Centralight

Chippewas everywhere are making an impact Calendar By Marcie Otteman Grawburg, '87 Executive director of alumni relations While I believe all the stories we share in Centralight are impactful, this issue features someone who has made a diff erence in so many lives in so many ways for so many years, that we decided to put her on our cover. Marcy Weston retires this month from CMU, concluding her incredible four-decade career here. The former women's basketball and volleyball coach crashed through ceilings in women's athletics as a leader on and off the court in Mount Pleasant, in Michigan and on the national stage. She was, quite literally, a game changer as she coached and was an infl uential advocate for Title IX, the historic legislation guaranteeing equal access for women. Marcy, for your time, eff ort, leadership and energy, I applaud you. Thank you for all you have done for me and countless others. Some time ago, I got a nice email from CMU alumnus Steven Smith regarding a story we wrote about young alumni. He recalled a series of stories we published a decade ago about four new grads, and he wondered what they were doing now. Steven, I'm happy to tell you that 10 years later, we've caught up with those Chippewas, and we've got the update for you! In Hidden Central, we visit the CMU Greenhouse on the southwest corner of Brooks Hall. Hundreds of people pass by it every day, but few venture inside this lush public green space. For years, it was said that an alligator lived there – kept as a pet by students. While only a myth, it still makes for a great story, and the greenhouse is a warm spot on a cold winter day and place of great promise in the spring when seedlings are fi nding their way into the world. As we wait for the thaw and the warmth of spring on campus, I challenge you to be inspired by Marcy Weston and make an impact on the world around you! Happy almost spring, Marcie P.S. I received several calls from alumni about the organ donation story in our December issue. Ron Windgaston called me on his 25th "heart-iversary" to share his story about his life-saving transplant. Ron worked for CMU for many years, and his children both went to Central. Every day, ordinary people become extraordinary heroes and save lives. Register today at giftofl ifemichigan.org/go/cmu or, if you live in another state, at donatelife.net/register-now. 3 centralight spring '15 April 12 "Phantom of the Opera," Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing May 9 Commencement, Mount Pleasant campus June 5 Great Lakes Loons Game, Midland 6 Mount Pleasant Craft Beer Festival 8 White Sox vs. Tigers, Chicago 11 Founders Event, Grand Rapids 13 CMU at the Detroit Zoo 14 NASCAR VIP Event 24-26 Grandparents U, Mount Pleasant campus 26 CMU Night at Comerica Park, Detroit Grandparents U PHOTO BY STEVE JESSMORE

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