Centralight

CMU Today Power to the turtles It's not exactly smooth sailing being a sea turtle. Hatching under a brutal, hot sun only to be poached by seagulls or sharks, about one out of 1,000 of the endangered species will grow into an adult. Thanks to CMU's Alternative Breaks program, which dispatches CMU students to hands-on projects across the nation, like sea turtle rescue in Florida, a few more of those hatchlings will have a chance. Runway swagger CMU's popular fashion show, Threads, returned for a special night featuring the "Best of the Best" student designs over the past few years. The sold-out show included a designer meet-and-greet and a silent auction. Don't miss our holiday fashion tips from CMU apparel design students on page 16. • "This break has taught me how to take a step back from this crazy world we all live in and take time to appreciate nature, wildlife and the little things we take for granted each day," says senior Rebecca Pittman, who volunteered over summer break. PHOTO BY NATE BARRIS The university's Alternative Breaks program is ranked fourth nationally for the number of students participating in the trips, with 415 participants last year. Spaces for trips are nabbed as soon as they are posted. • Pardon our dust The construction crews are busy completing CMU renovation and building projects on campus and elsewhere. Here's a sneak peek of what they've been working on: • In September, $14.4 million renovations were completed on Anspach Hall, which previously had not been renovated since its construction in 1966. Renovations included a student lounge, upgraded heating, cooling and ventilation systems, and better accessibility for disabled students, employees and guests. • In October, CMU broke ground on a new College of Medicine facility in Saginaw, Mich. Estimated at $46.5 million, the building is at the site of Covenant HealthCare and will accommodate 200 third- and fourth-year students each year, as well as about 100 physician residents upon graduation from medical school. • This summer, work will begin on the $89.4 million Biosciences Building, located east of the Education and Human Services Building. Opening date: fall 2017. • 44 centralight winter '13

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