOCAL Michigan State alumni know coming back to Greater Lansing feels a lot like coming home. How about holding your next meeting or event in Spartan Country? From great new lodging and diverse dining options to one-of- a-kind meeting space and access to experts at MSU, there are so many reasons to #LoveLansing like a local. Add to that lots of free help planning LANSING.org from the CVB and its easy, come back home, and meet in Greater Lansing! #LOVELANSING
SPARTAN STORY Experience orchestrater
Lead Player
For musician Joe Zenas, being a CEO is a lot like
being a conductor. At Thinkwell Group, Zenas taps his
music background to help create lively and dynamic
experiences at theme parks, museums, expos and other
popular destinations BY DANIEL P. SMITH
native into a roving life as a
freelance producer and stage
supervisor for live entertainment
and special events, including work
on ten Super Bowl pregame and
halftime shows beginning with
Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993
performance.
“For me, those shows were just
like a marching band: Get 300
people moving in the same
direction quickly and efficiently,”
said Zenas, who discovered that
J
oe Zenas likes to say he the skills he had cultivated as a
has a career from music musician—accountability, self-
as opposed to a career discipline, knowing when to lead
in music—and it’s not a and when to follow—shined in the
life he ever could have business world. marquee destinations. Some of
imagined as an MSU undergrad. In 2002, Zenas joined some the firm’s notable projects include:
A former Spartan Marching industry colleagues in their upstart Lionsgate Entertainment World in
Band trumpeter, Zenas had his eye design firm, Thinkwell Group. China; Warner Bros. Studio Tour
on graduate school at the Univer- Once four employees in a Southern London—The Making of Harry
sity of Cincinnati Conservatory California garage, Thinkwell is Potter; Ski Dubai, the world’s larg-
until earning a spot in Disney’s now one of the world’s premier ex- est indoor ski area, in the United
All-American College Band, a perience design firms, with nearly Arab Emirates; and Warner Bros.
coveted post-collegiate internship 200 employees across five interna- World Abu Dhabi, the world’s larg-
that pairs live performances with tional offices. est indoor theme park, also in the
workshops about the business of The Los Angeles-based United Arab Emirates.
music. There, Zenas’ eyes opened to agency—“a collection of doers, “We took that one from blank
new opportunities in music. producers and creators,” Zenas sand to opening,” Zenas beamed
THINKWELL GROUP
“I saw this entire world beyond said—invents dynamic physical about the Abu Dhabi project.
the art,” said Zenas, the son of a environments for theme parks, Thinkwell is currently focusing
church organist. museums, presidential libraries, on new markets such as Saudi
That pushed the Williamston corporate headquarters and other Arabia, which is rapidly expanding
22 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UJoe Zenas, ’90
College of Music
Left to right: Thinkwell partners François
Bergeron, Craig Hanna and Joe Zenas
within one of their creations, Diagon
Alley, on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
for the Making of Harry Potter.
its entertainment offerings, and
“
applying its creative design chops
to health care environments. As Michigan State and the College of Music gave
Thinkwell CEO, Zenas likens him-
self to an orchestra conductor: put- me the courage to step outside my comfort
ting individuals in the right seats,
setting the right pace and coaxing a
zone and take calculated risks.
dynamic group performance.
“It’s the same here,” he said. “I him to reflect on the rich role “Michigan State and the College of
communicate to the team and then MSU played in his life and the Music gave me the courage to step
guide that intent from the begin- unexpected places that led. He outside my comfort zone and take
ning to the very end.” reminded students that they can calculated risks,” he said. “This life
After nearly three decades away do what they love, while encour- I’ve created, all of these doors opened
from the MSU campus, Zenas aging them to embrace the curvy to me because I was a musician first.”
returned last spring to deliver the paths ahead to discover un-
College of Music’s commence- known opportunities that might MORE ON Learn more
ment address. The visit prompted enrich and awaken. WEB thinkwellgroup.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 23SPARTAN STORY The interviewer
No Coincidences
A tragic day in American history changed Tanya Hart’s
life forever. That new path led to meeting her husband
and building a career in radio and television that has
lasted more than forty years and counting BY NANCY NILLES
F
rom the time she was shaped Hart’s history along with Phil encouraged her to focus on
preschool age, Tanya America’s. communications and to change her
Hart knew she was “Something came over me and a major. After graduation, the couple
going to be a Spartan. voice said, ‘Get over to the (campus) settled in Boston, where she broke
On her family’s many radio station and get on the air.’ And into television while Phil worked
road trips from Muskegon to visit that’s what I did,” she said. as a professor and they raised their
relatives in Detroit, her father, Lewis “It was such a horrible day. I daughter Ayanna Kai.
Hinton, would pull off in East Lan- solicited two friends, Larry Redd Hart filled her Rolodex with A-list
sing to drive through campus, telling (’71, ’76) and Bernard Carver (’72) names as she built her reputation as
her, “Now this is where you’re going and we took some James Brown and an interviewer. She was the perfect
to go to college.” Parliament-Funkadelic albums and choice when BET’s founder Bob
In high school she even torpedoed whatever we had in our little slim Johnson wanted someone to set
an audition with Motown Records’ collection. We started spinning re- up a West Coast operation for the
Berry Gordy when she realized that cords and just talking. We were just network.
pursuing a singing career would trying to make people feel better.” But Phil had achieved tenure at
sideline college. “I’ve got to go to Hart had unknowingly just hosted the University of Massachusetts’
Michigan State,” she recalled telling her first show, “Takin’ Care of Busi- Boston campus and commuted for
her manager. ness,” on WKAR. 12 years, visiting Tanya whenever he
Still, her voice has served her well, That summer, a friend who had could. Those years were some of her
launching a long career as a radio helped her get on the air that day hardest. “It was only by the grace of
and television host and producer— invited her on a road trip to New God we survived all that,” Hart said,
at a time when a black woman was York. Along for the ride was an MSU along with plenty of hard work. She
“a novelty” in the industry. sociology grad student named Philip pulled all-nighters every Wednes-
However, broadcasting hadn’t Hart (’70). Their car broke down day for 10 years, “because it was
been her original plan. Hart excelled on the George Washington Bridge. the only way I could get everything
at science and biology and was pur- The pair have been married for fifty done.”
suing a career in medical technolo- years. As host of “Live from LA with
gy—until April 4, 1968, when the “Now I know there are no coinci- Tanya Hart” on BET, she inter-
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was dences in life,” Hart said with a laugh viewed hundreds of stars—including
assassinated. It was a day that from their home in Los Angeles. the first televised interview of late
24 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D U“ It was such a horrible
day (when the Rev.
Martin Luther King
Jr. was assassinated),
I solicited two
(Spartan) friends,
Larry Redd and
Bernard Carver, and
we took some James
Brown and Parlia-
ment-Funkadelic
albums and whatever
we had in our little
slim collection. We
started spinning re-
cords and just talking.
We were just trying
Tanya Hart, ’71
College of Communication
to make people feel
Arts and Sciences
better.
rapper Tupac Shakur, which was Hart currently hosts the syndicated
later included in the Oscar- “Hollywood Live with Tanya Hart”
nominated documentary “Tupac: on American Urban Radio Networks.
Resurrection.” “Many times it wasn’t easy,” she
Other career highlights have said. “But I still consider myself very
included singer Ike Turner reveal- blessed and lucky, and really charmed
ing publicly for the first time—to with all the good things and people
Hart on live television—that he’d that have come my way. But I do think
been sexually abused as a child, and you attract what you put out.”
landing an exclusive interview with
TANYA HART
Winnie Mandela during her 1990 MORE ON See Hart’s latest news at:
world tour. WEB tanya-hart.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 25SPARTAN STORY Scene setter
Making the Moment
Courtney Cawley Gray’s interest in planning events began
at a young age. She has gone from creating party favors and
decorating prom to planning huge events as sales director at
the Chicago White Sox ballpark BY DANIEL P. SMITH
C
ourtney Cawley Gray planning, while Gray spent her
admits luck was on her high school years creating party
side September 24, 2016. favors and decorating cakes at a
Months prior, Gray, a local bakery before decorating her
director of sales at Levy, senior prom.
one of the nation’s foremost hospitality While attending MSU, Gray worked
players, had booked a wedding on that at the MSU Bakery and then the
date at one of U.S. Cellular Field’s pri- University Club of MSU, where her
vate rooms—amid a nearly twelve-hour role in banquets and events provid-
music festival. Coordinating a wedding ed rich insights into coordinating
at the Chicago White Sox’s stadium front-of-the-house and back-of-the-
during the ballpark’s first concert in
“
thirteen years posed a monumental
challenge.
Mixing an intimate affair loaded
We were hosting
with high expectations with the influx events for upwards
of 47,000 concertgoers complicated of 1,200 people
Gray’s promises to her clients.
But the detail-oriented Gray was
each night because
up to the task. From creating special there was so much
parking passes for wedding guests to energy around
setting a defined photo schedule, she
worked alongside park operations staff, the (World Series)
engineers, security personnel and other winning team.
White Sox partners to execute a mem-
orable affair for the couple, punctuated house operations. Those respective
by an onstage shout-out from music efforts deepened Gray’s interest in “It pays to be with an organization
superstar Alicia Keys. the events business and propelled that recognizes hard work,” Gray said.
“The planning gods were with us that her into a pair of key internships, one Her first year with Levy proved a
day,” Gray said. at the Aspen Institute and a summer wild one as the White Sox stormed
The Waterford, Michigan, native 2004 tour with Levy at the White to a World Series title.
claims a long-standing fascination with Sox ballpark. Levy was so impressed “Baptism by fire,” Gray called the
the events business. Her mother owned with Gray’s initiative and flair that the 2005 baseball season. “We were host-
a bridal store, which naturally thrust Chicago-based firm created a White ing events for 1,200 people or more
a precocious Gray into conversations Sox sales position for her upon her each night because there was so much
about service, hospitality and event graduation. energy around the winning team.”
26 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UCourtney Cawley Gray, ’04
The Eli Broad College of Business
Fifteen years later, Gray now “Every day is different, and that to fund MSU scholarships for Illinois
steers sales for Levy’s White Sox means a lot of excitement,” Gray students, for five years and continues
operation, overseeing budgets, fore- said from her office overlooking to support the event’s production, in-
casting and client events at distinct the diamond. cluding hosting this year’s event at the
event spaces scattered around the Gray has also used her penchant for team’s field. “To combine my passion
GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY
40,615-seat ballpark, now called event planning—and her Levy connec- for events and MSU was a real special
Guaranteed Rate Field. From corpo- tions—to enliven Chicagoland’s MSU opportunity,” Gray said.
rate gatherings to bar mitzvahs, community. She chaired Spartyball,
Gray customizes events to ensure an annual green-tie gala hosted by the MORE ON Let Levy plan your next event:
client satisfaction. MSU Alumni Club of Metro Chicago WEB levyrestaurants.com
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 27For the
Fun of It
In venues around the world, MSU alumni work to help
others relax, have fun and make memories.
W
hether they’re managing some of the world’s
finest hotels, building renowned golf courses or
directing Disney’s parks, Spartans have a way
with hospitality. They’re running restaurants,
rodeos, family adventure parks and more, working to help others
explore, recharge and reconnect. They are facing unprecedented
challenges, however, as a deadly coronavirus pandemic has
restricted travel and shut down venues and gathering places
around the world. In the pages that follow, we introduce you to
more than 25 MSU alumni who are making their mark in the
entertainment and hospitality fields. We hope that these stories
can provide a little vicarious fun for those who’ve been home-
bound and that, when it’s safe to mingle freely again, we might
also inspire your next adventure.
GETTY IMAGES
28 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D UBob Chapek, MBA ’84, Honorary ’15
The Eli Broad College of Business
Recently appointed CEO of The Walt
Disney Co.
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 29publication, a clear nod to
his industry accomplish-
FOOD & BEVERAGE ments but perhaps just as
FEAST
much to his flowing, Ein-
stein-like white locks, Ryan
co-founded Smashburger
in 2007 and now steers the
better-burger concept that
boasts more than 300 loca-
tions across 36 states and
eight countries.
Propelled by one of the globe’s top hospitality schools, smashburger.com
MSU alumni pepper the food-and-beverage landscape.
Spartans command kitchens, lead award-winning restaurants,
challenge convention with entrepreneurial concepts and ALEXANDRA CLARK
have established themselves as innovators and leaders in a Founder and
vibrant, colorful world. But the food-and-beverage industry President, Bon Bon Bon
has long been known as an inviting field open to the masses. Business, ’10
Have passion? A daring idea? A willingness to hustle? Well,
it doesn’t matter much if you studied communications or Since opening Bon Bon Bon
chemistry—come on in and try your hand. Some Spartans in the Detroit-surrounded
have walked in that door and found a home, contributing to city of Hamtramck in 2014,
the ever-expanding number of MSU alumni eager to please Clark and her little-choco-
with a hearty meal, a sweet treat or a cold beverage. late-shop-that-could have
earned national acclaim,
expanded into a 5,000-
square-foot factory, add-
ed two additional Detroit
JEFF SINELLI that donates peanut TOM RYAN retail shops, crafted part-
Founder and CEO, butter-and-jelly sand- Co-founder and nerships with the likes of
Which Wich Superior wiches to those in need. CEO, Smashburger Shake Shack and launched
Sandwiches, Though Sinelli has grown Ag & Natural Resources, nationwide shipping. Clark,
Comm Arts ’90 Which Wich into a robust ’79, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’85 meanwhile, garnered a
international restaurant spot on the 2016 Forbes 30
Unapologetically enter- brand, the former Spartan You know Ryan’s handi- Under 30 Food & Drink list.
prising and unflinchingly lacrosse player rejects the work. Stuffed Crust Pizza Blending cocoa imported
bold, Sinelli launched traditional trappings of the at Pizza Hut. The Mc- from hotbeds like Peru and
Which Wich Superior corner office. He ditches Flurry and McGriddles at Ecuador with ingredients
Sandwiches in down- suits in favor of Which McDonald’s. The Prime from Michigan farmers,
town Dallas in 2003 with Wich-branded gear and Rib Sub at Quiznos. The Bon Bon Bon’s artisan
$12.23—he swears he still calls himself the compa- Grand Rapids native chocolates range from
has the ATM receipt—and ny’s “chief vibe officer.” played a prominent Detroit comfortable
hundreds of thousands Alongside his wife, Court- role in bringing those (Bumpy) to whimsical
of dollars in credit card ney, an attorney, Sinelli fast-food favorites—and (Coffee & Donuts, PB &
debt. Today, Sinelli’s Dal- has developed additional many others, it’s worth Jam)—a definitive nod
las-based concept boasts restaurant concepts as
more than 400 locations well, including Burguesa
around the globe and a Burger, Paciugo Gelato labeled a travels and work with
conscious capitalism edge Caffè and Supernova “mad scien- celebrated chocolatiers
with its buy-one, give-two Coffee. tist” by one like Max Brenner.
Project PB&J program whichwich.com industry
30 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D U1a Which Wich
1 Jeff Sinelli
3a Bon, Bon, Bon 2 Tom Ryan
3 Alexandra Clark 3b 2a Smashburger
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 31JASON PRATT hundreds, helped develop Zingerman’s Deli, Berg cooks, sparked impressive
Director, Beverage now ubiquitous products ventured west, where he turnarounds at LongHorn
Innovation-North America, such as Redd’s Apple Ale attended the Culinary Steakhouse and Olive Gar-
Molson Coors and Henry’s Hard Soda and Institute of America and den, two of Darden’s eight
Nat Sci, M.S. ’05 concocted clever recipes for worked the cheese count- concepts, and prompted
beer-based cocktails. er at San Francisco’s Darden CEO Gene Lee
Few in the world know molsoncoors.com heralded Bi-Rite Market. to say at a 2018 industry
beer quite like Jason Pratt. In 2017, Berg returned event honoring his work,
When the Traverse City to metro Detroit and “I’m up here because of
native earned his Mater ZACHARY BERG teamed up with child- Dave George.”
Cicerone certificate in Co-owner, hood pal William Werner darden.com
2015, beer’s equivalent Mongers’ Provisions to launch Mongers’
to the wine world’s Mas- Business, ’08 in Ferndale. A second
ter Sommelier program, unit in Midtown serves
only 10 others in the A popular T-shirt says it all: up daily grilled cheese
world held the lauded Zach Berg Is My Chee- sandwiches alongside
credential. Throughout semonger. In less than a curated collection of
his career, Pratt, who three years, Berg’s special- specialty cheeses, meats
joined Miller Brewing as ty-cheese-peddling opera- and chocolates.
a research microbiologist tion has established itself as mongersprovisions.com
in 2007 despite not being Detroit’s go-to destination Billy Downs
much of a beer nerd, has for cheese connoisseurs and
shared his ever-swelling others seeking some intense DAVE GEORGE BILLY DOWNS
encyclopedic knowledge dairy-product education. COO, Darden Owner, Ford’s
of IPAs, pilsners, stouts After some formative Restaurants Garage
and other beer types with years at Ann Arbor’s famed Business, ’79 Business, ’88
As an MSU pre-veter- After earning his MSU
inary medicine major degree, Downs ventured
on summer break, to London to manage
George washed dishes a Mongolian barbecue
at the Grand Hotel on restaurant. That adven-
Michigan’s Mackinac ture set the stage for
Island before graduat- Downs, a high school pal
ing into cooking roles. of Which Wich founder
Those early endeavors Jeff Sinelli, to launch bd’s
cultivated a passionate Mongolian Grill in 1992.
4 Jason Pratt understanding of the Over the next 16 years, the
restaurant industry suburban Detroit native
that has consistently and seasoned Ironman
informed George’s work, competitor developed bd’s
including his current from a single unit in Royal
role leading operations Oak, Michigan, into an
for Darden, the world’s 11-state, 33-unit chain that
largest casual-dining also featured a restaurant
restaurant company. in Mongolia—the Asian
The New Jersey native’s nation’s first franchised
energetic, people-first unit from a U.S.-based
leadership style, which company—tied to non-
includes connecting with profit youth programming.
5a Mongers’ Provisions 5 Zachary Berg
busboys, dishwashers and While Downs sold bd’s in
32 SPRING 2020 A LU M N I . M S U. E D U2008 and entered the con-
sulting arena, he returned
to the restaurant game in
2016 with the opening of
Ford’s Garage in Dear-
born, the first Michigan
location of the Ford Motor
Company-themed eatery.
fordsgarageusa.com
SUMI GHOSH
Senior Vice 6 Olive Garden
6 Dave George
President, Starbucks
Siren Retail
Comm Arts, ’90
Following professional
stops at Little Caesars,
Aramark and Yum!
Brands, the parent of Taco
Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut,
Ghosh joined Starbucks
in 2008—and he’s been
slinging coffee ever since.
Initially charged to over-
7a Ford’s Garage 7b Ford’s Garage
see nearly 600 Starbucks
units in the Midwest,
Ghosh left in 2016 to di-
rect Starbucks’ business in PHOTO CREDITS FOR FEAST, STAY
AND PLAY SECTIONS
India, one of the compa-
ny’s fastest-growing global FEAST: 1 & 1a WHICH WICH 2 and 2a SMASH-
BURGER 3 and 3a GERARD + BELEVENDER
markets. Over the next
4 HILARY HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY 5 MONGERS’
two years, Ghosh spear- PROVISIONS, INSTAGRAM 5a MONGERS’
headed explosive unit- PROVISIONS, TWITTER 6 and 6a DARDEN
RESTAURANTS 7, 7a and 7b FORD’S GARAGE
count growth across India
8 and 8a STARBUCKS 9 and 9a FLOWERS
and instituted progressive OF VIETNAM 10 and 10a PALETA 11 and 11a
labor programs, including OSTERIA LA SPIGA 12 THE WENDY’S COMPANY
a first-of-its-kind five-day PLAY: 1 and 1a HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW
& RODEO 2, 2a and 2b BINGEMANS GRAND
workweek schedule and EXPERIENCE 3 and 3a TENNESSEE PERFORMING
8 Sumi Ghosh
initiatives to boost female ARTS CENTER 4 and 4a SOUL BEACH MUSIC
employment. Ghosh FESTIVAL BOB CHAPEK: DISNEY COMPANY
AND GETTY IMAGES 5 and 5a ALBANESE &
recently returned to the
LUTZKE 6 and 6a CHICKEN N PICKLE 7 and 7a
U.S. to lead Siren Retail, TOMMY BARTLETT, INC. 8 and 8a EDSEL AND
the coffee chain’s specialty ELEANOR FORD HOUSE STAY: 1 , 1a and 1 b
BAVARIAN INN AND ZEHNDER FAMILY 2 CEDAR
business unit responsible
CAPITAL PARTNERS 2a GETTY IMAGES 3 and
for all of Starbucks Re- 3a XANTERRA TRAVEL COLLECTION 4 GETTY
serve Roastery, and Princi IMAGES 4A JACKIE COLLENS 5 HARRIET CARTER
operations. 5a RENEE MONTFORTON 6 PATRICIA AND LARRY
WIDMAYER 7 and 7a SEA ISLAND COMPANY
8a Starbucks
starbucks.com 8 GETTY IMAGES 8a JOHN RUSSO
SPARTAN MAGAZINE 33You can also read
