Centralight

CMU Today Scholarly pursuits After studying aboard in Gdansk, Poland, two years ago, CMU senior Stephanie Jaczkowski of Clinton Township had no idea she would return to teach English at the University of Gdansk in northern Poland. As a political science and integrative public relations double major, she is one of 10 people nationally who was offered a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. Jaczkowski also makes CMU history as the fourth student to be offered this prestigious academic award. "Being offered this scholarship is a culmination of all the hard work I've done, and it shows what happens when you take advantage of the opportunities people give you, Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as the demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. This award will offer Jaczkowski the opportunity to develop her Polish language skills while increasing the mutual understanding between U.S. students and the people of Poland. • CSI: CMU We know there is a difference between reality and television. To illustrate the gap between the two, Anthropology Assistant Professor Cathy Willermet simulated a wooded crime scene in CMU's first mock CSI. " says Jaczkowski. "What you see on TV is a stylized version of crime scene investigation," Willermet says. "This brought together what students have learned all semester. It's a chance for them to get a sense for whether they want to pursue forensic science as a career." • Dedicated to education CMU was the first university in the nation to charter a public school – thanks, in part, to the actions of former Michigan Gov. John Engler. In honor of Gov. Engler and his role in charter school development, the Center for Charter Schools on the Mount Pleasant campus is naming it's office after him. The center is located in the Education and Human Services Building. This is the first time Gov. Engler has given permission to have his likeness or name used since leaving office in 2003. "CMU is well positioned to take a major leading role in how we develop and create opportunities for education in the future, my name associated with this outstanding center." Jeanne Allen, a national expert on educational reform, was the keynote speaker for the event. Several dignitaries attended, including Gov. Rick Snyder. Stephanie Jaczkowski 22 centralight summer '12 Engler signed the Charter School law in January 1994. In August of that year, CMU became the first authorizer in the state and the first university in the nation to charter a public school when its first three schools opened. CMU is now the largest authorizer of charter schools in Michigan, with 56 operational charters, including four schools of excellence. • " said Gov. Engler. "I'm extremely proud to have

• Cover