Centralight

CMU Today Giving back by design CMU students have found a new way to give back to those in need through the use of their academic talents. Several interior design students were given the opportunity to renovate several rooms in Midland's Shelterhouse. Faculty member Brenda Skeel said that by getting involved in the renovations of the safe house for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, she wanted to show her students the value of what they were learning. "I thought it was important to show them that design can make a difference. I wanted to show them that they could give back to the community through design," Skeel says. Brianne Bawol, senior Croswell senior Brianne Bawol was involved in the project redesigning the Teen Room, the Mom and Me Play Room, and the Play Therapy Room at the Shelterhouse. With such an impactful experience, Bawol says her work with the Shelterhouse has helped her figure out what she wants to do with her degree once she graduates. "It was everything I wanted out of a project. It was an invaluable experience as far as supplementing my education," Bawol says. "It's one more experience that helped me find my career path." • alumni.cmich.edu/centralight for more Taking the show on the road Opus XV guests will enjoy live entertainment, fabulous cuisine and an elegant night out at the Midland Center for the Arts. Opus, the annual event that showcases CMU students' musical talent in a collage concert, will take place March 24. Proceeds from the ticketed event benefit the School of Music Endowment, which funds scholarships, equipment and travel for music students. "We are proud of our students' tremendous accomplishments and felt this was an excellent opportunity to bring an elegant night of entertainment to Midland," says Elizabeth G. Ross, chairwoman of Opus XV. From left to right, CMU students Nate Masterson, Garrett Gillingham, Craig Johnson, Ben Krinke The 2012 event coordinators moved the venue to the Midland Center for the Arts to accommodate the growing audience for the event. The Opus event will return to CMU in 2013. For more information, go to mus.cmich.edu/events/opus. • alumni.cmich.edu/centralight for more centralight spring '12 3

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