MSU Celebrates Future Engineering and Digital Innovation Center
Michigan State University leaders marked a construction milestone by signing a ceremonial steel beam that will become part of the university’s future Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation.
The center, expected to open in 2028, will include laboratories, classrooms and collaborative spaces connecting expertise across six MSU colleges. Its work will focus on fields including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and autonomous systems.
“This facility is an investment in the ideas, research and discoveries that we cannot yet predict, and in training the engineers and other skilled graduates who will strengthen Michigan’s economy, drive progress and shape a brighter future,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz.
The project was inspired by the largest facility gift in MSU history and is supported by the university, the state and donors, including Larry Leinweber, a 1964 graduate whose foundation also supports engineering and STEM scholarships.
Battery Investment Drives Economic Discussion
An investment of more than $2 billion in battery manufacturing is positioning the Lansing region at the center of the global shift toward advanced energy technology.
The Lansing Economic Club focused on LG Energy Solution’s battery cell operations in Delta Township and the company’s partnerships with the automotive industry, energy storage businesses and utility companies.
“If we look at the scale of what’s going on both from EV and battery energy storage systems, the Lansing plant is going to give significant investment into this area,,” said Anthony O’Donovan, plant operations director for LG Energy Solution Michigan.
Adult Education Programs Help 30K Pursue Better Jobs
Michigan is investing more than $42 million in adult education programs as nearly 30,000 residents prepare for careers, higher wages and further education.
The programs provide free or low-cost instruction in reading, writing, math and English, along with preparation for high school equivalency exams, college and workforce training. Services are offered through 120 programs statewide.
“It’s never too late to continue your education or pursue new opportunities,” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Whether someone wants to earn a high school diploma or equivalency, improve their English language skills or prepare for a better-paying career, Michigan’s adult education programs provide the support and resources to help them succeed. Every Michigander deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Owosso, Portland Projects Receive Rural Development Funds
Michigan officials announced $1.6 million in Rural Development Fund grants for 19 projects supporting rural infrastructure, agriculture and community development across the state.
Recipients include Owosso Public Schools, which received $100,000 for a livestock facility, and Partners in Animal Health II LLC, which received $100,000 for a livestock handling facility.
Cooley Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in Seven Years
Cooley Law School welcomed 271 students for the fall semester, a 38% increase from the school’s largest incoming class in seven years.
The new students include 151 at the Lansing campus and 120 at the Tampa, Florida, campus.
“The growth we’ve seen throughout the past couple of years is a significant achievement and reflects the continued confidence students have in getting their legal education at Cooley,” said Cooley Law School President and Dean James McGrath.
Water Authority Wins National Prize
The East Lansing-Meridian Water and Sewer Authority has received the 2026 Paschen Prize for Public Progress for its two-million-gallon water storage tank.
The project was named Civic Building Project of the Year, an honor recognizing the best municipal, county, township, state or special district project in the country.
The Paschen Prize honors public-purpose construction projects that make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Ross Education Completes Conversion to Nonprofit
Ross Education has completed its conversion to a not-for-profit institution.
Founded in Flint in 1969, Ross now operates 43 campuses across eight states, including Ross Medical Education Center Lansing.
The U.S. Department of Education granted the final required approval July 28, concluding a process that began in 2019.
“This is a new chapter in Ross’s 50-plus-year history,” said George Grayeb, chairman, president and CEO of Ross Education. “Our resources are now fully aligned with our long-term goals: career-focused programs, affordable tuition and reducing our students’ reliance on debt.”
Casali Brings Michigan Wines, Ciders to Mason
Casali Winery celebrated the opening of its new tasting room and expanded product line with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cottage Creek Orchard.
The milestone marks a new chapter for the Casali family business, which has grown from a roadside stand selling Honeycrisp apples into a destination featuring farm-fresh produce, Michigan wines and hard ciders.
Casali Winery’s offerings include Michigan whites, reds, sparklings and hard ciders. Its tasting room overlooks the surrounding orchard, offering guests a scenic setting in Mason.
Casali Winery and Cottage Creek Orchard are at 2300 Harper Road in Mason.
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