The recent re-launch of NC State's official Facebook page gives a big boost to the university's overall Web presence and an opportunity for social media-savvy students, staff, family and fans to connect with NC State on a whole new level.
Bob Larson is a man of many hats. A successful entrepreneur, renowned public-relations guru and a notoriously meticulous editor, it's his ability to cultivate an environment of creativity and mutual respect that most endears him to NC State communication students, who have voted him the department's top teacher eight times in the last decade.
NC State makes a greater contribution to the Triangle's economy than any other local college or university, say respondents to online polling conducted by the Triangle Business Journal. Garnering 50% of the 1,424 votes, NC State easily distanced itself from second- and third-place finishers UNC-Chapel Hill (28%) and Duke University (15%).
Who better to design a learning space than students? That was the thinking of Underwriters Laboratories executives, who worked with a quartet of NC State design students to imagine the interiors of the company's new education and training facility in Research Triangle Park.
For Alumni Association executive director Benny Suggs ('69), it's all about doing the right thing - and having fun along the way. Suggs, who served 30 years in the U.S. Navy and was deputy commander in chief, U.S. Special Operations Command, upon his retirement in 2000, was most recently general manager of the Harley Owners Group and Rider Services at Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
When disaster struck the Gulf Coast, experts and alumni from NC State quickly headed to the region to assist in cleanup efforts and to help restore wildlife and local beaches. And although oil continues to wash ashore, Dr. Greg Lewbart said he's encouraged by what he and other volunteers have been able to accomplish.
N.C. native Debbie Yow has been named director of athletics at NC State. Yow - sister of the late Kay Yow, who coached the university's women's basketball program for 34 years, and former Wolfpack All-American Susan Yow - joins NC State after 16 years as director of athletics at the University of Maryland, where the athletic program garnered 20 national championships under her leadership.
When Museum of Life and Science administrators noticed their black bear, Yona, walking with a limp, they wasted no time in getting her to the College of Veterinary Medicine for a state-of-the-art checkup. Now, the personable cub is back to swimming, climbing and soaking in her newfound fame - all to the delight of her two-legged friends at the Durham-based museum.
As organic grocery stores gain popularity and consumers become more aware of what's really in those artificially-flavored, vending-machine snacks, NC State is helping champion the benefits of locally grown food - all-natural delicacies that are key to healthy eating and give an economic boost to North Carolina growers and farmers as well.
The weather is heating up, and it's time for mosquitoes to reassume their position as some of the most high-maintenance, least-friendly outdoor party crashers around. But have no fear, Dr. Marian McCord and a team of students are on the case, looking to permanently ground the flying blood banks in ways that won't harm you - or your invited guests.