Michigan State University College of Social Science Week premiered this year as an initiative through the new Dean of the College of Social Science, Dr. Rachael Croson, to “transform our students’ experience.” Its mission was to connect faculty and students with business, community, and alumni leaders. Social Science Week was envisioned as an ideal way to bring executives to the University campus and give them the opportunity to become engaged or re-engage with their college and university communities. This opportunity allows them a spotlight to educate, share, and encourage a promising new generation of Spartan leaders.
Social Science Week gave students an opportunity to meld theory with application. Guest speakers had a chance to share their experiences and present case studies from their companies or their personal experiences as they engaged with students during regular undergraduate social science classes.
Throughout the week, alumni and guest speakers were given the opportunity to highlight their Social Science Week experience at events such as alumni award dinners, scholarship receptions, a Berkey Hall Society pinning, a Woman’s Leadership Institute, Classes Without Quizzes and more.
Dr. Dean Anderson (PhD 1992) and Donald Weir (MA 1979), both alumni of the Department of Anthropology’s archaeology program, were invited to speak in undergraduate archaeology courses during the Professor for a Day event about how their time at MSU helped them achieve their successful careers and to provide insights into careers in archaeology. Don Weir is the former owner (now retired) of Commonwealth Cultural Heritage Group, a successful cultural resource management firm with multiple offices across the U.S., that has employed many graduates from our program. Dr. Anderson, State Archaeologist for Michigan, said that he was thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to his alma mater and he enjoyed meeting with the students and discussing his time at MSU. The department thanks both alums for their participation in the event and their ongoing support.
Click here to read the full newsletter.