Dear ComArtSci Community,
At ComArtSci, gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment; it is a value that guides how we learn, collaborate, and support our community. This month has brought that value into focus through the generosity we see every day, the accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and the many moments of connection that strengthen our college.
Giving Tuesday is on the horizon, and I’m especially reminded of how our community comes together to uplift our students and leverage our uncommon will to advance impact for the common good.
Grateful for our achievements and impact
Our faculty’s research and creative activity continue to elevate ComArtSci on national stages, reflecting dedication and vision that inspire our entire community.
Last week I had the privilege of attending the ceremony honoring the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders’ Professor and Chair Dimitar Deliyski and Professor Scott Yaruss for their significant contributions advancing knowledge and impact in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology. The Honors of the Association Award is the highest national award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
ComArtSci was well-represented over the weekend at the 2025 National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado. Twenty-two faculty members, along with postdocs and graduate students, contributed to an intellectually stimulating lineup of cutting-edge research presentations, top paper panels and roundtables about communication and health, artificial intelligence, public relations, and media effects, among other areas of research.
Grateful for our students
Our undergraduate and graduate students also contribute meaningfully to the excellence and heart of ComArtSci.
I continue to be impressed by the groundbreaking research topics undertaken by our talented graduate students. Earlier this month, two of these students were featured at Ignite Talks MSU, a fast-paced research showcase hosted by the MSU Museum CoLab Studio.
In her presentation, Why Some People Pick Local Fakes Over Original Imports, doctoral student Moldir Moldagaliyeva offered new insights into the counterfeiting epidemic, showing how unshakeable “buy American” belief and strong MSU Spartan fandom, can lead people to prefer a U.S.-made fake over an authentic (original) branded product. Master’s student Morgan van den Berg's talk on Parasitic AI: How Machines Feed on Our Vulnerabilities, focused on the ethical implications of generative AI, noting that while AI has become a ubiquitous part of everyday messages, the power of human connection is most valued by strategic communication professionals.
In keeping with our commitment to accessibility and student success, we hosted an inaugural Donuts with the Dean event to celebrate National First-Generation Week. It was rewarding to join many of our college leaders, faculty, and staff to spend time with first-gen students to better understand their student journeys, life experiences, and identify additional opportunities to support their success and enhance their sense of belonging.
ComArtSci hallways were bursting with energy during the recent Night Shift event. Thanks to the efforts of Lauren Gaines, Assistant Dean for Access Engagement, we secured funding from University Health and Wellbeing to host a fun, safe, and meaningful late-night experience for students. I’m grateful to the staff and faculty who volunteered to make it a standout moment for our students.
The MSUFCU mural reveal was a joyful celebration of student voice, creativity, and community. Designed and unveiled by students from Ignite the Future, the mural now anchors In Good Taste®, a vibrant gathering space in the MSU Union. More than a marketplace, it’s a place where locally sourced goods meet shared experiences, and where students, staff, faculty, and community connect. Together with MSUFCU, we honored the student artists and the partnership that continues to expand opportunities for them.
Grateful for a community who cares
Reflecting on the richness of November’s events and activities reminds me of the many ways our community strives to fulfill our research, teaching and outreach missions – and how this shared purpose unites us.
In just the first three weeks of enrollment, our dedicated undergraduate advisors served more than 2,000 students. This is just one of the many ways we express our commitment to serving every student with excellence and compassion.
The Washington DC Spartan’s Green and White Gala, where I had the honor of representing Michigan State administration as well as the College, provided another opportunity to share ComArtSci’s commitment to student success. I shared the story of a Navy veteran, single father, and first-generation college student who received a Finish Line Grant made possible by alumni Ann and Thomas Wright. The scholarship made the difference between leaving his degree program or walking across the commencement stage at Breslin to start a new career and life. He told the donors that their generosity not only eased his financial struggles but renewed his hope and drive to keep pushing forward. Stories like this highlight the real impact of Spartan generosity and the spirit of care that defines ComArtSci.
Looking back over the past few weeks, it’s clear that the impact of ComArtSci comes from the community we build together. Every student supported, every research milestone achieved, and every moment of connection strengthens not just our individuals, but the college as a whole.
I wish you each a warm season of gratitude and connection with family and friends as we embark on the holiday season.
With gratitude,
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski