News Summary
Michigan State University honored dining cashier Clara Kent for her remarkable 53 years of service. Since 1972, she has been a beloved part of the dining services, recognized as a comforting presence for students. At 92 years old, Kent continues to work actively while advocating for increased educational funding in Michigan. The university also received recognition for its significant medical research contributions. This dual celebration highlights MSU’s commitment to community and education.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) celebrated the remarkable milestone of 53 years of service by beloved dining cashier Clara Kent, who has been a staple in the campus dining services since her hire in 1972. Kent’s ongoing commitment to the university, where she has become a familiar face to students, marks a significant tenure that has seen numerous changes in the university’s food service operations.
Kent, who currently works as a dining room cashier at Holden Hall, has set her own schedule, working on Mondays, Tuesdays, and a half day on Fridays. Throughout the years, she has witnessed advancements in register technology and trends in student food preferences, particularly a constant demand for “junk food,” such as potato chips and candy. Her supervisor, Kevin Oyler, expressed that the dining hall would not be the same without her, highlighting her role as a grandmotherly figure to the students. Many students also share a sentimentality for her, often affectionately referring to her as “grandma.”
At 92 years old, Kent continues her work with enthusiasm, noting that her job helps keep her active and young. Despite briefly retiring in 1995 at the age of 62, she returned to her position within two months after receiving a call from the university. Her interactions with students are valued highly, as she frequently offers a listening ear and words of advice. Kent has no plans to retire any time soon, expressing her dedication to her role within the campus community.
In a separate initiative, a MSU research group has called for increased funding for schools in Michigan amid ongoing political discussions about the school funding budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The report suggests the need for the state to allocate more resources to schools, though specific funding amounts have not been stated.
The report follows an increase of $2.1 billion in K-12 funding since 2015, yet it maintains that adjusted for inflation, current funding remains below early 2000s levels. A petition is currently in progress aiming to raise $1.5 billion annually for schools by proposing increased taxes on high-income earners. The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) report emphasizes the connection between increased educational spending and improved student performance, provided that the funding is sustained over multiple years.
The report offers various policy options to enhance funding, which include adjusting school funding to correspond with inflation, allowing districts to better plan for staffing, and enabling the raising of local operational funds through voter-approved millages. Challenges related to raising taxes and the potential for inequities in funding across affluent and underprivileged districts are acknowledged as significant concerns.
In addition to celebrating Kent’s long-standing service, MSU has also received recognition through the Golden Goose Awards for the development of Cisplatin, a vital cancer treatment that originated from research conducted in 1965. Cisplatin has since become a standard in cancer chemotherapy, stemming from inquiries into bacterial cell division. The Golden Goose Awards highlight the importance of foundational scientific research in leading to major advancements in medical treatments.
The combined observance of Kent’s legacy and the advocacy for increased educational funding reflects a vibrant community at Michigan State University, where dedication to both service and education remains strong.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MSU Spartans Men’s Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan State University
- Iron Mountain Daily News: MSU Study on Funding
- Lansing State Journal: MSU Budget Layoffs
- WILX: MSU Recognized for Cancer Research
- Google Search: Michigan State University
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
