cat·a·lyst
Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ləst\
Function: noun
1 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action
Knowledge is a catalyst. Inspiration is a catalyst. Advice is a catalyst. People are catalysts.
These are the ingredients that comprise msuCatalyst—a student-organized website that uncovers the extraordinary happenings of students on campus and alumni around the world. College is an experience like no other, a grey zone between leaving the nest and entering the real world. It is a lot of fun, a lot of work, and—unfortunately—a lot of uncertainty.
The intention is that after four years of all-nighters in the library, suspicious cafeteria food, 20-page term papers and a football game or two, you’ll leave this place—diploma in hand—one step closer to your dreams. Choosing the right major, selecting classes, getting involved in activities and deciding your post-grad game plan is not an easy task, and one that certainly can't be done alone. It takes an outside agent—a catalyst—that provides direction, exposes opportunities and gives you confidence to pursue great things.
There are thousands of catalysts around Michigan State University, but they are not always easy to spot. At msuCatalyst, we are always on the lookout for incredible people, events, or organizations that inspire or inform and then we share it with you in hopes that these stories propel you to do extraordinary things.
Here are just a few of the things you find on msuCatalyst:
- Advice and insight from alumni that were once in your shoes and are now out doing incredible things
- Stories about students following their passions and trying remarkable things like biking across the US, starting thier own businesses or raising awareness for worthy causes
- Advice ranging from suviving school to acing that key interview
- News of events and unique opportunites on and around campus
- Details about student organizations and opportunities to get involved
- Ideas from students that have something positive to say and need a place to say it
Who we are:
Megan Gebhart: Founder/Writer
Major: Marketing . Junior
Megan loves people filled with adventure and adventures filled with people. A website that recruits students to interview fascinating people was a great way to combine the two. There's nothing she enjoys more than interviewing Spartans, writing stories and recuriting awesome writiers. With all the fun she has running msuCatalyst, Megan often forgets that she's a Marketing student, but don't worry, she does manage to get her homework done on time.
Reed Kalso: Editor/Writer
Major: Professional Writing . Graduated in May 2009
Reed took a liking to reading and writing at a young age, and it stayed with him as he grew up. As early as elementary school, he found a hobby in writing stories. Growing older, he helped record books onto tape for a local library and did freelance document design for a local teacher. When he came to MSU, he had little trouble selecting Professional Writing as a major (once he discovered its existence). In addition to writing blogs and reviews, he copyedited for The State News.
Reed graduated in May 2009, and is freelancing while he continues to pursue a full-time writing/editing career.
Dan Nufer: Lacrosse Writer
Major: Professional Writing; Sophomore
Dan has never been sure what he wants to do with his life, but he’s always known two things for certain; he wants to write, something, and he needs to have fun with whatever he does. When Dan came to MSU he found that those two criteria left open a pretty wide array of majors. After a lot of searching, Dan found Professional Writing! Dan could not ask for a better major! This year Dan became the PR Coordinator of a major PW student organization, Writers’ Bloc and will be accepting the Presidency in fall of 2010. In his spare time, Dan likes to write and play music with his band Riley, to watch anything that Will Ferrell does and to hang out with his awesome friends and family.
Nina Elias: Writer
Professional Writing . Junior
Nina is interested in all aspects of written and visual communication - whether she’s writing for msuCatalyst, reading poetry for the Red Cedar Review, or designing websites with the Spartan Web Authoring Team. Nina loves Michigan State in the fall, working out, and finding new ways to be creative.
After graduation next year, she plans on hopefully becoming one of the student success stories she writes about so frequently for msuCatalyst. Go Green! Check out her blog or find her on LinkedIn.
Cherin Gillies: Writer
Major: Professional Writing . Graduated in May 2009
Cherin Gillies is a Lansing native on the hunt for employment close to home. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and cleaning but she’s far from being any man’s housewife. This single girl spends her days at the gym and her nights with friends. She also enjoys reading, writing (surprise, surprise), and judging people with bad grammar and poor table manners.
A self-confessed NPR addict, don’t be fooled by her minor obsession of fashion and shiny mint lip gloss; she has never lost to any man at chugging a beer (except for once--but the guy plays in the NFL so it doesn’t really count). In this and other things, the girl has unmatched skills.
Contact Us:
If you have questions, comments, concerns, or ideas, please send them to msuCatalyst[at]gmail[dot]com!