EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

ANN ARBOR – Pioneer students celebrated their 2022 prom just a few hundred feet from their high school under the lights of Michigan Stadium. The fun began upstairs at the Jack Roth Stadium Club where students gathered before making their way onto the field for photos. RELATED: Prom 2022: From the Big House to museums and barns, the red carpet rolled out across the stateCheck out our photos from the night above. You can order prints of any of these prom photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. To see all of MLive’s prom coverage, click this link.

Eastern Michigan University is out with an independent report on how the school handled sex assault accusations involving the school’s fraternities.

The investigation by Philadelphia-based law firm Cozen O’Connor concerned the sexual assault cases of three fraternity members between 2015 and 2019. Read more: Settlement reached between sexual assault survivors and EMU fraternity, sororityThe university released the 39-page report here Friday without omissions or redactions. Former EMU Title IX Director Melody Werner received direct reports of misconduct by Durbin, McWilliams and Hernandez, the report states. ASP disassociated with EMU last fall, accusing EMU officials of violating its due process rights. The EMU officials include Werner, Martin, the entire Board of Regents, former EMU Police Chief Robert Heighes and former Deputy Chief Daniel Karrick.

YPSILANTI, MI - An Eastern Michigan University fraternity and sorority have reached settlements with survivors of sexual assault, according to federal court records. The Greek organizations were named in a pair of 2020 lawsuits that are now combined with 24 claims of sexual assault, as well as accusations EMU mishandled the cases. Read more: Timeline of Eastern Michigan University fraternity sexual assault scandalMore than 30 women have come forward since March 2020 to report sexual assaults at EMU, though there are 23 Jane Does and one John Doe in the federal lawsuit. ASP disassociated with EMU last fall, accusing EMU officials of violating its due process rights. The EMU officials include former Title IX Director Melody Werner, former Greek Life coordinator Kyle Martin, the entire Board of Regents, outgoing EMU Police Chief Robert Heighes and former Deputy Chief Daniel Karrick.

Ann Arbor SPARK hosted its 2022 Annual Meeting on Thursday at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center.

Washtenaw Community College will give almost 2,000 degrees to graduates during its first in-person commencement ceremony in three years on Saturday.

A former Eastern Michigan University student is coming forward to share the story of how he says he was treated by the university after being sexually assaulted in his dorm room.

Eastern Michigan University is mourning the loss of Assistant Football Coach Fred Reed.

90 University of Michigan Spring 2022 CommencementDown Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University also celebrated graduation last weekend. New restaurants lead the way for more walkable Ann Arbor neighborhoodsTwo new Ann Arbor businesses are attempting to lead the way in creating walkable, hyper-local neighborhoods, but some experts say it is only half the solution to increasing density. Taste of Ann Arbor is back; see what restaurants will be thereTaste of Ann Arbor will be returning to an in-person event for the first time since 2019, the Main Street Association announced on May 2. About “Hello, Ann Arbor”: Each week, we deliver the big headlines straight to your inbox via our Friday 3@3 Ann Arbor newsletter. John Counts is the News Leader for MLive in Ann Arbor.

That was the message from keynote speaker John Tuttle during Eastern Michigan University’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday. It was the first in-person commencement at EMU since the COVID-19 pandemic started. All EMU graduates had to either be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption. At the morning and afternoon ceremonies, Tuttle, a 2004 graduate, repeated the “follow the tails” phrase multiple times, displaying its many applications to the EMU graduates and their futures. As member of the NYSE Group’s executive leadership team, Tuttle leads commercial outreach and business development, according to an EMU release.

YPSILANTI – Lincoln High School students celebrated their first indoor prom since 2019 on Friday night, gathering at Eastern Michigan University for “A Night Under the Stars.”The event kicked off at 7 p.m. as students entered EMU’s Student Center ballroom under a projected blanket of stars. MC Quan of DJDC Productions provided a full night of entertainment, serving up classics alongside modern hits and introducing the Prom King and Queen. Prom King Melik Williams - a senior linebacker and academic standout bound for Yale University in the fall - thanked his classmates for supporting the team in their game against Ann Arbor Huron. Prom Queen Toni Baxter recalled dreaming of winning the honor ever since she saw her older sister honored as Prom Queen she was seven years old. Check out our photos from the event in the gallery above or click here to purchase photos.

Eastern Michigan University responded and condemned the racist images that were painted over a message on a student speech wall in the middle of campus. The area is designated for free speech.

Graduates will walk in two ceremonies this weekend at EMU.

This year's scholarship recipients were from Monroe High School, Dundee High School and Meadow Montessori High School.

The signed document “honors the partnership between EMU and JFS and their support of housing Afghan refugees,” said university spokeswoman Melissa Thrasher. The refugee housing consists of on-campus EMU apartments, while JFS has helped several of the families find extended-stay hotels throughout Washtenaw County. People can find more information on the Washtenaw County branch of JFS on its website at jfsannarbor.org. The Afghan families receive stipends to assist with relocation, including paying for housing at the same price that students pay, officials said. “Affordable housing is a huge challenge in this area,” said Anya Abramzon, JFS of Washtenaw County executive director, in a December statement.

YPSILANTI, MI - The two names of labs within a new Eastern Michigan University building are inspired by a pair of alumni business leaders, including NASCAR hall-of-famer Jack Roush. The renovated Sill Hall at 109 Jones-Goddard on the Ypsilanti campus, houses the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology and the two labs. His company Jack Roush Performance Engineering eventually led him to launch his own professional racing team in 1988. The dedication ceremony starts with remarks from EMU President James Smith, as well as Board of Regents Chair Eunice Jeffries and Mohammad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove college. “These are exciting times at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology for our students and faculty,” Qatu said.

EMU is engaging new students on short video platform TikTok.

EMU will welcome walk-ins at its final community vaccine clinic of the semester this weekend.

ANN ARBOR, MI - With two weeks left in the school year, the surge of COVID-19 cases at the University of Michigan continues to grow. As more tests are processed, that number will continue to increase, officials said. Despite the change in mask policy, UM officials do recommend indoor masking as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. County data also show about 38% of new cases are associated with UM and Eastern Michigan University outbreaks. “As a reminder, only students testing positive are required to isolate,” UM officials said in a campus-wide message earlier in April.

More than 15 degree programs at Eastern Michigan University have been ranked among top programs across the United States, according to a 2022 assessment.

Hugo enjoyed a monumental moment in a weekend series at Miami University, blasting his first collegiate home run – a grand slam, no less -- in a 14-10 victory. This is not the first time the son of Kelly and Scott Hugo delivered in whirlwind fashion as a freshman. He hit 14 home runs in his three-year prep career and earned MLive Bay City Player of the Year last season as a senior. “He’s had an explosive bat for a long time,” said Jon Jeczmionka, who coached Hugo at Garber. RELATED READINGSee the Bay City area players competing in college baseball in 2022See the Bay City area players competing in college softball in 2022Garber’s big-swinging Logan Hugo commits to EMUMore stories on Bay City area athletes at the college level

The fraternity has come under fire in the past year as accusations of sexual assault linked to fraternity activities grew. Additionally, members must complete annual training in sexual assault prevention, bystander intervention and responsible drinking, the order states. DTD must also host a fundraiser for an approved non-profit that provides support to “sexual assault survivors,” Savit said. However, he fully expects them to honor the terms of the court order. “We didn’t look at any other case on the point where they were sued about creating an atmosphere conducive to sexual assault,” he said.

Ann Arbor SPARK and EMU are offering 48 intern positions this summer.

Eastern Michigan University leads the way when it comes to Michigan colleges considered the friendliest to military veterans, according to a national survey. The Ypsilanti-based university ranked in the top-10 out of all national universities on the Military Friendly Schools list, which guides veterans on which colleges nationwide will accommodate them the best. The methodology is based on responses from more than 1,800 schools, as well as data on retention, graduation, job placement and more.

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University is keeping an arm’s distance from a lawsuit between an Ann Arbor charter school it has authorized and the management company seeking unpaid fees from the school. The call to action has instead prompted EMU officials to distance themselves from the legal battle and offer defenses of their not renewing authorization of the charter school. “Eastern has served as AALC’s contractual charter school authorizer for 24 years,” EMU President James Smith wrote in a Feb. 17 report to the regents. Additionally, EMU officials voiced concerns from 2018-21 about AALC’s building on Textile Road in Ann Arbor, according to documents. “The school has until (June) to find another authorizer, decide to close or take other action,” EMU officials said.

As part of EMU’s eight-week Executive Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Venture Challenge program, enrolled entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to local business leaders for the chance to win funding.

The family of an Eastern Michigan student who was found murdered in an off-campus apartment bathtub nearly a decade ago is still waiting for her killer to be captured.

Students, educators and visitors will no longer be required to wear masks in shared reception areas, service areas and some other indoor spaces on the Ypsilanti campus.

YPSILANTI, MI – A group of about 30 students gathered at an outdoor amphitheater on Eastern Michigan University’s campus Wednesday afternoon to voice their support for Ukraine as the country battles a Russian invasion. Tyler Kochman, president of EMU’s College Democrats group, organized the non-partisan rally, during which he read remarks from a Republican friend to emphasize the importance of political unity in the U.S. response. “It’s so horrendous, and it’s so outrageous, but despite the attempts of some people to spread Russian propaganda to America, I think Americans saw right through that. “But we do not want boots on the ground in Ukraine, and quite frankly, i hope it doesn’t come to it. We all know and realize the hardships and struggles that come with war and conflict,” Dajani said.

A new set of bills in Lansing aim to expand Michigan’s statute of limitations for sexual assault.

Eastern Michigan University has launched a new initiative to provide people who menstruate free organic period products when they need them.

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University is one of a handful of places picked to see a portion of nearly $14 million in federal funding earmarked by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. EMU could see $300,000 for early childhood educational services, as well as $250,000 for prisoner reentry services, according to a news release from Dingell’s office. The funding passed the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday, March 9, in the $1.5-trillion omnibus appropriations bill, but still needs to pass the Senate.

A sign welcomes visitors along Cross Street near the Ypsilanti Water Tower to Eastern Michigan University's campus in Ypsilanti on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020.Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com

YPSILANTI, MI - Period poverty is defined as a lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities and adequate education. Last summer, Eastern Michigan University senior Quinn Polasek discovered this issue on the Ypsilanti campus, using a social work class project to try and bolster the availability of free products. Fast forward to today, and there are 20 dispensers with more than 1,000 free products in multiple EMU buildings as part of the EMU Changing the Cycle initiative, due to the work of Polasek, fellow students and local advocates. Polasek, an Ann Arbor resident studying social work, started exploring period poverty in summer 2021 prior to their senior year. Polasek is also proud that the project provided menstrual product availability prior to Ann Arbor’s local law requiring free products.

The road reconstruction project between Cornell and Leforge roads will likely be the single most expensive infrastructure project the city has undertaken in years, city staff told elected leaders in a Feb. 15 presentation. Upgrades are also planned for crosswalks at Cornell Road, Oakwood Street and Leforge Road, according to the city. Ypsilanti is pursuing further grant money for pedestrian improvements, city staff said then. Read more: Major Ypsilanti road, bridge upgrades in the pipeline. Here are the projects to watchFor more information, residents can call city Project Manager Bonnie Wessler at 734-483-1421 or email wesslerb@cityofypsilanti.com.

Top-ranked competitive cheer and dance teams will descend on Eastern Michigan University for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championships.

A judge has temporarily halted parties at an Eastern Michigan University fraternity where social gatherings have been linked to numerous sexual assaults in recent years.

A judge has temporarily halted parties at an Eastern Michigan University fraternity where social gatherings have been linked to numerous sexual assaults in recent years.

ANN ARBOR, MI - An Eastern Michigan University fraternity linked to multiple sexual assaults the last few years must stop hosting parties, according to a Wednesday ruling in Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Connors asked Derek Koester, recently named DTD president of the EMU chapter, what his fraternity’s values are. The protests coincided with more women coming forward to detail experiences of sexual assault, with more than two dozen filing claims in federal court. “The risk of sexual assault is the danger of irreparable harm,” he said, adding that he thinks there is no legal remedy to deal with the harm caused by rape. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Washtenaw County prosecutor, Ypsilanti sue EMU fraternity over ‘tsunami of sexual assaults’Fraternity facing sexual assault allegations no longer recognized at Eastern Michigan UniversityRecent sexual assaults on Eastern Michigan University campus not gang rape, officials sayFive more students sue Eastern Michigan University for ‘failing them’ in sexual assault casesA closer look at the sexual assault lawsuit filed against Eastern Michigan University

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University has created a new chief diversity officer position and filled it with a tenured professor of communications. The new diversity officer position will serve the campus population, Smith said in a statement. Prior to her move to chief diversity officer, she served as EMU’s assistant vice president of academic programs and initiatives. “We are grateful for her stepping up to serve in this important role.”The diversity officer job was created as a result of the recommendation of the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion launched by EMU in 2018. “The chief diversity officer’s responsibilities will include, among other tasks, developing and implementing the University’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan and leading the Office of Diversity and Community Involvement,” the release states.

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University will shift from in-person to remote due to Thursday’s incoming snowstorm across the southern regions of the state. EMU will close at 5 p.m. on Feb. 17 due to “deteriorating weather conditions,” according to an EMU release. Fully online classes without scheduled meeting times, or asynchronous classes, will be held “at the discretion of the instructor,” the release states. The EMU community can check on campus updates through their university emails and the University website. A winter storm warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, according to the National Weather Service.

Did Eastern Michigan University officials disregard reports of sexual assault and discourage victims from reporting their attacks?

YPSILANTI, MI - There will be a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for anyone age 12 and older at Eastern Michigan University this weekend, according to an EMU release. The community clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 in the Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood St. on the Ypsilanti campus, the release states. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are all available, including first or second doses. Those visiting will have free parking available in the Student Center parking lot, the release states, and no appointments are required. In particular, the CDC features on its website the Vaccine Map Project, a vaccine education resource developed by the EMU Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies.

The Catholic High School League has filled out its Cardinal Championship and Bishop Championship brackets for its boys basketball tournament. The Cardinal Championship bracket will feature the smaller schools and will play its championship game at 6 p.m. at EMU. CARDINAL CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETThe 2022 Catholic High School League Cardinal Championship tournament bracket. The championship game will be played on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.Provided with permission by the Catholic High School League. BISHOP CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University will enter mediation with the two dozen individuals suing it in federal court over alleged mishandling of sexual assault investigationsBoth EMU officials and an attorney representing the 23 women and one man who filed the lawsuits confirmed the intent to mediate the two pending lawsuits in U.S. District Court in Detroit. EMU had until Feb. 3 to confirm its opinion on entering mediation, according to federal court records.

YPSILANTI, MI - Denial. Lacking sufficient knowledge. Can neither admit nor deny that allegation. Attorneys for the Eastern Michigan University chapter of Delta Tau Delta repeated these terms over and over in their filing to dismiss a public nuisance lawsuit aimed at shutting down the fraternity’s parties.

The discussion of “which commercial is best” now has some guidance, thanks to an Eastern Michigan University marketing professor. Super Bowl viewers can rate their favorite commercials based on a 10-category rating system developed by Joseph Radding, a full-time EMU lecturer of advertising, marketing and communications. Before joining EMU, Radding was the principal, creative director and integrated marketing strategist at the InterSection Marketing Communications advertising agency. The Super Bowl is a great time to learn and think about advertising, Radding said. The Radding Rating “serves as a great discussion tool and seeks to understand if the advertiser accomplished his goals,” Redding said.

YPSILANTI, MI - Classes on the campus of Eastern Michigan University are canceled once again Thursday, Feb. 4, due to the Winter Storm Warning expected to bring dangerous road conditions. The closing includes the cancellation of all scheduled classes, meetings, library operations and other activities, whether virtual or in-person, the university announced Tuesday. All other employees should remain at home in accordance with the Eastern Michigan University Extreme Weather Policy (enter “weather” into the search bar) and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Distance learning, virtual classes and scheduled virtual appointments meet as scheduled. READ MORE:EMU cancels classes, WCC virtual only on Feb. 2 due to winter weather warningWinter Storm Watch now upgraded to Winter Storm Warning for 11 southern Michigan countiesSchool closings for Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee counties for Wednesday, Feb. 2

YPSILANTI, MI - Classes on the campus of Eastern Michigan University are canceled Wednesday, Feb. 2, due to the Winter Storm Warning expected to bring dangerous road conditions. The closing includes the cancellation of all scheduled classes, meetings, library operations and other activities, whether virtual or in-person, the university announced Tuesday. All other employees should remain at home in accordance with the Eastern Michigan University Extreme Weather Policy (enter “weather” into the search bar) and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Washtenaw Community College also announced it was canceling on-campus classes and activities for Feb. 2, due to the expected inclement weather. Distance learning, virtual classes and scheduled virtual appointments meet as scheduled.

YPSILANTI, MI - People of various racial and ethnic backgrounds are sometimes hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine for different reasons, said Eastern Michigan University’s Dr. Tsu-Yin Wu. For those in Asian and Arab American communities where English is not a first language, these issues with the vaccine may simply come down to a language barrier or mistrust, she said.

YPSILANTI, MI — Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology program is joining CODE 313 and PNC Foundation to create two all-girl eSports teams for Detroit high school students. Digital Divas, a series of programs founded at EMU in 2010, encourages girls to explore areas in science, technology, engineering and math — also known as STEM. The partnership between EMU’s program, CODE 313 and PNC Foundation will give students an opportunity to examine STEM through the world of competitive gameplay, officials said. “Partnering with CODE 313 is really exciting,” said Bia Hamed, EMU’s Digital Divas program director. With their involvement in this collaboration, Digital Divas hope to give high school girls the courage and opportunity to study technology through electronic sports, officials said.

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is housing 12 Afghan refugee families in campus apartments and offering students volunteer opportunities.

YPSILANTI, MI — Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business is getting a $1-million gift from alumnus, Steve Klotz. Klotz, president/CEO of the Grand Rapids-based Huizenga Group, currently serves on the Executive Advisory Board for the College of Business. “Business leaders such as Steve Klotz make an invaluable impact on Eastern Michigan University,” EMU President James Smith said in a statement. “This gift will go a long way to paving the way for the success of current and future students — and the development of future business leaders. We are so grateful for his gift and for his strong support of his alma mater.”Klotz graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977.

COVID-19 cases continue to remain high on the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus as its in-person semester enters its third week. Read more: How the University of Michigan’s COVID-19 cases compare to other Michigan universitiesAt Michigan State University, there were 661 cases reported in the week ending on Jan. 3, according to university data. The west Michigan university saw a record 92 additional cases a day on average over a week on Jan. 10. The testing numbers are lower at directional schools such as Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University. Read more from MLive:Students balance COVID concerns, in-person classes in quest for ‘normal’ University of Michigan semesterMore COVID-19 cases in 1 day at University of Michigan than any single week in the fallMichigan State University going remote at least 3 weeks over COVID-19 surgeEastern Michigan University extending remote classes one week

Get COVID-19 questions answered this week during two Q&A sessions hosted by the Washtenaw County Health Department.

YPSILANTI, MI - Remote classes will last at least one more week at Eastern Michigan University due to the continued COVID-19 surge, officials said. Early test results conducted by EMU health officials indicated a need to move to remote learning, Smith said. However, at nearby University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the first week of classes led to an eruption of cases. A small number of clinical classes at EMU will be allowed to instruct in person on Jan. 17, Smith said. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:More COVID-19 cases in 1 day at University of Michigan than any single week in the fallStudents balance COVID concerns, in-person classes in quest for ‘normal’ University of Michigan semesterCOVID-19 spread motivates University of Michigan faculty to push for remote learning

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has announced flutist Abi Middaugh and violinist Lily Sullivan as winners of its 2021 Young Artist Competition.

A prosecutor has filed a lawsuit to try to temporarily stop parties hosted by a fraternity at Eastern Michigan University, citing sexual assaults and excessive alcohol consumption.

The protests coincided with more women coming forward to detail experiences of sexual assault, many filing claims in federal court. In multiple other cases, sexual assaults occurred “in plain sight,” witnessed by other members who did not intervene or report the incidents, the suit alleges. Prosecutor hopes for ‘wake-up call’ over campus sexual assaultThe lawsuit comes just weeks after the resolution of some sexual assault claims against the fraternity in federal court. Meanwhile, other criminal cases against former fraternity members are ongoing, including felony criminal sexual conduct charges against Thomas Hernandez and D’Angelo McWilliams — who later became a Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputy. “Hopefully this does serve as a wake-up call to take the scourge of sexual assaults seriously,” he said.

Students, faculty and staff at EMU can access free COVID testing on campus with quick results.

YPSILANTI, MI - Free COVID-19 testing is available for students, faculty and staff at Eastern Michigan University’s student center. The COVID Testing Center is located on the ground floor of the student center next to the EMU bookstore, 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti. The last two weeks have seen nearly 4,000 reported COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw County, according to county health department data. “The testing center saves people time and energy,” she said in a statement. The campus population has been very receptive to the testing center.

The clinic will be held in Ballroom A of the EMU Student Center between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti City Council members have voted unanimously to join a potential legal effort aiming to temporarily shut down an Eastern Michigan University fraternity house under fire for alleged cases of sexual assault. “This is a case where it’s alleged that there were sexual assaults occurring as a regular basis in this particular fraternity,” Barr said. The Greek organization targeted by the potential legal action is EMU’s chapter of Delta Tau Delta, Ypsilanti City Council Member Annie Somerville, an EMU alumnus, said in an interview on Wednesday, Dec. 22. “I would be fine with having it shut down — completely.”All seven council members joined him in the vote to authorize Barr to work with the county prosecutor on the litigation. More from The Ann Arbor News:A closer look at the sexual assault lawsuit filed against Eastern Michigan UniversityRecent sexual assaults on Eastern Michigan University campus not gang rape, officials sayEastern Michigan University shouldn’t be blamed for sexual assaults it did not know about, lawyers argueFraternity facing sexual assault allegations no longer recognized at Eastern Michigan University

MLive is spotlighting Bay City area players who are competing with Division I college football teams in bowl games this season. 83Size: 6-foot, 3, 234 poundsHometown: West BranchParents: Jere and Gail Nowicki GetzingerJere Getzinger of the Eastern Michigan University football team. College Resume: Saw action in all 12 games this season as a special teams standout. Named a finalist by the Special Teams Player of the Year group. Played in five games as a true freshman in 2020, earning the Hammer Award for special teams.

A new gift will establish a fund for 10 students to receive full-ride nursing scholarships to WCC each year.

Nearly one dozen refugee families from Afghanistan will soon move into apartments on Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) campus.

Eastern Michigan University will be splitting its commencement into two events this weekend.

YPSILANTI, MI - One Eastern Michigan University fraternity has settled with 10 women who alleged sexual assaults took place in the fraternity house or involved former members.

YPSILANTI, MI - Hundreds of Afghanistan refugees are finding temporary homes on Eastern Michigan University’s campus in Ypsilanti. Of the approximately 73,000 Afghan refugees who made it out in the initial August evacuation, many still are finding places to stay in the U.S., officials said. EMU, alongside Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, has secured housing for about 300 of these Afghan refugees in EMU apartments on campus, university officials said. EMU is requesting volunteers among students to assist JFSWC in preparing these apartments for use, as well as help the Afghan families acclimate to American life. The families are also charged with following all EMU housing rules and regulations.

EMU is opening student apartments to Afghan families in partnership with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County.

Eastern Michigan University history professor Ashley Bavery was chosen for a new classroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic – a Zoom-fitted “HyFlex” course to teach students online and in-person. Bavery, 36, was picked for the innovative space as one of the youngest professors in the history department, which has steadily lost staff positions as tenured professors retire and their positions aren’t refilled.

YPSILANTI – George Gervin received one of the highest honors for an athlete on Saturday. Eastern Michigan University announced it would rename its basketball arena after the former EMU star and NBA Hall of Famer nicknamed “The Iceman” during halftime of the men’s basketball game against Florida International. Thanks to a donation from GameAbove, a group of Eastern Michigan alumni, EMU’s arena will be named the George Gervin GameAbove Center. EMU retired Gervin’s number in 1986 and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. “George inspired millions with his approach to the game of basketball as well as his generosity off the court.

The building was renamed in honor of Detroit native George “Iceman” Gervin, who was on the EMU Men's Basketball team from 1970-1972.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – All of the six men charged with killing a former Eastern Michigan University wrestler during a botched robbery have now been sentenced for their crimes. Hinton, who pleaded guilty in March of 2020 to 11 felony counts including second-degree murder, was sentenced to serve 24 to 50 years in prison with credit for 1,166 days served. Haddon, who pleaded guilty to 11 felony counts including second-degree murder, was sentenced to 17 to 40 years in prison with credit for 1,166 days served. 3 sentenced to prison for roles in slaying of former Eastern Michigan University wrestlerRobinson, who pleaded guilty in October 2019 to 10 felony counts including second-degree murder, was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison with credit for 1,158 days served. Crout, who pleaded guilty in January of 2020 to 11 felony counts including second-degree murder, was sentenced to serve18 to 40 years in prison with credit for 1,158 days served.

YPSILANTI, MI - After more than three years of consideration, Eastern Michigan University is moving forward with plans to enhance student housing with a $200 million investment from a private firm. The EMU Board of Regents picked Gilbane Development Company of Providence, Rhode Island to finance its “Welcome Home 2025″ campus housing initiative during the Thursday regents meeting. The timeline towards completion, as the name suggests, is within the next three years, according to an EMU release.

YPSILANTI, MI – Synene Abu Karam stepped onto the field Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with a chance at winning $100,000. During halftime of the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 4, the Eastern Michigan University sophomore and athletic training major competed in the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway. She just needed to throw more footballs in 30 seconds into an oversized Dr. Pepper can than her opponent.

YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University faculty approved a vote of no confidence in the university president and two officials for their push toward a public-private partnership to enhance student housing. The EMU Faculty Senate voted on Dec. 1 that it has no confidence in President James Smith, as well as Smith’s chief of staff Leigh Greden and EMU Chief Financial Officer Michael Valdes.

But based on her performance tossing footballs at the Big Ten Championship on Saturday, she also excels as a thrower. Abukaram, a freshman athletic training student from Sylvania, Ohio, won $100,000 participating in Dr. Pepper’s annual tuition challenge at halftime of the Michigan-Iowa Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 4. The contest, hosted by Dr. Pepper at every power five championship game, involves competitors tossing footballs into giant inflatable soda cans from five yards away. Abukaram rallied to beat a pharmacy student from the University of St. Joseph, who received $20,000 for tuition. She’s already one for one when it comes to getting wins in the stadium.

Two men charged in connection with the slaying of a former Eastern Michigan University wrestler have pleaded guilty to armed robbery and other charges in the fatal 2018 robbery.

A 43-year-old man was shot early Thursday morning in Ypsilanti Township, and police took another man into custody, officials said.

Student protesters at Eastern Michigan University spent Tuesday evening marching and speaking out against what they call the enabling of rape culture.

Eastern Michigan University students gathered on Thursday (Sept. 16) to demand justice for survivors of sexual assault and a safe campus.

Hosted in partnership with several Ypsilanti-area businesses, 5K registrants can run, walk or skip their way through the Eastern Michigan Campus and on part of the B2B trail.

Concordia University Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College all received distinctions in at the “Gold” status.

Eastern Michigan University will hold a memorial ceremony for 9/11 on Saturday morning.

Two new autonomous shuttles will be transporting EMU students and faculty across campus this year.

Colleges and universities across Michigan have different requirements for students as they head back to campus this fall.

Students and staff at nearly 800 universities across the United States are required to prove their vaccination status.

Starting Monday, unvaccinated students who attend at least one class with an on-campus component must undergo weekly COVID testing.

A4 spoke with the Washtenaw County Health Department to understand how COVID is impacting the county.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has reached its goal of vaccinating at least 70% of residents.

Safely get rid of household items and waste at Saturday's event.

Donald Scott started track in high school and now he’s an Olympic athlete with dreams of a medal.

From summer camp to a four-day tournament, learn about esports opportunities happening this summer at EMU.

Learn more about Huron and King's new principals.

Eastern Michigan University has received a $1 million gift from alumnus Jack E.

A walking tour in Ypsilanti is encouraging community members to enjoy public art and creative writing.

Eastern Michigan University Jack E. Roush has donated $1 million to his alma mater.

A new partnership between EMU and U-M aims to help older adults improve their technology skills.

Eastern Michigan University has finalized an agreement with a school in China to establish a joint college of engineering.