University shutdown

Sewer cover severs power

At 2:15 p.m. Friday, an e-mail was sent out to students and university personnel that CMU was closing for the rest of the day. The university unexpectedly shut down power at 2:30 p.m. after a power line had been cut by a manhole cover in parking lot 22 across from Anspach Hall. A concrete truck drove over the manhole and sent the cover flying down where the line was lying. “We’ve had shutdowns for weather conditions, but this is the first time in my 10 years here I can remember us having an (unexpected) power shutdown,” said Steve Smith, director of media relations. Power was re-established Saturday and CMU’s e-mail and off-campus programs continued to run as normal.

Ross recuperating

Outgoing finance VP comes home

Just over two months after being selected to be the next president of Alcorn State University, George Ross was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He is back in his Mount Pleasant home after three weeks of treatment. Ross is planning on golfing in a few weeks and moving to Mississippi to assume the presidency by September. “He wanted to extend his appreciation for all the support and thoughts,” said Steve Smith, director of media relations. Smith said Ross was recovering well and looking forward to Sept. 1, when he is planning on taking over at ASU. Well-wishes, or challenges to August golf games, may be sent to 300 Russell St. #6, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

CHARGE Syndrome

Student’s work published posthumously

Former CMU student Joanna Russ never had the chance to see her psychology work realized. She was killed in an auto accident in 2004. But her work with the rare genetic disease, CHARGE syndrome, which affects one in every 9,000 to 10,000 children, is being supplemented with an endowment set up by her parents to continue CHARGE syndrome research among undergraduates. “Executive Function in CHARGE Syndrome” will be published this month in the publication “Child Neuropsychology.” Russ worked with psychology professor Timothy Hartshorne from the onset on the project. Hartshorne and his wife, CMU psychology professor Nancy, also a have a son, Jacob, with CHARGE syndrome.

Make a Difference

Blood, sweat and golf

Try your luck Friday while raising money for Make A Difference Day at The Pines Golf Course at Lake Isabella, 1022 Clubhouse. Rounds kick off at 8 a.m. and continue starting until 3 p.m. Registration is $75, with the money supporting an October free reading day for children. Call 774-1470 to get a form, or e-mail steve.rellinger@cmich.edu. The local chapter of the Red Cross will be on the links today with more than 30 teams playing at Bucks Run, 1559 S. Chippewa. Shotgun starts begin this morning at 8 a.m.

Country Music

Ricky Skaggs and more

Following Gretchen Wilson isn’t easy. Following a country festival that drew more than 12,000 people last weekend is even harder. Country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs is taking on the challenge, playing at 8 p.m. Friday at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Dr. Marty Stuart and the Del McCoury Band also will be on the bill. Tickets range from $40 to $55. Get show tickets at http://www.soaringeaglecasino.com.

If you have an interesting item for Life in Brief, let us know by e-mailing Mike Ellis at ellis1mb@cmich.edu.

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