JMC Connect Newsletter: Week of March 31
Upcoming events and opportunities of interest to JMC students (week of March 31, 2025)
In This Issue
Upcoming JMC events
Student org events and updates
Upcoming scholarship and award competitions
Opportunities for JMC students
Resources to help you navigate life on campus, including the JMC Writing Center
Check your inbox on Friday for the weekly Internships & Job Opportunities edition of this newsletter.
Missed a previous newsletter? View the JMC Connect archive online.
Events
MSU Master of Public Health: Information Sessions
Learn about MSU’s Master of Public Health program, including admission requirements, academic advising, the culminating experience and hear firsthand from a current MPH student. Learn more via MPH website. Sessions on:
Adam Smith’s Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Death of Nations
April 4, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Club Spartan (338 Case Hall). Join for an insightful lecture by Ryan Patrick Hanley, Professor of Political Science at Boston College, as he delves into Adam Smith's exploration of the decline of nations. Drawing from his extensive expertise in Enlightenment philosophy, Hanley will offer a thought-provoking analysis of Smith's ideas on virtue, society and the fate of nations. RSVP and learn more via Eventbrite
Capital City Film Festival: JMC Alum Spotlight
April 9, 6 p.m. in Stage One (2200 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing). Madison alum Anthony Hand (IR ‘91) will be in Lansing to celebrate the debut of his debut independent animated film, "Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero," at the Capital City Film Festival. Find more information via Capital City Film Fest
Student Organizations
Refugee Outreach Collective Meeting
March 31, 7 to 8 p.m. in 335B Case Hall. Join Refugee Outreach Collective in Case Hall for a discussion on cultural shocks. Help make welcome baskets for refugees. Learn more via Instagram
JMC Student Senate Clothing Swap
April 1, 4:30 to 7 p.m. in Club Spartan (338 Case Hall). Senate’s CCP Caucus will hold a JMC Clothing Swap. Donations can be made in the Senate Office until the end of the event. Those who drop off items will receive an early-bird ticket to the event and possibly win a free JMC tote bag. Learn more via Instagram
Cultural Karaoke
April 3, 7 to 8 p.m. in Club Spartan. Join United Madison Multicultural Association (UMMA) and JMC Women of Color for Cultural Karaoke. All welcome. Learn more via Instagram
Frequencies of Fusion Concert
April 13, 4 to 7 p.m. in Eastern High School (626 Marshall St., Lansing). Great Lakes to Ganges seeks to connect marginalized communities through the power of music, while addressing critical healthcare and educational disparities. This South Asian-American Fusion concert will raise funds for World Medical Relief, Edgewood and Birth Detroit. It will feature performances that are a fusion of South Asian and Black culture, with many students performing. A mix of singing, dancing, instrumental, classical Indian music, and much more. Buy tickers via Eventbrite and learn more via Instagram
JMC Student Senate: JMC Gala
April 25, 7 to 9 p.m. in Demonstration Hall. Gala season is here! Formal attire is encouraged but not required. Masquerade masks will be provided for attendees. Tickets will be available soon. Learn more via Instagram
Scholarships & Awards
Curtis Stokes Endowment For Black Radical Thought
This award is open to students enrolled in JMC with a preference for students pursuing a degree/coursework in the Department of African American and African Studies. The selected recipient will receive a $500 stipend. Apply by submitting a nomination letter from a faculty member, staff or student, or submit a self-nomination (1 page or less) to Dean Brian Johnson (john3582@msu.edu) by April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Herbert Garfinkel Award
This $1,000 award is presented annually to a JMC graduating senior who has exemplified the integration of voluntary community service to their program of study in public affairs. Submit nominations to Dean Brian Johnson (john3582@msu.edu) marked as Herbert Garfinkel Award JMC Office of Justice, Equity, & Inclusion. Apply by April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Find more information on the JMC website.
Award for Best Paper in Public and International Affairs
This award recognizes students whose writings showcase JMC’s mission of producing graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared to engage in cultural, political, and social analysis, evaluate public and foreign policies and practices, and suggest creative strategies for addressing pressing issues in public life. The award recognizes three students for a 1st prize ($1,200), 2nd Prize ($800), and 3rd Prize ($500). Apply by April 4 via Qualtrics
Native American Institute Scholarships
Applications are now open for the following Native American Institute Scholarships:
John R. Winchester Scholarship: Open to full-time Native American undergraduate students enrolled at MSU, who have earned and maintained a 2.0 or better GPA (not currently on academic probation), who have been active participants in the North American Indigenous Student Association (NAISO). Apply by April 4 via Google Forms
Emma Shore-Thornton Scholarship: Applicants must be full-time Native American MSU undergraduate or graduate students who have maintained at least a 3.0 or better GPA. Preference given to graduating seniors or graduate students. Apply by April 4 via Google Forms
Career Services Internship Opportunity Award
The MSU Career Services Internship Opportunity Award program is now accepting applications. Any undergraduate student who is actively pursuing, or has secured, an unpaid summer internship is welcome to apply. While preference will be given based on financial need and other considerations, internship locations anywhere in the U.S. are eligible. Apply by April 6. Contact Carol Stier (stierc@msu.edu) with questions.
Guyer Public Policy Internship Award
Secured a Summer 2025 internship in public policy? Undergraduate students of any major are eligible to receive scholarships in the Guyer Public Policy Internship Program. Students must arrange to be employed in a public policy-related internship and enroll for MSU internship credit. Scholarships of at least $1,000 will be applicable towards students' tuition. Students receiving the scholarship are expected to participate in Guyer program activities including the mandatory orientation session taking place May 5 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more and apply by April 11 via Guyer Award Application Form
Opportunities
NATO Youth Summit Challenge
Ready to showcase your insights on global security and leadership? Sign up for the NATO Youth Summit Challenge and get a chance to attend the 2025 NATO Youth Summit in Budva, Montenegro. Submit your ideas on the future of security and leadership, and if selected, you’ll receive a fully covered invitation to attend the summit (April 25-26). The most compelling submissions will even have the opportunity to present their ideas on stage. Apply by March 31 via NATO Youth Summit Form
George Watt Essay Contest 2025
The Watt Prize is now accepting submissions for essays or thesis chapters on the Spanish Civil War, global anti-fascist struggles of the 1920s and 1930s, or the contributions of international volunteers who fought for the Spanish Republic. This opportunity is open to both graduate and undergraduate students worldwide, the contest offers cash prizes: up to $1,000 for graduate essays (3,500-12,500 words) and up to $500 for undergraduate essays (2,000-10,500 words). All submissions must be emailed toWattAward@alba-valb.org by July 5. Learn more via Alba-Valb Website
Undergraduate Research Workshops
Thinking about participating in undergraduate research at MSU? Consider attending these upcoming workshops to discover various forms of research and gain a comprehensive understanding of undergraduate research:
Research to Resume, April 1, 7 p.m.
Presenting at UURAF, April 3, 7 p.m.
Learn more and register via Undergraduate Research Events
Resources
JMC Writing Center
The JMC Writing Center is located North Case, Room 341. Writing Consultants offer Madison students one-on-one peer assistance with a variety of writing tasks, from academic papers to personal statements and resumes. Learn more via the JMC Writing Center website
JMC Community Counselor: Drop-In Counseling
CAPS Connect will be back in Case Hall every Monday (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) this semester! CAPS Connect provides a place to talk about what's on your mind during a brief, free, confidential conversation with a CAPS counselor. It is a great way to receive one-time support and expert suggestions, or get to know CAPS staff and the services available to you. To sign up and see all location/scheduling options, click here.
JMC Career Peers Office Hours
JMC’s Career Peers, Taylor Toth (PTCD, SRP '26) and Justina Giglio (SRP '25) hold weekly office hours in Case Hall. Schedule a meeting with them through Handshake or email jm.career@msu.edu with questions on resumes, cover letters, internships, interviews and law/grad school applications. Spring Semester office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
JMC Express Academic Advising
Need to meet with an academic advisor? JMC’s Advising Center in 328 South Case Hall is open daily for express drop-in advising:
Monday-Thursday: 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find more information, including whether you should use express advising or schedule an appointment, on JMC’s website.