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CMU Today Going for the (maroon and) gold Cheering at the Rose Pool, Heather Imbault, '98, encouraged the Special Olympian swimmers. Her voice echoed throughout the competition area and her hands were red from clapping. "You are almost there!" This summer, Imbault – who has volunteered at Special Olympics for more than 10 years – joined the 5,500 athletes, coaches, chaperones and volunteers who came together for the 41st annual Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games on CMU's campus. "Special Olympics is something that you need to experience to understand," Imbault says. "It has a spirit that unites people." This summer's heroes-themed competition showcased 10 sports. CMU students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteered to bring the event to life in a partnership with Special Olympics Michigan that has spanned more than four decades. involved in the program for three years, and he loves volunteering to help out in the competition. CMU football player and Hartford, Wis., senior Jacob Olson says he has been "Small things in life make people happy," Olson says. "You come here and talk to these kids, and they get so happy about it. I have a blast coming here." • Standing up, speaking out Central Michigan University professor Steve Thompson wants people to stand up for what's right. And he – along with 12 CMU student advocates – has toured the globe sharing his "No Zebras" philosophy with the U.S. military. Thompson has presented "No Zebras, No Excuses" – named after zebras standing and watching while one is attacked, instead of working together to assist – during CMU freshman orientation for nearly 15 years. This summer Thompson was asked to make presentations to U.S. Navy sailors and Marines, traveling to several military bases, including San Diego and Pearl Harbor, as well as Guantanamo Bay and Japan. "Our hope for sailors and Marines following the show is that they come away with a renewed sense of personal responsibility, for protecting each other and for being mindful of our own actions," says Jill Loftus, Department of the Navy sexual assault prevention and response office director. • 22 centralight fall '12